24._o for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v to_o show_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n without_o christ_n and_o their_o necessity_n therefore_o of_o a_o saviour_n rom._n 7._o 7_o 12._o 13._o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o still_o serve_v to_o all_o man_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n rom._n 3._o 19_o but_o though_o the_o law_n do_v indeed_o show_v we_o our_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o misery_n without_o he_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o our_o translation_n have_v it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n only_o rom._n 10._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o that_o as_o it_o stand_v oppose_v unto_o the_o legal_a covenant_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n §_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o double_a enquiry_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v dr._n owen_n on_o gal._n 3._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o law_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o sinai_n 1_o unto_o what_o end_n in_o general_n it_o serve_v 2_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o both_o these_o the_o apostle_n answer_v from_o the_o nature_n office_n and_o work_v of_o that_o covenant_n for_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o first_o a_o revival_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o its_o sanction_n and_o curse_n second_o a_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n from_o these_o two_o do_v the_o apostle_n frame_v his_o answer_n unto_o the_o double_a enquiry_n lay_v down_o and_o unto_o the_o first_o enquiry_n unto_o what_o â—nd_n it_o serve_v he_o answer_v it_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n the_o promise_n be_v give_v there_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o why_o then_o be_v it_o add_v to_o it_o at_o that_o season_n it_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v wherein_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v accomplish_v and_o establish_v as_o the_o only_a covenant_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n or_o the_o seed_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n some_o order_n must_v be_v take_v about_o sin_n and_o transgression_n that_o all_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n appoint_v of_o god_n be_v not_o overflow_v by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v do_v two_o way_n by_o the_o law._n 1._o by_o revive_v the_o command_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o the_o sanction_n of_o death_n it_o put_v a_o awe_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o set_v bound_n unto_o their_o lust_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o run_v forth_o into_o that_o excess_n which_o they_o be_v natural_o incline_v unto_o it_o be_v therefore_o add_v because_o of_o transgression_n that_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n severity_n against_o they_o some_o bound_n may_v be_v fix_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o law_n 2._o to_o shut_v up_o unbeliever_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o seek_v for_o righteousness_n life_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o curse_v attend_v it_o it_o conclude_v or_o shut_v up_o all_o under_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 20._o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o this_o end_n be_v it_o add_v as_o it_o give_v a_o reviveal_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n dr._n owen_n exposition_n on_o the_o hebrew_n 3_o d._n vol._n p._n 231._o §_o 5._o it_o be_v true_a that_o scripture_n gal._n 3._o 24._o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o faith_n be_v strong_o urge_v by_o some_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o law_n must_v needs_o be_v therefore_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o school_n mastership_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n be_v two_o quite_o different_a thing_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n before_o and_o after_o ver_fw-la 23._o before_o faith_n come_v say_v he_o we_o be_v keep_v under_o the_o law_n shut_v up_o unto_o the_o faith_n which_o shall_v afterward_o be_v reveal_v ver_fw-la 24._o wherefore_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o faith_n ver_fw-la 25._o but_o after_o that_o faith_n be_v come_v we_o be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o schoolmaster_n so_o that_o the_o schol_n mastership_n of_o the_o law_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n another_o for_o when_o the_o one_o come_v the_o other_o cease_v when_o the_o one_o take_v place_n the_o other_o vanish_v the_o law_n therefore_o can_v not_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v here_o so_o plain_o oppose_v or_o contra_n distinguish_v thereunto_o according_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o law_n write_a and_o engrave_v in_o stone_n be_v a_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n 2._o cor._n 3._o 6._o 7._o 9_o and_o consequent_o give_v no_o hope_n of_o relief_n to_o the_o miserable_a sinner_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n do_v it_o convince_v he_o indeed_o of_o the_o dreadful_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o be_v against_o who_o it_o have_v sin_v but_o it_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o repentance_n for_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o say_v the_o law_n that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o handwriting_n of_o ordinance_n that_o be_v against_o we_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o we_o which_o christ_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n col._n 2._o 14._o so_o that_o the_o law_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v constant_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o a_o vast_o different_a nature_n therefrom_o and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a essence_n or_o substance_n thereof_o the_o one_o be_v a_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n the_o other_o a_o ministration_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n sect_n iii_o we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o by_o mr._n obadiah_n segdwick_n in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n p._n 175._o that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n be_v at_o least_o subservient_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o propound_v in_o a_o more_o dark_a way_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n fit_v for_o the_o state_n of_o that_o people_n and_o that_o present_a time_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 2._o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o evasion_n and_o serve_v for_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o darken_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v as_o much_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o that_o make_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o jewish_a legal_a covenant_n say_v dr._n annesly_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n morning_n exercise_n p._n 122_o neither_o admit_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o redeemer_n nor_o repentance_n of_o sin_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o curse_n for_o sin_n be_v inconsistent_a gal._n 3._o 10._o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n for_o it_o be_v write_v curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o as_o many_o as_o depend_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n for_o justification_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o the_o law_n say_v he_o discover_v no_o other_o way_n of_o justification_n but_o by_o work_n mr._n cooper_n also_o in_o the_o same_o morning_n exercise_n p._n 117._o tell_v we_o that_o moses_n his_o law_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o another_o covenant_n upon_o this_o very_a distinguish_a account_n of_o obedience_n and_o faith_n work_n and_o grace_n as_o you_o may_v see_v say_v he_o at_o large_a among_o other_o place_n heb._n 8._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n §_o 3._o the_o law_n therefore_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o subservient_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o so_o for_o it_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n and_o be_v constant_o so_o represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n say_v indeed_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v
can_v be_v a_o more_o plain_a description_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o of_o god_n own_o designation_n and_o appointment_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o partial_a imperfect_a obedience_n but_o as_o it_o be_v write_v curse_v be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n 3._o 10._o which_o the_o apostle_n quote_v from_o deut._n 27._o 26._o curse_a be_v be_v that_o confirm_v not_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n to_o do_v they_o and_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v say_v amen_o §_o 3._o so_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v right_a enough_o in_o their_o notion_n concern_v the_o law_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o true_a nature_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o paul_n do_v plain_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o god_n himself_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n moses_n as_o plain_o express_v it_o so_o to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a first_o sanction_n of_o it_o though_o they_o be_v out_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o proper_a use_n and_o intention_n which_o be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v attain_v unto_o life_n and_o righteousness_n thereby_o but_o as_o we_o have_v before_o observe_v to_o show_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n without_o christ_n and_o their_o necessity_n therefore_o of_o a_o saviour_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o still_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n and_o refuse_v to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v now_o manifest_v without_o the_o law_n as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o stumble_v at_o that_o stumbling-stone_n and_o be_v according_o break_v and_o snare_v and_o take_v rom_n 9_o 31_o 32_o 33._o chap._n 10._o 3._o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o §_o 4._o but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n still_o and_o it_o be_v also_o as_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o establish_v by_o god_n as_o a_o distinct_a covenant_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o essential_o different_a therefrom_o under_o which_o the_o natural_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v for_o a_o season_n to_o be_v subject_v until_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n gal._n 4._o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o impose_v this_o burden_n upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o or_o rather_o additional_a unto_o those_o discovery_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v add_v unto_o the_o promise_n that_o have_v be_v otherwise_o reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o whereby_o they_o be_v save_v so_o that_o the_o forementioned_a objection_n notwithstanding_o it_o still_o remain_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o the_o law_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o it_o be_v design_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v it_o represent_v to_o we_o under_o that_o character_n sect_n v._o but_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o against_o the_o promise_n gal._n 3._o 21._o mr._n sedgwick_n will_v needs_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o say_v he_o the_o law_n be_v not_o against_o the_o promise_n nor_o do_v faith_n make_v void_a the_o law_n both_o these_o can_v very_o well_o agree_v together_o but_o so_o they_o can_v not_o if_o the_o law_n have_v be_v give_v as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o now_o the_o law_n will_v be_v express_o against_o the_o promise_n and_o faith_n will_v certain_o make_v void_a the_o law_n the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o faith_n be_v destructive_a to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n if_o therefore_o the_o promise_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n can_v consist_v than_o the_o law_n can_v be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n §_o 2._o to_o this_o we_o reply_v first_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v due_o observe_v that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n have_v divers_a end_n it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o inconsistency_n between_o they_o for_o although_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v clear_a than_o this_o that_o the_o law_n be_v set_v up_o and_o appoint_v by_o god_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n yet_o do_v god_n never_o intend_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o give_v life_n and_o righteousness_n nor_o be_v it_o able_a so_o to_o do_v the_o end_n of_o the_o primise_v be_v to_o give_v life_n righteousness_n justification_n and_o salvation_n all_o by_o christ_n to_o who_o and_o concern_v who_o it_o be_v make_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v revive_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o sinai_n for_o although_o in_o its_o self_n it_o require_v a_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o give_v a_o promise_n of_o life_n thereon_o he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v live_v in_o they_o yet_o it_o can_v give_v neither_o righteousness_n nor_o life_n to_o any_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n rom._n 8._o 3._o chap._n 10._o 4._o wherefore_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o law_n have_v divers_a end_n they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o nay_o rather_o the_o law_n even_o as_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n instead_o of_o be_v against_o the_o promise_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o declare_v the_o impossibility_n of_o obtain_v reconciliation_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o the_o promise_n for_o represent_v the_o command_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v perfect_a sinless_a obedience_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o curse_n it_o convince_v man_n that_o this_o be_v no_o way_n for_o sinner_n to_o seek_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o and_o herewith_o it_o so_o urge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n nor_o peace_n in_o themselves_o but_o what_o the_o promise_n will_v afford_v they_o whereunto_o therefore_o they_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o betake_v themselves_o so_o that_o though_o we_o affirm_v the_o law_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o promise_n it_o have_v so_o bless_v a_o subserviency_n towards_o the_o establishment_n thereof_o §_o 3._o second_o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v indeed_o tell_v we_o gal._n 3._o 21._o that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o against_o the_o promise_n the_o follow_a word_n do_v sufficient_o clear_v his_o mean_v to_o be_v of_o quite_o another_o nature_n than_o mr._n sedgwick_n in_o his_o forementioned_a discourse_n apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v mr._n sedgwick_n indeed_o will_v by_o no-mean_n allow_v that_o the_o law_n be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n for_o have_v tell_v we_o ver_fw-la 18._o that_o if_o the_o inheritance_n be_v of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o promise_n but_o god_n give_v it_o to_o abraham_n by_o promise_n and_o have_v answer_v the_o question_n or_o objection_n ver_fw-la 19_o wherefore_o then_o serve_v the_o law_n to_o which_o himself_o give_v this_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n till_o the_o seed_n shall_v come_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v he_o bring_v in_o this_o further_a objection_n ver_fw-la 21._o against_o what_o he_o have_v before_o assert_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o inheritance_n be_v of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o promise_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o law_n then_o against_o the_o promise_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n but_o the_o scripture_n have_v conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n that_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a that_o abraham_n inheritance_n be_v not_o derive_v unto_o he_o through_o the_o law_n for_o say_v our_o apostle_n if_o the_o inheritance_n be_v of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o promise_n
and_o only_o firm_a deed_n of_o gift_n by_o which_o the_o believe_a gentile_n always_o do_v and_o do_v claim_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o promise_v they_o have_v title_n to_o §_o 5._o beside_o that_o the_o promise_n that_o abraham_n shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o earthly_a inheritance_n but_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n and_o consequent_o have_v reference_n to_o his_o universal_a fatherhood_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o true_a believer_n whatsoever_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n be_v yet_o further_o evident_a from_o what_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1â—_n 11_o 12_o 13._o have_v they_o stumble_v say_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v god_n forbid_v but_o rather_o through_o their_o fall_n salvation_n be_v come_v unto_o the_o gentile_n now_o if_o the_o fall_v of_o they_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o diminish_n of_o they_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentile_n how_o much_o more_o their_o fullness_n and_o so_o likewise_o vers_n 15._o if_o the_o cast_v away_o of_o they_o be_v the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v the_o receive_v of_o they_o be_v but_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a where_o the_o same_o expression_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n as_o have_v be_v before_o make_v use_n of_o chap._n 4._o 13._o concern_v abraham_n heirship_n for_o as_o abraham_n by_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n so_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o expression_n we_o have_v likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o christ_n 1_o john_n 2._o 2._o and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o also_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n not_o for_o we_o only_o that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o we_o jew_n but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n because_o the_o partition_n wall_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o break_v down_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n therefore_o that_o christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v abraham_n say_v to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v he_o be_v constitute_v or_o appoint_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a father_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o only_a jew_n but_o gentile_n also_o and_o indeed_o as_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v hereby_o say_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 3._o 14._o so_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o gospel_n promise_n the_o poor_a gentile_n have_v still_o remain_v without_o hope_n of_o relief_n or_o ground_n of_o comfort_n stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o relief_n or_o hope_v of_o comfort_n at_o all_o afford_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n §_o 6._o and_o in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o forementioned_a rom._n 4._o 13._o that_o the_o promise_n that_o abraham_n shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o he_o or_o to_o his_o seed_n through_o the_o law_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v yet_o further_o observeble_a that_o the_o law_n he_o here_o speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o do_v so_o manifest_o contradistinguish_v or_o oppose_v unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v understand_v concern_v the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o that_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 400_o year_n after_o abraham_n time_n though_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v concern_v the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n himself_o and_o his_o natural_a posterity_n which_o be_v extant_a in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o due_o attend_v unto_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostie_a in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o four_o to_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o abraham_n himself_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o work_n no_o not_o by_o his_o circumcision_n but_o by_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v long_o before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a for_o thus_o he_o begin_v vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o that_o abraham_n our_o father_n as_o pertain_v to_o the_o flesh_n have_v find_v for_o if_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n for_o what_o say_v the_o scripture_n abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n so_o then_o abraham_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o work_n before_o god_n but_o by_o faith_n alone_o but_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v why_o thus_o it_o appear_v vers_fw-la 9_o 10._o because_o faith_n be_v not_o reckon_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n when_o he_o be_v in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n and_o so_o vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o he_o receive_v say_v he_o the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n for_o say_v he_o vers_n 13._o the_o promise_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n or_o as_o he_o have_v say_v just_a before_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v not_o to_o abraham_n or_o to_o his_o seed_n through_o the_o law_n which_o must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n from_o whence_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o make_v evident_a the_o promise_n he_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o derive_v unto_o abraham_n or_o to_o his_o seed_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n at_o all_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o covenant_n so_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v here_o so_o plain_o contradistinguish_v or_o oppose_v thereunto_o sect_n v._o and_o therefore_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o abraham_n in_o the_o formentioned_a rom._n 4._o 11._o that_o he_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a from_o thence_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v point_n blank_a to_o contradict_v the_o whole_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o forego_n passage_n of_o that_o chapter_n which_o as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v as_o it_o be_v in_o general_a to_o prove_v that_o abraham_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o vers_fw-la 2._o 3_o 4_o 5._o so_o in_o particular_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o reckon_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n when_o he_o be_v in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n vers_fw-la 9_o 10._o and_o what_o more_o convince_a testimony_n or_o evidence_n can_v we_o desire_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n be_v indeed_o a_o seal_n unto_o abraham_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v he_o yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a but_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o promise_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o that_o god_n will_v be_v a_o god_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o in_o their_o generation_n etc._n etc._n upon_o condition_n that_o he_o and_o he_o be_v circumcise_a be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n for_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o as_o he_o do_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o reckon_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n when_o he_o be_v in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n the_o argument_n hence_o result_v therefore_o be_v irresistible_a that_o covenant_n in_o which_o faith_n be_v not_o reckon_v to_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n can_v never_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o reckon_v to_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n when_o he_o be_v in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n can_v never_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o long_o before_o his_o circumcision_n god_n have_v promise_v abraham_n to_o bless_v
be_v no_o just_a inferrence_n draw_v that_o because_o infant_n be_v fellow_n covenanter_n with_o their_o parent_n under_o the_o legal_a administration_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n itself_o be_v change_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v it_o be_v heb._n 7._o 12._o it_o do_v as_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o seed_n be_v change_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o believer_n be_v now_o under_o require_v other_o manner_n of_o subject_n than_o the_o legal_a do_v as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n §_o 19_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n before_o speak_v of_o god_n have_v promise_v not_o only_o to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n but_o of_o their_o seed_n also_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v he_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a they_o and_o their_o offspring_n also_o the_o branch_n of_o god_n plant_v that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v but_o that_o will_v be_v such_o a_o time_n and_o state_n of_o perfection_n as_o we_o can_v now_o pretend_v unto_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o god_n people_n now_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v with_o they_o under_o the_o law_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o vast_o different_a from_o that_o state_n of_o blessedness_n which_o both_o they_o and_o their_o offspring_n also_o shall_v be_v advance_v unto_o at_o the_o time_n before_o mention_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o privilege_n the_o offspring_n of_o god_n people_n shall_v then_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v now_o appoint_v that_o such_o only_a as_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n according_a to_o the_o present_a frame_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o §_o 20._o to_o conclude_v the_o present_a point_n since_o it_o have_v be_v now_o so_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o infant_n who_o be_v then_o church-member_n do_v pass_v into_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n proper_o so_o call_v whereof_o christ_n be_v mediator_n nor_o a_o gospel_n but_o a_o legal_a covenant_n or_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o which_o be_v now_o repeal_v from_o hence_o it_o unavoidable_o follow_v and_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n baxter_n own_o grant_v that_o the_o church-membership_a of_o infant_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o or_o as_o he_o say_v inseparable_o conjunct_a be_v also_o repeal_v with_o it_o and_o since_o the_o main_a pillar_n for_o the_o support_n of_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church-membership_a of_o infant_n under_o the_o gospel_n fail_v as_o it_o do_v it_o of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n which_o mr._n baxter_n have_v muster_v up_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o the_o number_n of_o no_o less_o than_o 26._o and_o those_o again_o multiply_v and_o subdivide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o more_o be_v all_o of_o they_o whole_o insignificant_a also_o since_o no_o other_o consideration_n whatsoever_o can_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o continuance_n of_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n unless_o it_o can_v have_v be_v prove_v that_o in_o its_o 〈◊〉_d institution_n it_o have_v a_o gospel_n covenant_n for_o the_o foundation_n theâ—_n but_o the_o contrary_a have_v be_v so_o plain_o prove_v it_o follow_v with_o a_o equal_a necessity_n and_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n baxter_n own_o concession_n that_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o pretence_n leave_v to_o assert_v the_o church-membership_a of_o infant_n under_o the_o gospel_n administration_n that_o now_o be_v and_o if_o the_o argument_n for_o their_o church-membership_a do_v all_o of_o they_o fail_v as_o we_o can_v but_o see_v they_o do_v from_o hence_o it_o also_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o infant_n baptism_n which_o be_v build_v thereon_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o have_v no_o scripture_n foundation_n leave_v it_o for_o the_o support_v thereof_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o mr._n baxter_n book_n call_v plain_a scripture_n proof_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a and_o baptism_n carry_v with_o it_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o empty_a title_n vox_fw-la &_o praeterea_fw-la nihil_fw-la sect_n x._o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o appear_v that_o mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v guilty_a of_o such_o gross_a misapplication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o uphold_a ing_z of_o infant_n baptism_n beside_o the_o unrighteous_a charge_n of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o he_o and_o they_o have_v so_o strong_o labour_v to_o fasten_v upon_o those_o of_o a_o contrary_a practice_n from_o themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o forego_n argument_n and_o as_o have_v be_v already_o also_o manifest_v in_o respect_n of_o he_o and_o their_o corrupt_a gloss_n upon_o act_n 15._o 10._o concern_v the_o discipleship_n of_o infant_n now_o therefore_o why_o tempt_v you_o god_n to_o put_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v as_o if_o infant_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o disciple_n there_o mention_v when_o not_o only_o in_o that_o chapter_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n beside_o those_o only_o be_v mean_v by_o disciple_n who_o be_v teach_v profess_v the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o such_o a_o one_o as_o john_n disciple_n christ_n disciple_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o pharise_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o perverter_n and_o according_o baptism_n be_v administer_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v make_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n by_o instruction_n and_o unto_o none_o other_o pursuant_n of_o the_o commission_n mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o as_o have_v be_v sufficient_o open_v and_o explain_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o no_o less_o blameworthy_a be_v he_o and_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o corrupt_a interpretation_n of_o those_o scripture_n luke_n 9_o 47_o 48._o mat._n 18._o 5._o â—nd_o mark_v 9_o 41._o which_o speak_v of_o the_o receive_v little_a child_n â—â—_o christ_n name_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o all_o those_o scripture_n be_v intend_v of_o young_a suck_v infant_n whereas_o they_o be_v plain_o speak_v of_o such_o little_a child_n only_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o believe_v in_o christ_n which_o tender_a suck_v infant_n after_o a_o ordinary_a rate_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o and_o therefore_o when_o mat._n 18._o 2._o we_o be_v tell_v that_o jesus_n call_v a_o little_a child_n and_o set_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o ver_fw-la 5._o who_o so_o shall_v receive_v one_o such_o little_a child_n in_o my_o name_n receive_v i_o it_o be_v express_o add_v for_o 6._o who_o so_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o etc._n etc._n whereby_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v what_o kind_n of_o little_a child_n christ_n will_v have_v we_o receive_v in_o his_o name_n or_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o his_o disciple_n not_o infant_n that_o be_v uncapable_a of_o faith_n or_o of_o discipleship_n by_o instruction_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a after_o a_o ordinary_a rate_n to_o be_v a_o disciple_n according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o such_o little_a child_n as_o do_v actual_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o be_v christ_n disciple_n church-member_n and_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n with_o that_o in_o mat._n 18._o 6._o we_o meet_v with_o mark_v 9_o 42._o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o very_a same_o occasion_n ver_fw-la 37._o the_o like_a abuse_n have_v be_v put_v upon_o those_o word_n 1._o cor._n 7._o 14._o else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a as_o have_v be_v already_o also_o manifest_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o need_v not_o here_o to_o be_v repeat_v §_o 2._o as_o for_o mr._n baxter_n argument_n for_o the_o church-membership_a of_o infant_n under_o the_o gospel_n from_o rev._n 11._o 15._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o upon_o the_o sound_a of_o the_o seven_o
the_o mediator_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o concern_v therein_o be_v thus_o prove_v if_o that_o covenant_n be_v as_o much_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o mount_n sinai_n mention_v exod._n 19_o 4_o 5._o and_o edod_n 20._o and_o the_o covenant_n mention_v deut._n 29._o 9_o 10_o 11._o nay_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o adam_n before_o his_o fall_n gen._n 2._o 16._o 17._o where_o god_n tell_v he_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v for_o in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v all_o which_o be_v but_o several_a edition_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o gospel_n covenant_n nor_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n proper_o so_o call_v whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n but_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o either_o of_o the_o co-covenant_n before_o mention_v be_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o a_o gospel_n covenant_n proper_o so_o call_v whereof_o christ_n alone_o be_v mediator_n §_o 3._o that_o the_o covenant_n last_o mention_v gen._n 2._o 16_o 17._o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n we_o suppose_v none_o will_v or_o can_v at_o least_o rational_o deny_v forasmuch_o as_o life_n be_v implicit_o promise_v unto_o our_o first_o parent_n upon_o his_o obedience_n and_o death_n be_v explicit_o threaten_v or_o denounce_v upon_o he_o in_o case_n of_o his_o disobedience_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n he_o be_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v which_o be_v plain_o and_o undeniable_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n whereof_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o mediator_n that_o the_o covenant_n mention_v exod._n 19_o 4_o 5._o and_o ch._n 20._o which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n at_o mount_n sinai_n be_v of_o the_o same_o stamp_n the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o full_a in_o the_o proof_n thereof_o and_o as_o clear_v it_o be_v that_o the_o covenant_n mention_v deut._n 29._o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v but_o a_o repetition_n of_o that_o make_v exod._n 19_o etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v in_o respect_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o blessing_n be_v therein_o pronounce_v and_o promise_v to_o the_o obedient_a upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n so_o a_o curse_n be_v pronounce_v upon_o the_o disobedient_a and_o thus_o paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 10._o 5._o moses_n describe_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o the_o man_n which_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v live_v by_o they_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a description_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n which_o he_o cit_v from_o leu._n 18._o 5._o you_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v my_o statute_n and_o judgement_n which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v he_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o and_o according_o the_o apostle_n do_v also_o tell_v we_o gal._n 3._o 10._o that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n for_o it_o be_v write_v say_v he_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o and_o so_o likewise_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o that_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o fight_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o those_o therefore_o that_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n do_v plain_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n who_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o plain_o and_o undeniable_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o adam_n in_o paradise_n when_o god_n give_v he_o the_o command_n before_o mention_v gen_n 2._o 16._o and_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o he_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v then_o under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o the_o covenant_n mention_v exod._n 19_o and_o chap._n 20._o and_o that_o mention_v deut._n 29._o be_v but_o two_o several_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o work_n make_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o be_v frequent_o therefore_o in_o the_o scripture_n represent_v unto_o we_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o the_o first_o or_o old_a covenant_n heb._n 8._o 7._o 13._o ch._n 9_o 15._o 18._o there_o be_v therein_o a_o clear_a and_o a_o plain_a manifestation_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n at_o the_o first_o §_o 4._o now_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o be_v of_o the_o same_o stamp_n or_o tenor_n with_o the_o three_o forementioned_a covenant_n in_o gen._n exod._n and_o deut._n be_v also_o as_o evident_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a god_n there_o promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n with_o a_o answerable_a threaten_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n as_o it_o be_v with_o adam_n before_o the_o fall_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o diego_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n curse_v be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o so_o here_o ver_fw-la 9_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n ver_fw-la 10._o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_a and_o ver_fw-la 14._o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n the_o same_o term_n with_o the_o former_a beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o circumcision_n indispensible_o oblige_v all_o that_o be_v under_o it_o to_o a_o perfect_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a reveal_v will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n gal._n 5._o 3._o for_o i_o testify_v to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o paul_n time_n it_o be_v so_o in_o moses_n time_n and_o then_o it_o can_v be_v just_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v so_o in_o abraham_n also_o according_a to_o what_o of_o the_o law_n mind_n or_o will_v of_o god_n be_v then_o reveal_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o in_o this_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 14._o as_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v upon_o the_o obedient_a upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n so_o as_o great_a a_o curse_n be_v pronounce_v upon_o the_o disobedient_a and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v be_v therefore_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n with_o the_o three_o forementioned_a covenant_n in_o genesis_n exodus_fw-la and_o deuteronomy_n for_o do_v god_n tell_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n concern_v the_o forbid_v fruit._n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n we_o have_v the_o like_o threaten_v here_o he_o that_o be_v uncircumcised_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n why_o not_o this_o §_o â—_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v true_a god_n promise_v to_o establish_v his_o covenant_n betwixt_o himself_o and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o ver_fw-la 7_o etc._n etc._n yet_o still_o it_o be_v provide_v they_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n thereof_o on_o their_o part_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o else_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o indeed_o the_o same_o promise_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o same_o people_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o condition_n exod._n 19_o 4._o 5._o you_o have_v see_v say_v god_n there_o what_o i_o do_v unto_o the_o egyptian_n and_o how_o i_o bear_v you_o on_o eagle_n wing_n and_o bring_v you_o unto_o myself_o now_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v obey_v my_o voice_n indeed_o and_o keep_v my_o covenant_n than_o you_o
have_v build_v up_o a_o answerable_a superstructure_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n how_o great_a will_v such_o a_o miscarriage_n prove_v to_o be_v at_o last_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o practice_n but_o must_v one_o way_n or_o other_o have_v be_v influence_v and_o corrupt_v thereby_o according_o hence_o have_v spring_v that_o jumble_a or_o confound_a of_o law_n and_o gospel_n together_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o distinguish_o represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o severe_o rebuke_v the_o teacher_n among_o the_o galatian_n concern_v i_o marvel_v say_v he_o gal._n 1._o 6_o 7._o that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n which_o be_v not_o another_o but_o there_o be_v some_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v pervert_v it_o that_o be_v they_o will_v change_v it_o overthrow_n it_o and_o turn_v it_o upside_o down_o by_o mingle_v law_n and_o gospel_n together_o pretend_v unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o seek_v for_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n but_o certain_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o separate_a or_o put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v conjoin_v so_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o mingle_v what_o god_n have_v separate_v and_o do_v plain_o distinguish_v the_o law_n be_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o be_v the_o gospel_n the_o law_n these_o two_o be_v distinct_a and_o must_v be_v keep_v so_o as_o have_v their_o distinct_a service_n and_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n to_o call_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o legal_a covenant_n deliver_v on_o mount_n sinai_n a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o blend_v or_o confound_v law_n and_o gospel_n together_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o no_o distinstion_n at_o all_o to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o they_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n or_o clearness_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o gospel_n grace_n §_o 6._o but_o whatever_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n do_v most_o plain_o distinguish_v betwixt_o law_n and_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a entire_a nature_n essence_n or_o subsistance_n of_o either_o tell_v i_o say_v he_o gal._n 4._o 21._o etc._n etc._n you_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n do_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o law_n know_v you_o not_o that_o abraham_n have_v two_o son_n the_o one_o by_o a_o bondwoman_n the_o other_o by_o free_a the_o one_o bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n the_o other_o by_o promise_n and_o know_v you_o not_o that_o this_o be_v plain_o typical_a of_o the_o two_o covenant_n the_o legal_a and_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v therefore_o essential_o different_a as_o much_o as_o bondage_n be_v from_o liberty_n or_o a_o birth_n after_o the_o flesh_n from_o that_o by_o promise_n tell_v i_o say_v he_o you_o that_o desire_n to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n do_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o law_n do_v not_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o speak_v this_o language_n to_o you_o but_o who_o do_v the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o after_o the_o gospel_n take_v place_n any_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n or_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v desirous_a of_o return_v to_o that_o old_a and_o former_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v labour_v under_o and_o be_v now_o deliver_v from_o to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n be_v not_o to_o be_v under_o grace_n for_o these_o two_o be_v direct_o opposite_a rom._n 6._o 14._o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o for_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o it_o seem_v such_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o such_o there_o be_v now_o but_o who_o be_v they_o why_o they_o be_v plain_o those_o that_o affirm_v that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n those_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o aught_o we_o not_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n and_o subject_a ourselves_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o gospel_n grace_n if_o therefore_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v be_v true_a to_o our_o own_o principle_n if_o we_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o it_o and_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o and_o that_o not_o bare_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o we_o all_o grant_v but_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o life_n or_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v but_o if_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n let_v our_o notion_n thereof_o be_v what_o it_o will_v that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o ready_a way_n for_o christ_n to_o become_v of_o no_o effect_n unto_o we_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 5_o 4._o whosoever_o of_o you_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n you_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n and_o consequently_n instead_o of_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o believe_a roman_n we_o be_v rather_o under_o the_o law_n and_o not_o under_o grace_n for_o these_o two_o be_v there_o as_o well_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n beside_o plain_o distinguish_v as_o quite_o opposite_a the_o one_o unto_o the_o other_o so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v under_o the_o one_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o other_o if_o we_o be_v under_o grace_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n we_o be_v not_o under_o grace_n §_o 7._o but_o tell_v i_o say_v paul_n in_o the_o forementioned_a gal._n 4_o 21_o etc._n etc._n you_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n do_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o abraham_n have_v two_o son_n the_o one_o by_o a_o bondmaid_n the_o other_o by_o a_o freewoman_n but_o he_o who_o be_v of_o the_o bondwoman_n be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o of_o the_o freewoman_n by_o promise_n which_o thing_n be_v a_o allegory_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o covenant_n the_o one_o from_o mount_n sinai_n which_o gender_v to_o bondage_n which_o be_v agar_n for_o this_o agar_n be_v mount_n sinai_n in_o arabia_n and_o answer_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o now_o be_v and_o iâ—_n in_o bondage_n with_o her_o child_n but_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o be_v free_a which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o for_o it_o be_v write_v rejoice_v thou_o barren_a that_o bear_v not_o etc._n etc._n now_o we_o brethren_n say_v he_o as_o isaac_n be_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v make_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n the_o legal_a and_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o very_a radical_a nature_n or_o essence_n of_o either_o not_o in_o point_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o gospel_n grace_n as_o be_v by_o many_o divine_n suggest_v for_o the_o law_n write_v in_o stone_n discover_v none_o at_o all_o the_o covenant_n from_o mount_n sinai_n say_v our_o apostle_n gender_v to_o bondage_n for_o this_o agar_n be_v mount_n sinai_n in_o arabia_n and_o be_v in_o bondage_n with_o her_o child_n so_o that_o mount_n sinai_n covenant_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o bondage_n covenant_n it_o gender_v to_o bondage_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_z according_o all_o her_o child_n be_v in_o bondage_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n gender_v to_o bondage_n or_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o bondage_n covenant_n and_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o or_o be_v the_o child_n of_o it_o be_v in_o bondage_n we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o mount_n sinai_n covenant_n be_v ever_o design_v by_o god_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o by_o many_o divine_v it_o be_v confident_o affirm_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o also_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o it_o which_o can_v be_v avoid_v by_o those_o that_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v a_o covenant_n
oâ—_n intend_v that_o any_o shall_v obtain_v life_n and_o righteousness_n by_o their_o personal_a obedience_n to_o it_o yet_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o it_o be_v aâ—_n much_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o that_o make_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o adam_n himself_o shall_v obtain_v life_n and_o righteousness_n by_o his_o obedience_n to_o that_o covenant_n for_o if_o he_o have_v the_o purpose_n or_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o that_o respect_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v accomplish_v and_o according_o adam_z shall_v have_v stand_v and_o life_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v that_o way_n have_v be_v derive_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o only_o unto_o he_o but_o unto_o all_o his_o offspring_n also_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n that_o be_v in_o honour_n abide_v not_o but_o fall_v and_o we_o all_o in_o he_o and_z according_o a_o new_a covenant_n take_v place_n whereby_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v both_o unto_o he_o and_o all_o his_o elect_a offspring_n §_o 3._o so_o that_o if_o that_o covenant_n at_o sinai_n be_v material_o a_o cove-of_a work_n though_o god_n intend_v not_o that_o life_n shall_v be_v that_o way_n derive_v unto_o we_o so_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o adam_n covenant_n also_o for_o as_o in_o the_o legal_a covenant_n god_n do_v now_o plain_o tell_v sinner_n that_o the_o man_n that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v live_v by_o they_o that_o be_v if_o you_o can_v perform_v a_o steady_a perfect_a obedience_n life_n and_o salvation_n shall_v be_v your_o reward_n thus_o and_o no_o otherwise_o be_v our_o first_o parent_n himself_o deal_v withal_o for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o stipulation_n or_o agreement_n that_o we_o find_v god_n make_v with_o he_o gen._n 2._o 16._o the_o lord_n god_n command_v the_o man_n say_v of_o every_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n thou_o may_v free_o eat_v but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o implicit_a conditional_a promise_n that_o if_o he_o forbear_v it_o both_o himself_o and_o posterity_n shall_v live_v for_o god_n never_o that_o we_o can_v find_v make_v any_o absolute_a promise_n of_o life_n to_o he_o only_o implicit_a and_o conditional_a and_o since_o it_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o truth_n be_v affirm_v that_o god_n ever_o make_v any_o absolute_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n unto_o he_o neither_o therefore_o can_v it_o be_v just_o affirm_v that_o god_n ever_o intend_v that_o life_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v convey_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o obedience_n unto_o that_o covenant_n nay_o rather_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o god_n foresee_v he_o will_v fall_v and_o consequent_o design_v that_o life_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o that_o way_n be_v derive_v unto_o he_o or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o offspring_n from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v the_o sinai_n covenant_n be_v as_o much_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o that_o make_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n not_o only_o since_o it_o be_v material_o the_o sane_a but_o in_o this_o respect_n intentional_o also_o sect_n xi_o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o if_o god_n never_o since_o the_o fall_v publish_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n with_o a_o design_n to_o justify_v any_o man_n by_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n have_v give_v it_o material_o consider_v a_o second_o edition_n and_o promulgation_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o subserviency_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o do_v in_o vain_a as_o to_o the_o elect._n to_o set_v it_o forth_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n can_v never_o be_v imagine_v to_o make_v it_o a_o coordinate_a way_n of_o salvation_n with_o christ_n be_v prove_v impossible_a therefore_o it_o must_v be_v subordinate_a or_o not_o at_o all_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o leave_v we_o and_o this_o say_v they_o the_o scripture_n full_o assert_v and_o confirm_v rom._n 10._o 4._o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v be_v the_o end_n and_o means_n contrariant_n or_o must_v not_o the_o mean_n be_v always_o subordinate_a to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a reason_v not_o easy_o answer_v so_o gal._n 3._o 24._o the_o law_n it_o as_o our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o conviction_n of_o his_o necessity_n as_o it_o do_v paul_n rom._n 7._o after_o christ_n be_v come_v and_o thousand_o more_o since_o paul_n again_o gal._n 3._o 23._o it_o shut_v we_o up_o to_o christ_n or_o faith_n as_o our_o only_a remedy_n this_o be_v and_o still_o be_v its_o use_n and_o design_n and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n to_o all_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o other_o it_o have_v another_o end_n even_o to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o that_o continue_v under_o it_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n rom._n 2._o 12._o but_o to_o believer_n it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o christ_n both_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o at_o first_o and_o regulate_v their_o life_n as_o a_o moral_a rule_n ever_o after_o and_o therefore_o the_o two_o table_n be_v put_v into_o the_o ark_n heb._n 9_o 4._o to_o show_v their_o subserviencie_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n its_o consistence_n with_o he_o §_o 2._o for_o answer_v whereunto_o we_o do_v indeed_o acknowledge_v the_o subserviencie_n of_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o the_o mean_n be_v not_o contrariant_n to_o the_o end_n but_o be_v always_o subordinate_a thereunto_o but_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o gospel-grace_n for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a point_n we_o be_v contend_v about_o or_o inquire_v after_o it_o have_v indeed_o a_o plain_a subserviencie_n or_o subordination_n thereunto_o as_o hagar_n the_o type_n of_o the_o bondage_n covenant_n have_v unto_o sarah_n the_o type_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o yet_o neither_o be_v the_o handmaid_n the_o mistress_n nor_o the_o mistress_n the_o handmaid_n these_o two_o be_v still_o distinct_a the_o law_n be_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v plain_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o other_o yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v mix_v â—â—ended_a or_o confound_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o no_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o gospel_n grace_n as_o have_v be_v suggest_v §_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a the_o law_n be_v appoint_v as_o our_o schoolmaster_n to_o christ_n for_o so_o the_o word_n run_v in_o the_o original_a text_n as_o yourselves_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o be_v to_o show_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o be_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n without_o christ_n and_o our_o necessity_n therefore_o of_o a_o saviour_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o have_v indeed_o a_o plain_a subserviency_n to_o drive_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o fly_v with_o the_o more_o earnestness_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o new-covenant-grace_n wherein_o christ_n be_v plain_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o for_o our_o relief_n but_o than_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v subservient_o a_o covenant_n of_o gospel-grace_n or_o that_o it_o be_v such_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o both_o mr._n sedgwick_n mr._n roberts_n and_o many_o other_o worthy_a divine_n affirm_v it_o be_v a_o subserviency_n in_o any_o thing_n to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o something_o else_o do_v not_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n itself_o the_o end_n whereof_o be_v promote_v thereby_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o persecution_n of_o wicked_a man_n have_v a_o plain_a subserviency_n and_o that_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n through_o his_o overrule_v providence_n to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o make_v we_o fly_v the_o more_o earnest_o thereunto_o for_o succour_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v too_o absurd_a to_o affirm_v that_o either_o of_o these_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o subservient_o such_o so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n for_o though_o the_o law_n be_v in_o itself_o against_o we_o and_o contrary_a to_o we_o as_o be_v a_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v it_o be_v
he_o to_o make_v his_o name_n great_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o blessing_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v so_o shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v gen._n 12._o 2_o 3._o gen._n 15._o 5._o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o be_v the_o promise_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o count_v it_o to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n gen._n 15._o 6._o circumcision_n therefore_o be_v a_o seal_n only_o unto_o abraham_n and_o that_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v he_o long_o before_o his_o circumcision_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v his_o prerogative_n alone_o for_o none_o beside_o he_o have_v ever_o before_o their_o circumcision_n such_o a_o faith_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o such_o singular_a promise_n §_o 2._o upon_o the_o whole_a though_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o objection_n seem_v at_o first_o very_o plausible_a how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n since_o abraham_n be_v say_v to_o have_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n yet_o we_o see_v when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v due_o examine_v there_o appear_v no_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o only_a argument_n fair_o result_v from_o rom._n 4._o 11._o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o covenant_n or_o those_o promise_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o abraham_n be_v say_v to_o have_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v that_o abraham_n receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o forementioned_a promise_n that_o have_v be_v make_v he_o long_o before_o his_o circumcision_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v that_o he_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o count_v it_o to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n gen._n 15._o 6._o therefore_o that_o covenant_n or_o those_o promise_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o in_o their_o generation_n upon_o condition_n of_o he_o and_o their_o circumcision_n mention_v gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o reckon_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n when_o he_o be_v in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n §_o 3._o circumcision_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v say_v be_v a_o seal_n only_o to_o abraham_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o promise_n make_v he_o yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a whereby_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o that_o peculiar_a prerogative_n that_o have_v be_v before_o confer_v on_o he_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o express_o mention_v he_o receive_v say_v he_o the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o respect_n whereof_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o circumcision_n be_v that_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o its_o extraordinary_a institution_n and_o in_o his_o extraordinary_a circumstance_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v to_o any_o of_o his_o natural_a progeny_n in_o its_o ordinary_a use_n it_o be_v indeed_o appoint_v as_o a_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o that_o both_o unto_o abraham_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v under_o it_o and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o express_o style_v it_o vers_fw-la 11._o whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o perfect_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a reveal_v will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n gal._n 5._o 3._o for_o i_o testify_v to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o hereof_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n or_o token_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o restipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n gen._n 17._o 9_o 10._o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_a but_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o because_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v also_o intend_v as_o a_o seal_n unto_o they_o of_o the_o same_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n promise_n it_o be_v a_o seal_n only_o unto_o abraham_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o peculiar_a promise_n make_v he_o in_o uncircumcision_n nor_o be_v every_a one_o circumcision_n so_o much_o as_o a_o token_n to_o he_o of_o his_o right_n to_o any_o of_o the_o promise_v therein_o contain_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o ishmael_n and_o other_o the_o servants_z bear_v and_o breed_v in_o abraham_n family_n and_o stranger_n buy_v with_o money_n who_o be_v all_o to_o be_v circumcise_a to_o who_o yet_o nevertheless_o none_o of_o the_o promise_n in_o that_o covenant_n be_v make_v as_o be_v plain_a from_o gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 20_o 21_o 23_o 27._o whereby_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o be_v circumcise_a be_v the_o command_n not_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n much_o less_o be_v circumcision_n a_o seal_n to_o all_o that_o receive_v it_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o abraham_n have_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n unto_o all_o its_o subject_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v while_o uncircumcised_a since_o many_o of_o they_o be_v never_o possessor_n of_o that_o say_n grace_n neither_o before_o or_o after_o as_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o a_o paternal_a relation_n to_o all_o believer_n unto_o every_o one_o that_o receive_v it_o this_o be_v abraham_n peculiar_a prerogative_n and_o incommunicable_a to_o any_o else_o and_o indeed_o circumcision_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v under_o it_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o token_n unto_o they_o of_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n and_o such_o a_o yoke_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o act_n 15._o 10_o 24._o gal._n 5._o 2._o 3._o which_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o be_v have_v it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n for_o that_o bring_v with_o it_o true_a christian_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n gal._n 5._o 1._o sect_n vi_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gal._n 3._o 16._o that_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o unto_o seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ_n he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n in_o his_o eye_n as_o it_o be_v general_o conclude_v he_o have_v for_o as_o have_v be_v plain_o prove_v that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o a_o legal_a covenant_n oblige_v all_o that_o be_v under_o it_o to_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n gal._n 5._o 3._o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o promise_n that_o abraham_n shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o derive_v unto_o he_o or_o to_o his_o seed_n through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o covenant_n so_o neither_o be_v christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o it_o he_o have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n by_o how_o much_o also_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8._o 6._o better_a promise_n not_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o consider_v for_o as_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o that_o people_n in_o
but_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o scripture_n foresee_v that_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o heathen_a through_o faith_n that_o be_v free_o and_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n preach_v before_o the_o gospel_n unto_o abraham_n say_v in_o thou_o shall_v all_o nation_n be_v bless_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o plain_a gospel_n a_o pure_a evangelical_n covenant_n whole_o free_a and_o absolute_a contain_v glad_a tiding_n even_o unto_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v the_o very_a language_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n before_o rehearse_v out_o of_o gen._n 12._o 2_o 3._o and_o gen._n 22._o 17_o 18._o and_o not_o a_o word_n or_o syllable_n of_o the_o expression_n or_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n that_o be_v plain_o a_o legal_a covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v therein_o contain_v bound_v with_o condition_n impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v that_o he_o speak_v as_o he_o do_v in_o what_o follow_v so_o then_o say_v he_o verse_n 9_o they_o which_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n still_o the_o language_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n they_o which_o be_v of_o faith_n say_v he_o be_v bless_v but_o how_o be_v they_o bless_v why_o they_o be_v bless_v aâ—_n faithful_a abraham_n be_v bless_v and_o how_o be_v that_o be_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n or_o work_n in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v or_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o believe_v and_o according_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 4._o 13._o that_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o hear_v of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o he_o or_o to_o his_o seed_n through_o the_o law_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o say_v he_o verse_n 14._o if_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n be_v heir_n faith_n be_v make_v void_a and_o the_o promise_v make_v of_o none_o effect_v therefore_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n to_o which_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n further_o add_v verse_n 13_o 14._o of_o gal._n 3._o that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n for_o it_o be_v write_v curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o but_o christ_n have_v redeem_a we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n may_v come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o last_o clause_n through_o jesus_n christ_n he_o render_v verse_n 16._o to_o be_v forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v first_o make_v unto_o christ_n the_o inherit_v seed_n by_o and_o through_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o his_o member_n now_o say_v he_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o unto_o seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ_n in_o all_o which_o we_o have_v the_o very_a word_n and_o language_n the_o tenor_n and_o term_n not_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n i_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n as_o it_o be_v there_o plain_o express_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n and_o restrain_v only_o to_o abraham_n natural_a posterity_n and_o that_o upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v which_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n before_o mention_v which_o as_o it_o be_v every_o way_n free_a and_o absolute_a and_o therefore_o sure_a and_o certain_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n therein_o concern_v rom._n 4._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o so_o it_o be_v as_o universal_o extensible_a through_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n take_v in_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o in_o thy_o seed_n say_v god_n to_o abraham_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v wherein_o as_o god_n heart_n and_o mouth_n seem_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o blessing_n through_o christ_n towards_o both_o abraham_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o seed_n therein_o concern_v so_o do_v the_o apostle_n recite_v the_o very_a same_o expression_n of_o blessing_n and_o blessedness_n over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o evangelical_n style_n point_v out_o unto_o we_o as_o with_o his_o finger_n what_o be_v that_o covenant_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o blessedness_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o descend_v upon_o the_o gentile_n which_o therefore_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o gentile_n hope_v and_o which_o be_v confirm_v as_o it_o be_v and_o that_o both_o by_o word_n and_o oath_n shall_v therefore_o never_o be_v dis-annulled_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v true_a the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v call_v also_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n but_o that_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o wherein_o the_o priesthood_n of_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n under_o the_o law_n be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a priesthood_n exod._n 40._o 15._o which_o yet_o we_o know_v to_o be_v now_o abollish_v and_o as_o likewise_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o phineas_n be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o a_o everlasting_a priesthood_n numb_a 25._o 13._o which_o yet_o be_v now_o also_o do_v away_o be_v only_o intend_v during_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o then_o present_a administration_n for_o as_o mr._n pool_n tell_v we_o the_o word_n olam_n render_v for_o ever_o do_v not_o always_o signify_v eternity_n but_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o be_v evident_a say_v he_o from_o gen._n 17._o 13._o and_o exod._n 21._o 16._o and_o thus_o be_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v not_o confirm_v both_o by_o word_n and_o oath_n as_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o circumcision_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o be_v now_o repeal_v and_o more_o especial_o forasmuch_o as_o though_o god_n do_v indeed_o promise_v to_o establish_v his_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v provide_v they_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n thereof_o on_o their_o part_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o covenant_n be_v that_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v of_o from_o hence_o it_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v now_o revoke_v and_o do_v away_o act_v 15._o 24._o col._n 2._o 14._o heb._n 8._o 7_o 13._o whereas_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v every_o way_n free_n and_o absolute_a it_o be_v therefore_o unchangeable_o sure_a and_o certain_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n thereunto_o belong_v as_o it_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n before_o assert_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o and_o by_o god_n himself_o isa_n 55._o 1_o 3._o sect_n x._o but_o whereas_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v occasion_v many_o clamour_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a bar_n against_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v they_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o covenant_n they_o so_o much_o trust_v in_o be_v now_o repeal_v and_o their_o seed_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a that_o the_o repeal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o very_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o do_v indeed_o occasion_n no_o small_a dissatisfaction_n unto_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o sundry_a place_n in_o the_o act_n as_o well_o as_o also_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n more_o particular_o act_v 21._o 20_o 21._o where_o james_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o elder_n present_a tell_v paul_n that_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o believe_v and_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v inform_v of_o he_o that_o he_o have_v teach_v all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o custom_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o have_v teach_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o they_o which_o have_v occasion_v no_o
the_o covenant_n of_o work_n itself_o but_o not_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n nor_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n not_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n forasmuch_o as_o no_o work_n of_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o as_o do_v or_o performable_a by_o we_o be_v at_o all_o design_v as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n presence_n under_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n rom._n 3._o 20._o tit._n 3._o 5._o though_o they_o be_v so_o propound_v under_o the_o legal_a rom._n 10._o 5._o nor_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n forasmuch_o as_o good_a work_n be_v not_o previous_a to_o faith_n but_o the_o consequent_a of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n from_o whence_o all_o true_a gospel_n obedience_n flow_v heb._n 11._o 4_o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n sect_n fourteen_o §_o 1._o have_v therefore_o we_o hope_v substantial_o prove_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a posterity_n mention_v gen._n 17._o 7_o 8._o 9_o 10._o be_v not_o other_o than_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o also_o that_o the_o covenant_n mention_v deut._n 29._o wherein_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o little_a one_o be_v concern_v be_v of_o the_o same_o stamp_n as_o well_o as_o that_o make_v at_o mount_n sinai_n mention_v exod._n 19_o 5._o and_o exod._n 20._o all_o which_o be_v but_o several_a repetiton_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n make_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o old_a or_o the_o first_o covenant_n heb._n 8._o 7_o 13._o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o do_v away_o in_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o hence_o therefore_o it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o support_n of_o infant_n church_n membership_n and_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o like_a privilege_n grant_v unto_o the_o natural_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n under_o the_o former_a administration_n do_v of_o themselves_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o which_o those_o privilege_n be_v then_o bottom_v upon_o be_v now_o repeal_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o other_o or_o further_a argument_n from_o either_o of_o those_o forementioned_a covenant_n to_o infer_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o obligation_n upon_o believer_n concern_v the_o gospel_n sign_n be_v whole_o leave_v unto_o the_o time_n of_o its_o institution_n which_o determine_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o subject_n thereof_o to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o infant_n as_o have_v be_v before_o abundant_o prove_v §_o 2._o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o since_o according_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n every_o conditional_a covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o three_o forementioned_a covenant_n both_o that_o at_o sinai_n that_o in_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n and_o that_o make_v with_o abraham_n also_o gen._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o consequently_n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o now_o repeal_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o conclusion_n say_v they_o be_v manifest_a forasmuch_o as_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n itself_o that_o we_o be_v now_o under_o be_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n since_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v therein_o plain_o require_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n §_o 3._o to_o this_o we_o reply_v first_o let_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v due_o consider_v and_o it_o can_v just_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o every_o conditional_a covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o be_v if_o faith_n repentance_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v require_v as_o the_o condition_n thereof_o since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o wherewith_o even_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n itself_o be_v replenish_v that_o excuse_v it_o from_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n if_o work_n must_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v the_o mercy_n therein_o promise_v for_o let_v man_n distinguish_v as_o they_o please_v betwixt_o perfect_a work_n and_o those_o of_o sincere_a obedience_n only_o though_o imperfect_a which_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o gospel_n now_o require_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o impose_v new_a condition_n of_o obedience_n though_o never_o so_o mild_a be_v a_o new_a covenant_n of_o work_n with_o some_o mercy_n but_o not_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o a_o gospel_n covenant_n for_o this_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n consist_v it_o require_v obedience_n with_o a_o promise_n of_o life_n annex_v where_o man_n shall_v have_v but_o his_o wage_n for_o his_o work_n and_o perish_v if_o he_o fail_v of_o obedience_n or_o thus_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o upon_o our_o personal_a obedience_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o reward_v by_o he_o and_o indeed_o what_o else_o make_v or_o wherein_o else_o consist_v the_o true_a form_n or_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o that_o work_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a nature_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o alone_o render_v it_o essential_o or_o specifical_o different_a from_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n and_o what_o ever_o covenant_n proceed_v on_o these_o term_n or_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o in_o it_o however_o it_o may_v be_v vary_v or_o lenify_v with_o mild_a condition_n of_o obedience_n than_o the_o first_o be_v so_o long_o as_o this_o rule_n be_v retain_v do_v this_o and_o live_v it_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n still_o and_o not_o another_o for_o the_o substance_n or_o essence_n of_o it_o if_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 11._o 6._o it_o be_v by_o grace_n then_o be_v it_o no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n then_o be_v it_o no_o more_o grace_n otherwise_o work_n be_v no_o more_o work_n work_n be_v work_n still_o and_o obedience_n be_v obedience_n still_o whether_o perfect_a or_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o if_o imperfect_a obedience_n will_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v denominate_v and_o have_v its_o form_n from_o the_o condition_n perfection_n or_o imperfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v but_o circumstance_n if_o then_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o gospel_n obedience_n which_o be_v sincere_a though_o imperfect_a as_o the_o complete_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o only_o that_o of_o perfect_a this_o of_o imperfect_a work_n which_o be_v allow_v though_o it_o seem_v more_o easy_a yet_o it_o do_v indeed_o render_v our_o condition_n and_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n we_o be_v now_o under_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v worse_a and_o hard_a than_o that_o make_v with_o adam_n himself_n since_o we_o have_v now_o no_o strength_n to_o obey_v nor_o power_n to_o fulfil_v this_o condition_n of_o imperfect_a obedience_n though_o in_o the_o least_o or_o low_a degree_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o thought_n whereas_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o capacity_n sufficient_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n §_o 4._o and_o if_o you_o say_v that_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o he_o give_v strength_n and_o grace_n to_o perform_v have_v to_o this_o purpose_n promise_v to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o his_o fear_n in_o our_o inward_a part_n this_o do_v but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o clear_o evince_v the_o freeness_n or_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n since_o this_o gospel_n promise_n can_v depend_v on_o no_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n for_o whatever_o be_v antecedent_n thereunto_o be_v only_o a_o work_n or_o act_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v be_v no_o condition_n whereon_o the_o dispersation_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n be_v supperad_v from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v whole_o free_a and_o absolute_a forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o condition_n thereof_o whether_o it_o be_v faith_n repentance_n or_o new_a obedience_n which_o be_v not_o therein_o absolute_o promise_v §_o 5._o but_o whatever_o may_v be_v allege_v for_o or_o against_o in_o these_o respect_n as_o to_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n we_o be_v now_o under_o this_o be_v evident_a and_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o pretence_n be_v just_o contradict_v that_o that_o covenant_n that_o
confirmation_n thereof_o as_o neither_o have_v the_o legal_a covenant_n at_o mount_n sinai_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o that_o but_o the_o promise_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o have_v a_o plain_a reference_n unto_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v first_o make_v with_o abraham_n before_o his_o removal_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n gen._n 12._o 2_o 3._o which_o be_v afterward_o repeat_v and_o confirm_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o oath_n gen._n 22._o where_o god_n tell_v he_o verse_n 16._o 17_o 18._o by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o the_o same_o word_n the_o apostle_n use_v and_o in_o multiply_v i_o will_v multiply_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v which_o be_v a_o full_a and_o a_o plain_a repetition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n first_o make_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 12._o 2_o 3._o say_v i_o will_v make_v of_o thou_o a_o great_a nation_n and_o i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o make_v thy_o name_n great_a and_o thou_o shall_v be_v a_o blessing_n and_o i_o will_v bless_v they_o that_o bless_v thou_o and_o curse_v he_o that_o curse_v thou_o and_o in_o thou_o shall_v all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v in_o both_o which_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o fair_a and_o full_a recital_n of_o that_o true_o evangelical_n or_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o believe_a gentile_n be_v firm_o build_v and_o found_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a covenant_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o as_o it_o be_v point_n with_o his_o finger_n unto_o it_o recite_v the_o very_a word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o without_o take_v any_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n or_o of_o any_o expression_n therein_o contain_v as_o have_v be_v confirm_v before_o of_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 17._o and_o that_o as_o he_o here_o tell_v the_o hebrew_n both_o by_o word_n and_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v there_o may_v be_v strong_a consolation_n afford_v unto_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n §_o 2._o no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o as_o he_o do_v gal._n 3._o 16._o now_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_n make_v not_o a_o single_a promise_n only_o but_o the_o promise_n for_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o plurality_n of_o promise_n and_o blessing_n contain_v in_o this_o gospel_n covenant_n in_o reference_n to_o abraham_n the_o like_a we_o can_v but_o observe_v in_o reference_n to_o christ_n himself_o the_o promise_a seed_n unto_o who_o god_n do_v not_o only_o here_o promise_v that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v but_o also_o that_o he_o shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n both_o which_o be_v most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a promise_n and_o that_o as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v high_o observable_a that_o as_o all_o the_o promise_n both_o of_o the_o one_o sort_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o do_v all_o run_v unto_o christ_n the_o inherit_v seed_n so_o from_o and_o by_o he_o alone_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o his_o member_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o need_v they_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o when_o god_n tell_v abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v as_o he_o do_v therein_o promise_v to_o be_v our_o god_n through_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o by_o he_o to_o bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n by_o give_v unto_o we_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o which_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o god_n tell_v abraham_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n god_n do_v herein_o promise_v to_o give_v unto_o we_o through_o christ_n the_o blessing_n even_o of_o this_o world_n also_o for_o so_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o reference_n to_o christ_n himself_o psal_n 2._o 1_o 6_o 7_o 8._o why_o do_v the_o heathen_a rage_n etc._n etc._n yet_o have_v i_o set_v my_o king_n upon_o my_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n i_o will_v declare_v the_o decree_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n to_o which_o same_o purpose_n we_o be_v also_o tell_v rev._n 11._o 15._o that_o upon_o the_o sound_a of_o the_o seven_o angel_n there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o from_o both_o which_o we_o may_v clear_o discern_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o christ_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n even_o that_o the_o actual_a sovereignty_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v at_o length_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o as_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n for_o which_o very_a purpose_n he_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n from_o henceforth_o expect_v till_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n heb._n 10._o 12_o 13._o which_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v plain_o make_v unto_o christ_n himself_o so_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a consequence_n unto_o his_o people_n also_o since_o upon_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o promise_n depend_v all_o their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n as_o upon_o the_o other_o their_o happiness_n in_o that_o that_o be_v to_o come_v for_o if_o christ_n be_v exalt_v in_o this_o world_n so_o shall_v his_o people_n also_o and_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n so_o also_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a dan._n 7._o 27._o so_o that_o since_o christ_n be_v here_o promise_v that_o he_o shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n have_v his_o people_n sufficient_a ground_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o they_o also_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o blessedness_n that_o iâ—_n confer_v upon_o the_o head_n shall_v in_o due_a season_n be_v derive_v to_o all_o his_o member_n and_o indeed_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v all_o the_o promise_v first_o make_v unto_o christ_n himself_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o single_a honour_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o blessing_n therein_o contain_v among_o his_o servant_n and_o follower_n rev._n 5._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_n thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_a we_o to_o god_n by_o thy_o blood_n out_o of_o every_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o have_v make_v we_o unto_o our_o god_n king_n and_o priest_n and_o we_o shall_v reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n therefore_o worthy_a be_v the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o receive_v power_n and_o riches_n and_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o blessing_n sect_n ix_o moreover_o that_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n before_o mention_v and_o that_o alone_a be_v the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o gentile_n hope_v be_v yet_o further_o evident_a from_o gal._n 3._o for_o the_o scripture_n foresee_v say_v the_o apostle_n verse_n 8_o that_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o heathen_a through_o faith_n preach_v before_o the_o gospel_n unto_o abraham_n the_o gospel_n what_o gospel_n be_v it_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n wherein_o god_n promise_v abraham_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o in_o their_o generation_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o that_o be_v plain_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o concern_v only_a abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a posterity_n which_o can_v yield_v no_o comfort_n therefore_o to_o the_o heathen_a