of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o though_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o man_n conveniency_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a part_n or_o congregation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n so_o that_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a corporation_n but_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o corporation_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o corporation_n forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n thus_o have_v god_n grant_v a_o charter_n or_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o one_o church_n we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o ii_o by_o church-communion_n i_o mean_v church-society_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church-member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church-privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n it_o be_v true_a this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o but_o strict_o speak_v those_o office_n be_v not_o communion_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o communion_n church-communion_n be_v church-union_n for_o as_o a_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v the_o natural_a action_n of_o a_o member_n so_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o pray_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o in_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v perform_v those_o office_n yet_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o intruder_n such_o office_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n if_o perform_v by_o church-member_n but_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o be_v a_o member_n a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o church-society_n viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n join_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o act_v otherwise_o renounce_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o observe_v 1._o that_o church-communion_n principal_o respect_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o universal_a church_n 2._o that_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n such_o as_o pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n though_o it_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o christian_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v we_o as_o fellow-member_n pray_v to_o god_n the_o common_a father_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a saviour_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n thus_o also_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_a communion_n 3._o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o i_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a that_o i_o may_v lawful_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n 4._o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n because_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v but_o one_o all_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o separate_a society_n be_v to_o renounce_v its_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v its_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o body_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o we_o distinct_a church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v so_o that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n it_o be_v true_a a_o nation_n may_v permit_v those_o foreigner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o to_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o bare_a variety_n of_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o now_o every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o each_o church_n have_v a_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v foreigner_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v separate_a communion_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v so_o that_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o they_o think_v it_o unsafe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o two_o church_n may_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o church_n which_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n shall_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a society_n sound_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
to_o be_v baptise_a but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v doubtful_a in_o the_o case_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o harmonious_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o undivided_a consent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n be_v not_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o they_o let_v any_o modest_a person_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o famous_a saint_n and_o martyr_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n shall_v conspire_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mock-baptism_n and_o of_o make_v so_o many_o million_o of_o mock-christians_a or_o that_o a_o little_a sect_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n the_o brevity_n which_o i_o design_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o recite_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o cassander_n and_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptism_n disp_n 14._o only_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o dangerous_a practice_n as_o our_o adversary_n think_v infant-baptism_n to_o be_v which_o will_v in_o time_n unchurch_n it_o and_o that_o even_o while_o miracle_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o those_o day_n do_v assure_v rigalt_n assure_v see_v irenaeus_n adu._n haer._n l._n 2._o c._n 56_o 57_o tertull._n apol._n and_o ad_fw-la scapul_n origen_n adv_o celsum_fw-la camb._n p._n 34_o 62_o 80_o 124_o 127_o 334_o 376._o cyprian_a ad_fw-la donat._n and_o ad_fw-la magn._n and_o ad_fw-la demetrian_n p._n 202._o edit_fw-la rigalt_n we_o that_o miracle_n be_v then_o not_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n 2._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v the_o 687._o the_o see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n lib._n 2._o p._n 2._o id._n de_fw-fr baptis_n disp_n 13._o thes_n 18._o and_o disp_a 14._o â—hes_n 4._o cassand_n praef._n ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n p._n 670._o and_o teâ—â—im_n vet_z de_fw-fr bapt._n parv_v p._n 687._o pelagian_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o innovation_n when_o the_o orthodox_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o infant_n be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o they_o practise_v it_o themselves_o and_o own_a it_o as_o necessary_a for_o child_n obtain_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n 3._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v all_o church_n bapt._n church_n see_v brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 20.23_o cassand_n expos_fw-la de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt_n inf._n p._n 692._o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman._n cit_fw-la a_o voss_n disp_n 14._o de_fw-fr bapt._n whatsoever_o though_o they_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n but_o be_v original_a plantation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o practice_v it_o one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o harmless_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 4._o will_v not_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v exclude_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n as_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o refuse_v to_o initiate_v they_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o have_v always_o be_v under_o the_o old_a wherefore_o since_o among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jewish_a custom_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n being_n exclude_v from_o baptism_n we_o may_v better_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v they_o iii_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant-baptism_n now_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o command_v it_o because_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a also_o for_o purgation_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n seem_v equal_o necessary_a because_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.5_o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v declare_v capable_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 10.14_o nay_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o child_n be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a whole_a household_n act_n 16.15_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o for_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o believer_n child_n make_v they_o candidate_n for_o baptism_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o it_o because_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v other_o text_n psal_n 5.5_o rom._n 3.23_o 24._o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 15.21_o 22._o and_o 5.14_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o ancient_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n necessary_a to_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a sin_n which_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o eternal_a death_n see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n p._n 1._o thes_n 6._o p._n 2._o l._n 2._o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o these_o text_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v requisite_a but_o then_o these_o text_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v requisite_a because_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n practise_v infant-baptism_n as_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o a_o child_n die_v unbaptise_v through_o the_o carelessness_n or_o superstition_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o through_o their_o mistake_a belief_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v infallible_o damn_v but_o i_o affirm_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o so_o high_o requisite_a as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o injoin_v it_o iv_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v proceed_v as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_a since_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n nor_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n nay_o since_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o christ_n at_o least_o allow_v they_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n therefore_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v high_o expedient_a also_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o infant_n who_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n the_o church_n beside_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n be_v by_o baptism_n make_v the_o child_n
by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n and_o not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dread_n of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v he_o and_o that_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n 3._o it_o be_v excessive_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a it_o rob_v a_o man_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a 4._o it_o be_v scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o scrupulous_a man_n go_v on_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o scruple_n every_o thing_n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o for_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n 5._o this_o needless_a scruple_v have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o chief_o respect_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o three_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 1._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_a or_o most_o offensive_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o pray_v do_v not_o god_n principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n or_o will_v he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v we_o because_o he_o dislike_v the_o garment_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n or_o habit_n which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religious_a performance_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursom_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o dutiful_a child_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o we_o shall_v lay_v out_o our_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o idifferent_a and_o inferior_a nature_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_v this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n for_o say_v st._n paul_n ver_fw-la 18._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o