and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o that_o some_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o in_o that_o such_o a_o power_n have_v be_v exert_v in_o the_o church_n though_o possible_o not_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o by_o any_o one_o particular_a believer_n so_o in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o and_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o collective_a body_n be_v indefinite_a they_o do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o every_o individual_a member_n only_o such_o a_o good_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o answerable_o every_o individual_a member_n stand_v night_n to_o and_o be_v a_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o they_o than_o those_o that_o be_v without_o and_o yet_o for_o the_o far_o clear_v up_o and_o confirm_v of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o that_o twofold_a good_a before_o mention_v intend_v in_o these_o promise_n be_v distinct_o promise_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o collective_a body_n 1._o first_o for_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n thus_o in_o that_o psal_n 147.17_o he_o have_v show_v his_o judgement_n unto_o jacob_n and_o his_o statute_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o to_o every_o nation_n i_o conceive_v we_o be_v to_o take_v these_o word_n not_o bare_o as_o historical_a of_o what_o god_n do_v for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o promissory_a wherein_o god_n do_v gracious_o engage_v himself_o to_o vouchsafe_v such_o outward_a mean_n to_o his_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a through_o the_o concur_v operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o in_o christ_n to_o and_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o however_o this_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v not_o of_o god_n show_v his_o judgement_n to_o jacob_n and_o statute_n to_o israel_n as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o declare_v what_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n viz._n to_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n or_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o jew_n as_o than_o not_o unchurch_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o of_o necessity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v first_o preach_v unto_o they_o act_n 13.46_o and_o why_o be_v this_o necessary_a or_o of_o necessity_n but_o because_o they_o yet_o appertain_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n shall_v while_o they_o so_o continue_v have_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o and_o wrought_v in_o they_o god_n have_v grant_v that_o to_o his_o church_n as_o one_o of_o her_o great_a privilege_n here_o upon_o earth_n 2._o second_o for_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o their_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o sffect_n and_o thus_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o john_n 14.16_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o as_o a_o promise_n to_o particular_a believer_n though_o in_o whosoever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v he_o dwell_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o yet_o of_o that_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o particular_a believer_n i_o conceive_v our_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v but_o of_o his_o presence_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n in_o general_n in_o which_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n now_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v presence_n in_o and_o with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o make_v effectual_a by_o his_o internal_a operation_n the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v vouchsase_v so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n both_o of_o the_o external_a mean_n whereby_o that_o grace_n be_v wrought_v and_o of_o the_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n be_v make_v effectual_a do_v in_o a_o particular_a and_o special_a manner_n appertain_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v member_n thereof_o they_o must_v needs_o stand_v nigh_o to_o and_o be_v more_o especial_o the_o object_n of_o those_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o small_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o stand_v in_o so_o nigh_o a_o capacity_n to_o these_o promise_n to_o be_v of_o that_o body_n or_o family_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v though_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o every_o individual_a to_o be_v of_o any_o body_n politic_a corporation_n or_o society_n unto_o which_o any_o peculiar_a grant_n do_v belong_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n though_o the_o good_a grant_v be_v not_o infallible_o secure_v to_o every_o individual_a member_n yet_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v in_o a_o nigh_a and_o great_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v that_o good_a than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o body_n corporation_n or_o society_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o here_o 2._o but_o second_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o promise_n do_v yet_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n belong_v to_o that_o part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n the_o adult_n be_v suppose_v already_o to_o have_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o therefore_o these_o promise_n at_o least_o as_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o first_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o especial_a respect_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n hence_o we_o shall_v find_v promise_n of_o that_o twosold_a good_a before_o mention_v express_o and_o particular_o make_v unto_o they_o thus_o isa_n 44.4_o 5._o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n and_o my_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o offspring_n seed_n and_o offspring_n here_o be_v synonimous_a term_n they_o intend_v the_o same_o subject_n and_o by_o both_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o as_o much_o as_o that_o term_n offspring_n be_v never_o use_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o to_o signify_v natural_a child_n or_o posterity_n and_o by_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n the_o same_o good_a be_v intend_v only_o the_o latter_a term_n be_v explicative_a of_o the_o former_a i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n who_o as_o pour_v out_o upon_o shall_v be_v a_o blessing_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v employ_v the_o vouchsafement_n of_o the_o outward_a mean_n through_o and_o by_o which_o god_n do_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o people_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v unto_o man_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 3.8_o and_o hence_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v necessary_o imply_v and_o include_v in_o it_o such_o a_o communication_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o through_o which_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n the_o spirit_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v and_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o express_o promise_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n employ_v therein_o so_o in_o isa_n 59_o ult_n this_o twofold_a good_a be_v exprefs_o and_o in_o terminis_fw-la promise_v my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o say_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o declare_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n how_o and_o whereby_o god_n do_v uphold_v maintain_v and_o perpetuate_v his_o church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v by_o vouchsase_v his_o word_n or_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o to_o his_o
contain_v such_o a_o good_a be_v make_v but_o three_o there_o be_v another_o way_n how_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o to_o and_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o this_o promise_n appertain_v to_o whereunto_o by_o this_o promise_n god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o be_v limit_v and_o that_o be_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o receive_v vnumquodque_fw-la recipitur_fw-la secundum_fw-la modum_fw-la recipientis_fw-la but_o this_o be_v excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a design_n i_o shall_v whole_o pass_v it_o by_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v as_o to_o this_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o insant-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 we_o see_v what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o by_o reference_n and_o relation_n to_o and_o therein_o what_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o also_o what_o be_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o and_o consequent_o grant_v to_o or_o settle_v upon_o they_o by_o those_o promise_n and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n inquire_v into_o now_o as_o a_o close_a of_o this_o and_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v reflect_v a_o little_a back_n and_o sum_n up_o and_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o good_a the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v as_o receive_v with_o their_o parent_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o have_v in_o particular_a those_o promise_n aforementioned_a make_v unto_o unto_o they_o and_o also_o add_v something_o further_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o indeed_o have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o so_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o good_a they_o have_v that_o be_v fourfold_a first_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o new-covenant_n state_n they_o be_v absolute_o for_o the_o present_a remove_v from_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o take_v into_o as_o the_o actual_a subject_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v their_o present_a state_n they_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o be_v free_v and_o discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n second_o they_o have_v at_o present_a true_a real_a and_o proper_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n as_o they_o be_v his_o so_o he_o be_v they_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o three_o they_o have_v god_n under_o a_o actual_a obligation_n viz._n of_o his_o promise_n to_o improve_v and_o employ_v all_o his_o attribute_n for_o their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n according_a or_o in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o various_a promise_n of_o it_o fouthly_a they_o have_v a_o present_a inter_v in_o and_o right_o to_o salvation_n and_o answerable_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n before_o a_o sorfeiture_n be_v make_v of_o that_o their_o interest_n and_o right_n they_o shall_v be_v infallible_o save_v this_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n require_v nothing_o on_o their_o part_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o and_o god_n have_v engage_v by_o promise_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o he_o have_v thereby_o oblige_v himself_o to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o they_o now_o though_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o they_o definite_o that_o be_v with_o and_z to_o each_o one_o in_o particular_a which_o that_o they_o be_v have_v be_v before_o prove_v and_o be_v now_o take_v for_o grant_v i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a now_o declare_v and_o assign_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o any_o further_a proof_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v superfluous_a yet_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la i_o shall_v add_v these_o three_o or_o four_o argument_n arg._n 1._o first_o what_o good_a be_v either_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o do_v necessary_o and_o inseparable_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n that_o good_a they_o have_v as_o receive_v thereunto_o with_o their_o parent_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o but_o all_o that_o good_a aforementioned_a either_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a or_o most_o proper_a sense_n a_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n or_o else_o do_v necessary_o and_o inscparable_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n therefore_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o as_o have_v these_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o these_o proposition_n carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n with_o so_o much_o clearness_n that_o i_o need_v add_v nothing_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o either_o of_o they_o certain_o when_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n he_o mean_v himself_o and_o to_o interpret_v that_o promise_n of_o any_o low_a good_a will_v be_v to_o offer_v apparent_a violence_n to_o it_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o a_o new-covenant-state_n propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n with_o a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o improve_v all_o his_o attribute_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o a_o right_n to_o salvation_n do_v necessary_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o make_v these_o promise_n with_o or_o to_o any_o whether_o insant_n or_o adult_n will_v as_o i_o suppose_v be_v question_v by_o none_o and_o therefore_o arg._n 2._o second_o if_o believe_v parent_n have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o then_o so_o have_v their_o insant-see_a they_o be_v alike_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o promise_v make_v alike_o to_o they_o but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o antecedent_n be_v secure_v from_o any_o opposition_n not_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n light_n but_o by_o the_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o christian_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o ground_n from_o scripture_n or_o right_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n this_o be_v undoubred_a to_o i_o that_o poedo-baptists_n assign_v one_o kind_n of_o good_a to_o parent_n and_o another_o to_o insant_n while_o yet_o they_o plead_v for_o insant_n have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o these_o grand_a promise_n of_o it_o that_o parent_n have_v have_v not_o a_o little_a promote_v the_o error_n of_o anti-poado-baptism_n but_o arg._n 3._o three_o unless_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v that_o good_a afore_o declare_v they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n ergo._n the_o consequence_n in_o the_o major_a proposition_n will_v not_o be_v question_v by_o poedo-baptists_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o now_o write_v as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o anti-poedo-baptists_n but_o that_o be_v evident_a thus_o those_o that_o have_v no_o good_a that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v no_o present_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o unless_o infant_n have_v that_o good_a asore_n declare_v they_o have_v no_o good_a that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n ergo._n this_o argument_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n at_o least_o will_v so_o evident_o appear_v upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n that_o i_o shall_v surcease_v the_o proof_n it_o and_o only_o add_v one_o more_o argument_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n arg._n 4._o if_o the_o insant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o receive_v into_o coivenant_n and_o as_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
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
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they_o shall_v be_v peculiar_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n towards_o they_o chap._n xi_o the_o four_o grand_a question_n propose_v the_o improvement_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o their_o covenant_n state_n as_o ratify_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n open_v in_o four_o particular_n that_o great_a question_n how_o long_o the_o covenant-state_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o upon_o their_o parent_n account_n answer_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v such_o fear_n as_o either_o parent_n or_o child_n be_v subject_a to_o as_o to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n in_o their_o childhood_n quest_n 4._o what_o use_n and_o improvement_n may_v and_o aught_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n make_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n answ_n the_o use_n and_o improvement_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o it_o be_v great_a and_o of_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o they_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o particular_n 1._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v it_o as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n through_o and_o by_o which_o they_o have_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n peace_n with_o god_n and_o must_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o salvation_n which_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n they_o be_v bear_v heir_n unto_o which_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o for_o the_o purge_n away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o grant_v for_o the_o renovation_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n present_a to_o the_o eye_n what_o the_o word_n present_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o mutual_a illustration_n the_o one_o of_o the_o other_o now_o as_o this_o way_n and_o these_o mean_n be_v considerable_a under_o different_a notion_n so_o they_o be_v shadow_v and_o represent_v by_o different_a symbol_n or_o sign_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o purge_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v represent_v in_o circumsion_n as_o to_o be_v shed_v but_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o baptism_n as_o already_o shed_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o party_n baptize_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v represent_v in_o circumcision_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o superfluity_n to_o be_v ampute_v and_o cut_v off_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o baptism_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o defilement_n or_o pollution_n which_o be_v remove_v by_o wash_v but_o the_o use_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o general_n be_v and_o be_v the_o same_o namely_o to_o represent_v to_o the_o mind_n that_o way_n and_o
advantage_n they_o be_v unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o what_o good_a will_n be_v express_v by_o they_o be_v not_o discern_v by_o many_o who_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o that_o some_o ordinance_n who_o claim_n to_o that_o original_a be_v most_o just_a yet_o be_v neglect_v by_o some_o and_o utter_o reject_v by_o other_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a fierceness_n of_o opposition_n as_o judge_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a reference_n and_o signification_n this_o especial_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o infant-baptism_n the_o main_a reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sad_a corruption_n or_o rather_o utter_v loss_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n especial_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o seal_n thereof_o under_o that_o antichristian_a darkness_n that_o so_o long_o prevail_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o a_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o reference_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v suspect_v as_o to_o its_o original_a and_o answerable_o reject_v by_o conscientious_a christian_n hence_o the_o revival_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o initiatory_a seal_n and_o token_n hereof_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o great_a conducency_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o practice_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o both_o by_o parent_n and_o child_n some_o small_a essay_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v at_o present_a design_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v no_o further_o launch_v out_o into_o than_o the_o resolution_n of_o four_o inquiry_n relate_v to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o token_n thereof_o to_o infant_n the_o discussion_n of_o which_o have_v be_v sometime_o since_o promise_v make_v necessary_a the_o rosolution_n of_o those_o inquiry_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n whereby_o i_o be_o nor_o without_o some_o hope_n that_o at_o least_o some_o little_a light_n may_v shine_v forth_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o what_o reference_n this_o ordinance_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o signification_n it_o carry_v and_o signal_n expression_n it_o be_v of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o man_n and_o as_o previous_a to_o a_o more_o clear_a procedure_n in_o what_o be_v intend_v it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o three_o thing_n be_v at_o present_a presuppose_a and_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v elsewhere_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v joynt-confederats_a with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o have_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o that_o as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v so_o baptism_n now_o be_v the_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n 3._o that_o infant_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n apply_v unto_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v already_o prove_v i_o shall_v immediate_o come_v to_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a inquiry_n which_o be_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v and_o accrue_v to_o they_o thereby_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n as_o bear_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o improvement_n that_o child_n themselves_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n to_o bigin_n with_o 1._o the_o first_o viz._n why_o god_n have_v appoint_v or_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n answ_n that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a institution_n yea_o even_o those_o of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v by_o we_o but_o the_o sole_a will_n of_o the_o legislator_n be_v most_o rational_a as_o agree_v with_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a principle_n of_o true_a reason_n be_v abundant_o secure_v by_o their_o alone_a relation_n to_o he_o as_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n nothing_o irrational_a can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n hence_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o any_o practice_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n we_o ought_v and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o heart_n by_o renew_v grace_n be_v bring_v to_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o allegiance_n unto_o god_n we_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rationality_n as_o command_v by_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o mighty_a in_o power_n or_o authority_n and_o hence_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o bend_v our_o inquiry_n more_o after_o the_o will_n of_o god_n constitution_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o duty_n than_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o constitute_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v so_o be_v we_o assure_v of_o his_o will_n his_o wisdom_n secure_v his_o willing_a nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o rational_a or_o what_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n he_o shall_v command_v and_o his_o will_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o obedience_n but_o yet_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o rational_a and_o intelligent_a creature_n and_o give_v he_o eye_n to_o see_v withal_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o he_o according_a to_o mere_a sovereignty_n but_o indulge_v he_o a_o liberty_n or_o rather_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o inquire_v after_o and_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o rationality_n of_o his_o command_n only_o a_o twofold_a proviso_n be_v attend_v unto_o 1._o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sobriety_n sapit_fw-la non_fw-la sapit_fw-la qui_fw-la plus_fw-la justo_fw-la sapit_fw-la and_o presume_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v second_o that_o in_o case_n the_o rationality_n of_o this_o or_o that_o command_n appear_v not_o either_o as_o not_o reveal_v by_o god_n or_o as_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o shallow_a understanding_n to_o discern_v it_o he_o yield_v to_o mere_a sovereignty_n and_o answerable_o resolve_v to_o obey_v though_o he_o see_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o this_o that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o and_o for_o christian_n still_o attend_v to_o these_o prouiso_n to_o search_v after_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o divine_a command_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n command_v this_o or_o that_o as_o a_o duty_n conduce_v not_o a_o little_a as_o to_o their_o cheerful_a and_o complacential_a walk_v in_o way_n of_o obedience_n so_o to_o their_o please_a and_o honour_v god_n in_o any_o by_o that_o their_o obedience_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a reason_v as_o darken_v and_o corrupt_v in_o fall_v man_n rise_v up_o with_o a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o god_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.7_o the_o wisdom_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v carnal_a or_o corrupt_a wisdom_n or_o reason_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n yet_o reason_n sanctify_a and_o regulate_v by_o supernatural_a light_n be_v high_o serviceable_a unto_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o great_o subserve_v their_o yield_n unto_o god_n due_a honour_n and_o glory_n in_o and_o by_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n the_o more_o of_o sanctify_a reason_n any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o clear_o suppose_v his_o due_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o will_v he_o discern_v the_o rationality_n of_o divine_a command_n and_o confequent_o the_o more_o full_o and_o free_o will_v he_o own_v and_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o command_n and_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereignty_n as_o command_v and_o answerable_o honour_v he_o by_o a_o complacential_a obedience_n dience_n hence_o christian_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n suppose_v they_o proportionable_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a will_v be_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o in_o his_o way_n to_o bring_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o though_o the_o alone_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n of_o his_o
will_n that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o insant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n do_v not_o reason_n of_o that_o his_o will_v appear_v will_v be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o practice_n and_o aught_o to_o oblige_v all_o man_n to_o a_o compliance_n therewith_o yet_o to_o make_v some_o inquiry_n into_o the_o rationality_n of_o that_o practice_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n enjoin_v of_o it_o will_v be_v great_o useful_a as_o to_o the_o establish_v the_o practice_n itself_o so_o to_o believer_n chearsul_n walk_v therein_o and_o honour_v god_n thereby_o the_o reason_n than_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o with_o respect_n unto_o god_n institute_v or_o the_o parent_n to_o who_o seed_n the_o token_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v or_o the_o seed_n to_o who_o the_o application_n be_v to_o be_v make_v 1._o for_o the_o reason_n respect_v god_n and_o thus_o a_o threefold_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v 1._o his_o own_o goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o sovereign_a good_a pleasure_n one_o special_a reason_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n yea_o of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v or_o do_v whether_o as_o ligislator_n or_o benefactor_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o fall_a man_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o his_o goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thou_o be_v good_a say_v the_o psalmist_n speak_v unto_o god_n psal_n 119.68_o and_o do_v good_a god_n do_v good_a because_o he_o be_v good_a he_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 1.11_o as_o the_o mere_a goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o the_o good_a he_o communicate_v to_o or_o any_o way_n express_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o man_n so_o he_o work_v in_o the_o various_a communication_n and_o expression_n thereof_o after_o the_o alone_a counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will._n hence_o as_o the_o vouchsafement_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o a_o sign_n and_o token_n so_o the_o command_v require_v the_o application_n of_o this_o token_n to_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o adult_n must_v be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o also_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n the_o protomartyr_n stephen_n enumerate_v the_o give_v unto_o abraham_n the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n among_o the_o various_a expression_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o he_o loco_fw-la foedus_fw-la graetia_fw-la quod_fw-la obsignavit_fw-la ei_fw-la circumsione_n piscator_fw-la in_o loco_fw-la and_o his_o seed_n for_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o not_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o his_o seed_n also_o act_v 7.8_o he_o give_v unto_o abraham_n the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n the_o covenant_n seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o circumcision_n for_o god_n to_o give_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o covenant_n be_v a_o glorious_a expression_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o he_o and_o they_o but_o to_o add_v a_o outward_a sign_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o that_o his_o goodness_n the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o a_o outward_a sign_n add_v to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o be_v a_o high_a expression_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n both_o to_o his_o people_n and_o their_o seed_n hence_o for_o patent_n to_o accept_v of_o and_o apply_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n thereof_o only_o for_o and_o to_o themselves_o but_o to_o refuse_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o or_o to_o their_o seed_n be_v to_o reject_v no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o goodness_n he_o design_v for_o they_o and_o have_v by_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n grant_v to_o they_o which_o suppose_v it_o may_v not_o be_v interpret_v such_o a_o despise_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o the_o apostle_n upbraid_v the_o centiles_n with_o and_o by_o which_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o rom._n 2.4_o 5._o they_o treasure_v up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o come_v for_n nigh_o to_o and_o participate_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o shall_v make_v all_o tender_a conscientious_a christian_n great_o cautious_a of_o it_o we_o see_v how_o much_o god_n be_v provoke_v by_o ahaz_n in_o refuse_v a_o sign_n when_o offer_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o particular_a promise_n how_o much_o more_o provoke_v may_v it_o be_v when_o parent_n not_o only_o refuse_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n but_o his_o covenant_n also_o though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o their_o it_o be_v above_o question_n to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v less_o dangerous_a to_o err_v on_o the_o right_n have_v and_o will_v be_v vast_o less_o displease_v unto_o god_n for_o parent_n to_o claim_v the_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n and_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o it_o to_o they_o upon_o a_o supposal_n of_o their_o interest_n therein_o suppose_v the_o one_o not_o to_o extend_v nor_o the_o other_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o than_o to_o reject_v and_o refuse_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o suppose_v the_o one_o do_v extend_v and_o the_o other_o appertain_v to_o they_o favores_fw-la sunt_fw-la ampliandi_fw-la favour_n be_v to_o be_v enlarge_v it_o be_v certain_o more_o dangerous_a to_o narrow_a and_o straiten_v the_o savour_n of_o god_n to_o man_n than_o to_o overamplify_v they_o in_o case_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a though_o here_o i_o conceive_v the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o but_o i_o speak_v upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o the_o undervalue_a or_o refuse_v any_o expression_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n be_v great_o provoke_v to_o he_o esau_n to_o this_o day_n bear_v the_o brand_n of_o a_o profane_a person_n for_o part_v at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n which_o his_o birth_n right_a heb._n 12.16_o it_o be_v dangerous_a either_o to_o have_v our_o eye_n evil_a because_o god_n be_v good_a to_o other_o or_o to_o undervalue_v or_o reject_v any_o expression_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o ourselves_o or_o we_o but_o that_o be_v by_o the_o way_n now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n guide_v in_o the_o various_a expression_n thereof_o by_o the_o alone_a council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n that_o he_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n with_o a_o ourward_a sign_n and_o token_n annex_v either_o to_o believer_n or_o their_o seed_n so_o one_o special_a reason_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o must_v be_v assign_v thereunto_o but_o than_o second_o the_o next_o reason_n respect_v god_n be_v the_o reference_n and_o subserviency_n that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n he_o be_v great_o glorify_v thereby_o and_o that_o several_a way_n 1._o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n unto_o they_o be_v make_v more_o manifest_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o man_n as_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v open_o show_v forth_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o open_o declare_v preach_v or_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o and_o consequent_o both_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o the_o son_n in_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v public_o manifest_v and_o make_v after_o a_o sort_n visible_a unto_o man_n so_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n whether_o to_o the_o adult_n or_o to_o infant_n the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v public_o solemnize_v and_o thereby_o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n in_o enter_v it_o with_o they_o respective_o be_v open_o declare_v and_o make_v more_o conspicuous_a unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o as_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n be_v a_o further_o and_o high_a expression_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o love_n than_o his_o enter_v it_o only_o with_o themselves_o so_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o that_o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o love_n make_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o clear_o and_o open_o any_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v unto_o man_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o meet_a object_n they_o become_v for_o their_o acknowledgement_n admiration_n and_o adoration_n and_o consequent_o such_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o attribute_n have_v a_o direct_a reference_n to_o his_o glory_n
people_n and_o their_o seed_n successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n or_o that_o they_o be_v tobe_n interpret_v and_o understand_v not_o in_o a_o definite_a but_o in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o do_v impartial_o observe_v the_o way_n of_o god_n procedure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o man_n any_o endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o performance_n will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a for_o though_o some_o have_v contemn_v that_o observation_n that_o other_o have_v make_v viz._n that_o that_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o fall_a man_n to_o serve_v he_o be_v in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n raise_v out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o so_o evident_a to_o unbiased_a observer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o little_a confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n now_o give_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o be_v a_o abundant_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o as_o it_o have_v in_o all_o age_n pass_v give_v so_o still_o give_v he_o the_o just_a name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o three_o 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 i_o say_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v they_o be_v os_fw-la that_o collective_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o these_o promise_n do_v in_o the_o general_n appertain_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v that_o special_a part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o that_o body_n or_o society_n to_o who_o these_o promise_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n do_v belong_v they_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_v as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o they_o be_v yet_o nigh_o as_o they_o be_v specify_v and_o point_v out_o to_o be_v the_o person_n peculiar_o intend_v in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nignness_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o especial_o when_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o be_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v how_o rare_o be_v it_o find_v when_o parent_n with_o abraham_n be_v faithful_a in_o instruct_v and_o command_v their_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o though_o sometime_o more_o sometime_o sewer_a according_a to_o the_o number_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o be_v find_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v of_o those_o instruction_n walk_v in_o these_o way_n yea_o how_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o parent_n so_o perform_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n with_o comfortable_a hope_n that_o all_o they_o be_v heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n now_o then_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o believe_a parent_n shall_v have_v their_o understanding_n so_o far_o darken_v and_o their_o judgement_n so_o far_o blind_v to_o make_v that_o which_o sometime_o be_v the_o gentile_n and_o be_v now_o the_o jew_n misery_n viz._n to_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n their_o choice_n though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o they_o and_o shall_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v set_v they_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n that_o he_o may_v obrain_n a_o exchange_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v their_o lot_n among_o those_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o we_o may_v well_o call_v to_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o and_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o place_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o this_o first_o head_n of_o benefy_v accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o they_o have_v admission_n into_o and_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o god_n by_o command_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n speak_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n as_o jacob_n to_o joseph_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o two_o son_n bring_v your_o child_n near_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v bless_v they_o bring_v they_o into_o my_o house_n and_o family_n and_o as_o they_o then_o shall_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o it_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o my_o son_n over_o they_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o they_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v grace_n promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v you_o faithful_a in_o your_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o my_o promise_n now_o shall_v any_o reject_v such_o a_o gracious_a invitation_n how_o just_o may_v child_n cnrse_v the_o day_n they_o be_v ever_o bring_v forth_o by_o such_o parent_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o good_a or_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 propose_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v a_o enquiry_n make_v whether_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definit_o or_o only_o indefinite_o the_o various_a judgement_n of_o paedo-baptist_n about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v definite_o prove_v two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n where_o two_o reason_n be_v offer_v second_o it_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o three_o reason_n respect_v both_o abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n the_o forementioned_a good_a accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n open_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o question_n the_o former_a propose_v viz._n what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o that_o it_o have_v a_o twofold_a reference_n show_v first_o to_o the_o covenant_n as_o abstract_o and_o absolute_o consider_v the_o thing_n ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o that_o its_o reference_n determine_v to_o be_v their_o covenant_n that_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o two_o argument_n to_o be_v their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o originalsin_n and_o that_o both_o originans_n and_o originatum_fw-la 2._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n 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 be_v this_o viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a unfolding_n of_o this_o good_a or_o benefit_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o poedo-baptists_n themselves_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n about_o that_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o according_a to_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v different_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o good_a accrue_v to_o infant_n by_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o brief_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o i_o go_v along_o 1._o first_o some_o conserve_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o and_o anfwerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n that_o be_v as_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o general_o and_o collective_o consider_v but_o not_o make_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o those_o that_o go_v this_o way_n some_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o secure_a to_o they_o only_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o convey_v to_o or_o confer_v