the_o promise_n itself_o distinguish_v nor_o be_v we_o in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o and_o insure_v by_o the_o promise_n there_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o distinguish_v and_o hence_o as_o in_o case_n any_o of_o these_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v include_v in_o and_o absolute_o insure_v by_o this_o promise_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o promise_n itself_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v all_o include_v in_o and_o insure_v by_o it_o so_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o all_o include_v in_o and_o insure_v by_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v nor_o suppose_v that_o any_o be_v but_o second_o more_o particular_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o true_a in_o respect_n of_o these_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o vouchsafe_v for_o these_o several_a end_n and_o purpose_n before_o mention_v distinct_o consider_v first_o for_o those_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n vouchsafe_v for_o the_o effect_n and_o produce_v the_o first_o grace_n that_o these_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v include_v in_o or_o insure_v by_o this_o promise_n be_v evident_a because_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o adult_n they_o be_v indispensible_o presuppose_v to_o a_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o the_o promise_n can_v secure_v to_o any_o a_o good_a that_o be_v indispensible_o require_v antecedent_n to_o a_o interest_n in_o it_o for_o than_o it_o will_v secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o to_o these_o to_o who_o at_o present_a it_o do_v not_o appertain_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o then_o a_o man_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n before_o he_o have_v that_o which_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o his_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o which_o be_v a_o absolute_a contradiction_n now_o if_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o secure_v these_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o such_o it_o can_v be_v rational_o suppose_v to_o secure_v they_o to_o any_o other_o and_o consequent_o they_o can_v be_v include_v in_o or_o insure_v to_o any_o by_o it_o as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o second_o for_o those_o influence_n of_o the_o sppirit_n vouchsafe_v for_o the_o maintain_v the_o seed_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o it_o be_v already_o wrought_v whereby_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v maintain_v that_o those_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o include_v in_o nor_o insure_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o be_v alike_o evident_a with_o the_o former_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n viz._n the_o necessary_a precedency_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o these_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n nècessary_a to_o the_o maintain_n of_o that_o union_n at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o its_o hold_v its_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n if_o that_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n shall_v remain_v in_o you_o you_o also_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n 1_o john_n 2.24_o the_o remain_v or_o abide_v of_o the_o word_n viz._n in_o that_o effect_n or_o fruit_n of_o it_o habitual_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o and_o consequent_o must_v necessary_o be_v consider_v as_o antecedent_n to_o at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n its_o union_n with_o and_o interest_n in_o both_o the_o son_n and_o the_o father_n hence_o shall_v these_o influence_n and_o operatious_a of_o the_o spirit_n be_v include_v in_o and_o insure_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v conditional_a and_o become_v a_o absolute_a promise_n and_o consequent_o discharge_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o all_o duty_n subordinate_a to_o their_o maintain_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o absolute_a promise_n which_o require_v duty_n on_o man_n part_n in_o order_n to_o his_o enjoy_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a contradiction_n 3._o three_o for_o the_o three_o head_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v influence_n and_o operation_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v vouchsase_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o and_o manage_v the_o further_o and_o high_a concern_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o various_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n assurance_n peace_n joy_n spiritual_a performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o the_o like_a that_o these_o be_v not_o include_v in_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o as_o to_o be_v conser_v or_o absolute_o insure_v thereby_o as_o take_v absoulte_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o undeniable_a experience_n of_o many_o if_o not_o most_v believer_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o true_a believer_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v so_o far_o desert_v as_o to_o enjoy_v only_o such_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a habit_n and_o seed_n thereof_o which_o can_v not_o be_v in_o case_n these_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n vouchsafe_v for_o these_o high_a end_n and_o purpose_n be_v include_v in_o and_o absolute_o secure_v by_o this_o promise_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o so_o that_o the_o truth_n affirm_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o this_o first_o instance_n none_o of_o the_o save_a influence_n or_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v include_v in_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n so_o as_o by_o it_o as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o be_v conser_v upon_o or_o absolute_o insure_v to_o any_o interest_v in_o it_o obj._n but_o possible_o some_o may_v object_v that_o this_o promise_n seem_v to_o be_v call_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 3.14_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v necessary_o include_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o save_a influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o secure_v they_o to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o answ_n that_o any_o of_o the_o save_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v include_v in_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o that_o scripture_n will_v appear_v by_o a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o several_a interpretation_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o and_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o our_o best_a interpreter_n thus_o some_o conceive_v that_o a_o distinct_a good_a be_v intend_v in_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o that_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n say_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o christ_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o this_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n but_o then_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o conceive_v a_o further_a consequential_a good_a be_v intend_v viz._n the_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o those_o save_a influence_n and_o operation_n that_o be_v consequential_a thereunto_o chrysostom_n thereunto_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysostom_n and_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v to_o adult_v believer_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o through_o christ_n they_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o this_o promise_n as_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n they_o be_v now_o under_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o natural_a seed_n as_o he_o be_v to_o abraham_n and_o as_o consequential_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n they_o be_v under_o another_o promise_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o appertain_v to_o adult_v believer_n consequential_a to_o abraham_n blessing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v chrysostom_n of_o old_a and_o beza_n of_o late_a but_o other_o suppose_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o good_a be_v intend_v in_o both_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o answerable_o that_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n say_v to_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n and_o take_v the_o word_n thus_o a_o twofold_a sense_n may_v be_v give_v of_o they_o first_o this_o blessing_n of_o abraham_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 nature_n or_o kind_n of_o that_o blessing_n promise_v it_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
himself_o from_o inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v the_o rationality_n of_o god_n extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o he_o and_o grant_v the_o token_n of_o it_o when_o yet_o he_o intend_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v be_v no_o way_n difficult_a to_o declare_v but_o be_v not_o necessary_a here_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o he_o be_v in_o particular_a take_v into_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n and_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n so_o it_o be_v enter_v with_o all_o believer_n and_o their_o natural_a seed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a because_o under_o this_o term_n seed_n in_o the_o promise_n abraham_n mystical_a seed_n be_v intend_v and_o include_v with_o his_o natural_a this_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v gal._n 3.16_o hence_o look_v under_o what_o notion_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o one_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o his_o seed_n in_o the_o same_o notion_n it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o other_o but_o now_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o make_v with_o his_o mystical_a seed_n it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v definit_o and_o answerable_o be_v so_o make_v with_o his_o natural_a seed_n we_o may_v suppose_v all_o abraham_n mystical_a seed_n as_o well_o as_o his_o natural_a then_o actual_o exist_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o who_o thing_n future_a be_v present_a and_o now_o stand_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o apprehend_v he_o as_o speak_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o they_o all_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o these_o that_o be_v thy_o seed_n now_o how_o can_v we_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n as_o here_o we_o have_v none_o interpret_v or_o understand_v he_o as_o promise_v to_o one_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o this_o seed_n of_o abraham_n definite_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o other_o only_o indefinite_o so_o that_o as_o without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o comfort_n of_o saint_n we_o can_v interpret_v the_o promise_n as_o extend_v unto_o they_o only_o in_o a_o definite_a notion_n so_o not_o without_o great_a violence_n to_o the_o text_n can_v we_o interpret_v it_o as_o intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n any_o otherwise_o then_o we_o do_v as_o intend_v his_o mystical_a seed_n hence_o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o attend_v our_o expound_v the_o promise_n in_o a_o definite_a notion_n as_o extend_v to_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n the_o same_o difficulty_n do_v attend_v it_o as_o so_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v so_o make_v to_o they_o seem_v evident_a from_o the_o reason_n now_o give_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o have_v be_v former_o argue_v 2._o but_o second_o let_v i_o yet_o surther_o offer_v some_o reason_n equal_o respect_v abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o produce_v all_o those_o reason_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o serve_v in_o the_o design_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v only_o single_a out_o these_o three_o which_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v what_o be_v now_o assert_v 1._o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o make_v indefinite_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n than_o there_o will_v be_v in_o variety_n of_o instance_n a_o absolute_a failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o this_o appear_v thus_o as_o indefinite_a promise_n do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o every_o individual_a person_n to_o who_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o do_v appertain_v so_o they_o do_v infallible_o secure_v that_o good_a at_o least_o to_o some_o one_o if_o not_o more_o of_o those_o to_o who_o in_o general_a they_o be_v make_v suppose_v a_o man_n come_v to_o another_o and_o say_v i_o will_v do_v good_a or_o i_o will_v be_v bountiful_a to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n suppose_v he_o shall_v do_v good_a or_o be_v bountiful_a according_a to_o the_o utmost_a intent_n of_o the_o promise_n only_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o but_o whole_o neglect_v or_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o to_o any_o one_o of_o his_o child_n he_o will_v hardly_o be_v account_v a_o man_n faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v only_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n will_v not_o its_o 〈◊〉_d oblige_v he_o to_o do_v good_a or_o extend_v his_o bounty_n to_o every_o individual_a child_n yet_o to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o it_o will_v but_o now_o that_o all_o believer_n have_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o loin_n partake_v with_o they_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o save_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o suppose_v can_v be_v affirm_v the_o contrary_n be_v too_o evident_a in_o several_a instance_n and_o how_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n i_o can_v apprehend_v suppose_v the_o promise_n be_v only_o indefinite_a 2._o if_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v only_o indefinite_a than_o they_o will_v pertain_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n yea_o let_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v what_o they_o will_v as_o well_o as_o while_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o answerable_o it_o may_v seem_v they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o that_o they_o have_v in_o their_o infant-state_n that_o the_o promise_n will_v equal_o and_o alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n as_o when_o infant_n yea_o let_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v what_o they_o will_v must_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v necessary_o grant_v for_o they_o appertain_v to_o they_o either_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o as_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o not_o the_o latter_a for_o than_o none_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n will_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o till_o themselves_o have_v grace_n and_o consequent_o grace_n will_v not_o be_v give_v in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o must_v precede_v their_o mterest_n in_o they_o and_o therrfore_o they_o must_v needs_o appertain_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n and_o consequent_o must_v necessary_o appertain_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v such_o which_o they_o be_v when_o grow_v up_o as_o well_o as_o when_o infant_n be_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n what_o they_o will_v and_o while_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o especial_o while_o they_o visible_o and_o apparent_o appertain_v to_o they_o they_o seem_v evident_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n obj._n and_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n may_v indefinite_o appertain_v to_o those_o who_o yet_o by_o their_o wickedness_n may_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o as_o much_o as_o their_o right_n to_o it_o do_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n ausw_n to_o that_o i_o will_v say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o that_o give_v right_a to_o the_o token_n by_o baptise_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o he_o seem_v evidenly_a to_o ground_v his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o be_v bapze_v upon_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o for_o this_o see_v more_o in_o my_o first_o treatise_n concern_v infant-baptism_n pag._n 263._o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n suppose_v the_o promise_n indefinite_o appertain_v to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v charitable_o hope_v they_o may_v have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o a_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n though_o great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o at_o present_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodlliness_n this_o hope_n may_v be_v rational_o ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o their_o i_o speak_v upon_o that_o supposition_n that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o indefinite_o and_o that_o god_n in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o they_o do_z so_o frequent_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v a_o rational_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o universal_o in_o their_o infancy_n with_o respect_n to_o grace_n already_o wrought_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o indubitable_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o
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
facilitate_v their_o reception_n of_o all_o high_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n as_o his_o creature_n that_o it_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v according_a to_o some_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o promise_v somewhat_o of_o good_a unto_o man_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o perform_v that_o duty_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v have_v always_o annex_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o performance_n or_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o parent_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o make_v they_o apprehensive_a and_o sensible_a that_o this_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n will_v great_o conduce_v to_o their_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v show_v they_o concern_v the_o several_a covenant_n god_n have_v make_v with_o man_n and_o their_o state_n condition_n and_o duty_n as_o interest_v in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o man._n 3._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o the_o covenant_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o work_n establish_v with_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o here_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o that_o happy_a estate_n man_n be_v in_o as_o under_o that_o covenant_n how_o happy_a he_o shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o what_o penalty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n how_o that_o covenant_n be_v break_v by_o adam_n the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n how_o far_o all_o his_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o that_o breach_n what_o the_o penalty_n be_v that_o all_o mankind_n as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v under_o and_o far_a subject_n to_o as_o involve_v in_o that_o breach_n how_o the_o guilt_n of_o adam_n sin_n redound_v to_o they_o how_o their_o nature_n be_v corrupe_v and_o deprave_v how_o that_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o their_o nature_n flow_v from_o that_o first_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n how_o they_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n as_o under_o that_o guilt_n and_o as_o have_v their_o nature_n so_o vitiate_a and_o deprave_a 4._o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o establish_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n death_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o here_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o person_n office_n and_o work_n of_o this_o mediator_n what_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n how_o far_a themselves_o be_v interest_v in_o it_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n what_o good_a they_o have_v already_o grant_v to_o they_o by_o it_o upon_o what_o term_n that_o good_a be_v grant_v and_o have_v be_v hitherto_o continue_v to_o they_o what_o be_v now_o require_v of_o they_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n 5._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o their_o baptism_n hild._n baptism_n doctrinam_fw-la baptismi_fw-la teneant_fw-la baptizati_fw-la hild._n what_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o how_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o what_o assurance_n they_o have_v thereby_o of_o enjoy_v all_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n promise_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v they_o by_o the_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n god_n require_v on_o their_o part_n what_o encouragement_n they_o have_v to_o perform_v that_o duty_n what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n what_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n will_v be_v in_o case_n they_o do_v it_o not_o how_o happy_a they_o shall_v be_v in_o case_n they_o do_v it_o thus_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o the_o same_o they_o be_v doubtless_o to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o sacramental_a sing_v in_o use_n among_o they_o exod._n 12.26_o 27._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o your_o child_n say_v unto_o you_o what_o mean_v you_o by_o this_o service_n then_o you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v passover_n who_o pass_v over_o the_o house_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o smite_v the_o egyptian_n and_o deliver_v our_o house_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o usefulness_n of_o bring_v child_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o other_o it_o may_v occasion_v their_o enquiry_n after_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o ordinance_n but_o however_o whether_o they_o inquire_v or_o no_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n to_o let_v they_o behold_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o for_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o all_o due_a and_o apt_a mean_n conduce_v to_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o these_o instruction_n give_v they_o and_o thus_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o any_o notice_n or_o knowledge_n of_o any_o object_n principle_n or_o doctrine_n as_o also_o from_o any_o such_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o and_o about_o earthly_a thing_n as_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v obstruct_v and_o prejudice_v in_o their_o close_n in_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o preserve_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o anticipation_n or_o pre-ingagement_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v will_v be_v prejudice_v thus_o suppose_v believer_n to_o have_v their_o lot_n cast_v in_o place_n where_o some_o false_a god_n be_v worship_v their_o duty_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v their_o child_n from_o any_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o god_n so_o where_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n whether_o relate_v to_o worship_n or_o manner_n be_v preach_v or_o maintain_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o keep_v their_o child_n from_o any_o knowledge_n of_o they_o lest_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v infect_v with_o they_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o vitiate_v their_o mind_n and_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n aristotle_n tell_v we_o a_o lawgiver_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n lest_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n shall_v be_v vitiate_a and_o they_o shall_v first_o learn_v to_o speak_v filthy_o and_o then_o to_o act_v filthy_o so_o again_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o any_o such_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o and_o about_o earthly_a thing_n as_o tend_v to_o engage_v their_o affection_n to_o they_o parent_n be_v not_o a_o little_a prejudicial_a to_o their_o child_n to_o appland_n their_o bravery_n on_o the_o account_n of_o fine_a clothes_n and_o the_o like_a so_o by_o insinuate_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o money_n estate_n honour_n and_o the_o like_a they_o shall_v rather_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o nothingness_n insignificancy_n and_o vanity_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o child_n mind_n be_v prepossess_v with_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o such_o thing_n their_o desire_n run_v out_o after_o they_o and_o they_o begin_v to_o promise_v to_o themselves_o a_o kind_n of_o felicity_n in_o they_o whence_o they_o soon_o engage_v in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o inheritance_n above_o they_o be_v bear_v heir_n unto_o 2._o frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n great_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_v mention_v child_n as_o they_o receive_v but_o little_a at_o a_o time_n so_o they_o need_v frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculacation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a their_o memory_n slippery_a and_o what_o impression_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n soon_o wear_v off_o again_o hence_o the_o same_o thing_n must_v be_v often_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o indeed_o repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o adult_n to_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o i_o indeed_o be_v not_o grievous_a but_o for_o you_o it_o be_v safe_a phil._n 3.1_o man_n it_o be_v true_a be_v desighted_a in_o variety_n and_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o thing_n propose_v but_o say_v the_o apostle_n
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 any_o who_o with_o their_o heart_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n though_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o always_o obvious_a unto_o sense_n some_o indeed_o have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o put_v the_o question_n where_o be_v the_o god_n of_o judgement_n not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v any_o difference_n in_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n towards_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a but_o will_v any_o man_n that_o be_v initiate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v learn_v in_o any_o measure_n to_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n infer_v herefrom_o that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o providential_a care_n exercise_v over_o the_o righteous_a or_o that_o they_o have_v no_o benefit_n thereby_o the_o non-appearing_a unto_o