Christians are brethren in a peculiar manner. It would be happy, if in controversies upon religious subjects among themselves, and with others, they would think of Abraham; and would rest satisfied, that the truth, as it is in Jesus, however it may be opposed, will ultimately prevail. Though it is proper for a Christian firmly to maintain every thing, that he is sufficiently persuaded is true, and of importance to the welfare of the church, he ought always to make a distinction between the fundamental truths of the gospel, and those things, which are not fundamental. Jude refers to fundamental truths of the gospel, when he teaches us to contend earnestly for the faith once deliv ered to the saints. When we contend earnestly for the faith, for fundamental truths, we are to exercise meekness. In the language of Paul, the ministers of Christ are to "be gentle unto all men,"—" in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." But of how small importance are some things, in which some denominations of professing Christians disagree, compared with the importance of fundamental truths! Is not the disparity almost, if not quite

as great, as that between paying tithes of mint, rue, anise, and cummin, and observing the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, faith, and the love of God? These weightier matters especially, according to our Saviour, the Scribes and Pharisees ought to have done, not leaving the payment of those tithes undone. But while they paid those tithes, and omitted the more weighty matters, they showed their hypocrisy. Let professing Christians think of these things. By such considerations may the writer of these discourses be suitably influenced in the sequel.

The way is now prepared to make a par. ticular application to Christian parents; and show what it is for them to walk in the steps of the faith of Abraham.

This implies, that they have that faith, which is the indispensable condition of the everlasting covenant. "They," who "are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."* "The blessing of Abraham" comes on "them through Jesus Christ," They keep the same covenant; they belong to the same church; and, with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, they will inherit the same kingdom, prepared from the foundation of the world for all true believers. As to the substance of Abraham's faith and obedience, they are to walk in the same steps. * Gal. iii. 7.

1. Christian parents should detach themselves and their families from the sinful customs and pursuits of the world.

Abraham was called to forsake the idols of his native country, and to devote himself and his family to the service of God. With faith he obeyed. Christian parents should renounce their love to the world, and devote themselves and their families to the service of God, looking for eternal happiness in heaven. Trusting in Jehovah, as their God, they should live, as strangers and pilgrims on earth, serving God, with their children, who are heirs with them of the same promise.

2. Every Christian parent should believe, and properly consider, that the church is to be continued by the regeneration of the children of Christian parents, as one great mean.

Abraham believed the promise, that his seed should be as numerous, as the stars of heaven. That promise is daily fulfilling, partly, in this way the children of Christian parents become true believers, and subscribe with their hands unto the LORD.* For it is, partly, by regenerating the natural seed of Christian parents, that God fulfils his promise to pour

Is. xliv. 1-5.

his Spirit upon Jacob's seed, and his blessing upon his offspring; which promise respected those gospel times, when the blessing of Abraham should come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, and they, with the Jews, should receive the Spirit through faith. In the church under the Mosaic dispensation there was a succession of pious parents and pious children, from generation to generation; and in that way, principally, though not wholly, the church was continued: strangers were added from time to time, as a prelude to the general accession of the Gentiles. The Christian church is not now continued wholly by the regeneration of the children of Christian parents. It may be enlarged by the conversion of many, who are without; yea, by the conversion of multitudes among nations not now favoured with the light of the glorious gospel. But it is justly noticed, that in revivals of religion in Christian countries, the subjects of grace are more generally among the children of Christian parents. Nor is this a just occasion of murmuring to any, who live under the gospel. It is the duty of unrenewed parents to repent and believe, and unite with the church. They have opportunity to enter into covenant with God, and to give up their chil

dren to him; and, if they do their duty, the promise is to them, and to their children.

3. Christian parents should dedicate their children to God in baptism; and should do it believing, that they need renewing grace, and an interest in the righteousness of faith.

Cir

That infant baptism is a divine institution, I shall attempt to prove in the sequel. Supposing, at present, that this is granted, I would here remark, that Christian parents should have consistent views of the state of their children, when they give them up to God in baptism. cumcision was a sign of a new heart, and a seal of the righteousness of faith. The command of God to Abraham, to put this seal on his infant offspring, implied, that they needed renewing grace, and an interest in that grace, by which God justifies believers.

By nature, children are the same now, as they were in the time of Abraham. Christian parents enjoy better means of knowing the state of their children. Having all the light, which the Scriptures afford, they may clearly see, that their infant offspring are in such a state of spiritual death and of condemnation, that they must be renewed, and interested in the righteousness of Christ, in order to be saved; and that, in this way, the covenant of grace provides for