so_o that_o the_o communication_n that_o god_n by_o this_o promise_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o make_v of_o himself_o to_o his_o people_n and_o these_o act_n for_o their_o good_a benefic_n and_o advantage_n that_o he_o by_o the_o same_o promise_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o be_v limit_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o his_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o communicate_v his_o deity_n to_o they_o as_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o father_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o the_o spirit_n the_o infinity_n of_o the_o deity_n render_v it_o incommunicable_a to_o any_o be_v extrase_n without_o itself_o but_o for_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o people_n they_o receive_v no_o limitation_n from_o his_o perfection_n as_o absolute_o consider_v in_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v all_o infinite_a in_o themselves_o and_o shall_v he_o act_v ad_fw-la ultimum_fw-la virium_fw-la no_o other_o bound_n or_o limit_n be_v assignable_a to_o they_o by_o the_o creature_n than_o their_o non_fw-la deification_n and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o communication_n of_o god_n to_o and_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o people_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o covenanant_n he_o have_v make_v with_o they_o and_o that_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a he_o will_v communicate_v to_o or_o do_v for_o they_o and_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v that_o good_a to_o and_o do_v it_o for_o they_o hence_o no_o more_o good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o god_n than_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o some_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v either_o indefinite_o with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o general_a or_o definite_o with_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o full_a good_a contain_v in_o some_o promise_n especial_o those_o relate_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o while_o in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v admire_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 2_o thess_n 1.10_o the_o good_a they_o then_o receive_v from_o he_o exceed_v their_o present_a expectation_n but_o yet_o whatever_o good_a they_o do_v or_o then_o shall_v receive_v be_v contain_v in_o some_o promise_n the_o covenant_n be_v norma_fw-la judicii_fw-la both_o in_o respect_n of_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o 2._o as_o the_o communication_n god_n make_v of_o himself_o to_o and_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o people_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a communicate_v to_o and_o do_v for_o they_o so_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o do_v and_o will_v communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o act_n for_o their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o definite_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n be_v conditional_a or_o do_v require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n on_o man_n part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v be_v to_o i_o past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n and_o general_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o prove_v it_o but_o though_o god_n in_o some_o case_n may_v and_o sometime_o do_v give_v the_o good_a of_o some_o promise_n where_o man_n either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fail_v in_o perform_v the_o conditious_a prefix_v to_o they_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v either_o by_o this_o grand_a promise_n nor_o any_o other_o so_o to_o do_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a sundamental_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n suture_a glory_n etc._n etc._n he_o never_o give_v they_o but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o real_a and_o true_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n on_o man_n part_n hence_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o no_o particular_a person_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n have_v ana_n actual_a interest_n in_o this_o promise_n but_o such_o as_o either_o for_o or_o by_o who_o the_o fundamental_a condition_n require_v to_o a_o covenant-state_n be_v perform_v so_o this_o promise_v not_o specify_v any_o particular_a good_a it_o do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o of_o itself_o confer_v or_o give_v a_o immediate_a right_n to_o any_o good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o it_o only_a constitute_v a_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o thereby_o give_v they_o a_o mutual_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o each_o other_o and_o then_o oblige_v god_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o and_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o or_o interest_v in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n or_o the_o various_a promise_n contain_v therein_o so_o that_o though_o this_o promise_n do_v virtual_o include_v and_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a good_a of_o the_o covenant_n whether_o consist_v in_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a blessing_n yet_o do_v not_o mere_o or_o absolute_o of_o itself_o confer_v or_o ensure_v the_o good_a of_o any_o one_o promise_v appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n upon_o or_o to_o any_o individual_a or_o particular_a person_n whatsoever_o it_o secure_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o the_o several_a and_o various_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o for_o or_o by_o who_o the_o condition_n or_o duty_n require_v therein_o be_v perform_v but_o do_v not_o absolute_o confer_v or_o ensure_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o any_o one_o promise_n and_o hence_o with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant-state_n of_o the_o imfant-seed_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o indispensible_o require_v any_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n either_o for_o the_o dispose_n they_o to_o act_v or_o facilitate_v their_o act_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o become_v capable_a to_o do_v it_o or_o for_o the_o renovation_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o effect_v grace_n in_o they_o no_o such_o operation_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o have_v or_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o covenant-state_n see_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n be_v without_o they_o and_o be_v their_o parent_n faith_n no_o such_o operation_n be_v include_v in_o or_o assure_v by_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o nor_o as_o i_o conceive_v in_o that_o other_o concern_v their_o future_a salvation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a regeneration_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o admission_n into_o and_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o heaven_n yet_o that_o may_v be_v wrought_v in_o transitu_fw-la as_o the_o relic_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n be_v purge_v away_o in_o believer_n or_o at_o any_o time_n antecede_v when_o god_n see_v meet_v but_o of_o this_o more_o by_o and_o by_o and_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_a believer_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o either_o immediate_o confer_v or_o for_o the_o future_a absolute_o ensure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o various_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o only_o lay_v such_o a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n as_o be_v afore_o express_v i_o shall_v first_o prove_v by_o one_o more_o general_a argument_n and_o then_o clear_v it_o up_o in_o some_o particular_a instance_n arg._n whatever_o good_a be_v either_o confer_v or_o grant_v for_o the_o present_a or_o insure_v for_o the_o future_a by_o any_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o must_v be_v express_o hold_v forth_o or_o necessary_o employ_v in_o the_o term_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v or_o else_o must_v in_o some_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o it_o but_o in_o this_o promise_n no_o particular_a good_a etc._n etc._n for_o the_o major_a proposition_n the_o enumeration_n be_v full_a and_o sufficient_a that_o can_v be_v gainsay_v for_o the_o minor_a the_o truth_n of_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o it_o first_o that_o no_o particular_a good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v express_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o term_n of_o this_o promise_n itself_o be_v obvious_a unto_o all_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o any_o neither_o specify_v nor_o particular_o express_v any_o particular_a good_a he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o or_o bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o more_o general_a assurance_n of_o some_o good_a
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
christ_n what_o ground_n of_o hope_n have_v they_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o they_o and_o grant_v they_o his_o spirit_n for_o their_o renovation_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o discouragement_n to_o adult_v sinner_n to_o come_v unto_o christ_n that_o they_o lie_v under_o so_o much_o guilt_n as_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o be_v they_o assure_v their_o guilt_n be_v remove_v that_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o enemy_n what_o encouragement_n and_o what_o hope_n will_v they_o have_v that_o god_n may_v give_v they_o his_o spirit_n for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n now_o that_o discouragement_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n find_v themselves_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n how_o can_v they_o then_o rational_o entertain_v any_o jealousy_n about_o his_o readiness_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o that_o state_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o mutual_a love_n and_o friendship_n that_o have_v be_v between_o god_n and_o theri_fw-la parent_n as_o a_o further_a encouragement_n to_o they_o the_o special_a love_n and_o favour_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o their_o parent_n be_v a_o choice_n encouragement_n to_o child_n that_o accept_v of_o 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 they_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v but_o ready_o accept_v by_o he_o as_o god_n have_v grant_v and_o actual_o vouchsafe_v many_o choice_a mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o child_n for_o their_o parent_n sake_n so_o child_n have_v improve_v the_o consideration_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o such_o parent_n as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o their_o seek_n unto_o god_n for_o mercy_n thus_o though_o ishmael_n by_o his_o persecute_v of_o isaac_n have_v forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v cast_v out_o both_o of_o abraham_n family_n and_o the_o covenant_n yet_o god_n promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o nation_n because_o he_o be_v abraham_n seed_n gen._n 21.13_o so_o we_o find_v god_n for_o the_o sake_n both_o of_o abraham_n and_o david_n show_v mercy_n to_o their_o respective_a posterity_n though_o guilty_a of_o great_a provocation_n against_o he_o psalm_n 105.42_o isa_n 37.35_o hence_o be_v such_o petition_n in_o scritpture_n oh_o turn_v unto_o i_o and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o give_v thy_o strength_n to_o they_o servant_n and_o save_v the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n psal_n 86.16_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o servant_n so_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o delcent_n from_o she_o that_o be_v his_o handmaid_n be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o he_o and_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o petition_v for_o mercy_n for_o child_n to_o consider_v their_o relation_n to_o such_o parent_n between_o god_n and_o who_o there_o have_v be_v or_o be_v a_o mutual_a special_a love_n and_o friendship_n be_v a_o singular_a encouragement_n to_o they_o in_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n for_o the_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o the_o love_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o believe_a parent_n be_v a_o very_a great_a engagement_n to_o he_o to_o a_o ready_a do_v good_a to_o their_o child_n 3._o there_o be_v all_o that_o god_n have_v already_o do_v for_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n signal_o expressive_a and_o significative_a of_o his_o special_a good_a will_n towards_o they_o as_o a_o further_a encouragement_n to_o they_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o thereby_o free_v they_o from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o himself_o and_o a_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n and_o thereby_o secure_v their_o salvation_n in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o infancy_n be_v glorious_a signification_n of_o his_o special_a good_a will_n unto_o they_o and_o willingness_n that_o they_o in_o particular_a shall_v be_v save_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v improve_v as_o choice_a encouragement_n to_o they_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o suspect_v god_n readiness_n to_o receive_v they_o and_o proceed_v on_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o see_v he_o have_v secure_v their_o salvation_n by_o his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n while_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v sure_a he_o will_v not_o reject_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o continue_v his_o grace_n to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o future_a salvation_n when_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o paul_n strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o to_o god_n deliver_v he_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o preserve_v he_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o in_o deliver_v he_o from_o that_o great_a tyrant_n nero_n 2_o tim._n 4.16_o 17_o 18._o and_o sure_o much_o more_o may_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n encourage_v themselves_o and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o to_o god_n acceptation_n of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o grace_n and_o glory_n themselves_o be_v now_o willing_a to_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v for_o they_o 4._o they_o may_v if_o not_o positive_o assure_v themselves_o yet_o comfortable_o hope_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o actual_o under_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o give_v they_o future_a salvation_n and_o how_o great_a a_o encouragement_n must_v that_o needs_o be_v to_o they_o they_o have_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n unless_o they_o by_o their_o wilful_a rejection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n forseit_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o they_o obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v though_o hitherto_o they_o have_v be_v actual_o under_o the_o promise_n and_o consequent_o may_v have_v encourage_v themselves_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n but_o now_o they_o can_v no_o long_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_n but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o their_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o let_v this_o be_v consider_v that_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n speak_v more_o determinate_o express_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o the_o language_n of_o god_n to_o each_o one_o of_o they_o be_v this_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n only_o do_v not_o now_o reject_v my_o covenant_n and_o the_o relation_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v continue_v to_o other_o he_o speak_v more_o general_o and_o indefinite_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a these_o general_a and_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o invitation_n be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o all_o to_o come_v unto_o and_o close_o in_o with_o christ_n and_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o he_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n yet_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n poor_a awaken_v sinner_n be_v hardly_o persuade_v that_o themselves_o be_v in_o particular_a intend_v in_o those_o more_o general_a and_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o call_v be_v they_o assure_v themselves_o be_v intend_v it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v the_o more_o we_o can_v appropriate_v any_o promise_n to_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a the_o great_a efficacy_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o our_o encouragement_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o the_o jailor_n when_o the_o apostle_n shall_v speak_v particular_o to_o he_o and_o assure_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v believe_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o all_o his_o house_n now_o god_n speak_v particular_o and_o determinate_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o not_o only_o offer_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o but_o assure_v they_o he_o be_v so_o already_o only_o require_v their_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o salvation_n they_o be_v as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n the_o heir_n of_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o they_o may_v have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant-state_n and_o relation_n already_o by_o their_o not_o
those_o mean_n by_o and_o through_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n peace_n which_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o future_a salvation_n now_o child_n when_o they_o be_v instruct_v about_o this_o way_n and_o these_o mean_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o baptism_n and_o see_v how_o both_o be_v represent_v and_o illustrate_v thereby_o and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o they_o may_v come_v to_o more_o clear_a notion_n and_o conception_n of_o and_o about_o they_o instruction_n by_o sign_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n indeed_o the_o sacrament_n be_v ordain_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o christian_n in_o general_n but_o 2._o which_o follow_v upon_o this_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o baptism_n they_o will_v be_v keep_v under_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o for_o their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continue_v of_o their_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o future_a salvation_n and_o a_o threefold_a advantage_n will_v arise_v herefrom_o 1._o they_o will_v be_v put_v upon_o serious_a inquiry_n how_o it_o be_v with_o themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o apply_v or_o no_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o wash_v by_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o no_o 2._o how_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o be_v quicken_v up_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o prformance_n of_o those_o duty_n they_o be_v direct_v to_o subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o 3._o they_o will_v be_v keep_v from_o any_o attempt_n to_o establish_v a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o from_o presumptuous_a confide_n in_o christ_n without_o a_o real_a work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n baptism_n preach_v to_o all_o the_o way_n of_o pardon_n peace_n with_o god_n and_o future_a salvation_n to_o be_v by_o wash_v by_o wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n by_o sanctification_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o use_n and_o improvement_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v make_v of_o their_o baptism_n but_o 3._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v their_o baptism_n to_o engage_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o closure_n in_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n conduce_v to_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o as_o this_o be_v a_o special_a end_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v the_o applicatio_fw-la of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n so_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o make_v that_o improvement_n of_o it_o and_o answerable_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o close_v in_o with_o 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 arise_v from_o the_o appliscation_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v and_o parent_n ought_v diligent_o to_o inform_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o they_o which_o will_v they_o do_v and_o back_o those_o instruction_n with_o a_o due_a use_n of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a mean_n to_o render_v they_o effectual_a it_o may_v be_v rational_o expect_v they_o will_v have_v no_o little_a weight_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o bring_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o that_o they_o have_v such_o obligation_n upon_o they_o whereby_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o early_o seek_v after_o god_n and_o inquire_v after_o his_o way_n 4._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v their_o baptism_n for_o the_o help_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o for_o their_o encouragement_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o also_o to_o seek_v unto_o god_n for_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o so_o to_o do_v what_o a_o help_v it_o may_v be_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o what_o a_o encouragement_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v thereby_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o i_o must_v still_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o parent_n to_o instruct_v they_o therein_o and_o shall_v hasten_v only_o before_o i_o put_v a_o close_a to_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v upon_o one_o question_n which_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v somewhat_o unto_o seem_v necessary_a and_o that_o be_v how_o long_o the_o covenant-state_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o consequent_o their_o right_n to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n when_o do_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n become_v incumbent_a upon_o themselves_o so_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o failure_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n be_v for_o feit_v answ_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v this_o be_v a_o question_n of_o no_o easy_a resolution_n neither_o be_v it_o meet_v upon_o several_a account_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v perfect_o determine_v the_o exact_a resolution_n of_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o that_o day_n when_o all_o secret_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v far_o into_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o offer_v some_o more_o general_a thing_n to_o consideration_n which_o may_v sufficient_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v such_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o either_o parent_n or_o child_n be_v subject_a to_o concern_v their_o have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant-state_n as_o may_v obstruct_v their_o respective_a due_a improvement_n of_o it_o for_o the_o several_a use_n and_o end_v aforemention_v 1._o let_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v consider_v the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o investigable_a and_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o humane_a understanding_n hence_o be_v such_o passage_n oh_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n psal_n 31._o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o grace_n psal_n 36._o so_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v past_a knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o this_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v at_o least_o comfortable_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v very_o straight_o or_o rigid_a if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o consequent_o have_v not_o him_v their_o stand_n under_o the_o covenant_n upon_o their_o parent_n account_v to_o the_o very_a first_o instant_n of_o their_o capability_n of_o any_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n or_o use_v of_o reason_n we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v he_o bathe_v allow_v they_o some_o time_n to_o attain_v to_o some_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o to_o use_v their_o reason_n in_o close_v in_o with_o or_o reject_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o hence_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v exceed_v useful_a for_o parent_n to_o acquaint_v their_o child_n betimes_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o if_o you_o will_v which_o be_v all_o one_o though_o that_o expression_n have_v be_v most_o unreasonable_o quarrel_v at_o by_o some_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o useful_a to_o child_n to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o and_o instruct_v in_o and_o about_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v put_v and_o here_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o reference_n to_o thing_n more_o dark_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o express_o reveal_v just_a when_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n become_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o child_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n but_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o god_n in_o he_o as_o how_o unsearchable_a rich_a in_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n he_o be_v may_v much_o relieve_v both_o parent_n and_o child_n under_o those_o doubt_n and_o fear_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o about_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n they_o may_v conclude_v certain_o god_n have_v not_o be_v so_o rigid_a upon_o they_o as_o to_o limit_v their_o stand_n in_o it_o to_o so_o short_a a_o