not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o some_o grant_v that_o ishmael_n be_v intend_v in_o that_o promise_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v a_o party_n in_o that_o covenant_n but_o deny_v that_o that_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n other_o grant_v that_o that_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o deny_v ishmael_n to_o be_v a_o party_n in_o it_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o all_o these_o three_o assertion_n viz._n that_o ishmael_n be_v intend_v in_o that_o promise_n that_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v be_v break_v we_o have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o some_o of_o our_o opposite_n as_o they_o be_v take_v several_o but_o you_o will_v say_v they_o all_o agree_v 〈…〉_o be_v all_o true_a take_v conjunctive_o it_o be_v tâ—â—â—_n they_o do_v so_o and_o where_o their_o mistake_n lie_v either_o as_o 〈◊〉_d what_o we_o affirm_v or_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o shall_v be_v now_o consider_v first_o and_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a covenant_n a_o covenant_n that_o can_v be_v break_v second_o lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n for_o the_o vindicate_a the_o truth_n assert_v in_o this_o first_o proposition_n for_o carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o repugnancy_n to_o that_o principle_n hold_v and_o maintain_v by_o we_o in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o maintain_v by_o we_o concern_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o first_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o twofold_a distinction_n first_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a and_o a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a be_v in_o covenant_n or_o between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o external_o and_o visible_o and_o as_o internal_o and_o invisible_o plight_v or_o mutual_o enter_v between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o external_a and_o visible_a be_v in_o covenant_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o external_a and_o visible_a plight_v or_o mutual_a enter_v of_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n where_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a be_v in_o covenant_n nor_o any_o internal_a mutual_a enter_v covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v evident_a through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o be_v so_o demonstrative_o prove_v by_o other_o especial_o mr._n cobbett_n of_o new-england_n that_o it_o be_v whole_o superfluous_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o say_v that_o unless_o we_o do_v grant_v this_o distinction_n we_o must_v hold_v that_o either_o christ_n have_v no_o visible_a body_n church_n or_o people_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o that_o some_o may_v be_v of_o the_o visible_a body_n church_n or_o people_n of_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o in_o any_o sense_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o former_a sure_a none_o will_v affirm_v and_o the_o grant_v the_o latter_a will_v grant_v what_o i_o contend_v for_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o discourse_n second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o be_v in_o covenant_n through_o a_o personal_a acceptation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o engage_v with_o god_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gracious_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v in_o covenant_n by_o a_o personal_a acceptation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o engage_v with_o god_n in_o a_o covenant_n way_n will_v be_v deny_v by_o none_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gracious_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o will_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o appear_v from_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o our_o next_o proposition_n now_o when_o we_o say_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a covenant_n a_o covenant_n that_o can_v be_v break_v we_o intend_v it_o of_o the_o covenant_n as_o personal_o and_o that_o intnely_a and_o sincere_o enter_v by_o a_o true_o regenerate_v soul_n and_o not_o of_o the_o covenant_n as_o only_o external_o and_o unsincere_o enter_v by_o hypocrite_n nor_o of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o believe_v parent_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o natural_a seed_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v affirm_v concern_v the_o immutability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o once_o a_o soul_n be_v save_o wrought_v upon_o to_o a_o right_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n and_o a_o save_a close_a with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o soul_n shall_v never_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o so_o as_o to_o suffer_v a_o absolute_a and_o total_a loss_n of_o that_o grace_n wrought_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v absolute_o cast_v out_o of_o a_o covenant_n state_n and_o relation_n god-ward_o whether_o these_o promise_n upon_o the_o warrant_n of_o which_o this_o immutability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v affert_v and_o maintain_v will_v prove_v any_o more_o shall_v be_v consider_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v my_o present_a purpose_n by_o and_o by_o have_v then_o give_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o hold_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n promise_v the_o proposition_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o this_o covenant_n now_o establish_v between_o god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n which_o i_o grant_v yea_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o in_o substance_n that_o believer_n be_v still_o under_o be_v and_o still_o be_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n let_v not_o that_o term_n conditional_a offend_v i_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o suppose_v will_n on_o all_o hand_n be_v grant_v viz._n that_o as_o god_n promise_v good_a to_o abraham_n with_o reference_n both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n so_o he_o require_v the_o performance_n of_o duty_n as_o from_o abraham_n himself_o so_o from_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o respective_a generation_n in_o brief_a thus_o this_o covenant_n contain_v promise_n of_o good_a from_o god_n yet_o with_o a_o restipulation_n of_o duty_n from_o the_o party_n with_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o unto_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v and_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o covenant_n as_o proper_o take_v it_o be_v true_a this_o term_n covenant_n be_v various_o use_v in_o scripture_n sometime_o for_o a_o bare_a promise_n on_o god_n part_n sometime_o for_o the_o restipulation_n on_o man_n part_n sometime_o for_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o these_o be_v improper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v proper_o take_v it_o always_o signify_v a_o mutual_a compact_n between_o god_n and_o man_n wherein_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o promise_n to_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o himself_o have_v constitute_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n a_o covenant_n in_o general_n when_o proper_o take_v and_o consequent_o this_o covenant_n in_o particular_a which_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o covenant_n every_o species_n must_v partake_v of_o its_o genus_fw-la be_v quiddam_fw-la complexum_fw-la imply_v two_o or_o more_o party_n covenant_v so_o two_o party_n covenant_v the_o give_v of_o some_o good_a on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o return_n of_o some_o performance_n on_o the_o other_o and_o that_o as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o covenant_n inviolate_a on_o each_o part_n second_o that_o this_o restipulation_n or_o condition_n on_o abraham_n part_n do_v concern_v he_o both_o as_o a_o single_a person_n and_o as_o a_o parent_n stand_v in_o a_o parental_a relation_n towards_o his_o seed_n take_v in_o as_o joint_a party_n with_o himself_o into_o covenant_n my_o meaning_n be_v evident_a abraham_n stand_v in_o a_o double_a capacity_n as_o a_o single_a party_n with_o who_o god_n enter_v covenant_n and_o as_o a_o father_n of_o child_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v in_o common_a with_o himself_o appertain_v now_o as_o abraham_n as_o a_o single_a person_n in_o covenant_n be_v to_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o be_v in_o that_o capacity_n engage_v to_o by_o god_n so_o as_o a_o parent_n he_o have_v something_o of_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o seed_n as_o immediate_o descend_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n and_o as_o his_o faithful_a performance_n of_o that_o duty_n incumbent_a
object_n 1._o first_o that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n 1_o tim._n 4.10_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 4.42_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o appertain_v to_o or_o as_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n answ_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o christ_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o no_o particular_a or_o individual_a person_n be_v actual_o and_o that_o for_o the_o present_a as_o personal_o consider_v under_o any_o promise_n of_o be_v save_v by_o he_o especial_o take_v salvation_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o such_o who_o be_v of_o or_o do_v appertain_v to_o his_o mystical_a body_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o these_o ephesian_n before_o their_o embracement_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n ephes_n 2.12_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a and_o save_a mercy_n and_o as_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n so_o they_o be_v without_o hope_n without_o any_o ground_a hope_n interest_n in_o the_o promise_v be_v the_o alone_a true_a ground_n of_o all_o hope_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a salvation_n so_o that_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n declare_v the_o person_n so_o interest_v to_o appertain_v to_o or_o to_o be_v of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n all_o other_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o without_o hope_n object_n 2_o second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n it_o be_v only_o mean_v of_o his_o mystical_a body_n as_o invisible_a and_o consequent_o in_o case_n this_o scripture_n will_v prove_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n as_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n appertain_v to_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v universal_o appertain_v to_o his_o mystical_a body_n as_o invisible_a which_o it_o will_v be_v say_v we_o ourselves_o deny_v and_o therefore_o this_o scripture_n be_v impertinent_o bring_v to_o prove_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a which_o only_o speak_v of_o his_o mystical_a body_n as_o invisible_a answ_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v this_o objection_n will_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a answer_n by_o and_o by_o where_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o again_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a and_o not_o mere_o as_o invisible_a for_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o body_n and_o church_n in_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v synonimy_n or_o word_n exact_o answer_v one_o another_o in_o sense_n and_o signification_n who_o he_o intend_v by_o body_n he_o intend_v by_o church_n and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o he_o intend_v by_o church_n he_o intend_v by_o body_n now_o this_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n be_v that_o church_n or_o body_n of_o which_o the_o ephesian_n be_v a_o homogeneal_a part_n that_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o whole_a hence_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o joint_a member_n with_o himself_o of_o this_o body_n verse_n 20._o for_o we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n mark_v he_o take_v in_o the_o ephesian_n universal_o and_o indefinite_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o as_o joint_a member_n with_o he_o of_o this_o body_n so_o ephes_n 2.19_o now_o therefore_o you_o be_v no_o long_a stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n be_v all_o one_o with_o be_v of_o this_o church_n or_o body_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o every_o indivipual_a person_n of_o this_o church_n be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n what_o he_o say_v act_v 20_o 30._o plain_o declare_v the_o contrary_a now_o than_o this_o church_n or_o body_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o saviour_n be_v that_o church_n or_o body_n of_o which_o the_o ephesian_n be_v a_o homogeneal_a part_n and_o they_o not_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n universal_o to_o appertain_v to_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o invisible_a it_o will_v undoubted_o follow_v that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n mere_o as_o invisible_a but_o as_o visible_a christ_n be_v in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n or_o body_n as_o visible_o consider_v and_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v under_o a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o or_o of_o be_v save_v by_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v own_v and_o look_v upon_o as_o member_n of_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n none_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v under_o a_o promise_n of_o be_v save_v by_o he_o but_o such_o as_o do_v appertain_v to_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n second_o all_o those_o who_o under_o the_o gospel_n administration_n and_o that_o as_o personal_o consider_v be_v the_o actual_a subject_n of_o that_o promise_n wherein_o god_n engage_v himself_o 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 own_v and_o look_v upon_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o appertain_v to_o or_o as_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a but_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n under_o the_o gospel_n administration_n and_o that_o as_o personal_o consider_v be_v the_o actual_a subject_n of_o that_o promise_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o major_n be_v undeniable_o prove_v by_o that_o positive_a assertion_n of_o the_o apostle_n galatian_n 3.16_o now_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o to_o be_v seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v christ_n mystical_a now_o if_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o christ_n only_o as_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n deny_v it_o to_o be_v make_v to_o any_o other_o it_o be_v not_o make_v to_o seed_n but_o to_o seed_n to_o thy_o seed_n which_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v christ_n i_o say_v if_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o to_o christ_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o whosoever_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o or_o to_o who_o that_o promise_n may_v by_o scripture-warrant_a be_v apply_v as_o the_o actual_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o that_o as_o personal_o consider_v they_o must_v needs_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v look_v upon_o and_o own_a as_o appertain_v to_o or_o as_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v none_o evade_v this_o plain_a evidence_n to_o the_o deceive_a themselves_o or_o other_o by_o say_v that_o there_o be_v promise_v make_v to_o other_o that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n let_v it_o be_v remember_v the_o argument_n speak_v not_o of_o promise_n in_o the_o general_n nor_o of_o any_o kind_n of_o promise_n but_o of_o this_o promise_n in_o special_a nor_o do_v it_o speak_v of_o this_o promise_n as_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n make_v to_o any_o sort_n or_o species_n of_o person_n collective_o take_v where_o 〈◊〉_d single_a or_o individual_a person_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o actual_a subject_n of_o it_o as_o personal_o consider_v and_o therefore_o so_o produce_v any_o such_o instance_n be_v whole_o impertinent_a as_o to_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o any_o person_n whether_o old_a or_o young_a may_v according_a to_o scripture_n be_v account_v a_o actual_a subject_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o that_o as_o personal_o consider_v who_o yet_o be_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n own_v or_o look_v upon_o as_o appertain_v to_o or_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n till_o which_o be_v do_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o affirm_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v we_o may_v undoubted_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v the_o actual_a subject_n of_o that_o promise_n as_o personal_o consider_v be_v own_v and_o
to_o thy_o seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ_n id_fw-la est_fw-la christ_n mystical_a and_o thus_o the_o gentile-proselites_a under_o the_o first_o testament_n servant_n buy_v with_o money_n or_o bear_v in_o the_o house_n be_v account_v for_o abraham_n seed_n all_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o fellowship_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o benefit_n blessing_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o come_v to_o have_v their_o admission_n be_v account_v for_o abraham_n seed_n and_o have_v the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a of_o that_o covenant_n i_o mean_v so_o many_o as_o do_v actual_o enjoy_v it_o as_o abraham_n seed_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_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 so_o believe_v gentile_n or_o any_o other_o who_o with_o they_o have_v admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n be_v account_v for_o abraham_n seed_n all_o that_o inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v inherit_v of_o it_o under_o that_o notion_n as_o his_o seed_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o forementioned_a promise_n and_o thus_o the_o natural_a feed_n of_o abraham_n in_o another_o sense_n be_v his_o mystical_a seed_n the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n make_v up_o as_o i_o have_v say_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v the_o feed_v here_o intend_v and_o this_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a seed_n of_o abraham_n fall_v under_o a_o two_o fold_v consideration_n 1._o as_o visible_a and_o denominative_a 2._o as_o invisible_a and_o real_a the_o apostle_n give_v we_o this_o distribution_n of_o abraham_n seed_n rom._n 9.6_o all_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a be_v not_o real_o and_o true_o of_o his_o body_n mystical_a as_o invisible_a the_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o his_o invisible_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v some_o be_v visible_a and_o denominative_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o true_o and_o internal_o his_o seed_n that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o follow_a verse_n of_o which_o place_n more_o hereafter_o hence_o this_o term_n seed_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v sometime_o of_o his_o seed_n as_o visible_a and_o denominative_a sometime_o of_o his_o seed_n as_o invisible_a and_o real_a in_o the_o former_a sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o in_o the_o place_n foremention_v galat._n 3.16_o by_o christ_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a as_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v by_o baptism_n that_o the_o several_a member_n be_v incorporate_v into_o and_o unite_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o here_o speak_v of_o now_o baptism_n do_v not_o proper_o incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o invisible_a but_o as_o visible_a in_o the_o latter_a sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o rom._n 9.8_o seed_n here_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v of_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o all_o they_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o elect_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o account_v for_o the_o seed_n some_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n but_o all_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o account_v for_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v in_o this_o strict_a notion_n and_o consideration_n of_o this_o term_n seed_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o true_a internal_a and_o invisible_a seed_n of_o abraham_n child_n of_o god_n and_o seed_n here_o be_v termini_fw-la convertibiles_fw-la convertible_a term_n now_o as_o person_n be_v denominate_v the_o child_n of_o god_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o visible_a and_o external_a appear_v so_o to_o be_v or_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o real_o and_o internal_o be_v such_o say_v christ_n it_o be_v not_o meet_a to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o give_v it_o to_o dog_n it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n primary_o appertain_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o yet_o the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n now_o christ_n call_v they_o indefinite_o consider_v child_n that_o be_v child_n of_o god_n when_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o so_o general_a after-rejection_n but_o few_o of_o they_o be_v real_o and_o internal_o the_o child_n of_o god_n so_o some_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o to_o be_v account_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o visible_a and_o outward_a appear_v so_o to_o be_v who_o yet_o be_v not_o real_o and_o internal_o his_o seed_n other_o be_v not_o only_o visible_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o external_a appearance_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n but_o be_v internal_o and_o real_o so_o of_o these_o latter_a this_o term_n seed_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v account_v for_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v internal_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n i_o mean_v his_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a seed_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n this_o term_n seed_n be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v second_o there_o be_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n only_o for_o prevent_v mistake_n note_v that_o though_o i_o lastinguish_v between_o abraham_n spiritual_a and_o natural_a seed_n yet_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o respective_a the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o many_o be_v both_o his_o natural_a and_o also_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o which_o more_o after_o this_o be_v note_v i_o say_v there_o be_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o this_o phrase_n abraham_n natural_a seed_n may_v be_v take_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o signify_v his_o child_n descend_v immediate_o from_o his_o own_o loin_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o ishmael_n he_o be_v abraham_n seed_n gen._n 21_o 13._o he_o be_v thy_o seed_n say_v god_n to_o abraham_n speak_v of_o ishmael_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o his_o other_o child_n they_o be_v his_o natural_a seed_n 2._o this_o phrase_n may_v be_v take_v as_o signify_v his_o whole_a race_n or_o posterity_n or_o all_o those_o that_o do_v mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o in_o after_o age_n thus_o gen._n 15.18_o unto_o thy_o seed_n say_v god_n have_v i_o give_v this_o land_n it_o be_v mean_v of_o his_o race_n or_o posterity_n or_o his_o seed_n mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o second_o under_o what_o notion_n or_o in_o what_o capacity_n abraham_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o receive_v this_o promise_n from_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o abraham_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v both_o as_o a_o natural_a and_o also_o as_o a_o spiritual_a father_n or_o both_o as_o a_o natural_a father_n and_o as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o god_n do_v look_v on_o abraham_n as_o give_v he_o this_o promise_n as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v evident_a from_o rom._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o some_o have_v think_v that_o be_v be_v eye_v and_o look_v upon_o only_o under_o that_o notion_n and_o in_o that_o capacity_n but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o as_o a_o natural_a father_n be_v evident_a by_o this_o argument_n if_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n be_v intend_v as_o the_o immediate_a and_o next_o subject_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o that_o as_o such_o then_o abraham_n as_o receive_v this_o promise_n or_o have_v this_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n unto_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v eye_v and_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o natural_a father_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o consequence_n in_o the_o major_a proposition_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o if_o god_n intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n as_o such_o that_o be_v as_o his_o natural_a seed_n than_o he_o must_v needs_o eye_n abraham_n as_o a_o natural_a father_n as_o make_v this_o promise_n to_o he_o now_o that_o he_o do_v intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n will_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a by_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o first_o proposition_n and_o that_o they_o be_v intend_v as_o his_o natural_a seed_n be_v evident_a because_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o of_o they_o they_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o under_o no_o other_o notion_n they_o can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n for_o such_o they_o be_v not_o whether_o we_o respect_v election_n or_o actual_a faith_n take_v it_o of_o ishmael_n he_o be_v neither_o elect_v nor_o have_v actual_a faith_n as_o for_o what_o some_o think_v concern_v his_o future_a repentance_n it_o be_v
evil_n inconvenience_n and_o disadvantage_n suppose_v by_o they_o to_o follow_v upon_o the_o grant_n unto_o they_o such_o a_o covenant-interest_n and_o application_n of_o baptism_n upon_o the_o ground_n thereof_o but_o now_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o be_v as_o for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n from_o both_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o baptism_n as_o apply_v unto_o they_o thereupon_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a as_o will_v i_o hope_v through_o divine_a assistance_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v if_o providence_n disappoint_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n at_o present_a let_v this_o be_v consider_v as_o for_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o state_n a_o double_a benefit_n arise_v to_o they_o thereby_o first_o they_o be_v as_o distributive_o take_v under_o a_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v their_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n declare_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n second_o they_o be_v as_o collective_o take_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n suppose_v they_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n of_o be_v to_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o saving_o to_o know_v he_o how_o far_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o future_a salvavation_n suppose_v they_o to_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o their_o interest_n in_o these_o promise_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o judicious_a reader_n this_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v be_v find_v true_a at_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o these_o secret_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o vast_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o very_a promise_v make_v unto_o they_o will_v be_v find_v the_o heir_n of_o that_o inheritance_n prepare_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o each_o particular_a believer_n but_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n general_o take_v or_o as_o take_v one_o with_o another_o but_o however_o methinks_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o be_v bring_v in_o any_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o little_o nigh_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n and_o probability_n of_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v in_o and_o that_o they_o must_v sure_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o for_o baptism_n the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o that_o be_v hint_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o be_v more_o full_o to_o be_v declare_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v as_o for_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n suppose_v to_o follow_v upon_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v real_o none_o at_o all_o whatever_o evil_n may_v be_v observe_v at_o any_o time_n to_o follow_v they_o be_v only_o accidental_a and_o will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v some_o other_o original_a and_o not_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a fruit_n and_o consequence_n of_o either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n five_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a importance_n with_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o mention_v be_v people_n place_v at_o least_o too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o external_a way_n mode_n or_o form_n attend_v with_o a_o easiness_n and_o facility_n to_o be_v draw_v into_o this_o or_o that_o way_n by_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n too_o many_o think_v that_o if_o they_o be_v but_o of_o such_o a_o way_n they_o be_v good_a christian_n and_o secure_v as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n hence_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o deceit_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o overlook_v and_o neglect_v the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v indeed_o consist_v and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o and_o fall_v in_o with_o this_o or_o that_o way_n as_o suppose_v themselves_o thereby_o insure_v for_o salvation_n and_o want_v judgement_n to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n under_o consideration_n as_o lead_v thereunto_o mere_o by_o some_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a true_o conscientious_a christian_n can_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o a_o bare_a way_n or_o form_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v lead_v by_o any_o motive_n or_o inducement_n without_o any_o regard_n at_o all_o have_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o many_o of_o they_o especial_o such_o who_o be_v of_o weak_a judgement_n some_o unsound_a and_o groundless_a motive_n and_o inducement_n have_v no_o little_a interest_n in_o their_o embrace_v this_o or_o that_o way_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o and_o thus_o the_o motive_n and_o iuducement_n lead_v professor_n into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o way_n or_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v opposite_a to_o what_o we_o have_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v exceed_o various_a all_o which_o to_o enumerate_v will_v under_o i_o over_o tedious_a all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v therefore_o be_v if_o we_o will_v come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n place_n religion_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v place_v and_o then_o set_v all_o such_o motive_n and_o inducement_n aside_o weigh_v impartial_o the_o scripture_n and_o argument_n ground_v thereupon_o ready_o give_v up_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o those_o scripture_n and_o argument_n six_o and_o last_o the_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n here_o oppose_v have_v prevail_v so_o far_o among_o christian_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n through_o their_o preposterous_a inquiry_n after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o the_o practice_n here_o plead_v for_o take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o product_n of_o those_o inquiry_n in_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o preposterousness_n of_o their_o inquiry_n lie_v more_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o their_o inquire_v after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v after_o or_o find_v out_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o general_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o command_v by_o christ_n second_o in_o their_o inquire_v after_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o this_o practice_n without_o any_o precedent_a consideration_n have_v to_o his_o will_n relate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o by_o these_o preposterous_a inquiry_n man_n put_v themselves_o under_o a_o threefold_a disadvantage_n as_o to_o their_o find_v out_o that_o will_v of_o christ_n they_o be_v inquire_v after_o first_o they_o terminate_v and_o limit_v their_o inquiry_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o suppose_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n relate_v unto_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o new_a testament_n ordinance_n must_v needs_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o second_o which_o follow_v hereupon_o they_o search_v not_o after_o nor_o attend_v unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o at_o first_o establish_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a nor_o attend_v to_o the_o various_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n open_v and_o confirm_v that_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o so_o establish_v with_o he_o three_o which_o follow_v from_o both_o they_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o several_a inference_n that_o may_v rational_o and_o according_a to_o scripture_n warrant_v be_v draw_v from_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o determine_n and_o conclude_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o application_n of_o baptism_n but_o now_o will_v people_n begin_v their_o inquiry_n where_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o proceed_v regular_o therein_o they_o will_v find_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o appear_v with_o much_o more_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o practice_n we_o plead_v for_o will_v they_o make_v their_o first_o inquiry_n after_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o then_o proceed_v in_o a_o impartial_a search_n after_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o here_o again_o begin_v where_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v viz._n at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o it_o with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o so_o proceed_v regular_o as_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v continue_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o abraham_n seed_n whether_o natural_a