covenant_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o his_o affirm_v so_o many_o thing_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_n and_o unsound_a supposition_n his_o whole_a discourse_n must_v needs_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a three_o that_o which_o yet_o further_o render_v his_o treatise_n altogether_o useless_a to_o i_o be_v the_o great_a confusion_n attend_v with_o several_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n that_o it_o labour_v under_o thus_o for_o his_o whole_a discourse_n upon_o that_o of_o gen._n 17.7_o beginning_z page_z 22._o and_o reach_v to_o page_n 39_o this_o confusion_n with_o the_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n attend_v it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o of_o his_o assertion_n and_o compare_v they_o one_o with_o another_o together_o with_o what_o they_o do_v either_o as_o take_v single_o or_o joint_o necessary_o infer_v and_o imply_v thus_o first_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o its_o administration_n be_v two_o distinct_a covenant_n thus_o page_n 23._o and_o tell_v we_o page_n 93._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o must_v necessary_o intend_v that_o covenant_n which_o before_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o then_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n may_v be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o whether_o rational_a and_o congruous_a i_o shall_v leave_v all_o man_n to_o judge_v second_o he_o express_o affirm_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n thus_o again_o page_n 23._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o have_v reference_n to_o heb._n 8.8_o and_o then_o all_o those_o promise_v there_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o god_n put_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n only_o appertain_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n three_o he_o affirm_v at_o least_o necessary_o imply_v that_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o make_v to_o one_o yea_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n as_o consider_v under_o one_o notion_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o administration_n but_o as_o make_v to_o another_o or_o to_o the_o same_o person_n consider_v under_o another_o notion_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n thus_o page_n 26._o he_o tell_v we_o speak_v of_o this_o very_a promise_n that_o in_o it_o god_n promise_v only_o to_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o to_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o he_o take_v isaac_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o take_v both_o way_n and_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n he_o call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v be_v but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o what_o confusion_n and_o what_o absurdity_n this_o imply_v let_v every_o one_o judge_n but_o to_o get_v out_o of_o these_o dark_a labyrinth_n four_o he_o affirm_v that_o isaac_n himself_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o fleshly_a descent_n as_o he_o speak_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 27._o and_o yet_o five_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o none_o have_v or_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o through_o a_o personal_a faith_n in_o christ_n thus_o page_n 28._o which_o as_o it_o direct_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n its_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o elect_n and_o with_o all_o they_o for_o sure_o he_o will_v grant_v some_o be_v elect_a that_o be_v not_o actual_a believer_n so_o it_o utter_o deprive_v isaac_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o abraham_n seed_n and_o indeed_o all_o infant_n whatsoever_o of_o any_o benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o yet_o he_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v save_v suppose_v their_o election_n and_o death_n in_o their_o infancy_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o good_a god_n promise_v to_o isaac_n as_o one_o of_o abraham_n child_n why_o only_o this_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o in_o give_v he_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o yet_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o ever_o intend_v to_o give_v he_o of_o what_o use_n such_o a_o confuse_a absurd_a and_o contradictory_n discourse_n can_v be_v to_o any_o i_o can_v imagine_v i_o may_v yet_o further_o show_v what_o render_v his_o discourse_n useless_a to_o i_o viz._n his_o overlooking_a several_a of_o none_o of_o the_o least_o forcible_a scripture_n and_o scripture-argument_n produce_v by_o his_o opposer_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o but_o leave_v his_o book_n to_o every_o one_o to_o make_v what_o use_n they_o see_v meet_v of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o his_o animadversion_n upon_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n indeed_o will_v but_o reader_n take_v mr._n danvers_n book_n and_o my_o answer_n with_o my_o former_a treatise_n so_o often_o refer_v to_o and_o his_o animadversion_n and_o peruse_v they_o with_o equal_a and_o unbiased_a mind_n it_o will_v be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v how_o needless_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v any_o return_v to_o such_o reply_v as_o these_o animadversion_n carry_v a_o show_n of_o and_o may_v know_v how_o to_o regulate_v their_o expectation_n for_o the_o future_a i_o shall_v with_o much_o brevity_n review_v they_o my_o answer_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n in_o the_o first_o i_o lie_v down_o several_a consideration_n with_o reference_n to_o mr._n danvers_n authority_n in_o the_o two_o first_o which_o mr._n hutchinson_n more_o especial_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulness_n and_o impertinency_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o which_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v his_o vindication_n for_o the_o former_a viz._n his_o unfaithfulness_n i_o only_o give_v two_o instance_n and_o both_o in_o his_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o magdi-burgensian_a history_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o charge_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o famous_a history_n with_o this_o only_a remark_n beyond_o my_o answer_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o say_v they_o find_v they_o baptize_v only_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o only_o find_v they_o baptize_v the_o adult_n indeed_o they_o neither_o say_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n yet_o allow_v our_o opposer_n the_o utmost_a they_o can_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n desire_n it_o be_v only_o the_o latter_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o say_v they_o find_v they_o baptize_v only_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o only_o find_v the_o adult_n be_v baptize_v than_o be_v between_o two_o six_o pence_n and_o a_o shilling_n hence_o no_o man_n can_v excuse_v he_o of_o unfaithfulness_n but_o he_o will_v find_v at_o last_o he_o have_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o accuse_v himself_o for_o the_o other_o viz._n his_o impertinency_n and_o thus_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v his_o vindication_n two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o recrimination_n second_o by_o acquit_v his_o book_n of_o that_o charge_n for_o this_o latter_a i_o shall_v only_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n with_o the_o instance_n there_o give_v for_o the_o former_a i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v whether_o that_o instance_n give_v by_o mr._n hutchinson_n will_v prove_v his_o charge_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_n but_o this_o may_v be_v say_v for_o i_o to_o be_v guilty_a only_o of_o one_o impertinency_n and_o but_o one_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o be_v no_o just_a vindication_n of_o mr._n danvers_n in_o the_o multitude_n i_o have_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o have_v i_o know_v all_o man_n heart_n as_o well_o as_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v to_o know_v i_o and_o have_v see_v no_o such_o objection_n as_o that_o suppose_a impertinency_n design_n the_o obviate_a of_o i_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o one_o neither_o but_o that_o such_o a_o objection_n may_v possible_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n mr._n hutchinson_n book_n abundant_o confirm_v i_o
may_v we_o suppose_v that_o possible_a their_o covenant-state_n will_v be_v discontinue_v or_o they_o will_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o covenant_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v alike_o rational_a for_o god_n to_o require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n from_o child_n themselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o that_o they_o shall_v universal_o do_v it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a shall_v be_v secure_v to_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v more_o by_o and_o by_o so_o that_o god_n deal_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v altogether_o rational_a as_o suit_v with_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o man_n to_o who_o he_o offer_v his_o covenant_n or_o with_o who_o he_o do_v actual_o establish_v it_o 3._o consider_v that_o in_o case_n either_o god_n have_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o thereby_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n afore_o declare_v or_o have_v proceed_v further_o viz._n to_o their_o universal_a regeneration_n or_o to_o the_o secure_v it_o unto_o they_o one_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n will_v have_v necessary_o follow_v thereupon_o either_o 1._o no_o infant_n must_v have_v dye_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o yet_o that_o innumerable_a do_v our_o daily_a observation_n assure_v we_o or_o else_o 2._o all_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n must_v have_v eternal_o perish_v and_o be_v everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n or_o 3._o in_o case_n any_o be_v save_v it_o must_v be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v with_o or_o any_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o but_o mere_o from_o a_o absolute_a power_n and_o prerogative_n in_o god_n to_o save_v or_o condemn_v who_o he_o will_v of_o fall_a mankind_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n establish_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o 4._o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n whether_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n must_v infallible_o be_v save_v or_o last_o some_o may_v be_v true_o regenerate_v and_o have_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o after_o final_o fall_v away_o and_o eternal_o perish_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o our_o opposer_n imagine_v or_o if_o he_o have_v extend_v it_o to_o they_o definite_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n plead_v for_o then_o one_o of_o the_o three_o former_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v or_o if_o have_v so_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o he_o shall_v thereby_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o work_v grace_n in_o they_o universal_o then_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n may_v be_v make_v indefinite_o with_o and_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o then_o none_o of_o these_o inconenience_n will_v follow_v answ_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o definite_o or_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v they_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o only_o indefinite_o yet_o this_o inconveniency_n will_v follow_v viz._n that_o as_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o of_o their_o infant_n who_o have_v one_o or_o more_o survive_v their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shalll_v be_v save_v so_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o so_o die_a be_v save_v that_o none_o have_v any_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o what_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n now_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o that_o they_o give_v no_o assurance_n that_o all_o yea_o or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o believer_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v be_v save_v will_v evident_o appear_v thus_o because_o the_o covenant_n may_v stand_v firm_a and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v in_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o those_o that_o survive_v their_o infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n how_o can_v a_o supposal_n of_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n and_o further_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o those_o that_o conceive_v the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v only_o indefinite_o with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n that_o it_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o they_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant_n state_n if_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o that_o state_n it_o be_v either_o as_o they_o be_v elect_a or_o as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o have_v the_o covenant_n so_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n but_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o assure_v any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o be_v elect_a for_o then_o all_o the_o elect_a seed_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o infancy_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o grace_n from_o their_o very_a infancy_n till_o they_o come_v to_o full_a age_n yea_o possible_o till_o they_o come_v to_o old_a age_n be_v yet_o at_o last_o convert_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o these_o may_v have_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o infancy_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o too_o bad_a consequence_n than_o to_o be_v grant_v without_o better_a proof_n than_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v bring_v 2._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o give_v assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o such_o will_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v ready_o grant_v without_o further_a proof_n 3._o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o reveal_v that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n and_o for_o any_o to_o plead_v experience_n or_o observation_n in_o this_o case_n that_o can_v signify_v but_o little_a inasmuch_o as_o that_o grace_n some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v of_o the_o time_n or_o mean_n when_o or_o whereby_o it_o be_v wrought_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n it_o may_v yet_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o parental_a instruction_n or_o some_o other_o mean_v vouchsafe_v consequent_a to_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n now_o than_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n it_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o any_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o bottom_v a_o hope_n upon_o that_o any_o of_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infant-state_n be_v save_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v have_v only_o a_o possibility_n or_o at_o utmost_a a_o probability_n for_o its_o foundation_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v too_o weaken_v by_o a_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v vast_o more_o rational_a to_o i_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o case_n the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o they_o only_o indefinite_o see_v god_n have_v give_v no_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o in_o do_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n he_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n as_o full_o as_o though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o their_o infancy_n he_o shall_v suffer_v those_o that_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o salvation_n to_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o answerable_o
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
god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n behold_v say_v god_n i_o establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n now_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v be_v afore_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n here_o have_v be_v no_o new_a privilege_n or_o no_o privilege_n beyond_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n in_o general_n grant_v unto_o abraham_n or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n evident_o prove_v it_o be_v not_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n for_o then_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a superfluous_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n see_v it_o have_v be_v afore_o establish_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n as_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o like_a advantage_n both_o to_o he_o and_o they_o as_o now_o it_o be_v how_o far_o the_o covenant_n be_v conditional_o make_v or_o rather_o offer_v to_o all_o man_n concern_v not_o our_o present_a purpose_n see_v as_o so_o make_v or_o offer_v it_o actual_o convey_v not_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o any_o until_o themselves_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v actual_o make_v or_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n as_o such_o be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o proof_n from_o scripture_n but_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n the_o gentile_n be_v say_v to_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n antecedent_n to_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o become_v abraham_n seed_n the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o appertain_v to_o man_n only_o as_o in_o he_o hence_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o may_v well_o be_v account_v superfluous_a as_o be_v a_o denial_n of_o what_o no_o body_n have_v affirm_v now_o then_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o all_o the_o good_a aforemention_v be_v contain_v be_v not_o actual_o enter_v and_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n as_o such_o than_o neither_o all_o nor_o any_o part_n of_o that_o good_a can_v be_v come_v upon_o all_o man_n mere_o as_o such_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o have_v they_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_n contradistinct_a from_o or_o independent_a upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v be_v because_o no_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v find_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n let_v any_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v show_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o the_o only_a scripture_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o this_o supposal_n be_v rom._n 5.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o but_o to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n bare_a use_v of_o the_o universal_a particle_n all_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o ground_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o assertion_n upon_o especial_o when_o no_o covenant_n or_o promise_n can_v be_v find_v by_o or_o according_a to_o which_o the_o gift_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v confer_v upon_o all_o man_n and_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o term_n be_v sometime_o use_v when_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n i_o need_v not_o cite_v place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n design_n be_v not_o to_o show_v that_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n in_o the_o donation_n of_o it_o with_o the_o condemnation_n arise_v from_o adam_n sin_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o compare_v adam_n sin_n and_o the_o purchase_v make_v by_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o respective_a efficacy_n or_o in_o point_n of_o their_o respective_a causality_n or_o power_n to_o produce_v their_o different_a effect_n in_o brief_a his_o design_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o see_v the_o offence_n of_o one_o man_n viz._n adam_n be_v effective_a of_o the_o condemnation_n of_o all_o his_o posterity_n then_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o mere_o man_n but_o god-man_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_a for_o their_o justification_n and_o life_n who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o and_o union_n with_o he_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n appear_v two_o way_n first_o from_o his_o assignment_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n or_o superabundance_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o this_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n above_o what_o be_v predicable_a of_o the_o offence_n of_o adam_n which_o must_v needs_o respect_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n to_o justify_v and_o save_v and_o of_o the_o offence_n of_o adam_n to_o condemn_v for_o if_o so_o be_v we_o consider_v the_o person_n upon_o who_o condemnation_n be_v come_v by_o adam_n offence_n and_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v unto_o justification_n of_o life_n no_o such_o assignment_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n and_o superabundancy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n can_v be_v make_v inasmuch_o as_o that_o condemnation_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o adam_n offence_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n can_v come_v but_o upon_o all_o and_o where_o the_o object_n and_o person_n concern_v be_v of_o equal_a extent_n no_o preeminency_n can_v be_v assign_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o second_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n variation_n of_o his_o phrase_n from_o many_o to_o all_o and_o again_o from_o all_o to_o many_o which_o plain_o show_v he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o either_o condemnation_n or_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v as_o either_o to_o the_o thing_n come_v upon_o they_o or_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n from_o whence_o or_o whereby_o those_o thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o respective_o three_o i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o to_o justification_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o not_o how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n or_o upon_o what_o term_n it_o be_v come_v he_o may_v only_o mean_v it_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o conditional_a offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o so_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 2.11_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a exact_o run_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n see_v the_o like_a passage_n rom._n 3.22_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o all_o so_o here_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o for_o the_o apostle_n may_v suppose_v the_o condition_n already_o perform_v and_o only_o intend_v its_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n before_o mention_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v manifie_v unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n so_o here_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o to_o justification_n of_o life_n viz._n upon_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v evident_o see_v this_o scripture_n will_v not_o prove_v what_o be_v affirm_v viz._n that_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o universal_o as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v free_v from_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o restore_v to_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o life_n by_o christ_n so_o that_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_a so_o there_o be_v no_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_v record_v or_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o any_o one_o much_o less_o all_o mankind_n can_v have_v the_o good_a assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n grant_v to_o or_o settle_v upon_o they_o three_o have_v they_o it_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o christ_n undertake_v and_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o mediation_n sure_o the_o grossness_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n render_v any_o reply_n to_o it_o superfluous_a it_o will_v be_v a_o mere_a loss_n of_o time_n
to_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o too_o absurd_a to_o be_v affirm_v by_o any_o to_o put_v then_o a_o period_n to_o this_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o actual_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o as_o such_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o any_o unintere_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o that_o good_a and_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n grant_v to_o and_o settle_v upon_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o confederates_n with_o their_o parent_n if_o that_o good_a and_o those_o benefit_n come_v not_o upon_o any_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o intervening_a of_o some_o covenant_n or_o promise_n then_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v as_o under_o the_o covenant_n sign_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o mankind_n in_o general_n only_o let_v i_o add_v what_o will_v be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o infant_n bear_v of_o unbelieving_a parent_n and_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n the_o good_a benefit_n and_o privilege_n assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a unto_o they_o and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o infant_n in_o general_a they_o only_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o as_o they_o alone_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n by_o that_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o above_o what_o all_o other_o infant_n as_o to_o what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v have_v but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o second_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o upon_o a_o precedent_a interest_n they_o have_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o chap._n ix_o the_o three_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o propose_v a_o threefold_a subserviency_n thereof_o to_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n show_v first_o such_o pre-ingagement_n as_o will_v obstruct_v that_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v obviate_v and_o prevent_v what_o pre-ingagement_n child_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o spring_n of_o they_o discover_v how_o obviate_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n declare_v second_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n subserve_v by_o way_n of_o obligation_n the_o several_a obligation_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v under_o as_o bearing_z the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n open_v three_o the_o same_o end_n subserve_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n what_o encouragement_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v to_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n show_v 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o as_o antecedent_o interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v the_o subserviency_n thereof_o to_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o good_a of_o it_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o threefold_a subserviency_n that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o infant_n suppose_v they_o due_o instruct_v in_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o it_o have_v to_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n i._o it_o have_v a_o potent_a tendency_n to_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v all_o such_o pre-ingagement_n as_o will_v be_v obstructive_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v preingaged_n three_o way_n first_o in_o way_n of_o idolatry_n second_o in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n three_o in_o way_n of_o moral_a impiety_n and_o debauchries_n now_o to_o be_v preingaged_n especial_o fix_v in_o any_o of_o these_o way_n must_v needs_o be_v great_o obstructive_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v establish_v between_o himself_o and_o his_o people_n what_o way_n and_o course_n man_n engage_v at_o least_o be_v fix_v in_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o be_v not_o easy_o bring_v to_o relinquish_v have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n jer._n 2.11_o that_o god_n in_o who_o worship_n and_o service_n man_n have_v be_v engage_v from_o their_o youth_n they_o will_v not_o easy_o change_v so_o to_o be_v engage_v and_o accustom_v to_o atheistical_a irreligious_a and_o profane_a way_n and_o course_n from_o their_o youth_n be_v not_o a_o little_a obstructive_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a jer._n 13.23_o and_o the_o like_a be_v true_a of_o child_n being_n early_o engage_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o to_o show_v the_o various_a way_n how_o to_o be_v preingaged_n in_o any_o of_o these_o way_n from_o a_o man_n childhood_n obstruct_v and_o oppose_v his_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o a_o covenant-way_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n but_o will_v be_v somewhat_o excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n but_o this_o i_o say_v how_o obstructive_a and_o prejudicial_a soever_o such_o a_o engagement_n especial_o fix_v in_o any_o of_o these_o way_n from_o man_n childhood_n will_v be_v to_o their_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o engage_v they_o will_v in_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o they_o and_o that_o early_a too_o unless_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n blessing_n the_o mean_n subserve_v their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n prevent_v yet_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o infant_n have_v a_o potent_a tendency_n to_o prevent_v any_o such_o pre-ingagement_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o for_o let_v we_o but_o take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o original_a spring_n or_o cause_n whence_o man_n so_o early_o engage_v in_o one_o or_o another_o of_o the_o way_n and_o course_n mention_v do_v proceed_v 1._o it_o proceed_v from_o certain_a natural_a and_o imbred_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n engrave_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n at_o least_o from_o a_o natural_a disposedness_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n to_o comply_v with_o that_o notion_n when_o suggest_v from_o without_o 2._o from_o a_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o self-emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n as_o to_o that_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n they_o soon_o perceive_v themselves_o capable_a of_o 3._o from_o the_o inapprehensiveness_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o any_o cogent_a obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n man_n from_o his_o very_a childhood_n be_v prone_a to_o look_v upon_o and_o exalt_v himself_o as_o god_n to_o say_v of_o his_o whole_a self_n as_o those_o in_o the_o psalm_n of_o their_o tongue_n i_o be_o i_o own_o who_o be_v lord_n over_o i_o and_o according_a to_o various_a circumstance_n that_o child_n fall_v under_o so_o from_o this_o threefold_a spring_n they_o engage_v in_o one_o or_o another_o of_o the_o way_n mention_v but_o now_o the_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o true_a god_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o have_v a_o potent_a tendency_n to_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v their_o engage_v or_o fix_v in_o any_o of_o these_o way_n let_v we_o see_v it_o in_o some_o instance_n 1._o the_o true_a god_n be_v first_o present_v to_o their_o mind_n now_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o man_n as_o through_o the_o fall_n become_v not_o only_o dark_a but_o darkness_n itself_o and_o consequent_o as_o have_v lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o
muchregarded_a in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o light_a as_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o general_o among_o all_o learned_a man_n know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o he_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v it_o beside_o his_o own_o book_n caâ—â—ies_v a_o sufficient_a antidote_n against_o any_o evil_a influence_n it_o may_v otherwise_o have_v upon_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v immediate_o come_v to_o the_o other_o viz_o mr._n hutchison_n i_o be_o more_o especial_o concern_v in_o his_o attempt_n which_o be_v to_o obscure_v that_o foundation_n lay_v to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o in_o order_n whereunto_o he_o have_v make_v public_a a_o small_a treatise_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o baptism_n compose_v dialogue-wise_a between_o a_o baptist_n and_o a_o antipaedobaptist_n with_o some_o animadversion_n upon_o a_o late_a piece_n put_v forth_o by_o myself_o in_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n his_o treatise_n of_o baptism_n as_o for_o the_o gentleman_n himself_o i_o be_o a_o equal_a stranger_n to_o he_o as_o to_o mr._n danvers_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o either_o of_o their_o person_n neither_o will_v i_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_n or_o oppose_v any_o in_o any_o attempt_n to_o further_a the_o decision_n of_o this_o great_a controversy_n why_o shall_v i_o grudge_v any_o the_o eberty_n that_o myself_o have_v take_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o those_o that_o conceive_v themselves_o under_o a_o call_n to_o appear_v either_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n or_o against_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o will_v remember_v that_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_a where_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a it_o be_v true_a unavoidable_a failure_n will_v attend_v humane_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n which_o may_v just_o cause_v somewhat_o of_o shame_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o the_o design_n and_o intendment_n of_o that_o exhortation_n may_v be_v answer_v whether_o our_o author_n have_v show_v himself_o such_o a_o workman_n will_v present_o appear_v whether_o himself_o be_v so_o free_a from_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n which_o he_o so_o vehement_o impeache_n his_o opposite_n writing_n of_o as_o become_v a_o reprover_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o it_o be_v what_o he_o have_v write_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o writing_n that_o i_o shall_v concern_v myself_o about_o to_o begin_v with_o this_o treatise_n of_o the_o covenant_n three_o thing_n lie_v so_o obvious_a in_o it_o that_o to_o i_o how_o it_o may_v be_v to_o other_o i_o know_v not_o it_o be_v utter_o useless_a as_o to_o the_o design_n carry_v on_o in_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o remark_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o to_o value_n and_o improve_v it_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n the_o first_o be_v the_o mistake_v he_o proceed_v upon_o to_o give_v only_o a_o twofold_a instance_n first_o he_o suppose_v the_o only_a ground_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v their_o relation_n to_o abraham_n as_o his_o seed_n hence_o have_v as_o he_o suppose_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v stand_v in_o no_o such_o relation_n to_o he_o he_o conceive_v he_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n thus_o page_n 3_o a_o gross_a mistake_n we_o find_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n upon_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n seed_n in_o their_o generation_n that_o be_v with_o they_o and_o their_o natural_a child_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o and_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o abraham_n seed_n be_v another_o question_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v obj._n but_o we_o do_v account_v they_o as_o abraham_n seed_n though_o we_o do_v not_o ground_v their_o church-membership_a and_o baptism_n thereupon_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v so_o but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v say_v how_o can_v we_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n mention_v page_n the_o 5._o answ_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o our_o author_n himself_o father_n upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o use_v his_o phrase_n in_o affirm_v some_o infant_n to_o be_v save_v without_o a_o personal_a faith_n for_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o argue_v if_o none_o be_v save_v but_o such_o as_o believe_v than_o no_o infant_n can_v be_v save_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a mark_v 16._o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o adult_n the_o same_o suppose_a absurdity_n will_v follow_v for_o according_a to_o our_o author_n than_o christ_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v save_v let_v he_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n in_o the_o one_o and_o we_o shall_v alike_o avoid_v the_o absurdity_n in_o the_o other_o another_o mistake_n that_o he_o proceed_v upon_o be_v that_o at_o least_o some_o paedo-baptist_n may_v ascribe_v their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n faith_n and_o consequent_o may_v plead_v that_o though_o their_o child_n have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o covenant_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n yet_o they_o may_v have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o abraham_n thus_o page_n 12_o and_o he_o spend_v about_o ten_o page_n to_o confute_v this_o plea_n that_o he_o suppose_v some_o paedo-baptist_n may_v make_v which_o be_v a_o mere_a mistake_n about_o his_o opposer_n principle_n or_o rather_o a_o mere_a impertinency_n for_o where_o have_v he_o find_v in_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o paedo-baptist_n such_o a_o plea_n manage_v and_o hence_o whereas_o he_o suppose_v himself_o to_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o chief_a ground_n lay_v by_o paedo-baptist_n to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o thereupon_o tell_v we_o page_n 22._o he_o may_v end_v the_o matter_n there_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o proceed_v mere_o upon_o mistake_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o of_o the_o ground_n that_o he_o suppose_v paedo-baptist_n bottom_n their_o claim_n to_o the_o covenant-interest_n and_o baptism_n of_o their_o infant-seed_n upon_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n they_o bottom_n that_o their_o claim_n upon_o whence_o his_o discourse_n hitherto_o have_v be_v utter_o impertinent_a of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o end_n he_o design_n by_o it_o another_o thing_n render_v his_o whole_a discourse_n useless_a to_o i_o be_v his_o assume_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o the_o least_o show_n or_o proof_n what_o he_o know_v at_o least_o may_v have_v know_v be_v absolute_o deny_v by_o at_o least_o some_o if_o not_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o paedo-baptist_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n do_v extend_v to_o and_o take_v in_o all_o his_o seed_n at_o least_o descend_v by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n during_o their_o first-testament-administration_n and_o that_o mere_o as_o his_o seed_n upon_o this_o supposition_n he_o proceed_v in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o book_n but_o now_o he_o know_v at_o least_o may_v have_v know_v that_o this_o be_v absolute_o deny_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o jacob_n who_o be_v abraham_n grandchild_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n mere_o as_o he_o be_v of_o abraham_n posterity_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believe_v isaac_n include_v with_o he_o in_o that_o phrase_n thy_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n second_o he_o assume_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v with_o the_o elect_n as_o such_o and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o only_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n hence_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 23._o that_o the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o he_o call_v and_o i_o blame_v he_o not_o for_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o elect._n this_o he_o may_v have_v know_v will_v be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v that_o no_o covenant_n be_v actual_o make_v with_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a as_o such_o three_o he_o affirm_v and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o that_o covenant_n call_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o old_a covenant_n which_o be_v then_o vanish_v be_v a_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n which_o he_o may_v have_v know_v be_v deny_v and_o that_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o that_o covenant_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o