facilitate_v their_o reception_n of_o all_o high_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n as_o his_o creature_n that_o it_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v according_a to_o some_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o promise_v somewhat_o of_o good_a unto_o man_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o perform_v that_o duty_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v have_v always_o annex_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o performance_n or_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o parent_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o make_v they_o apprehensive_a and_o sensible_a that_o this_o always_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o man_n will_v great_o conduce_v to_o their_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v show_v they_o concern_v the_o several_a covenant_n god_n have_v make_v with_o man_n and_o their_o state_n condition_n and_o duty_n as_o interest_v in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o man._n 3._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o the_o covenant_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o work_n establish_v with_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o here_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o that_o happy_a estate_n man_n be_v in_o as_o under_o that_o covenant_n how_o happy_a he_o shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o what_o penalty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n how_o that_o covenant_n be_v break_v by_o adam_n the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n how_o far_o all_o his_o posterity_n be_v concern_v in_o that_o breach_n what_o the_o penalty_n be_v that_o all_o mankind_n as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v under_o and_o far_a subject_n to_o as_o involve_v in_o that_o breach_n how_o the_o guilt_n of_o adam_n sin_n redound_v to_o they_o how_o their_o nature_n be_v corrupe_v and_o deprave_v how_o that_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o their_o nature_n flow_v from_o that_o first_o breach_n of_o that_o covenant_n how_o they_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n as_o under_o that_o guilt_n and_o as_o have_v their_o nature_n so_o vitiate_a and_o deprave_a 4._o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o establish_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n death_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o here_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o person_n office_n and_o work_n of_o this_o mediator_n what_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n how_o far_a themselves_o be_v interest_v in_o it_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n what_o good_a they_o have_v already_o grant_v to_o they_o by_o it_o upon_o what_o term_n that_o good_a be_v grant_v and_o have_v be_v hitherto_o continue_v to_o they_o what_o be_v now_o require_v of_o they_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n 5._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o their_o baptism_n hild._n baptism_n doctrinam_fw-la baptismi_fw-la teneant_fw-la baptizati_fw-la hild._n what_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o how_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o what_o assurance_n they_o have_v thereby_o of_o enjoy_v all_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n promise_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v they_o by_o the_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n god_n require_v on_o their_o part_n what_o encouragement_n they_o have_v to_o perform_v that_o duty_n what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n what_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n will_v be_v in_o case_n they_o do_v it_o not_o how_o happy_a they_o shall_v be_v in_o case_n they_o do_v it_o thus_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o the_o same_o they_o be_v doubtless_o to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o sacramental_a sing_v in_o use_n among_o they_o exod._n 12.26_o 27._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o your_o child_n say_v unto_o you_o what_o mean_v you_o by_o this_o service_n then_o you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v passover_n who_o pass_v over_o the_o house_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o smite_v the_o egyptian_n and_o deliver_v our_o house_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o usefulness_n of_o bring_v child_n to_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o other_o it_o may_v occasion_v their_o enquiry_n after_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o ordinance_n but_o however_o whether_o they_o inquire_v or_o no_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n to_o let_v they_o behold_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o for_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o all_o due_a and_o apt_a mean_n conduce_v to_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o these_o instruction_n give_v they_o and_o thus_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o any_o notice_n or_o knowledge_n of_o any_o object_n principle_n or_o doctrine_n as_o also_o from_o any_o such_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o and_o about_o earthly_a thing_n as_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v obstruct_v and_o prejudice_v in_o their_o close_n in_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o preserve_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o anticipation_n or_o pre-ingagement_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o their_o embrace_n act_v and_o practise_v according_a to_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v will_v be_v prejudice_v thus_o suppose_v believer_n to_o have_v their_o lot_n cast_v in_o place_n where_o some_o false_a god_n be_v worship_v their_o duty_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v their_o child_n from_o any_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o god_n so_o where_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n whether_o relate_v to_o worship_n or_o manner_n be_v preach_v or_o maintain_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o keep_v their_o child_n from_o any_o knowledge_n of_o they_o lest_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v infect_v with_o they_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o vitiate_v their_o mind_n and_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n aristotle_n tell_v we_o a_o lawgiver_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n lest_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n shall_v be_v vitiate_a and_o they_o shall_v first_o learn_v to_o speak_v filthy_o and_o then_o to_o act_v filthy_o so_o again_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o any_o such_o notion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o and_o about_o earthly_a thing_n as_o tend_v to_o engage_v their_o affection_n to_o they_o parent_n be_v not_o a_o little_a prejudicial_a to_o their_o child_n to_o appland_n their_o bravery_n on_o the_o account_n of_o fine_a clothes_n and_o the_o like_a so_o by_o insinuate_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o money_n estate_n honour_n and_o the_o like_a they_o shall_v rather_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o nothingness_n insignificancy_n and_o vanity_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o child_n mind_n be_v prepossess_v with_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o such_o thing_n their_o desire_n run_v out_o after_o they_o and_o they_o begin_v to_o promise_v to_o themselves_o a_o kind_n of_o felicity_n in_o they_o whence_o they_o soon_o engage_v in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o inheritance_n above_o they_o be_v bear_v heir_n unto_o 2._o frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n great_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_v mention_v child_n as_o they_o receive_v but_o little_a at_o a_o time_n so_o they_o need_v frequent_a repetition_n and_o inculacation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a their_o memory_n slippery_a and_o what_o impression_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n soon_o wear_v off_o again_o hence_o the_o same_o thing_n must_v be_v often_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o indeed_o repetition_n and_o inculcation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o adult_n to_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o i_o indeed_o be_v not_o grievous_a but_o for_o you_o it_o be_v safe_a phil._n 3.1_o man_n it_o be_v true_a be_v desighted_a in_o variety_n and_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o thing_n propose_v but_o say_v the_o apostle_n
paedo-baptist_n in_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o instruct_v their_o child_n or_o use_v the_o mean_n subserve_v their_o conversion_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o materity_n let_v we_o then_o set_v aside_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o and_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o other_o on_o the_o one_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o inquire_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n maintain_v by_o we_o or_o by_o they_o as_o true_o state_v may_v be_v more_o deserve_o charge_v with_o the_o mischief_n aforemention_v and_o here_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o whether_o paedo-baptist_n or_o anti-paedo-baptists_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v under_o the_o great_a obligation_n and_o have_v the_o more_o effectual_a motive_n to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o faithful_a performance_n of_o all_o duty_n subserve_v their_o child_n conversion_n and_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n 2._o whether_o have_v they_o great_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o hope_n or_o be_v under_o a_o great_a probability_n that_o their_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n shall_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o end_v mention_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o that_o the_o success_n and_o efficacy_n of_o all_o end_n eavour_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n depend_v upon_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v at_o present_a take_v for_o grant_v our_o only_a enoviry_n be_v whether_o parent_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o perswafion_n have_v the_o strong_a obligation_n and_o more_o effectual_a motive_n to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n subserve_v the_o forementioned_a end_n and_o whether_o have_v the_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n therein_o and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n may_v be_v rational_o conclude_v to_o be_v ordinary_o more_o effectual_a and_o successful_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o 1._o first_o which_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v refolve_v will_v easy_o appear_v by_o a_o double_a consideration_n 1._o that_o whatever_o obligation_n anti-paedo-baptists_n can_v plead_v or_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o lie_v under_o or_o whatever_o motive_n they_o can_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n rational_o improve_v to_o proulke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n the_o same_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o and_o the_o same_o motive_n may_v as_o rational_o be_v improve_v by_o paedo-baptist_n for_o the_o provoke_a and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o alike_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n i_o can_v at_o present_a call_n to_o mind_n only_o two_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o lie_v as_o obligation_n upon_o and_o be_v improve_v as_o motive_n by_o anti-paedo-baptists_n for_o the_o purpose_n mention_v beyond_o what_o confess_o lie_v upon_o or_o may_v be_v improve_v by_o paedo-baptist_n the_o 1._o be_v their_o profess_a own_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o child_n as_o such_o to_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n or_o right_o to_o the_o token_n thereof_o now_o it_o may_v be_v say_v those_o that_o profess_o disclaim_v their_o child_n have_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o right_a to_o the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o answerable_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v yet_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n must_v rational_o be_v under_o a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v regular_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o both_o the_o covenant_n and_o token_n thereof_o than_o those_o who_o take_v their_o child_n to_o be_v already_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o have_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o can_v a_o man_n that_o conveive_v his_o child_n to_o be_v already_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v answerable_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o apprehend_v himself_o under_o such_o a_o obligation_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o utter_o disclaim_v any_o present_a interest_n that_o they_o havei_fw-mi in_o it_o and_o anserable_o suspend_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n to_o they_o but_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o judgement_n and_o praactice_n of_o auti-pedo-baptists_n lay_v no_o small_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n after_o the_o early_a conversion_n of_o their_o child_n those_o that_o suppose_v their_o child_n to_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o or_o benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n as_o descend_v from_o they_o sure_o be_v great_o concern_v to_o use_v all_o mean_v the_o scripture_n direct_v they_o to_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o their_o own_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v serious_o consider_v the_o obligation_n they_o be_v under_o and_o how_o they_o acquit_v themselves_o with_o reference_n thereunto_o but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o that_o they_o do_v personal_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n equal_o concern_v paedo-baptist_n as_o it_o do_v anti-paedo-baptists_n though_o not_o with_o reference_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n anti-paedo-baptists_n be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v come_v under_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o paedo-baptist_n be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o their_o covenant-state_n may_v be_v continue_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o that_o both_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v their_o child_n personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n only_o the_o one_o in_o order_n to_o their_o come_n into_o the_o other_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o late_a author_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n to_o baptize_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n as_o include_v they_o in_o the_o covevenant_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o after_o teach_v they_o conversion_n to_o keep_v to_o his_o phrase_n but_o this_o imagination_n arise_v mere_o from_o ignorance_n about_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n their_o covenant-state_n simple_o and_o absolute_o of_o itself_o infallible_o secure_v not_o their_o regeneration_n or_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o covenant-interest_n be_v whole_o without_o they_o viz._n in_o their_o parent_n but_o as_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n it_o be_v devolve_v upon_o themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o he_o as_o he_o on_o their_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n which_o that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o parent_n be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v god_n have_v direct_v they_o to_o and_o the_o necessity_n hereof_o be_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o use_v those_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o close_a with_o christ_n be_v upon_o those_o who_o disclaim_v their_o present_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o that_o their_o close_n in_o with_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o i_o say_v both_o paedo-baptist_n and_o anti-paedo-baptists_n be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n or_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o save_v personal_a close_o with_o christ_n though_o the_o one_o do_v it_o that_o his_o child_n may_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o before_o he_o apprehend_v
conditional_o with_o all_o man_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o decermine_v and_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o wave_v all_o controversy_n excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a design_n this_o seem_v evident_a that_o however_o other_o be_v yet_o all_o those_o that_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o definite_o enter_v with_o they_o be_v de_fw-fr presenti_fw-la free_v from_o it_o see_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o grace_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n the_o apostle_n rom_n 6.14_o set_v these_o two_o state_n in_o a_o direct_a antithesis_fw-la or_o opposition_n the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o whether_o we_o understand_v by_o law_n here_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n or_o the_o law_n as_o give_v at_o mount_n sinai_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o reveal_v of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n make_v with_o adam_n in_o innocency_n or_o that_o first_o law_n or_o covenant_n as_o so_o make_v with_o adam_n yet_o by_o grace_n i_o conceive_v we_o must_v understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o my_o present_a purpose_n no_o man_n can_v be_v under_o two_o covenant_n that_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o kind_n direct_o opposite_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n hence_o i_o say_v the_o infant_n of_o believer_n be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o first_o covenant_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o all_o believer_n be_v and_o as_o for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o threaten_v condemnation_n against_o none_o but_o either_o final_a rejecter_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o stranger_n to_o it_o or_o total_a and_o final_a violator_n of_o it_o as_o in_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v actual_o under_o it_o and_o be_v free_a from_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n and_o not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o suffer_v future_a condemnation_n either_o as_o rejecter_n or_o violator_n of_o the_o second_o i_o conceive_v their_o immunity_n from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n yea_o of_o whatever_o sin_n whether_o original_a or_o actual_a they_o fall_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v though_o no_o express_a promise_n of_o parden_n which_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o inquire_v after_o shall_v appertain_v unto_o they_o cessante_fw-la obligatione_fw-la legis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la obligante_fw-la novo_fw-la foedere_fw-la there_o can_v be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o any_o sin_n chargeable_a upon_o they_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v reduce_v into_o this_o argument_n arg._n 1._o all_o those_o that_o be_v neither_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o under_o the_o curse_n threaten_v in_o the_o first_o covenant_n nor_o condemnable_a by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n must_v needs_o be_v free_a from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n yea_o of_o any_o sin_n they_o be_v at_o present_a chargeable_a with_o but_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n therefore_o during_o that_o state_n they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n yea_o of_o whatsoever_o sin_n they_o during_o that_o state_n be_v chargeable_a with_o the_o major_a proposition_n will_v be_v ready_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n see_v fin_n be_v it_o original_a or_o actual_a receive_v its_o power_n to_o condemn_v or_o have_v its_o strength_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v from_o some_o law_n or_o covenant_n under_o which_o the_o person_n guilty_a be_v as_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o where_o the_o law_n threaten_v not_o condemnation_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n and_o condemnation_n must_v be_v either_o threaten_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n hence_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o law_n or_o covenant_n threaten_v condemnation_n unto_o man_n for_o any_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o their_o sin_n have_v not_o power_n to_o condemn_v they_o or_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v free_a from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o any_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o that_o i_o conceive_v the_o major_a proposition_n stand_v firm_a for_o the_o minor_a that_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v the_o law_n threaten_v not_o condemnation_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n because_o they_o be_v not_o under_o it_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o wherein_o future_a death_n be_v threaten_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n threaten_v not_o condemnation_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v neither_o rejecter_n nor_o violator_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v though_o not_o by_o they_o yet_o on_o their_o behalf_n which_o the_o covenant_n accept_v as_o though_o perform_v by_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a again_o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n may_v be_v prove_v thus_o arg._n 2._o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o any_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o god_n or_o have_v god_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o they_o but_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o state_n neither_o have_v they_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o they_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o consequent_o not_o of_o original_a sin_n the_o major_a proposition_n as_o evident_a thus_o god_n be_v only_o say_v to_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o man_n as_o he_o be_v oblige_v either_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o essential_a justice_n or_o some_o law_n give_v to_o or_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o to_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o due_a desert_n of_o sin_n god_n be_v not_o a_o enemy_n to_o man_n mere_o as_o man_n nor_o yet_o mere_o as_o vitiate_a and_o corrupt_v with_o sin_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o man_n yea_o to_o the_o regenerate_a as_o well_o as_o the_o unregenerate_a but_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n as_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o punish_v according_a to_o the_o due_a desert_n of_o sin_n hence_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o those_o and_o to_o those_o only_a who_o he_o be_v according_a to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n oblige_v so_o to_o punish_v now_o while_o any_o be_v under_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v have_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n remain_v upon_o they_o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o the_o due_a desert_n of_o their_o sin_n i_o say_v he_o be_v so_o while_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n remain_v upon_o they_o guilt_n be_v remove_v that_o obligation_n cease_v how_o god_n may_v be_v under_o such_o a_o obligation_n and_o yet_o give_v faith_n and_o repentance_n whereby_o that_o guilt_n may_v be_v remove_v be_v obvious_a to_o all_o and_o need_v not_o here_o be_v declare_v but_o i_o say_v while_o guilt_n remain_v while_o sin_n have_v a_o power_n to_o condemn_v god_n stand_v relate_v as_o a_o enemy_n unto_o man_n or_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o he_o but_o now_o which_o be_v our_o minor_a proposition_n the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o state_n this_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v but_o from_o the_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n and_o that_o mutual_a relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o as_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n of_o which_o more_o by_o and_o by_o now_o than_o the_o premise_n be_v true_a the_o conclusion_n be_v certain_a i_o may_v further_o argue_v from_o the_o special_a reference_n that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n whether_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n have_v and_o have_v to_o the_o remission_n and_o pardon_n of_o sin_n circumcision_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o at_o least_o include_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n to_o these_o awake_v jew_n be_v baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_v 2._o arise_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o wash_v away_o thy_o sin_n say_v ananias_n to_o paul_n act_v 22.16_o now_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v such_o a_o particular_a and_o special_a reference_n to_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n it_o may_v suppose_v it_o will_v not_o demonstrate_v it_o itself_o yet_o much_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n
contain_v such_o a_o good_a be_v make_v but_o three_o there_o be_v another_o way_n how_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o to_o and_o his_o act_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o this_o promise_n appertain_v to_o whereunto_o by_o this_o promise_n god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o be_v limit_v and_o that_o be_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a to_o receive_v vnumquodque_fw-la recipitur_fw-la secundum_fw-la modum_fw-la recipientis_fw-la but_o this_o be_v excentrical_a to_o my_o present_a design_n i_o shall_v whole_o pass_v it_o by_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v as_o to_o this_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o insant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o we_o see_v what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o by_o reference_n and_o relation_n to_o and_o therein_o what_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o also_o what_o be_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o and_o consequent_o grant_v to_o or_o settle_v upon_o they_o by_o those_o promise_n and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n inquire_v into_o now_o as_o a_o close_a of_o this_o and_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v reflect_v a_o little_a back_n and_o sum_n up_o and_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o good_a the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v as_o receive_v with_o their_o parent_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o have_v in_o particular_a those_o promise_n aforementioned_a make_v unto_o unto_o they_o and_o also_o add_v something_o further_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o indeed_o have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o so_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o good_a they_o have_v that_o be_v fourfold_a first_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o new-covenant_n state_n they_o be_v absolute_o for_o the_o present_a remove_v from_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o take_v into_o as_o the_o actual_a subject_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v their_o present_a state_n they_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o be_v free_v and_o discharge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n second_o they_o have_v at_o present_a true_a real_a and_o proper_a interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n as_o they_o be_v his_o so_o he_o be_v they_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o three_o they_o have_v god_n under_o a_o actual_a obligation_n viz._n of_o his_o promise_n to_o improve_v and_o employ_v all_o his_o attribute_n for_o their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n according_a or_o in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o various_a promise_n of_o it_o fouthly_a they_o have_v a_o present_a inter_v in_o and_o right_o to_o salvation_n and_o answerable_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n before_o a_o sorfeiture_n be_v make_v of_o that_o their_o interest_n and_o right_n they_o shall_v be_v infallible_o save_v this_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n require_v nothing_o on_o their_o part_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o and_o god_n have_v engage_v by_o promise_n to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o he_o have_v thereby_o oblige_v himself_o to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o they_o now_o though_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o they_o definite_o that_o be_v with_o and_z to_o each_o one_o in_o particular_a which_o that_o they_o be_v have_v be_v before_o prove_v and_o be_v now_o take_v for_o grant_v i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a now_o declare_v and_o assign_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o any_o further_a proof_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v superfluous_a yet_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la i_o shall_v add_v these_o three_o or_o four_o argument_n arg._n 1._o first_o what_o good_a be_v either_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o do_v necessary_o and_o inseparable_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n that_o good_a they_o have_v as_o receive_v thereunto_o with_o their_o parent_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o but_o all_o that_o good_a aforementioned_a either_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a or_o most_o proper_a sense_n a_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n or_o else_o do_v necessary_o and_o inscparable_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n therefore_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o as_o have_v these_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o these_o proposition_n carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n with_o so_o much_o clearness_n that_o i_o need_v add_v nothing_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o either_o of_o they_o certain_o when_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n according_a to_o the_o literal_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n he_o mean_v himself_o and_o to_o interpret_v that_o promise_n of_o any_o low_a good_a will_v be_v to_o offer_v apparent_a violence_n to_o it_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o a_o new-covenant-state_n propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n with_o a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o improve_v all_o his_o attribute_n for_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o a_o right_n to_o salvation_n do_v necessary_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o make_v these_o promise_n with_o or_o to_o any_o whether_o insant_n or_o adult_n will_v as_o i_o suppose_v be_v question_v by_o none_o and_o therefore_o arg._n 2._o second_o if_o believe_v parent_n have_v all_o that_o good_a as_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o as_o have_v those_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o then_o so_o have_v their_o insant-see_a they_o be_v alike_o receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o same_o promise_v make_v alike_o to_o they_o but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a the_o antecedent_n be_v secure_v from_o any_o opposition_n not_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n light_n but_o by_o the_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o christian_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o ground_n from_o scripture_n or_o right_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o consequence_n this_o be_v undoubred_a to_o i_o that_o poedo-baptists_n assign_v one_o kind_n of_o good_a to_o parent_n and_o another_o to_o insant_n while_o yet_o they_o plead_v for_o insant_n have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o these_o grand_a promise_n of_o it_o that_o parent_n have_v have_v not_o a_o little_a promote_v the_o error_n of_o anti-poado-baptism_n but_o arg._n 3._o three_o unless_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v that_o good_a afore_o declare_v they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n ergo._n the_o consequence_n in_o the_o major_a proposition_n will_v not_o be_v question_v by_o poedo-baptists_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o now_o write_v as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o anti-poedo-baptists_n but_o that_o be_v evident_a thus_o those_o that_o have_v no_o good_a that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v no_o present_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o unless_o infant_n have_v that_o good_a asore_n declare_v they_o have_v no_o good_a that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n ergo._n this_o argument_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n at_o least_o will_v so_o evident_o appear_v upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n that_o i_o shall_v surcease_v the_o proof_n it_o and_o only_o add_v one_o more_o argument_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n arg._n 4._o if_o the_o insant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o receive_v into_o coivenant_n and_o as_o
may_v we_o suppose_v that_o possible_a their_o covenant-state_n will_v be_v discontinue_v or_o they_o will_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o covenant_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v alike_o rational_a for_o god_n to_o require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n from_o child_n themselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o that_o they_o shall_v universal_o do_v it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a shall_v be_v secure_v to_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v more_o by_o and_o by_o so_o that_o god_n deal_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v altogether_o rational_a as_o suit_v with_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o man_n to_o who_o he_o offer_v his_o covenant_n or_o with_o who_o he_o do_v actual_o establish_v it_o 3._o consider_v that_o in_o case_n either_o god_n have_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o thereby_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n afore_o declare_v or_o have_v proceed_v further_o viz._n to_o their_o universal_a regeneration_n or_o to_o the_o secure_v it_o unto_o they_o one_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n will_v have_v necessary_o follow_v thereupon_o either_o 1._o no_o infant_n must_v have_v dye_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o yet_o that_o innumerable_a do_v our_o daily_a observation_n assure_v we_o or_o else_o 2._o all_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n must_v have_v eternal_o perish_v and_o be_v everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n or_o 3._o in_o case_n any_o be_v save_v it_o must_v be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v with_o or_o any_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o but_o mere_o from_o a_o absolute_a power_n and_o prerogative_n in_o god_n to_o save_v or_o condemn_v who_o he_o will_v of_o fall_a mankind_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n establish_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o 4._o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n whether_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n must_v infallible_o be_v save_v or_o last_o some_o may_v be_v true_o regenerate_v and_o have_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o after_o final_o fall_v away_o and_o eternal_o perish_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o our_o opposer_n imagine_v or_o if_o he_o have_v extend_v it_o to_o they_o definite_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n plead_v for_o then_o one_o of_o the_o three_o former_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v or_o if_o have_v so_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o he_o shall_v thereby_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o work_v grace_n in_o they_o universal_o then_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a inconvenience_n will_v have_v follow_v obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n may_v be_v make_v indefinite_o with_o and_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o then_o none_o of_o these_o inconenience_n will_v follow_v answ_n to_o that_o i_o answer_v i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o definite_o or_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v they_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o only_o indefinite_o yet_o this_o inconveniency_n will_v follow_v viz._n that_o as_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o of_o their_o infant_n who_o have_v one_o or_o more_o survive_v their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shalll_v be_v save_v so_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o so_o die_a be_v save_v that_o none_o have_v any_o certain_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o what_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n now_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o that_o they_o give_v no_o assurance_n that_o all_o yea_o or_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o believer_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v be_v save_v will_v evident_o appear_v thus_o because_o the_o covenant_n may_v stand_v firm_a and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v in_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o those_o that_o survive_v their_o infant-state_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n how_o can_v a_o supposal_n of_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n and_o further_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o those_o that_o conceive_v the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v only_o indefinite_o with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n that_o it_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o they_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant_n state_n if_o it_o give_v assurance_n to_o any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o that_o state_n it_o be_v either_o as_o they_o be_v elect_a or_o as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o have_v the_o covenant_n so_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n but_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o assure_v any_o of_o regeneration_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o be_v elect_a for_o then_o all_o the_o elect_a seed_n of_o believer_n shall_v be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o infancy_n the_o contrary_a whereunto_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o grace_n from_o their_o very_a infancy_n till_o they_o come_v to_o full_a age_n yea_o possible_o till_o they_o come_v to_o old_a age_n be_v yet_o at_o last_o convert_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o save_v close_o with_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o these_o may_v have_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o infancy_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o too_o bad_a consequence_n than_o to_o be_v grant_v without_o better_a proof_n than_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v bring_v 2._o that_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o give_v assurance_n of_o regeneration_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o such_o will_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v ready_o grant_v without_o further_a proof_n 3._o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o reveal_v that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n and_o for_o any_o to_o plead_v experience_n or_o observation_n in_o this_o case_n that_o can_v signify_v but_o little_a inasmuch_o as_o that_o grace_n some_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v of_o the_o time_n or_o mean_n when_o or_o whereby_o it_o be_v wrought_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n it_o may_v yet_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o parental_a instruction_n or_o some_o other_o mean_v vouchsafe_v consequent_a to_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n now_o than_o the_o covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n it_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o any_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o parent_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o bottom_v a_o hope_n upon_o that_o any_o of_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infant-state_n be_v save_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v have_v only_o a_o possibility_n or_o at_o utmost_a a_o probability_n for_o its_o foundation_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v too_o weaken_v by_o a_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v vast_o more_o rational_a to_o i_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o case_n the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o they_o only_o indefinite_o see_v god_n have_v give_v no_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v regenerate_v any_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o in_o do_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n he_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n as_o full_o as_o though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o their_o infancy_n he_o shall_v suffer_v those_o that_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o salvation_n to_o live_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o answerable_o
christ_n what_o ground_n of_o hope_n have_v they_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o they_o and_o grant_v they_o his_o spirit_n for_o their_o renovation_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o discouragement_n to_o adult_v sinner_n to_o come_v unto_o christ_n that_o they_o lie_v under_o so_o much_o guilt_n as_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o be_v they_o assure_v their_o guilt_n be_v remove_v that_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o enemy_n what_o encouragement_n and_o what_o hope_n will_v they_o have_v that_o god_n may_v give_v they_o his_o spirit_n for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n now_o that_o discouragement_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n find_v themselves_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n how_o can_v they_o then_o rational_o entertain_v any_o jealousy_n about_o his_o readiness_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o that_o state_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o mutual_a love_n and_o friendship_n that_o have_v be_v between_o god_n and_o theri_fw-la parent_n as_o a_o further_a encouragement_n to_o they_o the_o special_a love_n and_o favour_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o their_o parent_n be_v a_o choice_n encouragement_n to_o child_n that_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v but_o ready_o accept_v by_o he_o as_o god_n have_v grant_v and_o actual_o vouchsafe_v many_o choice_a mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o child_n for_o their_o parent_n sake_n so_o child_n have_v improve_v the_o consideration_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o such_o parent_n as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o their_o seek_n unto_o god_n for_o mercy_n thus_o though_o ishmael_n by_o his_o persecute_v of_o isaac_n have_v forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v cast_v out_o both_o of_o abraham_n family_n and_o the_o covenant_n yet_o god_n promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o nation_n because_o he_o be_v abraham_n seed_n gen._n 21.13_o so_o we_o find_v god_n for_o the_o sake_n both_o of_o abraham_n and_o david_n show_v mercy_n to_o their_o respective_a posterity_n though_o guilty_a of_o great_a provocation_n against_o he_o psalm_n 105.42_o isa_n 37.35_o hence_o be_v such_o petition_n in_o scritpture_n oh_o turn_v unto_o i_o and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o give_v thy_o strength_n to_o they_o servant_n and_o save_v the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n psal_n 86.16_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o servant_n so_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o delcent_n from_o she_o that_o be_v his_o handmaid_n be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o he_o and_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o petition_v for_o mercy_n for_o child_n to_o consider_v their_o relation_n to_o such_o parent_n between_o god_n and_o who_o there_o have_v be_v or_o be_v a_o mutual_a special_a love_n and_o friendship_n be_v a_o singular_a encouragement_n to_o they_o in_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n for_o the_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o the_o love_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o believe_a parent_n be_v a_o very_a great_a engagement_n to_o he_o to_o a_o ready_a do_v good_a to_o their_o child_n 3._o there_o be_v all_o that_o god_n have_v already_o do_v for_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n signal_o expressive_a and_o significative_a of_o his_o special_a good_a will_n towards_o they_o as_o a_o further_a encouragement_n to_o they_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o thereby_o free_v they_o from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o himself_o and_o a_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n and_o thereby_o secure_v their_o salvation_n in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o infancy_n be_v glorious_a signification_n of_o his_o special_a good_a will_n unto_o they_o and_o willingness_n that_o they_o in_o particular_a shall_v be_v save_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v improve_v as_o choice_a encouragement_n to_o they_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o suspect_v god_n readiness_n to_o receive_v they_o and_o proceed_v on_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o see_v he_o have_v secure_v their_o salvation_n by_o his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n while_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v sure_a he_o will_v not_o reject_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o continue_v his_o grace_n to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o future_a salvation_n when_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o paul_n strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o to_o god_n deliver_v he_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o preserve_v he_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o in_o deliver_v he_o from_o that_o great_a tyrant_n nero_n 2_o tim._n 4.16_o 17_o 18._o and_o sure_o much_o more_o may_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n encourage_v themselves_o and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o to_o god_n acceptation_n of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o grace_n and_o glory_n themselves_o be_v now_o willing_a to_o accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v for_o they_o 4._o they_o may_v if_o not_o positive_o assure_v themselves_o yet_o comfortable_o hope_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o actual_o under_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o give_v they_o future_a salvation_n and_o how_o great_a a_o encouragement_n must_v that_o needs_o be_v to_o they_o they_o have_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n unless_o they_o by_o their_o wilful_a rejection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n forseit_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o they_o obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v though_o hitherto_o they_o have_v be_v actual_o under_o the_o promise_n and_o consequent_o may_v have_v encourage_v themselves_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n but_o now_o they_o can_v no_o long_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_n but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o their_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o let_v this_o be_v consider_v that_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n speak_v more_o determinate_o express_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o the_o language_n of_o god_n to_o each_o one_o of_o they_o be_v this_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n only_o do_v not_o now_o reject_v my_o covenant_n and_o the_o relation_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v continue_v to_o other_o he_o speak_v more_o general_o and_o indefinite_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a these_o general_a and_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o invitation_n be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o all_o to_o come_v unto_o and_o close_o in_o with_o christ_n and_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o he_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n yet_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n poor_a awaken_v sinner_n be_v hardly_o persuade_v that_o themselves_o be_v in_o particular_a intend_v in_o those_o more_o general_a and_o indefinite_a promise_n and_o call_v be_v they_o assure_v themselves_o be_v intend_v it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v the_o more_o we_o can_v appropriate_v any_o promise_n to_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a the_o great_a efficacy_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o our_o encouragement_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o the_o jailor_n when_o the_o apostle_n shall_v speak_v particular_o to_o he_o and_o assure_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v believe_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o all_o his_o house_n now_o god_n speak_v particular_o and_o determinate_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o not_o only_o offer_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o but_o assure_v they_o he_o be_v so_o already_o only_o require_v their_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o relation_n between_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o salvation_n they_o be_v as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n the_o heir_n of_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o they_o may_v have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant-state_n and_o relation_n already_o by_o their_o not_o
time_n as_o that_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v little_o less_o than_o necessary_a or_o hardly_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n unavoidable_a 2._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v so_o extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o that_o their_o acceptation_n or_o refusal_n of_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o angel_n and_o man_n just_o and_o rational_o rewardable_a or_o punishable_a this_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o ultimate_a end_n viz._n the_o glorification_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n in_o his_o deal_n especial_o in_o a_o covenant-way_n with_o man._n now_o this_o seem_v necessary_o to_o require_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v allow_v they_o as_o so_o far_o to_o understand_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o contain_v such_o promise_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o that_o their_o acceptation_n or_o rejection_n shall_v be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o not_o either_o a_o mere_a enforcement_n of_o their_o parent_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o on_o the_o other_o not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o childish_a weakness_n and_o vanity_n what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o from_o god_n punish_v original_a sin_n in_o infant_n will_v receive_v a_o ready_a answer_n from_o the_o difference_n between_o their_o case_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o 3._o i_o will_v oft_o at_v lest_o as_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o covenant_n be_v or_o can_v be_v break_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n any_o other_o way_n than_o it_o will_v be_v break_v by_o believer_n themselves_o suppose_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o break_v it_o which_o we_o grant_v all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v not_o now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a suspension_n of_o the_o due_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o grace_n no_o nor_o every_o commission_n of_o sin_n no_o not_o of_o particular_a sin_n of_o a_o very_a heinous_a nature_n that_o break_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o conceive_v be_v necessary_a thereunto_o either_o 1._o a_o man_n must_v make_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n of_o some_o false_a god_n and_o answerable_o free_o and_o voluntary_o engage_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o such_o a_o god_n or_o else_o 2._o must_v make_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n of_o some_o temporal_a good_a as_o his_o portion_n and_o answerable_o set_v that_o up_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n above_o god_n and_o pursue_v it_o as_o his_o supreme_a and_o chief_a good_a or_o else_o 3._o a_o man_n must_v with_o a_o free_a and_o full_a consent_n of_o will_v engage_v in_o some_o way_n of_o moral_a impiety_n as_o design_v if_o not_o explicit_o yet_o implicit_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o happiness_n he_o expect_v in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o gratification_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n covenant_n heart_n see_v doctor_n preston_n on_o the_o covenant_n i_o confess_v these_o thing_n require_v a_o large_a explication_n but_o i_o can_v but_o touch_v upon_o they_o in_o general_a at_o present_a but_o until_o one_o or_o another_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o the_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o dissolve_v now_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v positive_a only_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o covenant_n can_v be_v break_v any_o other_o way_n by_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o we_o have_v no_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o god_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n out_o of_o covenant_n but_o upon_o some_o overt_a act_n on_o their_o part_n evident_o declare_v their_o rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o those_o way_n mention_v and_o that_o when_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o make_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n those_o two_o instance_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n be_v remarkable_a and_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o guide_a our_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o one_o viz._n ishmael_n evident_o declare_v his_o rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o persecute_v his_o brother_n isaac_n the_o other_o viz._n esau_n by_o seel_v his_o birthright_n now_o we_o know_v both_o these_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o make_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o some_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o such_o a_o rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n soon_o than_o he_o do_v other_o which_o may_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o defer_v personaly_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o whether_o their_o covenant-state_n be_v forfeit_v before_o such_o a_o actual_a rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v question_v 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o until_o child_n rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n one_o or_o another_o of_o the_o way_n mention_v become_v apparent_a by_o some_o overt_a act_n on_o their_o part_n both_o their_o parent_n and_o themselves_o may_v comfortable_o hope_v suppose_v they_o can_v positive_o conclude_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o break_v by_o they_o while_o their_o omission_n or_o commission_n be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o saint_n there_o be_v ground_n to_o hope_v the_o covenant_n may_v stand_v firm_a and_o there_o be_v a_o double_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o hope_n 1._o a_o possibility_n or_o probability_n that_o the_o covenant_n may_v yet_o be_v continue_v to_o they_o upon_o their_o parent_n account_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o aforegoing_a consideration_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n or_o probability_n that_o a_o seed_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v wrought_v or_o implant_v in_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v not_o exert_v itself_o in_o any_o sensible_a act_n but_o have_v be_v suppress_v and_o keep_v under_o by_o the_o vain_a working_n of_o a_o childish_a and_o youthful_a mind_n and_o budding_n forth_o of_o corruption_n a_o seed_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o very_a dawn_n of_o their_o youth_n or_o chilhood_n which_o yet_o discover_v not_o itself_o for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o at_o least_o in_o any_o sensible_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o time_n or_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v from_o this_o seed_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v not_o actual_o recognize_v the_o covenant_n nor_o explicit_o close_v in_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n yet_o be_v preserve_v from_o reject_v the_o covenant_n any_o of_o the_o way_n mention_v now_o whilst_o such_o as_o be_v descend_v from_o believe_a parent_n have_v any_o rational_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v inviolate_a they_o may_v take_v great_a encouragement_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o to_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n and_o seek_v for_o renew_v grace_n yet_o 5._o let_v i_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o while_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v keep_v from_o a_o absolute_a rejection_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a while_n neglect_v to_o recognize_v it_o and_o make_v a_o actual_a save_n close_o with_o christ_n and_o answerable_o may_v not_o yet_o have_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o there_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n they_o may_v yet_o abide_v for_o god_n and_o god_n may_v abide_v for_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v hos_fw-la 3.3_o and_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v forfeit_v according_a to_o the_o exact_a term_n of_o it_o and_o god_n may_v have_v just_o take_v the_o forfeiture_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n may_v be_v improve_v by_o they_o as_o a_o very_a great_a encouragement_n at_o last_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n in_o such_o case_n be_v exceed_v ready_a to_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v to_o return_v unto_o god_n when_o he_o take_v away_o the_o vail_n from_o off_o their_o heart_n behold_v say_v they_o we_o come_v unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n jer._n 3.22_o the_o word_n be_v as_o a_o invitation_n from_o god_n to_o they_o to_o return_v so_o a_o prophecy_n of_o their_o answer_v that_o invitation_n
covenant_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o his_o affirm_v so_o many_o thing_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_n and_o unsound_a supposition_n his_o whole_a discourse_n must_v needs_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a three_o that_o which_o yet_o further_o render_v his_o treatise_n altogether_o useless_a to_o i_o be_v the_o great_a confusion_n attend_v with_o several_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n that_o it_o labour_v under_o thus_o for_o his_o whole_a discourse_n upon_o that_o of_o gen._n 17.7_o beginning_z page_z 22._o and_o reach_v to_o page_n 39_o this_o confusion_n with_o the_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n attend_v it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o of_o his_o assertion_n and_o compare_v they_o one_o with_o another_o together_o with_o what_o they_o do_v either_o as_o take_v single_o or_o joint_o necessary_o infer_v and_o imply_v thus_o first_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o its_o administration_n be_v two_o distinct_a covenant_n thus_o page_n 23._o and_o tell_v we_o page_n 93._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o must_v necessary_o intend_v that_o covenant_n which_o before_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o then_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n may_v be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o whether_o rational_a and_o congruous_a i_o shall_v leave_v all_o man_n to_o judge_v second_o he_o express_o affirm_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n thus_o again_o page_n 23._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o have_v reference_n to_o heb._n 8.8_o and_o then_o all_o those_o promise_v there_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o god_n put_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n only_o appertain_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n three_o he_o affirm_v at_o least_o necessary_o imply_v that_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o make_v to_o one_o yea_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n as_o consider_v under_o one_o notion_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o administration_n but_o as_o make_v to_o another_o or_o to_o the_o same_o person_n consider_v under_o another_o notion_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n thus_o page_n 26._o he_o tell_v we_o speak_v of_o this_o very_a promise_n that_o in_o it_o god_n promise_v only_o to_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o to_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o in_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o he_o take_v isaac_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o take_v both_o way_n and_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n he_o call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n which_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v be_v but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o what_o confusion_n and_o what_o absurdity_n this_o imply_v let_v every_o one_o judge_n but_o to_o get_v out_o of_o these_o dark_a labyrinth_n four_o he_o affirm_v that_o isaac_n himself_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o fleshly_a descent_n as_o he_o speak_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 27._o and_o yet_o five_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o none_o have_v or_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o through_o a_o personal_a faith_n in_o christ_n thus_o page_n 28._o which_o as_o it_o direct_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n its_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o elect_n and_o with_o all_o they_o for_o sure_o he_o will_v grant_v some_o be_v elect_a that_o be_v not_o actual_a believer_n so_o it_o utter_o deprive_v isaac_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o abraham_n seed_n and_o indeed_o all_o infant_n whatsoever_o of_o any_o benefit_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o yet_o he_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v save_v suppose_v their_o election_n and_o death_n in_o their_o infancy_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o good_a god_n promise_v to_o isaac_n as_o one_o of_o abraham_n child_n why_o only_o this_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o in_o give_v he_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o yet_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o ever_o intend_v to_o give_v he_o of_o what_o use_n such_o a_o confuse_a absurd_a and_o contradictory_n discourse_n can_v be_v to_o any_o i_o can_v imagine_v i_o may_v yet_o further_o show_v what_o render_v his_o discourse_n useless_a to_o i_o viz._n his_o overlooking_a several_a of_o none_o of_o the_o least_o forcible_a scripture_n and_o scripture-argument_n produce_v by_o his_o opposer_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o but_o leave_v his_o book_n to_o every_o one_o to_o make_v what_o use_n they_o see_v meet_v of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o his_o animadversion_n upon_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n danvers_n indeed_o will_v but_o reader_n take_v mr._n danvers_n book_n and_o my_o answer_n with_o my_o former_a treatise_n so_o often_o refer_v to_o and_o his_o animadversion_n and_o peruse_v they_o with_o equal_a and_o unbiased_a mind_n it_o will_v be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v how_o needless_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o make_v any_o return_v to_o such_o reply_v as_o these_o animadversion_n carry_v a_o show_n of_o and_o may_v know_v how_o to_o regulate_v their_o expectation_n for_o the_o future_a i_o shall_v with_o much_o brevity_n review_v they_o my_o answer_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n in_o the_o first_o i_o lie_v down_o several_a consideration_n with_o reference_n to_o mr._n danvers_n authority_n in_o the_o two_o first_o which_o mr._n hutchinson_n more_o especial_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulness_n and_o impertinency_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o which_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v his_o vindication_n for_o the_o former_a viz._n his_o unfaithfulness_n i_o only_o give_v two_o instance_n and_o both_o in_o his_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o magdi-burgensian_a history_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o charge_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o famous_a history_n with_o this_o only_a remark_n beyond_o my_o answer_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o say_v they_o find_v they_o baptize_v only_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o only_o find_v they_o baptize_v the_o adult_n indeed_o they_o neither_o say_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n yet_o allow_v our_o opposer_n the_o utmost_a they_o can_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n desire_n it_o be_v only_o the_o latter_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o say_v they_o find_v they_o baptize_v only_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o only_o find_v the_o adult_n be_v baptize_v than_o be_v between_o two_o six_o pence_n and_o a_o shilling_n hence_o no_o man_n can_v excuse_v he_o of_o unfaithfulness_n but_o he_o will_v find_v at_o last_o he_o have_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o accuse_v himself_o for_o the_o other_o viz._n his_o impertinency_n and_o thus_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v his_o vindication_n two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o recrimination_n second_o by_o acquit_v his_o book_n of_o that_o charge_n for_o this_o latter_a i_o shall_v only_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o my_o book_n with_o the_o instance_n there_o give_v for_o the_o former_a i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v whether_o that_o instance_n give_v by_o mr._n hutchinson_n will_v prove_v his_o charge_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_n but_o this_o may_v be_v say_v for_o i_o to_o be_v guilty_a only_o of_o one_o impertinency_n and_o but_o one_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o be_v no_o just_a vindication_n of_o mr._n danvers_n in_o the_o multitude_n i_o have_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o have_v i_o know_v all_o man_n heart_n as_o well_o as_o mr._n hutchinson_n pretend_v to_o know_v i_o and_o have_v see_v no_o such_o objection_n as_o that_o suppose_a impertinency_n design_n the_o obviate_a of_o i_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o one_o neither_o but_o that_o such_o a_o objection_n may_v possible_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n mr._n hutchinson_n book_n abundant_o confirm_v i_o
himself_o from_o inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v the_o rationality_n of_o god_n extend_v the_o covenant_n to_o he_o and_o grant_v the_o token_n of_o it_o when_o yet_o he_o intend_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v inherit_v the_o good_a promise_v be_v no_o way_n difficult_a to_o declare_v but_o be_v not_o necessary_a here_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o he_o be_v in_o particular_a take_v into_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n and_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o natural_a seed_n so_o it_o be_v enter_v with_o all_o believer_n and_o their_o natural_a seed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a because_o under_o this_o term_n seed_n in_o the_o promise_n abraham_n mystical_a seed_n be_v intend_v and_o include_v with_o his_o natural_a this_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v gal._n 3.16_o hence_o look_v under_o what_o notion_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o one_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o his_o seed_n in_o the_o same_o notion_n it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o other_o but_o now_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o make_v with_o his_o mystical_a seed_n it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v definit_o and_o answerable_o be_v so_o make_v with_o his_o natural_a seed_n we_o may_v suppose_v all_o abraham_n mystical_a seed_n as_o well_o as_o his_o natural_a then_o actual_o exist_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o who_o thing_n future_a be_v present_a and_o now_o stand_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o apprehend_v he_o as_o speak_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o they_o all_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o these_o that_o be_v thy_o seed_n now_o how_o can_v we_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n as_o here_o we_o have_v none_o interpret_v or_o understand_v he_o as_o promise_v to_o one_o species_n or_o sort_n of_o this_o seed_n of_o abraham_n definite_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o other_o only_o indefinite_o so_o that_o as_o without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o comfort_n of_o saint_n we_o can_v interpret_v the_o promise_n as_o extend_v unto_o they_o only_o in_o a_o definite_a notion_n so_o not_o without_o great_a violence_n to_o the_o text_n can_v we_o interpret_v it_o as_o intend_v abraham_n natural_a seed_n any_o otherwise_o then_o we_o do_v as_o intend_v his_o mystical_a seed_n hence_o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o attend_v our_o expound_v the_o promise_n in_o a_o definite_a notion_n as_o extend_v to_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o believer_n the_o same_o difficulty_n do_v attend_v it_o as_o so_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v so_o make_v to_o they_o seem_v evident_a from_o the_o reason_n now_o give_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o have_v be_v former_o argue_v 2._o but_o second_o let_v i_o yet_o surther_o offer_v some_o reason_n equal_o respect_v abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o produce_v all_o those_o reason_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o serve_v in_o the_o design_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v only_o single_a out_o these_o three_o which_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v what_o be_v now_o assert_v 1._o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o make_v indefinite_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n than_o there_o will_v be_v in_o variety_n of_o instance_n a_o absolute_a failure_n on_o god_n part_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o this_o appear_v thus_o as_o indefinite_a promise_n do_v not_o infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o every_o individual_a person_n to_o who_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o do_v appertain_v so_o they_o do_v infallible_o secure_v that_o good_a at_o least_o to_o some_o one_o if_o not_o more_o of_o those_o to_o who_o in_o general_a they_o be_v make_v suppose_v a_o man_n come_v to_o another_o and_o say_v i_o will_v do_v good_a or_o i_o will_v be_v bountiful_a to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n suppose_v he_o shall_v do_v good_a or_o be_v bountiful_a according_a to_o the_o utmost_a intent_n of_o the_o promise_n only_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o but_o whole_o neglect_v or_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o to_o any_o one_o of_o his_o child_n he_o will_v hardly_o be_v account_v a_o man_n faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v only_o a_o indefinite_a promise_n will_v not_o its_o 〈◊〉_d oblige_v he_o to_o do_v good_a or_o extend_v his_o bounty_n to_o every_o individual_a child_n yet_o to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o it_o will_v but_o now_o that_o all_o believer_n have_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o loin_n partake_v with_o they_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o save_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o suppose_v can_v be_v affirm_v the_o contrary_n be_v too_o evident_a in_o several_a instance_n and_o how_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n i_o can_v apprehend_v suppose_v the_o promise_n be_v only_o indefinite_a 2._o if_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v only_o indefinite_a than_o they_o will_v pertain_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n yea_o let_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v what_o they_o will_v as_o well_o as_o while_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o answerable_o it_o may_v seem_v they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o that_o they_o have_v in_o their_o infant-state_n that_o the_o promise_n will_v equal_o and_o alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o when_o adult_n as_o when_o infant_n yea_o let_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v what_o they_o will_v must_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v necessary_o grant_v for_o they_o appertain_v to_o they_o either_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n or_o as_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n themselves_o not_o the_o latter_a for_o than_o none_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n will_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o till_o themselves_o have_v grace_n and_o consequent_o grace_n will_v not_o be_v give_v in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o must_v precede_v their_o mterest_n in_o they_o and_o therrfore_o they_o must_v needs_o appertain_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n and_o consequent_o must_v necessary_o appertain_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v such_o which_o they_o be_v when_o grow_v up_o as_o well_o as_o when_o infant_n be_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n what_o they_o will_v and_o while_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o especial_o while_o they_o visible_o and_o apparent_o appertain_v to_o they_o they_o seem_v evident_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n obj._n and_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n may_v indefinite_o appertain_v to_o those_o who_o yet_o by_o their_o wickedness_n may_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o as_o much_o as_o their_o right_n to_o it_o do_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n ausw_n to_o that_o i_o will_v say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o that_o give_v right_a to_o the_o token_n by_o baptise_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n act_v 2.38_o 39_o he_o seem_v evidenly_a to_o ground_v his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o be_v bapze_v upon_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o for_o this_o see_v more_o in_o my_o first_o treatise_n concern_v infant-baptism_n pag._n 263._o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n suppose_v the_o promise_n indefinite_o appertain_v to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v charitable_o hope_v they_o may_v have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o a_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n though_o great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o at_o present_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodlliness_n this_o hope_n may_v be_v rational_o ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n appertain_v to_o their_o i_o speak_v upon_o that_o supposition_n that_o they_o do_v appertain_v to_o they_o indefinite_o and_o that_o god_n in_o a_o pursuance_n of_o they_o do_z so_o frequent_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o be_v a_o rational_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o universal_o in_o their_o infancy_n with_o respect_n to_o grace_n already_o wrought_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o indubitable_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o
real_a work_n of_o grace_n may_v great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o sometime_o be_v find_v walk_v and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a while_n how_o long_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n be_v past_o all_o rational_a doubt_n in_o variety_n of_o instance_n as_o that_o of_o solomon_n and_o other_o and_o if_o so_o be_v this_o supposition_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v grace_n in_o this_o or_o that_o infant_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v exercise_v towards_o the_o same_o person_n as_o grow_v up_o though_o at_o present_a great_o apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o suppose_v the_o promise_n alike_o appertain_v to_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o as_o may_v be_v exercise_v during_o their_o infant-state_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v their_o case_n be_v more_o doubtful_a yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v hardly_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o grant_v they_o this_o privilege_n their_o case_n be_v as_o now_o put_v will_v be_v attend_v with_o no_o small_a inconveniency_n 3._o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o indefinite_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o seem_v evident_o to_o appertain_v alike_o to_o their_o mediate_v as_o to_o their_o immediate_a seed_n in_o abraham_n case_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o as_o take_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n they_o do_v equal_o and_o alike_o appertain_v to_o his_o seed_n and_o posterity_n mediate_o descend_v from_o he_o as_o to_o his_o immediate_a seed_n neither_o have_v his_o immediate_a seed_n any_o other_o interest_n in_o they_o then_o his_o mediate_a now_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o believe_a gentile_n or_o suppose_v we_o can_v from_o any_o scripture-warrant_a limit_n the_o promise_v as_o make_v only_o to_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o see_v we_o can_v limit_v they_o to_o abraham_n immdeiate_n but_o must_v grant_v they_o equal_o and_o alike_o to_o respect_v and_o be_v extend_v to_o his_o mediate_v as_o to_o his_o immediate_a seed_n it_o will_v certain_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v a_o equal_a and_o alike_a interest_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n child_n have_v and_o if_o so_o i_o conceive_v no_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v assign_v why_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v not_o be_v exercise_v towards_o these_o as_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o will_v be_v as_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v it_o apply_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o so_o be_v we_o can_v limit_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o immediate_a seed_n of_o believer_n as_o i_o much_o think_v we_o can_v in_o case_n we_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v only_o indefinite_o make_v to_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n then_o there_o will_v be_v lay_v a_o fair_a ground_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o now_o be_v baptism_n to_o all_o infant_n universal_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o show_v if_o necessary_a but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o these_o reason_n convince_v i_o past_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o neither_o be_v enter_v with_o nor_o make_v to_o either_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o any_o other_o believer_n in_o a_o mere_a indefinite_a notion_n but_o however_o god_n may_v have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o more_o general_a respect_n both_o to_o abraham_n and_o all_o believer_n seed_n mediate_o descend_v from_o they_o respective_o yet_o as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v both_o to_o he_o and_o their_o immediate_a seed_n so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v ad_fw-la understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n reach_v and_o take_v in_o each_o one_o of_o their_o seed_n in_o particular_a this_o question_n be_v resolve_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o application_n and_o unfolding_n of_o this_o second_o benefit_n assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n to_o or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o infant_n thereby_o 2._o wherein_o the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o have_v that_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o token_n do_v consist_v 1._o for_o the_o first_o and_o thus_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v a_o double_a reference_n first_o to_o the_o covenant_n it_o fell_v as_o more_o general_o and_o absolute_o consider_v second_o to_o the_o particular_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o token_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o absolute_o and_o more_o general_o consider_v and_o hence_o that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o primary_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o infant_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o adult_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o be_v the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o more_o general_o and_o absolute_o consider_v and_o consequent_o and_o as_o the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a result_n thereof_o that_o which_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v be_v their_o covenant-state_n they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v solemn_o invest_v and_o seal_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n with_o god_n they_o be_v absolute_o the_o presenti_fw-la remove_v from_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n and_o solemn_o invest_v with_o and_o initiate_v into_o a_o new_a covenant-state_n hence_o circumcision_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o baptism_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o consider_v gen._n 17.11_o as_o the_o one_o have_v so_o the_o other_o have_v a_o first_o and_o primary_n respect_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o take_v and_o consequential_o to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n they_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o put_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o new_a covenant-state_n and_o relation_n godward_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v conditional_o make_v with_o all_o or_o rather_o offer_v to_o mankind_n there_o be_v a_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o all_o man_n upon_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n go_v say_v christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v in_o that_o mark_n 16.15_o 16._o but_o condionale_fw-la nihil_fw-la ponit_fw-la in_o usu_fw-la a_o conditional_a covenant_n though_o it_o make_v a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o now_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n or_o term_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o change_v their_o state_n they_o be_v yet_o heir_n of_o the_o curse_n denounce_v in_o case_n of_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o covenant_n they_o be_v yet_o child_n of_o wrath_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o they_o john_n 3.36_o loco_fw-la 3.36_o non_fw-la dixit_fw-la it_o a_o dei_fw-la veniet_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la sed_fw-la it_o a_o dei_fw-la manet_fw-la super_fw-la eum_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la mortales_fw-la habent_fw-la secum_fw-la iram_fw-la dei._n quam_fw-la iram_fw-la dei_fw-la quam_fw-la excepit_fw-la primus_fw-la homo_fw-la adam_n august_n in_o loco_fw-la but_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n solemnize_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o from_o this_o change_n in_o their_o state_n i_o conceive_v a_o discharge_n and_o immunity_n from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n whether_o originan_n or_o originatum_fw-la do_v necessary_o arise_v and_o result_v unto_o they_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n mankind_n in_o general_n be_v free_v from_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n by_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o make_v
he_o bear_v to_o his_o people_n make_v this_o very_a rational_a yea_o i_o may_v say_v somewhat_o necessary_a it_o can_v be_v rational_o suppose_v but_o that_o when_o god_n bear_v so_o great_a a_o love_n to_o parent_n he_o shall_v do_v somewhat_o more_o and_o vouchsafe_v great_a advantage_n to_o their_o seed_n in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o their_o future_a salvation_n than_o he_o do_v for_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o other_o and_o yet_o 4._o this_o will_v seem_v less_o improbable_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o what_o god_n do_v for_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o it_o be_v in_o special_a for_o their_o sake_n that_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o make_v his_o choice_n of_o person_n to_o salvation_n very_o much_o in_o the_o line_n of_o particular_a person_n hence_o he_o usual_o cast_v elect_a child_n upon_o elect_a parent_n though_o he_o have_v leave_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o pass_v by_o who_o he_o please_v and_o sometime_o to_o take_v in_o such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o line_n and_o posterity_n of_o the_o wicked_a yet_o his_o election_n lie_v very_o much_o in_o and_o among_o the_o seed_n of_o elect_a parent_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o their_o salvation_n he_o do_v so_o much_o for_o and_o vouchsafe_v so_o great_a privilege_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n in_o general_n that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n shall_v have_v be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n will_v have_v be_v attend_v with_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o that_o upon_o divers_a account_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o lay_v his_o election_n very_o much_o among_o they_o it_o be_v rare_a but_o that_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a parent_n evidence_n their_o election_n by_o a_o personal_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n yea_o it_o be_v sometime_o find_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o some_o believe_a parent_n give_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_n they_o be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o life_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o they_o and_o for_o their_o sake_n god_n have_v do_v so_o much_o and_o vouchsafe_v so_o great_a privilege_n to_o their_o seed_n in_o general_a so_o that_o all_o thing_n consider_v that_o god_n shall_v grant_v the_o privilege_n assign_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o after_o leave_v some_o of_o they_o to_o themselves_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o forfeit_v their_o own_o mercy_n and_o final_o perish_v carry_v not_o the_o least_o improbability_n in_o it_o 3._o for_o that_o which_o may_v yet_o further_o be_v plead_v viz._n the_o improbability_n that_o any_o shall_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o benefit_n by_o he_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o any_o save_n no_o nor_o any_o common_a operation_n that_o have_v a_o direct_a conducency_n to_o their_o future_a salvation_n to_o that_o i_o will_v say_v in_o the_o general_n that_o how_o improbable_a soever_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o no_o sound_a argument_n can_v be_v draw_v therefrom_o to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n infer_v in_o the_o forementioned_a objection_n god_n may_v receive_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o and_o that_o universal_o and_o vouchsafe_v they_o all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o privilege_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o any_o such_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o they_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v yea_o let_v i_o say_v this_o be_v no_o way_n improbable_a this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o interest_n and_o hand_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v for_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o hence_o it_o can_v be_v say_v they_o have_v no_o benefit_n by_o he_o this_o may_v be_v abundant_o evidence_v but_o that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v this_o discourse_n quite_o beyond_o the_o bound_n design_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o 2._o consider_v the_o special_a office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o especial_o relate_v to_o the_o fit_v and_o prepare_v the_o elect_a unto_o glory_n through_o their_o sanctification_n and_o cheerful_a performance_n of_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o christ_n 2_o thess_n 2.13_o with_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o now_o it_o be_v vast_o more_o improbable_a that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v perform_v any_o part_n of_o that_o work_n whereunto_o he_o be_v design_v for_o the_o prepare_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n unto_o glory_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o non-elect_a than_o that_o though_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o he_o shall_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o work_n in_o or_o upon_o they_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v 3._o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n constitute_v a_o covenant-relation_n between_o god_n both_o absolute_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o take_v absolute_o and_o by_o themselves_o only_o oblige_v the_o several_a person_n in_o the_o divine_a essence_n to_o act_v for_o their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o distinct_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o term_n or_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v now_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o individual_a infant_n of_o believer_n assure_v they_o of_o any_o such_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n hence_o the_o spirit_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o vouchsafe_v they_o to_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a infant_n antecedent_n to_o their_o personal_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n which_o that_o the_o elect_n shall_v do_v be_v secure_v as_o by_o the_o covenant_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n so_o by_o those_o indefinite_a promise_n of_o divine_a teach_n and_o the_o like_a make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n of_o which_o before_n so_o that_o here_o be_v yet_o nothing_o improbable_a 4._o and_o last_o that_o which_o be_v plead_v to_o countenance_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o objection_n be_v the_o reference_n that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n whether_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n have_v or_o have_v to_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v suppose_v by_o many_o to_o have_v such_o a_o reference_n as_o lay_v a_o sure_a ground_n for_o the_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o in_o case_n infant_n have_v such_o a_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o covenant-relation_n unto_o and_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o thereby_o initial_o sanctify_v answ_n that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v some_o reference_n to_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v evident_a from_o those_o text_n usual_o insist_v upon_o john_n 3.5_o eph._n 5.26_o tit._n 3.5_o but_o what_o that_o reference_n be_v be_v not_o agree_v on_o by_o all_o some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o outward_a sign_n or_o symbol_n of_o regeneration_n and_o consequent_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o party_n be_v present_a regeneration_n to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o sometime_o it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n a_o seal_n of_o regeneration_n other_o attribute_v the_o confer_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o it_o by_o who_o regeneration_n be_v wrought_v and_o so_o they_o conceive_v the_o spirit_n be_v ordinary_o communicate_v if_o not_o by_o yet_o in_o a_o concomitancy_n with_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o mean_n whereof_o at_o least_o the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n at_o least_o some_o kind_n of_o disposition_n lead_v thereunto_o be_v wrought_v in_o all_o that_o have_v it_o rightful_o apply_v to_o they_o now_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v upon_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o these_o different_a apprehension_n of_o men._n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v have_v and_o have_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a reference_n to_o regeneration_n on_o the_o account_n of_o which_o those_o allusion_n to_o it_o make_v use_v of_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n foremention_v be_v genuine_a and_o proper_a and_o yet_o the_o conclusion_n plead_v for_o can_v be_v rational_o infer_v therefrom_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v allow_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o have_v a_o twofold_a reference_n to_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n 1._o it_o
bring_v they_o to_o glory_n according_a to_o his_o ordinary_a way_n viz._n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a way_n and_o regenerate_v they_o immediate_o by_o his_o spirit_n without_o the_o subserviency_n of_o any_o outward_a mean_n especial_o consider_v what_o inconvenience_n will_v attend_v through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n a_o supposition_n of_o his_o so_o do_v and_o consequent_o that_o believe_a parent_n if_o they_o must_v not_o mourn_v as_o those_o that_o have_v no_o hope_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o but_o mourn_v as_o have_v but_o little_a hope_n but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o allow_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definite_o and_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a assign_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o and_o yet_o bound_v that_o good_a as_o i_o have_v do_v unspeakable_a good_a accrue_v to_o they_o by_o that_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n ensue_v thereupon_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v as_o we_o see_v it_o can_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o in_o case_n god_n go_v so_o far_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n as_o to_o grant_v they_o that_o good_a those_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v he_o do_v that_o then_o he_o must_v necessary_o go_v further_o and_o actual_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v they_o either_o in_o their_o infancy_n or_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v so_o far_o as_o have_v be_v express_v and_o yet_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o but_o shall_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v who_o he_o please_v so_o to_o do_v it_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v himself_o please_v and_o from_o all_o i_o conceive_v a_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v a_o answer_n unto_o which_o will_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v clog_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n both_o to_o prove_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o dueness_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o also_o to_o confirm_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n affirm_v to_o accrue_v to_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v upon_o it_o i_o conceive_v both_o be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o let_v i_o rather_o excite_v all_o man_n to_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o do_v so_o much_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o yet_o provide_v for_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n over_o and_o among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o his_o justice_n in_o condemn_v none_o but_o such_o as_o wilful_o sin_n away_o their_o own_o mercy_n obj._n 1_o it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v true_a the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o and_o may_v be_v hope_v according_a to_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n confer_v upon_o and_o insure_v to_o they_o by_o the_o covenant_n as_o confirm_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n real_o and_o true_o actual_o grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v affirm_v inasmuch_o as_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o our_o child_n answ_n i_o confess_v most_o that_o have_v plead_v for_o infant-baptism_n upon_o this_o ground_n viz._n their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n do_v too_o common_o express_v themselves_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o it_o seem_v pass_v all_o rational_a doubt_n and_o be_v so_o to_o i_o that_o what_o they_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n hence_o as_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n secure_v that_o to_o they_o so_o for_o all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o they_o have_v they_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o a_o double_a consideration_n 1._o first_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o true_a believer_n such_o as_o have_v true_o and_o real_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v real_o and_o internal_o in_o covenant_n themselves_o 2._o that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n interest_n in_o the_o covenent_n and_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o benefit_n grant_v and_o confer_v upon_o they_o thereby_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o upon_o any_o qualification_n in_o or_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o themselves_o but_o flow_v mere_o from_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n hence_o in_o case_n they_o only_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o privilege_n before_o mention_v grant_v to_o and_o confer_v upon_o they_o it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o the_o promise_v only_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o appertain_v to_o they_o or_o that_o all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o blessing_n only_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o grant_v and_o confer_v by_o those_o promise_n or_o last_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v but_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a but_o seem_v or_o visible_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o grant_v to_o or_o confer_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v true_o and_o real_o interest_v in_o they_o that_o good_a that_o be_v real_o contain_v in_o and_o intend_a by_o they_o none_o of_o which_o thing_n can_v be_v grant_v not_o the_o first_o for_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n do_v appertain_v to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n i_o mean_v it_o still_o of_o true_a believer_n as_o abraham_n be_v and_o that_o definite_o to_o each_o one_o or_o to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o second_o for_o undoubted_o god_n intend_v that_o very_a good_a the_o promise_v mention_v not_o the_o three_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o convey_v or_o confer_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o appertain_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v exercise_v immediate_o and_o direct_o towards_o infant_n it_o be_v true_a where_o we_o can_v only_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n towards_o parent_n there_o we_o can_v only_o exercise_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o charity_n towards_o their_o child_n but_o where_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n there_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n according_a to_o what_o their_o parent_n be_v in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n or_o be_v know_v to_o god_n to_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n can_v only_o be_v act_v towards_o man_n with_o reference_n to_o or_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o consequent_o to_o their_o right_n to_o those_o promise_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant_n i_o speak_v of_o both_o these_o be_v certain_a hence_o undeniable_o what_o they_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v they_o have_v in_o reality_n and_o truth_n obj._n 2._o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o to_o grant_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o universal_o all_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n afore_o assign_v to_o they_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n will_v great_o weaken_v if_o not_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n perseverance_n for_o we_o must_v then_o grant_v that_o some_o who_o have_v a_o
god_n and_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n behold_v say_v god_n i_o establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n now_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v be_v afore_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n here_o have_v be_v no_o new_a privilege_n or_o no_o privilege_n beyond_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n in_o general_n grant_v unto_o abraham_n or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o seed_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n evident_o prove_v it_o be_v not_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n for_o then_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a superfluous_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n see_v it_o have_v be_v afore_o establish_v with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n as_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o like_a advantage_n both_o to_o he_o and_o they_o as_o now_o it_o be_v how_o far_o the_o covenant_n be_v conditional_o make_v or_o rather_o offer_v to_o all_o man_n concern_v not_o our_o present_a purpose_n see_v as_o so_o make_v or_o offer_v it_o actual_o convey_v not_o the_o good_a promise_v to_o any_o until_o themselves_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v actual_o make_v or_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n as_o such_o be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o proof_n from_o scripture_n but_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n the_o gentile_n be_v say_v to_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n antecedent_n to_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o become_v abraham_n seed_n the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o appertain_v to_o man_n only_o as_o in_o he_o hence_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o may_v well_o be_v account_v superfluous_a as_o be_v a_o denial_n of_o what_o no_o body_n have_v affirm_v now_o then_o if_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o all_o the_o good_a aforemention_v be_v contain_v be_v not_o actual_o enter_v and_o establish_v with_o all_o mankind_n as_o such_o than_o neither_o all_o nor_o any_o part_n of_o that_o good_a can_v be_v come_v upon_o all_o man_n mere_o as_o such_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o have_v they_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_n contradistinct_a from_o or_o independent_a upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v be_v because_o no_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v find_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n let_v any_o such_o covenant_n or_o promise_n be_v show_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o the_o only_a scripture_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o this_o supposal_n be_v rom._n 5.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o but_o to_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n bare_a use_v of_o the_o universal_a particle_n all_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o ground_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o assertion_n upon_o especial_o when_o no_o covenant_n or_o promise_n can_v be_v find_v by_o or_o according_a to_o which_o the_o gift_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v confer_v upon_o all_o man_n and_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o term_n be_v sometime_o use_v when_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n i_o need_v not_o cite_v place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n design_n be_v not_o to_o show_v that_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n in_o the_o donation_n of_o it_o with_o the_o condemnation_n arise_v from_o adam_n sin_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o compare_v adam_n sin_n and_o the_o purchase_v make_v by_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o respective_a efficacy_n or_o in_o point_n of_o their_o respective_a causality_n or_o power_n to_o produce_v their_o different_a effect_n in_o brief_a his_o design_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o see_v the_o offence_n of_o one_o man_n viz._n adam_n be_v effective_a of_o the_o condemnation_n of_o all_o his_o posterity_n then_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o mere_o man_n but_o god-man_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_a for_o their_o justification_n and_o life_n who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o and_o union_n with_o he_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n appear_v two_o way_n first_o from_o his_o assignment_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n or_o superabundance_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o this_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n above_o what_o be_v predicable_a of_o the_o offence_n of_o adam_n which_o must_v needs_o respect_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n to_o justify_v and_o save_v and_o of_o the_o offence_n of_o adam_n to_o condemn_v for_o if_o so_o be_v we_o consider_v the_o person_n upon_o who_o condemnation_n be_v come_v by_o adam_n offence_n and_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v unto_o justification_n of_o life_n no_o such_o assignment_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n and_o superabundancy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n by_o christ_n can_v be_v make_v inasmuch_o as_o that_o condemnation_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o adam_n offence_n and_o the_o free_a gift_n can_v come_v but_o upon_o all_o and_o where_o the_o object_n and_o person_n concern_v be_v of_o equal_a extent_n no_o preeminency_n can_v be_v assign_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o second_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n variation_n of_o his_o phrase_n from_o many_o to_o all_o and_o again_o from_o all_o to_o many_o which_o plain_o show_v he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o either_o condemnation_n or_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v as_o either_o to_o the_o thing_n come_v upon_o they_o or_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n from_o whence_o or_o whereby_o those_o thing_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o respective_o three_o i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o to_o justification_n of_o life_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o not_o how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n or_o upon_o what_o term_n it_o be_v come_v he_o may_v only_o mean_v it_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o conditional_a offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o so_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 2.11_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a exact_o run_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n see_v the_o like_a passage_n rom._n 3.22_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o all_o so_o here_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o it_o for_o the_o apostle_n may_v suppose_v the_o condition_n already_o perform_v and_o only_o intend_v its_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n before_o mention_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v manifie_v unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n so_o here_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v come_v upon_o all_o to_o justification_n of_o life_n viz._n upon_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v evident_o see_v this_o scripture_n will_v not_o prove_v what_o be_v affirm_v viz._n that_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o universal_o as_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n be_v free_v from_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o restore_v to_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o life_n by_o christ_n so_o that_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o enter_v with_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_a so_o there_o be_v no_o other_o covenant_n or_o promise_v record_v or_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o any_o one_o much_o less_o all_o mankind_n can_v have_v the_o good_a assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n grant_v to_o or_o settle_v upon_o they_o three_o have_v they_o it_o by_o a_o mere_a resultancy_n from_o christ_n undertake_v and_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o mediation_n sure_o the_o grossness_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n render_v any_o reply_n to_o it_o superfluous_a it_o will_v be_v a_o mere_a loss_n of_o time_n