god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n behold_v say_v god_n i_o establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n now_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v be_v afore_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n here_o have_v be_v no_o new_a privilege_n or_o no_o privilege_n beyond_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n in_o general_n grant_v unto_o abraham_n or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n evident_o prove_v it_o be_v not_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n for_o then_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a superfluous_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n see_v it_o have_v be_v afore_o establish_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n as_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o like_a advantage_n both_o to_o he_o and_o they_o as_o now_o it_o be_v how_o far_o the_o covenant_n be_v conditional_o make_v or_o rather_o offer_v to_o all_o man_n concern_v not_o our_o present_a purpose_n see_v as_o so_o make_v or_o offer_v it_o actual_o convey_v not_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o any_o until_o themselves_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v actual_o make_v or_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n as_o such_o be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o proof_n from_o scripture_n but_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n the_o gentile_n be_v say_v to_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n antecedent_n to_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o become_v abraham_n seed_n the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o appertain_v to_o man_n only_o as_o in_o he_o hence_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o may_v well_o be_v account_v superfluous_a as_o be_v a_o denial_n of_o what_o no_o body_n have_v affirm_v now_o then_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o all_o the_o good_a aforemention_v be_v contain_v be_v not_o actual_o enter_v and_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n as_o such_o than_o neither_o all_o nor_o any_o part_n of_o that_o good_a can_v be_v come_v upon_o all_o man_n mere_o as_o such_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o have_v they_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_n contradistinct_a from_o or_o independent_a upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v be_v because_o no_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v find_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n let_v any_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v show_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o the_o only_a scripture_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o this_o supposal_n be_v rom._n 5.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o but_o to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n bare_a use_v of_o the_o universal_a particle_n all_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o ground_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o assertion_n upon_o especial_o when_o no_o covenant_n or_o promise_n can_v be_v find_v by_o or_o according_a to_o which_o the_o gift_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v confer_v upon_o all_o man_n and_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o term_n be_v sometime_o use_v when_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n i_o need_v not_o cite_v place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n design_n be_v not_o to_o show_v that_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n in_o the_o donation_n of_o it_o with_o the_o condemnation_n arise_v from_o adam_n sin_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o compare_v adam_n sin_n and_o the_o purchase_v make_v by_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o respective_a efficacy_n or_o in_o point_n of_o their_o respective_a causality_n or_o power_n to_o produce_v their_o different_a effect_n in_o brief_a his_o design_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o see_v the_o offence_n of_o one_o man_n viz._n adam_n be_v effective_a of_o the_o condemnation_n of_o all_o his_o posterity_n then_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o mere_o man_n but_o god-man_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_a for_o their_o justification_n and_o life_n who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o and_o union_n with_o he_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n appear_v two_o way_n first_o from_o his_o assignment_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n or_o superabundance_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o this_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n above_o what_o be_v predicable_a of_o the_o offence_n of_o adam_n which_o must_v needs_o respect_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n to_o justify_v and_o save_v and_o of_o the_o offence_n of_o adam_n to_o condemn_v for_o if_o so_o be_v we_o consider_v the_o person_n upon_o who_o condemnation_n be_v come_v by_o adam_n offence_n and_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v unto_o justification_n of_o life_n no_o such_o assignment_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n and_o superabundancy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n can_v be_v make_v inasmuch_o as_o that_o condemnation_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o adam_n offence_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n can_v come_v but_o upon_o all_o and_o where_o the_o object_n and_o person_n concern_v be_v of_o equal_a extent_n no_o preeminency_n can_v be_v assign_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o second_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n variation_n of_o his_o phrase_n from_o many_o to_o all_o and_o again_o from_o all_o to_o many_o which_o plain_o show_v he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o either_o condemnation_n or_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v as_o either_o to_o the_o thing_n come_v upon_o they_o or_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n from_o whence_o or_o whereby_o those_o thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o respective_o three_o i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o to_o justification_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o not_o how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n or_o upon_o what_o term_n it_o be_v come_v he_o may_v only_o mean_v it_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o conditional_a offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o so_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 2.11_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a exact_o run_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n see_v the_o like_a passage_n rom._n 3.22_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o all_o so_o here_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o for_o the_o apostle_n may_v suppose_v the_o condition_n already_o perform_v and_o only_o intend_v its_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n before_o mention_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v manifie_v unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n so_o here_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o to_o justification_n of_o life_n viz._n upon_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v evident_o see_v this_o scripture_n will_v not_o prove_v what_o be_v affirm_v viz._n that_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o universal_o as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v free_v from_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o restore_v to_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o life_n by_o christ_n so_o that_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_a so_o there_o be_v no_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_v record_v or_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o any_o one_o much_o less_o all_o mankind_n can_v have_v the_o good_a assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n grant_v to_o or_o settle_v upon_o they_o three_o have_v they_o it_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o christ_n undertake_v and_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o mediation_n sure_o the_o grossness_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n render_v any_o reply_n to_o it_o superfluous_a it_o will_v be_v a_o mere_a loss_n of_o time_n
himself_o from_o inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v the_o rationality_n of_o god_n extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o he_o and_o grant_v the_o token_n of_o it_o when_o yet_o he_o intend_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v be_v no_o way_n difficult_a to_o declare_v but_o be_v not_o necessary_a here_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o he_o be_v in_o particular_a take_v into_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n and_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n so_o it_o be_v enter_v with_o all_o believer_n and_o their_o natural_a seed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a because_o under_o this_o term_n seed_n in_o the_o promise_n abraham_n mystical_a seed_n be_v intend_v and_o include_v with_o his_o natural_a this_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v gal._n 3.16_o hence_o look_v under_o what_o notion_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o one_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o his_o seed_n in_o the_o same_o notion_n it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o other_o but_o now_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o make_v with_o his_o mystical_a seed_n it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v definit_o and_o answerable_o be_v so_o make_v with_o his_o natural_a seed_n we_o may_v suppose_v all_o abraham_n mystical_a seed_n as_o well_o as_o his_o natural_a then_o actual_o exist_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o who_o thing_n future_a be_v present_a and_o now_o stand_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o apprehend_v he_o as_o speak_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o they_o all_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o these_o that_o be_v thy_o seed_n now_o how_o can_v we_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n as_o here_o we_o have_v none_o interpret_v or_o understand_v he_o as_o promise_v to_o one_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o this_o seed_n of_o abraham_n definite_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o other_o only_o indefinite_o so_o that_o as_o without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o comfort_n of_o saint_n we_o can_v interpret_v the_o promise_n as_o extend_v unto_o they_o only_o in_o a_o definite_a notion_n so_o not_o without_o great_a violence_n to_o the_o text_n can_v we_o interpret_v it_o as_o intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n any_o otherwise_o then_o we_o do_v as_o intend_v his_o mystical_a seed_n hence_o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o attend_v our_o expound_v the_o promise_n in_o a_o definite_a notion_n as_o extend_v to_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n the_o same_o difficulty_n do_v attend_v it_o as_o so_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v so_o make_v to_o they_o seem_v evident_a from_o the_o reason_n now_o give_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o have_v be_v former_o argue_v 2._o but_o second_o let_v i_o yet_o surther_o offer_v some_o reason_n equal_o respect_v abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o produce_v all_o those_o reason_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o serve_v in_o the_o design_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v only_o single_a out_o these_o three_o which_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v what_o be_v now_o assert_v 1._o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o make_v indefinite_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n than_o there_o will_v be_v in_o variety_n of_o instance_n a_o absolute_a failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o this_o appear_v thus_o as_o indefinite_a promise_n do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o every_o individual_a person_n to_o who_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o do_v appertain_v so_o they_o do_v infallible_o secure_v that_o good_a at_o least_o to_o some_o one_o if_o not_o more_o of_o those_o to_o who_o in_o general_a they_o be_v make_v suppose_v a_o man_n come_v to_o another_o and_o say_v i_o will_v do_v good_a or_o i_o will_v be_v bountiful_a to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n suppose_v he_o shall_v do_v good_a or_o be_v bountiful_a according_a to_o the_o utmost_a intent_n of_o the_o promise_n only_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o but_o whole_o neglect_v or_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o to_o any_o one_o of_o his_o child_n he_o will_v hardly_o be_v account_v a_o man_n faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v only_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n will_v not_o its_o 〈◊〉_d oblige_v he_o to_o do_v good_a or_o extend_v his_o bounty_n to_o every_o individual_a child_n yet_o to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o it_o will_v but_o now_o that_o all_o believer_n have_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o loin_n partake_v with_o they_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o save_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o suppose_v can_v be_v affirm_v the_o contrary_n be_v too_o evident_a in_o several_a instance_n and_o how_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n i_o can_v apprehend_v suppose_v the_o promise_n be_v only_o indefinite_a 2._o if_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v only_o indefinite_a than_o they_o will_v pertain_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n yea_o let_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v what_o they_o will_v as_o well_o as_o while_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o answerable_o it_o may_v seem_v they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o that_o they_o have_v in_o their_o infant-state_n that_o the_o promise_n will_v equal_o and_o alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n as_o when_o infant_n yea_o let_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v what_o they_o will_v must_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v necessary_o grant_v for_o they_o appertain_v to_o they_o either_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o as_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o not_o the_o latter_a for_o than_o none_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n will_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o till_o themselves_o have_v grace_n and_o consequent_o grace_n will_v not_o be_v give_v in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o must_v precede_v their_o mterest_n in_o they_o and_o therrfore_o they_o must_v needs_o appertain_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n and_o consequent_o must_v necessary_o appertain_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v such_o which_o they_o be_v when_o grow_v up_o as_o well_o as_o when_o infant_n be_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n what_o they_o will_v and_o while_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o especial_o while_o they_o visible_o and_o apparent_o appertain_v to_o they_o they_o seem_v evident_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n obj._n and_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n may_v indefinite_o appertain_v to_o those_o who_o yet_o by_o their_o wickedness_n may_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o as_o much_o as_o their_o right_n to_o it_o do_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n ausw_n to_o that_o i_o will_v say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o that_o give_v right_a to_o the_o token_n by_o baptise_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o he_o seem_v evidenly_a to_o ground_v his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o be_v bapze_v upon_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o for_o this_o see_v more_o in_o my_o first_o treatise_n concern_v infant-baptism_n pag._n 263._o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n suppose_v the_o promise_n indefinite_o appertain_v to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v charitable_o hope_v they_o may_v have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o a_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n though_o great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o at_o present_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodlliness_n this_o hope_n may_v be_v rational_o ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o their_o i_o speak_v upon_o that_o supposition_n that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o indefinite_o and_o that_o god_n in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o they_o do_z so_o frequent_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v a_o rational_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o universal_o in_o their_o infancy_n with_o respect_n to_o grace_n already_o wrought_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o indubitable_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o
real_a work_n of_o grace_n may_v great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o sometime_o be_v find_v walk_v and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a while_n how_o long_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n in_o variety_n of_o instance_n as_o that_o of_o solomon_n and_o other_o and_o if_o so_o be_v this_o supposition_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v grace_n in_o this_o or_o that_o infant_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v exercise_v towards_o the_o same_o person_n as_o grow_v up_o though_o at_o present_a great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o suppose_v the_o promise_n alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o as_o may_v be_v exercise_v during_o their_o infant-state_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v their_o case_n be_v more_o doubtful_a yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v hardly_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o grant_v they_o this_o privilege_n their_o case_n be_v as_o now_o put_v will_v be_v attend_v with_o no_o small_a inconveniency_n 3._o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o indefinite_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o seem_v evident_o to_o appertain_v alike_o to_o their_o mediate_v as_o to_o their_o immediate_a seed_n in_o abraham_n case_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o take_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n they_o do_v equal_o and_o alike_o appertain_v to_o his_o seed_n and_o posterity_n mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o as_o to_o his_o immediate_a seed_n neither_o have_v his_o immediate_a seed_n any_o other_o interest_n in_o they_o then_o his_o mediate_a now_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n or_o suppose_v we_o can_v from_o any_o scripture-warrant_a limit_n the_o promise_v as_o make_v only_o to_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o see_v we_o can_v limit_v they_o to_o abraham_n immdeiate_n but_o must_v grant_v they_o equal_o and_o alike_o to_o respect_v and_o be_v extend_v to_o his_o mediate_v as_o to_o his_o immediate_a seed_n it_o will_v certain_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v a_o equal_a and_o alike_a interest_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n child_n have_v and_o if_o so_o i_o conceive_v no_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v assign_v why_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v not_o be_v exercise_v towards_o these_o as_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o will_v be_v as_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v it_o apply_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o so_o be_v we_o can_v limit_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n as_o i_o much_o think_v we_o can_v in_o case_n we_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v only_o indefinite_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n then_o there_o will_v be_v lay_v a_o fair_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o now_o be_v baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n universal_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o show_v if_o necessary_a but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o these_o reason_n convince_v i_o past_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o neither_o be_v enter_v with_o nor_o make_v to_o either_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o any_o other_o believer_n in_o a_o mere_a indefinite_a notion_n but_o however_o god_n may_v have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o more_o general_a respect_n both_o to_o abraham_n and_o all_o believer_n seed_n mediate_o descend_v from_o they_o respective_o yet_o as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v both_o to_o he_o and_o their_o immediate_a seed_n so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v ad_fw-la understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n reach_v and_o take_v in_o each_o one_o of_o their_o seed_n in_o particular_a this_o question_n be_v resolve_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o application_n and_o unfolding_n of_o this_o second_o benefit_n assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n to_o or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o infant_n thereby_o 2._o wherein_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o have_v that_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o token_n do_v consist_v 1._o for_o the_o first_o and_o thus_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v a_o double_a reference_n first_o to_o the_o covenant_n it_o fell_v as_o more_o general_o and_o absolute_o consider_v second_o to_o the_o particular_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o token_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o absolute_o and_o more_o general_o consider_v and_o hence_o that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o primary_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o infant_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o adult_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o be_v the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o more_o general_o and_o absolute_o consider_v and_o consequent_o and_o as_o the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a result_n thereof_o that_o which_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v be_v their_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v solemn_o invest_v and_o seal_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n with_o god_n they_o be_v absolute_o the_o presenti_fw-la remove_v from_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n and_o solemn_o invest_v with_o and_o initiate_v into_o a_o new_a covenant-state_n hence_o circumcision_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o baptism_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o consider_v gen._n 17.11_o as_o the_o one_o have_v so_o the_o other_o have_v a_o first_o and_o primary_n respect_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o take_v and_o consequential_o to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n they_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o put_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o new_a covenant-state_n and_o relation_n godward_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v conditional_o make_v with_o all_o or_o rather_o offer_v to_o mankind_n there_o be_v a_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o all_o man_n upon_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n go_v say_v christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v in_o that_o mark_n 16.15_o 16._o but_o condionale_fw-la nihil_fw-la ponit_fw-la in_o usu_fw-la a_o conditional_a covenant_n though_o it_o make_v a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o now_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n or_o term_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o change_v their_o state_n they_o be_v yet_o heir_n of_o the_o curse_n denounce_v in_o case_n of_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v yet_o child_n of_o wrath_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o they_o john_n 3.36_o loco_fw-la 3.36_o non_fw-la dixit_fw-la it_o a_o dei_fw-la veniet_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la sed_fw-la it_o a_o dei_fw-la manet_fw-la super_fw-la eum_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la mortales_fw-la habent_fw-la secum_fw-la iram_fw-la dei._n quam_fw-la iram_fw-la dei_fw-la quam_fw-la excepit_fw-la primus_fw-la homo_fw-la adam_n august_n in_o loco_fw-la but_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n solemnize_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o from_o this_o change_n in_o their_o state_n i_o conceive_v a_o discharge_n and_o immunity_n from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n whether_o originan_n or_o originatum_fw-la do_v necessary_o arise_v and_o result_v unto_o they_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n mankind_n in_o general_n be_v free_v from_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n by_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o make_v
improvement_n of_o it_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v first_o that_o the_o covenant_n and-promises_a as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o they_o take_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o be_v more_o full_o afcertain_v and_o assure_v to_o they_o but_o second_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v what_o reference_n and_o subserviency_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o infant_n have_v to_o his_o continue_v unto_o they_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o answerable_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o they_o the_o lord_n himself_o tell_v abraham_n that_o the_o manchild_n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v have_v break_v the_o covenant_n gen._n 17.14_o whether_o that_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o bear_v it_o be_v a_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o their_o hold_v their_o covenant-interest_n and_o state_n and_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v i_o shall_v not_o determine_v only_o this_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o bare_a privation_n or_o want_n of_o circumcision_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o then_o all_o die_a before_o the_o eight_o day_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o david_n can_v not_o have_v comfort_v himself_o by_o that_o consideration_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o child_n and_o not_o it_o return_v to_o he_o say_v gerhard_n eam_fw-la scil_n comminationem_fw-la quae_fw-la de_fw-la circumcisione_n extat_fw-la gen._n 17.14_o non_fw-la ad_fw-la casum_fw-la privationis_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la contemptum_fw-la sacramenti_fw-la pertinere_fw-la but_o whether_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o from_o error_n as_o well_o as_o contempt_n may_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o child_n will_v appear_v at_o that_o day_n when_o thing_n now_o hide_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n this_o must_v be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o passage_n may_v just_o make_v the_o heart_n not_o only_o of_o contemner_n but_o of_o all_o neglecter_n of_o infant-baptism_n to_o tremble_v we_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n may_v have_v make_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o continue_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o to_o his_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o he_o may_v ostablish_v his_o covenant_n upon_o what_o term_n himself_o please_v and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v find_v true_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v how_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o consequent_o how_o great_a a_o good_a it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n upon_o the_o door-post_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o israelite_n can_v not_o be_v improve_v by_o any_o of_o their_o first-born_a who_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o security_n from_o the_o destroy_a angel_n there_o may_v be_v a_o indispensible_a connexion_n between_o some_o duty_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a promise_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o lie_v in_o the_o alone_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n at_o least_o be_v reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a in_o his_o own_o breast_n two_o thing_n be_v plain_a to_o i_o and_o a_o three_o be_v doubtful_a first_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o in_o case_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n nor_o be_v to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o it_o apply_v parent_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o their_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v reap_v any_o of_o the_o save_a benefic_n purchase_v by_o christ_n at_o least_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n then_o may_v be_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o heathen_n second_o this_o be_v alike_o plain_a to_o i_o that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n through_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o and_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o do_v suppose_v their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n infallible_o enjoy_v all_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n three_o this_o be_v doubtful_a to_o i_o how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o and_o what_o be_v the_o case_n of_o their_o infant-seed_n who_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o understanding_n disclaim_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o neglect_v thereupon_o to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o i_o will_v hope_v the_o best_a but_o i_o must_v say_v the_o scripture_n to_o i_o give_v more_o ground_n of_o fear_n than_o of_o hope_n in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n not_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o good_a and_o benefit_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n but_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o good_a as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n when_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o improvement_n of_o it_o and_o how_o great_a it_o may_v be_v and_z if_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o use_n they_o be_v to_o make_v of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v then_o unto_o they_o shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v show_v under_o the_o next_o general_n head_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o some_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o and_o some_o objection_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n we_o have_v see_v a_o twofold_a good_a and_o benefit_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o first_o they_o have_v thereby_o a_o solemn_a admission_n and_o incorporation_n into_o the_o visible_a body_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v yea_o affirm_v to_o have_v a_o political_a or_o relative_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n second_o they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v consequent_o a_o discharge_n and_o immunity_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o have_v a_o present_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n and_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o chap._n viii_o several_a objection_n answer_v the_o first_o raise_v from_o the_o impossibility_n that_o god_n shall_v do_v so_o much_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o not_o regenerate_v they_o that_o answer_v and_o the_o contrary_a thereunto_o show_v to_o be_v high_o rational_a the_o second_o be_v that_o what_o they_o have_v be_v only_o according_a to_o a_o visible_a appearance_n but_o not_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n that_o answer_v where_o it_o be_v show_v what_o they_o appear_v or_o seem_v to_o have_v they_o must_v needs_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n the_o three_o raise_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o grant_v the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n so_o much_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n that_o full_o answer_v the_o four_o raise_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o grant_v so_o much_o to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n that_o full_o answer_v the_o five_o be_v that_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n have_v nothing_o beyond_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o have_v that_o brief_o answer_v obj._n 1_o possible_o some_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v will_v yet_o urge_v utter_a improbability_n that_o god_n shall_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o grant_v they_o so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o privilege_n as_o have_v be_v affirm_v he_o do_v and_o yet_o not_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v they_o if_o not_o in_o their_o infancy_n yet_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o consequent_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n as_o ground_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o their_o be_v confederate_n with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n will_v very_o probable_o prove_v or_o rather_o absolute_o necessitate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o fall_v from_o and_o
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who_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n 1_o tim._n 3.4_o the_o same_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_a parent_n though_o eminent_o require_v in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n some_o deal_n with_o their_o child_n in_o soul-affaire_n as_o though_o they_o be_v rather_o in_o jest_n than_o earnest_n and_o no_o wonder_n though_o child_n be_v neither_o serious_a nor_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o â—â—â—ending_v to_o or_o practise_v such_o instruction_n parent_n shall_v labour_v to_o carry_v it_o so_o in_o all_o their_o word_n 〈…〉_o as_o that_o their_o child_n may_v perceive_v the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o deal_v with_o they_o about_o instruct_v and_o chastise_v child_n require_v the_o utmost_a gravity_n and_o seriousness_n 2._o show_v as_o much_o love_n to_o god_n as_o also_o as_o much_o affection_n towards_o your_o child_n but_o as_o little_a of_o self_n and_o passion_n as_o possible_o 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righteousness_n etc._n etc._n in_o answer_n to_o dr._n tully_n and_o mr._n chr._n cartwright_n by_o r._n baxter_n principle_n make_v practical_a or_o direction_n for_o plain_a christian_n to_o pray_v on_o most_o occasion_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o the_o use_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o assembly_n catechism_n the_o great_a concern_v or_o a_o serious_a warn_v to_o a_o timely_a and_o through-preparation_n for_o death_n etc._n etc._n by_o edw._n pearce_n a_o beam_n of_o divine_a glory_n or_o a_o treatise_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n by_o the_o same_o author_n correction_n instruction_n or_o a_o treatise_n of_o affliction_n by_o t._n case_n in_o twelves_o the_o poor_a doubt_v christian_a draw_v to_o christ_n by_o t._n hooker_n in_o twelve_o the_o worthy_a communicant_a or_o a_o treatise_n show_v the_o due_a order_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n by_o jer._n dyke_n in_o twelves_o with_o a_o sacramental_a catechism_n etc._n etc._n the_o 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promise_n further_o make_v to_o his_o house_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o come_v 2_o sam._n 7.18_o 19_o so_o for_o god_n not_o only_o to_o promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o believer_n themselves_o but_o to_o make_v their_o child_n and_o that_o as_o such_o fellow-heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n may_v have_v even_o nonplus_v their_o faith_n have_v he_o not_o express_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v that_o branch_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o their_o seed_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v have_v overcome_v a_o weak_a faith_n have_v it_o not_o be_v suitable_a confirm_v but_o 2._o the_o other_o endand_v use_v of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o ratificatio_fw-la and_o confirmatiou_n of_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v unto_o they_o and_o consequent_o for_o the_o more_o full_a secure_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o they_o and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o look_v upon_o 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consequent_o how_o all_o as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o child_n of_o wrath_n i_o say_v how_o any_o that_o know_v and_o believe_v these_o thing_n can_v have_v any_o joy_n or_o rake_v any_o comfort_n in_o their_o child_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o under_o at_o least_o a_o probability_n of_o security_n from_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o that_o their_o state_n as_o for_o that_o supposition_n of_o some_o that_o only_o natural_a death_n be_v threaten_v against_o adam_n in_o case_n of_o sin_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o death_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o mankind_n through_o his_o fall_n and_o hereupon_o that_o that_o be_v the_o only_a kind_n of_o death_n that_o infant_n be_v subject_a to_o or_o that_o supposition_n of_o other_o that_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n be_v whole_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la take_v away_o from_o all_o mank_n by_o christ_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o under_o the_o same_o love_n and_o favour_n that_o adam_n be_v under_o in_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n what_o relief_n soever_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o yield_v can_v only_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n and_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n have_v no_o true_a foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v they_o grant_v will_v they_o contribute_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n so_o much_o to_o they_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o parent_n in_o their_o child_n as_o the_o covenant_n if_o true_o under_v odd_a will_n do_v and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o fetch_v their_o relief_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n though_o that_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o may_v be_v improve_v as_o a_o considerable_a relief_n against_o that_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n that_o must_v rational_o arise_v to_o believe_a parent_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o child_n yet_o i_o doubt_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o weight_v it_o will_v be_v find_v great_o want_v as_o to_o the_o yield_v that_o plenary_a relief_n that_o it_o have_v be_v useusl_o endeavour_v to_o be_v improve_v unto_o in_o as_o much_o as_o election_n neither_o secure_v any_o from_o death_n in_o their_o infant-state_n nor_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o according_a to_o any_o scripture-ground_n as_o a_o security_n against_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o case_n of_o death_n in_o that_o state_n however_o this_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o relief_n to_o be_v fetch_v from_o thence_o be_v alike_o to_o unbeliever_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o child_n as_o to_o believer_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o set_a aside_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o and_o a_o believer_n have_v no_o more_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n that_o his_o seed_n belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o man_n have_v or_o suppose_v he_o sehould_v yet_o that_o such_o as_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n do_v belong_v thereunto_o he_o have_v rather_o ground_n to_o fear_v than_o to_o hope_n yea_o the_o ground_n he_o have_v to_o fear_v they_o do_v not_o be_v vast_o great_a than_o the_o ground_n he_o have_v to_o hope_v that_o they_o do_v and_o for_o believer_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lose_a estate_n of_o their_o child_n as_o bear_v child_n of_o wrath_n than_o other_o have_v and_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o hope_n concern_v they_o than_o other_o have_v muse_v needs_o great_o allay_v their_o comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o they_o yea_o they_o must_v rational_o have_v less_o joy_n and_o take_v less_o comfort_n in_o
they_o to_o want_v the_o other_o that_o their_o child_n may_v be_v continue_v in_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o enjoy_v the_o full_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o that_o which_o so_o strong_o oblige_v parent_n to_o endeavour_v their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o and_o continuance_n in_o covenant_n be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n unto_o that_o as_o the_o first_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v hence_o the_o obligation_n in_o the_o general_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o on_o all_o parent_n be_v their_o judgement_n for_o or_o against_o their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o right_a to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o to_o endeavour_v and_o answerable_o use_v all_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o child_n conversion_n and_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n only_o the_o one_o do_v it_o that_o his_o child_n may_v have_v admission_n into_o the_o other_o that_o they_o may_v be_v continue_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n 2._o the_o other_o thing_n pleadable_a as_o a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o anti-paedo-baptists_n to_o provoke_v and_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o their_o child_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v their_o denial_n of_o they_o to_o have_v as_o such_o any_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n and_o any_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n privilege_n and_o benefit_n attend_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n thereinto_o and_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n now_o it_o may_v be_v say_v sure_o those_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o strong_o oblige_v and_o have_v more_o effectual_a motive_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n than_o those_o that_o conveive_v their_o child_n already_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o answerable_o be_v already_o interest_v in_o those_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v as_o before_o that_o the_o obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o though_o the_o end_n be_v different_a for_o to_o wave_v that_o question_n whether_o infant_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o universal_a or_o into_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n when_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n disannul_v all_o right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la to_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n be_v it_o universal_a or_o particular_a and_o forefeit_v their_o right_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n benefit_n and_o privilege_n that_o as_o admit_v thereunto_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o and_o interest_n in_o now_o it_o be_v a_o right_a to_o and_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n that_o be_v the_o obligation_n and_o motive_n to_o parent_n to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n church-membership_a absolute_o consider_v siguify_v nothing_o it_o be_v interest_n in_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a benefit_n blessing_n and_o privilege_n that_o make_v church-membership_a a_o good_a unto_o man_n whether_o old_a or_o young_a now_o i_o say_v conversion_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o continue_v a_o interest_n in_o and_o actual_o enjoy_v they_o to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o first_o admission_n thereinto_o and_o thereby_o come_v to_o a_o interest_n in_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o who_o afore_o be_v alien_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n or_o whole_o out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n engage_v parent_n to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n or_o bring_v they_o to_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o man_n whether_o of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o persuasion_n but_o then_o 2._o the_o other_o consideration_n i_o will_v offer_v be_v that_o there_o be_v several_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o and_o several_a motive_n improvable_a by_o paedo-baptist_n beyond_o what_o those_o of_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n can_v apprehend_v themselves_o under_o or_o can_v be_v rational_o improve_v by_o they_o to_o provoke_v they_o diligenly_a to_o use_v all_o mean_n and_o vigorous_o perform_v all_o duty_n they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n direct_v to_o in_o order_n to_o their_o child_n conversion_n faith_n and_o repentance_n 1._o first_o there_o be_v that_o special_a interest_n and_o propriety_n that_o god_n have_v in_o their_o child_n god_n lay_v claim_v to_o a_o special_a propriety_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n they_o be_v he_o hence_o he_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o ancient_a people_n in_o offer_v up_o their_o child_n to_o idol_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o propriety_n in_o they_o ezek._n 16.20_o and_o 21._o moreover_o thou_o have_v take_v thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n who_o thou_o have_v bear_v unto_o i_o and_o these_o best_a thou_o sacrifice_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v devour_v viz._n to_o their_o idol_n be_v this_o of_o thy_o whoredom_n a_o small_a matter_n that_o thou_o have_v slay_v my_o child_n they_o be_v they_o by_o generation_n but_o he_o by_o adoption_n to_o offer_v any_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n be_v exceed_v bad_a but_o to_o offer_v humane_a sacifice_n be_v worse_o but_o to_o offer_v their_o child_n that_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o bowel_n be_v yet_o a_o high_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n there_o be_v not_o only_a cruelty_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o even_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o yet_o further_o that_o which_o great_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n be_v that_o those_o they_o sacrifice_v be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n they_o be_v god_n child_n that_o they_o sacrifice_v and_o answerable_o here_o be_v the_o high_a injustice_n i_o may_v call_v it_o sacrilege_n a_o rob_v god_n to_o honour_v their_o idol_n but_o this_o we_o see_v god_n claim_v a_o peculiar_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o only_o he_o as_o all_o creature_n be_v but_o they_o be_v his_o by_o special_a choice_n of_o they_o for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o service_n therefore_o believer_n include_v their_o seed_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n i_o pet._n 2.9_o and_o according_a to_o a_o special_a relation_n they_o stand_v in_o towards_o he_o they_o be_v call_v his_o servant_n levit._n 25.41_o now_o this_o interest_n and_o propriety_n that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o god_n for_o his_o use_n and_o service_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v towards_o he_o god_n give_v his_o people_n child_n and_o intru_v they_o with_o they_o but_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o up_o for_o he_o hence_o to_o neglect_v the_o holy_a education_n of_o child_n be_v not_o only_o to_o transgress_v a_o command_n but_o to_o be_v unfaithful_a in_o a_o trust_n which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n a_o trust_n lay_v a_o peculiar_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o it_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4.2_o when_o a_o man_n have_v entrust_v his_o child_n with_o another_o to_o be_v educate_v and_o instruct_v by_o he_o in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n he_o expect_v faithfulness_n in_o he_o and_o the_o very_a consideration_n of_o the_o child_n be_v entrust_v with_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n or_o purpose_n will_v strong_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o thus_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v god_n he_o claim_v propriety_n in_o they_o and_o entrust_v they_o with_o parent_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o for_o himself_o and_o both_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n require_v that_o they_o do_v bring_v they_o up_o according_o the_o apostle_n improve_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o engage_v believer_n to_o glorify_v god_n both_o with_o soul_n and_o body_n because_o both_o be_v he_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o now_o as_o they_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n both_o with_o foul_a and_o body_n so_o they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o such_o a_o fitness_n and_o disposition_n of_o both_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o apt_a and_o meet_a to_o glorify_v he_o with_o both_o so_o their_o child_n be_v the_o lord_n they_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v after_o their_o fitness_n and_o meetness_n for_o his_o use_n and_o service_n and_o answerable_o to_o educate_v and_o bring_v they_o up_o and_o that_o interest_n and_o
may_v we_o suppose_v that_o possible_a their_o covenant-state_n will_v be_v discontinue_v or_o they_o will_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o covenant_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v alike_o rational_a for_o god_n to_o require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n from_o child_n themselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o that_o they_o shall_v universal_o do_v it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a shall_v be_v secure_v to_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v more_o by_o and_o by_o so_o that_o god_n deal_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v altogether_o rational_a as_o suit_v with_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o man_n to_o who_o he_o offer_v his_o covenant_n or_o with_o who_o he_o do_v actual_o establish_v it_o 3._o consider_v that_o in_o case_n either_o god_n have_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o thereby_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n afore_o declare_v or_o have_v proceed_v further_o viz._n to_o their_o universal_a regeneration_n or_o to_o the_o secure_v it_o unto_o they_o one_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n will_v have_v necessary_o follow_v thereupon_o either_o 1._o no_o infant_n must_v have_v dye_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o yet_o that_o innumerable_a do_v our_o daily_a observation_n assure_v we_o or_o else_o 2._o all_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n must_v have_v eternal_o perish_v and_o be_v everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n or_o 3._o in_o case_n any_o be_v save_v it_o must_v be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v with_o or_o any_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o but_o mere_o from_o a_o absolute_a power_n and_o prerogative_n in_o god_n to_o save_v or_o condemn_v who_o he_o will_v of_o fall_a mankind_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n establish_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o 4._o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n whether_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n must_v infallible_o be_v save_v or_o last_o some_o may_v be_v true_o regenerate_v and_o have_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o after_o final_o fall_v away_o and_o eternal_o perish_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o our_o opposer_n imagine_v or_o if_o he_o have_v extend_v it_o to_o they_o definite_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n plead_v for_o then_o one_o of_o the_o three_o former_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v or_o if_o have_v so_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o he_o shall_v thereby_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o work_v grace_n in_o they_o universal_o then_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n may_v be_v make_v indefinite_o with_o and_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o then_o none_o of_o these_o inconenience_n will_v follow_v answ_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o definite_o or_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v they_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o only_o indefinite_o yet_o this_o inconveniency_n will_v follow_v viz._n that_o as_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o of_o their_o infant_n who_o have_v one_o or_o more_o survive_v their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shalll_v be_v save_v so_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o so_o die_a be_v save_v that_o none_o have_v any_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o what_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n now_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o that_o they_o give_v no_o assurance_n that_o all_o yea_o or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o believer_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v be_v save_v will_v evident_o appear_v thus_o because_o the_o covenant_n may_v stand_v firm_a and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v in_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o those_o that_o survive_v their_o infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n how_o can_v a_o supposal_n of_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n and_o further_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o those_o that_o conceive_v the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v only_o indefinite_o with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n that_o it_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o they_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant_n state_n if_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o that_o state_n it_o be_v either_o as_o they_o be_v elect_a or_o as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o have_v the_o covenant_n so_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n but_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o assure_v any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o be_v elect_a for_o then_o all_o the_o elect_a seed_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o infancy_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o grace_n from_o their_o very_a infancy_n till_o they_o come_v to_o full_a age_n yea_o possible_o till_o they_o come_v to_o old_a age_n be_v yet_o at_o last_o convert_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o these_o may_v have_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o infancy_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o too_o bad_a consequence_n than_o to_o be_v grant_v without_o better_a proof_n than_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v bring_v 2._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o give_v assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o such_o will_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v ready_o grant_v without_o further_a proof_n 3._o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o reveal_v that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n and_o for_o any_o to_o plead_v experience_n or_o observation_n in_o this_o case_n that_o can_v signify_v but_o little_a inasmuch_o as_o that_o grace_n some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v of_o the_o time_n or_o mean_n when_o or_o whereby_o it_o be_v wrought_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n it_o may_v yet_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o parental_a instruction_n or_o some_o other_o mean_v vouchsafe_v consequent_a to_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n now_o than_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n it_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o any_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o bottom_v a_o hope_n upon_o that_o any_o of_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infant-state_n be_v save_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v have_v only_o a_o possibility_n or_o at_o utmost_a a_o probability_n for_o its_o foundation_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v too_o weaken_v by_o a_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v vast_o more_o rational_a to_o i_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o case_n the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o they_o only_o indefinite_o see_v god_n have_v give_v no_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o in_o do_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n he_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n as_o full_o as_o though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o their_o infancy_n he_o shall_v suffer_v those_o that_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o salvation_n to_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o answerable_o
true_a and_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n have_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n in_o god_n as_o their_o god_n and_o a_o present_a right_n to_o salvation_n may_v yet_o fall_v away_o and_o final_o perish_v for_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n do_v now_o if_o union_n with_o christ_n a_o covenant-state_n with_o god_n a_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n propriety_n in_o god_n and_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n will_v secure_v none_o from_o apostasy_n and_o final_o perish_v what_o assurance_n can_v any_o have_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o and_o final_o perish_v and_o thus_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o saint_n one_o way_n we_o shall_v destroy_v it_o another_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n by_o establish_v their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o assign_v they_o so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o many_o privilege_n as_o interest_v therein_o we_o shall_v destroy_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n by_o weaken_v the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n that_o themselves_o have_v have_v of_o their_o own_o continuance_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n godward_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o child_n covenant-state_n we_o shall_v leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o any_o sure_a ground_n that_o themselves_o shall_v be_v continue_v in_o they_o answ_n what_o union_n the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o have_v with_o christ_n what_o sin_n they_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o from_o whence_o their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n do_v arise_v and_o accrue_v to_o they_o how_o far_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n the_o promise_n give_v they_o a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o or_o act_v for_o their_o good_a as_o also_o what_o right_a they_o have_v to_o future_a salvation_n with_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o they_o alone_o can_v actual_o enjoy_v it_o suppose_v their_o growth_n up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n be_v have_v be_v already_o declare_v and_o must_v be_v careful_o remember_v which_o be_v remember_v and_o well_o weigh_v i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o assignment_n of_o any_o or_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n as_o afore_o explain_v and_o limit_v to_o they_o shall_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o the_o tendency_n mention_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v though_o we_o grant_v all_o that_o have_v be_v assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o and_o mere_o as_o such_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n may_v be_v found_v upon_o such_o sure_a base_n and_o maintain_v by_o such_o scripture_n demonstration_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v stand_v firm_a maugre_o the_o utmost_a opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o deficiency_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n that_o themselves_o be_v such_o and_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o that_o assurance_n can_v just_o deprive_v any_o true_a believer_n of_o the_o high_a plerophorie_n that_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o encouragement_n to_o endeavour_v after_o to_o attempt_v the_o fix_v of_o that_o doctrine_n upon_o its_o true_a basis_n or_o improve_n and_o manage_v the_o various_a argument_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v establish_v will_v be_v excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a undertake_n yet_o let_v i_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o assurance_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o of_o person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v but_o of_o individual_a person_n to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v 2._o that_o all_o appertain_a thereunto_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n unto_o christ_n with_o a_o explicit_a expression_n of_o his_o will_n to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v lose_v none_o of_o they_o but_o shall_v raise_v they_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n viz._n to_o the_o life_n of_o glory_n 3._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v immutable_a when_o once_o that_o viz._n the_o spirit_n which_o render_v it_o so_o be_v actual_o give_v 4._o that_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o hide_a with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o conserve_n cause_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v a_o unseparable_a connexion_n between_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o glorification_n i_o say_v the_o assurance_n that_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n with_o several_a other_o of_o the_o like_a importance_n secure_v that_o doctrine_n to_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n yea_o and_o that_o unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n of_o all_o saint_n though_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o declare_v be_v granied_a to_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n among_o who_o yet_o many_o final_o fall_v away_o and_o perish_v so_o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o as_o what_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n may_v great_o promote_v their_o parent_n joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o so_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o have_v no_o just_a tendency_n to_o allay_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o stand_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n godward_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o yield_v their_o child_n may_v have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o yet_o their_o own_o assurance_n of_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n and_o infallible_o come_v to_o glory_n be_v no_o way_n weaken_v or_o prejudice_v thereby_o obj._n 3_o possible_o some_o may_v further_o say_v to_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o many_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n by_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v affirm_v that_o they_o have_v all_o universal_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o election_n or_o preterition_n a_o present_a right_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o ratify_v seal_v and_o comfirm_v by_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o that_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n they_o be_v infallible_o save_v which_o if_o so_o we_o must_v either_o grant_v that_o some_o that_o appertain_v not_o to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n be_v save_v which_o overthrow_v that_o doctrine_n or_o else_o affirm_v that_o all_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v elect_v which_o as_o it_o be_v improbable_a in_o itself_o so_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n answ_n that_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o true_a believer_n die_v in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n be_v infallible_o save_v be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n to_o i_o and_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n i_o apprehend_v not_o any_o solid_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v seem_v at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o see_v it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o all_o such_o infant_n die_v in_o that_o state_n do_v indeed_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n as_o for_o what_o be_v object_v concern_v the_o improbability_n of_o that_o and_o the_o want_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o i_o conceive_v the_o quite_o contrary_a may_v be_v easy_o make_v to_o appear_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o high_o probable_a in_o itself_o but_o have_v countenance_n from_o scripture_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o improbable_a but_o rather_o high_o probable_a appear_v two_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o confess_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o the_o adult_n that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v without_o regeneration_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v positive_o affirm_v by_o our_o lord_n christ_n john_n 3.3_o luke_n 13.3_o with_o mark_n 16.16_o hence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n that_o god_n do_v so_o order_v his_o providence_n towards_o man_n that_o none_o among_o the_o adult_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n do_v die_v before_o a_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v and_o must_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o word_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o how_o often_o be_v it_o find_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o lot_n be_v cast_v in_o place_n whole_o remote_a from_o all_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o conversion_n be_v yet_o possible_o after_o many_o year_n either_o bring_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n or_o they_o carry_v to_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v save_o
wrought_v upon_o and_o thereby_o declare_v to_o have_v appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n now_o if_o so_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n watch_v over_o such_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o death_n why_o shall_v it_o seem_v at_o all_o improbable_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o god_n shall_v order_v his_o providence_n after_o the_o like_a manner_n towards_o infant_n and_o answerable_o continue_v life_n to_o the_o non-elect_a that_o so_o their_o fall_a short_a of_o the_o good_a promise_v shall_v be_v chargeable_a upon_o themselves_o and_o take_v away_o by_o death_n only_o the_o elect_n who_o salvation_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n hereby_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v secure_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o great_o magnify_v when_o the_o non-elect_a apostatise_v from_o god_n his_o justice_n in_o their_o condemnation_n will_v shine_v forth_o in_o great_a brightness_n and_o glory_n so_o that_o for_o god_n so_o to_o order_v his_o providence_n towards_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o improbability_n that_o it_o be_v great_o probable_a 2._o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o well_o as_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o many_o of_o those_o of_o their_o seed_n that_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n do_v apostatise_v grow_v wicked_a and_o consequent_o never_o enjoy_v the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o unusal_o though_o very_o much_o without_o ground_n plead_v by_o our_o opposer_n as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o they_o can_v see_v little_a difference_n between_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n the_o child_n of_o the_o one_o prove_v wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o other_o now_o though_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o mere_a prejudice_n a_o evident_a difference_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v see_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o may_v be_v very_o rational_o expect_v that_o in_o case_n god_n have_v as_o we_o affirm_v he_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_v universal_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n more_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o they_o than_o can_v be_v rational_o hope_v do_v in_o respect_n of_o or_o among_o those_o that_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n though_o according_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o good_a of_o it_o be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o all_o no_o nor_o to_o any_o that_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o consequent_o the_o apostasy_n of_o some_o no_o way_n reflect_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o he_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n to_o they_o consider_v how_o good_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a he_o be_v it_o may_v not_o without_o the_o appearance_n of_o reason_n seem_v strange_a that_o no_o more_o enjoy_v that_o good_a than_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v of_o those_o that_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n hence_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o all_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o such_o as_o do_v indeed_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o answerable_o do_v enjoy_v the_o full_a good_a of_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o we_o take_v in_o all_o that_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n with_o those_o that_o grow_a up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n do_v give_v assurance_n of_o their_o personal_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n not_o only_o the_o faithfulness_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v and_o make_v good_a his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n will_v shine_v forth_o in_o their_o glory_n and_o lustre_n and_o how_o great_a a_o good_a be_v it_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n will_v abundant_o appear_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o full_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n from_o those_o unjust_a reproach_n it_o be_v now_o by_o man_n yea_o by_o some_o good_a man_n in_o their_o darkness_n load_v with_o but_o 2._o as_o this_o viz._n that_o only_o such_o among_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n be_v take_v away_o by_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v do_v live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n want_v not_o countenance_n from_o scripture_n for_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n only_o of_o two_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a believer_n who_o preterition_n be_v intimate_v or_o make_v know_v by_o special_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o both_o these_o express_o record_v to_o have_v live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o to_o have_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n these_o be_v ishmael_n and_o esau_n the_o one_o forfeit_v his_o interest_n by_o persecute_v his_o brother_n the_o other_o by_o a_o profane_a sell_v his_o birthright_n that_o the_o preterition_n or_o nonelection_n of_o both_o these_o be_v signify_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 9.9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o that_o both_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o forfeit_v their_o interest_n the_o way_n foremention_v be_v express_o declare_v gen._n 21.9_o compare_v with_o gal._n 4.29_o gen._n 25.29_o 30_o etc._n etc._n with_o heb._n 12.16_o and_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o as_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o the_o lead_a instance_n and_o pattern_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o non-elect-seed_n of_o his_o people_n so_o it_o be_v answerable_o with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o as_o we_o read_v only_o of_o these_o two_o who_o preterition_n or_o nonelection_n be_v signify_v by_o special_a revelation_n and_o we_o see_v both_o of_o they_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n so_o the_o scripture_n particular_o mention_n the_o death_n only_o of_o one_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o give_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o that_o do_v appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v david_n child_n by_o bathsheba_n that_o that_o child_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n david_n question_n not_o but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o comfort_a himself_o upon_o its_o death_n and_o profess_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o return_v to_o he_o obj._n 4._o possible_o some_o will_v say_v what_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o infant_n universal_o in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o mankind_n universal_o as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v by_o christ_n free_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n restore_v to_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o infant_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o than_o all_o ought_v alike_o to_o have_v it_o apply_v unto_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o all_o ought_v not_o than_o none_o ought_v to_o have_v it_o apply_v unto_o they_o or_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o aught_o to_o have_v it_o apply_v yet_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n will_v be_v no_o way_n better_v thereby_o see_v what_o good_a they_o be_v suppose_v to_o receive_v by_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o answ_n i_o suppose_v this_o objection_n will_v not_o be_v own_v by_o many_o but_o to_o those_o few_o that_o may_v i_o will_v reply_v by_o only_o ask_v this_o one_o question_n viz._n how_o all_o mankind_n come_v by_o all_o that_o good_a have_v they_o it_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o by_o any_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_v distinguish_v from_o and_o independent_a upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o have_v they_o it_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o christ_n undertake_v and_o perform_v his_o mediatory_a office_n 1._o i_o say_v have_v they_o it_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n sure_o that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o actual_o establish_v between_o