asleep_a yet_o if_o he_o stumber_v be_v great_o indispose_v to_o discharge_v any_o work_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o shepherd_n though_o he_o be_v not_o fast_o asleep_a as_o we_o say_v yet_o if_o in_o a_o slumber_n his_o sheep_n be_v expose_v to_o danger_n but_o to_o show_v the_o exactness_n of_o that_o providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n it_o be_v here_o say_v of_o he_o nec_fw-la dormit_fw-la nec_fw-la dormitat_fw-la he_o neither_o sleep_v nor_o slumber_n and_o hence_o again_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o keep_v his_o church_n speak_v of_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o vineyard_n night_n and_o day_n isa_n 27.3_o as_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o open_a he_o be_v always_o awake_a not_o in_o the_o least_o slumber_v so_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o his_o church_n he_o keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n now_o night_n and_o day_n divide_v time_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o special_a object_n of_o the_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n be_v his_o special_a charge_n so_o his_o care_n be_v answerable_a towards_o or_o over_o it_o he_o exercise_v a_o most_o exact_a providential_a care_n towards_o or_o over_o his_o own_o family_n and_o here_o we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o as_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o employ_v the_o angel_n as_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o he_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n heb._n 1.7_o according_a to_o their_o essence_n and_o nature_n so_o he_o employ_v they_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o work_n of_o providence_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n hence_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o special_a providential_a care_n so_o the_o angel_n perform_v their_o ministry_n with_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o and_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o it_o hence_o say_v to_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n heb._n 1.14_o though_o they_o serve_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o providence_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o service_n and_o ministry_n especial_o assign_v they_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a member_n thereof_o as_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n now_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v rightful_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o wing_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n stretch_v over_o they_o and_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n in_o this_o service_n and_o ministry_n of_o angel_n with_o the_o adult_n member_n yea_o at_o least_o as_o some_o if_o not_o most_o of_o our_o best_a expositor_n understand_v that_o passage_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n in_o mat._n 18.10_o infant_n have_v a_o more_o special_a interest_n in_o their_o ministry_n their_o state_n incapacify_v they_o to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o themselves_o be_v more_o especial_o commit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o angel_n take_v heed_n say_v our_o lord_n christ_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o these_o little_a one_o be_v understand_v little_a child_n if_o not_o alone_o intend_v yet_o as_o include_v and_o comprehend_v they_o have_v their_o angel_n that_o in_o heaven_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n that_o be_v stand_v always_o ready_a to_o receive_v command_n from_o god_n for_o their_o guidance_n in_o their_o service_n and_o ministration_n unto_o these_o little_a one_o to_o who_o care_n and_o charge_n they_o be_v commit_v videre_fw-la faciem_fw-la patris_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la astare_fw-la deo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la regi_fw-la observantes_fw-la ejus_fw-la nutum_fw-la ut_fw-la capessant_fw-la ipsius_fw-la mandata_fw-la de_fw-la ipsis_fw-la emittendis_fw-la ad_fw-la custodiam_fw-la puerorum_fw-la say_v piscator_fw-la etc._n piscator_fw-la vide_fw-la bull_v in_o loco_fw-la junius_n his_o irenicum_fw-la meditatio_fw-la in_o ps_n 121.2_o gerhard_n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la mr._n perkins_n doct._n prideux_n in_o their_o sermon_n upon_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v our_o lord_n christ_n as_o speak_v of_o little_a one_o in_o a_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n or_o no_o yet_o that_o his_o providential_a care_n exercise_v towards_o or_o over_o his_o church_n or_o family_n do_v extend_v to_o they_o in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o universality_n of_o that_o phrase_n he_o keep_v israel_n none_o that_o appertain_v to_o his_o israel_n be_v from_o under_o his_o care_n or_o exclude_v from_o the_o service_n or_o ministration_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v no_o little_a benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n he_o exercise_n over_o his_o own_o house_n but_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o or_o three_o question_n may_v be_v necessary_a first_o whether_o this_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n be_v extend_v equal_o and_o alike_o to_o all_o that_o be_v visible_a member_n of_o it_o or_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o election_n and_o a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o consequent_o see_v we_o deny_v infant_n as_o such_o to_o have_v a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o grace_n among_o they_o unto_o which_o some_o do_v other_o do_v not_o appertain_v whether_o this_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o appropriate_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o answ_n in_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n several_a thing_n may_v be_v consider_v which_o yet_o i_o shall_v wave_v and_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o our_o lord_n christ_n employ_v as_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n do_v act_n in_o their_o ministration_n either_o according_a to_o a_o more_o general_a commission_n and_o charge_n they_o have_v receive_v or_o else_o according_a to_o particular_a command_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o each_o particular_a person_n hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la and_o that_o angel_n do_v act_n according_a to_o a_o more_o general_a commission_n as_o well_o as_o according_a to_o particular_a command_n they_o receive_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o only_a consonant_n to_o reason_n but_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o scripture_n and_o hence_o our_o divine_n distinguish_v of_o their_o ministry_n 1548._o ministry_n ministerium_fw-la angelorum_fw-la est_fw-la duplex_fw-la ordinarium_fw-la &_o extraordinartum_fw-la junii_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 4._o pag._n 1548._o it_o be_v either_o say_v they_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a their_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o they_o perform_v by_o virtue_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o more_o general_a commission_n their_o extraordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o they_o perform_v in_o obedience_n to_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o particular_a command_n and_o direction_n they_o receive_v from_o christ_n whether_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n or_o any_o particular_a member_n now_o suppose_v we_o grant_v that_o angel_n have_v many_o particular_a command_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_n beyond_o what_o they_o have_v relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o non-elect_a yet_o so_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v their_o ministry_n according_a to_o their_o more_o general_a commission_n they_o have_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o all_o without_o consideration_n have_v to_o election_n or_o nonelection_n which_o be_v secret_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o his_o providential_a care_n over_o his_o church_n have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o non-elect_a infant_n member_n i_o may_v add_v to_o the_o non-elect_a adult_n suppose_v their_o way_n and_o action_n do_v not_o open_o proclaim_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o he_o have_v to_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o alien_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o answerable_o do_v give_v many_o particular_a direction_n to_o his_o angel_n relate_v to_o their_o good_a beyond_o what_o he_o give_v relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v without_z the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v now_o affirm_v be_v establish_v upon_o a_o
and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o that_o some_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o in_o that_o such_o a_o power_n have_v be_v exert_v in_o the_o church_n though_o possible_o not_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o by_o any_o one_o particular_a believer_n so_o in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o and_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o collective_a body_n be_v indefinite_a they_o do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o every_o individual_a member_n only_o such_o a_o good_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o answerable_o every_o individual_a member_n stand_v night_n to_o and_o be_v a_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o they_o than_o those_o that_o be_v without_o and_o yet_o for_o the_o far_o clear_v up_o and_o confirm_v of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o that_o twofold_a good_a before_o mention_v intend_v in_o these_o promise_n be_v distinct_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o collective_a body_n 1._o first_o for_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n thus_o in_o that_o psal_n 147.17_o he_o have_v show_v his_o judgement_n unto_o jacob_n and_o his_o statute_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o to_o every_o nation_n i_o conceive_v we_o be_v to_o take_v these_o word_n not_o bare_o as_o historical_a of_o what_o god_n do_v for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o promissory_a wherein_o god_n do_v gracious_o engage_v himself_o to_o vouchsafe_v such_o outward_a mean_n to_o his_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a through_o the_o concur_v operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o in_o christ_n to_o and_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o however_o this_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v not_o of_o god_n show_v his_o judgement_n to_o jacob_n and_o statute_n to_o israel_n as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o declare_v what_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n viz._n to_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n or_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o jew_n as_o than_o not_o unchurch_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o of_o necessity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v first_o preach_v unto_o they_o act_n 13.46_o and_o why_o be_v this_o necessary_a or_o of_o necessity_n but_o because_o they_o yet_o appertain_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n shall_v while_o they_o so_o continue_v have_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o and_o wrought_v in_o they_o god_n have_v grant_v that_o to_o his_o church_n as_o one_o of_o her_o great_a privilege_n here_o upon_o earth_n 2._o second_o for_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o their_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o sffect_n and_o thus_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o john_n 14.16_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o as_o a_o promise_n to_o particular_a believer_n though_o in_o whosoever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v he_o dwell_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o yet_o of_o that_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o particular_a believer_n i_o conceive_v our_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v but_o of_o his_o presence_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n in_o general_n in_o which_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n now_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v presence_n in_o and_o with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o make_v effectual_a by_o his_o internal_a operation_n the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v vouchsase_v so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n both_o of_o the_o external_a mean_n whereby_o that_o grace_n be_v wrought_v and_o of_o the_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n be_v make_v effectual_a do_v in_o a_o particular_a and_o special_a manner_n appertain_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v member_n thereof_o they_o must_v needs_o stand_v nigh_o to_o and_o be_v more_o especial_o the_o object_n of_o those_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o small_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o stand_v in_o so_o nigh_o a_o capacity_n to_o these_o promise_n to_o be_v of_o that_o body_n or_o family_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v though_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o every_o individual_a to_o be_v of_o any_o body_n politic_a corporation_n or_o society_n unto_o which_o any_o peculiar_a grant_n do_v belong_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n though_o the_o good_a grant_v be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o every_o individual_a member_n yet_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v in_o a_o nigh_a and_o great_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v that_o good_a than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o body_n corporation_n or_o society_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o here_o 2._o but_o second_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o promise_n do_v yet_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n belong_v to_o that_o part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n the_o adult_n be_v suppose_v already_o to_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o therefore_o these_o promise_n at_o least_o as_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o first_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o especial_a respect_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n hence_o we_o shall_v find_v promise_n of_o that_o twosold_a good_a before_o mention_v express_o and_o particular_o make_v unto_o they_o thus_o isa_n 44.4_o 5._o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n and_o my_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o offspring_n seed_n and_o offspring_n here_o be_v synonimous_a term_n they_o intend_v the_o same_o subject_n and_o by_o both_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o as_o much_o as_o that_o term_n offspring_n be_v never_o use_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o to_o signify_v natural_a child_n or_o posterity_n and_o by_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n the_o same_o good_a be_v intend_v only_o the_o latter_a term_n be_v explicative_a of_o the_o former_a i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n who_o as_o pour_v out_o upon_o shall_v be_v a_o blessing_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v employ_v the_o vouchsafement_n of_o the_o outward_a mean_n through_o and_o by_o which_o god_n do_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o people_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v unto_o man_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 3.8_o and_o hence_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v necessary_o imply_v and_o include_v in_o it_o such_o a_o communication_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o through_o which_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n the_o spirit_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v and_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o express_o promise_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n employ_v therein_o so_o in_o isa_n 59_o ult_n this_o twofold_a good_a be_v exprefs_o and_o in_o terminis_fw-la promise_v my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o say_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o declare_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n how_o and_o whereby_o god_n do_v uphold_v maintain_v and_o perpetuate_v his_o church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v by_o vouchsase_v his_o word_n or_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o to_o his_o
performance_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n bring_v upon_o they_o the_o good_a promise_v viz._n with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o he_o what_o be_v have_v speak_v of_o he_o as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o keep_v exact_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n vouchsafe_v the_o good_a promise_v to_o child_n unless_o that_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o it_o seem_v at_o least_o very_a probable_a to_o infer_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o parent_n performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o god_n give_v they_o the_o good_a promise_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o child_n however_o this_o must_v be_v say_v that_o child_n forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o all_o the_o good_a annex_v thereunto_o be_v great_o hazard_v by_o parent_n fail_v therein_o it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v extend_v mercy_n to_o they_o and_o 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they_o let_v i_o say_v be_v all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n of_o so_o small_a a_o value_n as_o that_o a_o fond_a affectio_fw-la shall_v supersede_n the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n towards_o your_o child_n or_o be_v everlasting_a separation_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n so_o small_a a_o matter_n as_o that_o rather_o than_o you_o will_v put_v yourselves_o to_o a_o little_a pain_n or_o impose_v any_o difficulty_n upon_o your_o child_n you_o will_v hazard_v that_o will_v their_o roar_n in_o hell_n be_v a_o less_o evil_a than_o their_o cry_n under_o the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n alas_o what_o do_v parent_n think_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n that_o they_o will_v hazard_v their_o child_n loss_n of_o the_o one_o and_o undergo_a the_o other_o upon_o such_o trivial_a account_n 2._o consider_v what_o excellent_a encouragement_n you_o have_v to_o a_o vigorous_a faithful_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o your_o duty_n towards_o they_o which_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n viz._n the_o issue_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n imply_v at_o least_o the_o usual_a concurrence_n of_o a_o blessing_n from_o god_n with_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o sapirit_n to_o make_v the_o mean_n use_v effectual_a god_n will_v not_o assert_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o his_o concurrence_n with_o they_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n it_o may_v possible_o seem_v strange_a to_o some_o shall_v i_o say_v whether_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v their_o covenant-state_n but_o upon_o a_o failure_n in_o parent_n in_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o question_n of_o more_o difficult_a determination_n than_o be_v usual_o apprehend_v or_o appear_v at_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n you_o have_v from_o this_o scripture_n how_o much_o more_o mean_n have_v you_o subserve_v the_o conversion_n of_o your_o child_n than_o other_o who_o either_o be_v unbeliever_n themselves_o or_o deny_v their_o child_n covenant-interest_n have_v how_o many_o motive_n have_v you_o to_o press_v upon_o they_o what_o encouragement_n to_o preopose_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o what_o ground_n have_v you_o to_o hope_v for_o success_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o labour_v in_o vain_a these_o thing_n i_o have_v sometime_o intend_v to_o have_v enlarge_v upon_o but_o for_o some_o reason_n i_o shall_v contract_v you_o may_v be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o encouragement_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o therefore_o 3._o consider_v how_o great_a a_o good_a your_o child_n conversion_n will_v be_v to_o yourselves_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o they_o do_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o your_o life_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o welfare_n of_o your_o child_n will_v it_o not_o high_o advance_v your_o comfort_n to_o be_v able_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n as_o heir_n yourselves_o and_o as_o see_v your_o child_n joynt-heir_n with_o you_o of_o a_o everlasting_a ingheritance_n in_o heaven_n will_v it_o not_o be_v your_o joy_n to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n uphold_v his_o church_n continue_v and_o propagate_v by_o those_o that_o proceed_v out_o of_o your_o own_o loin_n beside_o convert_v grace_n will_v make_v they_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a unto_o you_o both_o in_o temporal_n and_o spiritual_n see_v philemon_n 11._o will_v it_o not_o double_o strengthen_v your_o weak_a hand_n and_o feeble_a knee_n when_o old_a age_n come_v to_o have_v they_o strengthen_v and_o support_v by_o the_o gracious_a word_n of_o your_o own_o child_n and_o sure_o see_v mother_n have_v usual_o must_v need_v of_o comfort_n from_o their_o child_n they_o shall_v be_v peculiar_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n towards_o they_o chap._n xi_o the_o four_o grand_a question_n propose_v the_o improvement_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o their_o covenant_n state_n as_o ratify_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n open_v in_o four_o particular_n that_o great_a question_n how_o long_o the_o covenant-state_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o upon_o their_o parent_n account_n answer_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v such_o fear_n as_o either_o parent_n or_o child_n be_v subject_a to_o as_o to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n in_o their_o childhood_n quest_n 4._o what_o use_n and_o improvement_n may_v and_o aught_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n make_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n answ_n the_o use_n and_o improvement_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o it_o be_v great_a and_o of_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o they_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o particular_n 1._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v it_o as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n through_o and_o by_o which_o they_o have_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n peace_n with_o god_n and_o must_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o salvation_n which_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n they_o be_v bear_v heir_n unto_o which_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o for_o the_o purge_n away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o grant_v for_o the_o renovation_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n present_a to_o the_o eye_n what_o the_o word_n present_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o mutual_a 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faithful_a as_o also_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o bless_v and_o make_v effectual_a his_o own_o institution_n to_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o in_o subserviency_n to_o man_n freedom_n from_o that_o wrath_n if_o parent_n do_v not_o believe_v their_o child_n be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o fin_n and_o the_o threaten_n declare_v and_o denounce_v wrath_n against_o they_o as_o under_o that_o guilt_n why_o shall_v they_o put_v they_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o solemn_a dedieation_n of_o they_o to_o he_o for_o the_o secure_v they_o from_o wrath_n and_o of_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o sure_a refuge_n and_o that_o the_o promise_n in_o he_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o put_v they_o under_o his_o wing_n or_o carry_v they_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o the_o promise_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v appoint_v in_o some_o kind_n of_o subserviency_n to_o their_o freedom_n from_o wrath_n at_o least_o as_o grow_v up_o unto_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o bless_v and_o make_v effectual_a that_o institution_n for_o the_o use_n and_o end_n he_o have_v appoint_v it_o why_o shall_v they_o mind_v it_o or_o take_v any_o care_n about_o it_o who_o will_v flee_v himself_o or_o carry_v his_o child_n to_o a_o refuge_n unless_o he_o apprehend_v some_o danger_n who_o will_v make_v that_o a_o refuge_n to_o himself_o or_o he_o that_o he_o apprehend_v not_o safety_n in_o who_o will_v take_v any_o course_n for_o the_o secure_n himself_o or_o he_o under_o any_o refuge_n that_o he_o do_v not_o apprehend_v will_v be_v effectual_a for_o that_o end_n hence_o i_o say_v parent_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n do_v visible_o and_o practical_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n heb._n 11.28_o through_o faith_n he_o keep_v the_o passover_n ad_fw-la the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first-born_a shall_v touch_v they_o believe_v the_o threaten_n denounce_v against_o egypt_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o their_o first-born_a and_o believe_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o themselves_o concern_v their_o own_o freedom_n from_o that_o plague_n upon_o their_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o door_n he_o keep_v the_o passover_n and_o sprinkle_v or_o take_v care_n that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v sprinkle_v upon_o their_o door_n post_v according_o and_o as_o he_o do_v this_o through_o faith_n so_o his_o do_v it_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o practical_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n pari_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o nobis_fw-la circa_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la say_v pareus_n as_o there_o be_v a_o need_n of_o the_o like_a faith_n so_o the_o like_a faith_n be_v visible_o and_o practical_o profess_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o this_o great_o redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o peculiar_a discovery_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o moses_n his_o faith_n imply_v that_o much_o or_o as_o our_o lord_n christ_n speak_v a_o great_a faith_n be_v require_v unto_o and_o discover_v by_o his_o observation_n of_o that_o institution_n and_o let_v i_o say_v do_v parent_n act_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o infant-seed_n from_o so_o pure_a a_o principle_n of_o faith_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o do_v they_o act_v their_o faith_n as_o they_o ought_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o token_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o their_o faith_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v a_o very_a excellency_n in_o it_o they_o may_v be_v well_o renown_v for_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o faith_n now_o at_o the_o great_a rate_n of_o excellency_n faith_n act_n the_o more_o be_v god_n honour_v and_o glorify_v thereby_o see_v rom_n 4.19_o and_o 20._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v evident_o see_v what_o a_o direct_a yea_o how_o great_a a_o reference_n the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o reference_n it_o have_v to_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v in_o part_n that_o he_o require_v it_o 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o reason_n of_o this_o institution_n respect_v god_n may_v be_v its_o reâ—erence_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o supportation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o supportation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n here_o in_o the_o world_n be_v great_o subserve_v hereby_o look_v for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n the_o covenant_n be_v extend_v to_o the_o seed_n both_o of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n on_o see_v mr._n carter_n his_o abraham_n covenant_n open_v pag._n 36._o and_o so_o on_o with_o reference_n and_o in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o now_o one_o end_n of_o the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o multiplication_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o order_n to_o the_o supportation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o answerable_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o have_v a_o direct_a reference_n and_o subserviency_n to_o that_o end_n what_o reference_n and_o subserviency_n it_o have_v to_o that_o end_n will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_n god_n himself_o chap._n two_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n ordain_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n respect_v the_o parent_n from_o three_o reason_n now_o assign_v 1._o the_o advantage_n arise_v therefrom_o to_o their_o faith_n howgreat_o their_o faith_n be_v advantage_v thereby_o show_v 2._o it_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o child_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o god_n may_v thereby_o lay_v great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n thy_o variety_n of_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o paedo-baptist_n so_o to_o do_v above_o what_o anti-paedo-baptists_n can_v apprehend_v themselves_o to_o lie_v under_o open_v how_o much_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n for_o success_n in_o their_o endeavour_n paedo-baptist_n have_v than_o anti-pedo-baptists_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n can_v have_v show_v the_o three_o head_n of_o reason_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n mention_v the_o second_o head_n of_o reason_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v the_o parent_n to_o who_o seed_n the_o token_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o thus_o these_o four_o reason_n lie_v obvious_a 1._o first_o it_o be_v for_o the_o advantge_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o seed_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n they_o have_v a_o visible_a ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o as_o extend_v and_o make_v to_o they_o and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o full_o discover_v what_o advantage_n the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o they_o we_o 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make_v to_o they_o yet_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o redound_v to_o and_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n aster_v he_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o make_v to_o abraham_n himself_o though_o the_o good_a contain_v therein_o redound_v to_o and_o be_v enjoy_v by_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o promise_v as_o continue_v to_o believer_n they_o be_v first_o make_v to_o parent_n say_v god_n concern_v abraham_n i_o know_v he_o that_o the_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 the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_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 which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o he_o gen_n 18.19_o now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v of_o or_o promise_v to_o abraham_n why_o not_o only_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o as_o personal_o consider_v but_o a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n or_o household_n after_o he_o and_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n this_o twofold_a good_a of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n and_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n though_o enjoy_v by_o his_o seed_n yet_o be_v first_o promise_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o and_o on_o their_o behasf_n child_n stand_v at_o so_o little_a a_o distance_n from_o parent_n that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o parent_n themselves_o multiply_v parent_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n subsist_v in_o their_o child_n and_o answerable_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o child_n be_v account_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o di_fw-mi ctate_v of_o nature_n the_o good_a or_o evilof_o their_o parent_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o say_v the_o syrophenician_a when_o she_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o cure_v for_o her_o afflict_a daughter_n matth._n 15.22_o she_o account_v her_o daughter_n affliction_n her_o own_o and_o the_o daughter_n cure_n will_v be_v the_o mother_n mercy_n hence_o promise_v of_o good_a to_o and_o thâ—â—â—â—tnings_n of_o evil_n against_o child_n be_v frequent_o first_o make_v to_o or_o denounce_v against_o the_o parent_n themselves_o as_o a_o good_a or_o evil_n unto_o they_o so_o here_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v the_o seed_n be_v particular_a and_o distinct_a branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o establish_v with_o believer_n themselves_o but_o 2._o these_o promise_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n they_o be_v not_o make_v only_o to_o their_o parent_n but_o also_o to_o their_o seed_n with_o they_o and_o hence_o parent_n and_o childaen_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o joynt-confederates_a with_o god_n hence_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17.7_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v with_o abraham_n seed_n as_o well_o with_o abraham_n himself_o and_o seed_n here_o include_v his_o immediate_a child_n as_o well_o as_o mediate_v and_o hence_o again_o the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o believer_n themselves_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n act_n 2.39_o and_o child_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n may_v and_o ougth_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o make_v to_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n now_o according_a to_o this_o twofold_a consideration_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n 1._o thereby_o that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o parent_n respect_v their_o seed_n be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o the_o parent_n hence_o in_o gen._n 17.10_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v you_o in_o the_o former_a 〈…〉_o the_o verse_n intend_v both_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o distinguish_v from_o his_o and_o their_o respective_a natural_a childre_n this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o they_o shall_v keep_v between_o god_n and_o they_o viz._n that_o every_o manchild_n among_o they_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o their_o male_a child_n be_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o and_o how_o be_v the_o circumicision_n of_o their_o child_n say_v to_o be_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o why_o partlyas_n that_o be_v in_o part_n the_o restipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o partly_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o viz._n that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n so_o that_o circumcision_n of_o their_o male_a child_n be_v in_o part_n their_o duty_n or_o a_o part_n of_o the_o restipulation_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o also_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n viz._n those_o respect_v their_o seed_n make_v unto_o they_o and_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o circumcision_n be_v true_a of_o baptism_n in_o as_o much_o as_o circumcision_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o consider_v under_o that_o general_a notion_n viz._n the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o circumcision_n as_o consider_v in_o that_o general_a notion_n be_v alike_o applicable_a to_o baptism_n it_o succeed_v circumicsion_n in_o that_o notion_n and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aptness_n and_o fitness_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n to_o seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o believer_n this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o they_o on_o the_o behalf_n or_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n when_o god_n shall_v add_v to_o his_o promise_n a_o token_n to_o be_v apply_v not_o only_o to_o believer_n themselves_o but_o to_o their_o seed_n that_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a great_a aptness_n and_o fitness_n further_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o promise_n to_o they_o respect_v their_o seed_n and_o a_o twofold_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v of_o god_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o believer_n this_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o believer_n consist_v as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o two_o branch_n the_o first_o respect_n themselves_o the_o second_o their_o seed_n now_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n as_o apply_v only_o to_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o whole_a covenant_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o branch_n respect_v themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o token_n as_o apply_v to_o themselves_o signify_v their_o be_v blessing_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o consequent_o that_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v not_o have_v be_v confirm_v at_o least_o so_o express_o and_o clear_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o sole_a applicatin_n of_o the_o token_n to_o themselves_o because_o then_o the_o token_n have_v not_o be_v full_o proportionate_a to_o the_o covenant_n hence_o that_o the_o token_n may_v be_v proportionate_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o more_o full_o advantageous_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n god_n have_v ordain_v the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o 2._o the_o great_a addition_n that_o by_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n be_v make_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n seem_v to_o make_v such_o a_o superadditional_a confirmation_n necessary_a so_o great_a a_o addition_n be_v make_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o parent_n by_o the_o extension_n of_o it_o to_o their_o seed_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v have_v even_o nonplus_v their_o faith_n have_v not_o this_o superadditional_a confirmation_n be_v give_v we_o see_v how_o david_n stand_v even_o amaze_v as_o not_o know_v what_o to_o say_v when_o he_o not_o only_o review_v what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v for_o he_o but_o confider_v the_o
propriety_n that_o god_n have_v in_o they_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v entrust_v with_o they_o for_o he_o be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o they_o so_o to_o do_v sure_o it_o must_v be_v grievous_a to_o tender_a heart_n to_o think_v that_o god_n own_o servant_n shall_v prove_v enemy_n to_o he_o especial_o this_o be_v through_o any_o neglect_n on_o their_o part_n that_o those_o that_o god_n have_v design_v for_o himself_o shall_v rebel_v against_o he_o through_o a_o failure_n on_o their_o part_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o but_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o parent_n own_o act_n in_o dedicate_a they_o unto_o god_n and_o ratify_v and_o solemnize_n that_o dedication_n of_o they_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v not_o only_a god_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o choice_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n resignation_n and_o dedication_n of_o they_o to_o he_o which_o dedication_n they_o have_v make_v of_o they_o to_o god_n they_o have_v also_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o outward_a and_o solemn_a way_n by_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o that_o must_v needs_o suppose_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v more_o strong_o oblige_v and_o more_o effectual_o move_v then_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n they_o give_v they_o up_o to_o god_n to_o be_v his_o under_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o seal_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v now_o parent_n thus_o dedicate_a and_o give_v up_o their_o child_n to_o god_n do_v necessary_o imply_v and_o include_v a_o purpose_n to_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n otherwise_o their_o give_v they_o up_o to_o he_o will_v be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o when_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n have_v dedicate_v samuel_n unto_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n from_o his_o very_a childhood_n they_o bring_v he_o up_o betimes_o to_o the_o tabernacle_n probable_o before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o perfome_v any_o service_n there_o it_o be_v immediate_o as_o he_o be_v wean_v therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v young_a 1_o sam._n 1.24_o a_o child_n a_o child_n as_o the_o hebrew_n utuntur_fw-la hebrew_n hebraei_n cum_fw-la superlativis_fw-la careant_fw-la pro_fw-la iis_fw-la geminatione_fw-la utuntur_fw-la be_v that_o be_v a_o very_a young_a child_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o bring_v he_o up_o so_o early_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o thereby_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o future_a service_n have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o god_n they_o be_v careful_a to_o bring_v he_o up_o for_o god_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o his_o service_n and_o this_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n in_o the_o dedication_n that_o parent_n make_v of_o their_o child_n unto_o god_n do_v indispensible_o require_v i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o boushold_n after_o he_o gen._n 18.19_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v say_v i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o upright_a man_n hence_o have_v give_v up_o his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o i_o he_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v i_o so_o when_o jepthah_n have_v vow_v that_o whosoever_o come_v first_o out_o of_o his_o door_n to_o meet_v he_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n though_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v his_o daughter_n and_o she_o his_o only_a child_n yet_o he_o will_v give_v she_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o vow_n what_o that_o be_v i_o determine_v not_o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n i_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o can_v go_v back_o judg._n 11.35_o his_o own_o act_n in_o dedicate_a his_o daughter_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o implicit_a dedication_n of_o she_o in_o particular_a be_v to_o he_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o give_v she_o up_o to_o god_n so_o parent_n actual_a dedication_n of_o their_o child_n unto_o god_n especial_o have_v ratify_v and_o solemnize_v that_o dedication_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o add_v great_o to_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n so_o to_o do_v 3._o there_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o their_o child_n be_v under_o in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o further_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o believe_a parent_n diligent_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o what_o these_o advantage_n be_v shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v show_v hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o say_v for_o parent_n to_o see_v their_o child_n under_o special_a advantage_n in_o order_n to_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blession_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v needs_o strong_o oblige_v and_o powerful_o move_v as_o well_o as_o encourage_v they_o to_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o when_o a_o man_n either_o seethe_v himself_o or_o his_o child_n in_o a_o fair_a way_n and_o under_o special_a advantage_n to_o enjoy_v any_o good_a he_o be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o either_o himself_o or_o his_o child_n may_v enjoy_v that_o good_a this_o be_v that_o which_o at_o least_o in_o part_n quicken_v moses_n to_o so_o great_a importunity_n that_o he_o may_v go_v over_o jordan_n to_o see_v the_o good_a land_n viz._n canaan_n because_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o show_v he_o his_o greatness_n and_o his_o mighty_a hand_n deut._n 3.24_o oh_o lord_n say_v he_o thou_o have_v begin_v to_o show_v thy_o servant_n thy_o greatness_n and_o thy_o mighty_a hand_n i_o pray_v thou_o let_v i_o go_v over_o and_o see_v the_o good_a land_n that_o be_v beyond_o jordan_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o have_v bring_v i_o through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o wilderness_n thou_o have_v begin_v to_o make_v way_n to_o thy_o people_n entrance_n into_o and_o possession_n of_o this_o good_a land_n and_o must_v i_o now_o when_o so_o nigh_o unto_o it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a way_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o people_n to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o never_o come_v to_o it_o the_o loss_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o mercy_n when_o a_o man_n come_v nigh_o to_o it_o and_o be_v under_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o trouble_v more_o than_o the_o non-injoyment_n of_o the_o same_o ot_fw-mi like_o mercy_n when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o probability_n or_o have_v no_o peculiar_a advantage_n ever_o to_o in_o joy_n it_o hence_o to_o be_v nigh_o to_o or_o under_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o mercy_n quicken_v to_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o we_o may_v not_o then_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o but_o may_v actual_o enjoy_v it_o and_o this_o hold_v true_a whether_o the_o mercy_n respect_v a_o man_n self_n or_o his_o child_n or_o near_a relation_n now_o i_o say_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v near_o to_o and_o under_o more_o peculiar_a advantage_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o be_v parent_n have_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v some_o kind_a os_fw-la hold_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefic_n for_o their_o child_n and_o child_n have_v some_o hold_n for_o themselves_o and_o when_o a_o man_n have_v any_o hold_n of_o a_o good_a for_o himself_o or_o he_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o let_v it_o go_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o christian_n fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o this_o exhortation_n viz._n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n may_v be_v take_v as_o directive_n to_o christian_n what_o to_o do_v more_o effectual_o to_o engage_v and_o quicken_v themselves_o to_o a_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o their_o spiritual_a warsare_n they_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o apostle_n which_o may_v be_v do_v by_o christian_n while_n in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v several_a way_n whereby_o believer_n may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a lfe_n while_o in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o a_o applicatory_a faith_n whereby_o they_o apply_v and_o appropriate_v the_o promise_n of_o
twofold_a ground_n 1._o first_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o christ_n deal_n with_o man_n especial_o in_o his_o outward_a dispensation_n towards_o they_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o what_o they_o be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o foresee_v they_o will_v be_v or_o will_v do_v hence_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n azariah_n to_o asa_n judah_n and_o benjamin_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o 2_o chron._n 15.2_o though_o there_o may_v be_v as_o doubtless_o there_o be_v many_o who_o heart_n be_v not_o sound_v nor_o upright_a with_o god_n yet_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o general_a that_o while_o they_o shall_v keep_v with_o god_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o ground_n upon_o which_o what_o have_v be_v affirm_v be_v establish_v be_v the_o indefinitness_n of_o the_o apostle_n expression_n heb._n 1.14_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o angel_n be_v they_o not_o say_v he_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n the_o angel_n minister_v unto_o man_n as_o consider_v and_o eye_v under_o that_o notion_n viz._n as_o heir_n of_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o they_o as_o elect_v nor_o yet_o absolute_o as_o believer_n 〈…〉_o believer_n 〈…〉_o their_o election_n be_v secret_a hide_v with_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n may_v not_o 〈…〉_o know_n to_o angel_n it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o so_o 〈…〉_o perfect_o to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o what_o 〈…〉_o hence_o the_o angel_n minister_v to_o the_o 〈…〉_o as_o appear_v so_o to_o they_o now_o 〈…〉_o their_o infant-state_n be_v visible_o heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o visible_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n as_o may_v further_o appear_v hereafter_o and_o answerable_o the_o angel_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o general_a commission_n do_v minister_v to_o they_o as_o eye_v they_o under_o that_o notion_n viz._n as_o heir_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o elect_a infant_n may_v have_v a_o more_o full_a benefit_n by_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n exercise_n over_o his_o own_o family_n than_o the_o non-elect_a have_v yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n in_o general_a or_o universal_o be_v admit_v visible_a member_n of_o his_o family_n and_o appear_v as_o heir_n of_o salvation_n before_o they_o have_v make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-interest_n have_v a_o equal_a interest_n in_o the_o service_n and_o ministration_n of_o angel_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o their_o more_o general_a commission_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o beside_o many_o particular_a service_n do_v by_o the_o angel_n according_a to_o particular_a direction_n from_o christ_n beyond_o what_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v 2._o whether_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o extend_v to_o elect-infant_n bear_v unto_o unbeliever_n as_o well_o as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o will_v have_v the_o same_o benefit_n that_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v answ_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n christ_n know_v who_o be_v he_o by_o election_n as_o well_o as_o by_o vocation_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o such_o antecedent_n to_o their_o union_n with_o he_o and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n visible_a but_o yet_o let_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o first_o that_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n soever_o the_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v extend_v to_o and_o exercise_v over_o such_o yet_o suppose_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n exclude_v from_o his_o church_n and_o family_n that_o his_o care_n will_v be_v but_o particular_a and_o not_o universal_a it_o will_v reach_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o not_o to_o all_o their_o seed_n and_o consequent_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n will_v be_v great_o narrow_v and_o lessen_v beyond_o what_o now_o it_o be_v yea_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o will_v have_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n beyond_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o have_v neither_o can_v their_o parent_n take_v any_o comfort_n in_o or_o make_v any_o improvement_n of_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o seed_n enjoyment_n of_o this_o privilege_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o then_o enjoy_v it_o as_o their_o seed_n but_o only_o as_o elect_v and_o who_o or_o whether_o any_o of_o their_o seed_n be_v elect_v each_o particular_a believer_n will_v be_v uncertain_a 2._o second_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n and_o of_o the_o adult_n in_o this_o regard_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o no_o doubt_n but_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o elect_n whether_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o as_o grow_v up_o beyond_o what_o he_o have_v to_o other_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o visible_a great_o magnify_v yea_o even_o admire_v on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o privilege_n oh_o israel_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o a_o people_n save_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o shield_n of_o thy_o help_n deut._n 33.29_o it_o be_v primary_o mean_v of_o this_o providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v true_a of_o and_o applicable_a to_o each_o particular_a member_n as_o share_v in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o therefore_o 3._o three_o i_o answer_v that_o neither_o infant_n nor_o grow_a person_n though_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n have_v a_o equal_a interest_n in_o and_o benefit_n by_o this_o care_n of_o christ_n while_o stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n with_o those_o that_o be_v actual_a member_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v israel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n be_v over_o psal_n 68.34_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n that_o she_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n will_v not_o as_o i_o suppose_v be_v question_v by_o any_o and_o yet_o shall_v we_o think_v she_o have_v the_o same_o benefit_n by_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n antecedent_n to_o her_o come_n to_o trust_v under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n as_o boaz_n speak_v in_o ruth_n 2.12_o that_o she_o have_v after_o she_o be_v actual_o come_v what_o benefit_n then_o have_v she_o in_o that_o respect_n by_o her_o forsake_v she_o own_o people_n and_o join_v herself_o with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o as_o i_o say_v the_o case_n of_o insant_n and_o of_o grow_v person_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o small_a good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n above_o and_o beyond_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o that_o be_v without_o do_v enjoy_v that_o thereby_o they_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n do_v exercise_n over_o his_o church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n quest_n 3._o it_o may_v be_v far_o inquire_v wherein_o do_v the_o good_a or_o benefit_n of_o be_v under_o this_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n consist_v what_o difference_n be_v put_v thereby_o between_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o other_o answ_n to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o benefit_n to_o be_v under_o this_o care_n of_o christ_n can_v rational_o be_v doubt_v of_o by_o any_o who_o with_o their_o heart_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n though_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o always_o obvious_a unto_o sense_n some_o indeed_o have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o put_v the_o question_n where_o be_v the_o god_n of_o judgement_n not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v any_o difference_n in_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n towards_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a but_o will_v any_o man_n that_o be_v initiate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v learn_v in_o any_o measure_n to_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n infer_v herefrom_o that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o providential_a care_n exercise_v over_o the_o righteous_a or_o that_o they_o have_v no_o benefit_n thereby_o the_o non-appearing_a unto_o
people_n and_o their_o seed_n successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n or_o that_o they_o be_v tobe_n interpret_v and_o understand_v not_o in_o a_o definite_a but_o in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o do_v impartial_o observe_v the_o way_n of_o god_n procedure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o man_n any_o endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o performance_n will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a for_o though_o some_o have_v contemn_v that_o observation_n that_o other_o have_v make_v viz._n that_o that_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o fall_a man_n to_o serve_v he_o be_v in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n raise_v out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o so_o evident_a to_o unbiased_a observer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o little_a confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n now_o give_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o be_v a_o abundant_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o as_o it_o have_v in_o all_o age_n pass_v give_v so_o still_o give_v he_o the_o just_a name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o three_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v they_o be_v os_fw-la that_o collective_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o these_o promise_n do_v in_o the_o general_n appertain_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v that_o special_a part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o that_o body_n or_o society_n to_o who_o these_o promise_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n do_v belong_v they_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_v as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o they_o be_v yet_o nigh_o as_o they_o be_v specify_v and_o point_v out_o to_o be_v the_o person_n peculiar_o intend_v in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nignness_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o especial_o when_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o be_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v how_o rare_o be_v it_o find_v when_o parent_n with_o abraham_n be_v faithful_a in_o instruct_v and_o command_v their_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o though_o sometime_o more_o sometime_o sewer_a according_a to_o the_o number_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o be_v find_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v of_o those_o instruction_n walk_v in_o these_o way_n yea_o how_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o parent_n so_o perform_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n with_o comfortable_a hope_n that_o all_o they_o be_v heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n now_o then_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o believe_a parent_n shall_v have_v their_o understanding_n so_o far_o darken_v and_o their_o judgement_n so_o far_o blind_v to_o make_v that_o which_o sometime_o be_v the_o gentile_n and_o be_v now_o the_o jew_n misery_n viz._n to_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n their_o choice_n though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o they_o and_o shall_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v set_v they_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n that_o he_o may_v obrain_n a_o exchange_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v their_o lot_n among_o those_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o we_o may_v well_o call_v to_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o and_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o place_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o this_o first_o head_n of_o benefy_v accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o they_o have_v admission_n into_o and_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o god_n by_o command_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n speak_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n as_o jacob_n to_o joseph_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o two_o son_n bring_v your_o child_n near_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v bless_v they_o bring_v they_o into_o my_o house_n and_o family_n and_o as_o they_o then_o shall_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o it_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o my_o son_n over_o they_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o they_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v grace_n promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v you_o faithful_a in_o your_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o my_o promise_n now_o shall_v any_o reject_v such_o a_o gracious_a invitation_n how_o just_o may_v child_n cnrse_v the_o day_n they_o be_v ever_o bring_v forth_o by_o such_o parent_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n propose_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v a_o enquiry_n make_v whether_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definit_o or_o only_o indefinite_o the_o various_a judgement_n of_o paedo-baptist_n about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v definite_o prove_v two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n where_o two_o reason_n be_v offer_v second_o it_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o three_o reason_n respect_v both_o abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n the_o forementioned_a good_a accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n open_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o question_n the_o former_a propose_v viz._n what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o that_o it_o have_v a_o twofold_a reference_n show_v first_o to_o the_o covenant_n as_o abstract_o and_o absolute_o consider_v the_o thing_n ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o that_o its_o reference_n determine_v to_o be_v their_o covenant_n that_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o two_o argument_n to_o be_v their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o originalsin_n and_o that_o both_o originans_n and_o originatum_fw-la 2._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v this_o viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a unfolding_n of_o this_o good_a or_o benefit_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o poedo-baptists_n themselves_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n about_o that_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o according_a to_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v different_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o good_a accrue_v to_o infant_n by_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o brief_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o i_o go_v along_o 1._o first_o some_o conserve_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o and_o anfwerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n that_o be_v as_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o general_o and_o collective_o consider_v but_o not_o make_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o those_o that_o go_v this_o way_n some_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o secure_a to_o they_o only_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o convey_v to_o or_o confer_v
improvement_n of_o it_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v first_o that_o the_o covenant_n and-promises_a as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o they_o take_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o be_v more_o full_o afcertain_v and_o assure_v to_o they_o but_o second_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v what_o reference_n and_o subserviency_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o infant_n have_v to_o his_o continue_v unto_o they_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o answerable_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o they_o the_o lord_n himself_o tell_v abraham_n that_o the_o manchild_n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v have_v break_v the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.14_o whether_o that_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o bear_v it_o be_v a_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o their_o hold_v their_o covenant-interest_n and_o state_n and_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v i_o shall_v not_o determine_v only_o this_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o bare_a privation_n or_o want_n of_o circumcision_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o then_o all_o die_a before_o the_o eight_o day_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o david_n can_v not_o have_v comfort_v himself_o by_o that_o consideration_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o child_n and_o not_o it_o return_v to_o he_o say_v gerhard_n eam_fw-la scil_n comminationem_fw-la quae_fw-la de_fw-la circumcisione_n extat_fw-la gen._n 17.14_o non_fw-la ad_fw-la casum_fw-la privationis_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la contemptum_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la pertinere_fw-la but_o whether_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o from_o error_n as_o well_o as_o contempt_n may_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o child_n will_v appear_v at_o that_o day_n when_o thing_n now_o hide_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n this_o must_v be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o passage_n may_v just_o make_v the_o heart_n not_o only_o of_o contemner_n but_o of_o all_o neglecter_n of_o infant-baptism_n to_o tremble_v we_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n may_v have_v make_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o continue_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o to_o his_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o he_o may_v ostablish_v his_o covenant_n upon_o what_o term_n himself_o please_v and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v find_v true_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v how_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o consequent_o how_o great_a a_o good_a it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n upon_o the_o door-post_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o israelite_n can_v not_o be_v improve_v by_o any_o of_o their_o first-born_a who_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o security_n from_o the_o destroy_a angel_n there_o may_v be_v a_o indispensible_a connexion_n between_o some_o duty_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a promise_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o lie_v in_o the_o alone_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n at_o least_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a in_o his_o own_o breast_n two_o thing_n be_v plain_a to_o i_o and_o a_o three_o be_v doubtful_a first_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o in_o case_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n nor_o be_v to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o it_o apply_v parent_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o their_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v reap_v any_o of_o the_o save_a benefic_n purchase_v by_o christ_n at_o least_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n then_o may_v be_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o heathen_n second_o this_o be_v alike_o plain_a to_o i_o that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n through_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o and_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o do_v suppose_v their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n infallible_o enjoy_v all_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n three_o this_o be_v doubtful_a to_o i_o how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o and_o what_o be_v the_o case_n of_o their_o infant-seed_n who_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o understanding_n disclaim_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o neglect_v thereupon_o to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o i_o will_v hope_v the_o best_a but_o i_o must_v say_v the_o scripture_n to_o i_o give_v more_o ground_n of_o fear_n than_o of_o hope_n in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n not_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o good_a and_o benefit_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n but_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o good_a as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n when_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o improvement_n of_o it_o and_o how_o great_a it_o may_v be_v and_z if_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o use_n they_o be_v to_o make_v of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v then_o unto_o they_o shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v show_v under_o the_o next_o general_n head_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o some_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o and_o some_o objection_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n we_o have_v see_v a_o twofold_a good_a and_o benefit_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o first_o they_o have_v thereby_o a_o solemn_a admission_n and_o incorporation_n into_o the_o visible_a body_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v yea_o affirm_v to_o have_v a_o political_a or_o relative_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n second_o they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v consequent_o a_o discharge_n and_o immunity_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o have_v a_o present_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n and_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o chap._n viii_o several_a objection_n answer_v the_o first_o raise_v from_o the_o impossibility_n that_o god_n shall_v do_v so_o much_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o not_o regenerate_v they_o that_o answer_v and_o the_o contrary_a thereunto_o show_v to_o be_v high_o rational_a the_o second_o be_v that_o what_o they_o have_v be_v only_o according_a to_o a_o visible_a appearance_n but_o not_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n that_o answer_v where_o it_o be_v show_v what_o they_o appear_v or_o seem_v to_o have_v they_o must_v needs_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n the_o three_o raise_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o grant_v the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n so_o much_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n that_o full_o answer_v the_o four_o raise_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o grant_v so_o much_o to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n that_o full_o answer_v the_o five_o be_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n have_v nothing_o beyond_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o have_v that_o brief_o answer_v obj._n 1_o possible_o some_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v will_v yet_o urge_v utter_a improbability_n that_o god_n shall_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o grant_v they_o so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o privilege_n as_o have_v be_v affirm_v he_o do_v and_o yet_o not_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v they_o if_o not_o in_o their_o infancy_n yet_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o consequent_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n as_o ground_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o their_o be_v confederate_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n will_v very_o probable_o prove_v or_o rather_o absolute_o necessitate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o fall_v from_o and_o
soon_o actual_o and_o explicit_o recognise_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o and_o fear_n of_o that_o will_v render_v this_o consideration_n of_o little_a use_n to_o they_o that_o objection_n shall_v be_v answer_v by_o and_o by_o obj._n if_o it_o be_v yet_o say_v that_o what_o encouragement_n soever_o they_o have_v to_o believe_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n yet_o they_o will_v soon_o find_v by_o experience_n their_o own_o inability_n to_o do_v it_o they_o will_v find_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o special_a teach_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o encouragement_n have_v they_o to_o hope_v for_o these_o teach_n and_o operation_n beyond_o what_o other_o have_v to_o that_o i_o add_v in_o a_o five_o encouragement_n that_o they_o have_v above_o other_o and_o that_o be_v this_o they_o stand_v near_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n this_o i_o have_v speak_v so_o large_o to_o already_o that_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o but_o beside_o all_o those_o other_o encouragement_n they_o have_v to_o believe_v may_v be_v improve_v as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o hope_n for_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o thereunto_o sure_o then_o find_v themselves_o in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n remember_v what_o a_o mutual_a friendship_n and_o love_n there_o have_v be_v between_o god_n and_o their_o parent_n consider_v what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v for_o they_o as_o a_o signal_n signification_n of_o his_o good_a will_n towards_o they_o and_o have_v a_o particular_a promise_n to_o assure_v they_o in_o particular_a that_o as_o god_n at_o present_a be_v so_o he_o will_v continue_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o unless_o by_o their_o voluntary_a reject_v the_o covenant_n they_o disannul_v that_o their_o interest_n may_v not_o only_o be_v choice_a encouragement_n to_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v ready_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o teach_n and_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o so_o to_o do_v they_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o second_o question_n we_o now_o see_v how_o great_a good_a what_o glorious_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o from_o all_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o practice_n well_o worthy_a inquire_v into_o and_o contend_v for_o by_o all_o parent_n that_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o child_n chap._n x._o the_o three_o grand_a question_n propose_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n reduce_v to_o two_o head_n their_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v immediate_o and_o direct_o towards_o they_o again_o reduce_v to_o two_o head_n what_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o as_o also_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o use_v for_o the_o render_n instruction_n give_v they_o open_v some_o rule_n for_o their_o right_a management_n of_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n lay_v down_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v immediate_o towards_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o child_n show_v some_o motive_n to_o press_v they_o to_o a_o faithful_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n urge_v quest_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n as_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o bear_v the_o token_n of_o it_o answ_n this_o and_o the_o next_o question_n be_v frequent_o and_o large_o treat_v of_o by_o other_o i_o shall_v speak_v the_o more_o spare_o to_o they_o for_o this_o question_n then_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n be_v considerable_a two_o way_n 1._o first_o as_o to_o be_v perform_v immediate_o and_o direct_o towards_o their_o child_n 2._o second_o as_o to_o be_v perform_v more_o immediate_o towards_o god_n but_o with_o reference_n to_o and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o child_n they_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o their_o child_n in_o the_o name_n and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o god_n with_o reference_n to_o and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o child_n first_o for_o their_o duty_n immediate_o and_o direct_o respect_v their_o child_n the_o apostle_n summary_o comprehend_v it_o under_o these_o two_o term_n nurture_n and_o admonition_n and_o both_o must_v be_v of_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6.3_o and_o you_o father_n provoke_v not_o your_o child_n to_o wrath_n but_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v express_o only_a unto_o father_n yet_o mother_n be_v not_o exempt_v but_o include_v as_o they_o be_v alike_o interest_v in_o their_o child_n with_o their_o husband_n so_o they_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a education_n of_o they_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n bring_v up_o your_o child_n in_o or_o with_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v to_o your_o seed_v clothing_n and_o provide_v necessary_n for_o their_o body_n and_o a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n in_o this_o life_n add_v the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o brief_o open_v their_o duty_n 2._o add_v some_o rule_n for_o a_o more_o successful_a performance_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o the_o first_o under_o these_o two_o term_n we_o be_v to_o comprehend_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a 1._o first_o instruction_n 2._o second_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o all_o due_a and_o apt_a mean_n subserve_v or_o conduce_v to_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o instruction_n give_v they_o loco_fw-la they_o hortatur_fw-la ut_fw-la eos_fw-la educent_fw-la cum_fw-la institutione_n &_o commonefactione_n domini_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la eos_fw-la instituant_fw-la &_o erudiant_fw-la in_o doctrinâ_fw-la christianâ_fw-la &_o subinde_fw-la piis_fw-la commonefactionibus_fw-la ad_fw-la officia_fw-la pietatis_fw-la forment_fw-la pisca_n in_o loco_fw-la so_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a first_o in_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o five_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o instruct_v they_o 1._o first_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o be_v of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n who_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o who_o themselves_o have_v original_o receive_v their_o being_n who_o they_o be_v and_o upon_o who_o they_o depend_v who_o they_o must_v worship_v and_o who_o will_v judge_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o then_o reward_v they_o according_a as_o they_o have_v obey_v or_o disobey_v his_o command_n and_o as_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o substence_n and_o nature_n as_o reveal_v by_o his_o name_n title_n and_o property_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o we_o find_v child_n soon_o comply_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o not_o altogether_o unready_o entertain_v especial_o such_o notion_n of_o and_o about_o his_o nature_n as_o be_v discoverable_a by_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n some_o have_v observe_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v ingraff_v upon_o the_o stock_n of_o nature_n god_n have_v leave_v somewhat_o of_o those_o original_a principle_n of_o religion_n implant_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n which_o facilitate_v the_o reception_n of_o the_o first_o fundamental_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n be_v build_v as_o a_o brand_n soon_o inkindle_v than_o the_o green_a wood_n that_o have_v never_o be_v in_o the_o fire_n hence_o parent_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o revival_n of_o such_o principle_n and_o notion_n as_o be_v not_o utter_o obliterated_a and_o blot_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v these_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o relation_n towards_o man_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n etc._n etc._n let_v but_o these_o principle_n and_o notion_n be_v thorough_o revive_v and_o more_o full_o fix_v and_o revete_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o child_n it_o will_v great_o
to_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v safe_a for_o you_o yet_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v write_v or_o speak_v in_o variety_n of_o phrase_n and_o different_a expression_n and_o so_o to_o do_v be_v useful_a to_o prevent_v tediousness_n and_o loathe_v but_o to_o have_v the_o same_o thing_n frequent_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o different_a phrase_n and_o expression_n be_v exceed_v safe_a for_o grow_v christian_n and_o much_o more_o for_o child_n yea_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o expression_n suppose_v purdence_n be_v use_v be_v useful_a for_o they_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o the_o commandment_n statute_n and_o judgement_n he_o have_v give_v his_o ancient_a people_n give_v they_o this_o charge_n about_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n deut._n 6.7_o and_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o teach_v they_o diligent_o he_o explain_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n thou_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o viz._n to_o thy_o child_n when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v thou_o shall_v be_v frequent_o talk_v of_o and_o inculcate_v they_o upon_o thy_o child_n the_o capacity_n of_o child_n require_v a_o frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o natural_a sood_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v and_o digest_v but_o a_o little_a at_o a_o time_n so_o they_o must_v be_v frequent_o feed_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o instruction_n which_o be_v the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o must_v be_v frequent_o instruct_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n 3._o the_o intermingle_v exhortation_n persuasion_n entreaty_n command_n etc._n etc._n with_o instruction_n tend_v great_o to_o render_v those_o instruction_n more_o effectual_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o inlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o inform_v the_o judgement_n but_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n must_v be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o excite_v we_o find_v the_o work_n upon_o and_o exciting_a of_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n in_o grow_v person_n be_v high_o serviceable_a to_o their_o conversion_n embracement_n of_o and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v so_o in_o child_n now_o the_o aflection_n and_o passion_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o mean_n now_o mention_v these_o exhortation_n persuasion_n command_n etc._n etc._n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v include_v in_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o translate_v admonition_n parent_n be_v to_o bring_v up_o up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o admonition_n as_o well_o as_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o say_v god_n of_o abraham_n i_o know_v abraham_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n and_o what_o the_o issue_n of_o that_o shall_v be_v he_o tell_v we_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18.19_o of_o which_o more_o by_o and_o by_o such_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n entreaty_n and_o command_n be_v expressive_a of_o the_o affection_n of_o parent_n towards_o as_o well_o as_o their_o authority_n over_o their_o child_n and_o the_o more_o child_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o parent_n affection_n towards_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o the_o great_a efficacy_n will_v their_o instruction_n have_v upon_o their_o heart_n their_o parent_n be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o visible_a to_o they_o god_n be_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n their_o apprehension_n of_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v but_o low_a and_o confuse_a they_o live_v by_o sense_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n hence_o a_o affectionate_a exhortation_n or_o entreaty_n from_o their_o parent_n may_v and_o possible_o will_v do_v more_o with_o they_o than_o the_o bare_a command_n of_o god_n however_o such_o exhortation_n and_o command_n etc._n etc._n from_o their_o parent_n add_v to_o the_o exhortation_n and_o command_n from_o god_n in_o his_o word_n must_v needs_o rational_o be_v more_o effectual_a there_o be_v their_o parent_n affection_n answer_v by_o a_o natural_a storge_n and_o filial_a affection_n towards_o they_o and_o paternal_a authority_n answer_v by_o a_o natural_a kind_n of_o instinct_n or_o inclination_n to_o obey_v superad_v to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o dawning_n of_o light_n let_v into_o their_o understanding_n by_o instruction_n give_v they_o and_o of_o those_o morning-apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o god_n more_o effectual_o to_o induce_v and_o engage_v they_o to_o act_n and_o practice_v according_o hence_o this_o intermixture_n of_o exhortation_n persuasion_n entreaty_n and_o command_n must_v needs_o great_o further_a their_o conversion_n and_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o good_a example_n be_v great_a furtherance_n to_o child_n fall_v in_o with_o and_o embracement_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o neither_o instruction_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v rational_o expect_v to_o be_v successful_a without_o this_o example_n conduce_v to_o the_o render_v instruction_n effectual_a two_o way_n 1._o they_o reallize_v to_o child_n apprehension_n the_o thing_n they_o be_v instruct_v in_o and_o about_o for_o parent_n to_o speak_v of_o a_o god_n infinite_o holy_a and_o a_o perfect_a hater_n of_o sin_n to_o speak_v of_o god_n infinite_o just_a and_o a_o severe_a avenger_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o not_o express_v any_o fear_n towards_o he_o themselves_o nor_o take_v heed_n of_o what_o be_v sinful_a will_v signify_v little_a child_n will_v quick_o apprehend_v the_o inconsistency_n between_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o concern_v god_n and_o their_o parent_n way_n and_o action_n now_o how_o can_v parent_n expect_v their_o child_n shall_v believe_v what_o their_o own_o way_n and_o action_n declare_v themselves_o believe_v not_o 2._o examply_v induce_v and_o provoke_v to_o imitation_n exempla_fw-la magis_fw-la movent_fw-la quà m_fw-la documenta_fw-la be_v peculiar_o true_a as_o apply_v to_o child_n we_o see_v how_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o imitation_n their_o manner_n be_v much_o form_v by_o example_n men._n example_n aristotle_n will_v have_v youth_n keep_v even_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o picture_n of_o any_o limner_n except_v of_o such_o a_o one_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d represent_v the_o honest_a manner_n of_o worthy_a men._n hence_o good_a example_n not_o only_o from_o parent_n but_o other_o high_o further_a their_o fall_n in_o with_o and_o embrace_v of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n 5._o to_o put_v child_n upon_o and_o inure_v they_o to_o holy_a exercise_n will_v great_o further_o the_o end_n aim_v at_o hence_o parent_n shall_v put_v their_o child_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o thus_o they_o be_v to_o cause_v they_o to_o join_v in_o holy_a duty_n both_o public_a and_o private_a it_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o child_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o family_n duty_n at_o least_o when_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o join_v in_o they_o without_o cause_v distraction_n and_o let_v i_o say_v for_o parent_n to_o plead_v child_n will_v be_v troublesome_a when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o in_o not_o bring_v of_o they_o under_o their_o command_n will_v be_v but_o a_o bad_a excuse_n at_o the_o last_o so_o again_o parent_n shall_v inure_v they_o to_o holy_a exercise_n themselves_o as_o read_v and_o pray_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o a_o right_a performance_n of_o that_o duty_n we_o find_v both_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n instruct_v their_o disciple_n in_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n and_o probable_o betimes_o luk._n 11.1_o let_v they_o know_v that_o all_o good_a must_v come_v from_o god_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o seek_n for_o it_o from_o he_o let_v they_o know_v their_o continuance_n in_o a_o covenant-state_n depend_v upon_o their_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n themselves_o but_o let_v they_o know_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v god_n must_v give_v what_o himself_o require_v 6._o the_o add_v of_o due_a correction_n as_o the_o case_n may_v require_v will_v yet_o promote_v the_o same_o end_n the_o rod_n be_v the_o child_n ordinance_n hence_o so_o frequent_o recommend_v by_o solomon_n though_o correction_n convey_v not_o grace_n to_o nor_o can_v it_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o high_o subserve_v their_o gain_n of_o grace_n 2._o but_o second_o let_v i_o just_a touch_n upon_o some_o few_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o parent_n in_o their_o right_n and_o successful_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n 1._o by_o grave_n and_o serious_a deal_n with_o they_o about_o the_o concern_v of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n with_o a_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n become_v matter_n of_o such_o a_o importance_n it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o bishop_n he_o must_v be_v one_o
in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n now_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v claim_n to_o a_o actual_a covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o for_o that_o covenant_n be_v long_o since_o break_v through_o their_o unbelief_n but_o they_o have_v abide_v for_o god_n and_o god_n have_v abode_n for_o they_o and_o as_o have_v so_o abide_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o they_o call_v he_o their_o god_n and_o encourage_v themselves_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o designation_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o they_o for_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n and_o husband_n unto_o they_o give_v they_o a_o kind_n of_o incomplete_a and_o remote_a interest_n in_o he_o to_o return_v to_o god_n those_o that_o god_n have_v keep_v for_o himself_o and_o for_o who_o he_o abide_v he_o will_v ready_o receive_v when_o they_o return_v to_o he_o and_o this_o may_v great_o encourage_v patent_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o chirldren_n as_o grow_v up_o though_o they_o do_v not_o evidence_n any_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n you_o they_o be_v keep_v from_o one_o or_o another_o of_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o covenant_n be_v break_v it_o may_v be_v they_o abide_v for_o god_n and_o he_o abide_v for_o they_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o out_o of_o a_o desgin_n yet_o at_o last_o to_o marry_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o as_o it_o may_v encourage_v parent_n in_o their_o hope_n concern_v their_o child_n so_o it_o may_v great_o encourage_v child_n to_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n and_o thereby_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v though_o it_o can_v be_v proper_o determine_v how_o long_o the_o covenant-interest_n of_o child_n be_v continue_v upon_o their_o parent_n account_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o their_o take_v the_o full_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v and_o close_o in_o with_o christ_n and_o seek_v for_o that_o grace_n promise_v to_o enable_v they_o thereunto_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o yield_v to_o they_o they_o may_v take_v all_o the_o encouragement_n afore_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v though_o there_o be_v a_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n devolve_v upon_o themselves_o to_o come_v then_o to_o a_o close_a i_o shall_v only_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n and_o let_v i_o say_v to_o you_o you_o now_o see_v what_o a_o glorious_a state_n you_o be_v in_o asunder_o the_o covenant_n and_o interest_v in_o the_o promise_v thereof_o will_v you_o now_o refuse_v so_o great_a salvation_n yea_o will_v you_o not_o only_o refuse_v so_o great_a grace_n when_o offer_v but_o reject_v it_o when_o grant_v to_o you_o by_o neglect_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n already_o enter_v with_o you_o or_o seek_v unto_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n through_o who_o assistance_n your_o duty_n will_v be_v make_v easy_a and_o 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