A66098:284
Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection…Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion…
Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England.Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England.
printed by James Glen for Samuel Sewall, 1682
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. Take diligent care to secure the interest of Religion unto posterity. There is not only a natural tie lying upon Parents to their Children, but there is also a Covenant-tie lying upon the Churches of Christ to take care for the propagating of the Covenant to after Ages. As God hath taken the Children of His People into the same Covenant with their Parents, so hath He likewise taken care, and made it a Duty, that they be owned, acknowledged, and looked after as His. And though I know there are various apprehensions among the People of God in this matter, yet I would not be altogether silent in it. I do verily believe that besides the family care which is due from Parents to their Children, there is something also which the Churches of Christ do owe to them, as they are the Lambs of His Flock.
4. Take diligent care to secure the interest of Religion unto posterity. There is not only a natural ty lying upon Parents to their Children, but there is also a Covenant-ty lying upon the Churches of Christ to take care for the propagating of the Covenant to after Ages. As God hath taken the Children of His People into the same Covenant with their Parents, so hath He likewise taken care, and made it a Duty, that they be owned, acknowledged, and looked after as His. And though I know there are various apprehensions among the People of God in this matter, yet I would not be altogether silent in it. I do verily believe that besides the family care which is due from Parents to their Children, there is something also which the Churches of Christ do ow to them, as they are the Lambs of His Flock.
And that is,
1. That they be owned and acknowledged as such, and that not only in their Infancy and Minority by applying the Ordinance of Baptism to them, but also in riper and more grown years. Some there be that acknowledge them not at all to have any visible Covenant relation and interest; if not in Word, yet in effect they deny it; though possibly they may confess it to be