at_o all_o of_o abraham_n seed_n as_o such_o but_o of_o isaac_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o thy_o seed_n but_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o concern_v his_o seed_n but_o now_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o refer_v to_o and_o intend_v some_o promise_n wherein_o this_o very_a phrase_n to_o thy_o seed_n be_v express_o use_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o i_o have_v say_v lie_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n there_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o that_o phrase_n imply_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n shall_v not_o be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o that_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o this_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o his_o seed_n but_o by_o his_o seed_n which_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v it_o rom._n 4.13_o second_o that_o the_o blessing_n say_v to_o be_v come_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n be_v that_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v evident_a from_o verse_n 29_o where_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n be_v seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_v heir_n of_o what_o why_o verse_n 14_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n but_o heir_n according_a to_o what_o promise_n why_o verse_n 16._o tell_v we_o that_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n now_o how_o can_v they_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o blessing_n according_a to_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_n unless_o the_o blessing_n they_o be_v heir_n unto_o be_v the_o blessing_n or_o good_a contain_v in_o that_o promise_n can_v any_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o blessing_n according_a to_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_n in_o which_o that_o blessing_n be_v not_o contain_v or_o can_v a_o promise_n convey_v a_o right_a to_o that_o good_a which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o who_o can_v imagine_v it_o therefore_o doubtless_o the_o blessing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n three_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n say_v to_o be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n through_o christ_n be_v the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o promise_n be_v evident_a from_o verse_n 9_o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v bless_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o faithful_a abraham_n that_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o same_o blessing_n that_o abraham_n be_v bless_v with_o now_o there_o be_v no_o blessing_n that_o abraham_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o can_v possible_o come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n but_o only_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o this_o promise_n and_o therefore_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o blessing_n here_o intend_v but_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v object_v against_o our_o take_v this_o scripture_n as_o a_o express_a settlement_n of_o abraham_n blessing_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o that_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n upon_o believe_v gentile_n first_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o this_o blessing_n be_v not_o mean_v of_o that_o blessing_n with_o which_o abraham_n himself_o be_v bless_v but_o of_o that_o blessing_n promise_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n which_o be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o as_o he_o be_v to_o abraham_n himself_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o himself_o or_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n himself_o and_o that_o make_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o what_o god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n viz._n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a seed_n that_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o seed_n viz._n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v as_o before_z explain_v to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o beside_o take_v it_o so_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n be_v to_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o affirm_v it_o run_v to_o believe_a gentile_n viz._n to_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n include_v parent_n and_o child_n but_o if_o we_o compare_v this_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n with_o verse_n 9_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v the_o blessing_n wherewith_o abraham_n himself_o be_v bless_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o phrase_n proper_o signify_v the_o blessing_n that_o abraham_n himself_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v bless_v with_o abraham_n to_o enjoy_v his_o blessing_n and_o to_o inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n intend_v in_o the_o language_n and_o disputation_n of_o the_o apostle_n one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o the_o promise_n as_o make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n contain_v the_o very_a same_o good_a it_o contain_v as_o make_v to_o abraham_n himself_o the_o father_n of_o that_o seed_n now_o to_o he_o it_o be_v to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v his_o natural_a seed_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o same_o to_o his_o seed_n to_o they_o and_o their_o natural_a seed_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n second_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o this_o blessing_n be_v not_o mean_v of_o a_o relative_a good_a consist_v in_o a_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n but_o be_v mean_v of_o these_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o reconciliation_n justification_n adoption_n and_o eternal_a life_n vouchsafe_v to_o abraham_n as_o personal_o consider_v and_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o abraham_n blessing_n consist_v of_o these_o spiritual_a blessing_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n through_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n concern_v god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n constitute_v a_o external_a covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v this_o objection_n will_v be_v obviate_v by_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o the_o settlement_n make_v of_o abraham_n blessing_n upon_o believe_a gentile_n by_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o this_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v thus_o much_o at_o present_a that_o it_o be_v grant_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n or_o blessing_n now_o mention_v be_v include_v in_o this_o blessing_n say_v here_o to_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n yet_o not_o exclusive_a of_o that_o relative_a good_a of_o a_o covenant_n state_n and_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n but_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o primary_n good_a intend_v and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v all_o virtual_o include_v three_o it_o will_v be_v further_o object_v that_o the_o blessing_n here_o say_v to_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n be_v not_o that_o blessing_n wherewith_o abraham_n himself_o be_v bless_v but_o that_o blessing_n promise_v to_o the_o nation_n in_o he_o and_o consequent_o the_o apostle_n intend_v not_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o that_o gen._n 17.7_o but_o that_o blessing_n speak_v of_o gen._n 12.3_o where_o god_n promise_v unto_o abraham_n that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v it_o of_o that_o blehng_v contain_v in_o that_o promise_n and_o not_o of_o that_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o gen._n 17._o appear_v from_o verse_n the_o eight_o of_o this_o three_o of_o galatian_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o though_o i_o free_o grant_v that_o this_o blessing_n say_v by_o our_o apostle_n to_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n be_v that_o blessing_n with_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o blessing_n or_o good_a contain_v in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v abundant_o prove_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v and_o therefore_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o that_o blessing_n with_o which_o god_n promise_v so_o to_o bless_v the_o nation_n in_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v and_o certain_o
have_v reference_n to_o both_o these_o promise_n in_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o blessing_n promise_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n first_o there_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o blessing_n and_o that_o be_v summary_o their_o have_v and_o enjoy_v god_n as_o a_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o they_o second_o there_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o enjoy_v that_o blessing_n and_o these_o be_v either_o chief_a and_o principal_a viz._n christ_n as_o remove_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o purchase_v that_o blessing_n for_o they_o by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n 2._o the_o subordinate_a and_o less_o principal_a viz._n abraham_n himself_o three_o there_o be_v the_o notion_n or_o consideration_n under_o which_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v this_o blessing_n and_o that_o be_v as_o abraham_n seed_n now_o in_o that_o gen._n 12.3_o we_o have_v a_o more_o general_a promise_n of_o this_o blessing_n with_o which_o god_n intend_v to_o bless_v the_o nation_n and_o also_o a_o specification_n of_o the_o mean_n both_o supreme_a and_o principal_a and_o also_o subordinate_a and_o less_o principal_a of_o their_o come_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v bless_v in_o abraham_n that_o be_v in_o abraham_n himself_o as_o the_o less_o principal_a mean_n in_o christ_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a mean_n but_o in_o this_o gen._n 17_o 7._o we_o have_v both_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o blessing_n azure_n promise_v and_o the_o notion_n under_o which_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v it_o i_o will_v be_v say_v god_n a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n often_o thou_o in_o they_o generation_n the_o notion_n under_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o bless_v the_o nation_n in_o abraham_n be_v as_o they_o be_v his_o seed_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o blessing_n be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o they_o and_o they_o so_o that_o these_o two_o promise_n gen._n 12.3_o and_o gen._n 17.7_o be_v not_o two_o distinct_a promise_n contain_v two_o distinct_a blessing_n but_o they_o contain_v one_o and_o the_o same_o blessing_n and_o as_o take_v joint_o together_o declare_v the_o full_a mind_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o blessing_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o abraham_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o come_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o god_n will_v make_v abraham_n as_o a_o father_n of_o natural_a child_n from_o among_o who_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v so_o a_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a father_n and_o answerable_o will_v through_o the_o interposal_n of_o that_o one_o principal_a member_n of_o his_o seed_n viz._n christ_n be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n both_o natural_a and_o mystical_a in_o their_o generation_n and_o consequent_o i_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n whether_o of_o abraham_n natural_a race_n or_o posterity_n or_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v design_v to_o be_v bless_v shall_v be_v bless_v in_o abraham_n as_o his_o seed_n or_o in_o he_o as_o a_o common_a father_n to_o they_o all_o and_o in_o his_o seed_n viz._n christ_n as_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o that_o their_o blessedness_n hence_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n though_o the_o apostle_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o blessing_n come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n have_v reference_n to_o both_o these_o promise_n both_o as_o i_o say_v take_v together_o and_o in_o conjunction_n one_o with_o the_o other_o contain_v the_o full_a mind_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o blessing_n the_o world_n as_o a_o close_a of_o all_o let_v i_o add_v that_o as_o god_n promise_v to_o bless_v the_o nation_n in_o abraham_n as_o before_o open_v so_o he_o make_v abraham_n himself_o a_o copy_n or_o pattern_n according_a unto_o which_o he_o promise_v to_o bless_v they_o in_o he_o and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o blessing_n itself_o with_o which_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o term_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o possess_n and_o inherit_v that_o blessing_n viz._n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n express_v itself_o in_o universal_a obedience_n for_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o both_o the_o hebrew_n prefix_v and_o the_o greek_a preposition_n we_o translate_v in_o may_v be_v translate_v after_o the_o manner_n or_o according_a to_o for_o the_o greek_a see_v hebr._n 4.11_o whence_o calvin_n give_v the_o sense_n thus_o non_fw-la tantum_fw-la significat_fw-la ipsum_fw-la fore_fw-la exemplar_n sed_fw-la causam_fw-la benedictionis_fw-la junius_n and_o tremelius_fw-la give_v this_o gloss_n familiae_fw-la terrae_fw-la tibi_fw-la insitae_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la participes_fw-la fiunt_fw-la harum_fw-la promissionum_fw-la benedictionumque_fw-la tuarum_fw-la and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n expound_v this_o promise_n of_o be_v bless_v in_o abraham_n by_o another_o phrase_n bless_v with_o abraham_n now_o then_o have_v prove_v that_o this_o blessing_n say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n be_v that_o very_a blessing_n or_o good_a contain_v in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o that_o branch_n of_o it_o that_o refer_v to_o abraham_n seed_n but_o in_o that_o branch_n refer_v direct_o unto_o abraham_n himself_o wherein_o god_n engage_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o be_v the_o blessing_n say_v to_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v viz._n to_o prove_v that_o this_o blessing_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n himself_o now_o this_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o alone_a consideration_n of_o the_o indefiniteness_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n affirm_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n he_o do_v not_o say_v this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o the_o blessing_n but_o the_o blessing_n absolute_o and_o unlimited_o it_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o the_o indefiniteness_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o apostle_n expression_n yet_o in_o case_n any_o part_n of_o the_o blessing_n vouchsafe_v to_o abraham_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o incapable_a of_o it_o or_o in_o case_n god_n himself_o have_v any_o where_o else_o withhold_v any_o part_n of_o it_o from_o they_o in_o this_o case_n a_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o necessary_o imply_v in_o this_o general_a and_o universal_a expression_n but_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o his_o expression_n the_o blessing_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n and_o hence_o we_o argue_v if_o the_o whole_a blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v it_o and_o god_n have_v by_o no_o express_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n withhold_v it_o from_o they_o and_o this_o to_o have_v god_n a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a seed_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o blessing_n which_o believe_v gentile_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v and_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n withhold_v from_o they_o than_o this_o part_n of_o his_o blessing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v true_a if_o any_o man_n can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o part_n of_o abraham_n blessing_n viz._n god_n engage_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n with_o he_o be_v a_o blessing_n the_o gentile_n be_v incapable_a of_o enjoy_v or_o that_o god_n by_o any_o express_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n have_v withhold_v that_o part_n of_o the_o blessing_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v cease_v any_o further_a claim_n to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o incapacity_n of_o believe_a gentile_n to_o enjoy_v this_o part_n of_o abraham_n blessing_n sure_o none_o can_v pretend_v it_o for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v which_o be_v not_o that_o believer_n under_o this_o present_a dispensation_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v this_o good_a that_o saint_n in_o future_a time_n will_v be_v or_o that_o their_o seed_n be_v not_o alike_o capable_a of_o that_o good_a the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o those_o time_n will_v be_v capable_a of_o yet_o none_o can_v say_v that_o either_o believer_n or_o
good_a promise_v who_o in_o time_n be_v save_o wrought_v upon_o and_o these_o in_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n account_v for_o the_o seed_n five_o that_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o immediate_o descend_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n who_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n as_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n intend_v in_o this_o first_o proposition_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v now_o apply_v myself_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o chap._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n as_o before_o explain_v evidence_v two_o way_n 1._o more_o general_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o will_v evince_v that_o all_o abraham_n immediate_a natural_a seed_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v intend_v as_o the_o immediate_a and_o next_o subject_n of_o this_o promise_n 2._o more_o particular_o by_o instance_v in_o such_o of_o his_o natural_a seed_n as_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o who_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o promise_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o his_o natural_a seed_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n intend_v and_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o intend_v by_o god_n in_o that_o promise_n that_o when_o god_n at_o his_o first_o enter_v covenant_n with_o abraham_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n intend_v his_o natural_a seed_n as_o immediate_o descend_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n as_o the_o immediate_a and_o next_o subject_n of_o that_o promise_n may_v be_v evince_v two_o way_n 1._o more_o general_o 2._o more_o particular_o 1._o more_o general_o and_o thus_o i_o shall_v only_o offer_v a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o promise_n itself_o as_o take_v according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o those_o word_n it_o be_v express_v in_o and_o it_o be_v this_o what_o god_n speak_v unto_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o those_o word_n he_o express_v himself_o in_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o necessary_a reason_n enforce_v a_o recession_n from_o that_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o his_o word_n but_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o promise_n now_o make_v to_o abraham_n his_o natural_a seed_n immediate_o descend_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o that_o universal_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o must_v be_v intend_v as_o the_o immediate_a and_o next_o subject_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n enforce_v our_o recession_n from_o that_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o his_o word_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v and_o understand_v they_o as_o intend_v his_o immediate_a natural_a seed_n as_o the_o immediate_a and_o next_o subject_n of_o that_o promise_n when_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n sure_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o promise_n be_v express_v must_v needs_o lead_v he_o to_o apply_v it_o as_o to_o himself_o so_o to_o his_o immediate_a natural_a seed_n and_o that_o universal_o it_o be_v true_a god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o doubtless_o abraham_n do_v understand_v the_o promise_n as_o reach_v and_o take_v in_o all_o those_o he_o shall_v sustain_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n unto_o but_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o why_o either_o abraham_n or_o any_o other_o since_o shall_v understand_v it_o as_o intend_v his_o remote_a or_o adopt_a seed_n to_o the_o exclude_v of_o his_o own_o natural_a seed_n as_o immediate_o descend_v from_o he_o now_o that_o what_o god_n speak_v aught_o to_o be_v interpret_v as_o before_o express_v can_v be_v doubt_v by_o any_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o possible_o can_v be_v object_v for_o the_o invalidating_a this_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o interpret_n and_o understand_v this_o promise_n as_o now_o make_v to_o abraham_n different_o from_o what_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o import_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o necessity_n shall_v be_v consider_v by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o we_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o promise_n on_o our_o side_n as_o to_o the_o interpretation_n put_v upon_o it_o the_o second_o argument_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o abraham_n apply_v of_o the_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereof_o the_o promise_n under_o consideration_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n to_o his_o immediate_a and_o natural_a seed_n and_o that_o universal_o to_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o another_o and_o that_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o the_o seal_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o i_o argue_v if_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n do_v apply_v the_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n wherein_o the_o promise_n under_o consideration_n be_v one_o special_a article_n on_o god_n part_n to_o all_o his_o immediate_a natural_a seed_n to_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o the_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o god_n in_o that_o promise_n must_v needs_o intend_v all_o his_o immediate_a natural_a seed_n as_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o assumption_n sure_o can_v once_o be_v question_v by_o any_o that_o have_v read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n yet_o exabundanti_fw-la let_v i_o touch_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n or_o clause_n of_o it_o it_o contain_v three_o branch_n 1._o that_o abraham_n do_v apply_v the_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n wherein_o this_o promise_n be_v contain_v unto_o all_o his_o immediate_a natural_a seed_n if_o that_o term_n seal_v offend_v any_o let_v they_o keep_v only_o to_o the_o other_o word_n token_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n now_o enter_v into_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v past_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v express_o call_v the_o take_v of_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.11_o you_o shall_v circumcise_v the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o flesh_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o what_o covenant_n why_o of_o that_o no_o doubt_n now_o establish_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n and_o that_o abraham_n do_v apply_v this_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o all_o his_o natural_a seed_n be_v evident_a partly_o from_o god_n command_n read_v that_o gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o partly_o from_o abraham_n practice_n mention_n be_v express_o make_v of_o his_o circumcise_n of_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n verse_n 23_o with_o gen_n 21.4_o but_o some_o will_v say_v there_o be_v be_v no_o mention_n of_o his_o circumcise_n his_o son_n by_o keturah_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v no_o more_o be_v there_o mention_v make_v of_o jacob_n circumcision_n nor_o of_o his_o twelve_o son_n circumcision_n and_o yet_o shall_v it_o be_v question_v whether_o they_o be_v circumcise_v or_o no_o the_o command_n of_o god_n engage_v it_o and_o the_o testimony_n that_o god_n give_v of_o abraham_n faithfulness_n and_o his_o circumcise_n all_o his_o male_a servant_n be_v superabundant_a evidence_n that_o he_o do_v circumcise_v they_o though_o their_o circumcision_n be_v not_o mention_v so_o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o abraham_n do_v apply_v the_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o all_o his_o seed_n immediate_o descend_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n 2._o that_o abraham_n do_v apply_v this_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o his_o seed_n under_o that_o very_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o the_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o it_o this_o be_v evident_a thus_o look_v under_o what_o notion_n god_n command_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v under_o that_o notion_n and_o consideration_n abraham_n do_v apply_v it_o that_o abraham_n do_v apply_v it_o under_o that_o notion_n as_o the_o seal_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o he_o be_v command_v be_v unquestronable_a from_o the_o forementioned_a testimony_n that_o god_n give_v of_o he_o now_o that_o god_n do_v command_v it_o to_o be_v apply_v
in_o all_o follow_a age_n shall_v be_v enter_v and_o continue_v between_o god_n and_o his_o seed_n primum_fw-la in_o unoque_fw-la que_fw-la genere_fw-la est_fw-la regula_fw-la aâ—â—â—â—â—fura_fw-la ceterorum_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la generis_fw-la god_n do_v 〈◊〉_d abraham_n set_v a_o pattern_n how_o he_o will_v deal_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o all_o his_o seed_n and_o abraham_n be_v a_o father_n of_o all_o admit_v into_o a_o covenant-relation_n with_o god_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o right_o to_o understand_v and_o know_v the_o term_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o he_o in_o reference_n to_o we_o who_o be_v his_o seed_n it_o be_v make_v with_o his_o seed_n in_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n generical_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n as_o i_o have_v say_v both_o of_o privilege_n and_o duty_n to_o his_o whole_a seed_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o in_o our_o second_o proposition_n which_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o chap._n iu._n the_o second_o subordinate_a proposition_n lay_v down_o how_o to_o be_v understand_v declare_v the_o first_o way_n of_o its_o confirmation_n viz._n the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o at_o first_o make_v to_o abraham_n propose_v and_o prosecute_v objection_n answer_v the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o same_o promise_n that_o god_n make_v unto_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o natural_a seed_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o extent_n give_v to_o and_o seiled_a upon_o believe_v gentile_n the_o promise_n run_v in_o the_o james_n tenor_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o extent_n and_o limitation_n to_o abraham_n seed_n whether_o natural_a or_o mystical_a that_o it_o run_v in_o to_o abraham_n himself_o it_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o seed_n as_o it_o be_v first_o establish_v with_o their_o father_n only_o for_o the_o prevent_a mistake_n let_v it_o be_v note_v that_o abraham_n have_v some_o preeminency_n above_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v the_o father_n shall_v have_v something_o of_o preeminency_n above_o his_o child_n abraham_n have_v a_o twofold_a preeminency_n first_o he_o have_v a_o pre-eminence_n in_o point_n of_o paternity_n or_o fatherhood_n he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a father_n of_o natural_a child_n as_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n may_v be_v but_o he_o be_v constitute_v a_o mystical_a father_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v in_o after_o age_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o himself_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n rom._n 4.11_o second_o he_o have_v a_o preeminency_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o natural_a seed_n race_n or_o posterity_n he_o have_v a_o threefold_a preeminency_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o natural_a seed_n first_o in_o their_o multiplication_n god_n never_o multiply_v the_o seed_n of_o any_o believer_n as_o he_o multiply_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n second_o in_o their_o segregation_n or_o separation_n from_o other_o people_n and_o their_o incorporation_n together_o as_o one_o nation_n body_n politic_a or_o commonwealth_n three_o in_o god_n single_v they_o out_o as_o the_o special_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o his_o covenant_n with_o the_o benefit_n privilege_n and_o blessing_n thereof_o in_o so_o general_a and_o extensive_a a_o way_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o will_v yet_o do_v his_o church_n or_o spiritual_a kingdom_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n consist_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n of_o abraham_n natural_a race_n or_o posterity_n and_o he_o will_v again_o take_v his_o natural_a posterity_n as_o the_o people_n who_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o yet_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o world_n this_o twofold_a preeminency_n we_o grant_v that_o abraham_n have_v above_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n whether_o natural_a or_o mystical_a but_o yet_o take_v abraham_n as_o a_o natural_a father_n accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o he_o and_o so_o the_o same_o promise_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o be_v give_v and_o settle_v upon_o his_o whole_a seed_n and_o consequent_o which_o only_o fall_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n be_v give_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v the_o lord_n assist_v evidence_n four_o way_n first_o from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o he_o and_o here_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o promise_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o when_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n both_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o whole_a seed_n as_o before_o explain_v in_o their_o respective_a generation_n that_o be_v to_o they_o and_o their_o respective_a child_n descend_v immediate_o from_o their_o own_o loin_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v shall_v be_v continue_v and_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o walk_n in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o actual_o appertain_v either_o to_o any_o of_o abraham_n natural_a race_n or_o posterity_n beyond_o his_o child_n immediate_o descend_v from_o he_o or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n race_n or_o posterity_n beyond_o their_o immediate_a child_n include_v with_o they_o in_o that_o phrase_n their_o generation_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o their_o remote_a relation_n unto_o they_o now_o than_o all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v for_o the_o prove_v the_o settlement_n of_o this_o promise_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n upon_o believe_a gentile_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v to_o abraham_n himself_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_v as_o now_o make_v to_o abraham_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o promise_n as_o make_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o natural_a seed_n for_o look_v as_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o refer_v to_o his_o natural_a seed_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o refer_v to_o his_o mystical_a seed_n in_o as_o much_o as_o both_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o intend_v in_o the_o promise_n as_o at_o first_o make_v unto_o abraham_n both_o his_o natural_a and_o mystical_a seed_n stand_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o capacity_n respective_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o one_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o refer_v to_o the_o other_o now_o that_o this_o promise_n as_o refer_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o limitation_n before_o express_v i_o shall_v make_v good_a by_o these_o two_o or_o three_o argument_n first_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o promise_n which_o alone_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v it_o but_o that_o sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o extent_n and_o limitation_n afore_o express_v be_v only_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v it_o therefore_o that_o sense_n and_o meaning_n must_v be_v the_o alone_a true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o answerable_o be_v so_o to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v by_o we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v and_o understand_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o meaning_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o perform_v they_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sense_n and_o meaning_n consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o that_o must_v be_v the_o alone_a true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n sure_o none_o will_v deny_v god_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a god_n a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v not_o only_o will_v not_o but_o can_v lie_v therefore_o that_o sense_n and_o meaning_n put_v upon_o his_o promise_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o perform_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o now_o that_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n put_v upon_o this_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n and_o with_o the_o limitation_n before_o express_v be_v alone_o consistent_a with_o the_o