be_v viz._n that_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n and_o how_o much_o more_o just_o that_o charge_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o practice_n we_o see_v paedo-baptist_n be_v under_o vast_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o contrary-minded_n can_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o under_v and_o have_v vast_o more_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o their_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n shall_v be_v successful_a than_o they_o have_v but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_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 as_o they_o respect_v the_o parent_n to_o who_o seed_n that_o application_n be_v to_o be_v make_v 3._o the_o reason_n respect_v the_o child_n themselves_o to_o who_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o thus_o the_o great_a reason_n be_v their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o grand_a enquiry_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o the_o rationality_n of_o this_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o secure_v to_o we_o by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n institute_v but_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o lie_v obvious_a to_o all_o serious_a considerate_a mind_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o question_n propose_v a_o brief_a introduction_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o it_o the_o first_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n receive_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o declare_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n a_o objection_n answer_v the_o good_a redound_v to_o they_o by_o that_o their_o admission_n and_o membership_n show_v in_o two_o instance_n 1._o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o have_v a_o equal_a benefit_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o all_o these_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 2._o they_o be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n 3._o question_n relate_v thereunto_o resolve_v quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v to_o the_o infant-feed_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 or_o what_o good_a do_v they_o receive_v thereby_o answ_n that_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a original_a be_v a_o signification_n and_o signal_n expression_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o aim_v at_o and_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o they_o have_v be_v intimate_v already_o and_o may_v be_v alike_o infallible_o conclude_v from_o the_o goodness_n as_o their_o rationality_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o institutor_n as_o for_o that_o special_a ordinance_n under_o our_o present_a consideration_n the_o apostle_n answer_v to_o much_o the_o same_o question_n put_v with_o respect_n to_o circumcision_n be_v applicable_a to_o and_o may_v be_v give_v as_o a_o more_o general_a solution_n of_o the_o question_n now_o put_v respective_a to_o both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n as_o apply_v to_o infant_n the_o advantage_n they_o have_v thereby_o be_v much_o and_o that_o every_o way_n what_o that_o good_a and_o advantage_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o in_o general_a or_o as_o to_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v threefold_a 1._o first_o they_o thereby_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o and_o incorporate_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n and_o thereupon_o become_v to_o use_v the_o aposlte_n phrase_n fellow-citizen_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n that_o baptism_n now_o be_v as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v a_o solemn_a right_n for_o the_o initiation_n and_o admission_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v rightful_a subject_n of_o it_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v agree_v on_o on_o all_o hand_n which_o that_o the_o infant_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o be_v now_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v this_o good_a and_o benefit_n by_o it_o will_v receive_v a_o ready_a acknowledgement_n from_o all_o and_o indeed_o that_o to_o have_v a_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a or_o advantage_n unto_o man_n can_v be_v rational_o question_v by_o any_o though_o wherein_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n do_v consist_v be_v not_o obvious_a unto_o all_o and_o therefore_o must_v now_o be_v more_o thorough_o search_v into_o and_o declare_v but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o one_o objection_n must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n which_o seem_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o strong_o to_o oppose_v infant_n enjoyment_n of_o that_o privilege_n and_o consequent_o their_o right_n to_o that_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a admission_n of_o man_n into_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o object_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o infant_n as_o such_o can_v rightful_o be_v admit_v into_o or_o incorporate_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v of_o his_o household_n and_o family_n as_o visible_a and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n body_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v presuppose_v membership_n in_o his_o invisible_a body_n see_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o visible_o to_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o real_a member_n of_o his_o invisible_a body_n that_o distinction_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a not_o be_v distinctio_fw-la rei_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la nominis_fw-la only_o a_o distinction_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n à _fw-la duplici_fw-la modo_fw-la unionis_fw-la &_o communionis_fw-la cum_fw-la christo_fw-la capite_fw-la still_a interno_fw-la &_o externo_fw-la so_o that_o the_o church_n by_o these_o term_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v only_o distinguish_v of_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o certain_a adjunct_n viz._n the_o manner_n or_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n that_o the_o several_a member_n it_o be_v constitute_v of_o have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n viz._n internal_a and_o real_a or_o only_o external_a or_o appear_v hence_o all_o that_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v real_a internal_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n now_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o infant_n as_o such_o seem_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o or_o suppose_v they_o simple_o or_o absolute_o capable_a yet_o whether_o any_o actual_o have_v especial_o which_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a have_v such_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o chest_n be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v visible_o to_o appear_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o must_v do_v in_o case_n they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o membership_n in_o his_o visible_a body_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o will_v say_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o resolve_v some_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v with_o reference_n to_o person_n right_a to_o or_o enjoyment_n of_o gospel-priviledge_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v please_v for_o the_o overthrow_v or_o disannul_v their_o right_n to_o they_o when_o god_n have_v evident_o declare_v they_o in_o his_o word_n to_o have_v such_o a_o right_a to_o or_o to_o have_v have_v by_o his_o own_o approbation_n the_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o god_n may_v have_v plain_o reveal_v their_o right_n and_o yet_o more_o dark_o reveal_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o that_o their_o right_n instance_n will_v not_o be_v want_v will_v i_o insist_v upon_o they_o of_o gospel-priviledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n evident_o declare_v person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v to_o have_v a_o real_a right_n to_o and_o to_o have_v the_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o no_o easy_a resolution_n may_v be_v raise_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o right_n to_o they_o and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o come_n
and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n to_o yield_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o attribute_n by_o suitable_a acknowledgement_n admiration_n and_o adoration_n according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n he_o make_v of_o they_o oh_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o new_a song_n for_o he_o have_v do_v marvellous_a thing_n his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o holy_a arm_n have_v get_v he_o the_o victory_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n his_o righteousness_n have_v he_o open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o psalmist_n psalm_n 98._o 1_o 2._o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v that_o which_o alone_o concern_v our_o present_a purpose_n be_v the_o psalmist_n exciting_a man_n to_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n unto_o the_o lord_n upon_o this_o ground_n or_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n and_o open_o show_v his_o righteousness_n in_o the_o sight_n or_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heathen_a by_o make_v know_v his_o salvation_n he_o have_v open_o show_v his_o righteousness_n the_o more_o visible_a god_n make_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n unto_o man_n be_v the_o way_n or_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o do_v it_o what_o they_o will_v he_o more_o be_v he_o to_o be_v praise_v admire_a and_o adore_v by_o they_o so_o rev._n 15.3_o 4._o when_o god_n have_v execute_v judgement_n upon_o babylon_n the_o bless_a assembly_n of_o victor_n over_o the_o beast_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o song_n of_o the_o lamb_n part_n of_o which_o be_v who_o shall_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o lord_n and_o glorify_v thy_o name_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v sure_o every_o one_o will_v do_v it_o or_o oh_o how_o great_a be_v the_o stupidity_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n permoventur_fw-la accusant_fw-la mundi_fw-la stuporem_fw-la quod_fw-la consideratione_n mirabilium_fw-la dei_fw-la operum_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la timendum_fw-la &_o glorificandum_fw-la non_fw-la permoventur_fw-la why_o shall_v man_n fear_v god_n and_o glorify_v his_o name_n now_o rather_o or_o more_o than_o former_o they_o give_v the_o reason_n thy_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o thy_o justice_n holiness_n and_o power_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o be_v manifest_a the_o more_o visible_a god_n make_v his_o attribute_n the_o more_o he_o be_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o man_n and_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a be_v their_o stupidity_n in_o case_n of_o failure_n therein_o now_o i_o say_v by_o the_o solemnisation_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o extend_v to_o and_o enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o the_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v make_v more_o manifest_a or_o be_v open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n or_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o have_v a_o peculliar_a subserviency_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o let_v it_o be_v far_o observe_v that_o as_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o and_o enter_v it_o with_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n be_v a_o expression_n of_o great_a goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n than_o the_o enter_v it_o with_o the_o parent_n alone_o will_v have_v be_v so_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o that_o his_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o infant_n for_o the_o illustration_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n and_o freeness_n es_fw-mi his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n beyond_o what_o there_o be_v in_o his_o enter_v it_o with_o parent_n or_o any_o adult_n person_n whatsoever_o but_o of_o that_o more_o hereafter_o 2._o hereby_o the_o sovereign_a headship_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v public_o own_a and_o practical_o acknowledge_v by_o parent_n who_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o reveal_v will_v have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o solemn_a and_o visible_a dedication_n of_o they_o unto_o he_o and_o enter_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o end_n christ_n both_o die_v and_z rise_v and_o revive_v that_o he_o may_v be_v lord_n both_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o live_a rom._n 4.9_o as_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o a_o universal_a headship_n over_o all_o creature_n so_o he_o have_v acquire_v the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n now_o as_o the_o adult_n by_o receive_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o dedicate_a themselves_o thereby_o unto_o christ_n as_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n do_v public_o own_v and_o practical_o acknowledge_v his_o headship_n over_o themselves_o so_o by_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v unto_o they_o and_o dedicate_a they_o unto_o christ_n thereby_o and_o enter_v they_o as_o joint_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o alike_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o headship_n over_o they_o and_o consequent_o open_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o universal_a headship_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v only_o a_o absolute_a power_n over_o and_o right_a to_o dedicate_v themselves_o and_o they_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o or_o of_o they_o unto_o christ_n and_o unto_o god_n in_o he_o and_o hence_o they_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o that_o power_n and_o right_n that_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o his_o word_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o headship_n of_o christ_n over_o all_o now_o thus_o public_o to_o own_o and_o practical_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o sovereign_n and_o universal_a headship_n of_o christ_n great_o redound_v not_o only_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n god_n have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n phil._n 2.9_o 11._o and_o let_v i_o say_v have_v our_o lord_n christ_n deserve_v so_o ill_o at_o their_o hand_n who_o he_o have_v redeem_v with_o no_o less_o price_n than_o his_o own_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o shall_v grudge_n he_o his_o universal_a headship_n or_o shall_v refuse_v to_o dedicate_v they_o up_o to_o he_o and_o enter_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n and_o right_v so_o to_o do_v 2._o by_o a_o solemn_a dedicate_a of_o their_o infant_n unto_o christ_n and_o enter_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o a_o right_n or_o ceremony_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n they_o do_v visible_o own_v and_o practical_o acknowledge_v his_o headship_n over_o his_o own_o house_n or_o kingdom_n as_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n thereof_o which_o again_o great_o redound_v as_o to_o his_o so_o to_o his_o father_n glory_n the_o apostle_n enforce_v his_o exhortation_n to_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a by_o this_o argument_n that_o they_o viz._n the_o poor_a will_v glorify_v god_n for_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o a_o practical_a profession_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n redound_v more_o to_o his_o and_o his_o father_n glory_n then_o a_o mere_a verbal_a profession_n do_v a_o verbal_a profession_n may_v be_v without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o practice_n evidence_v a_o real_a belief_n of_o what_o be_v profess_v in_o word_n and_o as_o by_o realize_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o headship_n over_o his_o church_n we_o do_v ourselves_o more_o immediate_o honour_n and_o glorify_v christ_n so_o other_o will_v be_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o glorify_v god_n for_o that_o our_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o gospel_n and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o as_o in_o practice_n to_o submit_v to_o any_o command_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o a_o own_n and_o acknowledge_v of_o his_o headship_n and_o sovereignty_n so_o by_o how_o much_o the_o mote_n pure_o such_o a_o command_n or_o ordinance_n proceed_v from_o his_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o full_a and_o apparent_a be_v our_o own_n and_o acknowledge_v of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n hence_o in_o as_o much_o as_o positive_a command_n and_o such_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v more_o especial_o proceed_v from_o the_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n we_o by_o our_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o they_o do_v eminent_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n on_o which_o account_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o unworthy_a our_o observation_n that_o all_o
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 many_o observe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covernant_a respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v considerable_a two_o way_n 1._o the_o promise_v respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v make_v to_o parent_n with_o reference_n to_o and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o seed_n 2._o they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o seed_n themselves_o as_o descend_v from_o such_o parent_n 1._o the_o promise_v respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v first_o and_o primary_o make_v to_o their_o parent_n and_o be_v particular_a branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n establesh_v with_o they_o the_o covenant_n confist_n in_o more_o promise_n than_o one_o or_o be_v comprehenfive_v of_o several_a distinct_a promise_n some_o of_o which_o only_o concern_v believer_n themselves_o or_o contain_v some_o good_a to_o be_v enjoy_v only_o by_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n other_o respect_v they_o though_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o
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