come_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v v_o 19_o and_o v_o 23._o before_o faith_n come_v we_o be_v keep_v under_o the_o law_n shut_v up_o unto_o the_o faith_n which_o shall_v afterward_o be_v reveal_v wherefore_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o faith_n but_o after_o that_o faith_n be_v come_v we_o be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o schoolmaster_n 11._o the_o three_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o bind_v any_o long_a to_o observe_v the_o jewish_a be_v this_o the_o religion_n of_o abraham_n be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o available_a to_o justification_n but_o now_o the_o religion_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v only_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v before_o unto_o abraham_n and_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v reckon_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n when_o he_o be_v not_o in_o circumcision_n but_o in_o uncircumcision_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n large_o and_o strong_o insist_o upon_o in_o the_o whole_a four_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o 3d_o to_o the_o galatian_n as_o you_o may_v there_o read_v at_o large_a 12._o the_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o retain_v the_o jewish_a be_v this_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o elect_a and_o the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v not_o mean_v strict_o those_o who_o descend_v from_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n shall_v be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o gentile_n also_o which_o believe_v have_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n even_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o be_v those_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o gentile_n as_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o religion_n of_o abraham_n shall_v be_v justify_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n insist_o upon_o in_o the_o 9th_o 10_o and_o 11_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o four_o to_o the_o galatian_n 13._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o in_o these_o two_o epistle_n to_o prove_v against_o the_o judaize_v christian_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o retain_v the_o jewish_a religion_n together_o with_o the_o christian._n and_o from_o the_o largeness_n clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o these_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o epistle_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v most_o strong_o and_o large_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o real_o the_o design_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o shall_v make_v a_o thing_n the_o profess_a subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o yet_o prove_v it_o by_o such_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a argument_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o cunning_a of_o man_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v either_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o with_o themselves_o 14._o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o so_o understand_v any_o passage_n in_o these_o epistle_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o magnify_v one_o christian_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v set_v forth_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a thus_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n we_o must_v not_o interpret_v it_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a for_o so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o most_o express_o explain_v it_o gal._n 5._o 6_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n that_o be_v it_o matter_n not_o whether_o a_o man_n observe_v the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n or_o no_o if_o he_o maintain_v but_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o christian._n but_o as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o apostle_n every_o where_o urge_v their_o necessity_n and_o particular_o the_o five_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o most_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o be_v fruitful_a therein_o 15._o from_o which_o it_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n when_o the_o one_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n and_o the_o other_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_n can_v justify_v for_o the_o one_o speak_v profess_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v avail_v to_o justify_v a_o man_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o it_o can_v do_v so_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o st._n james_n the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n be_v accept_v without_o circumcision_n and_o without_o observe_v the_o external_a rite_n of_o the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v by_o work_n say_v st._n james_n that_o abraham_n our_o father_n be_v justify_v that_o be_v it_o be_v by_o real_a 1._o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v now_o require_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v make_v available_a to_o justification_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o great_a apostle_n than_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o obey_v the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o without_o obey_v the_o christian._n 16._o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n concern_v faith_n and_o work_n deliver_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n concern_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n namely_o that_o the_o essence_n and_o end_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o do_v more_o clear_o and_o more_o strong_o confirm_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o particular_a 1._o three_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o understand_v in_o general_n wherein_o true_a religion_n consist_v and_o to_o have_v right_a notion_n concern_v its_o obligation_n in_o general_a but_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v the_o particular_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o view_v they_o distinct_o under_o some_o proper_a head_n many_o there_o be_v who_o have_v right_a and_o true_a notion_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n who_o understand_v well_o enough_o and_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v accept_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v holiness_n of_o life_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n who_o yet_o 60_o content_v themselves_o with_o this_o slight_a general_a and_o superficial_a knowledge_n and_o never_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o meditate_v serious_o on_o the_o several_a particular_a branch_n of_o their_o
and_o design_v to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n upon_o promise_n make_v by_o surety_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o and_o that_o infant_n be_v right_o so_o admit_v to_o this_o ordinance_n beside_o the_o almost_o general_a consent_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v use_v but_o this_o one_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v those_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v infant_n to_o be_v mar._n 10._o 14_o and_o 15._o be_v certain_o qualify_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o qualification_n which_o fit_a man_n for_o both_o be_v repentance_n and_o faith_n now_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o repentance_n yet_o they_o have_v 59_o innocence_n which_o be_v better_o than_o repentance_n and_o which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o need_v it_o not_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n be_v yet_o by_o their_o repentance_n qualify_v for_o baptism_n how_o much_o more_o be_v infant_n who_o have_v never_o sin_v fit_v for_o it_o by_o their_o innocence_n and_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o and_o can_v have_v actual_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v 14._o sanctify_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n they_o be_v already_o in_o some_o sense_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o be_v ready_a without_o prejudice_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o 3._o infant_n therefore_o be_v right_o admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o privilege_n appropriate_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o a_o promise_v make_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v of_o certain_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o one_o on_o god_n part_n of_o certain_a grace_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v confer_v and_o because_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v any_o promise_n immediate_o by_o themselves_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v certain_a surety_n who_o shall_v promise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n what_o itself_o shall_v afterward_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o see_v it_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n 1_o that_o therefore_o which_o the_o surety_n undertake_v for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v in_o convenient_a time_n to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n of_o its_o be_v hearty_a in_o this_o belief_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o renew_a engagement_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o this_o practice_n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o fit_a season_n be_v bring_v to_o declare_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n its_o firmness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o command_n 2._o this_o be_v what_o the_o godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n promise_n for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n this_o they_o promise_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o undertake_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o a_o light_a thing_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o promise_n solemn_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whoever_o consider_v the_o matter_n serious_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o duty_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o any_o promise_n of_o more_o solemn_a obligation_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o duty_n more_o general_o and_o more_o shameful_o neglect_v nor_o any_o promise_n more_o light_o regard_v 3._o if_o a_o man_n be_v make_v guardian_n to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n how_o just_o do_v we_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o have_v he_o instruct_v in_o all_o that_o necessary_a knowledge_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o management_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v zealous_a to_o have_v he_o further_o endue_v with_o all_o those_o useful_a accomplishment_n which_o may_v become_v his_o quality_n and_o recommend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n but_o above_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v spare_v no_o pain_n to_o secure_v to_o he_o his_o estate_n and_o to_o improve_v his_o fortune_n and_o do_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o unfaithful_a of_o man_n who_o have_v such_o a_o charge_n commit_v unto_o he_o shall_v whole_o neglect_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o how_o much_o a_o great_a trust_n do_v he_o betray_v who_o have_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o child_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n by_o god_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v whole_o to_o have_v it_o teach_v those_o necessary_a truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o consist_v its_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o take_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o secure_v to_o it_o that_o portion_n which_o god_n have_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o who_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a babe_n perhaps_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o good_a advice_n and_o instruction_n begin_v to_o be_v overrun_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o in_o time_n must_v drown_v it_o in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n do_v yet_o show_v no_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o it_o what_o great_a uncharitableness_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n or_o what_o great_a mockery_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o education_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o whole_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o surety_n in_o baptism_n but_o first_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o but_o undoubted_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v assistant_n and_o if_o the_o parent_n either_o through_o wickedness_n neglect_v to_o instruct_v it_o or_o by_o death_n be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o the_o surety_n must_v look_v upon_o this_o care_n as_o chief_o devolve_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n 4._o in_o what_o station_n soever_o god_n appoint_v any_o man_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n either_o to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a or_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a if_o he_o neglect_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o brother_n perish_v through_o his_o default_n the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o perish_v will_v be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n ezek_n 3â—_n 8._o when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a o_o wicked_a man_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a child_n be_v commit_v particular_o to_o the_o care_n of_o any_o person_n if_o through_o his_o neglect_n it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v shall_v its_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n with_o what_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n shall_v we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n hear_v those_o who_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o our_o charge_n accuse_v we_o for_o have_v
be_v through_o carelessness_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v astonish_v and_o cut_v to_o the_o heart_n to_o hear_v they_o curse_v we_o and_o say_v have_v those_o who_o shall_v have_v instruct_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o willing_a to_o have_v learn_v it_o we_o have_v never_o come_v into_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o how_o will_v it_o double_v the_o torment_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o have_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v undo_v by_o our_o neglect_n inflict_v upon_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o slight_a and_o trivial_a matter_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o child_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o their_o name_n at_o the_o font_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v afterward_o to_o perform_v conscientious_o what_o we_o there_o solemn_o promise_v for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n as_o a_o duty_n wherein_o their_o soul_n and_o our_o own_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o concern_v tertullian_n think_v it_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o baptismo_fw-la the_o surety_n be_v there_o oblige_v to_o promise_n what_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o perform_v and_o what_o if_o they_o do_v live_v they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v the_o baptize_v person_n to_o take_v upon_o himself_o he_o never_o once_o think_v that_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n may_v be_v wilful_o betray_v or_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n careless_o neglect_v which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o much_o strong_a objection_n what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o this_o great_a charge_n without_o ever_o design_v to_o think_v more_o of_o it_o 6._o let_v those_o man_n consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o promise_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n what_o they_o never_o design_v to_o think_v upon_o after_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o answer_v ready_o for_o a_o child_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o great_a distance_n they_o have_v no_o probability_n of_o ever_o see_v more_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o when_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o a_o child_n deliver_v it_o immediate_o to_o its_o parent_n as_o if_o they_o be_v by_o that_o mockery_n release_v from_o their_o promise_n and_o god_n delude_v as_o easy_o as_o man_n last_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o testify_v their_o love_n to_o a_o child_n who_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o by_o some_o little_a and_o trifle_a mark_n of_o kindness_n while_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o inhumane_o and_o unchristian_o cruel_a to_o it_o by_o neglect_v that_o one_o great_a kindness_n which_o they_o have_v promise_v and_o vow_v to_o do_v for_o it_o 7._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o notorious_a neglect_n of_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o shameless_a wickedness_n of_o our_o present_a age._n for_o while_o parent_n and_o surety_n be_v careless_a to_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n vicious_a inclination_n prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o insensible_o grow_v into_o vicious_a habit_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o happiness_n annex_v to_o it_o whereas_o be_v surety_n according_a to_o their_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n conscientious_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o those_o for_o who_o they_o have_v undertake_v be_v timely_a and_o diligent_o instruct_v religion_n will_v have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o innocent_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n child_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o different_o according_a to_o their_o different_a temper_n be_v early_o wrought_v upon_o to_o admire_v the_o beauty_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n to_o thirst_v after_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o confirmation_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o profess_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o renew_v their_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o with_o a_o full_a resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n and_o those_o renew_a promise_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n at_o which_o every_o man_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o from_o which_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n may_v true_o be_v date_v be_v evident_a but_o of_o what_o use_v the_o know_v and_o fix_v this_o period_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n may_v be_v be_v general_o very_o little_o consider_v for_o whilst_o some_o have_v groundless_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o every_o good_a man_n conversion_n after_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v away_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n and_o whilst_o other_o have_v weak_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o conversion_n after_o which_o though_o a_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o great_a wickedness_n yet_o he_o can_v fall_v final_o from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n most_o other_o have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o inquire_v at_o all_o into_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o the_o religious_a life_n begin_v or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v it_o since_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o by_o a_o sudden_a conversion_n but_o by_o a_o gradual_a progress_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n yet_o may_v a_o man_n nevertheless_o certain_o fix_v to_o himself_o the_o period_n from_o whence_o to_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n for_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v only_o from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o constant_a sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o accompany_v with_o many_o frailty_n inadvertency_n and_o surprise_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o holiness_n he_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v from_o a_o course_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n to_o a_o victory_n or_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v reckon_v his_o religious_a life_n from_o no_o long_o a_o time_n notwithstanding_o any_o pious_a interval_n and_o struggle_n which_o he_o may_v have_v have_v with_o his_o habitual_a temptation_n than_o from_o that_o period_n since_o which_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o know_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o use_v of_o a_o man_n fix_v within_o himself_o such_o a_o period_n will_v be_v that_o more_o assure_v and_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a and_o clear_a view_n of_o a_o well_o examine_v course_n of_o past_a holiness_n that_o effectual_a bar_n against_o fall_v into_o the_o act_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n which_o will_v be_v put_v by_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o by_o such_o a_o act_n he_o must_v lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o past_a virtue_n and_o be_v force_v to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n again_o from_o a_o new_a period_n and_o above_o all_o that_o mighty_a dread_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v repent_v and_o sin_v into_o which_o man_n will_v be_v rouse_v by_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v clear_o that_o such_o a_o course_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o this_o period_n from_o which_o i_o suppose_v a_o christian_n to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n must_v be_v either_o baptism_n confirmation_n or_o repentance_n in_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n to_o that_o of_o christianity_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o begin_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o strict_a piety_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o