heb._n 8.11_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o these_o promise_n of_o put_v the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v contain_v as_o make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o by_o house_n of_o israel_n we_o be_v again_o to_o understand_v the_o visible_a church_n that_o term_n house_n be_v frequent_o apply_v to_o the_o visible_a but_o never_o as_o i_o remember_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n at_o least_o mere_o as_o such_o now_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o this_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o it_o with_o the_o whole_a house_n and_o answerable_o stand_v nigh_o to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o these_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v who_o be_v not_o of_o this_o house_n of_o israel_n only_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o these_o promise_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o partake_v of_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o good_a be_v peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n yet_o by_o the_o very_a vouchsafement_n of_o it_o other_o that_o be_v without_o be_v convert_v and_o bring_v into_o it_o those_o that_o god_n have_v design_v a_o place_n in_o his_o house_n be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o he_o and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o but_o though_o god_n do_v vouchsase_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_n to_o foreigner_n as_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o house_n yet_o they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o special_a manner_n belong_v to_o his_o house_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v already_o in_o his_o house_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n thereof_o obj._n but_o possible_o some_o may_v say_v if_o so_o be_v god_n have_v make_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o therein_o have_v promise_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o those_o mean_n and_o consequent_o save_v grace_n as_o the_o inseparable_a fruit_n of_o those_o operation_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v this_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o extend_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a with_o the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o may_v seem_v either_o that_o god_n fail_v in_o make_v good_a his_o covenant_n or_o else_o we_o must_v say_v they_o be_v all_o save_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v true_a grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o if_o so_o we_o must_v necessary_o hold_v fall_v from_o grace_n answ_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v in_o part_n obviate_v already_o in_o a_o fromer_fw-ge treatise_n yet_o let_v i_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o to_o it_o at_o present_a and_o for_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n thus_o it_o be_v either_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o with_o particular_a person_n and_o answerable_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a as_o a_o collective_a body_n and_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o promise_v appertain_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o definite_a notion_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o threefold_a difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o as_o so_o make_v and_o as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o as_o so_o make_v 1._o first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o good_a covenant_v or_o promise_v as_o thus_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n contain_v promise_n of_o the_o first_o save_v or_o special_a grace_n as_o the_o promise_v i_o have_v at_o present_a reference_n unto_o these_o appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_a but_o now_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n contain_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n but_o only_o of_o consequential_a grace_n such_o as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o do_v presuppose_v the_o first_o grace_n already_o wrought_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o on_o man_n part_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o adult_n or_o else_o do_v presuppose_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o some_o other_o way_n perform_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n viz._n by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n 2._o second_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o interest_n that_o person_n have_v in_o and_o title_n they_o have_v to_o it_o and_o answerable_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n perform_v of_o it_o or_o give_v the_o good_a promise_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o none_o have_v a_o particulsr_n actual_a interest_n in_o or_o title_n to_o it_o as_o take_v several_o by_o themselves_o they_o have_v only_o a_o more_o general_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o it_o as_o member_n of_o that_o collective_a body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v make_v but_o now_o as_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n each_o one_o with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o make_v have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o it_o as_o take_v apart_o by_o themselur_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o answerable_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n god_n have_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o and_o answerable_o do_v make_v it_o good_a or_o give_v the_o good_a promise_v to_o particular_a person_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o from_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n have_v be_v answer_v elsewhere_o to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v the_o reader_n 111._o reader_n infant_n baptism_n from_o heaven_n p._n 59_o 60_o 61._o so_o also_o p._n 108_o 109_o 110_o 111._o but_o as_o it_o be_v make_v with_o particular_a person_n so_o it_o do_v infallible_o secure_v the_o good_a covenant_v and_o promise_v to_o each_o in_o particular_a upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o non-failure_a on_o their_o part_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v 3._o three_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o as_o make_v with_o or_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n they_o be_v absolute_a but_o as_o make_v with_o or_o to_o particular_a person_n conditional_a yet_o let_v i_o say_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v absolute_a as_o to_o the_o church_n as_o so_o consider_v that_o be_v no_o condition_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o as_o collective_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o god_n make_v good_a these_o promise_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o somewhat_o of_o duty_n may_v be_v require_v of_o particular_a member_n in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o or_o they_o enjoy_v the_o good_a promise_v in_o which_o fail_v either_o themselves_o or_o they_o may_v be_v deny_v that_o good_a though_o yet_o the_o promise_n shall_v have_v their_o accomplishment_n and_o other_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o but_o to_o return_v have_v then_o distinguish_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o forego_n objection_n be_v this_o that_o the_o promise_n under_o our_o present_a consideration_n do_v appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o answerable_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n among_o those_o to_o who_o in_o general_a they_o do_v appertain_v according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n promise_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n with_o these_o frequent_o occur_v in_o scripture_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o may_v far_o clear_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v see_v mark_n 16.17_o 18._o john_n 14.12_o which_o promise_v though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v definite_a as_o make_v to_o each_o particular_a believer_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v indefinite_o
performance_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n bring_v upon_o they_o the_o good_a promise_v viz._n with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o he_o what_o be_v have_v speak_v of_o he_o as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o keep_v exact_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n vouchsafe_v the_o good_a promise_v to_o child_n unless_o that_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o it_o seem_v at_o least_o very_a probable_a to_o infer_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o parent_n performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o god_n give_v they_o the_o good_a promise_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o child_n however_o this_o must_v be_v say_v that_o child_n forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o all_o the_o good_a annex_v thereunto_o be_v great_o hazard_v by_o parent_n fail_v therein_o it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v extend_v mercy_n to_o they_o and_o answerable_o supply_v the_o neglect_n of_o parent_n by_o the_o vouchsafement_n of_o other_o mean_n as_o he_o do_v to_o other_o bear_v of_o unbelieving_a parent_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o peculiar_a promise_v make_v to_o they_o but_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o parent_n neglect_v of_o their_o duty_n discharge_v god_n from_o that_o obligation_n the_o be_v under_o by_o his_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o child_n and_o that_o must_v needs_o extreme_o hazard_v their_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n now_o sure_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v cause_v sorrow_n or_o allay_v the_o joy_n of_o believe_a parent_n at_o that_o day_n against_o which_o joy_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n this_o will_v do_v it_o to_o miss_v their_o child_n in_o that_o day_n of_o triumph_n and_o that_o through_o their_o own_o desault_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n towards_o they_o let_v i_o say_v be_v all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n of_o so_o small_a a_o value_n as_o that_o a_o fond_a affectio_fw-la shall_v supersede_n the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n towards_o your_o child_n or_o be_v everlasting_a separation_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n so_o small_a a_o matter_n as_o that_o rather_o than_o you_o will_v put_v yourselves_o to_o a_o little_a pain_n or_o impose_v any_o difficulty_n upon_o your_o child_n you_o will_v hazard_v that_o will_v their_o roar_n in_o hell_n be_v a_o less_o evil_a than_o their_o cry_n under_o the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n alas_o what_o do_v parent_n think_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n that_o they_o will_v hazard_v their_o child_n loss_n of_o the_o one_o and_o undergo_a the_o other_o upon_o such_o trivial_a account_n 2._o consider_v what_o excellent_a encouragement_n you_o have_v to_o a_o vigorous_a faithful_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o your_o duty_n towards_o they_o which_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n viz._n the_o issue_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n imply_v at_o least_o the_o usual_a concurrence_n of_o a_o blessing_n from_o god_n with_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o sapirit_n to_o make_v the_o mean_n use_v effectual_a god_n will_v not_o assert_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o his_o concurrence_n with_o they_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n it_o may_v possible_o seem_v strange_a to_o some_o shall_v i_o say_v whether_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a apostatise_v from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v their_o covenant-state_n but_o upon_o a_o failure_n in_o parent_n in_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o question_n of_o more_o difficult_a determination_n than_o be_v usual_o apprehend_v or_o appear_v at_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o the_o encouragement_n you_o have_v from_o this_o scripture_n how_o much_o more_o mean_n have_v you_o subserve_v the_o conversion_n of_o your_o child_n than_o other_o who_o either_o be_v unbeliever_n themselves_o or_o deny_v their_o child_n covenant-interest_n have_v how_o many_o motive_n have_v you_o to_o press_v upon_o they_o what_o encouragement_n to_o preopose_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o what_o ground_n have_v you_o to_o hope_v for_o success_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o labour_v in_o vain_a these_o thing_n i_o have_v sometime_o intend_v to_o have_v enlarge_v upon_o but_o for_o some_o reason_n i_o shall_v contract_v you_o may_v be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o encouragement_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o therefore_o 3._o consider_v how_o great_a a_o good_a your_o child_n conversion_n will_v be_v to_o yourselves_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o they_o do_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o your_o life_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o welfare_n of_o your_o child_n will_v it_o not_o high_o advance_v your_o comfort_n to_o be_v able_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n as_o heir_n yourselves_o and_o as_o see_v your_o child_n joynt-heir_n with_o you_o of_o a_o everlasting_a ingheritance_n in_o heaven_n will_v it_o not_o be_v your_o joy_n to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n uphold_v his_o church_n continue_v and_o propagate_v by_o those_o that_o proceed_v out_o of_o your_o own_o loin_n beside_o convert_v grace_n will_v make_v they_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a unto_o you_o both_o in_o temporal_n and_o spiritual_n see_v philemon_n 11._o will_v it_o not_o double_o strengthen_v your_o weak_a hand_n and_o feeble_a knee_n when_o old_a age_n come_v to_o have_v they_o strengthen_v and_o support_v by_o the_o gracious_a word_n of_o your_o own_o child_n and_o sure_o see_v mother_n have_v usual_o must_v need_v of_o comfort_n from_o their_o child_n they_o shall_v be_v peculiar_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n towards_o they_o chap._n xi_o the_o four_o grand_a question_n propose_v the_o improvement_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o their_o covenant_n state_n as_o ratify_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n open_v in_o four_o particular_n that_o great_a question_n how_o long_o the_o covenant-state_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o upon_o their_o parent_n account_n answer_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v such_o fear_n as_o either_o parent_n or_o child_n be_v subject_a to_o as_o to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o covenant-state_n in_o their_o childhood_n quest_n 4._o what_o use_n and_o improvement_n may_v and_o aught_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n make_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n answ_n the_o use_n and_o improvement_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o it_o be_v great_a and_o of_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o they_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o few_o particular_n 1._o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v it_o as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n through_o and_o by_o which_o they_o have_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n peace_n with_o god_n and_o must_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o salvation_n which_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n they_o be_v bear_v heir_n unto_o which_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o for_o the_o purge_n away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o grant_v for_o the_o renovation_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n present_a to_o the_o eye_n what_o the_o word_n present_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o mutual_a illustration_n the_o one_o of_o the_o other_o now_o as_o this_o way_n and_o these_o mean_n be_v considerable_a under_o different_a notion_n so_o they_o be_v shadow_v and_o represent_v by_o different_a symbol_n or_o sign_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o purge_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v represent_v in_o circumsion_n as_o to_o be_v shed_v but_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o baptism_n as_o already_o shed_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o party_n baptize_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v represent_v in_o circumcision_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o superfluity_n to_o be_v ampute_v and_o cut_v off_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o baptism_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o defilement_n or_o pollution_n which_o be_v remove_v by_o wash_v but_o the_o use_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o general_n be_v and_o be_v the_o same_o namely_o to_o represent_v to_o the_o mind_n that_o way_n and_o
baptism_n than_o what_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o only_o this_o i_o must_v say_v i_o can_v at_o present_v see_v how_o we_o can_v maintain_v the_o former_a and_o not_o grant_v the_o latter_a it_o be_v true_a the_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n i_o have_v assign_v they_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a but_o the_o serious_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v extend_v to_o they_o and_o take_v due_a measure_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o show_v forth_o and_o illustration_n of_o which_o be_v design_v by_o his_o enter_a covenant_n with_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o small_a use_n unto_o any_o that_o shall_v pursue_v the_o enquiry_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a expression_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v shall_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n with_o themselves_o and_o grant_v so_o much_o good_a to_o they_o thereby_o yea_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a expression_n god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o grace_n to_o man_n next_o to_o that_o unspeakable_a gift_n the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n but_o see_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v so_o unsearchable_o rich_a in_o grace_n why_o shall_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o obstruct_v our_o belief_n why_o shall_v it_o seem_v incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o infant_n and_o grant_v they_o all_o that_o good_a that_o have_v be_v assign_v free_o though_o themselves_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o perform_v any_o duty_n antecedent_o as_o the_o condition_n or_o consequent_o immediate_o by_o way_n of_o gratitude_n when_o where_o he_o do_v impose_v a_o condition_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o adult_n yet_o himself_o give_v it_o and_o what_o fruit_n of_o gratitude_n he_o receive_v be_v find_v as_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n speak_v in_o himself_o it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o our_o opposer_n to_o the_o prejudice_a of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o for_o the_o lay_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o have_v pretend_v that_o we_o hold_v the_o same_o condition_n be_v incumbent_a upon_o infant_n even_o in_o their_o infant_n state_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o the_o adult_n only_o that_o parent_n be_v take_v as_o proxy_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n in_o the_o room_n and_o stead_n of_o their_o child_n a_o great_a mistake_n we_o say_v the_o covenant_n be_v whole_o free_a to_o child_n during_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n and_o that_o no_o condition_n at_o all_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n hence_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n covenant-interest_n we_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o abraham_n seed_n and_o such_o confess_o true_a believer_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n and_o why_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o good_a and_o those_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n assign_v to_o they_o shall_v stumble_v any_o i_o can_v see_v no_o just_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v extend_v to_o they_o and_o due_a measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be-taken_a and_o both_o consider_v in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o design_n in_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o and_o grant_v all_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o unto_o men._n though_o truth_n as_o its_o author_n neither_o needs_o nor_o be_v much_o advantage_v as_o to_o its_o entertainment_n by_o those_o who_o care_n it_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o law_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n yet_o when_o any_o man_n have_v a_o call_n to_o expose_v to_o public_a view_n what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o which_o carry_v a_o appearance_n of_o dissonancy_n from_o the_o know_a sentiment_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o orthodox_n divine_v contemporary_a with_o he_o to_o evidence_n the_o correspondency_n thereof_o with_o the_o principle_n and_o judgement_n of_o former_a divine_n of_o equal_a repute_n for_o orthodoxy_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v useful_a both_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o singularity_n and_o what_o be_v expose_v to_o view_v from_o rejection_n before_o a_o through-enquiry_n be_v make_v into_o it_o as_o for_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v i_o be_o willing_a it_o shall_v undergo_v the_o most_o severe_a scrutiny_n by_o all_o unbiased_a and_o judicious_a lover_n of_o truth_n and_o answerable_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v reject_v or_o embrace_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o neither_o shall_v i_o make_v much_o search_n after_o the_o judgement_n either_o of_o ancient_a or_o modern_a divine_n neither_o have_v i_o as_o the_o case_n at_o present_a stand_v with_o i_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o that_o have_v any_o considerable_a acquaintance_n with_o their_o write_n that_o the_o generality_n if_o not_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o father_n live_v in_o the_o first_o age_n do_v grant_v yea_o assert_v the_o full_a of_o what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o as_o most_o think_v somewhat_o more_o but_o therein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o i_o have_v now_o a_o special_a respect_n unto_o to_o have_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o they_o have_v allow_v beyond_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v must_v be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la naevos_fw-la that_o wherein_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n most_o clear_o and_o full_o in_o and_o about_o be_v those_o two_o benefit_n i_o have_v assign_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n viz._n their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o a_o right_a to_o future_a salvation_n and_o consequent_o their_o infallible_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n in_o their_o pure_a infant-state_n but_o they_o that_o have_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o benefit_n can_v be_v rational_o suppose_v to_o deny_v the_o three_o viz._n their_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n see_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o propriety_n in_o god_n be_v inseparable_a and_o yet_o that_o they_o do_v universal_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a faith_n and_o closure_n in_o with_o the_o covenant_n when_o come_v to_o year_n of_o maturity_n be_v undoubted_a so_o that_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o generality_n if_o not_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n lie_v on_o my_o side_n and_o that_o wherein_o i_o dissent_v from_o they_o they_o themselves_o dissent_v from_o the_o truth_n indeed_o it_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o at_o least_o too_o many_o seem_v to_o possible_o some_o real_o do_v ascribe_v these_o thing_n too_o abstract_o to_o baptism_n not_o have_v that_o regard_n to_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v but_o that_o all_o yea_o or_o the_o major_a part_n especial_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o be_v not_o only_o more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v but_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v rational_o conclude_v from_o variety_n of_o passage_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o their_o write_n as_o for_o our_o modern_a divine_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n i_o shall_v ready_o grant_v they_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v as_o to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o otherwise_o mind_v their_o mistake_n i_o humble_o conceive_v need_n rectify_v in_o order_n to_o a_o through_o establashment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n i_o in_o common_a with_o they_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o their_o bare_a testimony_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v improve_v against_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o whole_o singular_a some_o in_o this_o present_a age_n and_o more_o in_o the_o age_n last_o forego_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o a_o nigh_o if_o not_o exact_a correspondency_n to_o what_o i_o have_v affirm_v the_o 17_o article_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n in_o their_o first_o bead_n of_o doctrine_n viz._n predestination_n come_v up_o full_o to_o part_v of_o what_o i_o have_v affirm_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o transcribe_v it_o it_o be_v this_o quandoquidem_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la dei_fw-la ex_fw-la verbo_fw-la ipsius_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la judicandum_fw-la quod_fw-la testatur_fw-la liberos_fw-la fidelium_fw-la esse_fw-la sanctos_fw-la non_fw-la quidem_fw-la naturâ_fw-la sed_fw-la beneficio_fw-la foederis_fw-la gratuity_n in_o quo_fw-la illi_fw-la cum_fw
advantage_n they_o be_v unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o what_o good_a will_n be_v express_v by_o they_o be_v not_o discern_v by_o many_o who_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o that_o some_o ordinance_n who_o claim_n to_o that_o original_a be_v most_o just_a yet_o be_v neglect_v by_o some_o and_o utter_o reject_v by_o other_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a fierceness_n of_o opposition_n as_o judge_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a reference_n and_o signification_n this_o especial_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o infant-baptism_n the_o main_a reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sad_a corruption_n or_o rather_o utter_v loss_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n especial_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o seal_n thereof_o under_o that_o antichristian_a darkness_n that_o so_o long_o prevail_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o a_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o reference_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v suspect_v as_o to_o its_o original_a and_o answerable_o reject_v by_o conscientious_a christian_n hence_o the_o revival_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o initiatory_a seal_n and_o token_n hereof_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o great_a conducency_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o practice_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o both_o by_o parent_n and_o child_n some_o small_a essay_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v at_o present_a design_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v no_o further_o launch_v out_o into_o than_o the_o resolution_n of_o four_o inquiry_n relate_v to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o token_n thereof_o to_o infant_n the_o discussion_n of_o which_o have_v be_v sometime_o since_o promise_v make_v necessary_a the_o rosolution_n of_o those_o inquiry_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n whereby_o i_o be_o nor_o without_o some_o hope_n that_o at_o least_o some_o little_a light_n may_v shine_v forth_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o what_o reference_n this_o ordinance_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o signification_n it_o carry_v and_o signal_n expression_n it_o be_v of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o man_n and_o as_o previous_a to_o a_o more_o clear_a procedure_n in_o what_o be_v intend_v it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o three_o thing_n be_v at_o present_a presuppose_a and_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v elsewhere_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n be_v joynt-confederats_a with_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o have_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o that_o as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v so_o baptism_n now_o be_v the_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n of_o that_o covenant_n 3._o that_o infant_n as_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o outward_a sign_n or_o token_n apply_v unto_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v already_o prove_v i_o shall_v immediate_o come_v to_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a inquiry_n which_o be_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v and_o accrue_v to_o they_o thereby_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n as_o bear_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o improvement_n that_o child_n themselves_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n to_o bigin_n with_o 1._o the_o first_o viz._n why_o god_n have_v appoint_v or_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n answ_n that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a institution_n yea_o even_o those_o of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v by_o we_o but_o the_o sole_a will_n of_o the_o legislator_n be_v most_o rational_a as_o agree_v with_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a principle_n of_o true_a reason_n be_v abundant_o secure_v by_o their_o alone_a relation_n to_o he_o as_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n nothing_o irrational_a can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n hence_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o any_o practice_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n we_o ought_v and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o heart_n by_o renew_v grace_n be_v bring_v to_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o allegiance_n unto_o god_n we_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rationality_n as_o command_v by_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o mighty_a in_o power_n or_o authority_n and_o hence_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o bend_v our_o inquiry_n more_o after_o the_o will_n of_o god_n constitution_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o duty_n than_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o constitute_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v so_o be_v we_o assure_v of_o his_o will_n his_o wisdom_n secure_v his_o willing_a nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o rational_a or_o what_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n he_o shall_v command_v and_o his_o will_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o obedience_n but_o yet_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o rational_a and_o intelligent_a creature_n and_o give_v he_o eye_n to_o see_v withal_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o he_o according_a to_o mere_a sovereignty_n but_o indulge_v he_o a_o liberty_n or_o rather_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o inquire_v after_o and_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o rationality_n of_o his_o command_n only_o a_o twofold_a proviso_n be_v attend_v unto_o 1._o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sobriety_n sapit_fw-la non_fw-la sapit_fw-la qui_fw-la plus_fw-la justo_fw-la sapit_fw-la and_o presume_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v second_o that_o in_o case_n the_o rationality_n of_o this_o or_o that_o command_n appear_v not_o either_o as_o not_o reveal_v by_o god_n or_o as_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o shallow_a understanding_n to_o discern_v it_o he_o yield_v to_o mere_a sovereignty_n and_o answerable_o resolve_v to_o obey_v though_o he_o see_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o this_o that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o and_o for_o christian_n still_o attend_v to_o these_o prouiso_n to_o search_v after_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o divine_a command_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n command_v this_o or_o that_o as_o a_o duty_n conduce_v not_o a_o little_a as_o to_o their_o cheerful_a and_o complacential_a walk_v in_o way_n of_o obedience_n so_o to_o their_o please_a and_o honour_v god_n in_o any_o by_o that_o their_o obedience_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a reason_v as_o darken_v and_o corrupt_v in_o fall_v man_n rise_v up_o with_o a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o god_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.7_o the_o wisdom_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v carnal_a or_o corrupt_a wisdom_n or_o reason_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n yet_o reason_n sanctify_a and_o regulate_v by_o supernatural_a light_n be_v high_o serviceable_a unto_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o great_o subserve_v their_o yield_n unto_o god_n due_a honour_n and_o glory_n in_o and_o by_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n the_o more_o of_o sanctify_a reason_n any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o clear_o suppose_v his_o due_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o will_v he_o discern_v the_o rationality_n of_o divine_a command_n and_o confequent_o the_o more_o full_o and_o free_o will_v he_o own_v and_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o command_n and_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o his_o sovereignty_n as_o command_v and_o answerable_o honour_v he_o by_o a_o complacential_a obedience_n dience_n hence_o christian_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n suppose_v they_o proportionable_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a will_v be_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o in_o his_o way_n to_o bring_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o though_o the_o alone_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n of_o his_o
make_v to_o they_o yet_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o they_o redound_v to_o and_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n seed_n aster_v he_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o make_v to_o abraham_n himself_o though_o the_o good_a contain_v therein_o redound_v to_o and_o be_v enjoy_v by_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o promise_v as_o continue_v to_o believer_n they_o be_v first_o make_v to_o parent_n say_v god_n concern_v abraham_n i_o know_v he_o that_o the_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o that_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o he_o gen_n 18.19_o now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v of_o or_o promise_v to_o abraham_n why_o not_o only_o that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o as_o personal_o consider_v but_o a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n or_o household_n after_o he_o and_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n this_o twofold_a good_a of_o god_n be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o seed_n and_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o everlasting_a possession_n though_o enjoy_v by_o his_o seed_n yet_o be_v first_o promise_v to_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o and_o on_o their_o behasf_n child_n stand_v at_o so_o little_a a_o distance_n from_o parent_n that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o parent_n themselves_o multiply_v parent_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n subsist_v in_o their_o child_n and_o answerable_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o child_n be_v account_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o di_fw-mi ctate_v of_o nature_n the_o good_a or_o evilof_o their_o parent_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o say_v the_o syrophenician_a when_o she_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o cure_v for_o her_o afflict_a daughter_n matth._n 15.22_o she_o account_v her_o daughter_n affliction_n her_o own_o and_o the_o daughter_n cure_n will_v be_v the_o mother_n mercy_n hence_o promise_v of_o good_a to_o and_o thâ—â—â—â—tnings_n of_o evil_n against_o child_n be_v frequent_o first_o make_v to_o or_o denounce_v against_o the_o parent_n themselves_o as_o a_o good_a or_o evil_n unto_o they_o so_o here_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v the_o seed_n be_v particular_a and_o distinct_a branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o establish_v with_o believer_n themselves_o but_o 2._o these_o promise_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n they_o be_v not_o make_v only_o to_o their_o parent_n but_o also_o to_o their_o seed_n with_o they_o and_o hence_o parent_n and_o childaen_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o joynt-confederates_a with_o god_n hence_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o abraham_n i_o will_v 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 gen._n 17.7_o the_o covenant_n be_v establish_v with_o abraham_n seed_n as_o well_o with_o abraham_n himself_o and_o seed_n here_o include_v his_o immediate_a child_n as_o well_o as_o mediate_v and_o hence_o again_o the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o believer_n themselves_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n act_n 2.39_o and_o child_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n may_v and_o ougth_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o make_v to_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n now_o according_a to_o this_o twofold_a consideration_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n 1._o thereby_o that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o parent_n respect_v their_o seed_n be_v ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o the_o parent_n hence_o in_o gen._n 17.10_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v you_o in_o the_o former_a 〈…〉_o the_o verse_n intend_v both_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o distinguish_v from_o his_o and_o their_o respective_a natural_a childre_n this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o they_o shall_v keep_v between_o god_n and_o they_o viz._n that_o every_o manchild_n among_o they_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o their_o male_a child_n be_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o and_o how_o be_v the_o circumicision_n of_o their_o child_n say_v to_o be_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o why_o partlyas_n that_o be_v in_o part_n the_o restipulation_n of_o the_o covenant_n require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o partly_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o viz._n that_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n so_o that_o circumcision_n of_o their_o male_a child_n be_v in_o part_n their_o duty_n or_o a_o part_n of_o the_o restipulation_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o also_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n viz._n those_o respect_v their_o seed_n make_v unto_o they_o and_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o circumcision_n be_v true_a of_o baptism_n in_o as_o much_o as_o circumcision_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o consider_v under_o that_o general_a notion_n viz._n the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o circumcision_n as_o consider_v in_o that_o general_a notion_n be_v alike_o applicable_a to_o baptism_n it_o succeed_v circumicsion_n in_o that_o notion_n and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aptness_n and_o fitness_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n to_o seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o believer_n this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o they_o on_o the_o behalf_n or_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n when_o god_n shall_v add_v to_o his_o promise_n a_o token_n to_o be_v apply_v not_o only_o to_o believer_n themselves_o but_o to_o their_o seed_n that_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a great_a aptness_n and_o fitness_n further_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o promise_n to_o they_o respect_v their_o seed_n and_o a_o twofold_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v of_o god_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o believer_n this_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o which_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n the_o covenant_n enter_v with_o believer_n consist_v as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o two_o branch_n the_o first_o respect_n themselves_o the_o second_o their_o seed_n now_o the_o sign_n or_o token_n as_o apply_v only_o to_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o whole_a covenant_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o that_o branch_n respect_v themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o token_n as_o apply_v to_o themselves_o signify_v their_o be_v blessing_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o consequent_o that_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v not_o have_v be_v confirm_v at_o least_o so_o express_o and_o clear_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o sole_a applicatin_n of_o the_o token_n to_o themselves_o because_o then_o the_o token_n have_v not_o be_v full_o proportionate_a to_o the_o covenant_n hence_o that_o the_o token_n may_v be_v proportionate_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o answerable_o more_o full_o advantageous_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n god_n have_v ordain_v the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o 2._o the_o great_a addition_n that_o by_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n respect_v their_o seed_n be_v make_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n seem_v to_o make_v such_o a_o superadditional_a confirmation_n necessary_a so_o great_a a_o addition_n be_v make_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o parent_n by_o the_o extension_n of_o it_o to_o their_o seed_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v have_v even_o nonplus_v their_o faith_n have_v not_o this_o superadditional_a confirmation_n be_v give_v we_o see_v how_o david_n stand_v even_o amaze_v as_o not_o know_v what_o to_o say_v when_o he_o not_o only_o review_v what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v for_o he_o but_o confider_v the_o
believer_n therefore_o it_o constitute_v the_o same_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o other_o viz._n their_o infant-seed_n it_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o establish_v with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o believer_n themselves_o this_o argument_n carry_v its_o evidence_n with_o the_o same_o clearness_n as_o the_o former_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o establish_v with_o adult_a believer_n differ_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o as_o establish_v with_o infant_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o union_n constitute_v between_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o constitute_v between_o he_o and_o adult_n believer_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n accept_v of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n admission_n thereinto_o as_o will_v as_o the_o faith_n of_o grow_v person_n for_o their_o own_o admission_n thereinto_o now_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n as_o absolute_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o require_v such_o and_o such_o condition_n that_o constitute_v this_o kind_n of_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o man_n be_v they_o adult_v or_o infant_n neither_o can_v that_o high_a kind_n of_o union_n viz._n physical_a that_o believer_n have_v with_o christ_n be_v plead_v as_o a_o prejudice_n to_o infant_n enjoyment_n of_o this_o low_a kind_n of_o union_n with_o he_o see_v neither_o the_o antecedent_n operation_n or_o consequent_a indwel_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o that_o high_a kind_n of_o union_n be_v effect_v be_v any_o otherwise_o necessary_a to_o this_o low_a kind_n of_o union_n which_o i_o call_v political_n or_o mere_o relative_a than_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o adult_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n appertain_v to_o they_o have_v personal_o perform_v they_o make_v so_o to_o be_v when_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v true_o and_o real_o perform_v without_o such_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n they_o may_v and_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o indwelling_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v also_o their_o case_n there_o a_o political_a union_n may_v be_v real_o constitute_v and_o yet_o no_o high_a union_n grant_v so_o that_o infant_n have_v a_o real_a political_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v evident_a and_o indeed_o to_o grant_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o deny_v they_o such_o a_o union_n will_v be_v absolute_o contradictory_n what_o objection_n carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o opposition_n against_o what_o have_v be_v now_o grant_v yea_o assert_v shall_v be_v consider_v hereafter_o this_o i_o say_v at_o present_a that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v grant_v yea_o must_v be_v affirm_v to_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a political_n or_o relative_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o it_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o membership_n so_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o their_o right_n in_o the_o church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a here_o upon_o earth_n neither_o be_v we_o concern_v as_o i_o conceive_v to_o inquire_v or_o determine_v how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o union_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o invisible_a see_v our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n relate_v unto_o they_o have_v divine_a revelation_n for_o their_o ground_n and_o rule_v this_o objection_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o good_a benefit_n or_o advantage_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n body_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o first_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o touch_v upon_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v continual_o make_v for_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o more_o general_a assembly_n so_o of_o each_o particular_a believer_n to_o make_v know_v their_o request_n unto_o god_n for_o themselves_o or_o on_o his_o own_o behalf_n by_o prayer_n supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 4._o so_o to_o pray_v for_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o psal_n 122.6_o by_o jerusalem_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o love_n both_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o which_o each_o in_o particular_a be_v a_o member_n that_o be_v the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o regeneration_n oblige_v and_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o but_o sincere_a saint_n especial_o in_o their_o more_o solemn_a address_n unto_o god_n 〈◊〉_d leave_v some_o 〈…〉_o in_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 51.18_o so_o in_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 1.16_o though_o the_o one_o be_v only_o make_v application_n to_o god_n for_o relief_n in_o a_o particular_a case_n the_o other_o leave_v his_o valedictory_n benediction_n with_o those_o he_o have_v write_v to_o yet_o zion_n or_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o hence_o there_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n not_o treasury_n of_o merit_n continual_o treasure_v up_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v their_o interest_n and_o share_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a benefit_n to_o have_v so_o many_o thousand_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o remembrancer_n daily_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o make_v with_o and_o to_o his_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v make_v with_o and_o to_o they_o in_o special_a as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n and_o this_o if_o due_o consider_v may_v yield_v great_a comfort_n to_o believe_a parent_n that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o themselves_o be_v daily_o present_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n by_o so_o many_o who_o be_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o have_v the_o ear_n of_o god_n open_a to_o they_o 2._o and_o rather_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n they_o have_v a_o joint_a interest_n with_o all_o other_o member_n in_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o he_o exercise_n over_o his_o own_o house_n that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o father_n be_v evident_a as_o from_o variety_n of_o other_o scripture_n so_o in_o special_a from_o that_o john_n 5.22_o where_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o father_n judge_v no_o man_n but_o have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n unto_o the_o son_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o cease_v to_o work_v himself_o for_o the_o father_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o that_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o son_n be_v evident_a and_o this_o work_n of_o providence_n or_o providential_a care_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o first_o more_o general_a and_o so_o it_o extend_v to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n no_o creature_n that_o receive_v its_o be_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v under_o providence_n as_o administer_v by_o christ_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o so_o by_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n consist_v 2._o second_o more_o special_a and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n therefore_o he_o be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o emphasis_n to_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n psal_n 121.4_o he_o that_o keep_v israel_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v he_o that_o be_v keep_v israel_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v as_o we_o have_v here_o the_o special_a object_n of_o divine_a providence_n viz._n israel_n that_o be_v the_o church_n so_o the_o exactness_n and_o speciality_n of_o that_o providential_a care_n exercise_v towards_o or_o over_o that_o object_n intimate_v partly_o in_o the_o word_n keep_v or_o keep_v that_o be_v careful_o and_o diligent_o keep_v connotat_fw-la keep_v curam_fw-la solicitudinem_fw-la &_o diligentiam_fw-la connotat_fw-la more_o full_o declare_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v a_o man_n though_o he_o fall_v not_o
sense_n of_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o any_o to_o conclude_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o special_a care_n extend_v to_o or_o exercise_v over_o the_o former_a or_o that_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n thereby_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n his_o path_n in_o the_o deep_a water_n as_o for_o his_o footstep_n they_o be_v not_o know_v psal_n 77.19_o how_o many_o glorious_a design_n do_v our_o lord_n christ_n carry_v on_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o family_n and_o the_o several_a member_n thereof_o when_o yet_o neither_o the_o time_n when_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o be_v lay_v nor_o the_o various_a working_n of_o providence_n in_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v discern_v or_o observe_v either_o by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o or_o by_o saint_n themselves_o only_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o their_o intend_a perfection_n they_o give_v abundant_a cause_n to_o those_o who_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o to_o admire_v and_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o they_o ever_o have_v a_o place_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o family_n over_o which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o god_n who_o ride_v upon_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n and_o who_o strength_n be_v in_o the_o cloud_n who_o that_o have_v any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v his_o sense_n at_o all_o exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v will_v willing_o be_v remove_v from_o under_o this_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o great_a empire_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o though_o yet_o continue_v under_o that_o general_a providence_n that_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n so_o that_o not_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n to_o be_v under_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o singular_a good_a by_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o disclaim_v christianity_n and_o avow_v themselves_o open_a infidel_n now_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n he_o exercise_n over_o it_o but_o now_o parent_n by_o disclaim_v their_o seed_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o refuse_v on_o that_o account_n to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o do_v if_o not_o absolute_o yet_o at_o lest_o what_o in_o they_o lie_v deprive_v they_o of_o this_o privilege_n and_o leave_v they_o under_o only_o that_o general_a and_o common_a providence_n that_o be_v exercise_v over_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o oh_o that_o man_n yea_o that_o christian_n shall_v become_v so_o cruel_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o body_n chap._n iu._n the_o good_a redound_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n from_o their_o admission_n into_o and_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n further_o open_v in_o a_o three_o instance_n viz._n they_o stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n some_o of_o these_o promise_v mention_v the_o full_a good_a contain_v in_o they_o unfold_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v stand_v nigh_o to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n full_o prove_v a_o exaggeration_n of_o parent_n evil_a in_o reject_v their_o child_n church-membership_a 3._o three_o and_o especial_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n stand_v nigh_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o and_o answerable_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n the_o promise_v i_o have_v reference_n to_o be_v such_o as_o these_o isa_n 54.13_o jer._n 31.31_o that_o the_o very_a first_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n i_o mean_v inherent_a or_o renew_v grace_n whereby_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v in_o and_o reinstamp_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v original_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n himself_o needs_o no_o other_o proof_n than_o the_o bare_a recital_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o affirm_v it_o john_n 3.3_o 7._o compare_v with_o john_n 1.13_o ephes_n 2.8_o 10._o james_n 1.17_o 18._o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o promise_v aforemention_v and_o unto_o which_o i_o have_v reference_n do_v contain_v and_o hold_v forth_o save_v grace_n and_o at_o least_o that_o isai_n 54.13_o the_o very_a first_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o word_n themselves_o so_o from_o the_o application_n our_o lord_n christ_n make_v of_o that_o promise_n in_o john_n 6.44_o 45._o where_o we_o see_v our_o lord_n christ_n apply_v these_o teach_n of_o god_n to_o those_o effectual_a teach_n and_o drawing_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o which_o whosoever_o do_v enjoy_v do_v actual_o come_v to_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o be_v unto_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o yet_o far_o that_o these_o promise_v i_o now_o reser_fw-ge unto_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o new-testament-time_n and_o that_o during_o the_o present_a administration_n be_v undeniable_o secure_v both_o by_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o they_o compare_v those_o forecited_a text_n with_o john_n 6.44_o 45._o heb._n 8.11_o so_o that_o as_o all_o special_a or_o save_v grace_n especial_o that_o first_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v and_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v original_o from_o god_n so_o these_o promise_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o assure_v that_o grace_n unto_o some_o in_o new-testament-time_n during_o the_o present_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o i_o say_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o do_v stand_v nigh_o to_o these_o promise_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o be_v the_o more_o especial_a object_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o they_o have_v and_o be_v parent_n saithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v more_o abundant_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n especial_o among_o they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o see_v how_o great_a a_o good_a and_o advantage_n the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o respect_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o show_v more_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o good_a that_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o promise_n and_o 2._o second_o prove_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n do_v stand_v nigh_a to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n what_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_v be_v and_o that_o be_v twofold_a the_o former_a employ_v and_o presuppose_v the_o latter_a more_o plain_o express_v first_o the_o good_a contain_v in_o these_o promise_v be_v the_o vouchsafement_n of_o such_o outward_a mean_n as_o be_v ape_n and_o sufficient_a according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o and_o his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o work_a grace_n in_o man_n instrumental_o to_o convey_v grace_n to_o and_o work_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n these_o mean_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o outward_a communication_n or_o publication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n declare_v the_o way_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o some_o way_n communicate_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o and_o through_o which_o god_n do_v ordinary_o work_v grace_n in_o those_o who_o salvation_n he_o intend_v i_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o who_o capacity_n admit_v of_o their_o reception_n of_o grace_n that_o way_n now_o when_o god_n promise_v grace_n he_o implicit_o promise_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o may_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n be_v wrought_v in_o those_o intend_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o remove_v one_o objection_n that_o may_v possible_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n at_o least_o of_o some_o man_n obj._n possible_o it_o may_v be_v say_v these_o promise_n seem_v rather_o to_o exclude_v than_o include_v any_o external_a mean_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v when_o these_o promise_n come_v to_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n man_n shall_v not_o teach_v every_o
people_n and_o their_o seed_n successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o promise_n or_o that_o they_o be_v tobe_n interpret_v and_o understand_v not_o in_o a_o definite_a but_o in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n and_o do_v impartial_o observe_v the_o way_n of_o god_n procedure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o man_n any_o endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o performance_n will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a for_o though_o some_o have_v contemn_v that_o observation_n that_o other_o have_v make_v viz._n that_o that_o seed_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o fall_a man_n to_o serve_v he_o be_v in_o a_o considerable_a measure_n raise_v out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o so_o evident_a to_o unbiased_a observer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o little_a confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n now_o give_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o be_v a_o abundant_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o as_o it_o have_v in_o all_o age_n pass_v give_v so_o still_o give_v he_o the_o just_a name_n and_o repute_v of_o a_o god_n keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o three_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v they_o be_v os_fw-la that_o collective_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o these_o promise_n do_v in_o the_o general_n appertain_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v that_o special_a part_n of_o or_o species_n of_o member_n in_o that_o body_n or_o society_n to_o who_o these_o promise_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n do_v belong_v they_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o promise_v as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o they_o be_v yet_o nigh_o as_o they_o be_v specify_v and_o point_v out_o to_o be_v the_o person_n peculiar_o intend_v in_o they_o and_o according_a to_o their_o nignness_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o especial_o when_o parent_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o be_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v how_o rare_o be_v it_o find_v when_o parent_n with_o abraham_n be_v faithful_a in_o instruct_v and_o command_v their_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o though_o sometime_o more_o sometime_o sewer_a according_a to_o the_o number_n they_o be_v bless_v with_o be_v find_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v of_o those_o instruction_n walk_v in_o these_o way_n yea_o how_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o parent_n so_o perform_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n with_o comfortable_a hope_n that_o all_o they_o be_v heir_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n now_o then_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o believe_a parent_n shall_v have_v their_o understanding_n so_o far_o darken_v and_o their_o judgement_n so_o far_o blind_v to_o make_v that_o which_o sometime_o be_v the_o gentile_n and_o be_v now_o the_o jew_n misery_n viz._n to_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n their_o choice_n though_o not_o for_o themselves_o yet_o for_o they_o and_o shall_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v set_v they_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o fall_v man_n that_o he_o may_v obrain_n a_o exchange_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v their_o lot_n among_o those_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o we_o may_v well_o call_v to_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o and_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o place_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o this_o first_o head_n of_o benefy_v accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o they_o have_v admission_n into_o and_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o god_n by_o command_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n speak_v to_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o seed_n as_o jacob_n to_o joseph_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o two_o son_n bring_v your_o child_n near_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v bless_v they_o bring_v they_o into_o my_o house_n and_o family_n and_o as_o they_o then_o shall_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o it_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o special_a providential_a care_n of_o my_o son_n over_o they_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o they_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o nigh_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v grace_n promise_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v you_o faithful_a in_o your_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o my_o promise_n now_o shall_v any_o reject_v such_o a_o gracious_a invitation_n how_o just_o may_v child_n cnrse_v the_o day_n they_o be_v ever_o bring_v forth_o by_o such_o parent_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n propose_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v a_o enquiry_n make_v whether_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n definit_o or_o only_o indefinite_o the_o various_a judgement_n of_o paedo-baptist_n about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v enter_v and_o make_v definite_o prove_v two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n seed_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o loin_n where_o two_o reason_n be_v offer_v second_o it_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o three_o reason_n respect_v both_o abraham_n and_o all_o other_o believer_n seed_n the_o forementioned_a good_a accrue_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n open_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o two_o question_n the_o former_a propose_v viz._n what_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v reference_n unto_o that_o it_o have_v a_o twofold_a reference_n show_v first_o to_o the_o covenant_n as_o abstract_o and_o absolute_o consider_v the_o thing_n ratify_v seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o that_o its_o reference_n determine_v to_o be_v their_o covenant_n that_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o two_o argument_n to_o be_v their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemn_a power_n of_o originalsin_n and_o that_o both_o originans_n and_o originatum_fw-la 2._o the_o second_o good_a or_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n have_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v this_o viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o promise_v thereof_o appertain_v to_o they_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a unfolding_n of_o this_o good_a or_o benefit_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a but_o seem_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o poedo-baptists_n themselves_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o enter_v with_o and_o make_v to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n about_o that_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o according_a to_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o be_v different_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o good_a accrue_v to_o infant_n by_o their_o covenant-interest_n and_o their_o have_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n apply_v to_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o brief_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o i_o go_v along_o 1._o first_o some_o conserve_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v enter_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n only_o indefinite_o and_o anfwerable_o that_o the_o promise_v appertain_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o a_o indefinite_a notion_n that_o be_v as_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o general_o and_o collective_o consider_v but_o not_o make_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o those_o that_o go_v this_o way_n some_o conceive_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n appertain_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o secure_a to_o they_o only_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o save_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o necessary_o convey_v to_o or_o confer_v
be_v significative_a of_o both_o as_o the_o way_n through_o which_o the_o elect_n be_v prepare_v for_o and_o bring_v into_o glory_n hence_o that_o allusion_n require_v not_o that_o regeneration_n antecede_v nor_o yet_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v conser_v by_o or_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 it_o only_o suppose_v the_o token_n to_o be_v of_o such_o use_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v the_o way_n through_o which_o god_n do_v bring_v his_o elect_n to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v only_o a_o sign_n of_o present_a regeneration_n to_o the_o adult_n as_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o they_o do_v suppose_v they_o heir_n of_o salvation_n that_o way_n viz._n through_o regeneration_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o be_v heir_n another_o way_n viz._n through_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o such_o parent_n it_o only_o signify_v and_o represent_v the_o way_n how_o they_o shall_v suppose_v they_o ordain_v thereunto_o be_v bring_v to_o salvation_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v already_o regenerate_v or_o yet_o to_o be_v regenerate_v can_v be_v determine_v from_o that_o allusion_n 2._o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n refer_v to_o regeneration_n as_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o regeneration_n but_o than_o it_o can_v only_o seal_v and_o confirm_v those_o promise_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o tenor_n and_o consequent_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o indefinite_a respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o general_a as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n must_v be_v answerable_a and_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o god_n by_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o those_o promise_v of_o divine_a teach_n put_v his_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o seed_n hence_o the_o promise_n deut._n 30.6_o be_v express_v in_o that_o phrase_n i_o will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n plain_o show_v that_o circumcision_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o baptism_n have_v some_o reference_n to_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o be_v this_o it_o do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v the_o promise_n concern_v the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o their_o seed_n which_o promise_v be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v only_o indefinite_a the_o seal_n must_v needs_o be_v proportionable_a so_o that_o though_o we_o grant_v yea_o affirm_v that_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v all_o that_o good_a and_o all_o those_o privilege_n afore_o express_v vouchsafe_v to_o they_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o necessary_o follow_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v certain_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v true_o regenerate_v or_o sanctify_v god_n may_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n he_o shall_v proceed_v to_o their_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n nor_o yet_o oblige_v himself_o thereunto_o as_o for_o those_o preparatory_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o some_o kind_n of_o predisposition_n towards_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o a_o posse_fw-la agere_fw-la be_v wrought_v in_o they_o though_o i_o conceive_v they_o may_v be_v grant_v without_o prejudice_n to_o those_o great_a doctrine_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o perseverance_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a thore_fw-la be_v many_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n grant_v to_o those_o that_o never_o attain_v to_o true_a grace_n yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o do_v hold_v they_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o all_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n no_o not_o to_o all_o yea_o or_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o god_n may_v take_v the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o together_o with_o their_o parent_n and_o thereby_o set_v they_o free_a from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o original_a sin_n put_v himself_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o act_v as_o a_o god_n towards_o they_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n into_o which_o they_o be_v take_v appoint_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o and_o thereby_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a and_o vouchsafe_v they_o all_o those_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n aforemention_v and_o yet_o not_o vouchsafe_v they_o any_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o special_a or_o common_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o though_o god_n have_v express_v his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n in_o all_o those_o glorious_a vouchsafement_n before_o express_v yet_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o their_o universal_a regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n but_o shall_v leave_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n save_o to_o work_v upon_o who_o he_o please_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o that_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o please_v as_o himself_o see_v meet_v this_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o threefold_a consideration_n 1._o first_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v yea_o moral_o impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v constitute_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n between_o himself_o and_o man_n whether_o infant_n or_o adult_n and_o yet_o shall_v include_v the_o condition_n require_v of_o man_n in_o and_o thereby_o secure_v their_o performance_n of_o it_o by_o any_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o so_o consider_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v for_o this_o will_v quite_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v a_o conditional_a and_o consequent_o any_o covenant_n at_o all_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o absolute_a covenant_n or_o rather_o a_o compendium_n or_o synopsis_n of_o absolute_a promise_n and_o beside_o person_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n before_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o interest_n be_v perform_v by_o they_o which_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v a_o absolute_a contradiction_n hence_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o conditional_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n but_o appertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n as_o make_v with_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o israel_n collective_o consider_v and_o secure_a to_o the_o elect_a the_o grace_n require_v on_o man_n part_n to_o his_o admission_n into_o or_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n as_o conditional_o make_v with_o particular_a person_n 2._o consider_v how_o rational_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v require_v something_o of_o duty_n from_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n or_o something_o of_o duty_n from_o child_n themselves_o if_o not_o from_o both_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o or_o fail_v in_o which_o he_o shall_v continue_v or_o discontinue_v their_o covenant-state_n when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n the_o rationality_n of_o this_o supposal_n appear_v from_o the_o conformity_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o his_o so_o do_v to_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o those_o he_o either_o offer_v his_o covenant_n to_o or_o enter_v covenant_n with_o take_v it_o of_o unbeliever_n to_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v offer_v there_o be_v something_o of_o duty_n require_v on_o their_o part_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reception_n into_o covenant_n they_o be_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o it_o take_v it_o of_o believer_n with_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v actual_o enter_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o good_a promise_v but_o something_o of_o duty_n be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o their_o non-performance_n of_o that_o duty_n they_o may_v be_v and_o usual_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v alike_o rational_a that_o god_n shall_v require_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n from_o they_o towards_o their_o child_n upon_o the_o non-performance_n of_o which_o he_o shall_v withhold_v the_o good_a promise_v or_o shall_v not_o bring_v upon_o they_o as_o god_n speak_v concern_v abraham_n the_o good_a promise_v yea_o in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o covenant-state_n between_o god_n and_o themselves_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o duty_n require_v on_o their_o part_n the_o performance_n of_o which_o it_o be_v true_a be_v secure_v to_o they_o another_o way_n but_o however_o duty_n be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n upon_o their_o non-performance_n of_o which_o