description of _the persons_, to whom the promises of the Covenant were made, could not possibly have been given! God did not promise to be a God, and to give the inheritance of which Canaan was a type, _to all_ the natural descendants of Abraham, though they were all to be circumcised; but _to those only who should_ “_walk in the steps of his faith_.” For this _limitation_ of the meaning of the “_seed_” of Abraham does no more violence to the text, than the _extension_ of the meaning of “Canaan” to the heavenly world. But there is (as we have seen) _inspired authority_ for both interpretations. _These_, then, were the “seed,” to whom the promises were made. And it is the same still. The children of professing believers are baptized; but the outward form of baptism does not secure to them the blessings thereby sealed to the believer, unless they also have a true and lively faith. _Then_ the promises are theirs. The Scripture warrants us to go thus far, but no farther. And when man attempts to put benefits into Ordinances, which God has not revealed to him, he makes himself wise “above that which is written;” and thus does in effect what the Jews did,—and for which they were so justly reproved by the Lord Jesus Himself;—he “teaches for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt. xv. 9.) _Note_ (B.) _page_ 50. It is expressly said in the 32nd verse, that Paul and Silas “spake the word of the Lord to _all that were in the jailor’s house_.” This was _before_ they were baptized. All that were in his house were capable therefore of instruction; and thus their “faith came by hearing.” And to show more decidedly the existence of faith in _the __family_, not only is _the fact_ itself stated, but also _the fruit_ which it produced: namely, its adding to the jailor’s joy. He rejoiced—of course _the more_—because that _his house believed_, as well as himself. _Note_ (C.) _page_ 57.