abraham_n mystical_a or_o spiritual_a seed_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o notion_n under_o which_o believer_n still_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v the_o promise_n appertain_v unto_o they_o now_o when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n have_v the_o promise_v continue_v to_o they_o in_o this_o extent_n and_o latitude_n viz._n as_o reach_v to_o and_o take_v in_o their_o child_n with_o they_o and_o this_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o very_a notion_n as_o abraham_n mystical_a or_o spiritual_a seed_n who_o can_v entertain_v the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o second_o testament_n see_v both_o those_o under_o the_o first_o testament_n and_o these_o under_o the_o second_o testament_n be_v alike_o include_v in_o and_o speak_v to_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o that_o as_o look_v upon_o in_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o selfsame_a notion_n and_o consideration_n these_o thing_n carry_v so_o much_o evidence_n that_o be_v they_o well_o consider_v it_o may_v seem_v even_o impossible_a but_o that_o this_o controversy_n among_o all_o person_n that_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o period_n put_v unto_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v utter_o superfluous_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v more_o contract_v in_o what_o remain_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n be_v evident_a ii_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old-testament_n refer_v to_o new-testament_n time_n they_o evident_o show_v that_o god_n intend_v this_o promise_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o abraham_n seed_n that_o be_v believer_n under_o the_o new-testament_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n at_o first_o viz._n as_o take_v in_o parent_n and_o their_o child_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_o prophesy_v of_o and_o promise_v to_o some_o as_o in_o particular_a the_o jew_n that_o under_o the_o new-testament_n they_o shall_v enjoy_v this_o promise_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n that_o be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n with_o they_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n be_v obvious_a to_o all_o that_o will_v but_o consult_v these_o scripture_n isa_n 44.3_o &_o 59.21_o &_o 65.23_o jerem._n 31.1_o ezek._n 47.21_o 22._o who_o that_o read_v these_o scripture_n especial_o as_o expound_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o rom._n 11.26_o by_o that_o universal_a phrase_n all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v can_v doubt_v whether_o the_o jew_n at_o their_o future_a call_n and_o conversion_n shall_v enjoy_v this_o promise_n in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n before_o mention_v sure_o all_o man_n must_v unavoidable_o grant_v that_o they_o shall_v neither_o do_v i_o know_v that_o any_o have_v express_o deny_v it_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n that_o believer_n be_v now_o under_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v another_o covenant_n distinct_a from_o that_o at_o present_a make_v with_o believer_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o compare_v jer._n 31.31_o with_o heb._n 8.8_o now_o the_o covenant_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v indifferent_o apply_v unto_o all_o under_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o believe_a gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o their_o call_n and_o conversion_n i_o mean_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v indifferent_o both_o to_o believe_v gentile_n and_o to_o the_o jew_n when_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o be_v not_o either_o by_o the_o nature_n or_o kind_n of_o it_o nor_o by_o any_o revelation_n from_o god_n restrain_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o good_a of_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v such_o promise_n though_o first_o and_o direct_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o believe_v gentile_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o apostle_n application_n of_o promise_n to_o believe_a gentile_n which_o be_v first_o and_o immediate_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n compare_v jerem._n 31.31_o with_o heb._n 8.8_o 9_o 10._o amos_n 9.12_o with_o act_n 15.16_o these_o promise_v primary_o and_o principal_o respect_v the_o jew_n at_o their_o future_a conversion_n yet_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o the_o gospel-chuch_n under_o this_o present_a administration_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v those_o other_o promise_v concern_v god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offspring_n of_o his_o people_n his_o be_v a_o god_n of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o like_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o believe_a gentile_n though_o they_o have_v a_o most_o direct_a respect_n to_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o continue_v and_o answerable_o have_v continue_v this_o promise_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n to_o believe_v gentile_n the_o promise_n be_v still_o to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n that_o be_v their_o natural_a child_n as_o it_o be_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a child_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o subordinate_a proposition_n further_o confirm_v and_o that_o both_o from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 3.14_o and_o from_o several_a new-testament-scripture_n as_o lay_v together_o and_o compare_v one_o with_o another_o three_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o two_o inference_n draw_v from_o those_o conclusion_n three_o objection_n answer_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v settle_v upon_o and_o confirm_v to_o believe_a gentile_n in_o that_o extent_n and_o latitude_n mention_v be_v evident_a iii_o from_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o new-testament_n thus_o in_o gal._n 3.13_o 14._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n himself_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o this_o scripture_n that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n through_o christ_n hence_o the_o only_a question_n be_v what_o this_o blessing_n be_v now_o this_o the_o apostle_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n that_o be_v they_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o same_o blessing_n that_o he_o be_v bless_v with_o now_o this_o be_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v bless_v with_o viz._n that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v as_o before_z prove_v his_o natural_a seed_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v other_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o abraham_n but_o that_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v this_o very_a blessing_n the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o and_o do_v intend_v be_v undeniable_a for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n express_v himself_o in_o a_o indifferent_a or_o universal_a term_n the_o blessing_n and_o consequent_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v exclude_v whatever_o other_o blessing_n be_v include_v 2._o because_o all_o other_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o abraham_n be_v such_o as_o each_o believe_a gentile_n be_v uncapable_a of_o enjoy_v as_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o have_v the_o messiah_n descend_v from_o their_o loin_n these_o and_o the_o like_a blessing_n be_v not_o compatible_a to_o every_o particular_a believer_n so_o that_o no_o other_o blessing_n that_o abraham_n be_v bless_v with_o can_v be_v intend_v 3._o especial_o because_o the_o apostle_n must_v necessary_o have_v respect_n to_o this_o very_a promise_n and_o therefore_o the_o blessing_n contain_v in_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o blessing_n say_v by_o he_o to_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n through_o christ_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 16_o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n where_o the_o apostle_n cite_v this_o very_a promise_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v affirm_v this_o 14_o verse_n concern_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n its_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n now_o unless_o he_o have_v intend_v the_o blessing_n intend_v in_o that_o promise_n his_o citation_n of_o it_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o affirm_v in_o this_o 14_o verse_n have_v be_v impertinent_a and_o beside_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o verse_n 29._o that_o if_o
careful_o observe_v that_o in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v disannul_v at_o any_o time_n before_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n yea_o or_o by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v come_v and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v disannul_v at_o any_o time_n since_o or_o by_o any_o other_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v affirm_v it_o have_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n design_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v disannul_v before_o christ_n come_v or_o by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v come_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n as_o believe_v in_o as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v from_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n any_o more_o than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v disannul_v by_o the_o law_n so_o that_o undoubted_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o very_a covenant_n under_o which_o believer_n still_o be_v 2._o let_v be_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o very_a promise_n contain_v in_o this_o covenant_n that_o believer_n be_v heir_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n thus_o vers_fw-la 29._o so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n but_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o through_o this_o very_a promise_n and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o abraham_n seed_n which_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n when_o believer_n be_v under_o this_o very_a promise_n or_o heir_n to_o the_o good_a or_o blessing_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abraham_n seed_n who_o can_v doubt_v whether_o the_o covenant_n the_o grand_a promise_n of_o which_o they_o be_v under_o and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v become_v abraham_n seed_n be_v that_o covenant_n that_o they_o be_v now_o under_o so_o that_o that_o covenant_n establish_v with_o abraham_n be_v the_o very_a same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o believer_n be_v now_o under_o be_v too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o be_v but_o endue_v with_o human_a modesty_n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v yet_o say_v the_o scripture_n seem_v evident_o to_o distinguish_v between_o that_o covenant_n the_o jew_n be_v under_o during_o the_o old-testament-administration_n and_o that_o believer_n be_v under_o since_o the_o gospel-administration_n call_v the_o one_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o other_o the_o new_a the_o answer_n be_v at_o hand_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o a_o covenant_n that_o believer_n now_o be_v not_o under_o but_o that_o be_v not_o that_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n but_o the_o covenant_n make_v at_o mount_n sinai_n hence_o the_o covenant_n the_o new-testament_n call_v the_o old_a covenant_n be_v that_o make_v at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o not_o this_o make_v with_o abraham_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a gal._n 4._o latter_a end_n heb._n 8.8_o so_o that_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o rational_a doubt_n it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o very_a covenant_n that_o believer_n be_v now_o under_o that_o be_v establish_v with_o abraham_n the_o establishment_n of_o which_o be_v record_v gen._n 17.7_o and_o here_o we_o may_v further_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o plead_v for_o namely_o that_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v continue_v to_o believer_n under_o the_o new-testament_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n viz._n as_o include_v their_o infant-seed_n with_o they_o in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o make_v to_o abraham_n for_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o tenor_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o make_v unless_o god_n himself_o and_o make_v any_o alteration_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o this_o respect_n he_o have_v not_o do_v these_o thing_n appear_v with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v to_o admiration_n how_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o any_o contradiction_n from_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n object_n 3._o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v yet_o further_o say_v that_o suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o covenant_n then_o establish_v with_o abraham_n be_v not_o only_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o which_o believer_n always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v you_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first-testament_n may_v be_v only_o under_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o it_o and_o not_o take_v in_o as_o party_n in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o hereupon_o that_o administration_n cease_v they_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o administration_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o answer_n it_o be_v true_a some_o seem_v to_o think_v so_o but_o their_o discourse_n be_v clothe_v with_o such_o confusion_n and_o obscurity_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v out_o what_o they_o mean_v but_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v take_v in_o as_o joint-party_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v superabundant_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o most_o essential_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v sure_o be_v under_o or_o in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o now_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o infant_n of_o govenant-parent_n be_v from_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o essential_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n yea_o a_o promise_n that_o virtual_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a good_a contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n so_o that_o undoubted_o they_o be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o external_a administration_n but_o in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o possible_o some_o will_n yet_o say_v grant_v they_o to_o have_v be_v under_o this_o promise_n and_o answerable_o in_o covenant_n yet_o may_v not_o this_o promise_n at_o least_o as_o appertain_v to_o infant_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v to_o that_o i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n that_o undoubted_o appertain_v to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v that_o which_o as_o i_o have_v say_v virtual_o include_v the_o whole_a good_a of_o the_o covenant_n and_o how_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a will_v it_o be_v to_o take_v the_o promise_n as_o make_v to_o parent_n as_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o covenant_n when_o yet_o as_o make_v to_o their_o infant_n as_o only_o a_o appendix_n to_o it_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v but_o one_o promise_n consist_v of_o two_o branch_n make_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n give_v the_o least_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o imagination_n now_o these_o objection_n be_v answer_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o three_o proposition_n only_o as_o previous_a thereto_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o only_o prove_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o special_a in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o it_o concern_v god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v prove_v before_o their_o right_n to_o baptism_n be_v prove_v see_v their_o right_n to_o baptism_n follow_v upon_o cheir_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o on_o that_o ground_n chap._n iu._n the_o three_o subordinate_a proposition_n lay_v down_o prove_v three_o way_n further_o confirm_v from_o those_o instance_n of_o whole_a house_n be_v baptize_v record_v in_o scripture_n prop._n iii_o the_o three_o proposition_n than_o be_v this_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o or_o be_v the_o actual_a subject_n of_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v the_o due_a subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o aught_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v baptize_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o that_o promise_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v under_o or_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o due_a subject_n of_o baptism_n now_o this_o may_v be_v evidence_v past_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n these_o three_o way_n i._o from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n enjoin_v and_o express_o require_v all_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n the_o word_n be_v express_v gen._n 17.9_o and_o god_n say_v to_o
evident_a that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o pretend_v sobriety_n shall_v deny_v it_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v undeniable_a from_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o promise_n i_o will_v say_v god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n now_o this_o term_n seed_n in_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o intend_v his_o natural_a child_n and_o have_v not_o the_o holy-ghost_n himself_o show_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v include_v with_o his_o natural_a all_o man_n must_v have_v rational_o understand_v it_o of_o his_o natural_a seed_n only_o and_o it_o have_v be_v the_o high_a presumption_n to_o have_v apply_v it_o to_o any_o other_o and_o though_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v show_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v to_o have_v a_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o that_o that_o seed_n be_v intend_v yet_o for_o any_o to_o exclude_v his_o natural_a seed_n when_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n so_o to_o do_v savour_v of_o no_o small_a presumption_n it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n that_o when_o a_o word_n that_o admit_v of_o various_a interpretation_n and_o be_v applicable_a to_o various_a thing_n be_v put_v absolute_o it_o must_v at_o least_o first_o and_o primary_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o its_o most_o proper_a intent_n and_o signification_n hence_o for_o any_o to_o understand_v this_o term_n seed_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n to_o the_o exclude_v of_o his_o natural_a seed_n when_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n so_o to_o do_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a and_o as_o it_o must_v most_o proper_o signify_v his_o natural_a seed_n so_o it_o can_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o common_a speech_n and_o all_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n be_v understand_v of_o his_o posterity_n in_o after_o age_n to_o the_o exclude_v of_o his_o natural_a child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n so_o that_o as_o for_o any_o to_o have_v understand_v this_o promise_n of_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n have_v not_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v have_v be_v presumption_n so_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o they_o to_o the_o exclude_v his_o natural_a seed_n when_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n so_o to_o do_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o his_o remote_a posterity_n to_o the_o exclude_v his_o child_n descend_v immediate_o from_o his_o own_o loin_n be_v alike_o presumptuous_a unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a with_o either_o of_o the_o former_a and_o hence_o will_v but_o the_o contrary-minded_n keep_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n will_v be_v lay_v for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o controversy_n 2._o that_o abraham_n natural_a child_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o intend_v in_o this_o promise_n by_o this_o term_n seed_n be_v evident_a from_o abraham_n application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o this_o promise_n be_v one_o special_a article_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n viz._n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o this_o also_o according_a to_o the_o express_a will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o god_n do_v appoint_v abraham_n to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o his_o natural_a child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o that_o to_o all_o of_o they_o without_o any_o limitation_n or_o exception_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v in_o so_o many_o word_n express_o declare_v in_o that_o gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 11._o in_o ver_fw-la 9_o the_o command_n be_v give_v in_o more_o general_a term_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n and_o what_o he_o intend_v by_o covenant_n in_o this_o 9th_o verse_n he_o explain_v in_o the_o 10_o viz._n the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o under_o the_o first-testament_n administration_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v circumcision_n every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v and_o that_o god_n appoint_v and_o enjoin_v it_o under_o this_o notion_n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o god_n tell_v they_o express_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o 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 immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o that_o as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v undoubted_a it_o be_v express_o declare_v both_o of_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n gen._n 17.13_o 21._o gen._n 4.8_o though_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n by_o keturah_n be_v not_o mention_v yet_o that_o they_o be_v circumcise_v can_v be_v question_v see_v the_o circumcision_n of_o some_o other_o as_o of_o jacob_n and_o his_o son_n who_o yet_o past_o all_o doubt_n be_v circumcise_v be_v not_o mention_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o circumcise_v they_o consider_v the_o testimony_n that_o god_n himself_o give_v of_o abraham_n faithfulness_n as_o also_o his_o circumncise_v his_o servant_n who_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o he_o than_o his_o own_o child_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v circumcise_v though_o their_o circumcision_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o story_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o any_o other_o notion_n than_o as_o the_o token_n of_o it_o see_v under_o that_o notion_n it_o be_v command_v will_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a now_o abraham_n apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o this_o promise_n be_v a_o special_a article_n on_o god_n part_n and_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n put_v it_o past_o all_o scruple_n that_o by_o seed_n in_o the_o promise_n his_o natural_a seed_n and_o that_o as_o immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n be_v intend_v otherwise_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o under_o that_o very_a notion_n as_o the_o token_n of_o it_o will_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v apply_v to_o some_o utter_o unintere_v in_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v yea_o then_o god_n shall_v have_v speak_v that_o which_o have_v be_v utter_o false_a to_o say_v of_o circumcision_n it_o be_v the_o token_n of_o my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o in_o case_n any_o to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v have_v not_o be_v in_o covenant_n which_o in_o case_n this_o promise_n take_v they_o not_o in_o they_o have_v not_o be_v have_v be_v utter_o false_a so_o that_o to_o imagine_v god_n shall_v appoint_v abraham_n to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o as_o the_o token_n of_o it_o to_o any_o unintere_v in_o it_o will_v be_v to_o imagine_v he_o not_o only_o guilty_a of_o irrationality_n but_o falshood_n hence_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o they_o be_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n that_o be_v first_o and_o immediate_o intend_v in_o that_o promise_n 3._o this_o may_v be_v further_o evidence_v be_v it_o at_o all_o necessary_a by_o instance_v in_o such_o of_o abraham_n natural_a child_n as_o upon_o supposition_n of_o who_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o all_o his_o immediate_a child_n be_v intend_v in_o it_o and_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o intend_v thus_o we_o may_v instance_n in_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n that_o they_o two_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o for_o isaac_n that_o of_o gen._n 21.12_o expound_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 9.7_o 8._o full_o declare_v it_o hence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o heir_n with_o abraham_n have_v respect_n to_o this_o very_a promise_n heb._n 11.9_o and_o as_o for_o ishmael_n the_o apostle_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o upon_o his_o persecute_v isaac_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o ga._n 4._o latter_a end_n now_o he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o covenant_n have_v he_o not_o be_v before_o in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o cast_v out_o of_o abraham_n family_n but_o together_o therewith_o out_o of_o covenant_n be_v evident_a as_o other_o way_n so_o from_o abraham_n grief_n for_o the_o same_o now_o if_o those_o two_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o promise_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o all_o abraham_n natural_a child_n be_v alike_o intend_v in_o it_o we_o see_v the_o promise_n be_v make_v in_o universal_a term_n not_o
and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v alike_o evident_a from_o scripture_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a as_o i._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o promise_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n god_n we_o see_v promise_v not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n but_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o their_o generation_n now_o in_o this_o phrase_n their_o generation_n their_o child_n be_v include_v thy_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n in_o this_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v equivalent_a to_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n in_o the_o former_a branch_n of_o it_o as_o that_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n as_o a_o natural_a father_n of_o natural_a child_n for_o god_n to_o promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v as_o before_o he_o do_v to_o abraham_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o natural_a child_n so_o that_o in_o this_o phrase_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v include_v the_o natural_a child_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o it_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n this_o branch_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o it_o have_v respect_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v abraham_n natural_a posterity_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o it_o have_v respect_n have_v be_v or_o be_v continue_v to_o those_o who_o from_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o seed_n intend_v in_o this_o promise_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o jew_n his_o natural_a seed_n as_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n hold_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n not_o mere_o as_o his_o natural_a but_o as_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n as_o be_v partly_o evident_a from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v and_o will_v more_o abundant_o appear_v from_o what_o follow_v hence_o undeniable_o as_o this_o phrase_n in_o this_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o it_o respect_v the_o natural_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o respect_v the_o gentile_n now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o promise_n as_o it_o respect_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o posterity_n be_v evident_a three_o way_n first_o because_o it_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o understand_v but_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n will_v be_v impeach_v thereby_o let_v any_o other_o sense_n imaginable_a be_v put_v upon_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sense_n beside_o that_o afore_o mention_v can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v put_v upon_o it_o except_o only_o this_o viz._n that_o when_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n 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 to_o they_o in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o they_o shall_v respective_o live_v but_o now_o this_o sense_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o case_n this_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o each_o one_o of_o abraham_n natural_a posterity_n will_v have_v have_v particular_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o consequent_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o each_o of_o they_o for_o in_o case_n this_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n extend_v not_o the_o promise_n beyond_o those_o immediate_o and_o first_o intend_v in_o that_o term_n seed_n than_o the_o promise_n to_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v appertain_v will_v have_v be_v a_o particular_a promise_n entitle_v each_o of_o they_o to_o the_o god_n promise_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o a_o particular_a promise_n as_o appertain_v both_o to_o abraham_n natural_a child_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o to_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n entitle_v each_o of_o they_o to_o the_o good_a promise_v be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n and_o will_v be_v further_o prove_v hereafter_o and_o answerable_o in_o case_n that_o phrase_n in_o their_o generation_n shall_v not_o extend_v the_o promise_n beyond_o those_o first_o and_o immediate_o intend_v in_o that_o term_n seed_n it_o must_v be_v so_o understand_v as_o appertain_v to_o all_o abraham_n posterity_n for_o that_o it_o do_v and_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n appertain_v to_o they_o be_v express_o declare_v in_o scripture_n but_o now_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v many_o of_o abraham_n seed_n in_o after_o generation_n that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o god_n unto_o so_o that_o let_v man_n study_v to_o the_o utmost_a they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o any_o other_o sense_n of_o this_o promise_n than_o that_o i_o have_v before_o give_v as_o it_o respect_v abraham_n natural_a posterity_n but_o it_o will_v be_v find_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n second_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v evident_a because_o god_n himself_o so_o expound_v it_o when_o he_o come_v afterward_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o covenant-way_n thus_o deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o there_o we_o shall_v find_v when_o god_n come_v to_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o he_o he_o take_v in_o their_o natural_a child_n with_o themselves_o as_o parent_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o and_o that_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o very_a promise_n in_o the_o 11_o vers_fw-la it_o be_v express_o say_v the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o their_o little_a one_o and_o that_o this_o be_v in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o promise_n be_v express_o affirm_v v._o 13._o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o take_v they_o in_o mere_o as_o they_o be_v of_o abraham_n posterity_n be_v in_o part_n evident_a and_o will_v further_o appear_v in_o the_o next_o particular_a so_o that_o god_n himself_o expound_v this_o phrase_n in_o their_o generation_n as_o include_v parent_n and_o child_n three_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o branch_n of_o that_o promise_n be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la abraham_n natural_a posterity_n so_o long_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v continue_v among_o they_o yea_o not_o only_o his_o natural_a posterity_n but_o also_o such_o who_o from_o among_o the_o gentile_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n enjoy_v the_o promise_n as_o include_v their_o child_n with_o they_o parent_n and_o child_n be_v always_o joint-heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n what_o parent_n soever_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n have_v the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o they_o their_o child_n have_v it_o alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o now_o this_o be_v evident_a past_o all_o rational_a doubt_v these_o three_o way_n first_o from_o the_o constant_a application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o their_o child_n that_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o those_o who_o from_o among_o the_o gentile_n join_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o and_o answerable_o do_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o child_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a throughout_o the_o old-testament_n and_o be_v deny_v by_o none_o 2_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o token_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o and_o that_o be_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v apply_v upon_o that_o ground_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v apply_v under_o that_o very_a notion_n and_o consideration_n viz._n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n 2._o the_o application_n and_o reception_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o keep_n of_o the_o covenant_n 3._o the_o command_n enjoin_v of_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n 4._o otherwise_o god_n can_v not_o true_o say_v it_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v which_o yet_o he_o do_v 5._o because_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v the_o universal_a duty_n of_o all_o abraham_n posterity_n descend_v as_o well_o by_o ishmael_n as_o isaac_n and_o by_o esau_n as_o jacob_n to_o continue_v
house_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o he_o upon_o that_o ground_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o good_a common_a to_o all_o stand_n in_o the_o same_o relation_n with_o he_o to_o abraham_n to_o say_v to_o a_o man_n when_o make_v free_a of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n corporate_a this_o or_o that_o be_v now_o your_o privilege_n as_o suppose_v to_o use_v any_o trade_n or_o the_o like_a forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v yourself_o be_v make_v free_a it_o evident_o show_v that_o such_o a_o privilege_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o be_v free_a of_o such_o a_o city_n or_o town_n corporate_a so_o now_o when_o our_o lord_n christ_n say_v to_o zaccheus_n salvation_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n upon_o that_o ground_n because_o he_o be_v a_o son_n of_o abraham_n it_o undeniable_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n common_a to_o all_o believe_a parent_n as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o consequent_o salvation_n must_v needs_o appertain_v to_o the_o house_n of_o all_o believer_n as_o such_o without_o consideration_n have_v to_o any_o qualification_n of_o those_o intend_v in_o this_o term_n seed_n 2._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n belong_v to_o the_o house_n of_o believe_a parent_n upon_o their_o own_o personal_a believe_v be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v warrant_n from_o god_n apply_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o their_o house_n upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a believe_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o promise_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o jailor_n he_o promise_v he_o that_o upon_o his_o believe_v both_o he_o and_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v now_o look_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v propose_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o jailor_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o may_v have_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o upon_o his_o actual_a believe_v upon_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o believe_v it_o may_v have_v be_v say_v now_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n belong_v to_o thou_o and_o thy_o house_n or_o thou_o and_o thy_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v now_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v or_o may_v have_v do_v every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n upon_o parent_n believe_v they_o may_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n not_o only_o to_o they_o as_o personal_o consider_v but_o to_o they_o and_o their_o house_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v propose_v only_o conditional_o to_o the_o jailor_n himself_o so_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v as_o refer_v unto_o his_o house_n as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v he_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v believe_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o he_o only_o assure_v he_o that_o if_o his_o house_n shall_v believe_v they_o also_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o now_o for_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a pretence_n for_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v express_v and_o positive_a without_o any_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o condition_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o house_n but_o more_o especial_o because_o in_o case_n the_o apostle_n have_v not_o intend_v a_o peculiar_a good_a accrue_v to_o his_o house_n upon_o his_o own_o personal_a believe_v which_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o their_o interest_n in_o and_o right_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v add_v the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o promise_n concern_v his_o house_n see_v whether_o he_o have_v believe_v or_o no_o his_o house_n shall_v have_v be_v save_v upon_o condition_n of_o their_o believe_v nor_o to_o propose_v that_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o believe_v which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v assure_v of_o though_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v have_v be_v impertinent_a yea_o absurd_a it_o must_v be_v something_o accrue_v to_o his_o house_n by_o his_o believe_v that_o must_v rational_o be_v a_o inducement_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v to_o tell_v he_o that_o upon_o his_o believe_v and_o that_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v his_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v when_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o no_o other_o capacity_n in_o reference_n to_o salvation_n than_o they_o be_v before_o or_o will_v have_v be_v suppose_v he_o shall_v not_o have_v believe_v have_v be_v ridiculous_a hence_o unless_o we_o will_v charge_v the_o apostle_n with_o as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o well_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o we_o must_v grant_v he_o intend_v as_o he_o speak_v viz._n that_o upon_o the_o jailer_n believe_v both_o himself_o and_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v come_v actual_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n which_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v not_o forfeit_v by_o their_o after_o fail_v in_o perform_v their_o duty_n indispensible_o require_v to_o their_o actual_a enjoy_v that_o salvation_n which_o at_o present_a they_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o they_o shall_v infallible_o enjoy_v it_o for_o that_o must_v still_o be_v remember_v that_o though_o upon_o parent_n personal_a faith_n their_o house_n and_o especial_o their_o child_n come_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n yet_o their_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o necessary_o suppose_v their_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o child_n in_o such_o house_n as_o be_v actual_o grow_v up_o when_o their_o parent_n do_v believe_v though_o a_o right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n accrue_v to_o they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n yet_o unless_o they_o consent_v to_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n they_o do_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o this_o we_o see_v evident_o that_o upon_o parent_n believe_v their_o child_n have_v a_o right_n to_o and_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n without_o consideration_n have_v to_o any_o qualification_n in_o they_o which_o sufficient_o show_v that_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v continue_v to_o believe_a gentile_n in_o the_o same_o extent_n and_o latitude_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o he_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a child_n so_o it_o be_v to_o believer_n and_o their_o natural_a child_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o n_o their_o generation_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v two_o thing_n may_v be_v infer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o promise_n whether_o zaccheus_n or_o the_o jailor_n have_v any_o infant_n at_o that_o time_n if_o they_o have_v any_o the_o promise_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o if_o they_o have_v none_o yet_o the_o promise_n do_v belong_v to_o their_o house_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o house_n of_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o have_v any_o infant_n the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o if_o they_o have_v none_o yet_o the_o promise_n appertain_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v include_v in_o the_o term_n house_n 2._o we_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o mention_v the_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o the_o house_n or_o of_o some_o in_o or_o of_o the_o house_n of_o believe_a parent_n do_v no_o way_n oppose_v but_o on_o the_o other_o have_v strong_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n their_o be_v saving_o wrought_v upon_o together_o with_o or_o immediate_o after_o their_o parent_n conversion_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o promise_n may_v belong_v to_o they_o as_o the_o house_n or_o as_o of_o the_o house_n of_o believe_a parent_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n rather_o prove_v that_o it_o do_v because_o we_o read_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o some_o in_o or_o of_o the_o house_n of_o believer_n shall_v we_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o house_n of_o such_o parent_n how_o unreasonable_a will_v that_o be_v we_o may_v rather_o conclude_v the_o promise_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o hasten_v by_o what_o have_v beeen_n say_v our_o two_o first_o proposition_n be_v abundant_o yea_o superabundant_o establish_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o two_o first_o proposition_n appear_v with_o so_o much_o evidence_n throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v even_o a_o wonder_n how_o any_o of_o a_o competent_a understanding_n that_o be_v able_a to_o compare_v one_o scripture_n with_o another_o can_v question_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o yea_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o truth_n in_o
believer_n but_o as_o the_o father_n of_o and_o answerable_o be_v in_o his_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o pattern_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o same_o use_n be_v baptism_n as_o be_v evident_a 1_o pet._n 3.21_o with_o act_n 2.38_o 3._o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o circumcision_n be_v to_o engage_v those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o keep_v exact_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v circumcise_v to_o the_o lord_n jer._n 4.4_o and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n again_o baptism_n be_v appoint_v hence_o the_o baptise_a be_v say_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o or_o unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o holy-ghost_n and_o into_o or_o unto_o christ_n mat._n 28.19_o with_o gal._n 3.27_o 4._o circumcision_n be_v appoint_v a_o visible_a badge_n whereby_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o same_o use_n be_v baptism_n gal._n 3.27_o afore_o cite_v now_o from_o the_o use_v and_o end_v that_o the_o scripture_n declare_v circumcision_n be_v appoint_v for_o and_o do_v serve_v unto_o we_o may_v see_v what_o be_v the_o use_v and_o end_v in_o general_a for_o or_o with_o reference_n unto_o which_o a_o token_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o from_o the_o agreement_n of_o baptism_n with_o circumcision_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v appoint_v for_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o be_v that_o ordinance_n appoint_v and_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n and_o stead_n of_o circumcision_n and_o as_o a_o close_a to_o this_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o use_v and_o end_v for_o and_o with_o reference_n unto_o which_o circumcision_n be_v institute_v in_o respect_n of_o which_o baptism_n agree_v not_o with_o it_o yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o baptism_n may_v be_v and_o be_v the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n see_v it_o serve_v to_o and_o perform_v all_o those_o use_v and_o end_v that_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o new-testament_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o serve_v to_o and_o perform_v but_o 5._o that_o this_o command_n do_v equal_o and_o alike_o concern_v believer_n and_o their_o seed_n as_o it_o do_v concern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o their_o seed_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n as_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v circumcise_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v circumcise_v with_o they_o so_o it_o still_o oblige_v believer_n to_o be_v baptize_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o infant-seed_n be_v baptize_v with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o command_n 1._o that_o the_o command_n as_o first_o and_o more_o general_o lay_v down_o do_v not_o determine_v what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v and_o hence_o be_v applicable_a and_o do_v oblige_v to_o whatever_o token_n god_n shall_v institute_v the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n nor_o thou_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v or_o be_v baptize_v but_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n that_o be_v as_o afore_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n hence_o as_o this_o command_n as_o thus_o general_o lay_v down_o no_o more_o oblige_v to_o circumcision_n than_o to_o baptism_n all_o that_o it_o oblige_v to_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n so_o when_o circumcision_n be_v institute_v it_o oblige_v to_o that_o but_o when_o circumcision_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o another_o token_n institute_v which_o be_v baptism_n it_o now_o oblige_v to_o that_o see_v the_o command_n in_o the_o general_n be_v not_o revoke_v only_o the_o token_n alter_v but_o the_o command_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n still_o and_o answerable_o it_o oblige_v parent_n to_o have_v the_o token_n apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o their_o child_n 2._o consider_v the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o command_n it_o be_v lay_v upon_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n without_o any_o limitation_n and_o hence_o reach_v to_o and_o lie_v upon_o abraham_n seed_n under_o the_o new-testament_n as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v upon_o his_o natural_a seed_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n so_o that_o the_o command_v not_o determine_v what_o the_o token_n shall_v be_v only_o enjoin_v the_o keep_n of_o it_o whatever_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o be_v applicable_a to_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o to_o circumcision_n and_o extend_v to_o and_o reach_v all_o abraham_n seed_n and_o consequent_o believe_v gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o god_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o their_o generation_n circumcision_n under_o the_o first-testament_n and_o baptism_n under_o the_o second_o these_o be_v the_o covenant_n successive_o the_o one_o after_o the_o other_o to_o be_v keep_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n though_o not_o in_o the_o very_a term_n baptism_n yet_o under_o this_o general_a notion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o baptism_n be_v the_o present_a token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v before_o prove_v that_o this_o command_n require_v all_o abraham_n seed_n and_o that_o in_o their_o generation_n include_v both_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n that_o be_v the_o token_n of_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o command_n and_o that_o believe_a gentile_n as_o abraham_n seed_n and_o that_o under_o that_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v include_v both_o parent_n and_o child_n have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v so_o that_o still_o to_o require_v a_o command_n for_o infant-baptism_n be_v little_o less_o than_o to_o reject_v the_o scripture_n what_o though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v under_o that_o precise_a term_n of_o baptism_n see_v it_o be_v command_v under_o that_o notion_n as_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o what_o tho_o infant_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v undeniable_o include_v in_o the_o command_n in_o that_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n sure_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v express_o mention_v now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o command_n may_v be_v further_o show_v from_o the_o lord_n vary_v the_o phrase_n when_o he_o institute_n circumcision_n the_o then_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o interpret_n other_o command_n as_o the_o prohibit_v the_o make_n of_o grave_a image_n so_o the_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o that_o be_v for_o the_o first_o way_n how_o this_o last_o proposition_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o so_o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o command_n lie_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o promise_n to_o keep_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o bear_v it_o which_o token_n to_o be_v keep_v be_v at_o present_a baptism_n ii_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o under_o or_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o promise_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o answerable_o in_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o from_o the_o very_a first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v baptize_v may_v be_v prove_v thus_o viz._n because_o they_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v and_o be_v own_a and_o look_v upon_o both_o by_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o appertain_v to_o his_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n and_o body_n now_o all_o that_o do_v appertain_v and_o answerable_o be_v own_v and_o look_v upon_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o appertain_v to_o his_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n and_o body_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o answerable_o be_v baptize_v can_v be_v rational_o question_v because_o baptism_n be_v institute_v for_o this_o very_a end_n solemn_o to_o admit_v and_o incorporate_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n all_o that_o do_v appertain_v thereunto_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n hence_o all_o that_o do_v appertain_v or_o be_v own_v and_o look_v upon_o either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o appertain_v to_o his_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o body_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o
shall_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o infant_n shall_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o commission_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_a suppose_v our_o lord_n christ_n shall_v have_v thus_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o commission_n go_v teach_v or_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o for_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o shall_v be_v still_o extend_v to_o and_o establish_v with_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o their_o child_n together_o with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a with_o the_o jew_n i_o say_v have_v he_o thus_o express_v himself_o he_o have_v not_o come_v much_o short_a of_o mention_v infant_n why_o let_v but_o the_o scripture_n former_o mention_v be_v compare_v together_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v so_o express_v himself_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v yet_o say_v that_o if_o infant_n be_v baptize_v than_o the_o order_n in_o the_o commission_n be_v cross_v i_o answer_v the_o commission_n be_v not_o cross_v while_o only_o the_o rule_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o have_v leave_v for_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o this_o doubt_n we_o lie_v down_o the_o last_o conclusion_n and_o therefore_o conc._n 3._o that_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v yet_o it_o be_v rational_a yea_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v express_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o order_n he_o have_v do_v for_o that_o 1._o consider_v what_o be_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v now_o send_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n antecedent_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a 2._o consider_v the_o gradual_a procedure_v the_o gospel_n shall_v and_o answerable_o have_v make_v in_o subdue_a the_o nation_n unto_o christ_n there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o nation_n to_o be_v disciple_v and_o bring_v home_o to_o christ_n and_o all_o attempt_v to_o disciple_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n must_v be_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o the_o discipleship_n of_o parent_n still_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o their_o own_o and_o their_o child_n baptism_n 3._o consider_v that_o when_o nation_n be_v disciple_v yet_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o precedency_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n must_v be_v teach_v and_o thereby_o bring_v to_o a_o sincere_a embracement_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o which_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n they_o be_v afore_o receive_v in_o order_n to_o their_o convey_n unto_o their_o child_n right_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o baptism_n as_o the_o seal_n and_o token_n thereof_o object_n 2._o some_o may_v further_o object_n the_o inconsistency_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o have_v attend_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o be_v affirm_v of_o and_o require_v from_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v in_o primitive_a time_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o for_o this_o such_o scripture_n as_o these_o viz._n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o 14._o ephes_n 4.16_o gal._n 3.26_o 27._o be_v allege_v answer_n the_o objection_n be_v easy_o remove_v by_o a_o threefold_a consideration_n 1._o that_o what_o be_v declare_v of_o or_o require_v from_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o be_v to_o be_v incorporate_v thereinto_o by_o baptism_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n agree_v to_o and_o equal_o concern_v the_o church_n and_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o in_o all_o age_n hence_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v conclude_v from_o these_o scripture_n that_o infant_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n or_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o be_v evident_a past_o all_o possible_a exception_n as_o that_o in_o primitive_a time_n they_o be_v not_o or_o now_o be_v not_o to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o that_o body_n by_o baptism_n 2._o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o frequent_a occurrence_n in_o scripture_n for_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o to_o whole_a body_n or_o society_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o universal_a and_o indefinite_a term_n which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v various_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o particular_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o concernment_n therein_o that_o speech_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n furnishment_n we_o with_o sufficient_a instance_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o see_v deut._n 29_o and_o 30_o chapter_n 3._o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v not_o for_o the_o use_n of_o infant_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n but_o for_o the_o use_n of_o grow_v person_n and_o that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n mention_v be_v to_o instruct_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o some_o necessary_a truth_n or_o excite_v to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n and_o answerable_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o those_o forementioned_a place_n only_o concern_v such_o person_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v such_o instruction_n and_o practise_v such_o duty_n but_o that_o prove_v not_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o of_o or_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n or_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n object_n 3._o other_o object_n the_o apostle_n doctrine_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o primitive_a practice_n say_v they_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o doctrine_n do_v teach_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v baptize_v and_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o their_o teach_n that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v so_o we_o read_v of_o many_o believer_n baptize_v but_o of_o no_o instance_n of_o any_o one_o infant_n that_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o sure_a infant-baptism_n can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o must_v be_v a_o practice_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n by_o men._n answer_n to_o this_o four_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n do_v belong_v and_o consequent_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v contain_v must_v needs_o extend_v to_o the_o house_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o as_o such_o without_o consideration_n have_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o any_o in_o or_o of_o their_o house_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v exhort_v person_n to_o be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o promise_v belong_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o they_o have_v express_o teach_v that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o their_o house_n and_o be_v so_o must_v needs_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n now_o if_o one_o may_v be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n any_o other_o may_v be_v so_o also_o so_o that_o they_o do_v teach_v what_o amount_v to_o as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v in_o express_a term_n teach_v that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v 3._o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptize_v whole_a household_n and_o sometime_o such_o as_o in_o which_o we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o except_v the_o chief_a head_n and_o governor_n only_o and_o in_o which_o there_o be_v the_o great_a probability_n that_o there_o be_v some_o infant_n at_o least_o some_o in_o their_o youth_n or_o childhood_n who_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v baptize_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o two_o forego_v particular_n make_v it_o vast_o more_o probable_a that_o they_o do_v baptize_v some_o infant_n than_o the_o scripture_n not_o express_o record_v their_o baptism_n make_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o do_v not_o baptize_v any_o 4._o that_o the_o scripture_n not_o express_o record_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v either_o teach_v or_o practice_v infant-baptism_n be_v no_o proof_n that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v both_o many_o thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o practise_v be_v not_o record_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n he_o teach_v in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n declare_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n though_o it_o be_v not_o
command_n that_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n whatever_o that_o shall_v be_v shall_v be_v keep_v both_o by_o parent_n and_o child_n which_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o say_v be_v circumcision_n under_o the_o first_o testament_n but_o now_o be_v baptism_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n which_o you_o can_v certain_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o which_o do_v suppose_v that_o their_o foederal_n holiness_n and_o church-membership_n undeniable_o establish_v the_o dueness_n and_o rightfulness_n of_o their_o baptism_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v you_o can_v possible_o grant_v their_o foederal_n holiness_n and_o church-membership_n but_o you_o must_v grant_v their_o baptism_n now_o for_o you_o to_o overlook_v all_o these_o argument_n and_o fain_o we_o to_o argue_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o indeed_o we_o do_v or_o if_o possible_o any_o have_v do_v yet_o their_o mistake_v have_v be_v rectify_v be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o matter_n of_o great_a admiration_n the_o reason_n of_o your_o so_o do_v must_v be_v leave_v with_o yourselves_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o tell_v you_o that_o such_o deal_n have_v a_o sad_a tendency_n to_o obstruct_v that_o good_a design_n viz._n the_o reconciliation_n of_o our_o mutual_a love_n each_o to_o other_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o carry_v on_o it_o will_v beget_v a_o kind_n of_o suspicion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o you_o too_o wilful_o shut_v your_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o unto_o you_o second_o you_o only_o single_a out_o some_o of_o those_o scripture_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o they_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o additional_a enforcement_n but_o not_o as_o demonstrative_a of_o themselves_o thus_o for_o those_o instance_n of_o whole_a family_n be_v baptize_v we_o only_o improve_v they_o as_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o our_o main_a argument_n but_o not_o as_o demonstrative_a as_o of_o themselves_o and_o that_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o foederal_a holiness_n and_o church-membership_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o those_o argument_n we_o have_v urge_v for_o their_o baptism_n upon_o that_o supposition_n that_o these_o instance_n may_v be_v take_v in_o as_o additional_a confirmation_n of_o our_o practice_n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v yourselves_o will_v not_o deny_v so_o that_o alas_o brethren_n what_o a_o slender_a account_n have_v you_o give_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o your_o non-acquiescence_n in_o what_o be_v urge_v by_o we_o against_o you_o no_o wonder_n if_o you_o so_o great_o mistake_v we_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n overlook_v our_o main_a argument_n and_o then_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o scripture_n and_o argument_n we_o make_v use_v of_o only_a as_o additional_a confirmation_n though_o you_o can_v comply_v with_o our_o practice_n 2._o that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o judge_v alike_o blame-worthy_a in_o you_o be_v your_o too_o evident_a partiality_n this_o be_v so_o apparent_a in_o you_o citation_n of_o and_o remark_n upon_o dr._n lightfoot'_v interpretation_n of_o that_o rom._n 4.11_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n yourselves_o shall_v not_o see_v it_o the_o doctor_n conceive_v that_o circumcision_n be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n not_o mere_o for_o in_o some_o sense_n he_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v of_o that_o righteousness_n abraham_n have_v while_n in_o his_o uncircumcision_n but_o more_o especial_o of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o his_o uncircumcised_a seed_n that_o be_v believe_v gentile_n shall_v have_v when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o imitate_v his_o faith_n now_o you_o conceive_v that_o this_o be_v so_o evident_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n that_o it_o be_v impertinent_a for_o any_o to_o allege_v that_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n either_o to_o abraham_n himself_o or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o circumcise_a posterity_n but_o brethren_n let_v i_o prevail_v with_o you_o serious_o to_o weight_n these_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o as_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o consider_v that_o this_o interpretation_n seem_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o apostle_n design_n and_o scope_n in_o that_o place_n the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o abraham_n both_o have_v a_o righteousness_n impute_v to_o he_o and_o have_v circumcision_n give_v he_o as_o a_o seal_n thereof_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v who_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n but_o this_o interpretation_n suppose_v he_o already_o their_o father_n 2._o but_o second_o and_o rather_o consider_v the_o utter_a improbability_n that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v i_o say_v cum_fw-la pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la that_o the_o doctor_n be_v word_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o evidence_n as_o you_o conceit_n that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o probability_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o for_o 1._o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v which_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o that_o circumcision_n may_v be_v of_o this_o use_n as_o apply_v to_o abraham_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v yet_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o use_v as_o apply_v to_o all_o his_o natural_a posterity_n as_o this_o interpretation_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v a_o seal_n be_v for_o confirmation_n of_o somewhat_o to_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v now_o why_o god_n by_o this_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o promise_n of_o justify_v the_o gentile_n through_o a_o righteousness_n impute_v to_o they_o upon_o their_o believe_v when_o it_o do_v not_o seal_v or_o confirm_v the_o same_o good_a to_o themselves_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v 2._o circumcision_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n establish_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n but_o now_o the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n to_o we_o gentile_n upon_o condition_n of_o our_o believe_v be_v no_o article_n on_o god_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v and_o establish_v with_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n at_o least_o as_o several_o and_o particular_o consider_v and_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o enter_v with_o they_o circumcision_n be_v the_o token_n of_o it_o hence_o how_o it_o can_v seal_v to_o they_o what_o be_v nowhere_o promise_v to_o they_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v 3._o this_o interpretation_n at_o least_o as_o you_o seem_v to_o take_v it_o suppose_v hat_n the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n though_o in_o covenant_n yet_o have_v not_o a_o righteousness_n impute_v to_o they_o for_o how_o unreasonable_a will_v it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o gentile_n be_v seal_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o that_o righteousness_n impute_v unto_o they_o not_o alike_o seal_v unto_o they_o that_o will_v be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v a_o good_a of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o promise_n seal_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o good_a of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n not_o seal_v to_o they_o 4._o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n the_o apostle_n word_n can_v hardly_o be_v good_a sense_n see_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o quality_n inherent_a in_o but_o a_o relation_n predicable_a of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v impute_v but_o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n the_o apolste_n word_n must_v run_v thus_o he_o receive_v circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o circumcision_n for_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5._o add_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o the_o very_a same_o phrase_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v render_v as_o it_o be_v by_o 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