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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 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faithful_a as_o also_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o bless_v and_o make_v effectual_a his_o own_o institution_n to_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o in_o subserviency_n to_o man_n freedom_n from_o that_o wrath_n if_o parent_n do_v not_o believe_v their_o child_n be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o fin_n and_o the_o threaten_n declare_v and_o denounce_v wrath_n against_o they_o as_o under_o that_o guilt_n why_o shall_v they_o put_v they_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o solemn_a dedieation_n of_o they_o to_o he_o for_o the_o secure_v they_o from_o wrath_n and_o of_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o sure_a refuge_n and_o that_o the_o promise_n in_o he_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o put_v they_o under_o his_o wing_n or_o carry_v they_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o the_o promise_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v appoint_v in_o some_o kind_n of_o subserviency_n to_o their_o freedom_n from_o wrath_n at_o least_o as_o grow_v up_o unto_o year_n of_o maturity_n and_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o bless_v and_o make_v effectual_a that_o institution_n for_o the_o use_n and_o end_n he_o have_v appoint_v it_o why_o shall_v they_o mind_v it_o or_o take_v any_o care_n about_o it_o who_o will_v flee_v himself_o or_o carry_v his_o child_n to_o a_o refuge_n unless_o he_o apprehend_v some_o danger_n who_o will_v make_v that_o a_o refuge_n to_o himself_o or_o he_o that_o he_o apprehend_v not_o safety_n in_o who_o will_v take_v any_o course_n for_o the_o secure_n himself_o or_o he_o under_o any_o refuge_n that_o he_o do_v not_o apprehend_v will_v be_v effectual_a for_o that_o end_n hence_o i_o say_v parent_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n do_v visible_o and_o practical_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n heb._n 11.28_o through_o faith_n he_o keep_v the_o passover_n ad_fw-la the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first-born_a shall_v touch_v they_o believe_v the_o threaten_n denounce_v against_o egypt_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o their_o first-born_a and_o believe_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o themselves_o concern_v their_o own_o freedom_n from_o that_o plague_n upon_o their_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o door_n he_o keep_v the_o passover_n and_o sprinkle_v or_o take_v care_n that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v sprinkle_v upon_o their_o door_n post_v according_o and_o as_o he_o do_v this_o through_o faith_n so_o his_o do_v it_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o practical_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n pari_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o nobis_fw-la circa_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la say_v pareus_n as_o there_o be_v a_o need_n of_o the_o like_a faith_n so_o the_o like_a faith_n be_v visible_o and_o practical_o profess_v by_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 and_o this_o great_o redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o peculiar_a discovery_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o moses_n his_o faith_n imply_v that_o much_o or_o as_o our_o lord_n christ_n speak_v a_o great_a faith_n be_v require_v unto_o and_o discover_v by_o his_o observation_n of_o that_o institution_n and_o let_v i_o say_v do_v parent_n act_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o infant-seed_n from_o so_o pure_a a_o principle_n of_o faith_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o do_v they_o act_v their_o faith_n as_o they_o ought_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o token_n as_o apply_v to_o they_o their_o faith_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v a_o very_a excellency_n in_o it_o they_o may_v be_v well_o renown_v for_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o faith_n now_o at_o the_o great_a rate_n of_o excellency_n faith_n act_n the_o more_o be_v god_n honour_v and_o glorify_v thereby_o see_v rom_n 4.19_o and_o 20._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v evident_o see_v what_o a_o direct_a yea_o how_o great_a a_o reference_n the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o believer_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o reference_n it_o have_v to_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v in_o part_n that_o he_o require_v it_o 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o reason_n of_o this_o institution_n respect_v god_n may_v be_v its_o reâ—erence_n and_o subserviency_n to_o the_o supportation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o supportation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n here_o in_o the_o world_n be_v great_o subserve_v hereby_o look_v for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n the_o covenant_n be_v extend_v to_o the_o seed_n both_o of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n on_o see_v mr._n carter_n his_o abraham_n covenant_n open_v pag._n 36._o and_o so_o on_o with_o reference_n and_o in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o now_o one_o end_n of_o the_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o multiplication_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o order_n to_o the_o supportation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o answerable_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o have_v a_o direct_a reference_n and_o subserviency_n to_o that_o end_n what_o reference_n and_o subserviency_n it_o have_v to_o that_o end_n will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o his_o people_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_n god_n himself_o chap._n two_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n ordain_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 respect_v the_o parent_n from_o three_o reason_n now_o assign_v 1._o the_o advantage_n arise_v therefrom_o to_o their_o faith_n howgreat_o their_o faith_n be_v advantage_v thereby_o show_v 2._o it_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o child_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o god_n may_v thereby_o lay_v great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o 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 as_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n thy_o variety_n of_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o paedo-baptist_n so_o to_o do_v above_o what_o anti-paedo-baptists_n can_v apprehend_v themselves_o to_o lie_v under_o open_v how_o much_o great_a ground_n of_o hope_n for_o success_n in_o their_o endeavour_n paedo-baptist_n have_v than_o anti-pedo-baptists_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n can_v have_v show_v the_o three_o head_n of_o reason_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n mention_v the_o second_o head_n of_o reason_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v the_o parent_n to_o who_o seed_n the_o token_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o thus_o these_o four_o reason_n lie_v obvious_a 1._o first_o it_o be_v for_o the_o advantge_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o seed_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n they_o have_v a_o visible_a ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v thereof_o as_o extend_v and_o make_v to_o they_o and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o full_o discover_v what_o advantage_n 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 be_v to_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v act_v with_o reference_n to_o they_o we_o many_o observe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covernant_a respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v considerable_a two_o way_n 1._o the_o promise_v respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v make_v to_o parent_n with_o reference_n to_o and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o their_o seed_n 2._o they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o seed_n themselves_o as_o descend_v from_o such_o parent_n 1._o the_o promise_v respect_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n be_v first_o and_o primary_o make_v to_o their_o parent_n and_o be_v particular_a branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n establesh_v with_o they_o the_o covenant_n confist_n in_o more_o promise_n than_o one_o or_o be_v comprehenfive_v of_o several_a distinct_a promise_n some_o of_o which_o only_o concern_v believer_n themselves_o or_o contain_v some_o good_a to_o be_v enjoy_v only_o by_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o person_n other_o respect_v they_o though_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o
their_o child_n than_o other_o have_v or_o do_v take_v in_o they_o but_o now_o the_o covenant_n as_o enter_v with_o believer_n extend_v to_o and_o take_v in_o their_o child_n with_o they_o and_o that_o as_o seal_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n or_o token_n both_o to_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v a_o precious_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o they_o concernign_a their_o child_n and_o may_v if_o not_o whole_o yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n relieve_v they_o under_o that_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n that_o other_o wise_a will_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o jo_v state_n by_o nature_n now_o they_o may_v rational_o rejoice_v and_o take_v comfort_n in_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o to_o have_v have_v a_o bare_a promise_n belong_v ot_fw-mi their_o child_n will_v have_v conduce_v great_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o they_o but_o to_o have_v the_o promise_v confirm_v and_o that_o such_o various_a way_n must_v need_v 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reason_n why_o god_n have_v not_o only_o extend_v his_o coventant_a but_o appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o that_o they_o many_o have_v solid_a comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o they_o 3._o god_n may_v have_v appoint_v the_o applicatio_fw-la 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 that_o he_o may_v thereby_o lay_v a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o and_o more_o effectual_o provoke_v they_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n and_o a_o vigorous_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n himself_o have_v direct_v they_o to_o subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o child_n embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n the_o multiplication_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o thereby_o the_o supportation_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o reductio_fw-la 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infant-baptism_n as_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n though_o himself_o a_o little_a after_o as_o be_v there_o observe_v sufficient_o insinuate_v or_o rather_o plain_o confess_v the_o injustice_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o that_o charge_n and_o whether_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n or_o our_o opposer_n be_v thore_fw-la just_o chargeable_a with_o that_o mischief_n shall_v now_o god_n will_v be_v inquire_v into_o only_o premise_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v charge_v upon_o any_o practice_n or_o doctrine_n as_o a_o mischief_n attend_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o which_o be_v noly_a consequential_a of_o some_o particular_a mistake_n of_o particular_a person_n own_v that_o doctrine_n or_o walk_v in_o such_o a_o practice_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o i_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o paedo-baptist_n have_v fall_v into_o and_o maintain_v such_o gross_a mistake_n about_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n as_o have_v a_o too_o evident_a tendency_n to_o further_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n among_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v only_o the_o mistake_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n that_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v to_o be_v of_o that_o tendency_n 2._o that_o those_o mistake_n respect_v baptism_n in_o general_n and_o not_o as_o apply_v to_o infant_n rather_o than_o to_o grow_v person_n and_o what_o a_o unrighteous_a charge_n that_o be_v when_o that_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n which_o may_v only_o possible_o ensue_v from_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o particular_a man_n and_o those_o respect_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n no_o more_o than_o the_o baptism_n of_o grow_v person_n be_v obvious_a to_o all_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o indeed_o lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o their_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n or_o man_n may_v through_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o about_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o countenance_v the_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n but_o be_v take_v to_o give_v a_o absolute_a discharge_n from_o it_o yea_o to_o encourage_v to_o the_o direct_a contrary_a fin_n and_o impiety_n to_o give_v instance_n be_v superfluous_a but_o to_o charge_v such_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n with_o the_o mischief_n of_o lay_v a_o soundation_n to_o such_o fin_n and_o impiety_n against_o which_o they_o most_o strong_o oblige_v which_o only_o through_o the_o mstake_n of_o man_n about_o they_o have_v be_v improve_v by_o some_o to_o such_o a_o ill_a purpose_n be_v most_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a 2._o it_o must_v also_o be_v premise_v that_o man_n live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o in_o sinsand_n impiety_n lie_v opposite_a thereunto_o be_v no_o safe_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o tendency_n of_o their_o avow_a judgement_n and_o practice_n thus_o to_o make_v the_o action_n or_o carriage_n of_o some_o own_n the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n towards_o their_o child_n the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o the_o tendency_n of_o that_o d_o ctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o only_o unsafe_a but_o altogether_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o that_o own_o that_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n may_v not_o understand_v how_o great_a a_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o thereby_o to_o the_o unmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n and_o it_o be_v alike_o possible_a that_o other_o that_o do_v understand_v that_o obligation_n may_v great_o neglect_v that_o duty_n they_o know_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o and_o let_v i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o there_o be_v few_o of_o our_o opposer_n will_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o have_v the_o action_n and_o carriage_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n make_v the_o tecmerion_n or_o test_n of_o the_o soundness_n or_o unsoundness_n of_o their_o or_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v willing_a that_o the_o controversy_n shall_v be_v determine_v by_o that_o rule_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o some_o have_v prosess_o declare_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v against_o catechise_v and_o the_o likeways_o of_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o against_o a_o authorative_n require_v they_o so_o much_o as_o to_o use_v and_o attend_v upon_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o how_o evident_a a_o foundation_n be_v lay_v thereby_o to_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n be_v not_o difficult_a to_o apprehend_v neither_o dare_v any_o of_o our_o opposer_n as_o i_o suppose_v affirm_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o anti-paedo-baptists_n go_v beyond_o the_o generality_n of_o
eternal_a life_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o psalmist_n psalm_n 16._o so_o psalm_n 37.24_o so_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o so_o again_o eternal_a light_n be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o ardency_n of_o affection_n and_o desire_n by_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n these_o or_o the_o like_a way_n put_v lise_fw-fr into_o believer_n endeavour_n so_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n as_o thereby_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o life_n in_o heaven_n when_o a_o man_n have_v get_v any_o hold_n of_o any_o good_a for_o himself_o or_o he_o he_o will_v strive_v and_o tug_v hard_o rather_o than_o part_v with_o it_o now_o i_o say_v believer_n have_v some_o hold_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o their_o child_n they_o see_v their_o child_n have_v some_o hold_n through_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o hence_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_o engage_v and_o provoke_v to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o their_o child_n may_v come_v to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o grace_n those_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o they_o will_v be_v have_v not_o either_o themselves_o or_o child_n any_o such_o hold_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n 4._o there_o be_v the_o goodness_n love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o vouchsafe_v the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o as_o a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o parent_n to_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o order_n to_o their_o child_n embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n as_o thereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o his_o interest_n promote_v in_o the_o world_n the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n how_o or_o which_o way_n soever_o express_v either_o towards_o themselves_o or_o they_o be_v great_o oblige_v to_o sincere_a believer_n to_o endeavour_v to_o their_o utmost_a power_n the_o promotion_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n love_n be_v of_o a_o constrain_a nature_n it_o have_v a_o compulsive_a force_n and_o power_n in_o it_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o say_v john_n love_n beget_v and_o excite_v love_n and_o love_n be_v industrious_a and_o laborious_a hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o love_n 1_o thess_n 1.3_o the_o apostle_n give_v it_o as_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o so_o zealous_a preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o to_o some_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v beside_o themselves_o viz._n because_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n do_v constrain_v they_o 2_o cor._n 5.14_o 15._o it_o be_v true_a the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v express_v towards_o a_o believer_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o the_o good_a he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o himself_o as_o personal_o consider_v in_o and_o by_o christ_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o constrain_a force_n upon_o he_o to_o live_v to_o he_o and_o answerable_o to_o endeavour_v to_o his_o utmost_a power_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n wherein_o he_o stand_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o god_n extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o their_o seed_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o unto_o they_o must_v rational_o great_o add_v to_o the_o compulsive_a force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o his_o love_n have_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o twofold_a reason_n 1._o because_o his_o love_n to_o themselves_o be_v great_o heighten_v thereby_o to_o all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o themselves_o there_o be_v the_o addition_n of_o that_o grace_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o great_a the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v to_o a_o believer_n the_o areat_a efficacy_n and_o power_n it_o have_v to_o excite_v his_o love_n unto_o god_n and_o constrain_v he_o to_o lay_v out_o himself_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o because_o god_n make_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o goodness_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o make_v it_o alike_o reasonable_a that_o they_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n shall_v live_v to_o he_o as_o they_o themselves_o desire_v to_o do_v there_o be_v a_o meetness_n and_o fitness_n that_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v live_v to_o he_o and_o parent_n see_v their_o child_n make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o themselves_o do_v partake_v of_o have_v the_o same_o covenant_n extend_v to_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v with_o themselves_o and_o that_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o same_o way_n as_o it_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o themselves_o they_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o alike_o reasonable_a and_o meet_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o hence_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o effectual_o stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v so_o do_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o love_n grace_n and_o good_a ness_n of_o god_n in_o extend_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o people_n and_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o to_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a obligation_n upon_o and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n by_o they_o to_o provoke_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n that_o their_o child_n may_v personal_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n as_o thereby_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n be_v promote_v and_o his_o kingdom_n enlarge_v and_o yet_o further_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o may_n and_o will_v still_o heighten_v and_o increase_v the_o constrain_a efficacy_n and_o force_n that_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believe_a parent_n to_o move_v and_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o aforementioned_a diligence_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o redeemer_n that_o be_v promote_v and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enlarge_v thereby_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v extend_v his_o covenant_n and_o appoint_v the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n thereof_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o very_a end_n viz._n the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o child_n those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o their_o own_o bowel_n towards_o who_o they_o be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_v mention_v the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v a_o constrain_a power_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n to_o do_v his_o will_n however_o reveal_v or_o whatever_o reference_n their_o do_v of_o it_o have_v but_o when_o the_o thing_n whereabout_o his_o will_n be_v reveal_v relate_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v design_v by_o his_o express_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n he_o have_v do_v and_o they_o be_v their_o child_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o body_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o perrorm_v sure_o now_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o have_v the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o power_n in_o it_o to_o engage_v yea_o constrain_v they_o to_o a_o vigorous_a and_o diligent_a performance_n of_o that_o their_o duty_n 5._o there_o be_v the_o aggravation_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n in_o not_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o their_o precedent_a covenant-state_n further_o to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v parent_n who_o own_o that_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o have_v apply_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o the_o account_n thereof_o to_o
endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n that_o they_o may_v accept_v of_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o not_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o reject_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o those_o that_o have_v a_o precedent_a interest_n in_o it_o than_o in_o those_o that_o have_v no_o such_o interest_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o esan_n to_o despise_v his_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n than_o the_o bear_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o such_o birth-priviledg_n to_o despise_v or_o reject_v a_o good_a grant_v be_v more_o than_o the_o bear_v not_o receive_v any_o good_a offer_v now_o parent_n consider_v how_o great_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o child_n will_v be_v aggravate_v in_o case_n they_o perform_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n reject_v the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o that_o their_o condemnation_n will_v be_v great_a than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o other_o must_v needs_o strong_o oblige_v and_o more_o effectual_o provoke_v they_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevent_v their_o rejection_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o order_n to_o their_o accept_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n 6._o there_o be_v the_o reference_n that_o parent_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n have_v to_o their_o child_n preservation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o consequen_o enjoy_v the_o full_a good_a and_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n as_o a_o far_a obligation_n upon_o and_o motive_n to_o provoke_v they_o thereunto_o god_n have_v take_v the_o seed_n of_o believer_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o as_o they_o be_v their_o seed_n and_o continue_v their_o covenant-state_n during_o their_o infancy_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n faith_n but_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o maturity_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o that_o covenant-state_n and_o consequent_o in_o joy_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v devolve_v upon_o themselves_o they_o must_v in_o their_o own_o person_n embrace_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o that_o they_o may_v do_v god_n require_v their_o parent_n to_o teach_v they_o his_o way_n and_o command_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o which_o duty_n of_o parent_n in_o teach_v and_o command_v their_o child_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o personal_a embracement_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n and_o hence_o in_o case_n parent_n fail_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o child_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o prefervation_n in_o their_o covenant-state_n and_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v other_o mean_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n yet_o this_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v more_o depend_v upon_o parent_n discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n than_o most_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v other_o mean_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o parent_n duty_n be_v as_o i_o judge_v more_o than_o they_o have_v warrant_v to_o expect_v however_o the_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a mean_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o hazardous_a and_o be_v usual_o give_v as_o a_o main_a reason_n of_o so_o many_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o righteous_a prove_v wicked_a and_o do_v parent_n but_o understand_v and_o serious_o consider_v this_o how_o great_a a_o obligation_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o they_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n 7._o and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o dishonour_n redound_v unto_o god_n by_o child_n reject_v the_o covenant_n and_o fall_v off_o to_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o profaneness_n yet_o far_o to_o oblige_v parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o when_o man_n hear_v the_o covenant-interest_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n assert_v and_o see_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o after_o see_v they_o to_o run_v into_o the_o same_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n with_o the_o child_n of_o other_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o charge_v he_o with_o unfaithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n or_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o a_o show_n of_o extend_v more_o grace_n to_o believer_n than_o indeed_o he_o do_v and_o this_o very_a thing_n viz._n the_o frequent_a apostasy_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n and_o their_o walk_n in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o impiety_n with_o the_o child_n of_o other_o though_o whole_o groundless_o yet_o i_o conceive_v be_v no_o little_a stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n and_o practice_n lie_v opposite_a to_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o now_o the_o prevent_v this_o dishonour_n redound_v unto_o god_n and_o remove_v this_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o a_o faithful_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o the_o lay_v these_o and_o the_o like_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o a_o diligent_a performance_n of_o that_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n may_v be_v one_o special_a 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 they_o and_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v see_v how_o much_o great_a obligation_n be_v upon_o believer_n who_o own_o their_o child_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v the_o token_n thereof_o apply_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o how_o many_o motive_n be_v improveable_a by_o they_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o than_o what_o be_v upon_o or_o improveable_a by_o the_o contrary_n mind_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a judgement_n and_o practice_n 2._o the_o other_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o paedo-baptist_n or_o anti-paedo-baptists_n according_a to_o what_o they_o respective_o hold_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n have_v great_a and_o sure_a ground_n to_o hope_n and_o expect_v that_o the_o mean_v use_v or_o duty_n perform_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v effectual_a and_o successful_a or_o whether_o the_o mean_v use_v and_o duty_n perform_v by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prove_v effectual_a and_o successful_a for_o the_o accomplish_n the_o end_n aim_v at_o answ_n now_o for_o this_o that_o the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o paedo-baptist_n will_v be_v undeniable_o evident_a by_o a_o double_a consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o as_o it_o be_v mention_n because_o they_o must_v both_o be_v more_o full_o insist_v upon_o in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n 1._o consider_v that_o paedo-baptist_n according_a to_o what_o they_o hold_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n have_v vast_o more_o mean_n to_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o than_o anti-paedo-baptists_n have_v they_o have_v many_o more_o motive_n argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o propose_v apply_v to_o and_o press_v upon_o their_o child_n than_o the_o contrary-minded_n have_v and_o where_o the_o mean_n be_v great_a and_o more_o effectual_a in_o themselves_o their_o efficacy_n and_o success_n may_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o man_n be_v expect_v to_o be_v answerable_a 2._o they_o have_v many_o promise_n both_o make_v to_o themselves_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o child_n and_o household_n and_o to_o their_o child_n as_o under_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n beyond_o what_o the_o contrary-minded_n can_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o principle_n apply_v to_o themselves_o or_o they_o whâ—â—â—_n promise_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o infallible_o secure_a grace_n to_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n how_o careful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o how_o faithful_a soever_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v vast_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o success_n than_o there_o will_v be_v suppose_v no_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v either_o to_o parent_n or_o child_n but_o these_o thing_n shall_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v more_o clear_v up_o hereafter_o now_o then_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v how_o unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o charge_v lay_v upon_o paedo-baptism_n
be_v viz._n that_o it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n and_o how_o much_o more_o just_o that_o charge_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o practice_n we_o see_v paedo-baptist_n be_v under_o vast_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o personal_a embracement_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o contrary-minded_n can_v according_o to_o their_o judgement_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o under_v and_o have_v vast_o more_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o their_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n shall_v be_v successful_a than_o they_o have_v but_o let_v that_o suffice_v for_o 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 as_o they_o respect_v the_o parent_n to_o who_o seed_n that_o application_n be_v to_o be_v make_v 3._o the_o reason_n respect_v the_o child_n themselves_o to_o who_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o thus_o the_o great_a reason_n be_v their_o good_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o grand_a enquiry_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o the_o rationality_n of_o this_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o secure_v to_o we_o by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n institute_v but_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o lie_v obvious_a to_o all_o serious_a considerate_a mind_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o question_n propose_v a_o brief_a introduction_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o it_o the_o first_o benefit_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o believer_n receive_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o declare_v viz._n they_o have_v thereby_o a_o solemn_a 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 a_o objection_n answer_v the_o good_a redound_v to_o they_o by_o that_o their_o admission_n and_o membership_n show_v in_o two_o instance_n 1._o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o have_v a_o equal_a benefit_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o all_o these_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 2._o they_o be_v under_o that_o special_a providential_a care_n that_o christ_n exercise_v over_o his_o church_n 3._o question_n relate_v thereunto_o resolve_v quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n arise_v to_o the_o infant-feed_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 or_o what_o good_a do_v they_o receive_v thereby_o answ_n that_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a original_a be_v a_o signification_n and_o signal_n expression_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n and_o consequent_o aim_v at_o and_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o they_o have_v be_v intimate_v already_o and_o may_v be_v alike_o infallible_o conclude_v from_o the_o goodness_n as_o their_o rationality_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o institutor_n as_o for_o that_o special_a ordinance_n under_o our_o present_a consideration_n the_o apostle_n answer_v to_o much_o the_o same_o question_n put_v with_o respect_n to_o circumcision_n be_v applicable_a to_o and_o may_v be_v give_v as_o a_o more_o general_a solution_n of_o the_o question_n now_o put_v respective_a to_o both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n as_o apply_v to_o infant_n the_o advantage_n they_o have_v thereby_o be_v much_o and_o that_o every_o way_n what_o that_o good_a and_o advantage_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o in_o general_a or_o as_o to_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v threefold_a 1._o first_o they_o thereby_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o and_o incorporate_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n kingdom_n or_o family_n of_o christ_n and_o thereupon_o become_v to_o use_v the_o aposlte_n phrase_n fellow-citizen_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n that_o baptism_n now_o be_v as_o circumcision_n of_o old_a be_v a_o solemn_a right_n for_o the_o initiation_n and_o admission_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v rightful_a subject_n of_o it_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v agree_v on_o on_o all_o hand_n which_o that_o the_o infant_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o be_v now_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v this_o good_a and_o benefit_n by_o it_o will_v receive_v a_o ready_a acknowledgement_n from_o all_o and_o indeed_o that_o to_o have_v a_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a or_o advantage_n unto_o man_n can_v be_v rational_o question_v by_o any_o though_o wherein_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n do_v consist_v be_v not_o obvious_a unto_o all_o and_o therefore_o must_v now_o be_v more_o thorough_o search_v into_o and_o declare_v but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o one_o objection_n must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n which_o seem_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o strong_o to_o oppose_v infant_n enjoyment_n of_o that_o privilege_n and_o consequent_o their_o right_n to_o that_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a admission_n of_o man_n into_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o object_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o infant_n as_o such_o can_v rightful_o be_v admit_v into_o or_o incorporate_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v of_o his_o household_n and_o family_n as_o visible_a and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n body_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v presuppose_v membership_n in_o his_o invisible_a body_n see_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o visible_o to_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o real_a member_n of_o his_o invisible_a body_n that_o distinction_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a not_o be_v distinctio_fw-la rei_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la nominis_fw-la only_o a_o distinction_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n à _fw-la duplici_fw-la modo_fw-la unionis_fw-la &_o communionis_fw-la cum_fw-la christo_fw-la capite_fw-la still_a interno_fw-la &_o externo_fw-la so_o that_o the_o church_n by_o these_o term_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v only_o distinguish_v of_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o certain_a adjunct_n viz._n the_o manner_n or_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n that_o the_o several_a member_n it_o be_v constitute_v of_o have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n viz._n internal_a and_o real_a or_o only_o external_a or_o appear_v hence_o all_o that_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o appear_v to_o have_v real_a internal_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n now_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o infant_n as_o such_o seem_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o or_o suppose_v they_o simple_o or_o absolute_o capable_a yet_o whether_o any_o actual_o have_v especial_o which_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a have_v such_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o chest_n be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v visible_o to_o appear_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o must_v do_v in_o case_n they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o membership_n in_o his_o visible_a body_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o will_v say_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o resolve_v some_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v with_o reference_n to_o person_n right_a to_o or_o enjoyment_n of_o gospel-priviledge_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v please_v for_o the_o overthrow_v or_o disannul_v their_o right_n to_o they_o when_o god_n have_v evident_o declare_v they_o in_o his_o word_n to_o have_v such_o a_o right_a to_o or_o to_o have_v have_v by_o his_o own_o approbation_n the_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o god_n may_v have_v plain_o reveal_v their_o right_n and_o yet_o more_o dark_o reveal_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o that_o their_o right_n instance_n will_v not_o be_v want_v will_v i_o insist_v upon_o they_o of_o gospel-priviledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n evident_o declare_v person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v to_o have_v a_o real_a right_n to_o and_o to_o have_v the_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o no_o easy_a resolution_n may_v be_v raise_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o right_n to_o they_o and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o come_n
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