again_o with_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o will_v not_o have_v imagine_v that_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o nation_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v that_o shall_v have_v thousand_o in_o it_o who_o have_v rather_o be_v without_o the_o sacrament_n than_o have_v it_o who_o shall_v think_v that_o they_o can_v better_o be_v save_v without_o it_o and_o that_o their_o receive_v of_o it_o will_v rather_o endanger_v than_o further_a their_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v likewise_o that_o our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o it_o be_v after_o he_o have_v spend_v the_o last_o and_o therefore_o we_o account_v it_o the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o time_n in_o persuade_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o to_o be_v one_o as_o he_o and_o his_o father_n be_v one_o which_o we_o may_v take_v as_o preparatory_a to_o his_o institute_v the_o bless_a supper_n and_o if_o to_o all_o this_o we_o add_v how_o careful_a the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o watch_v for_o their_o soul_n in_o observe_v those_o rule_n which_o they_o prescribe_v for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o rule_n be_v many_o of_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o this_o day_n it_o can_v but_o seem_v very_o strange_a and_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o all_o good_a christian_n among_o we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o causeless_a division_n and_o separation_n from_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o that_o man_n may_v not_o dishonour_v their_o profession_n nor_o be_v cheat_v of_o that_o spiritual_a food_n which_o christ_n appoint_v for_o the_o nourish_a of_o their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o i_o earnest_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v all_o non-communicants_a serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n i._o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v our_o saviour_n command_n this_o do_v and_o it_o be_v great_a and_o apparent_a disobedience_n in_o every_o christian_a who_o do_v it_o not_o i_o think_v it_o very_o necessary_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v my_o first_o assertion_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o man_n do_v suppose_v that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v at_o his_o libery_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o whether_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o or_o not_o and_o if_o he_o receive_v not_o in_o a_o whole_a year_n or_o many_o year_n or_o not_o in_o all_o his_o life-time_n or_o not_o till_o he_o be_v in_o his_o last_o sickness_n and_o then_o call_v for_o it_o not_o for_o any_o love_n that_o he_o have_v to_o christ_n or_o any_o delight_n that_o he_o take_v in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o to_o make_v a_o experiment_n whether_o that_o will_v ease_v his_o torment_a mind_n when_o nothing_o else_o will_v that_o in_o all_o this_o neglect_n he_o have_v not_o offend_v god_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n he_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o repent_v but_o his_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o it_o though_o never_o so_o often_o needs_o no_o repentance_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o if_o they_o be_v require_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n answer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o receive_v but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o those_o man_n how_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o to_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o when_o other_o under_o the_o same_o obligation_n do_v make_v their_o solemn_a approach_n to_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o never_o be_v any_o divine_a institution_n concern_v which_o the_o people_n under_o that_o dispensation_n think_v they_o be_v leave_v at_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o shall_v observe_v it_o or_o not_o every_o male_n be_v circumcise_a concern_v the_o passover_n we_o read_v exod._n 12._o v._o 28._o and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v away_o and_o do_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v moses_n and_o aaron_n so_o do_v they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o consider_v how_o all_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v observe_v that_o burden_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o throw_v off_o and_o yet_o that_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v be_v slight_v as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o divine_a institution_n but_o only_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n mention_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n whether_o they_o will_v observe_v it_o i_o can_v not_o imagine_v what_o exposition_n the_o non-communicant_a can_v make_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o institution_n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o me._n he_o can_v not_o but_o say_v that_o it_o be_v positive_o enjoin_v and_o he_o can_v but_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o universal_a extent_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o say_v you_o may_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o if_o you_o please_v he_o do_v not_o say_v lest_o the_o best_a of_o my_o disciple_n do_v this_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a and_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o let_v other_o omit_v it_o that_o have_v be_v to_o leave_v both_o unsatisfied_a the_o strong_a be_v humble_a and_o modest_a will_v always_o be_v suspicious_a that_o they_o have_v not_o arrive_v at_o a_o degree_n high_a enough_o there_o be_v no_o standard_n and_o the_o weak_a will_v be_v trouble_v that_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o partake_v and_o know_v not_o when_o they_o shall_v but_o he_o say_v this_o do_v without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n command_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o by_o all_o those_o who_o expect_v salvation_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n beside_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o by_o our_o saviour_n that_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v very_o observable_a 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v know_v whether_o he_o shall_v receive_v or_o not_o that_o he_o may_v either_o eat_v or_o let_v it_o alone_o according_a as_o he_o find_v himself_o dispose_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n if_o he_o be_v religious_o dispose_v let_v he_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o not_o let_v he_o stay_v away_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v etc._n etc._n plain_o intimate_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinance_n not_o to_o be_v dispense_v with_o but_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v satisfy_v his_o mind_n to_o neglect_v it_o because_o he_o be_v unworthy_a but_o must_v prepare_v and_o partake_v of_o it_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o say_v any_o more_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n to_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n it_o will_v be_v only_o requisite_a that_o i_o speak_v somewhat_o for_o the_o determination_n of_o one_o case_n and_o that_o be_v how_o often_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v because_o some_o may_v think_v that_o unless_o they_o partake_v at_o every_o communion_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v the_o number_n of_o communicant_n be_v very_o great_a in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o in_o regard_n our_o saviour_n make_v no_o determination_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v take_v his_o measure_n from_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o his_o own_o particular_a exigence_n and_o necessity_n at_o first_o the_o christian_n meet_v together_o and_o receive_v every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n their_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o love_n to_o their_o saviour_n and_o they_o be_v in_o continue_a expectation_n by_o martyrdom_n to_o be_v send_v to_o he_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o four_o time_n in_o the_o week_n beside_o the_o festival_n the_o appointment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v receive_v at_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o monthly_a administration_n of_o it_o in_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n be_v partly_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o great_a a_o concourse_n at_o the_o festival_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o administer_v it_o to_o all_o at_o once_o and_o much_o more_o that_o those_o who_o be_v zealous_o affect_v and_o find_v a_o great_a necessity_n than_o other_o do_v of_o receive_v it_o often_o may_v have_v the_o more_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o
the_o sake_n of_o worldly_a profit_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o less_o evil_a to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o come_v to_o his_o supper_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o world_n a_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n to_o other_o who_o will_v by_o such_o example_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o very_a low_a esteem_n of_o it_o but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o very_a grievous_a thing_n that_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v impose_v be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o prejudice_n of_o man_n soul_n ans_fw-fr i_o know_v this_o be_v object_v and_o there_o be_v a_o fearful_a stir_n about_o it_o among_o man_n of_o discontent_a spirit_n who_o cry_v what_o have_v governor_n to_o do_v to_o deprive_v i_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o receive_v then_o and_o then_o only_o when_o i_o find_v myself_o most_o fit_a for_o it_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v require_v that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n when_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o most_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o man_n have_v true_a grace_n in_o they_o do_v all_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n we_o meet_v withal_o but_o i_o do_v earnest_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v thus_o offend_v i_o have_v know_v none_o or_o very_o few_o but_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o at_o all_o who_o make_v this_o cavil_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v more_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v pity_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o they_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v otherwise_o regard_v what_o they_o say_v they_o have_v two_o very_a pernicious_a design_n in_o it_o one_o be_v to_o indulge_v their_o lust_n which_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n any_o where_o the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v mischief_n to_o the_o church_n for_o they_o do_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o exasperate_v other_o against_o a_o lawful_a command_n that_o they_o may_v separate_v from_o her_o communion_n that_o the_o king_n may_v command_v his_o subject_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o i_o wonder_v any_o shall_v offer_v to_o object_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v think_v he_o very_o arrogant_a who_o shall_v say_v that_o although_o christ_n say_v this_o do_v yet_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v to_o see_v it_o do_v that_o although_o king_n under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n be_v favour_v or_o reject_v of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o care_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o their_o neglect_n in_o that_o great_a concern_v yet_o under_o the_o new-testament-dispensation_n king_n be_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v whether_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v observe_v but_o be_v to_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o their_o liberty_n i_o can_v almost_o as_o well_o say_v that_o constantine_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o settle_v christianity_n in_o his_o dominion_n by_o a_o law_n as_o that_o christian_a king_n in_o succeed_a age_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o take_v care_n that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v due_o observe_v if_o any_o say_v that_o the_o king_n must_v then_o command_v the_o receive_v it_o after_o the_o manner_n that_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v i_o answer_v that_o that_o objection_n will_v only_o serve_v to_o throw_v the_o ordinance_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n prescribe_v any_o way_n but_o more_o of_o this_o under_o another_o head_n as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o person_n that_o all_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n all_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o when_o there_o come_v a_o man_n to_o i_o and_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v require_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o he_o have_v strive_v against_o his_o lust_n with_o his_o utmost_a diligence_n he_o have_v implore_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v force_v to_o continue_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o must_v eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o damnation_n i_o will_v then_o conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v of_o great_a force_n but_o till_o then_o i_o wish_v that_o all_o person_n will_v take_v care_n of_o pass_v such_o a_o construction_n of_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o contradict_v the_o plain_a expression_n of_o it_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o objection_n be_v answer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o have_v make_v a_o unwonted_a digression_n let_v i_o desire_v every_o one_o who_o be_v require_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o test_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v take_v heed_n that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o unworthy_a neglect_v do_v not_o encourage_v he_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o due_a examination_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o i_o will_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o deathbed_n anguish_n of_o mind_n when_o his_o depart_a soul_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o horror_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v go_v hence_o and_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o he_o who_o he_o regard_v not_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o present_a world_n it_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o seldom_o communicate_v i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o age_n that_o they_o do_v not_o communicate_v so_o often_o as_o the_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o soul_n do_v require_v but_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o continue_a neglect_n of_o it_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o extenuate_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v in_o any_o for_o although_o i_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a refuse_v the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o great_a yet_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o sinner_n who_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n and_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o religion_n to_o come_v as_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o ordinance_n i_o scarce_o know_v how_o to_o say_v that_o their_o danger_n be_v less_o let_v not_o therefore_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o let_v every_o one_o conclude_v have_v often_o hear_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v and_o now_o read_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a neglect_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o sinner_n way_n to_o stop_v he_o in_o his_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v on_o one_o hand_n a_o dreadful_a thing_n that_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o yield_v obedience_n to_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o can_v come_v undiscovered_a to_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n that_o those_o who_o christ_n call_v his_o enemy_n because_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o shall_v come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o friend_n and_o subject_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o man_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o this_o ordinance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o thereby_o to_o throw_v away_o the_o great_a institution_n of_o he_o from_o who_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o expect_v salvation_n this_o admit_v of_o great_a aggravation_n let_v every_o one_o therefore_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v avoid_v both_o these_o rock_n by_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o frequent_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n by_o which_o he_o will_v enjoy_v great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o obtain_v good_a assurance_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v iv_o the_o non-communicant_a be_v unworthy_a in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o cast_v
contempt_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n likewise_o and_o so_o both_o the_o positive_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v insignificant_a and_o of_o no_o account_n to_o he_o the_o two_o sacrament_n have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n which_o christian_n have_v value_v above_o their_o life_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o spiritual_a banquet_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n entertain_v those_o who_o be_v dear_a than_o his_o life_n be_v to_o he_o baptism_n be_v the_o ordinance_n which_o open_v the_o door_n and_o let_v we_o in_o to_o the_o banqueting-house_n none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o then_o the_o non-communicant_a regard_v not_o the_o lord_n supper_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v but_o slight_v his_o baptism_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o he_o that_o slight_v the_o feast_n must_v needs_o slight_a that_o which_o give_v admission_n to_o it_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o renew_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o make_v with_o god_n in_o our_o baptism_n and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renew_a engagement_n on_o our_o part_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o but_o on_o god_n part_n likewise_o by_o which_o he_o seal_v to_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o we_o care_v not_o for_o renew_v this_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o value_v not_o the_o first_o agreement_n that_o we_o make_v with_o god_n in_o our_o baptism_n beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n for_o our_o obtain_n grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o our_o baptism_n if_o we_o come_v not_o to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o perform_v what_o we_o promise_v which_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a beside_o my_o present_a purpose_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v non-communicants_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n will_v never_o have_v receive_v that_o ordinance_n no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o that_o ordinance_n who_o do_v not_o own_o the_o faith_n and_o solemn_o engage_v to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o that_o perform_v this_o which_o baptism_n engage_v man_n to_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n if_o we_o ask_v the_o non-communicant_a how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a he_o must_v say_v my_o father_n make_v i_o so_o when_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v do_v and_o he_o or_o other_o promise_v that_o which_o i_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v i_o will_v argue_v thus_o with_o the_o non-communicant_a either_o you_o own_o your_o baptism_n or_o you_o do_v not_o if_o you_o do_v not_o why_o do_v you_o not_o declare_v it_o why_o do_v you_o call_v yourself_o a_o christian_n and_o profess_v that_o you_o expect_v salvation_n from_o he_o who_o appoint_v that_o ordinance_n to_o all_o that_o expect_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n if_o you_o do_v own_o your_o baptism_n why_o do_v you_o not_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v that_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a engagement_n which_o you_o make_v in_o it_o by_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o but_o i_o have_v rather_o make_v another_o digression_n which_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v excuse_v consider_v that_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o many_o who_o be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v baptism_n as_o it_o be_v now_o general_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o practice_n show_v that_o they_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o their_o baptism_n so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o principle_n be_v utter_o against_o it_o and_o especial_o against_o infant-baptism_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v more_o upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o scripture_n than_o from_o any_o express_a instance_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v some_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o some_o rather_o to_o speak_v against_o it_o than_o for_o it_o and_o to_o disallow_v of_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o commend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o incline_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v such_o as_o have_v not_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o what_o ever_o any_o say_v against_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o error_n lay_v down_o these_o follow_a assertion_n which_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o person_n sober_o and_o with_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o not_o with_o haughty_a and_o stubborn_a mind_n to_o consider_v 1._o child_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o well_o as_o adult_v person_n and_o there_o be_v a_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o they_o which_o be_v their_o great_a privilege_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o take_v little_a child_n up_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o bless_a they_o shall_v allow_v no_o ordinance_n for_o they_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o his_o church_n wheresoever_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o parent_n he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n likewise_o with_o the_o child_n of_o that_o parent_n that_o be_v the_o child_n be_v include_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o covenant_n belong_v to_o the_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n 2._o our_o saviour_n take_v this_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o baptise_v those_o who_o forsake_v heathenism_n and_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o whensoever_o they_o make_v proselyte_n they_o do_v not_o only_o baptise_v the_o parent_n but_o the_o child_n likewise_o upon_o engagement_n that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o which_o every_o one_o to_o who_o he_o come_v know_v be_v practise_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v declare_v his_o exception_n against_o infant_n baptism_n if_o he_o intend_v their_o exclusion_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o infant_n shall_v have_v the_o seal_n of_o a_o covenant_n when_o it_o be_v never_o otherwise_o or_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n send_v to_o baptise_v nation_n in_o which_o infant_n have_v be_v common_o baptise_a before_o and_o yet_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v that_o infant_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a or_o if_o we_o have_v read_v of_o the_o apostle_n refusal_n of_o they_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o infant_n baptise_a before_o nor_o any_o ordinance_n for_o infant_n the_o anabaptist_n opinion_n have_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n but_o otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a 3._o as_o a_o consequent_a of_o this_o infant_n be_v all_o along_o baptise_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o the_o holy_a martyr_n that_o suffer_v for_o christianity_n of_o which_o those_o who_o write_v against_o the_o anabaptist_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v intend_v their_o exclusion_n they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o anabaptist_n know_v better_a what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o those_o christian_n do_v if_o those_o who_o be_v now_o of_o that_o persuasion_n have_v live_v in_o those_o day_n and_o have_v consider_v from_o whence_o our_o saviour_n take_v that_o ordinance_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v now_o espouse_v because_o then_o the_o original_a of_o it_o be_v fresh_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o use_v and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v continue_v by_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o only_o great_a haughtiness_n of_o mind_n by_o which_o man_n think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o ignorance_n through_o length_n of_o time_n that_o make_v a_o anabaptist_n 4._o infant_n be_v believer_n in_o a_o sense_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v nor_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o
gospel_n and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o sense_n such_o believer_n as_o be_v entitle_v to_o salvation_n they_o be_v such_o believer_n as_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n if_o the_o estate_n belong_v to_o a_o child_n in_o the_o cradle_n the_o indenture_n and_o seal_n of_o that_o estate_n belong_v to_o he_o likewise_o the_o child_n of_o a_o believer_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n as_o the_o child_n of_o a_o proselyte_n be_v call_v a_o proselyte_n if_o god_n give_v child_n but_o the_o denomination_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n 5._o those_o that_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n this_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a argument_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o those_o that_o be_v serious_a and_o considerate_a and_o not_o conceit_v and_o resolute_a in_o a_o case_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o live_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o case_n so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o their_o unsuccessfulness_n in_o all_o their_o attempt_n to_o establish_v their_o opinion_n do_v show_v that_o god_n do_v not_o nor_o ever_o do_v show_v any_o such_o favour_n to_o they_o as_o may_v give_v any_o sober_a person_n cause_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v god_n church_n and_o people_n however_o they_o plead_v his_o word_n to_o be_v their_o rule_n but_o that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o ordinance_n which_o god_n allow_v of_o and_o have_v countenance_v ever_o since_o there_o be_v any_o opposition_n make_v to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o writer_n yet_o alive_a who_o give_v a_o large_a and_o strange_a account_n of_o the_o mischievous_a practice_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n and_o other_o place_n what_o disturber_n and_o not_o promoter_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v be_v wheresoever_o they_o have_v come_v but_o i_o wave_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o either_o in_o this_o nation_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o will_v only_o say_v that_o if_o i_o have_v the_o high_a opinion_n of_o they_o for_o their_o moral_n that_o i_o have_v for_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o own_v and_o practise_v infant-baptism_n and_o the_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n be_v not_o member_n right_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o the_o papist_n but_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v mistake_v in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rightful_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n he_o must_v be_v very_o weak_a and_o notorous_o partial_a who_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n that_o separate_a from_o the_o true_a church_n which_o god_n have_v own_v in_o all_o age_n and_o not_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o argument_n by_o which_o many_o waver_a mind_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o god_n grant_v there_o may_v be_v the_o like_a success_n to_o those_o in_o the_o like_a case_n who_o shall_v read_v they_o v._o those_o excuse_n which_o man_n general_o make_v for_o their_o not_o receive_v be_v so_o far_o from_o justify_v their_o neglect_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o extenuate_v it_o nay_o they_o exceed_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o most_o non-communicants_a the_o truth_n be_v no_o excuse_n must_v be_v make_v in_o such_o a_o weighty_a matter_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v there_o may_v be_v interruption_n but_o there_o must_v be_v no_o excuse_n a_o interruption_n be_v when_o a_o man_n real_o intend_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o somewhat_o happen_v by_o which_o he_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v so_o it_o be_v with_o christian_n in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o israelite_n which_o we_o read_v of_o num._n 9.6_o 7._o who_o be_v hinder_v from_o eat_v the_o passover_n by_o the_o legal_a defilement_n of_o a_o dead_a corpse_n be_v extreme_o trouble_v and_o come_v to_o moses_n to_o know_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v there_o be_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v defile_v by_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o a_o man_n that_o they_o can_v not_o keep_v the_o passover_n on_o that_o day_n and_o they_o come_v before_o moses_n and_o before_o aaron_n on_o that_o day_n and_o those_o man_n say_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v defile_v by_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o a_o man_n wherefore_o be_v we_o keep_v back_o that_o we_o may_v not_o offer_v a_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o appoint_a season_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n observe_v how_o far_o those_o man_n be_v from_o make_v excuse_n for_o neglect_v god_n ordinance_n in_o that_o they_o be_v extreme_o trouble_v at_o a_o interruption_n which_o probable_o they_o can_v not_o help_v for_o he_o that_o be_v in_o a_o tent_n in_o which_o a_o man_n die_v or_o come_v into_o it_o be_v unclean_a chap._n 19.14_o and_o continue_v so_o seven-day_n this_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n moses_n say_v unto_o they_o stand_v still_o and_o i_o will_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v concern_v you_o and_o we_o read_v that_o god_n in_o that_o case_n appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o passover_n the_o next_o month._n god_n allow_v of_o the_o interruption_n for_o that_o time_n but_o there_o must_v be_v no_o excuse_n we_o read_v num._n 9.13_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v not_o thus_o hinder_v if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v the_o passover_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v the_o same_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n because_o he_o bring_v not_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n on_o his_o appoint_a season_n a_o place_n of_o scripture_n very_o fit_a for_o non-communicants_a to_o consider_v who_o if_o they_o have_v no_o impediment_n will_v make_v excuse_n instead_o of_o they_o they_o will_v pretend_v somewhat_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n which_o be_v not_o real_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o little_a regard_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o the_o general_a excuse_n be_v and_o then_o consider_v some_o more_o special_a case_n 1._o some_o pretend_v that_o the_o solemninity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a ordinance_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o make_v their_o approach_n to_o it_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o very_a good_a christian_n to_o who_o this_o be_v not_o a_o excuse_n but_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n of_o their_o absent_v from_o the_o sacrament_n they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o adventure_n for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o their_o lord_n supper_n although_o they_o be_v such_o as_o love_v he_o and_o do_v sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v may_v give_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o humility_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n be_v a_o good_a qualification_n for_o a_o communicant_a and_o that_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a duty_n to_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o compliment_v our_o saviour_n but_o that_o the_o examine_v themselves_o and_o reverent_o observe_v his_o institution_n great_a man_n do_v sometime_o allow_v of_o such_o excuse_n when_o they_o make_v invitation_n but_o the_o great_a god_n command_v when_o he_o invite_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o neglect_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n my_o design_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o make_v this_o a_o pretence_n for_o their_o noncommunicating_a they_o say_v the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o it_o but_o i_o will_v have_v such_o person_n to_o consider_v whither_o they_o go_v when_o they_o turn_v away_o from_o this_o solemn_a ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o a_o continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n their_o condition_n be_v unspeakable_o miserable_a what_o a_o affront_n be_v this_o to_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v