promise_n if_o this_o command_n be_v obey_v account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n heb._n 11._o 19_o and_o the_o issue_n make_v it_o abundant_o manifest_a that_o the_o readiness_n of_o abraham_n to_o obey_v in_o this_o case_n do_v put_v the_o promise_n to_o no_o real_a hazard_n for_o it_o bring_v forth_o mean_v of_o far_a confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n by_o the_o exhibition_n of_o a_o eminent_a type_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o be_v add_v the_o renew_n of_o god_n promise_n to_o he_o both_o for_o his_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a seed_n and_o that_o with_o their_o confirmation_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o great_a god_n gen._n 22._o 17_o 18._o but_o to_o return_v to_o that_o which_o concern_v our_o present_a purpose_n from_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v certain_o collect_v that_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n be_v order_v of_o god_n to_o meet_v in_o one_o general_a issue_n for_o as_o the_o promise_n concern_v the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o their_o state_n be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o end_v of_o of_o god_n covenant_n with_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n so_o also_o the_o the_o promise_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n be_v to_o have_v their_o effect_n and_o accomplishment_n in_o a_o seed_n that_o must_v descend_v from_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o that_o interchange_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o you_o ought_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o seem_v strange_a §_o 5._o again_o the_o typical_a respect_n and_o analogy_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o peculiarity_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o after_o to_o be_v more_o full_o reveal_v and_o accomplish_v in_o christ_n afford_v another_o occasion_n of_o and_o reason_n for_o the_o interweave_v of_o those_o promise_n which_o require_v a_o distinct_a application_n some_o of_o they_o belong_v immediate_o to_o the_o carnal_a and_o other_o to_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n as_o arise_v from_o the_o spring_n and_o order_v towards_o the_o ministration_n of_o two_o distinct_a covenant_n that_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o a_o typical_a respect_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o new_a be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o assert_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v obtain_v a_o general_a acknowledgement_n from_o those_o that_o own_o their_o authority_n as_o also_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o transaction_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n large_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n be_v beside_o my_o present_a design_n only_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o the_o point_n under_o consideration_n i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v upon_o something_o of_o this_o kind_n and_o first_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelitish_n nation_n consider_v as_o a_o holy_a people_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v first-born_a exod._n 4._o 22_o 23._o jer._n 2._o 3._o bear_v in_o their_o flesh_n the_o character_n of_o circumcision_n which_o lay_v they_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o only_o a_o seed_n separate_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n mystical_a viz._n of_o that_o seed_n and_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o member_n who_o in_o this_o relation_n be_v consider_v as_o complete_a in_o he_o and_o so_o do_v eminent_o point_v at_o his_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n gal._n 4._o 4._o and_o by_o the_o perfect_a fulfil_n thereof_o become_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10._o 4._o thus_o much_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v fair_o gather_v from_o that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o hos_n 11._o 1._o parallela_fw-la 1._o vid._n junii_fw-la annotationes_fw-la in_o locum_fw-la &_o ejusdem_fw-la parallela_fw-la out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n compare_v with_o mat._n 2._o 15._o where_o the_o evangelist_n apply_v it_o unto_o christ_n and_o probable_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v christ_n prophesy_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n esa_n 49._o 3._o christ_n be_v the_o seed_n in_o who_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o righteousness_n that_o be_v shadow_v in_o the_o circumcision_n of_o israel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o from_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v upon_o all_o true_a believer_n for_o their_o justification_n before_o god_n and_o introduction_n into_o such_o a_o state_n wherein_o they_o shall_v acceptable_o walk_v before_o god_n and_o worship_v he_o in_o newness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o circumcision_n do_v not_o only_o oblige_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n act._n 15._o 10._o but_o do_v also_o as_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o promise_n point_n at_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v under_o a_o legal_a bond_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n that_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n such_o a_o righteousness_n may_v be_v obtain_v as_o be_v witness_v to_o both_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n rom._n 3._o 21._o it_o be_v christ_n alone_o in_o who_o the_o design_n of_o circumcision_n be_v full_o answer_v and_o as_o under_o the_o old_a testament-ministration_n no_o man_n can_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o peculiarity_n without_o circumcision_n none_o be_v admit_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o that_o covenant_n without_o this_o sign_n of_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o purity_n according_a to_o the_o law_n so_o now_o none_o can_v have_v entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n nor_o obtain_v a_o right_n in_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n but_o by_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n and_o by_o come_v under_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o obedience_n wherein_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v for_o we_o and_o see_v this_o be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o most_o comfortable_a if_o not_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o circumcision_n as_o it_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n towards_o the_o elect_n the_o continuance_n of_o it_o now_o with_o the_o same_o respect_n which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o first_o institution_n will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o intend_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v to_o intimate_v a_o denial_n of_o the_o typical_a respect_n of_o circumcision_n to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o believer_n also_o neither_o be_v that_o notion_n of_o it_o in_o the_o least_o weaken_a but_o rather_o strengthen_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n for_o as_o the_o real_a holiness_n of_o believer_n spring_v from_o their_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o justification_n through_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n so_o i_o take_v circumcision_n first_o to_o look_v towards_o that_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o to_o that_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a holiness_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3._o 3_o §_o 6._o and_o i_o conceive_v if_o those_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new-testament_n that_o look_v towards_o the_o mystical_a use_n of_o circumcision_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o context_n in_o which_o they_o be_v due_o consider_v they_o will_v cast_v a_o great_a light_n upon_o the_o notion_n propose_v to_o you_o i_o can_v stay_v upon_o all_o but_o for_o instance_n let_v we_o repair_v to_o col._n 2._o 11._o in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_v with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o whole_a context_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o believe_a colossian_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n concern_v our_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n rom._n 3._o 24._o and_o to_o caution_n they_o not_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v but_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v
with_o some_o public_a person_n head_n or_o representative_a for_o all_o other_o that_o shall_v be_v concern_v in_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o creation_n which_o god_n make_v with_o adam_n in_o his_o upright_a state_n and_o with_o all_o mankind_n in_o he_o and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o noachical_a covenant_n as_o also_o in_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n consider_v either_o as_o the_o father_n of_o believer_n or_o of_o the_o israelitish_n nation_n in_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o he_o believer_n claim_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v make_v with_o he_o and_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o natural_a relation_n to_o he_o his_o offspring_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n do_v claim_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o peculiarity_n which_o be_v first_o make_v with_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o that_o separate_a people_n but_o more_o eminent_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v establish_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n thereof_o all_o its_o promise_n be_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o in_o he_o they_o be_v all_o yea_o and_o amen_o it_o be_v by_o union_n to_o he_o that_o believer_n obtain_v a_o new-covenant-interest_n and_o from_o he_o they_o derive_v a_o new_a life_n grace_n and_o strength_n to_o answer_v the_o end_v of_o the_o new-covenant_n §_o 6._o now_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v that_o all_o foederal_a transaction_n of_o god_n with_o man_n flow_v only_o form_v his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n so_o upon_o that_o ground_n it_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o our_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o they_o must_v whole_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n none_o can_v pretend_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o secret_a of_o god_n but_o as_o he_o have_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o word_n this_o light_n must_v guide_v all_o our_o inquiry_n after_o it_o and_o our_o sentiment_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v strict_o govern_v by_o this_o rule_n see_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o transcend_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n or_o natural_a light_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o owe_v their_o original_n to_o the_o free_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v unaccountable_a till_o reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o become_v we_o to_o captivate_v all_o our_o thought_n of_o they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o know_v that_o learning_n and_o strength_n of_o part_n though_o of_o excellent_a use_n in_o their_o place_n not_o guide_v by_o scripture-light_n in_o these_o inquiry_n can_v only_o form_v a_o ingenious_a error_n and_o lose_v a_o man_n in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o his_o own_o imagination_n and_o uncertain_a guess_n see_v the_o single_a advantage_n of_o those_o assistance_n in_o this_o case_n trust_v to_o and_o stretch_v beyond_o their_o line_n can_v reach_v no_o further_o than_o to_o enable_v he_o cum_fw-la ratione_fw-la errare_fw-la and_o so_o to_o wander_v from_o truth_n in_o a_o path_n seem_v more_o smooth_a though_o no_o less_o dangerous_a than_o other_o light_n upon_o and_o therefore_o in_o these_o thing_n lie_v the_o spring_n of_o most_o mistake_v and_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n do_v easy_o find_v out_o and_o agree_v in_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n how_o various_a be_v their_o sentiment_n yea_o many_o great_a learned_a and_o good_a man_n have_v be_v divide_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o her_o be_v and_o some_o one_o error_n admit_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n foederal_a transaction_n with_o man_n do_v strange_o perplex_v the_o whole_a systeme_n or_o body_n of_o divinity_n and_o entangle_v our_o interpretation_n of_o innumerable_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n jar_n and_o contention_n have_v be_v perpetuate_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o great_a grief_n and_o hindrance_n of_o all_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o blind_a world_n and_o all_o this_o have_v be_v much_o occasion_v through_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a and_o humble_a attention_n to_o that_o revelation_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o endeavour_v to_o collect_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n from_o thence_o without_o prepossession_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o these_o mistake_v then_o man_n be_v general_o aware_a of_o and_o a_o careful_a avoid_v the_o undue_a mixture_n or_o confusion_n of_o thing_n natural_a with_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o of_o a_o foederal_a nature_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v his_o secret_n and_o he_o only_o can_v make_v we_o to_o know_v it_o and_o yet_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n comfort_n and_o holiness_n be_v near_o concern_v in_o a_o good_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o we_o need_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o a_o diligent_a and_o humble_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o right_n inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n thereabouts_o nor_o no_o other_o caution_n not_o to_o attribue_v overmuch_o to_o our_o own_o wisdom_n or_o ability_n but_o to_o manage_v all_o our_o inquiry_n with_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n who_o only_o can_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o this_o truth_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o clear_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o of_o god_n transaction_n with_o adam_n chap._n ii_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o enquiry_n the_o method_n proceed_v in_o state_v §_o 1._o the_o original_a state_n of_o man_n the_o law_n that_o he_o be_v make_v under_o both_o moral_a and_o positive_a the_o sanction_n of_o this_o law_n and_o the_o reward_v propose_v to_o he_o §_o 2._o that_o he_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n far_o assert_v and_o prove_v §_o 3._o some_o far_a remark_n upon_o this_o transaction_n reward_n and_o punishment_n not_o alike_o necessary_a the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o curse_n most_o express_o mention_v and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o §_o 4._o adam_n a_o public_a person_n the_o consequent_a hereof_o §_o 5._o that_o transaction_n with_o adam_n of_o a_o foederal_a nature_n proof_n that_o it_o be_v so_o herein_o consist_v the_o mystery_n thereof_o §_o 6._o the_o general_a nature_n of_o this_o covenant_n man_n leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o will_n under_o it_o his_o mutability_n the_o original_n of_o sin_n §_o 7._o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n some_o remark_n thereupon_o §_o 8._o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n fall_v describe_v in_o several_a particular_n the_o death_n threaten_v in_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n be_v eternal_a death_n two_o reason_n urge_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o §_o 9_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v man_n two_o thing_n premise_v to_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o §_o 10._o god_n hold_v a_o treaty_n with_o man_n the_o issue_n of_o it_o a_o promise_n of_o redemption_n employ_v in_o the_o commination_n of_o the_o serpent_n a_o restraint_n and_o modification_n of_o the_o curse_n ensue_v thereon_o this_o the_o occasion_n of_o temporal_a death_n the_o institution_n of_o bloody_a sacrifice_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o make_v with_o adam_n as_o a_o public_a person_n §_o 11._o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o adam_n posterity_n after_o the_o fall_n describe_v in_o some_o particular_n §_o 12._o §_o 1._o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n i_o have_v brief_o touch_v upon_o some_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o general_a nature_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v to_o the_o handle_n of_o those_o particular_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o now_o my_o work_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o first_o state_n of_o man_n a_o account_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o state_n of_o adam_n in_o who_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n be_v epitomise_v and_o in_o the_o transaction_n of_o god_n with_o he_o the_o relation_n he_o have_v to_o god_n with_o the_o event_n and_o issue_n thereof_o we_o be_v all_o most_o near_o concern_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o but_o lie_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o useful_a knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o revelation_n that_o he_o have_v in_o follow_v age_n make_v of_o his_o will_n and_o counsel_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n either_o before_o or_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o word_n
you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o genealogy_n gen._n 11_o that_o as_o none_o which_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flood_n attain_v to_o the_o year_n of_o those_o that_o live_v before_o it_o so_o most_o manifest_o the_o ordinary_a age_n of_o man_n be_v again_o shorten_v from_o the_o time_n of_o this_o defection_n at_o babel_n insomuch_o that_o none_o of_o the_o generation_n after_o heber_n attain_v to_o more_o than_o about_o half_a the_o number_n of_o his_o year_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n chap._n iu._n god_n put_v a_o special_a honour_n upon_o abraham_n by_o his_o covenant-transaction_n with_o he_o §_o 1._o abraham_n descent_n and_o contemporary_n his_o seem_a incapacity_n for_o that_o covenant-relation_n which_o god_n bring_v he_o into_o §_o 2._o abraham_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a capacity_n the_o covenant_n not_o make_v with_o he_o as_o a_o ordinary_a believe_a parent_n the_o method_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n propose_v §_o 3._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n reveal_v to_o abraham_n gal._n 3._o v._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o &_o 16_o 17._o propose_v §_o 4._o the_o time_n of_o this_o covenant-transaction_n exact_o note_v some_o inference_n from_o thence_o §_o 5._o the_o sum_n of_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n include_v in_o it_o abraham_n make_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o it_o §_o 6._o this_o covenant_n confirm_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 16_o 17._o farther_z open_v why_o abraham_n and_o david_n so_o particular_o name_v in_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n §_o 7._o abraham_n a_o root_n of_o covenant-blessing_n and_o common_a parent_n to_o believer_n why_o paradise_n call_v abraham_n bosom_n §_o 8._o a_o eternal_a settlement_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o this_o covenant_n §_o 9_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n give_v to_o abraham_n twenty_o five_o year_n before_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n no_o outward_a sign_n add_v nor_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n peculiar_a to_o it_o till_o christ_n time_n the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blessing_n promise_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_a blessing_n complete_a and_o full_a the_o reason_n of_o this_o and_o a_o mistake_v remove_v the_o claim_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o interest_n of_o abraham_n seed_n and_o not_o as_o coordinate_a with_o he_o §_o 10._o §_o 1._o the_o next_o signal_n advance_v that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o man_n be_v in_o abraham_n time_n and_o by_o the_o foederal_n transaction_n of_o god_n with_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o be_v in_o some_o respect_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o and_o never_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o any_o other_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n either_o before_o or_o since_o his_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o abraham_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v eminent_o the_o head_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o because_o of_o that_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n that_o the_o lord_n bestow_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o transaction_n with_o he_o be_v he_o style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n to_o abraham_n and_o truth_n to_o jacob_n mic._n 7._o ult_n intimate_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o to_o be_v with_o abraham_n which_o be_v of_o mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n though_o when_o once_o make_v with_o he_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o the_o succeed_a heir_n thereof_o not_o but_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n that_o have_v be_v more_o dark_o reveal_v in_o the_o age_n before_o but_o it_o please_v god_n to_o transact_v it_o with_o he_o as_o he_o have_v not_o do_v with_o any_o before_o he_o it_o may_v be_v note_v also_o that_o abraham_n be_v the_o first_o man_n in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v appear_v or_o be_v see_v act._n 7._o 2._o with_o gen._n 12._o §_o 2._o this_o abraham_n be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n descend_v from_o he_o in_o the_o ten_o generation_n and_o choose_v of_o god_n from_o among_o all_o his_o rumerous_a offspring_n to_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o heir_n of_o his_o blessing_n gen._n 11._o yet_o be_v we_o not_o to_o imagine_v that_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o world_n in_o his_o day_n for_o although_o there_o be_v then_o a_o very_a great_a defection_n of_o the_o world_n from_o god_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o universal_a as_o in_o noah_n time_n but_o there_o be_v many_o alive_a that_o do_v true_o fear_n god_n and_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o beside_o abraham_n and_o those_o immediate_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o even_o shem_fw-mi live_v till_o abraham_n be_v 150_o year_n old_a and_o arphaxad_v live_v till_o he_o be_v 88_o which_o be_v 13_o year_n after_o that_o covenant_n be_v confirm_v with_o he_o mention_v gen._n 12._o salah_n live_v until_o abraham_n be_v 118_o year_n of_o age_n which_o be_v about_o 19_o year_n after_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o heber_n live_v after_o his_o death_n even_o until_o jacob_n be_v about_o 19_o year_n old_a for_o he_o be_v the_o long_a liver_n of_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flood_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o these_o patriarch_n with_o their_o house_n and_o other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o under_o their_o conduct_n do_v worship_n and_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n yet_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o single_a out_o abraham_n call_v he_o to_o his_o foot_n and_o make_v he_o a_o head_n of_o all_o future_a covenant_n with_o man_n and_o this_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o bar_n lie_v in_o his_o way_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o call_n as_o to_o his_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o relation_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v remove_v but_o by_o omnipotent_a grace_n and_o power_n and_o that_o both_o upon_o a_o moral_a and_o physical_a account_n 1._o upon_o a_o moral_a account_n abraham_n be_v not_o a_o person_n eminent_a for_o holiness_n and_o religion_n when_o god_n call_v he_o to_o inherit_v shem_n blessing_n he_o be_v not_o better_a or_o more_o deserve_v then_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o posterity_n but_o be_v swim_v down_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n be_v degenerate_v from_o the_o religion_n and_o piety_n of_o his_o ancestor_n unto_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n josh_n 24._o 2_o 3._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 16._o 3._o upbraid_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n with_o this_o that_o their_o father_n be_v a_o amorite_n and_o their_o mother_n a_o hittite_n not_o proper_o but_o metaphorical_o so_o call_v because_o even_o they_o have_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o like_a apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o these_o nation_n before_o the_o lord_n gracious_o call_v they_o out_o of_o it_o 2._o upon_o a_o natural_a account_n for_o sarai_n the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n be_v barren_a and_o note_v to_o be_v so_o before_o god_n call_v he_o gen._n 11._o 30._o and_o yet_o the_o blessing_n of_o shem_n must_v have_v be_v lose_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n perish_v and_o all_o covenant-transaction_n with_o abraham_n prove_v of_o none_o effect_v if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v seed_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o be_v establish_v with_o he_o the_o messiah_n as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n be_v to_o come_v of_o he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v no_o impediment_n or_o obstruction_n in_o his_o way_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o that_o be_v rom._n 4._o §_o 3._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v premit_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n covenant-transaction_n with_o abraham_n in_o particular_a which_o we_o have_v most_o clear_o state_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n viz._n that_o with_o respect_n to_o they_o abraham_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a capacity_n both_o as_o the_o father_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o as_o the_o father_n and_o root_n of_o the_o israelitish_n nation_n and_o for_o both_o these_o seed_n god_n do_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o howbeit_o these_o seed_n be_v formal_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o their_o covenant_n interest_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v diverse_a and_o fall_v under_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o the_o blessing_n appropriate_a to_o either_o must_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o their_o peculiar_a and_o respective_a covenant-interest_n and_o these_o thing_n may_v not_o
oeconomy_n build_v thereupon_o 2._o their_o notion_n who_o assert_v this_o covenant-interest_n to_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o such_o a_o foederal_a holiness_n of_o believer_n child_n under_o the_o new-testament_n as_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o baptism_n do_v moreover_o labour_n under_o these_o inconvenience_n 1._o they_o general_o straiten_v the_o term_n of_o covenant-interest_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o derive_v upon_o isaac_n line_n by_o restrain_v it_o to_o the_o immediate_a offspring_n which_o in_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o so_o restrain_v but_o come_v as_o full_o upon_o remote_a generation_n and_o also_o by_o exclude_v the_o servant_n and_o slave_n of_o christian_n with_o the_o child_n bear_v of_o they_o from_o that_o privilege_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v enjoy_v under_o the_o old-testament_n in_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o then_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v they_o make_v a_o believer_n interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n of_o large_a extent_n than_o ever_o abraham_n be_v in_o truth_n for_o they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v include_v in_o it_o whereas_o we_o see_v of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o one_o only_a isaac_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o promise_v of_o this_o covenant_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n chap._n vii_o the_o great_a promise_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 8._o propose_v in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o the_o proper_a meaning_n and_o extent_n thereof_o what_o some_o collect_v from_o it_o §_o 1._o several_a thing_n be_v premise_v in_o order_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o §_o 2._o israel_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n 1._o as_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v constitute_v in_o a_o typical_a church-state_n 2._o as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n member_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n §_o 3._o the_o israel_n of_o god_n in_o israel_n remain_v under_o the_o law_n till_o christ_n come_v though_o they_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n in_o circumcision_n and_o under_o the_o law_n yet_o not_o by_o circumcision_n nor_o by_o the_o law_n the_o promise_v inquire_v into_o belong_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o be_v fulfil_v to_o the_o body_n of_o that_o people_n §_o 4._o the_o promise_n full_o open_v it_o be_v a_o engagement_n of_o god_n to_o make_v good_a the_o covenant_n it_o give_v no_o particular_a good_a beyond_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o particular_a promise_n §_o 5._o the_o sense_n give_v far_o confirm_v this_o promise_v add_v both_o to_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o the_o new_a no_o proof_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n deducible_a from_o it_o §_o 6._o a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o history_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n to_o israel_n §_o 7._o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n as_o such_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n the_o first_o tender_v of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n act._n 2._o 38_o 39_o open_v §_o 8._o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v not_o that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n bring_v all_o the_o elect_a into_o nor_o immediate_o a_o covenant_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n not_o present_o confine_v to_o abraham_n family_n thereby_o §_o 9_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n then_o live_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v circumcise_v though_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n the_o consequence_n hereof_o §_o 10._o the_o question_n about_o infant_n church-membership_a consider_v §_o 11._o five_o thing_n propose_v in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o no_o argument_n for_o paedo-baptism_n can_v be_v take_v from_o thence_o §_o 12._o §_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v expedient_a in_o the_o next_o place_n more_o full_o to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o great_a promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v before_o but_o brief_o touch_v upon_o viz._n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o gen._n 17._o 7._o and_o again_o the_o promise_n of_o canaan_n to_o israel_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n be_v back_v with_o the_o same_o assurance_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n v._n 8._o this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a because_o many_o conceive_v that_o the_o entire_a blessing_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n be_v comprehend_v in_o these_o word_n see_v the_o like_a promise_n be_v give_v forth_o as_o the_o summary_n and_o assurance_n of_o that_o covenant_n in_o jer._n 31._o and_o heb._n 8._o and_o hereupon_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n be_v now_o make_v with_o abraham_n and_o which_o he_o seal_v with_o circumcision_n and_o that_o spiritual_a blessing_n be_v thereby_o direct_o bequeath_v to_o he_o both_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o interest_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o new-covenant_n that_o be_v seal_v to_o his_o infant_n seed_n by_o circumcision_n this_o notion_n militate_v against_o diverse_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v before_o point_v at_o in_o the_o account_n we_o have_v give_v of_o this_o transaction_n but_o i_o conceive_v upon_o a_o more_o thorough_a disquisition_n it_o will_v be_v find_v without_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o shake_v those_o principle_n that_o be_v already_o lay_v down_o and_o must_v yet_o be_v build_v upon_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o discourse_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o free_v you_o from_o any_o intanglement_n by_o objection_n raise_v from_o hence_o i_o shall_v proceed_v gradual_o to_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o doubt_n move_v §_o 2._o and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v in_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v i_o shall_v prepare_v my_o way_n by_o offer_v these_o thing_n to_o serious_a thought_n 1._o a_o considerable_a time_n before_o this_o transaction_n record_v gen._n 17._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v by_o god_n confirm_v unto_o abraham_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o private_a believer_n but_o as_o one_o bear_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n to_o all_o believer_n and_o this_o relation_n be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o none_o can_v claim_v a_o partnership_n with_o he_o therein_o 2._o in_o the_o establishment_n of_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o seed_n promise_v unto_o he_o that_o shall_v certain_o inherit_v the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n thereof_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v sure_a unto_o all_o the_o seed_n but_o this_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o believer_n collect_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o be_v manifest_a almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o 3._o it_o have_v be_v moreover_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v choose_v abraham_n to_o be_v the_o root_n and_o father_n of_o a_o typical_a people_n even_o of_o a_o nation_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o which_o he_o will_v take_v into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n and_o nearness_n to_o himself_o and_o upon_o who_o he_o will_v bestow_v many_o great_a favour_n and_o privilege_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o that_o seed_n unto_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n do_v eminent_o appertain_v 4._o one_o great_a end_n of_o this_o separation_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n by_o isaac_n from_o all_o other_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o messiah_n in_o his_o line_n and_o the_o evident_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o great_a and_o first_o promise_v therein_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o abraham_n have_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o his_o seed_n derive_v from_o he_o that_o they_o be_v set_v apart_o as_o a_o special_a channel_n through_o which_o the_o promise_a seed_n shall_v be_v derive_v and_o bring_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n rom._n 9_o 4_o 5._o and_o therefore_o 5._o on_o this_o account_n their_o privilege_n and_o covenant-state_n be_v secure_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o they_o can_v never_o 1._o see_v dr._n owen_n exercitation_n on_o the_o heb._n vol._n 1._o be_v utter_o divest_v of_o it_o in_o their_o generation_n until_o the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o than_o it_o be_v to_o cease_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v in_o that_o it_o be_v now_o bring_v to_o the_o limit_a time_n
of_o the_o promise_v inquire_v into_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n i._n e._n a_o god_n to_o they_o they_o shall_v have_v interest_n in_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o my_o nature_n for_o either_o god_n be_v oblige_v by_o this_o promise_n to_o communicate_v himself_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n possible_a to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o to_o do_v the_o utmost_a for_o they_o that_o may_v be_v do_v without_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o be_v and_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n thereof_o and_o so_o to_o bring_v they_o absolute_o to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n that_o omnipotent_a goodness_n can_v raise_v they_o to_o or_o else_o the_o good_a promise_v must_v fall_v under_o some_o particular_a limitation_n if_o it_o fall_v under_o any_o limitation_n as_o certain_o it_o do_v those_o bound_n must_v be_v set_v either_o by_o the_o import_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v as_o consider_v absolute_o and_o by_o themselves_o or_o some_o other_o way_n the_o first_o can_v be_v affirm_v for_o the_o term_n be_v general_a and_o indeterminate_v therefore_o it_o be_v some_o other_o way_n to_o be_v limit_v and_o that_o must_v be_v by_o the_o particular_a promise_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n unto_o which_o this_o general_a promise_n do_v belong_v and_o if_o so_o then_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v any_o great_a good_a promise_v thereby_o then_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o covenant_n admit_v of_o and_o its_o particular_a promise_n give_v a_o right_n in_o to_o they_o that_o be_v party_n concern_v and_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o none_o can_v from_o hence_o prove_v a_o grant_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n to_o nor_o yet_o a_o right_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n for_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o of_o any_o believer_n as_o such_o unless_o he_o can_v produce_v a_o particular_a promise_n which_o do_v contain_v such_o a_o grant_n or_o give_v such_o a_o right_n unto_o they_o §_o 6._o so_o then_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v and_o full_o express_v in_o this_o engagement_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o any_o covenant-transaction_n of_o god_n with_o man_n for_o where_o his_o truth_n be_v once_o engage_v in_o a_o promise_n there_o all_o the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v engage_v respective_o for_o the_o make_v good_a of_o that_o promise_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o promise_n as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n contain_v no_o more_o than_o a_o general_a assurance_n of_o any_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o man_n can_v by_o itself_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o any_o one_o covenant_n in_o opposition_n to_o or_o contradistinction_n from_o another_z neither_o do_v it_o determine_v of_o what_o kind_n the_o promise_a blessing_n be_v or_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v enjoy_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o find_v this_o promise_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o annex_v both_o to_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o the_o new_a the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o of_o grace_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o a_o diligent_a conference_n of_o heb._n 8._o with_o jer._n 31._o and_o this_o with_o gen._n 17._o and_o exod._n 6._o 7._o and_o deut._n 26._o 17_o 18._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v because_o we_o find_v this_o promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n every_o covenant_n in_o which_o it_o be_v find_v must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o measure_v by_o this_o promise_n but_o è_fw-la contra_fw-la its_o special_a import_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v §_o 7._o thus_o far_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o genuine_a sense_n and_o true_a interpretation_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n and_o to_o give_v you_o the_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o it_o may_v add_v some_o far_a light_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v brief_o to_o represent_v the_o history_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o take_v as_o follow_v the_o lord_n do_v abundant_o bless_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o guide_v they_o with_o his_o eye_n in_o all_o their_o peregrination_n from_o nation_n to_o nation_n and_o from_o one_o kingdom_n to_o another_o people_n and_o when_o he_o break_v the_o whole_a staff_n of_o bread_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o adjacent_a country_n he_o make_v provision_n by_o a_o wonderful_a series_n of_o providence_n for_o the_o sustentation_n of_o jacob_n family_n by_o send_v joseph_n before_o they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n raise_v he_o unto_o a_o capacity_n not_o only_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o want_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o thousand_o more_o and_o when_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v bring_v into_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o there_o and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o the_o promise_n draw_v nigh_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v exceed_o and_o though_o the_o egyptian_n seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o oppress_v they_o and_o deal_v subtile_o with_o they_o yet_o by_o all_o their_o artifice_n and_o cruelty_n they_o can_v make_v no_o earning_n of_o their_o work_n for_o the_o more_o they_o oppress_v they_o the_o more_o they_o grow_v and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o calamitous_a distress_n moses_n be_v bring_v forth_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v design_v for_o a_o deliverer_n and_o a_o saviour_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o he_o be_v preserve_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n from_o all_o danger_n and_o temptation_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v send_v about_o his_o great_a work_n and_o in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o bondage_n of_o israel_n grow_v to_o its_o extremity_n the_o lord_n eye_n be_v still_o open_a upon_o they_o and_o he_o hear_v their_o cry_n and_o remember_v his_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n and_o send_v moses_n and_o aaron_n to_o deliver_v they_o then_o be_v his_o bow_n make_v quite_o naked_a hab._n 3._o 9_o in_o a_o course_n of_o miracle_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a work_n for_o which_o his_o name_n be_v celebrate_v unto_o all_o generation_n and_o in_o that_o very_a day_n which_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o promise_n to_o their_o father_n he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o house_n of_o their_o bondage_n with_o a_o high_a hand_n yea_o he_o divide_v the_o red-sea_n before_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o deep_a as_o on_o dry_a land_n but_o bury_v pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o same_o water_n that_o have_v be_v as_o a_o wall_n on_o the_o right-hand_a and_o on_o the_o left_a while_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n pass_v over_o he_o guide_v they_o also_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o afford_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o in_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n by_o day_n and_o of_o fire_n by_o night_n from_o his_o right-hand_n there_o go_v forth_o a_o fiery_a law_n for_o they_o because_o he_o love_v they_o by_o which_o he_o form_v both_o their_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n wherein_o they_o be_v immediate_o subject_v to_o himself_o and_o make_v a_o kingdom_n of_o priest_n and_o a_o holy_a nation_n and_o the_o lord_n tabernacle_n be_v pitch_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o as_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n be_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v call_v upon_o he_o for_o moreover_o he_o give_v his_o good_a spirit_n to_o instruct_v they_o which_o be_v pour_v upon_o moses_n aaron_n and_o miriam_n with_o the_o seventy_o elder_n and_o those_o prophet_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n god_n raise_v up_o among_o they_o he_o feed_v they_o also_o with_o manna_n from_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n to_o drink_v and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o forty_o year_n travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n their_o foot_n be_v not_o swell_v neither_o do_v their_o garment_n wax_v old_a he_o dry_v up_o jordan_n also_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o drive_v out_o before_o they_o nation_n more_o in_o number_n and_o mighty_a than_o they_o and_o there_o he_o bless_v they_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n above_o and_o of_o the_o earth_n beneath_o so_o that_o there_o fail_v not_o aught_o of_o any_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v concern_v they_o josh_n 23._o 14._o but_o their_o state_n be_v make_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a because_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o god_n psal_n 144._o ult_n
then_o live_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o incorporate_v themselves_o thereinto_o by_o circumcision_n or_o at_o all_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o sign_n or_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o peculiarity_n that_o god_n now_o make_v with_o abraham_n which_o yet_o without_o doubt_n they_o shall_v have_v do_v if_o in_o its_o first_o institution_n it_o have_v be_v give_v simple_o and_o direct_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o that_o covenant_n both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o privilege_n it_o have_v equal_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o seed_n and_o family_n of_o abraham_n §_o 10._o but_o from_o the_o sacred_a history_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o command_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o lot_n though_o near_o ally_v to_o abraham_n be_v circumcise_v see_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n that_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o or_o interest_v he_o therein_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n neither_o be_v lot_n the_o only_a righteous_a man_n then_o live_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o those_o of_o abrham_n family_n for_o of_o the_o patriarch_n heber_n salah_n and_o shem_n be_v now_o live_v and_o as_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a family_n and_o interest_n so_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v in_o they_o and_o they_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n while_o they_o live_v yea_o melchisedeck_v be_v in_o be_v about_o this_o time_n whether_o he_o be_v shem_n before_o name_v or_o another_o it_o concern_v not_o we_o to_o inquire_v much_o less_o to_o determine_v but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o king_n of_o salem_n and_o in_o both_o these_o respect_v the_o most_o eminent_a type_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o person_n great_a than_o abraham_n for_o abraham_n pay_v tithe_n to_o he_o and_o be_v bless_v by_o he_o now_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o and_o for_o who_o he_o minister_v for_o a_o priest_n be_v ordain_v for_o man_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o this_o society_n be_v at_o this_o time_n as_o much_o a_o church_n of_o god_n as_o abraham_n family_n be_v and_o as_o true_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o any_o therein_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o concern_v as_o party_n in_o this_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o to_o be_v sign_v thereby_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o at_o first_o apply_v as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o do_v a_o interest_n therein_o present_o render_v a_o man_n the_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o again_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o good_a man_n then_o live_v shall_v have_v be_v circumcise_v as_o abraham_n be_v and_o their_o offspring_n bind_v to_o keep_v this_o covenant_n in_o their_o generation_n as_o he_o be_v will_v necessary_o frustrate_v one_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a end_v of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o separate_n of_o one_o family_n and_o people_n from_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o messiah_n that_o promise_v seed_n of_o they_o and_o among_o they_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n and_o moreover_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n touch_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n can_v never_o have_v be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o certain_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o promise_n be_v one_o thing_n intend_v in_o circumcision_n from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n there_o be_v a_o positive_a command_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o circumcise_v many_o that_o never_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n from_o the_o first_o date_n of_o circumcision_n there_o be_v many_o true_o inter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o be_v circumcise_v so_o far_o it_o be_v from_o truth_n that_o a_o new_a covenant-interest_n and_o right_o to_o circumcision_n may_v be_v infer_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o §_o 11._o i_o shall_v here_o have_v put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o chapter_n but_o that_o i_o judge_v it_o may_v be_v convenient_a in_o this_o place_n brief_o to_o touch_v upon_o that_o notion_n of_o infant_n be_v church-membership_a which_o be_v much_o speak_v of_o with_o reference_n to_o those_o time_n the_o history_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o past_a through_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o light_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o the_o thing_n already_o discourse_v to_o guide_v we_o to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n about_o it_o by_o many_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v affirm_v to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o great_a weight_n be_v lay_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o right_a subject_n of_o baptism_n it_o be_v judge_v to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o believer_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o find_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n occasion_n give_v for_o any_o long_a discourse_n about_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o few_o word_n to_o represent_v some_o thing_n ground_v upon_o the_o record_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o issue_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n about_o it_o and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v §_o 12._o first_o the_o term_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o that_o i_o find_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n unite_v in_o one_o body_n in_o order_n to_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o themselves_o before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v complete_o form_v into_o a_o church-state_n by_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7._o 38._o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o good_a man_n before_o that_o time_n do_v belong_v to_o that_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v use_v the_o term_n in_o a_o more_o lax_n sense_n call_v any_o family_n or_o society_n of_o man_n true_o worship_v god_n a_o church_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o different_a time_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o no_o society_n before_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v form_v can_v be_v call_v a_o church_n in_o so_o strict_a and_o proper_a a_o sense_n as_o they_o may_v for_o no_o other_o be_v so_o form_v into_o a_o church-state_n as_o they_o be_v 2._o before_o abraham_n time_n there_o be_v no_o institution_n of_o a_o outward_a sign_n or_o seal_v of_o any_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v either_o to_o infant_n or_o adult_a person_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o inauguration_n of_o this_o kind_n or_o solemn_a right_n of_o initiation_n to_o church_n privilege_n then_o in_o use_n among_o they_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o child_n bear_v in_o those_o family_n and_o society_n must_v issue_v in_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v under_o a_o more_o special_a and_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n than_o other_o as_o be_v member_n of_o a_o family_n peculiar_o interest_v therein_o they_o have_v also_o the_o benefit_n of_o continual_a prayer_n for_o they_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o early_a and_o diligent_a instruction_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o preserve_v from_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o other_o be_v liable_a to_o by_o the_o discipline_n they_o be_v under_o and_o be_v provoke_v to_o religion_n by_o the_o pious_a and_o holy_a example_n of_o those_o they_o converse_v with_o as_o soon_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o if_o when_o