A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

Paternal Benedictions were of old of two sorts. (1.) Such as were of Common Right. (2.) Such as had an especial Prophetical Warranty. For the first; Parents have an especial Right by virtue of Divine Institution Authoritatively to ⟨p. 105⟩bless their Children, in as much as he hath given unto them an especial Interest in the Matter of the Blessing, and Power for the Communication of it. And this Blessing consists in two things. (1.) A Solemn Declaration unto God of their Acceptance and Approbation of that Duty and Obedience which the Children perform unto them, by the Law of Nature and Gods appointment. This brings ordinarily the Children so Blessed under the Promise of the fifth Commandment. So are the words of the Command, [Greek or Hebrew] that they may prolong thy Days. They shall have Power to communicate this good unto thee by their Blessing, in their Solemn Declaration of their Acceptance and Approbation of thy Obedience. And if this were more considered and more observed by Parents and Children, it would be much to their Advantage. And indeed the state of those Children is unhappy, whose Parents cannot sincerely avow an Approbation of their Duty, which intercepts the benefit of their Blessings. (2.) Parents bless Children by endeavouring to enstate them in their own Covenant-Interest. God having promised to be a God unto Believers and their Seed in and by them, they do three ways bless them with the good things thereof. (1.) By communicating unto them the Privilege of the initial Seal of the Covenant, as a Sign, Token and Pledge of their being blessed of the Lord. (2.) By pleading the Promise of the Covenant in their behalf. (3.) By careful Instructing of them in the Mercies and Duties of the Covenant. Wherefore although this Power of blessing be founded in the Law of Nature, and in all Nations something hath been observed that looks towards it, yet it is by Faith alone and in an Interest in the Covenant, that any Parents are able to Bless their Children in a due manner. For a blessing is a communication of Good according to his Interest in it that blesseth, which we have none in any that is really so, but by virtue thereof. And whereas these things are a Solemn appointment of God, it is certainly a disadvantage that a Foppish Ceremony is in common practice substituted in the room of them.

Paternal Benedictions were of old of two sorts. (1.) Such as were of Common Right. (2.) Such as had an especial Prophetical Warranty. For the first; Parents have an especial Right by virtue of Divine Institution Authoritatively to