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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n believer_n church_n visible_a 1,349 5 9.2573 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A76157 Confirmation and restauration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of the corruptions and divisions of the churches: submissively, but earnestly tendered to the consideration of the soveraigne powers, magistrates, ministers, and people, that they may awake, and be up and doing in the execution of so much, as appeareth to be necessary as they are true to Christ, his Church and Gospel, and to their own and others souls, and to the peace and wellfare of the nations; and as they will answer the neglect to Christ, at their peril. / By Richard Baxter, an unworthy minister of Christ, that longeth to see the healing of the churches. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1658 (1658) Wing B1232; Thomason E2111_1; ESTC R209487 172,368 411

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the_o end_n of_o adult_n communion_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o proper_a plenary_a right_n to_o such_o communion_n for_o the_o right_n and_o relation_n be_v for_o these_o end_n if_o a_o natural_a incapacity_n may_v consist_v with_o a_o plenary_a title_n so_o can_v a_o moral_a no_o man_n can_v real_o possess_v and_o exercise_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o adult_n intrinsical_o without_o faith_n or_o extrinsecall_v without_o profession_n of_o faith_n therefore_o no_o man_n without_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n can_v have_v a_o plenary_a right_n to_o that_o communion_n for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o plenary_a right_n to_o praise_n god_n and_o celeberate_v with_o the_o church_n the_o memorial_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o participate_v of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o his_o benefit_n that_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o be_v a_o palpable_a absurdity_n 3._o if_o the_o mere_a title-condition_n of_o infant_n will_v serve_v in_o 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least_o profit_n by_o that_o title_n or_o name_n this_o be_v somewhat_o high_a than_o the_o point_n needs_o that_o i_o bring_v it_o for_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n if_o all_o other_o infidel_n shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n except_o only_o the_o treacherous_a covenant-breaking_a infidel_n for_o such_o be_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o infancy_n prove_v no_o christian_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n as_o if_o persidiousness_n will_v give_v he_o right_o prop._n 5._o as_o a_o personal_a faith_n be_v the_o condition_n before_o god_n of_o title_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o adult_n so_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o right_n before_o the_o church_n and_o without_o this_o profession_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o adult_n member_n nor_o admit_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o such_o this_o proposition_n also_o as_o the_o sun_n reveal_v its_o self_n by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o therefore_o command_v
the_o soul_n of_o our_o poor_a people_n be_v delude_v and_o they_o be_v make_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o it_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n etc._n as_o mr_n thorndicke_n say_v as_o aforecited_a no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n till_o there_o be_v just_a presumption_n that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v above_o and_o admit_v to_o and_o exclude_v from_o the_o church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a presumption_n of_o admit_v to_o or_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n it_o be_v moral_o and_o legal_o the_o same_o act_n that_o entitle_v to_o heaven_n and_o to_o the_o church_n that_o make_v a_o heir_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o a_o christian_a and_o if_o so_o than_o what_o great_a mischief_n can_v we_o do_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o ungodly_a man_n than_o so_o to_o delude_v he_o by_o our_o admit_v he_o into_o the_o church_n and_o make_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o it_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n false_a faith_n and_o false_a hope_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o fill_v hell_n and_o be_v the_o common_a undo_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o ever_o we_o can_v do_v be_v too_o little_a to_o cure_v it_o when_o i_o bend_v all_o my_o study_n and_o labour_n but_o to_o make_v a_o wicked_a man_n know_v that_o he_o be_v wicked_a i_o can_v procure_v it_o i_o can_v make_v he_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o unconvert_v ungodly_a sinner_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o condemnation_n o_o the_o power_n of_o blind_a self-love_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o see_v themselves_o miserable_a when_o they_o see_v themselves_o sinful_a and_o all_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v it_o so_o when_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o visible_a to_o other_o and_o shall_v we_o all_o join_v to_o strengthen_v this_o potent_a enemy_n and_o lie_v this_o share_n and_o thrust_v man_n headlong_o into_o hell_n that_o be_v run_v downhill_o so_o fast_o already_o and_o all_o under_o pretence_n of_o charity_n and_o compassion_n 7._o we_o shall_v put_v they_o by_o this_o mean_n into_o a_o way_n not_o only_o of_o lose_v the_o fruit_n of_o ordinance_n but_o of_o misapply_v all_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o deceit_n when_o we_o preach_v peace_n to_o the_o true_a believer_n the_o wicked_a will_v misapply_v it_o and_o say_v it_o belong_v to_o they_o when_o we_o speak_v against_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o ungodly_a they_o will_v think_v that_o this_o be_v not_o their_o part_n but_o bless_v themselves_o because_o they_o be_v christian_n in_o our_o praise_n they_o be_v tempt_v with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi to_o thank_v god_n and_o perhaps_o for_o mercy_n which_o they_o never_o have_v as_o justification_n adoption_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n the_o sacrament_n by_o misapplication_n will_v confirm_v they_o in_o presumption_n and_o thus_o as_o they_o enter_v by_o deceit_n among_o adult-believer_n so_o will_v they_o turn_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n to_o feed_v that_o deceit_n more_o effectual_a then_o among_o the_o expectant_n it_o will_v have_v be_v 8._o but_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o trouble_v i_o to_o think_v of_o be_v this_o that_o by_o this_o hasten_a and_o admit_v all_o the_o unprepared_a into_o the_o number_n of_o adult-christians_a and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v either_o put_v a_o necessity_n upon_o ourselves_o to_o throw_v away_o church-discipline_n or_o else_o to_o be_v most_o probable_o the_o damnation_n of_o our_o people_n soul_n and_o make_v they_o desperate_a and_o almost_o past_a all_o hope_n or_o remedy_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o what_o i_o be_o say_v now_o i_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o till_o late_o that_o experience_n make_v i_o sensible_a while_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o public_a reproof_n or_o censure_n i_o dispute_v of_o these_o thing_n without_o that_o experience_n which_o i_o now_o find_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a help_n to_o resolve_v such_o doubt_n which_o make_v i_o bold_a to_o tell_v the_o church_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o much_o discipline_n as_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o be_v a_o likely_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o agreement_n in_o the_o rest_n than_o all_o our_o dispute_n will_v do_v without_o it_o and_o that_o i_o resolve_v hereafter_o to_o take_v that_o man_n for_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n and_o unmeet_a disputer_n about_o church-discipline_n that_o never_o exercise_v it_o or_o live_v where_o it_o be_v exercise_v and_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o suspect_v their_o judgement_n and_o be_v almost_o as_o loath_a to_o follow_v such_o as_o to_o follow_v a_o swimmer_n that_o never_o be_v before_o in_o the_o water_n or_o a_o pilot_n that_o be_v never_o before_o at_o sea_n or_o a_o soldier_n that_o never_o see_v war_n before_o but_o have_v only_o learn_v their_o skill_n by_o the_o book_n our_o case_n stand_v thus_o if_o we_o take_v all_o our_o parish_n according_a to_o the_o old_a church-constitution_n to_o be_v particular_a church_n and_o all_o the_o parishiones_fw-la to_o be_v member_n then_o either_o we_o must_v exercise_v the_o discipline_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o we_o disobey_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o own_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o church-end_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o essence_n see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o relative_n be_v for_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o unusual_a accident_n that_o we_o can_v exercise_v this_o discipline_n but_o from_o the_o very_a church_n constitution_n or_o incapacity_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o then_o 1._o we_o shall_v be_v traitor_n to_o christ_n under_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n if_o we_o will_v wilful_o cast_v out_o his_o ministerial_a kingly_a government_n 2._o we_o shall_v betray_v the_o church_n to_o licentiousness_n and_o 3._o we_o shall_v set_v up_o a_o new_a churchway_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o impiety_n have_v overspread_v the_o christian_a world_n he_o that_o dare_v take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v a_o overseer_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o oversee_v and_o rule_v it_o and_o dare_v settle_v on_o such_o a_o church-state_n as_o be_v uncapable_a of_o discipline_n be_v so_o perfidious_a to_o christ_n and_o venture_v so_o bold_o to_o make_v the_o church_n another_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v his_o follower_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v exercise_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n upon_o all_o in_o our_o ordinary_a parish_n what_o work_n shall_v we_o make_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o work_n from_o so_o much_o experience_n as_o that_o no_o reason_v can_v any_o more_o persuade_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a than_o that_o wormwood_n be_v not_o bitter_a or_o snow_v not_o cold_a 1._o we_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o multitude_n to_o excommunicate_v or_o reject_v that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o sentence_n grow_v almost_o contemptible_a by_o the_o commonness_n 2._o we_o shall_v so_o extreme_o enrage_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o people_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v in_o continual_a danger_n of_o our_o life_n among_o so_o many_o that_o be_v public_o reprove_v and_o cast_v out_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o but_o some_o desperate_a villain_n will_v be_v study_v revenge_n but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o stick_v upon_o my_o heart_n be_v this_o it_o 3._o we_o shall_v be_v the_o cruel_a enemy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o poor_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o put_v they_o the_o very_o next_o step_n to_o hell_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v reject_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o under_o public_a shame_n they_o hate_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o either_o will_v never_o hear_v we_o more_o or_o hear_v we_o with_o so_o much_o heart_a and_o malice_n or_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o profit_v by_o we_o if_o you_o say_v that_o doubtless_o discipline_n will_v have_v better_a fruit_n if_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v no_o time_n now_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o question_v whether_o that_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o scripture_n speak_v for_o so_o full_o and_o so_o plain_o and_o which_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v so_o long_o practise_v and_o that_o with_o such_o severity_n as_o it_o have_v do_v 2._o i_o know_v the_o discipline_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n and_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v excellent_a effect_n but_o upon_o who_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o come_v under_o discipline_n and_o with_o
man_n be_v out_o of_o it_o and_o you_o may_v next_o question_n whether_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o a_o member_n that_o believe_v much_o more_o than_o he_o but_o when_o i_o say_v that_o infidelity_n impiety_n heresy_n do_v cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o i_o mean_v it_o but_o meritorious_o either_o these_o crime_n be_v private_a and_o unknown_a or_o provable_a if_o not_o provable_a than_o they_o merit_v this_o and_o more_o coram_fw-la deo_fw-la but_o not_o ecclesiâ_fw-la judice_fw-la that_o be_v though_o there_o be_v guilt_n or_o demerit_n yet_o we_o be_v no_o capable_a judge_n of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o crime_n be_v provable_a than_o it_o be_v either_o such_o as_o needs_o a_o judgement_n or_o not_o if_o it_o need_v a_o judgement_n the_o person_n be_v only_o the_o jur●_n cast_v out_o before_o the_o sentence_n which_o be_v terminus_fw-la diminuens_fw-la and_o be_v no●_n actual_a cast_v out_o and_o he_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o execution_n so_o that_o his_o sin_n cast_v he_o out_o meritorious_o the_o law_n obligatory_o the_o paflor_n of_o the_o church_n sentential_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n pastor_n and_o people_n executive_o in_o avoid_v he_o but_o if_o there_o need_v no_o judgement_n than_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v actual_o ipso_fw-la jure_fw-la by_o the_o law_n alone_o without_o a_o judge_n which_o may_v be_v in_o many_o a_o cas●●_n a●_n if_o he_o be_v a_o notorious_a infidel_n atheist_n blasphemer_n or_o notorious_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n one_o of_o those_o that_o the_o law_n command_v we_o to_o avoid_v we_o must_v execute_v this_o law_n though_o there_o be_v no_o sentence_n pronounce_v the_o want_n of_o a_o man_n sentence_n will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o obey_v god_n law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n through_o the_o notoriousness_n of_o the_o case_n there_o need_v no_o judge_n 6._o if_o birth-priviledge_n will_v serve_v alone_o for_o the_o adult_n to_o prove_v their_o title_n to_o the_o church-state_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o adult_n than_o no_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parents_n can_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n or_o just_o excommunicate_a for_o he_o be_v still_o a_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o no_o sin_n will_v make_v they_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o if_o that_o be_v enough_o he_o have_v a_o good_a title_n still_o nay_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o can_v apostatise_v for_o he_o can_v fall_v away_o from_o this_o but_o the_o consequence_n be_v absurd_a therefore_o so_o be_v the_o antecedent_n 7._o if_o infant_n title_n only_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o adult_n than_o no_o parent_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o profess_v himself_o a_o christ●a●_n or_o actual_a believer_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o interest_n of_o his_o child_n to_o baptism_n nor_o any_o that_o offer_v he_o in_o the_o parent_n stead_n for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o parent_n or_o susceptor_n say_v we_o be_v infant-member_n and_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o our_o child_n must_v be_v so_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v actual_a believer_n now_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o tell_v you_o but_o the_o consequent_a be_v so_o absurd_a that_o whoever_o shall_v have_v offer_v a_o child_n to_o baptism_n on_o these_o term_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n or_o any_o church_n that_o i_o know_v of_o till_o very_o late_o will_v have_v be_v reject_v the_o acceptance_n and_o baptism_n of_o our_o infant_n be_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n but_o no_o one_o have_v right_a to_o this_o privilege_n that_o his_o child_n be_v thus_o accept_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o bare_a infant-title_n without_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o personal_a actual_a ●aith_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n 8._o if_o the_o oppose_a doctrine_n shall_v hold_v good_a than_o all_o the_o world_n have_v right_a to_o church-communion_n or_o m●llions_o of_o infidel_n at_o least_o but_o the_o consequent_a be_v false_a therefore_o so_o be_v the_o antecedent_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a because_o noah_n be_v a_o church-member_n and_o all_o the_o world_n come_v out_o of_o his_o loin_n and_o the_o man_n of_o thracia_n bythinia_n and_o most_o of_o asia_n where_o mahomet_n be_v worship_v may_v say_v our_o ancestor_n be_v christian_n therefore_o the_o birth-priviledge_n still_o go_v down_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n even_o to_o the_o thousand_o generation_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o present_a generation_n of_o mahometan_n and_o other_o infidel_n be_v church-members_a still_o for_o they_o lose_v not_o their_o natural_a relation_n to_o their_o parent_n 9_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v a_o society_n of_o adult_n person_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n if_o they_o have_v no_o more_o but_o their_o infant-condition_n therefore_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v a_o single_a person_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o society_n a_o christian_a society_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o person_n a_o christian_a person_n but_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o some_o kind_n of_o profession_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v or_o prove_v a_o company_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n therefore_o some_o profession_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v or_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o church-member_n 10._o if_o infant-condition_n will_v suffice_v to_o the_o adult_n for_o church-membership_a and_o common_a privilege_n then_o will_v they_o serve_v for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n that_o be_v special_a privilege_n but_o the_o consequent_a be_v false_a therefore_o so_o be_v the_o antecedent_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o though_o the_o benefit_n be_v various_a yet_o the_o covenant_n and_o condition_n be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o we_o have_v right_a to_o one_o and_o to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n by_o profession_n before_o man_n that_o give_v title_n coram_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la who_o inward_a sincerity_n give_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o god_n give_v title_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n coram_fw-la deo_fw-la on_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v our_o right_n to_o adult_v communion_n to_o praise_n god_n and_o have_v all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o help_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v christian_a parent_n then_o must_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v our_o title_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o benefit_n the_o ancient_a father_n and_o church_n think_v that_o baptism_n do_v as_o certain_o give_v the_o infant_n right_o baptise_a a_o right_a to_o pardon_v of_o original_a sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n a●_n to_o outward_a church-priviledge_n and_o if_o the_o same_o covenant_n give_v both_o on_o the_o same_o condition_n than_o he_o that_o have_v the_o condition_n of_o one_o have_v of_o both_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o disputation_n that_o god_n have_v not_o two_o covenant_n of_o grace_n on_o his_o part_n one_o of_o spiritual_a or_o inward_a mercy_n and_o another_o of_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o that_o he_o give_v not_o these_o inward_a benefit_n and_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o they_o upon_o various_a condition_n but_o on_o the_o same_o 11._o faith_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o adult_n be_v either_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n or_o unnecessary_a if_o unnecessary_a than_o christian_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n than_o heathen_n if_o necessary_a then_o either_o as_o a_o mere_a duty_n or_o as_o a_o condition_n or_o other_o mean_v not_o as_o a_o mere_a duty_n for_o then_o still_o the_o infidel_n shall_v be_v equal_o receive_v though_o not_o applaud_v it_o must_v be_v therefore_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_n and_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o promise_n tell_v we_o what_o sort_n of_o mean_n it_o be_v that_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v its_o condition_n 12._o i_o will_v know_v of_o my_o adversary_n what_o he_o will_v do_v with_o the_o son_n of_o a_o believer_n that_o be_v unbaptise_v at_o 40._o or_o 50._o year_n of_o age_n will_v be_v baptise_v he_o without_o a_o profession_n of_o actual_a faith_n of_o his_o own_o or_o not_o if_o he_o will_v than_o he_o will_v make_v new_a fashion_a christian_n and_o church_n and_o may_v baptise_v all_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o apostate_n or_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v consent_v yea_o he_o can_v not_o indeed_o baptise_v they_o for_o baptism_n essential_o contain_v a_o profession_n of_o consent_n unto_o the_o covenant_n which_o therefore_o other_o make_v for_o infant_n that_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o baptise_v such_o without_o profession_n than_o it_o seem_v he_o take_v not_o their_o birth-priviledge_n to_o be_v a_o
and_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n no_o man_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o know_v not_o who_o to_o love_v as_o christian_n infallible_o discern_v but_o the_o profession_n of_o save_v faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v then_o and_o ever_o the_o test_n of_o adult-member_n they_o take_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o credible_o of_o the_o invisible_a though_o with_o different_a degree_n of_o credibility_n and_o according_o they_o love_v they_o all_o with_o a_o christian_a special_a love_n of_o the_o same_o species_n though_o with_o different_a degree_n of_o that_o love_n whereas_o this_o popish_a new_a find_v trick_n of_o make_v a_o new_a common_a sort_n of_o faith_n and_o visible_a membership_n that_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o save_a faith_n do_v teach_v all_o christian_n to_o love_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o with_o a_o common_a love_n and_o relieve_v and_o help_v they_o but_o with_o a_o common_a charity_n and_o so_o the_o device_n be_v to_o confine_v our_o special_a brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o a_o few_o who_o we_o will_v please_v to_o think_v to_o be_v godly_a i_o have_v oft_o marvel_v in_o observe_v some_o learned_a divine_n that_o bend_v that_o way_n that_o they_o think_v compassion_n and_o christian_a charity_n be_v on_o their_o side_n what_o charity_n can_v their_o doctrine_n glory_n of_o they_o will_v be_v so_o merciful_a to_o infidel_n that_o be_v uncapable_a of_o a_o church-state_n as_o to_o plead_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o they_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o curse_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n in_o their_o own_o judgement_n teach_v we_o to_o judge_v uncharitable_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o general_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o without_o respect_n to_o any_o save_a grace_n and_o so_o without_o any_o special_a love_n a_o cold_a comfort_n i_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o no_o more_o capacity_n of_o god_n mercy_n nor_o of_o our_o charity_n but_o into_o much_o more_o capacity_n of_o aggravate_v damnation_n which_o they_o may_v better_o have_v prevent_v by_o be_v keep_v in_o their_o proper_a station_n till_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o more_o i_o confess_v though_o my_o belief_n of_o man_n profession_n have_v different_a degree_n as_o i_o see_v in_o they_o different_a degree_n of_o credibility_n yet_o i_o have_v charitable_a thought_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o these_o that_o make_v so_o low_a and_o miserable_a a_o description_n of_o they_o and_o though_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o unsanctified_a yet_o know_v i_o none_o but_o saint_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v tolerable_a in_o the_o church_n nor_o will_v i_o accuse_v particular_a person_n of_o hypocrisy_n till_o i_o have_v cause_n neither_o in_o my_o secret_n or_o open_a censure_n will_v i_o pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n upon_o any_o such_o term_n as_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o wheat_n but_o rather_o let_v they_o grow_v together_o in_o my_o esteem_n in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n and_o that_o i_o may_v think_v charitable_o of_o the_o church_n and_o walk_v charitable_o in_o and_o towards_o it_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o consist_v of_o such_o notorious_a ungodly_a or_o heretical_a man_n as_o be_v uncapable_a object_n of_o christian_a brotherly_n love_n for_o heresy_n the_o foresay_a learned_a brother_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o cut_v man_n off_o from_o the_o church_n i_o say_v so_o to_o meritorious_o at_o least_o if_o by_o heresy_n be_v mean_v the_o exclusion_n of_o any_o essential_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o pag._n 199_o where_o he_o say_v the_o controversy_n may_v be_v easy_o end_v by_o part_a stake_n viz._n that_o some_o heresy_n which_o absolute_o deny_v some_o particular_a fundamental_a truth_n and_o take_v up_o some_o one_o or_o few_o stone_n thereof_o be_v consistent_a with_o church_n interest_n and_o other_o heresy_n which_o raise_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n deny_v most_o or_o the_o most_o chief_a if_o not_o all_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v inconsistent_a therewith_o i_o must_v humble_o but_o very_o confident_o say_v that_o this_o answer_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n if_o by_o fundamental_o be_v mean_v as_o common_o the_o essential_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n than_o the_o absolute_a deny_v of_o any_o one_o article_n do_v prove_v that_o person_n to_o be_v no_o christian_a nor_o capable_a of_o a_o church_n state_n for_o the_o form_n be_v want_v where_o any_o essential_a part_n be_v want_v but_o if_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v mean_v by_o fundamental_o no_o man_n can_v decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o it_o till_o it_o be_v know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o fasten_v it_o on_o any_o thing_n where_o the_o absolute_a denial_n of_o many_o point_n shall_v unchurch_n and_o the_o absolute_a denial_n of_o one_o or_o two_o point_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o kind_a not_o do_v it_o say_v he_o p._n 198._o the_o jew_n hold_v that_o a_o heretical_a israelite_n have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o why_o but_o because_o communion_n suppose_v union_n and_o union_n with_o israel_n or_o the_o true_a church_n be_v lose_v with_o faith_n they_o also_o hold_v as_o selden_n note_v that_o a_o israelite_n turn_v a_o heretic_n i_o e._n deny_v any_o of_o the_o thirteen_o fundamental_a article_n to_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o few_o line_n before_o he_o say_v that_o historical_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o its_o object_n none_o do_v doubt_v to_o be_v a_o essential_a requisite_a to_o a_o true_a church-member_n yet_o that_o with_o i_o be_v a_o visible_a member_n that_o have_v not_o this_o much_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v essential_a no_o man_n doubt_v of_o it_o if_o they_o profess_v true_a faith_n though_o they_o be_v stark_a atheist_n at_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o historical_a faith_n i_o shall_v believe_v they_o till_o they_o nullify_v their_o own_o profession_n but_o if_o they_o profess_v not_o also_o to_o consent_v to_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o saviour_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n certain_a i_o be_o that_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n with_o one_o consent_n do_v look_v on_o the_o baptize_v general_o as_o pardon_v justify_v and_o adopt_v and_o therefore_o think_v that_o visible_a church-membership_a do_v imply_v a_o credibility_n at_o least_o of_o a_o state_n of_o save_a grace_n say_v cyprian_n epist_n 76._o magn._n in_o baptismo_fw-la unicuique_fw-la peccata_fw-la sua_fw-la remittuntur_fw-la and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n run_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o firmilian_a epist_n ibid._n say_v augustine_n de_fw-fr catechizandis_fw-la rudibus_fw-la cap._n 26._o his_o dictis_fw-la interrogandus_fw-la est_fw-la a_fw-fr haec_fw-la credat_fw-la atque_fw-la observare_fw-la desideret_fw-la quod_fw-la cum_fw-la responderit_fw-la solemniter_fw-la utique_fw-la signandus_fw-la est_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la more_fw-it tractandus_fw-la obedience_n itself_o be_v promise_v and_o a_o consent_n to_o it_o profess_v before_o baptism_n then_o and_o ever_o since_o christian_a baptism_n be_v know_v idem_fw-la epistol_n 119._o ad_fw-la januar._n cap._n 2._o secundum_fw-la hanc_fw-la fidem_fw-la &_o spem_fw-la &_o dilectionem_fw-la quâ_fw-la caepimus_fw-la esse_fw-la sub_fw-la gratia_fw-la jam_fw-la commortui_fw-la sumus_fw-la cum_fw-la christo_fw-la &_o consepulti_fw-la per_fw-la baptismum_fw-la in_o morte_fw-la etc._n etc._n baptism_n then_o suppose_v credible_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n idem_n epist_n 23._o have_v show_v why_o parent_n faith_n profit_v infant_n and_o yet_o their_o after-sin_n hurt_v they_o not_o sai_z cum_fw-la autem_fw-la homo_fw-la sapere_fw-la caeperit_n non_fw-la illud_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la repetit_fw-la sed_fw-la intelligit_fw-la ejusque_fw-la veritati_fw-la consonâ_fw-la etiam_fw-la voluntate_fw-la coaptabitur_fw-la hoc_fw-la quamdiu_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la n._n b._n valebit_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la ad_fw-la ejus_fw-la tutelam_fw-la adversus_fw-la contrarias_fw-la potestates_fw-la &_o tantum_fw-la valebit_fw-la utsi_fw-la ante_fw-la rationis_fw-la usum_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la vita_fw-la emigraverit_fw-la per_fw-la ipsum_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la charitate_fw-la ab_fw-la illa_fw-la condemnatione_fw-la quae_fw-la per_fw-la unum_fw-la hominem_fw-la intravit_fw-la in_o mundum_fw-la christiano_n adjutorio_fw-la liberetur_fw-la hoc_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la credit_n &_o fieri_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la arbitratur_fw-la profecto_fw-la infidelis_fw-la est_fw-la etsi_fw-la habeat_fw-la fidei_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la longeque_fw-la melior_fw-la est_fw-la ille_fw-la parvulus_fw-la qui_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la fidem_fw-la nondum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o cogitation_n non_fw-la ei_fw-la tamen_fw-la obicem_fw-la contrariae_fw-la cogitationis_fw-la opponit_fw-la undè_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la
i_o to_o say_v but_o little_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o arg._n 1._o the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o thing_n unknown_a non_fw-la entium_fw-la &_o non_fw-la apparentium_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la not_o to_o appear_v and_o not_o to_o be_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v not_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v by_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o outward_a sign_n arg._n 2._o if_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o necessary_a coram_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la to_o man_n church-membership_a and_o privilege_n than_o infidel_n and_o heathen_n will_v have_v right_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o also_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v confound_v and_o the_o church_n will_v be_v no_o church_n but_o these_o be_v consequent_n that_o i_o hope_v no_o christian_n will_v have_v a_o favourable_a thought_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v reject_v the_o antecedent_n arg._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o grant_v case_n among_o all_o christian_n that_o profession_n be_v thus_o necessary_a the_o apostle_n and_o ancient_a church_n admit_v none_o without_o it_o nor_o no_o more_o must_v we_o though_o all_o require_v not_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o profession_n yet_o that_o profession_n itself_o be_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o lay_v claim_v to_o church_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n proper_a to_o adult_v member_n this_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o add_v more_o proof_n where_o i_o find_v no_o controversy_n but_o yet_o as_o common_o as_o we_o be_v agree_v on_o this_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a point_n which_o most_o of_o the_o stress_n of_o our_o present_a disputation_n lie_v on_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o foresee_v what_o may_v possible_o be_v object_v by_o any_o new_a comer_n hereafter_o object_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v 1._o that_o we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o profession_n require_v in_o scripture_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o peter_n receive_v a_o profession_n from_o those_o thousand_o who_o he_o so_o sudden_o baptise_a 3_o our_o church_n have_v be_v true_a church_n without_o such_o a_o profession_n personal_o and_o distinct_o make_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v so_o still_o to_o these_o brief_o yet_o satisfactory_o 1._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o abundant_a proof_n that_o a_o plain_a profession_n be_v make_v in_o those_o time_n by_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v at_o age_n and_o so_o admit_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o ripeness_n and_o capacity_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o special_a communion_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o adult_n at_o once_o to_o say_v much_o of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o before_o christ_n will_v be_v but_o to_o interrupt_v you_o with_o less_o pertinent_a thing_n yet_o there_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v solemn_o engage_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o moses_n more_o than_o once_o and_o that_o this_o be_v renew_v by_o joshua_n and_o other_o godly_a prince_n and_o that_o asa_n make_v the_o people_n not_o only_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n but_o that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o seek_v he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n whether_o small_a or_o great_a man_n or_o woman_n and_o they_o swear_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o with_o shouting_n and_o with_o trumpet_n and_o with_o cornet_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 12_o 13_o 14._o so_o follow_v prince_n call_v the_o people_n to_o this_o open_a covenant_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n only_o to_o be_v their_o god_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o isarelite_n religion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o only_o open_o profess_v but_o excessive_o sometime_o glory_n in_o as_o circumcision_n seal_v the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v the_o covenant_n to_o infant_n and_o age_a whoever_o be_v circumcise_v so_o have_v they_o many_o sort_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o worship_n in_o which_o they_o all_o be_v open_o to_o profess_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o covenant_n many_o purification_n also_o and_o sanctifying_n of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v and_o many_o figure_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n before_o i_o etc._n etc._n be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o every_o israelite_n express_o and_o by_o frequent_a act_n profess_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n be_v call_v a_o covenant_n which_o all_o be_v to_o own_o and_o avouch_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o themselves_o his_o people_n see_v deut._n 26._o 17_o 18._o &_o chap._n 29._o 10_o 11_o 14_o etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n 23._o 3._o 2_o chron._n 23._o 3_o 16._o &_o chap._n 29._o 10._o ezr._n 10._o 3._o neh._n 9_o 38._o psal_n 50._o 5._o ezek._n 20._o 37._o jer._n 50._o 5._o isa_n 56._o 4_o 5._o exod._n 34._o 27._o psal_n 103._o 18._o &_o 25._o 10._o &_o 18._o 10_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v no_o chhistian_n will_v wish_v that_o we_o shall_v deal_v no_o more_o open_o and_o clear_o with_o god_n the_o church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o day_n of_o gospel_n light_a and_o worship_n than_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o do_v in_o their_o dark_a state_n under_o obscure_a type_n and_o shadow_n we_o find_v that_o when_o john_n baptist_n set_v up_o his_o ministry_n he_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o cenfess_v their_o sin_n matth._n 3._o 6._o and_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 1._o 19_o and_o whereas_o some_o say_v that_o john_n baptise_a they_o that_o he_o call_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o will_v believe_v that_o when_o they_o prove_v it_o it_o seem_v rather_o that_o he_o put_v they_o back_o 2._o if_o he_o do_v baptise_v they_o it_o be_v not_o till_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n before_o that_o all_o do_v and_o it_o seem_v by_o his_o charge_n till_o they_o promise_v to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n matth._n 3._o 8._o christ_n will_v not_o have_v so_o instruct_v nicodemus_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n before_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n if_o a_o profess_a or_o apparent_a preparation_n have_v not_o be_v necessary_a nor_o will_v he_o ordinary_o have_v teach_v man_n the_o necessity_n of_o deny_v themselves_o and_o forsake_v all_o for_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n with_o such_o like_a if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o the_o profession_n of_o so_o do_v have_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o visible_a discipleship_n i_o grant_v that_o so_o full_a a_o profession_n be_v not_o make_v before_o christ_n resurrection_n as_o after_o for_o many_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v afterward_o make_v necessary_a and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o what_o the_o weak_a christian_n do_v afterward_o believe_v but_o still_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n then_o necessary_a in_o existence_n to_o man_n justification_n be_v necessary_a in_o profession_n ●●_o man_n visible_a christianity_n or_o church-membership_a as_o to_o those_o acts._n 2._o 37._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n if_o you_o consider_v 1_o that_o they_o be_v open_o tell_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o must_v be_v baptize_v into_o if_o they_o do_v consent_v 2._o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o glad_o receive_v that_o word_n be_v baptize_v 3._o it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o they_o first_o testify_v their_o glad_a reception_n of_o the_o word_n 4._o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o peter_n be_v god_n or_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o those_o thousand_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v know_v it_o by_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n 5._o their_o own_o mouth_n cry_v out_o for_o advice_n in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n 6._o it_o have_v be_v absurd_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o attempt_v to_o baptize_v man_n that_o have_v not_o first_o profess_v their_o consent_n 7._o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o not_o the_o full_a historical_a narration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v and_o do_v in_o such_o case_n but_o of_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a 8._o the_o institution_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n tell_v we_o that_o baptism_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v without_o a_o profession_n to_o the_o adult_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v baptze_v into_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n yea_o the_o very_a receive_n of_o
apprentice_n after_o this_o if_o the_o university_n give_v a_o man_n the_o degree_n of_o doctor_n of_o divinity_n or_o master_n of_o art_n that_o never_o take_v degree_n of_o bachelor_n of_o divinity_n or_o of_o art_n they_o can_v afterward_o call_v he_o back_o to_o take_v his_o bachelor_n degree_n if_o you_o have_v irregular_o admit_v the_o untried_a unapproved_a unconfirmed_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n you_o have_v eminenter_fw-la though_o not_o formaliter_fw-la confirm_a and_o approve_v he_o though_o irregular_o of_o this_o more_o anon_o prop._n 19_o so_o exceed_v great_a and_o many_o be_v the_o mischief_n that_o have_v befall_v we_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o solemn_a meet_a transition_n from_o a_o infant_n into_o the_o adult_n church_n state_n and_o which_o undoubted_o will_v continue_v till_o this_o be_v remedy_v that_o all_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o people_n that_o dissemble_v not_o in_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n shall_v with_o speed_n and_o diligence_n attempt_v the_o cure_n let_v we_o here_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o case_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o congregation_n and_o then_o consider_v of_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n all_o the_o people_n of_o our_o parish_n except_o anabaptist_n do_v bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a which_o if_o it_o be_v faithful_o do_v be_v a_o happy_a mean_n of_o a_o early_a engagement_n unto_o christ_n and_o a_o happy_a entrance_n upon_o further_a mercy_n multitude_n of_o those_o know_v not_o what_o baptism_n be_v nor_o to_o what_o use_n and_o end_v it_o be_v appoint_v nor_o what_o benefit_n their_o child_n may_v receive_v by_o it_o i_o speak_v upon_o too_o sure_a and_o large_a experience_n nor_o do_v they_o know_v what_o christianity_n be_v nor_o who_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nor_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o baptism_n but_o there_o they_o make_v a_o promise_n customary_o as_o they_o be_v bid_v in_o word_n not_o understand_v that_o they_o will_v acquaint_v their_o child_n at_o age_n with_o the_o covenant_n there_o make_v which_o they_o never_o understand_v themselves_o and_o that_o they_o will_v educate_v they_o in_o godliness_n when_o they_o hate_v godliness_n at_o the_o heart_n and_o when_o they_o come_v home_o they_o perform_v their_o promise_n according_o they_o teach_v they_o nothing_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o they_o give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n which_o there_o in_o word_n they_o do_v renounce_v and_o they_o teach_v they_o by_o their_o daily_a example_n to_o curse_v and_o swear_v and_o rail_v and_o to_o be_v proud_a and_o covetous_a and_o voluptuous_a serve_v their_o belly_n in_o stead_n of_o god_n and_o hateful_a reproach_v a_o godly_a life_n instead_o of_o teach_v it_o their_o child_n these_o child_n be_v customary_o bring_v to_o the_o assembly_n where_o they_o hear_v the_o plain_a teach_n without_o understanding_n or_o regard_v it_o and_o grow_v harden_v under_o daily_a reproof_n and_o exhortation_n live_v as_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o some_o in_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o worldlyness_n without_o any_o sign_n of_o godliness_n further_o than_o to_o come_v to_o church_n some_o in_o drunkenness_n some_o in_o whoredom_n abundance_n in_o a_o malignant_a hatred_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n make_v they_o that_o use_v it_o the_o common_a scorn_n and_o take_v they_o for_o the_o hatefull_a person_n in_o the_o parish_n or_o country_n where_o they_o live_v for_o custom_n sake_n and_o to_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n in_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o pastor_n and_o may_v have_v it_o in_o their_o mode_n and_o way_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n shall_v desire_v they_o to_o come_v to_o he_o first_o that_o he_o may_v understand_v their_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n they_o scorn_v it_o and_o ask_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o will_v examine_v they_o and_o what_o proof_n he_o have_v that_o man_n must_v be_v examine_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o some_o self-conceited_a half-witted_a writer_n have_v teach_v they_o this_o lesson_n and_o make_v ministerial_a trial_n and_o approbation●odious_a to_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v once_o baptise_a and_o have_v since_o come_v to_o hear_v and_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o assembly_n therefore_o they_o think_v that_o they_o have_v right_a to_o all_o ordinance_n and_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o adult_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o exempt_a from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o pastor_n that_o require_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o good_a in_o the_o bishop_n day_n some_o few_o of_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o country_n where_o i_o live_v about_o one_o of_o ten_o or_o twenty_o and_o what_o that_o be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v do_v i_o can_v tell_v you_o but_o what_o i_o once_o make_v trial_n of_o when_o i_o be_v a_o 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much_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o bishop_n little_o know_v nor_o inquire_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a bishop_n esteem_v in_o england_n and_o though_o the_o canon_n require_v that_o the_o curate_n or_o minister_n send_v a_o certificate_n that_o child_n have_v learn_v the_o catechism_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v but_o we_o run_v of_o our_o own_o accord_n to_o see_v the_o bishop_n only_o and_o almost_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o county_n have_v not_o this_o much_o this_o be_v the_o old_a careless_a practice_n of_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o confirmation_n some_o few_o perhaps_o half_a a_o parish_n in_o the_o best_a place_n will_v send_v their_o child_n to_o church_n to_o be_v catechize_v yet_o but_o even_o those_o few_o that_o learn_v the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n understand_v not_o what_o they_o say_v and_o be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o matter_n as_o if_o they_o never_o learn_v the_o word_n this_o be_v the_o common_a way_n by_o which_o our_o parish_n come_v to_o be_v church_n and_o our_o people_n to_o be_v christian_n suppose_v some_o to_o be_v mix_v among_o they_o that_o be_v more_o faithful_o devote_v to_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o better_o educate_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o real_a visible_a undeniable_a fruit_n of_o this_o defective_a sinful_a course_n because_o man_n build_v upon_o this_o fundamental_a falsehood_n that_o infant_n baptism_n upon_o the_o parent_n profession_n do_v give_v they_o right_o to_o the_o church-state_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o adult_n without_o any_o personal_a profession_n and_o covenant_v with_o god_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o church_n must_v have_v cognisance_n of_o and_o so_o they_o that_o enter_v somewhat_o more_o regular_o into_o a_o infant_n church_n state_n do_v become_v adult-member_n secret_o unobserved_o and_o no_o body_n well_o know_v how_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o our_o church_n be_v lamentable_o corrupt_v and_o disease_v though_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o have_v life_n in_o they_o while_o they_o be_v make_v so_o like_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o ungodly_a world_n and_o the_o garden_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v too_o like_o the_o common_a wilderness_n for_o heathen_n and_o impious_a person_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o the_o unclean_a almost_o be_v the_o member_n of_o they_o where_o parish_n or_o parish-meeting_n be_v make_v convertible_a with_o church_n i_o will_v make_v the_o case_n neither_o worse_o nor_o better_a than_o it_o be_v till_o within_o these_o few_o year_n i_o know_v but_o very_o imperfect_o how_o it_o be_v and_o i_o think_v the_o case_n have_v be_v better_a with_o some_o and_o worse_o with_o other_o than_o i_o have_v find_v it_o upon_o trial_n and_o have_v i_o not_o set_v
christian_n but_o to_o give_v they_o infant_n privilege_n upon_o the_o parent_n profession_n but_o to_o require_v of_o they_o a_o sober_a serious_a profession_n and_o covenant_v by_o themselves_o in_o own_v their_o baptismal_a covenant_n before_o we_o number_v they_o with_o adult-christians_a and_o that_o god_n have_v suffer_v the_o anabaptist_n to_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n among_o we_o will_v prove_v a_o mercy_n to_o we_o in_o the_o end_n if_o we_o have_v the_o wit_n and_o grace_n to_o learn_v this_o upon_o this_o troublesome_a occasion_n and_o then_o the_o reformation_n will_v do_v we_o more_o good_a then_o ever_o the_o anabaptist_n do_v we_o harm_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o learn_v nor_o obey_v god_n call_v we_o must_v yet_o look_v to_o be_v molest_v by_o they_o more_o or_o else_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v worse_o object_n 9_o but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o take_v a_o non-renouncing_a of_o christ_n and_o infant_n baptism_n as_o sufficient_a without_o a_o personal_a covenant_n and_o profession_n you_o may_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n call_v man_n every_o week_n to_o such_o a_o profession_n because_o that_o the_o former_a profession_n show_v not_o what_o they_o afterward_o be_v but_o what_o then_o they_o be_v answ_n 1._o the_o case_n be_v quite_o another_o in_o your_o instance_n it_o be_v but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o profession_n and_o condition_n that_o be_v requisite_a and_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o take_v it_o as_o continue_v while_o i_o have_v no_o evidence_n to_o question_v it_o and_o see_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o belong_v to_o my_o cognisance_n but_o in_o my_o case_n the_o condition_n and_o the_o profession_n be_v not_o the_o same_o a_o new_a condition_n of_o right_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o adult_n which_o they_o have_v not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o infant_n baptism_n then_o they_o enter_v upon_o their_o parent_n faith_n or_o profession_n but_o at_o age_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o own_o or_o else_o they_o actual_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n 2._o and_o yet_o let_v i_o add_v that_o frequent_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n have_v ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n both_o before_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o since_o and_o indeed_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v import_v it_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o a_o very_a convenient_a edify_a course_n to_o have_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n every_o day_n repeat_v as_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o people_n to_o stand_v up_o at_o it_o to_o signify_v their_o consent_n so_o be_v it_o you_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o this_o silent_a profession_n alone_o and_o exclude_v a_o more_o explicit_a one_o when_o it_o be_v requisite_a but_o this_o fit_o signify_v our_o stand_n to_o the_o first_o object_n 10._o but_o this_o will_v cast_v you_o upon_o the_o same_o difficulty_n which_o you_o object_n to_o the_o anabaptist_n you_o will_v not_o know_v at_o what_o age_n to_o take_v man_n for_o adult-christians_a answ_n 1._o we_o shall_v not_o accept_v they_o for_o their_o age_n but_o for_o their_o profession_n and_o we_o can_v easy_o tell_v when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o trial_n and_o profession_n and_o desire_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o ancient_a church_n can_v tell_v when_o their_o catechuman_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v 2._o and_o for_o the_o time_n when_o we_o must_v judge_v their_o infant_n church-state_n to_o cease_v if_o they_o own_v not_o the_o covenant_n personal_o we_o can_v set_v a_o certain_a year_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a but_o when_o their_o infancy_n cease_v than_o their_o infant-state_n cease_v that_o be_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o full_a or_o competent_a use_n of_o reason_n but_o then_o observe_v 1._o that_o if_o they_o be_v call_v at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o own_o their_o covenant_n and_o refuse_v it_o than_o we_o must_v judge_v they_o refuser_n of_o christianity_n unless_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o refusal_n allow_v another_o judgement_n 2._o or_o if_o they_o will_v full_o neglect_v for_o a_o considerable_a space_n to_o own_o their_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o to_o seek_v a_o stand_n among_o the_o adult-christians_a it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o they_o be_v backslider_n 3._o if_o they_o only_o suspend_v their_o personal_a profession_n at_o age_n we_o must_v only_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n till_o we_o have_v some_o light_n to_o discern_v the_o cause_n and_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v deserter_n or_o apostate_n 4._o but_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v nor_o to_o be_v number_v by_o the_o church_n among_o adult_n christian_n till_o they_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o title_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o credible_a personal_a profession_n so_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v when_o any_o such_o person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o public_o own_v as_o a_o actual_a believer_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o discern_v of_o all_o before_o that_o time_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v as_o desertour_n or_o not_o he_o that_o wilful_o neglect_v to_o come_v among_o the_o adult_n christian_n long_o after_o he_o have_v the_o full_a use_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o with_o all_o at_o the_o same_o age_n be_v to_o be_v much_o suspect_v at_o least_o and_o common_o about_o 16_o or_o 17_o or_o 18_o year_n of_o age_n be_v the_o time_n when_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o communion_n and_o privilidge_n of_o the_o adult_n for_o about_o that_o age_n they_o have_v a_o competent_a use_n of_o reason_n object_n 11._o but_o if_o you_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n in_o infancy_n say_v the_o anabaptist_n you_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o all_o that_o prove_v ungodly_a when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o silent_o pass_v out_o of_o the_o church_n again_o answ_n excommunication_n be_v either_o a_o exclude_v they_o from_o all_o relation_n of_o member_n to_o the_o catholic_a church_n or_o from_o the_o actual_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o from_o both_o the_o former_a we_o can_v do_v but_o declarative_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o also_o adjoyne_v the_o charge_n of_o god_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n but_o those_o that_o be_v never_o personal_a professor_n of_o faith_n nor_o admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o adult-christians_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o excommunication_n to_o remove_v those_o as_o unfit_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o adult_n that_o once_o be_v in_o it_o and_o forfeit_v that_o communion_n which_o can_v belong_v to_o they_o that_o never_o be_v in_o it_o and_o for_o our_o declare_v they_o desertour_n or_o apostate_n we_o may_v do_v it_o upon_o just_a occasion_n but_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o public_o by_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a this_o be_v not_o the_o excommunication_n that_o be_v so_o enjoin_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o do_v you_o find_v that_o the_o church_n in_o scripture-time_n or_o after_o be_v wont_a to_o excommunicate_v apostate_n and_o yet_o apostate_n be_v former_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v those_o that_o hang_v on_o and_o pretend_v still_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o intrude_v into_o the_o actual_a communion_n of_o it_o that_o we_o must_v cast_v out_o when_o they_o deserve_v it_o object_n 12._o but_o if_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n you_o must_v baptise_v they_o again_o if_o you_o will_v receive_v they_o answ_n no_o such_o matter_n the_o anabaptist_n themselves_o will_v not_o rebaptize_v a_o apostate_n when_o he_o return_v to_o the_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o confession_n and_o absolution_n and_o not_o by_o baptism_n if_o a_o christian_a turn_n turk_n and_o afterward_o return_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rebaptise_v object_n 13._o but_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o will_v unchristen_v the_o people_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v exasperate_v and_o turn_v heathen_n or_o hearken_v to_o any_o seducer_n that_o will_v mislead_v they_o answ_n 1._o no_o we_o will_v unchristen_v no_o man_n but_o do_v that_o honour_n to_o christianity_n and_o that_o right_a to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o christian_n and_o infidel_n and_o that_o somewhat_o wide_o than_o the_o bare_a name_n he_o that_o be_v a_o christian_n shall_v be_v more_o encourage_v by_o this_o course_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o can_v be_v unchristened_a by_o we_o if_o man_n will_v not_o unchristen_v themselves_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v lest_o the_o just_a try_v and_o approve_v of_o their_o christianity_n shall_v unchristen_v they_o 2._o how_o little_a
a_o little_a while_n and_o i_o shall_v set_v more_o by_o their_o judgement_n than_o now_o i_o do_v i_o red_a many_o a_o physician_n write_n before_o i_o be_v fit_a to_o attempt_v a_o cure_n it_o be_v a_o raw_a deceitful_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n in_o these_o practical_a affair_n that_o be_v not_o further_v by_o experience_n 2._o and_o as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o ignorant_a ungodly_a people_n i_o shall_v say_v little_a of_o it_o because_o i_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o read_v or_o regard_v what_o i_o say_v only_o in_o general_n it_o be_v their_o first_o duty_n to_o become_v true_o godly_a person_n and_o so_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o will_v not_o yet_o be_v such_o their_o next_o choice_n shall_v be_v to_o live_v in_o quiet_a submission_n to_o their_o teacher_n and_o patient_o stay_v among_o the_o catechuman_n and_o expectant_n till_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o high_a place_n and_o privilege_n and_o with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o motion_n and_o how_o it_o conduce_v to_o their_o good_a we_o shall_v labour_v to_o acquaint_v they_o and_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v patient_a in_o their_o station_n 3._o our_o last_o work_n be_v to_o tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o magistrate_n part_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o this_o work_n and_o i_o shall_v urge_v they_o here_o to_o no_o great_a matter_n because_o they_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o we_o will_v either_o drive_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a upon_o questionable_a thing_n or_o put_v they_o upon_o that_o which_o any_o reason_n can_v call_v persecution_n or_o make_v they_o think_v that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o their_o sword_n and_o therefore_o whether_o they_o shall_v force_v people_n to_o be_v church-member_n or_o christian_n or_o to_o come_v under_o discipline_n be_v question_n that_o at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o but_o direct_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o cause_v the_o people_n that_o be_v yet_o unfit_a for_o church-communion_n saint_n to_o keep_v in_o their_o visible_a station_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o expectant_n and_o submit_v to_o that_o instruction_n of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o this_o end_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v by_o law_n and_o proclamation_n own_o this_o ministerial_a reformation_n alas_o how_o little_a know_v they_o what_o they_o do_v that_o have_v so_o long_o be_v jealous_a of_o we_o lest_o we_o will_v do_v too_o much_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o discipline_n inflame_v or_o abuse_v they_o by_o severity_n when_o as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o cast_v we_o on_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o hatred_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a and_o call_v for_o such_o abundance_n of_o faith_n and_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n and_o self-denial_n when_o we_o have_v so_o little_a and_o be_v common_o like_o other_o man_n addict_v too_o much_o to_o man-pleasing_a and_o to_o save_v ourselves_o that_o if_o we_o have_v all_o the_o help_n that_o magistrate_n can_v give_v we_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o we_o shall_v leave_n the_o most_o of_o this_o work_n undo_v preach_v be_v a_o very_a cheap_a and_o easy_a work_n in_o comparison_n of_o church-government_n they_o have_v take_v great_a pain_n to_o stop_v poor_a lazy_a short-winded_a man_n from_o run_v up_o the_o steep_a hill_n and_o carry_v the_o heavy_a burden_n and_o pass_v through_o the_o great_a suffering_n that_o in_o those_o prosperous_a time_n we_o can_v expect_v and_o indeed_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o for_o all_o the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n he_o that_o will_v faithful_o execute_v the_o pastoral_n oversight_n and_o discipline_n shall_v live_v a_o persecute_a life_n which_o by_o mere_a preach_v he_o may_v avoid_v therefore_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o nation_n ought_v to_o make_v law_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v execute_v for_o the_o constrain_a of_o the_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o ungodly_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v public_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o be_v private_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o to_o command_v they_o patient_o to_o wait_v as_o learner_n in_o this_o condition_n till_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v approve_v member_n of_o the_o church_n these_o carnal_a people_n look_v more_o at_o the_o sword_n and_o will_v of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o other_o do_v because_o they_o understand_v no_o other_o argument_n and_o can_v favour_v nothing_o but_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n do_v but_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o nation_n hear_v how_o they_o daily_o inquire_v what_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o settle_v by_o they_o they_o will_v sure_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o lend_v they_o a_o little_a more_o of_o their_o help_n we_o desire_v you_o not_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o christianity_n nor_o to_o sacrament_n or_o church-communion_n only_o drive_v they_o to_o hear_v and_o learn_v and_o be_v instruct_v that_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n may_v do_v the_o rest_n surely_n none_o can_v reasonable_o suspect_v that_o this_o be_v against_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n unless_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n be_v their_o liberty_n and_o it_o be_v their_o liberty_n to_o be_v free_a from_o christ_n and_o righteousness_n and_o heaven_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v that_o governor_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o will_v not_o do_v this_o much_o to_o help_v his_o subject_n to_o be_v christian_n direct_v 2._o and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v constrain_v such_o people_n to_o submit_v to_o be_v instruct_v so_o shall_v he_o constrain_v the_o minister_n to_o instruct_v they_o both_o by_o public_a preach_n and_o by_o private_a conference_n and_o catechise_v if_o they_o be_v able_a and_o if_o through_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o place_n one_o minister_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o maintain_v proportionable_o to_o the_o number_n and_o necessity_n of_o soul_n as_o may_v be_v able_a the_o reason_n why_o minister_n themselves_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o penalty_n be_v 1._o first_o because_o some_o be_v so_o dull_a that_o they_o need_v the_o spur_n 2._o because_o our_o performance_n will_v be_v the_o less_o resist_v by_o the_o people_n when_o they_o know_v we_o be_v force_v by_o the_o magistrate_n 3._o because_o the_o magistrate_n judgement_n put_v much_o authority_n and_o honour_n on_o the_o work_n in_o the_o people_n eye_n compel_v we_o therefore_o as_o well_o as_o they_o direct_v 3._o the_o magistrate_n shall_v also_o impose_v a_o penalty_n upon_o all_o that_o undertake_v to_o be_v pastor_n of_o a_o church_n and_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o make_v any_o necessary_a trial_n of_o the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o live_v of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o do_v administer_v it_o nor_o exercise_v any_o church_n discipline_n on_o the_o scandalous_a but_o utter_o neglect_v that_o oversight_n and_o church-government_n which_o be_v as_o much_o a_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n work_n as_o public_a preach_n be_v they_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o be_v pastor_n and_o meddle_v with_o sacrament_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o pastor_n and_o to_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o tolerable_a order_n though_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o for_o compulsion_n in_o any_o doubtful_a point_n of_o lesser_a moment_n where_o a_o difference_n among_o the_o godly_a may_v be_v tolerate_v but_o that_o pastor_n shall_v act_v as_o no_o pastor_n and_o rector_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o no_o rector_n and_o shall_v cherish_v all_o ignorance_n infidelity_n and_o impiety_n and_o profane_a god_n ordinance_n and_o subvert_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o lay_v the_o garden_n of_o christ_n open_a to_o the_o common_a wilderness_n and_o thereby_o make_v all_o seem_v singular_a to_o the_o people_n that_o will_v not_o do_v as_o wicked_o as_o these_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v but_o the_o commissioner_n for_o eject_v scandalous_a minister_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o assistant_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o correct_v they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a unreformedness_n to_o eject_v they_o not_o to_o silence_v they_o from_o preach_v to_o the_o catechuman_n or_o any_o but_o to_o prohibit_v they_o from_o the_o action_n proper_a to_o church_n ruler_n or_o pastor_n till_o they_o will_v perform_v they_o more_o agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n rule_n and_o this_o compulsion_n also_o of_o the_o minister_n we_o desire_v especial_o for_o the_o people_n sake_n who_o we_o be_v content_a shall_v be_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o any_o such_o penal_a law_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o sacrament_n but_o when_o they_o know_v that_o minister_n be_v under_o such_o
heart_n ourselves_o that_o be_v natural_o treacherous_a and_o at_o enmity_n to_o god_n so_o that_o we_o be_v still_o among_o enemy_n that_o will_v seduce_v we_o and_o with_o who_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o take_v part_n and_o beside_o that_o our_o profession_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o the_o common_a safety_n but_o to_o our_o personal_a performance_n and_o daily_a communion_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o garrison_n that_o be_v near_o the_o enemy_n or_o in_o a_o country_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o rebellion_n or_o where_o rebellion_n be_v on_o foot_n and_o the_o enemy_n hat_n a_o party_n there_o prince_n use_v to_o cause_v all_o their_o subject_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n and_o ordinary_o also_o in_o peaceable_a kingdom_n this_o be_v practise_v at_o such_o a_o age_n all_o person_n be_v to_o take_v a_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n or_o fidelity_n or_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o subjection_n in_o many_o place_n and_o in_o other_o place_n they_o do_v it_o before_o they_o enter_v upon_o any_o office_n and_o if_o you_o will_v come_v near_o the_o case_n and_o suppose_v that_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o school_n or_o a_o army_n as_o well_o as_o a_o republic_n i_o think_v you_o will_v yield_v that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o have_v more_o than_o their_o birth-priviledg_n to_o show_v to_o prove_v they_o scholar_n or_o soldier_n we_o be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o soldier_n as_o well_o as_o his_o subject_n and_o one_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o our_o christianity_n as_o the_o other_o we_o may_v be_v initiate_v into_o his_o school_n and_o army_n in_o our_o infancy_n and_o so_o stand_v relate_v to_o he_o but_o sure_o we_o be_v apostate_n if_o when_o we_o come_v to_o age_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o show_v but_o our_o mere_a infant-condition_n and_o to_o more_o we_o must_v be_v call_v 3._o the_o case_n also_o differ_v in_o this_o prince_n do_v make_v know_v to_o all_o in_o their_o law_n that_o no_o man_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n yea_o or_o that_o be_v not_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la a_o subject_a shall_v dwell_v on_o their_o soil_n among_o their_o subject_n they_o suffer_v not_o subject_n and_o enemy_n to_o live_v promiscuous_o together_o in_o their_o dominion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n very_a abode_n and_o residence_n in_o their_o land_n be_v a_o profession_n of_o subjection_n much_o more_o when_o they_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o hold_v their_o estate_n by_o they_o but_o christ_n deal_v not_o thus_o he_o suffer_v believer_n and_o infidel_n to_o live_v together_o and_o his_o flock_n to_o be_v but_o little_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o least_o presumption_n that_o a_o man_n be_v a_o christian_n because_o he_o live_v among_o christian_n 4._o at_o least_o let_v we_o not_o teach_v christ_n what_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v when_o we_o find_v he_o have_v do_v otherwise_o we_o find_v that_o he_o require_v personal_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o all_o at_o age_n that_o be_v natural_o capable_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v perform_v it_o and_o not_o give_v reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o no_o good_a subject_n that_o be_v call_v to_o profess_v his_o fidelity_n will_v refuse_v and_o say_v you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v i_o and_o put_v such_o a_o trial_n or_o obligation_n upon_o i_o so_o that_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o adult_n person_n not_o profess_v christianity_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a christian_a notwithstanding_o his_o birth_n privilege_n and_o therefore_o not_o a_o visible_a church-member_n and_o therefore_o a_o apostate_n see_v he_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o covenant_n to_o christ_n though_o not_o a_o apostate_n from_o actual_a faith_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o have_v no_o proper_a right_n to_o church-communion_n and_o privilege_n object_n if_o his_o infant_n title_n be_v cut_v off_o it_o be_v either_o by_o ignorance_n wickedness_n heresy_n or_o schism_n or_o apostasy_n but_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n do_v not_o cut_v he_o off_o and_o heresy_n schism_n or_o apostasy_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o his_o infant_n title_n will_v cease_v of_o itself_o without_o any_o other_o cut_v off_o if_o it_o be_v not_o continue_v by_o his_o personal_a actual_a believe_v when_o he_o come_v to_o capable_a age_n his_o birth-priviledge_n alone_o or_o his_o parent_n dedicate_a he_o to_o god_n in_o baptism_n will_v serve_v no_o long_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v therefore_o for_o want_n of_o personal_a faith_n coram_fw-la deo_fw-la and_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n coram_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la that_o his_o right_n do_v cease_v 2._o ignorance_n where_o it_o prove_v infidelity_n must_v needs_o prove_v a_o cessation_n of_o the_o infant_n title_n when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o capable_a age_n and_o ignorance_n be_v privative_a he_o that_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o christ_n or_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o or_o what_o a_o christian_a be_v can_v have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n or_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o atheist_n and_o a_o infidel_n privative_o if_o at_o a_o capable_a age_n among_o mean_n at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o only_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n that_o be_v a_o infidel_n but_o he_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o he_o negative_o at_o least_o and_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o he_o hear_v and_o therefore_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o because_o he_o know_v not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o he_o that_o deny_v god_n that_o be_v a_o atheist_n but_o he_o that_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o ingorance_n cut_v not_o off_o than_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n cut_v not_o off_o and_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o cut_v off_o than_o no_o particular_a heresy_n can_v nor_o any_o such_o apostasy_n as_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o have_v but_o a_o infant_n church-state_n gross_a ignorance_n at_o a_o capable_a age_n prove_v gross_a ungodliness_n and_o apostasy_n for_o if_o man_n heart_n have_v be_v towards_o god_n they_o will_v have_v seek_v to_o know_v he_o and_o if_o they_o know_v he_o not_o their_o heart_n be_v atheistical_a and_o without_o he_o 3._o wickedness_n be_v either_o such_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o habitual_a adhere_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n or_o such_o as_o show_v a_o separation_n or_o renunciation_n the_o one_o be_v ungodliness_n partial_a and_o quoad_fw-la actum_fw-la particularem_fw-la as_o peter_n denial_n and_o the_o other_o be_v ungodliness_n quoad_fw-la statum_fw-la he_o that_o say_v the_o former_a cut_v not_o off_o from_o the_o church_n will_v scarce_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o meritorious_o suspend_v the_o offender_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o appear_v penitent_a and_o he_o that_o say_v the_o latter_a cut_v not_o off_o from_o the_o church_n meritorious_o must_v say_v that_o nothing_o do_v it_o for_o this_o be_v apostasy_n and_o comprehend_v the_o great_a heresy_n such_o heretic_n hold_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v please_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v heresy_n but_o whether_o these_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n or_o not_o either_o they_o bring_v the_o person_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o excommunication_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o excommunication_n to_o be_v use_v and_o if_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v we_o shall_v not_o much_o contend_v with_o you_o about_o their_o right_n as_o long_o as_o you_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o right_a as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o use_n of_o church_n communion_n we_o be_v satisfy_v and_o yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a conclusion_n that_o the_o excommunicate_a be_v church-member_n 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but_o in_o light_a matter_n may_v wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o good_a service_n for_o the_o gre●t_a blessing_n of_o unanimity_n promise_v also_o object_n but_o he_o add_v the_o proviso_n that_o confirmation_n be_v not_o think_v to_o have_v any_o ingrediency_n into_o the_o nature_n or_o be_v of_o our_o membership_n and_o that_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n be_v find_v such_o as_o will_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o change_n answ_n we_o shall_v easy_o grant_v that_o confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a reception_n of_o the_o person_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o without_o imposition_n in_o a_o purpose_a solemnity_n common_o know_v by_o that_o name_n be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o our_o membership_n and_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v receive_v upon_o profession_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v church-member_n and_o that_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o exercise_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o profession_n though_o obscure_a and_o 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or_o hear_v more_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o then_o we_o have_v do_v from_o the_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o meet_v about_o the_o agenda_fw-la in_o our_o practice_n let_v man_n take_v head_n how_o they_o divide_v from_o such_o as_o differ_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o practice_n till_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o deny_v some_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o as_o for_o the_o people_n unfitness_n or_o any_o disturbance_n that_o will_v follow_v thereupon_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v much_o long_a of_o the_o minister_n let_v they_o unanimous_o agree_v and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o enough_o with_o the_o people_n or_o much_o the_o better_o but_o when_o minister_n themselves_o be_v the_o bellows_o of_o faction_n and_o think_v they_o can_v never_o sufficient_o vilify_v dissenter_n and_o so_o have_v themselves_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o take_v such_o a_o practice_n for_o a_o prelatical_a foppery_n or_o formality_n or_o for_o a_o independent_a rigidity_n and_o extremity_n no_o wonder_n if_o when_o they_o come_v to_o practise_v their_o duty_n they_o meet_v with_o such_o reproach_n from_o the_o people_n as_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o 2._o but_o suppose_v that_o people_n will_v disturb_v we_o that_o may_v in_o some_o case_n excuse_v we_o as_o to_o the_o mode_n of_o confirmation_n or_o profession_n but_o no_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n can_v excuse_v we_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o require_v and_o approve_v their_o profession_n we_o be_v false_a to_o our_o trust_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o to_o avoid_v disturbance_n we_o will_v confound_v believer_n and_o infidel_n and_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o people_n good_a object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v your_o only_a sure_a and_o happy_a course_n to_o exercise_v discipline_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v 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they_o can_v do_v it_o i_o have_v have_v trial_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o a_o man_n can_v do_v with_o the_o help_n of_o divers_a minister_n and_o many_o hundred_o godly_a people_n to_o watch_v over_o other_o and_o promote_v this_o work_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o on_o all_o this_o parish_n if_o i_o may_v there_o be_v so_o many_o offender_n weekly_a to_o be_v deal_v with_o and_o so_o much_o time_n require_v to_o hear_v witness_n and_o admonish_v they_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v possible_o do_v how_o bishop_n deal_v with_o diocese_n let_v they_o see_v themselves_o and_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o yet_o the_o people_n will_v not_o consent_v if_o you_o send_v for_o they_o they_o will_v not_o come_v near_o you_o if_o you_o admonish_v they_o in_o the_o congregation_n by_o name_n they_o will_v have_v a_o action_n at_o law_n against_o you_o if_o they_o can_v however_o you_o will_v have_v such_o a_o multitude_n enrage_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n if_o it_o 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