be_v a_o spiritual_a blessing_n or_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a good_a so_o pareus_n or_o else_o that_o blessing_n may_v be_v call_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o denote_v the_o author_n of_o it_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o inspiration_n leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o take_v the_o sense_n which_o way_n we_o will_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o promise_n include_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o first_o instance_n second_o let_v we_o take_v another_o instance_n in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o peculiar_a good_a promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o hos_fw-la 14.4_o now_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o promise_v take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v or_o include_v and_o consequent_o do_v not_o absolute_o ensure_v to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o such_o love_n or_o favour_n from_o god_n as_o be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_a the_o aplstle_n john_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o as_o he_o be_v essential_o love_n so_o he_o express_v his_o love_n as_o in_o various_a way_n so_o in_o various_a degree_n and_o measure_n towards_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n now_o it_o be_v ready_o grant_v that_o god_n do_v express_v more_o love_n or_o do_v vouchsafe_v high_a and_o great_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n or_o between_o himself_o and_o who_o he_o have_v constitute_v a_o covenant-relation_n than_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n between_o himself_o and_o who_o there_o be_v no_o such_o covenant-relation_n thus_o the_o very_a extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o give_v they_o a_o present_a propriety_n in_o and_o take_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o himself_o be_v glorious_a expression_n or_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o beside_o various_a other_o expression_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n vouchsase_v to_o they_o as_o in_o a_o covernantstate_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a here_o upon_o earth_n and_o while_o the_o covenant-relation_n with_o the_o privilege_n attend_v it_o be_v continue_v to_o they_o the_o love_n express_v in_o it_o and_o they_o be_v continue_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o as_o these_o expression_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n be_v not_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_n but_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v and_o answerable_o be_v withdraw_v from_o they_o upon_o a_o failure_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o they_o so_o no_o more_o or_o no_o further_a love_n be_v insure_v by_o this_o promise_n than_o what_o be_v actual_o express_v in_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o constitute_v thereby_o a_o covenat-relation_n between_o he_o and_o they_o and_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n kingdom_n and_o family_n as_o visible_a here_o upon_o earth_n so_o that_o i_o have_v here_o two_o thing_n to_o prove_v 1._o first_o that_o god_n may_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o non-elect_a so_o as_o to_o constiture_n thereby_o a_o true_a covenant-relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o may_v thereupon_o vouchsafe_v they_o tjhe_v token_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o love_n and_o favour_n be_v express_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o peculiar_a to_o the_o elect._n 2._o second_o that_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o do_v not_o necessary_o include_v and_o consepuent_o do_v not_o ensure_v any_o further_a love_n or_o favour_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_a to_o any_o of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o to_o who_o it_o do_v appertain_v for_o the_o first_o that_o be_v prove_v thus_o if_o for_o god_n so_o to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o or_o enter_v it_o with_o some_o non-elect_a as_o to_o constitute_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a covenant-relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o to_o vouchsafe_v they_o thereupon_o the_o token_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o admit_v they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o possible_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o himself_o have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n wither_v concern_v the_o subject_n or_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o concern_v the_o good_a vouchsafe_v or_o to_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o those_o who_o be_v take_v in_o as_o subject_n of_o it_o than_o he_o may_v extend_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n before_o express_v to_o some_o non-elect_a and_o answerable_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o it_o but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o minor_a proposition_n alone_o need_v proof_n and_o here_o we_o have_v in_o the_o general_n two_o thing_n to_o prove_v first_o that_o for_o god_n to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o non-elect_a and_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o possible_a in_o itself_o now_o for_o this_o that_o this_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o possible_a be_v unquestionable_a the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o his_o absolute_a freedom_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o creature_n as_o himself_o please_v secure_v this_o past_a all_o rational_a doubt_n if_o he_o may_v as_o who_o question_n but_o that_o he_o may_v enter_v covenant_n conditional_o with_o all_o man_n why_o may_v he_o not_o go_v somewhat_o further_o with_o some_o and_o actual_o take_v they_o into_o a_o covenant-relation_n with_o himself_o and_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n who_o yet_o he_o have_v not-ordained_n to_o salvation_n second_o that_o for_o god_n thus_o to_o do_v be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n either_o concern_v the_o subject_n or_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o concern_v the_o good_a vouchsafe_v or_o to_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o those_o that_o be_v take_v in_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_a branch_n and_o thus_o first_o for_o god_n to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o some_o non-elect_a and_o answerable_o vouchsafe_v they_o the_o token_n of_o it_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o it_o this_o be_v sufficient_o wvident_a because_o whatever_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o covenant_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v in_o any_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v he_o have_v no_o where_o limit_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o elect._n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o declaration_n in_o the_o scripture_n let_v it_o be_v show_v second_o that_o for_o god_n so_o to_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o some_o non-elect_a be_v no_o way_n inconfistent_a with_o what_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v be_v plead_v as_o oppose_v god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n express_v to_o the_o non-elect_a be_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v concern_v the_o everlastingness_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o it_o with_o the_o provision_n make_v and_o security_n give_v that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v break_v by_o those_o that_o be_v take_v in_o as_o subject_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o seem_a inconsistency_n between_o what_o be_v now_o affirm_v concern_v god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o non-elect_a and_o those_o thing_n so_o frequent_o assert_v and_o inculcate_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o much_o shall_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o those_o thing_n so_o frequent_o declear_v and_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o covenant_n do_v infallible_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o some_o shall_v stand_v firm_a and_o remain_v inviolate_a shall_v never_o be_v break_v yet_o i_o coneive_v all_o that_o be_v delcare_v in_o scripture_n of_o this_o nature_n concern_v the_o covenant_n will_v not_o prove_v but_o that_o god_n may_v and_o that_o in_o a_o consistency_n with_o his_o word_n extend_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n express_v to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o elect_v for_o first_o as_o for_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v concern_v the_o everlastingness_n of_o the_o
bring_v they_o to_o glory_n according_a to_o his_o ordinary_a way_n viz._n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a way_n and_o regenerate_v they_o immediate_o by_o his_o spirit_n without_o the_o subserviency_n of_o any_o outward_a mean_n especial_o consider_v what_o inconvenience_n will_v attend_v through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n a_o supposition_n of_o his_o so_o do_v and_o consequent_o that_o believe_a parent_n if_o they_o must_v not_o mourn_v as_o those_o that_o have_v no_o hope_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o but_o mourn_v as_o have_v but_o little_a hope_n but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o allow_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definite_o and_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a assign_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o and_o yet_o bound_v that_o good_a as_o i_o have_v do_v unspeakable_a good_a accrue_v to_o they_o by_o that_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n ensue_v thereupon_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v as_o we_o see_v it_o can_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o in_o case_n god_n go_v so_o far_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o to_o grant_v they_o that_o good_a those_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v he_o do_v that_o then_o he_o must_v necessary_o go_v further_o and_o actual_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v they_o either_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v so_o far_o as_o have_v be_v express_v and_o yet_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o but_o shall_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v who_o he_o please_v so_o to_o do_v it_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v himself_o please_v and_o from_o all_o i_o conceive_v a_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v a_o answer_n unto_o which_o will_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v clog_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n both_o to_o prove_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o dueness_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o also_o to_o confirm_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n affirm_v to_o accrue_v to_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v upon_o it_o i_o conceive_v both_o be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o let_v i_o rather_o excite_v all_o man_n to_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o do_v so_o much_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o yet_o provide_v for_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n over_o and_o among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o his_o justice_n in_o condemn_v none_o but_o such_o as_o wilful_o sin_n away_o their_o own_o mercy_n obj._n 1_o it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v true_a the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o and_o may_v be_v hope_v according_a to_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n confer_v upon_o and_o insure_v to_o they_o by_o the_o covenant_n as_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n real_o and_o true_o actual_o grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v affirm_v inasmuch_o as_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o our_o child_n answ_n i_o confess_v most_o that_o have_v plead_v for_o infant-baptism_n upon_o this_o ground_n viz._n their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n do_v too_o common_o express_v themselves_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o it_o seem_v pass_v all_o rational_a doubt_n and_o be_v so_o to_o i_o that_o what_o they_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n hence_o as_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n secure_v that_o to_o they_o so_o for_o all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o they_o have_v they_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o a_o double_a consideration_n 1._o first_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o true_a believer_n such_o as_o have_v true_o and_o real_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v real_o and_o internal_o in_o covenant_n themselves_o 2._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n interest_n in_o the_o covenent_n and_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n grant_v and_o confer_v upon_o they_o thereby_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o upon_o any_o qualification_n in_o or_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o themselves_o but_o flow_v mere_o from_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n hence_o in_o case_n they_o only_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o privilege_n before_o mention_v grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o the_o promise_v only_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o or_o that_o all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o blessing_n only_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o grant_v and_o confer_v by_o those_o promise_n or_o last_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v but_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a but_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o grant_v to_o or_o confer_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v true_o and_o real_o interest_v in_o they_o that_o good_a that_o be_v real_o contain_v in_o and_o intend_a by_o they_o none_o of_o which_o thing_n can_v be_v grant_v not_o the_o first_o for_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n i_o mean_v it_o still_o of_o true_a believer_n as_o abraham_n be_v and_o that_o definite_o to_o each_o one_o or_o to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o second_o for_o undoubted_o god_n intend_v that_o very_a good_a the_o promise_v mention_v not_o the_o three_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o convey_v or_o confer_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o appertain_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v exercise_v immediate_o and_o direct_o towards_o infant_n it_o be_v true_a where_o we_o can_v only_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n towards_o parent_n there_o we_o can_v only_o exercise_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n towards_o their_o child_n but_o where_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n there_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n according_a to_o what_o their_o parent_n be_v in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n or_o be_v know_v to_o god_n to_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n can_v only_o be_v act_v towards_o man_n with_o reference_n to_o or_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o consequent_o to_o their_o right_n to_o those_o promise_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant_n i_o speak_v of_o both_o these_o be_v certain_a hence_o undeniable_o what_o they_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v they_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n obj._n 2._o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o to_o grant_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n will_v great_o weaken_v if_o not_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n for_o we_o must_v then_o grant_v that_o some_o who_o have_v a_o
advantage_n they_o be_v unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o what_o good_a will_n be_v express_v by_o they_o be_v not_o discern_v by_o many_o who_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o that_o some_o ordinance_n who_o claim_n to_o that_o original_a be_v most_o just_a yet_o be_v neglect_v by_o some_o and_o utter_o reject_v by_o other_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a fierceness_n of_o opposition_n as_o judge_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a reference_n and_o signification_n this_o especial_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o infant-baptism_n the_o main_a reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sad_a corruption_n or_o rather_o utter_v loss_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n especial_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o seal_n thereof_o under_o that_o antichristian_a darkness_n that_o so_o long_o prevail_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o a_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o reference_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v suspect_v as_o to_o its_o original_a and_o answerable_o reject_v by_o conscientious_a christian_n hence_o the_o revival_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o initiatory_a seal_n and_o token_n hereof_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o great_a conducency_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o practice_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o both_o by_o parent_n and_o child_n some_o small_a essay_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v at_o present_a design_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v no_o further_o launch_v out_o into_o than_o the_o resolution_n of_o four_o inquiry_n relate_v to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o token_n thereof_o to_o infant_n the_o discussion_n of_o which_o have_v be_v sometime_o since_o promise_v make_v necessary_a the_o rosolution_n of_o those_o inquiry_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n whereby_o i_o be_o nor_o without_o some_o hope_n that_o at_o least_o some_o little_a light_n may_v shine_v forth_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o what_o reference_n this_o ordinance_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o signification_n it_o carry_v and_o signal_n expression_n it_o be_v of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o man_n and_o as_o previous_a to_o a_o more_o clear_a procedure_n in_o what_o be_v intend_v it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o three_o thing_n be_v at_o present_a presuppose_a and_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v elsewhere_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v joynt-confederats_a with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o have_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o that_o as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v so_o baptism_n now_o be_v the_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n 3._o that_o infant_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n apply_v unto_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v already_o prove_v i_o shall_v immediate_o come_v to_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a inquiry_n which_o be_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v and_o accrue_v to_o they_o thereby_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n as_o bear_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o improvement_n that_o child_n themselves_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n to_o bigin_n with_o 1._o the_o first_o viz._n why_o god_n have_v appoint_v or_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n answ_n that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a institution_n yea_o even_o those_o of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v by_o we_o but_o the_o sole_a will_n of_o the_o legislator_n be_v most_o rational_a as_o agree_v with_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a principle_n of_o true_a reason_n be_v abundant_o secure_v by_o their_o alone_a relation_n to_o he_o as_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n nothing_o irrational_a can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n hence_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o any_o practice_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n we_o ought_v and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o heart_n by_o renew_v grace_n be_v bring_v to_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o allegiance_n unto_o god_n we_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rationality_n as_o command_v by_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o mighty_a in_o power_n or_o authority_n and_o hence_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o bend_v our_o inquiry_n more_o after_o the_o will_n of_o god_n constitution_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o duty_n than_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o constitute_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v so_o be_v we_o assure_v of_o his_o will_n his_o wisdom_n secure_v his_o willing_a nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o rational_a or_o what_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n he_o shall_v command_v and_o his_o will_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o obedience_n but_o yet_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o rational_a and_o intelligent_a creature_n and_o give_v he_o eye_n to_o see_v withal_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o he_o according_a to_o mere_a sovereignty_n but_o indulge_v he_o a_o liberty_n or_o rather_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o inquire_v after_o and_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o rationality_n of_o his_o command_n only_o a_o twofold_a proviso_n be_v attend_v unto_o 1._o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sobriety_n sapit_fw-la non_fw-la sapit_fw-la qui_fw-la plus_fw-la justo_fw-la sapit_fw-la and_o presume_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v second_o that_o in_o case_n the_o rationality_n of_o this_o or_o that_o command_n appear_v not_o either_o as_o not_o reveal_v by_o god_n or_o as_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o shallow_a understanding_n to_o discern_v it_o he_o yield_v to_o mere_a sovereignty_n and_o answerable_o resolve_v to_o obey_v though_o he_o see_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o this_o that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o and_o for_o christian_n still_o attend_v to_o these_o prouiso_n to_o search_v after_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o divine_a command_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n command_v this_o or_o that_o as_o a_o duty_n conduce_v not_o a_o little_a as_o to_o their_o cheerful_a and_o complacential_a walk_v in_o way_n of_o obedience_n so_o to_o their_o please_a and_o honour_v god_n in_o any_o by_o that_o their_o obedience_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a reason_v as_o darken_v and_o corrupt_v in_o fall_v man_n rise_v up_o with_o a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o god_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.7_o the_o wisdom_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v carnal_a or_o corrupt_a wisdom_n or_o reason_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n yet_o reason_n sanctify_a and_o regulate_v by_o supernatural_a light_n be_v high_o serviceable_a unto_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o great_o subserve_v their_o yield_n unto_o god_n due_a honour_n and_o glory_n in_o and_o by_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n the_o more_o of_o sanctify_a reason_n any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o clear_o suppose_v his_o due_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o will_v he_o discern_v the_o rationality_n of_o divine_a command_n and_o confequent_o the_o more_o full_o and_o free_o will_v he_o own_v and_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o command_n and_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereignty_n as_o command_v and_o answerable_o honour_v he_o by_o a_o complacential_a obedience_n dience_n hence_o christian_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n suppose_v they_o proportionable_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a will_v be_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o in_o his_o way_n to_o bring_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o though_o the_o alone_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n of_o his_o
covenant_n and_o deride_v their_o baptism_n will_v go_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n as_o we_o say_v that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o do_v they_o but_o full_o understand_v of_o what_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n they_o will_v be_v unto_o they_o but_o now_o through_o their_o misguide_a zeal_n they_o great_o reflect_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o upon_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o whereas_o parent_n by_o bring_v their_o child_n under_o the_o bond_n of_o it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o do_v give_v a_o public_a commendation_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o honour_n and_o glorify_v god_n as_o extend_v it_o to_o they_o 4._o hereby_o parent_n do_v public_o own_v and_o practical_o acknowledge_v their_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o for_o man_n profess_o to_o believe_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v do_v great_o redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o more_o especial_o be_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o infant_n thus._n 1._o they_o public_o own_o and_o practical_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a fin_n that_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o original_a sin_n communicate_v from_o adam_n to_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o that_o by_o mean_n thereof_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v child_n of_o wrath._n as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a so_o baptism_n now_o have_v a_o special_a reference_n to_o original_a fin_n especial_o as_o infant_n be_v and_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o very_a application_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o they_o do_v presuppose_v they_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o parent_n by_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o their_o infant_n do_v public_o own_v and_o practical_o profess_v their_o belief_n that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 5.14_o sin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d after_o or_o according_a to_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n be_v transgression_n that_o be_v actual_o in_o the_o external_a violation_n of_o any_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n now_o for_o man_n public_o to_o own_o and_o visible_o to_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n great_o redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o guiltiness_n of_o that_o sin_n justify_v he_o in_o all_o penal_a evil_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o what_o sad_a complaint_n have_v some_o heathen_n make_v concern_v man_n birth_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o misery_n attend_v he_o above_o what_o attend_v other_o creature_n and_o thereby_o great_o reflect_v upon_o god_n his_o creaior_n as_o though_o he_o have_v not_o be_v so_o good_a to_o man_n as_o to_o other_o creature_n and_o this_o from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o orginal_a sin_n they_o evident_o perceive_v the_o sad_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o original_a sin_n but_o know_v not_o original_a sin_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o effect_n but_o now_o by_o own_v and_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o do_v implicit_o justify_v god_n in_o all_o the_o misery_n he_o have_v subject_v man_n unto_o which_o must_v needs_o great_o redound_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n 2._o they_o do_v hereby_o public_o own_o and_o practical_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o infant_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n be_v incapable_a of_o merit_n what_o god_n do_v for_o they_o he_o must_v needs_o do_v free_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o difference_n that_o god_n put_v between_o jacob_n and_o esan_n in_o respect_n of_o election_n and_o preterition_n and_o his_o consequent_a deal_n with_o then_o respective_o the_o child_n be_v not_o yet_o bear_v neither_o have_v do_v any_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n may_v stand_v not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v it_o be_v say_v unto_o she_o viz._n rebekah_n the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a rom._n 9.11_o 12._o that_o which_o i_o only_o design_n from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o show_v that_o what_o god_n do_v for_o infant_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o election_n before_o time_n or_o actual_a donation_n in_o time_n he_o do_v it_o not_o for_o or_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o work_n but_o free_o of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n either_o mere_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o election_n or_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n through_o the_o interposal_n of_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o actual_a donation_n if_o he_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o do_v for_o they_o of_o work_n that_o be_v for_o or_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o work_n it_o must_v be_v either_o the_o work_n of_o the_o infant_n themselves_o or_o the_o work_n of_o their_o parent_n not_o the_o work_n of_o infant_n themselves_o for_o they_o have_v neither_o do_v any_o good_a or_o evil_n not_o the_o work_n of_o their_o parent_n simpl._n vigilantissime_fw-la ait_fw-la ex_fw-la uno_fw-la concubitu_fw-la geminy_n enim_fw-la conceptierant_fw-la ne_fw-la vel_fw-la paternis_fw-la meritis_fw-la tribueretur_fw-la si_fw-mi quisquam_fw-la forte_fw-fr diceret_fw-la ideo_fw-la talis_fw-la natus_fw-la est_fw-la filius_fw-la qui_fw-la à _fw-la pater_fw-la it_o à _fw-la erat_fw-la affectus_fw-la illo_fw-la tempore_fw-la cum_fw-la sevit_fw-la in_o utero_fw-la matris_fw-la aut_fw-la erat_fw-la ita_fw-la mater_fw-la affecta_fw-la cum_fw-la concepit_fw-la simul_fw-la enim_fw-la ambo_fw-la sunt_fw-la uno_fw-la tempore_fw-la concepti_fw-la austin_n reserente_a beda_n ex_fw-la epistolâ_fw-la ad_fw-la simpl._n that_o appear_v from_o the_o difference_n he_o put_v in_o his_o love_n and_o hatred_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v between_o child_n beget_v conceive_v and_o bear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o same_o parent_n but_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o twin_n if_o he_o deal_v with_o child_n according_a to_o the_o desert_n of_o parent_n he_o will_v deal_v alike_o with_o all_o child_n that_o be_v so_o beget_v conceive_v and_o bear_v so_o that_o what_o god_n do_v for_o infant_n can_v be_v of_o work_n neither_o of_o parent_n nor_o child_n but_o must_v be_v whole_o free_a of_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o goodness_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n 3._o hereby_o they_o public_o own_o and_o practical_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o word_n whether_o of_o threaten_v or_o promise_n his_o power_n as_o to_o accomplish_v his_o word_n so_o to_o bless_v and_o make_v effectual_a his_o own_o institution_n for_o that_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v appoint_v christ_n be_v the_o only_a refuge_n for_o fall_a man_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o for_o security_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o way_n whereby_o man_n betake_v himself_o to_o this_o refuge_n be_v by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o thereby_o get_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o make_v in_o christ_n hence_o as_o by_o baptism_n person_n be_v visible_o admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o their_o admission_n be_v solemnize_v by_o come_v unto_o baptism_n they_o be_v say_v to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v mat._n 3.7_o say_v john_n baptist_n to_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n come_v to_o his_o baptism_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v baptism_n be_v a_o visible_a incorporation_n of_o person_n into_o christ_n and_o solemnisation_n of_o their_o covenant-elation_a with_o god_n in_o he_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o visible_o come_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n and_o under_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o he_o whereby_o they_o be_v secure_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o parent_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n and_o solemn_o dedicate_a they_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o same_o refuge_n with_o themselves_o they_o carry_v they_o along_o with_o they_o into_o this_o refuge_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v new_a as_o this_o proceed_v from_o so_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o practical_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o such_o who_o do_v indeed_o act_v from_o true_a principle_n as_o all_o believer_n be_v suppose_v to_o do_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v she_o threaten_n denounce_v wrath_n against_o man_n as_o say_v and_o guilty_a of_o fin_n so_o that_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o
asleep_a yet_o if_o he_o stumber_v be_v great_o indispose_v to_o discharge_v any_o work_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o shepherd_n though_o he_o be_v not_o fast_o asleep_a as_o we_o say_v yet_o if_o in_o a_o slumber_n his_o sheep_n be_v expose_v to_o danger_n but_o to_o show_v the_o exactness_n of_o that_o providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n it_o be_v here_o say_v of_o he_o nec_fw-la dormit_fw-la nec_fw-la dormitat_fw-la he_o neither_o sleep_v nor_o slumber_n and_o hence_o again_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o keep_v his_o church_n speak_v of_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o vineyard_n night_n and_o day_n isa_n 27.3_o as_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o open_a he_o be_v always_o awake_a not_o in_o the_o least_o slumber_v so_o his_o eye_n be_v always_o upon_o his_o church_n he_o keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n now_o night_n and_o day_n divide_v time_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o special_a object_n of_o the_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n be_v his_o special_a charge_n so_o his_o care_n be_v answerable_a towards_o or_o over_o it_o he_o exercise_v a_o most_o exact_a providential_a care_n towards_o or_o over_o his_o own_o family_n and_o here_o we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o as_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o employ_v the_o angel_n as_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o he_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n heb._n 1.7_o according_a to_o their_o essence_n and_o nature_n so_o he_o employ_v they_o as_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o work_n of_o providence_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n hence_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o special_a providential_a care_n so_o the_o angel_n perform_v their_o ministry_n with_o a_o special_a respect_n to_o and_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o it_o hence_o say_v to_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n heb._n 1.14_o though_o they_o serve_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o providence_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o service_n and_o ministry_n especial_o assign_v they_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a member_n thereof_o as_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n now_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v rightful_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o wing_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n stretch_v over_o they_o and_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n in_o this_o service_n and_o ministry_n of_o angel_n with_o the_o adult_n member_n yea_o at_o least_o as_o some_o if_o not_o most_o of_o our_o best_a expositor_n understand_v that_o passage_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n in_o mat._n 18.10_o infant_n have_v a_o more_o special_a interest_n in_o their_o ministry_n their_o state_n incapacify_v they_o to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o themselves_o be_v more_o especial_o commit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o angel_n take_v heed_n say_v our_o lord_n christ_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o these_o little_a one_o be_v understand_v little_a child_n if_o not_o alone_o intend_v yet_o as_o include_v and_o comprehend_v they_o have_v their_o angel_n that_o in_o heaven_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n that_o be_v stand_v always_o ready_a to_o receive_v command_n from_o god_n for_o their_o guidance_n in_o their_o service_n and_o ministration_n unto_o these_o little_a one_o to_o who_o care_n and_o charge_n they_o be_v commit_v videre_fw-la faciem_fw-la patris_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la astare_fw-la deo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la regi_fw-la observantes_fw-la ejus_fw-la nutum_fw-la ut_fw-la capessant_fw-la ipsius_fw-la mandata_fw-la de_fw-la ipsis_fw-la emittendis_fw-la ad_fw-la custodiam_fw-la puerorum_fw-la say_v piscator_fw-la etc._n piscator_fw-la vide_fw-la bull_v in_o loco_fw-la junius_n his_o irenicum_fw-la meditatio_fw-la in_o ps_n 121.2_o gerhard_n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la mr._n perkins_n doct._n prideux_n in_o their_o sermon_n upon_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v our_o lord_n christ_n as_o speak_v of_o little_a one_o in_o a_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n or_o no_o yet_o that_o his_o providential_a care_n exercise_v towards_o or_o over_o his_o church_n or_o family_n do_v extend_v to_o they_o in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o universality_n of_o that_o phrase_n he_o keep_v israel_n none_o that_o appertain_v to_o his_o israel_n be_v from_o under_o his_o care_n or_o exclude_v from_o the_o service_n or_o ministration_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v no_o little_a benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n he_o exercise_n over_o his_o own_o house_n but_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v up_o of_o this_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o or_o three_o question_n may_v be_v necessary_a first_o whether_o this_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n be_v extend_v equal_o and_o alike_o to_o all_o that_o be_v visible_a member_n of_o it_o or_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o election_n and_o a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o consequent_o see_v we_o deny_v infant_n as_o such_o to_o have_v a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o grace_n among_o they_o unto_o which_o some_o do_v other_o do_v not_o appertain_v whether_o this_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o appropriate_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o answ_n in_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n several_a thing_n may_v be_v consider_v which_o yet_o i_o shall_v wave_v and_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o our_o lord_n christ_n employ_v as_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n do_v act_n in_o their_o ministration_n either_o according_a to_o a_o more_o general_a commission_n and_o charge_n they_o have_v receive_v or_o else_o according_a to_o particular_a command_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o each_o particular_a person_n hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la and_o that_o angel_n do_v act_n according_a to_o a_o more_o general_a commission_n as_o well_o as_o according_a to_o particular_a command_n they_o receive_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o only_a consonant_n to_o reason_n but_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o scripture_n and_o hence_o our_o divine_n distinguish_v of_o their_o ministry_n 1548._o ministry_n ministerium_fw-la angelorum_fw-la est_fw-la duplex_fw-la ordinarium_fw-la &_o extraordinartum_fw-la junii_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 4._o pag._n 1548._o it_o be_v either_o say_v they_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a their_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o they_o perform_v by_o virtue_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o more_o general_a commission_n their_o extraordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o they_o perform_v in_o obedience_n to_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o particular_a command_n and_o direction_n they_o receive_v from_o christ_n whether_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n or_o any_o particular_a member_n now_o suppose_v we_o grant_v that_o angel_n have_v many_o particular_a command_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_n beyond_o what_o they_o have_v relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o non-elect_a yet_o so_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v their_o ministry_n according_a to_o their_o more_o general_a commission_n they_o have_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o all_o without_o consideration_n have_v to_o election_n or_o nonelection_n which_o be_v secret_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o his_o providential_a care_n over_o his_o church_n have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o non-elect_a infant_n member_n i_o may_v add_v to_o the_o non-elect_a adult_n suppose_v their_o way_n and_o action_n do_v not_o open_o proclaim_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o he_o have_v to_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o alien_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o answerable_o do_v give_v many_o particular_a direction_n to_o his_o angel_n relate_v to_o their_o good_a beyond_o what_o he_o give_v relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v without_z the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v now_o affirm_v be_v establish_v upon_o a_o
twofold_a ground_n 1._o first_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o christ_n deal_n with_o man_n especial_o in_o his_o outward_a dispensation_n towards_o they_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o what_o they_o be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o foresee_v they_o will_v be_v or_o will_v do_v hence_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n azariah_n to_o asa_n judah_n and_o benjamin_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o 2_o chron._n 15.2_o though_o there_o may_v be_v as_o doubtless_o there_o be_v many_o who_o heart_n be_v not_o sound_v nor_o upright_a with_o god_n yet_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o general_a that_o while_o they_o shall_v keep_v with_o god_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o ground_n upon_o which_o what_o have_v be_v affirm_v be_v establish_v be_v the_o indefinitness_n of_o the_o apostle_n expression_n heb._n 1.14_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o angel_n be_v they_o not_o say_v he_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n the_o angel_n minister_v unto_o man_n as_o consider_v and_o eye_v under_o that_o notion_n viz._n as_o heir_n of_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o they_o as_o elect_v nor_o yet_o absolute_o as_o believer_n 〈…〉_o believer_n 〈…〉_o their_o election_n be_v secret_a hide_v with_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n may_v not_o 〈…〉_o know_n to_o angel_n it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o so_o 〈…〉_o perfect_o to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o what_o 〈…〉_o hence_o the_o angel_n minister_v to_o the_o 〈…〉_o as_o appear_v so_o to_o they_o now_o 〈…〉_o their_o infant-state_n be_v visible_o heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o visible_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n as_o may_v further_o appear_v hereafter_o and_o answerable_o the_o angel_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o general_a commission_n do_v minister_v to_o they_o as_o eye_v they_o under_o that_o notion_n viz._n as_o heir_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o elect_a infant_n may_v have_v a_o more_o full_a benefit_n by_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n exercise_n over_o his_o own_o family_n than_o the_o non-elect_a have_v yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n in_o general_a or_o universal_o be_v admit_v visible_a member_n of_o his_o family_n and_o appear_v as_o heir_n of_o salvation_n before_o they_o have_v make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-interest_n have_v a_o equal_a interest_n in_o the_o service_n and_o ministration_n of_o angel_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o their_o more_o general_a commission_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o beside_o many_o particular_a service_n do_v by_o the_o angel_n according_a to_o particular_a direction_n from_o christ_n beyond_o what_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v 2._o whether_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o extend_v to_o elect-infant_n bear_v unto_o unbeliever_n as_o well_o as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o will_v have_v the_o same_o benefit_n that_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v answ_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n christ_n know_v who_o be_v he_o by_o election_n as_o well_o as_o by_o vocation_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o such_o antecedent_n to_o their_o union_n with_o he_o and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n visible_a but_o yet_o let_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o first_o that_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n soever_o the_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v extend_v to_o and_o exercise_v over_o such_o yet_o suppose_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n exclude_v from_o his_o church_n and_o family_n that_o his_o care_n will_v be_v but_o particular_a and_o not_o universal_a it_o will_v reach_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o not_o to_o all_o their_o seed_n and_o consequent_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n will_v be_v great_o narrow_v and_o lessen_v beyond_o what_o now_o it_o be_v yea_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o will_v have_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n beyond_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o have_v neither_o can_v their_o parent_n take_v any_o comfort_n in_o or_o make_v any_o improvement_n of_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o seed_n enjoyment_n of_o this_o privilege_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o then_o enjoy_v it_o as_o their_o seed_n but_o only_o as_o elect_v and_o who_o or_o whether_o any_o of_o their_o seed_n be_v elect_v each_o particular_a believer_n will_v be_v uncertain_a 2._o second_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n and_o of_o the_o adult_n in_o this_o regard_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o no_o doubt_n but_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o elect_n whether_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o as_o grow_v up_o beyond_o what_o he_o have_v to_o other_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o visible_a great_o magnify_v yea_o even_o admire_v on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o privilege_n oh_o israel_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o a_o people_n save_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o shield_n of_o thy_o help_n deut._n 33.29_o it_o be_v primary_o mean_v of_o this_o providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v true_a of_o and_o applicable_a to_o each_o particular_a member_n as_o share_v in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o therefore_o 3._o three_o i_o answer_v that_o neither_o infant_n nor_o grow_a person_n though_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n have_v a_o equal_a interest_n in_o and_o benefit_n by_o this_o care_n of_o christ_n while_o stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n with_o those_o that_o be_v actual_a member_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v israel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n be_v over_o psal_n 68.34_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n that_o she_o appertain_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n will_v not_o as_o i_o suppose_v be_v question_v by_o any_o and_o yet_o shall_v we_o think_v she_o have_v the_o same_o benefit_n by_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n antecedent_n to_o her_o come_n to_o trust_v under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n as_o boaz_n speak_v in_o ruth_n 2.12_o that_o she_o have_v after_o she_o be_v actual_o come_v what_o benefit_n then_o have_v she_o in_o that_o respect_n by_o her_o forsake_v she_o own_o people_n and_o join_v herself_o with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o as_o i_o say_v the_o case_n of_o insant_n and_o of_o grow_v person_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o small_a good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n above_o and_o beyond_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o other_o that_o be_v without_o do_v enjoy_v that_o thereby_o they_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n do_v exercise_n over_o his_o church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n quest_n 3._o it_o may_v be_v far_o inquire_v wherein_o do_v the_o good_a or_o benefit_n of_o be_v under_o this_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n consist_v what_o difference_n be_v put_v thereby_o between_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o other_o answ_n to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o benefit_n to_o be_v under_o this_o care_n of_o christ_n can_v rational_o be_v doubt_v of_o by_o 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so_o that_o the_o communication_n that_o god_n by_o this_o promise_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o make_v of_o himself_o to_o his_o people_n and_o these_o act_n for_o their_o good_a benefic_n and_o advantage_n that_o he_o by_o the_o same_o promise_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o be_v limit_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o his_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o communicate_v his_o deity_n to_o they_o as_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o father_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o son_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o the_o spirit_n the_o infinity_n of_o the_o deity_n render_v it_o incommunicable_a to_o any_o be_v extrase_n without_o itself_o but_o for_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o people_n they_o receive_v no_o limitation_n from_o his_o perfection_n as_o absolute_o consider_v in_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v all_o infinite_a in_o themselves_o and_o shall_v he_o act_v ad_fw-la 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that_o may_v be_v wrought_v in_o transitu_fw-la as_o the_o relic_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n be_v purge_v away_o in_o believer_n or_o at_o any_o time_n antecede_v when_o god_n see_v meet_v but_o of_o this_o more_o by_o and_o by_o and_o that_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_a believer_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o either_o immediate_o confer_v or_o for_o the_o future_a absolute_o ensure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o various_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o only_o lay_v such_o a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n as_o be_v afore_o express_v i_o shall_v first_o prove_v by_o one_o more_o general_a argument_n and_o then_o clear_v it_o up_o in_o some_o particular_a instance_n arg._n whatever_o good_a be_v either_o confer_v or_o grant_v for_o the_o present_a or_o insure_v for_o the_o future_a by_o any_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o must_v be_v express_o hold_v forth_o or_o necessary_o employ_v in_o the_o term_n in_o which_o it_o be_v make_v or_o else_o must_v in_o some_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o it_o but_o in_o this_o promise_n no_o particular_a good_a etc._n etc._n for_o the_o major_a proposition_n the_o enumeration_n be_v full_a and_o sufficient_a that_o can_v be_v gainsay_v for_o the_o minor_a the_o truth_n of_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o it_o first_o that_o no_o particular_a good_a contain_v in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v express_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o term_n of_o this_o promise_n itself_o be_v obvious_a unto_o all_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o any_o neither_o specify_v nor_o particular_o express_v any_o particular_a good_a he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o or_o bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o more_o general_a assurance_n of_o some_o good_a
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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as_o may_v keep_v up_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n godward_o 4._o again_o wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o keep_v up_o their_o encouragement_n and_o yet_o prevent_v their_o presumption_n and_o formality_n 5._o once_o again_o much_o wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o deal_v with_o child_n according_a to_o their_o different_a temper_n and_o constitution_n some_o be_v more_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o by_o love_n other_o by_o fear_n some_o by_o gentle_a other_o by_o more_o severe_a mean_n some_o need_n more_o of_o the_o rod_n other_o less_o and_o variety_n of_o the_o like_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v this_o be_v certain_a the_o success_n of_o parent_n discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n very_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o and_o do_v exercise_v therein_o 4._o begin_v with_o your_o child_n betimes_o chasten_v thy_o child_n betimes_o say_v solomon_n so_o instruct_v he_o betimes_o parent_n shall_v endeavour_v be_v it_o 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2._o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n more_o immediate_o respect_v god_n yet_o to_o be_v perform_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o child_n and_o thus_o their_o great_a duty_n be_v prayer_n and_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o general_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o 1._o the_o bestowment_n of_o such_o endownent_n upon_o themselves_o as_o may_v capacifie_v they_o for_o the_o due_a performance_n for_n their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o of_o all_o gift_n and_o endowment_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v peculiar_o importunate_a for_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n he_o that_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o husbandman_n for_o the_o cast_n in_o the_o fetch_n and_o scatter_v the_o cummin_n etc._n etc._n when_o he_o have_v plough_v his_o ground_n and_o make_v plain_a the_o face_n thereof_o must_v teach_v parent_n wisdom_n to_o manage_v their_o duty_n aright_o towards_o their_o child_n low_a ability_n manage_v with_o wisdom_n prove_v more_o effectual_a than_o great_a without_o it_o what_o encouragement_n parent_n have_v to_o be_v importunate_a for_o this_o gift_n the_o apostle_n james_n show_v we_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v all_o mean_v use_v effectual_a prayer_n and_o instruction_n yea_o prayer_n and_o correction_n ought_v to_o go_v together_o the_o most_o faithful_a diligent_a and_o wise_a discharge_n of_o duty_n will_v leave_v child_n graceless_a unless_o god_n add_v his_o blessing_n now_o though_o a_o covenant-state_n be_v hereditary_a yet_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v from_o god_n give_v to_o who_o he_o please_v in_o a_o cpmpliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n but_o these_o be_v secret_a hide_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v parent_n rule_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v it_o equal_o and_o alike_o unto_o all_o let_v i_o add_v the_o more_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o prayer_n the_o more_o prevalent_a it_o will_v be_v and_o how_o far_o faith_n may_v be_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o child_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n do_v appertain_v to_o they_o indefinite_o as_o member_n of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o which_o those_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o hence_o though_o they_o can_v positive_o believe_v that_o these_o promise_n shall_v be_v make_v good_a to_o every_o one_o of_o their_o child_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o act_v a_o dependence_n upon_o he_o with_o a_o comfortable_a hopethat_o the_o good_a promise_v shall_v be_v givent_fw-fr to_o each_o one_o of_o their_o child_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v two_o or_o three_o motive_n to_o press_v parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o so_o pass_v from_o this_o three_o question_n 1._o consider_v the_o manifold_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v faithful_a conscientious_a and_o diligent_a therein_o and_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o other_o a_o account_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o give_v let_v i_o only_o remind_v you_o of_o and_o a_o little_a press_n upon_o you_o that_o reference_n and_o subserviency_n that_o your_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n have_v to_o your_o child_n embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o to_o god_n bring_v upon_o you_o in_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o the_o good_a promise_v that_o passage_n of_o god_n concern_v abraham_n can_v well_o be_v too_o often_o inculcate_v upon_o believe_a parent_n gen._n 18.19_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n peculiar_o remarkable_a in_o this_o scripture_n 1._o to_o mention_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o subserviency_n of_o parent_n faithful_a
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