propose_v this_o follow_a method_n for_o the_o passage_n of_o church-member_n from_o their_o infant-state_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o adult_n and_o admission_n to_o full_a communion_n be_v what_o be_v already_o practise_v in_o some_o and_o easy_o practicable_a in_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o their_o respective_a pastor_n will_v come_v to_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n herein_o which_o i_o humble_o conceive_v may_v without_o much_o difficulty_n be_v obtain_v if_o attempt_v by_o prudent_a and_o proper_a hand_n to_o who_o thought_n this_o well-meant-motion_n be_v hearty_o recommend_v in_o hope_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v in_o time_n a_o good_a expedient_a to_o restore_v confirmation_n to_o its_o primitive_a use_n and_o for_o the_o present_a be_v a_o equivalent_a first_o see_v the_o title-condition_n of_o infant_n church-membership_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o adult_n as_o the_o learned_a baxter_n have_v plain_o prove_v that_o of_o infant_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n by_o they_o in_o their_o baptism_n that_o of_o the_o adult_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v actual_a believer_n and_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o baptism_n i_o think_v it_o requisite_a that_o when_o any_o person_n signify_v his_o desire_n of_o admission_n to_o full_a communion_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v inquire_v which_o of_o these_o title_n he_o pretend_v to_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o according_o if_o the_o former_a then_o to_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o manner_n of_o transition_n from_o the_o infant_n to_o the_o adult-state_n by_o renew_v his_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o exhort_v he_o to_o it_o if_o the_o latter_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sincerity_n and_o credibility_n of_o his_o profession_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o admit_v or_o refuse_v he_o according_a to_o the_o satisfaction_n or_o dissatisfaction_n he_o shall_v receive_v herein_o second_o see_v many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n be_v breed_v up_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o religion_n other_o corrupt_v with_o error_n other_o immoral_a and_o profane_a in_o their_o life_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o the_o pastor_n inquire_v both_o into_o the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o life_n of_o he_o that_o seek_v admission_n i_o say_v 1._o into_o his_o knowledge_n whether_o he_o be_v competent_o acquaint_v at_o least_o with_o the_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o he_o be_v find_v gross_o and_o culpable_o ignorant_a the_o pastor_n may_v endeavour_v in_o a_o prudent_a and_o love_a way_n to_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o those_o that_o enjoy_v such_o excellent_a and_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o we_o of_o the_o necessity_n excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n in_o order_n to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n and_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o live_v and_o die_v in_o ignorance_n etc._n etc._n and_o serious_o press_v he_o to_o a_o more_o careful_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n for_o time_n to_o come_v such_o as_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n hear_v of_o and_o confer_v with_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o his_o knowledge_n may_v be_v the_o more_o methodical_a and_o distinct_a advise_v he_o first_o to_o take_v some_o good_a catechism_n in_o hand_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o the_o communicants_a instructor_n or_o sacramental_a catechism_n etc._n etc._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o familiarize_v the_o precious_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o own_o get_v they_o if_o possible_a into_o his_o memory_n which_o a_o little_a pain_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n may_v soon_o obtain_v in_o the_o most_o i_o have_v know_v some_o of_o forty_o fifty_o yea_o sixty_o year_n of_o age_n who_o in_o a_o few_o month_n time_n have_v by_o this_o mean_v get_v more_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v free_o confess_v than_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o their_o whole_a life_n before_o and_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v some_o grow_a person_n to_o this_o who_o be_v proud_a and_o idle_a as_o well_o as_o ignorant_a account_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o be_v put_v like_o child_n to_o a_o catechism_n yet_o every_o one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o awaken_v and_o enlighten_v as_o to_o see_v his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o need_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o have_v a_o sincere_a love_n to_o and_o desire_v after_o it_o will_v ready_o follow_v the_o spiritual_a counsel_n of_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v a_o just_a and_o deep_o concern_v for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v think_v no_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o take_v for_o the_o further_a and_o secure_v thereof_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v a_o little_a difficult_a at_o first_o but_o when_o they_o have_v be_v enure_v to_o it_o for_o some_o time_n their_o desire_n after_o knowledge_n and_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o will_v facilitate_v or_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o they_o can_v we_o prevail_v on_o those_o adult_n person_n among_o we_o that_o need_v it_o to_o take_v this_o faithful_a advice_n their_o mind_n will_v be_v much_o more_o enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o better_o prepare_v for_o profit_v by_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v such_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n well_o learn_v and_o thereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n well_o lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o superstructure_n of_o knowledge_n will_v be_v carry_v on_o with_o great_a facility_n firmness_n and_o success_n but_o until_o this_o be_v do_v minister_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o wonder_n that_o they_o work_v at_o the_o labour-in-vain_a in_o preach_v though_o they_o may_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n if_o milk_n be_v not_o give_v to_o babe_n in_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o strong_a meat_n to_o grow_v christian_n the_o young_a may_v starve_v while_o the_o elder_n thrive_v and_o flourish_v o_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v serious_o think_v of_o this_o and_o take_v due_a care_n to_o feed_v christ_n lamb_n as_o well_o as_o his_o sheep_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n yet_o in_o inspect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o person_n due_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o their_o different_a capacity_n the_o mean_n and_o help_v they_o have_v have_v to_o get_v knowledge_n the_o time_n they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o their_o different_a ability_n to_o express_v themselves_o their_o bashfulness_n etc._n etc._n that_o no_o sincere_a though_o weak_a christian_a be_v discourage_v and_o that_o such_o as_o have_v arrive_v but_o at_o a_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o baptismal-covenant_n with_o god_n and_o other_o point_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n though_o their_o apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v but_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a be_v not_o reject_v but_o treat_v with_o all_o tenderness_n love_n and_o prudence_n and_o help_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o the_o pastor_n find_v the_o candidate_n furnish_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v next_o inquire_v 2._o into_o his_o faith_n whether_o he_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o believe_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o if_o the_o pastor_n find_v he_o under_o any_o error_n he_o may_v endeavour_v by_o better_a instruction_n to_o cure_v he_o of_o it_o before_o his_o admission_n lest_o he_o shall_v infect_v other_o therewith_o and_o occasion_n a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o pastor_n be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a he_o shall_v further_o inquire_v 3._o into_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o holy_a profession_n and_o such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n of_o this_o neighbour_a christian_n shall_v be_v the_o observer_n and_o witness_n for_o the_o better_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n great_a care_n shall_v be_v take_v also_o in_o this_o matter_n lest_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n be_v admit_v and_o thereby_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v profane_v the_o godly_a offend_v and_o grieve_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a open_v to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n dishonour_v and_o
this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o a_o dislike_n of_o or_o a_o malignity_n against_o the_o work_n itself_o in_o many_o as_o for_o want_v of_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o this_o impediment_n can_v be_v no_o way_n remove_v but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o due_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v such_o a_o ability_n therefore_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o too_o ignorant_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v ashamed_a of_o your_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n but_o not_o ashamed_a to_o learn_v though_o late_o yet_o better_o late_o than_o never_o second_o have_v get_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n yourselves_o begin_v your_o work_n of_o teach_v your_o child_n betimes_o be_v drop_v and_o instil_v some_o of_o the_o plain_a easy_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n into_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o find_v they_o capable_a to_o learn_v and_o to_o remember_v be_v frequent_a at_o it_o to_o impress_n they_o the_o more_o firm_o on_o their_o memory_n when_o they_o can_v read_v put_v catechism_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o require_v they_o to_o learn_v they_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n daily_o hear_v sermon_n and_o take_v account_n of_o they_o what_o they_o remember_v and_o discourse_v with_o they_o about_o the_o truth_n hear_v to_o help_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o affect_v their_o heart_n with_o those_o truth_n that_o chief_o concern_v they_o and_o charge_v they_o especial_o to_o commit_v such_o to_o their_o memory_n encourage_v the_o diligent_a by_o your_o commendation_n and_o reward_n and_o quicken_a the_o negligent_a by_o reproof_n and_o moderate_a correction_n three_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n both_o for_o and_o with_o your_o child_n beg_v a_o blessing_n on_o your_o instruction_n pray_v yourselves_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_o that_o god_n will_v second_v your_o endeavour_n and_o succeed_v all_o the_o mean_v use_v for_o their_o instruction_n by_o the_o inward_a and_o effectual_a teach_v of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n strengthen_v and_o sanctify_v their_o memory_n write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v his_o truth_n into_o their_o inward_a part_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v spiritual_a truth_n spiritual_o and_o be_v make_v wise_a to_o salvation_n four_o set_v before_o your_o child_n a_o good_a example_n of_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o your_o own_o life_n second_o your_o godly_a instruction_n with_o a_o godly_a conversation_n let_v they_o see_v by_o your_o own_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o you_o teach_v they_o and_o press_v no_o other_o duty_n on_o they_o than_o what_o you_o make_v conscience_n to_o perform_v yourselves_o then_o will_v your_o instruction_n be_v most_o like_a to_o prove_v effectual_a for_o your_o child_n be_v natural_o prone_a to_o imitate_v you_o in_o their_o practice_n more_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o eye_n then_o by_o the_o ear_n and_o more_o inclinable_a to_o do_v as_o you_o do_v than_o as_o you_o say_v or_o command_v can_v you_o be_v persuade_v to_o follow_v these_o plain_a and_o necessary_a counsel_n your_o child_n will_v have_v the_o benefit_n you_o will_v have_v the_o comfort_n the_o church_n will_v be_v enlarge_v and_o god_n will_v be_v glorify_v and_o what_o shall_v you_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v within_o your_o power_n for_o such_o desirable_a end_n as_o these_o but_o if_o any_o christian_a parent_n remain_v yet_o unperswadable_a by_o these_o argument_n to_o set_v about_o this_o duty_n their_o sinful_a neglect_n will_v become_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a and_o themselves_o the_o more_o unworthy_a of_o that_o honourable_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v bless_a be_v god_n there_o be_v yet_o some_o pious_a parent_n leave_v among_o we_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o late_a unanimous_a labour_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o about_o this_o city_n press_v their_o respective_a congregation_n to_o the_o revival_n of_o family-worship_n have_v be_v signal_o bless_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o such_o and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o good_a presage_n of_o god_n continue_v his_o candlestick_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o for_o religious_a family_n be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o nursery_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o these_o flourish_n which_o god_n grant_v the_o church_n will_v from_o they_o be_v supply_v and_o enlarge_v there_o be_v also_o some_o adult_n person_n who_o though_o their_o parent_n wretched_o neglect_v their_o soul_n in_o their_o minority_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v and_o inlighten_v convince_v and_o convert_v by_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o so_o be_v bring_v into_o christ_n and_o join_v themselves_o for_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o alas_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v in_o our_o day_n be_v small_a in_o comparison_n with_o what_o have_v be_v in_o former_a age_n as_o gospel-minister_n general_o observe_v to_o their_o grief_n and_o this_o prove_v we_o to_o be_v upon_o the_o decay_a hand_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a duty_n of_o all_o adult_n person_n that_o make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n to_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o church-priviledge_n yet_o the_o far_o great_a number_n live_v in_o the_o shameful_a neglect_n hereof_o some_o to_o thirty_o forty_o yea_o fifty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o yet_o never_o receive_v the_o lords-supper_n these_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v christian_n at_o large_a or_o loose_a professor_n if_o not_o for_o the_o looseness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o for_o sit_v so_o loose_a from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o their_o backwardness_n to_o come_v whole_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o it_o be_v real_o asleep_o far_o easy_a yoke_n than_o that_o of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n make_v a_o address_n attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o and_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o persuade_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n for_o your_o conviction_n i_o offer_v you_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n you_o come_v not_o under_o the_o special_a care_n guidance_n and_o oversight_n of_o any_o pastor_n and_o so_o lose_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o may_v be_v a_o great_a damage_n to_o your_o soul_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o in_o divers_a case_n you_o will_v need_v their_o special_a help_n by_o way_n of_o council_n instruction_n support_v or_o comfort_n to_o answer_v your_o doubt_n encourage_v you_o against_o your_o fear_n succour_v you_o under_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n the_o want_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o faithful_a soul-friend_n in_o such_o case_n will_v be_v great_o prejudicial_a to_o you_o second_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v thus_o join_v you_o neglect_v one_o of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o supper_n the_o last_o that_o he_o institute_v leave_v as_o a_o stand_a monument_n of_o his_o matchless_a love_n to_o his_o church_n in_o die_v for_o it_o and_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n thereof_o in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o as_o another_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o ordinance_n wherein_o he_o propose_v himself_o as_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o believer_n to_o refresh_v and_o satisfy_v their_o soul_n increase_v their_o grace_n and_o nourish_v they_o to_o life_n eternal_a so_o that_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 1._o you_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o great_a sin_n upon_o your_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a disobedience_n to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v take_v eat_v etc._n etc._n drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o and_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o therefore_o to_o neglect_v it_o be_v practical_o to_o forget_v christ_n and_o if_o you_o forget_v he_o how_o can_v you_o hope_v he_o will_v remember_v you_o 2._o you_o lose_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o ordinance_n the_o nourishment_n and_o strengthen_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o grace_n which_o you_o need_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o hereby_o give_v god_n just_a cause_n to_o withhold_v his_o blessing_n from_o other_o ordinance_n and_o be_v this_o a_o loss_n that_o you_o can_v easy_o bear_v be_v it_o much_o at_o one_o with_o you_o whether_o you_o profit_n by_o the_o
mean_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o if_o so_o you_o be_v doubtless_o yet_o stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o in_o a_o wretched_a state_n 3._o you_o grieve_v and_o discourage_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o work_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o fear_v that_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o believe_v not_o their_o true_a report_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o make_v due_a application_n of_o the_o word_n they_o preach_v to_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o receive_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a this_o must_v needs_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o work_n 4._o you_o scandalize_v other_o christian_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o think_v that_o you_o be_v but_o formalist_n and_o hypocrite_n take_v up_o only_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o ignorant_a of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o be_v 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bad_a example_n on_o the_o most_o of_o mankind_n especial_o on_o youth_n and_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o you_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o into_o which_o they_o be_v draw_v by_o your_o example_n and_o have_v you_o not_o sin_n enough_o of_o your_o own_o o_o therefore_o beware_v of_o partake_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v yourselves_o pure_a 1_o tim._n 5.22_o and_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n any_o long_o for_o other_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o for_o your_o own_o three_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n you_o lose_v the_o benefit_n also_o of_o divers_a other_o church_n privilege_n such_o as_o communion_n with_o the_o choice_a and_o most_o experience_a christian_n a_o interest_n in_o their_o special_a love_n their_o watchfulness_n over_o you_o and_o helpfulness_n to_o you_o by_o instruction_n admonition_n exhortation_n sympathy_n in_o your_o affliction_n consolation_n communication_n of_o experience_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o no_o wise_a person_n will_v slight_v such_o privilege_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o these_o that_o know_v how_o needful_a and_o useful_a they_o may_v be_v to_o he_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n four_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n you_o lie_v more_o open_a to_o temptation_n from_o your_o soul_n enemy_n and_o will_v be_v more_o easy_o overcome_v by_o they_o for_o the_o sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o those_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a bond_n which_o you_o have_v lay_v upon_o your_o soul_n by_o a_o public_a own_v your_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o actual_a renew_n of_o it_o in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n will_v be_v apt_a mighty_o to_o awe_v your_o conscience_n keep_v you_o close_o to_o your_o duty_n and_o make_v you_o more_o watchful_a and_o resolute_a against_o temptation_n and_o ready_a to_o cry_v out_o when_o assault_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o that_o god_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v and_o to_o who_o i_o have_v give_v up_o myself_o to_o love_n fear_v obey_v and_o serve_v he_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o ever_o let_v these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o neglect_v and_o humble_v for_o they_o and_o convince_v also_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o make_v willing_a to_o set_v upon_o it_o i_o say_v willing_a for_o i_o think_v it_o very_o sinful_a to_o force_v person_n into_o church_n or_o frighten_v they_o into_o that_o participation_n of_o sacrament_n by_o threaten_v penal_a law_n etc._n etc._n see_v i_o find_v not_o that_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v entrust_v any_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n with_o such_o a_o coercive_a power_n or_o that_o he_o will_v have_v any_o press_v into_o his_o service_n certain_o he_o accept_v of_o none_o but_o volunteer_n and_o though_o none_o be_v such_o by_o nature_n he_o make_v all_o those_o such_o by_o efficacious_a grace_n who_o he_o receive_v it_o be_v true_a christ_n command_v his_o servant_n gospel-minister_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o to_o his_o spiritual_a feast_n luke_n 14.23_o but_o sure_o he_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v use_v any_o outward_a violence_n to_o their_o person_n or_o drive_v they_o in_o by_o staff_n whip_n or_o sword_n no_o nor_o with_o pecuniary_a mulct_n or_o fine_n for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n christ_n commit_v no_o civil_a power_n to_o his_o minister_n their_o business_n be_v with_o man_n soul_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o their_o rational_a nature_n propose_v to_o they_o weighty_a argument_n to_o invite_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o kindness_n offer_v and_o though_o these_o alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevail_v upon_o the_o deprave_a will_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n join_v the_o inward_a powerful_a working_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n make_v they_o effectual_o persuasive_a to_o all_o his_o elect_n and_o of_o unwilling_a make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n as_o psalm_n 110.3_o for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v indeed_o the_o compulsion_n there_o speak_v of_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o love_a invitation_n or_o bid_v and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v by_o another_o evangelist_n mat._n 22.3_o christ_n send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v they_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o they_o will_v not_o come_v christ_n do_v not_o say_v then_o force_v they_o against_o their_o will_n to_o come_v or_o punish_v fine_a excommunicate_a or_o imprison_v they_o for_o their_o refusal_n he_o will_v himself_o call_v man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o slight_v his_o invitation_n in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n i_o must_v profess_v i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n for_o admission_n of_o all_o person_n though_o never_o so_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n sure_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o christ_n have_v entrust_v with_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v not_o suffer_v the_o lord_n table_n to_o be_v make_v like_v the_o table_n of_o a_o common_a ordinary_n free_n for_o all_o comer_n nor_o cast_v christ_n holy_a thing_n to_o know_v dog_n and_o swine_n who_o ever_o dare_v to_o do_v so_o must_v be_v accountable_a to_o christ_n for_o it_o who_o be_v jealous_a for_o his_o own_o name_n and_o will_v not_o hold_v they_o guiltless_a that_o either_o pollute_v or_o profane_v his_o sacred_a institution_n or_o permit_v other_o to_o do_v it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v such_o to_o answer_v for_o these_o crime_n at_o his_o righteous_a bar_n who_o will_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o person_n in_o judgement_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n intend_v which_o be_v to_o instruct_v such_o as_o by_o the_o forementioned_a consideration_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o sinful_a neglect_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o to_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n but_o that_o i_o meet_v with_o divers_a objection_n which_o some_o make_v against_o their_o approach_v this_o holy_a supper_n which_o must_v be_v answer_v because_o they_o lie_v as_o stumbling-block_n in_o their_o way_n and_o be_v sometime_o plead_v as_o excuse_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o obj._n 1_o some_o say_v we_o think_v ourselves_o unworthy_a to_o partake_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n therefore_o we_o come_v not_o to_o it_o ans_fw-fr 1._o if_o you_o mean_v by_o
this_o ordinance_n you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o mercy_n as_o if_o this_o do_v render_v your_o sin_n unpardonable_a but_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o renew_v your_o repentance_n for_o it_o to_o pray_v for_o pardon_n of_o it_o and_o power_n against_o it_o and_o to_o stand_v more_o strict_o on_o your_o guard_n for_o time_n to_o come_v then_o you_o have_v scripture_n ground_n to_o hope_n for_o pardon_n 1_o john_n 2.1_o 2._o psalm_n 32.5_o 6._o jer._n 3.22_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o scripture_n well_o 5._o beware_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o secret_a love_n to_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o and_o lothness_n to_o part_v with_o it_o that_o keep_v you_o from_o this_o ordinance_n what_o ever_o else_o may_v be_v pretend_v be_v very_o jealous_a of_o your_o own_o heart_n for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n examine_v yourselves_o therefore_o very_o strict_o lest_o this_o shall_v lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n but_o if_o you_o find_v you_o be_v indeed_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o every_o sin_n and_o to_o obey_v every_o command_n of_o christ_n though_o you_o can_v live_v a_o sinless_a life_n yet_o you_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_v come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n obj._n 7._o but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o sect_n among_o professor_n of_o religion_n some_o say_n their_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o other_o say_v they_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o know_v not_o which_o to_o join_v ourselves_o to_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n and_o division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o causer_n and_o fomenter_n of_o they_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o great_a day_n for_o they_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o the_o blind_a as_o leu._n 19.14_o make_v they_o to_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o thereby_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o curse_n as_o deut._n 27.18_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o these_o difference_n may_v hinder_v some_o person_n from_o join_v themselves_o with_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o full_a communion_n though_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o ignorance_n weakness_n or_o prejudice_n these_o difference_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o nor_o plea_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o though_o there_o be_v such_o division_n among_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o of_o these_o society_n of_o christian_n at_o least_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—ue_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o some_o may_v be_v more_o reform_v pure_a and_o sound_v than_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o where_o they_o have_v liberty_n of_o choice_n to_o those_o who_o be_v just_o esteem_v by_o person_n capable_a to_o judge_n viz._n by_o wise_a and_o judicious_a christian_n the_o pure_a and_o best_a or_o such_o as_o keep_v near_o to_o the_o gospel-rule_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n 2._o consider_v for_o person_n to_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v join_v with_o any_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v not_o join_v to_o a_o true_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o certain_a sin_n to_o avoid_v a_o uncertain_a one_o and_o therefore_o no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v do_v thus_o 3._o in_o what_o soever_o society_n of_o christian_n the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a gospel-church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v viz._n the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o minister_n call_v qualify_v and_o set_v a_o part_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o society_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o true_a gospel-church_n and_o will_v be_v own_v by_o christ_n as_o such_o though_o it_o may_v differ_v from_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o circumstantial_a and_o lesser_a thing_n and_o private_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v join_v themselves_o to_o any_o such_o society_n see_v christ_n have_v receive_v they_o 4._o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o understanding_n and_o impartial_a eye_n that_o those_o of_o the_o moderate_a episcopal_n presbyterian_a and_o congregational_a persuasion_n have_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a gospel-churche_n and_o own_o the_o same_o doctrinal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o discipline_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o private_a christian_n may_v safe_o join_v themselves_o to_o either_o of_o they_o according_a as_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o suppose_v you_o have_v hear_v the_o minister_n of_o each_o of_o these_o persuasion_n where_o you_o have_v find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a benefit_n there_o it_o be_v most_o advisable_a for_o you_o to_o join_v if_o it_o may_v be_v obj._n 8._o but_o say_v another_o i_o be_o poor_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o shall_v i_o seek_v to_o join_v myself_o to_o a_o church_n they_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v i_o do_v it_o only_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o share_n in_o their_o charity_n and_o reject_v i_o for_o fear_v i_o shall_v be_v burdensome_a to_o they_o this_o keep_v i_o off_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o objection_n savour_v of_o pride_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o become_v not_o any_o christian_n especial_o the_o poor_a sort_n humility_n and_o charity_n or_o love_n will_v teach_v you_o to_o think_v the_o best_a and_o to_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o yourselves_o and_o to_o hope_v that_o minister_n and_o christian_n do_v better_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n than_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o refuse_v admission_n of_o any_o person_n into_o their_o communion_n mere_o for_o their_o poverty_n and_o you_o ought_v to_o think_v thus_o of_o they_o until_o you_o find_v the_o contrary_n 2._o be_v you_o sure_o beforehand_o that_o they_o will_v refuse_v you_o yet_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o offer_v yourself_o and_o seek_v admission_n and_o than_o if_o they_o unjust_o refuse_v you_o the_o sin_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n and_o you_o will_v be_v free_a but_o their_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v be_v no_o good_a excuse_n for_o your_o neglect_v your_o own_o duty_n 3._o no_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n dare_v to_o refuse_v the_o poor_a christian_n because_o he_o be_v poor_a provide_v it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o gospel-right_a to_o and_o fitness_n for_o admission_n to_o this_o ordinance_n see_v he_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o refuse_v none_o that_o come_v to_o he_o but_o invit_v all_o whether_o rich_a or_o poor_a as_o mat._n 11.28_o and_o john_n 6.37_o and_o require_v his_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o same_o mat._n 28.19_o and_o mark_v 16.15_o 16._o mat._n 22.9_o 10._o they_o know_v that_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v but_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o as_o 1_o cor._n 1.26_o and_o james_n 2.5_o and_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o call_v they_o will_v not_o know_o refuse_v 4._o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o your_o own_o heart_n then_o suspicious_a of_o other_o and_o see_v that_o you_o aim_v at_o high_a and_o better_a end_n in_o seek_v to_o join_v yourself_o to_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o obtain_v some_o worldly_a support_n as_o know_v those_o that_o follow_v christ_n only_o for_o the_o loaf_n be_v just_o blame_v by_o he_o john_n 6.26_o if_o your_o end_n be_v right_o and_o good_a leave_v god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o your_o esteem_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o christian_n obj._n 9_o but_o say_v other_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n though_o we_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n god_n forbid_v that_o all_o who_o dye_v without_o this_o ordinance_n shall_v perish_v ans_fw-fr 1._o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o say_v or_o think_v that_o none_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o receiver_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o i_o believe_v the_o contrary_a yea_o i_o know_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o will_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o save_v change_n upon_o their_o heart_n as_o luke_n 13.26_o 27._o i_o free_o grant_v that_o neither_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o ordinance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n see_v god_n do_v nothing_o by_o ordinance_n but_o what_o he_o can_v do_v without_o they_o if_o he_o please_v yet_o 2._o
i_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v obtain_v the_o end_n we_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o tempt_v of_o god_n to_o expect_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v a_o sin_n be_v a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o plain_a command_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o unless_o god_n grant_v repentance_n to_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o it_o will_v prove_v damnable_a now_o while_o man_n continue_v in_o this_o neglect_n they_o do_v not_o true_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a repentance_n without_o reformation_n 4._o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o live_v and_o dye_v in_o the_o know_a and_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n but_o threaten_v the_o contrary_a and_o who_o will_v hazard_v his_o salvation_n by_o such_o a_o neglect_n obj._n 10._o but_o say_v other_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o ill_a thing_n of_o some_o church-member_n that_o we_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o we_o to_o join_v with_o they_o though_o they_o make_v holy_a profession_n yet_o their_o practice_n be_v unholy_a and_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a and_o this_o keep_v we_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o report_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v false_a and_o only_o raise_v by_o some_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o if_o so_o you_o wrong_v both_o yourselves_o and_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o believe_v of_o it_o before_o you_o have_v thorough_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o our_o neighbour_n as_o psalm_n 15.3_o 2._o suppose_v the_o report_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o their_o church-membership_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o immorality_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o want_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v 3._o their_o sin_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o those_o that_o hold_v church-fellowship_n with_o they_o if_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o and_o do_v no_o way_n partake_v with_o they_o therein_o such_o a_o reproof_n prudent_o and_o private_o give_v by_o a_o fellow-member_n may_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n to_o the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o a_o disorderly_a walker_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o christ_n own_o appointment_n to_o this_o end_n if_o not_o the_o reprover_n ought_v to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o they_o may_v use_v church-discipline_n upon_o they_o which_o if_o they_o neglect_v the_o reprove_v member_n will_v have_v this_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n and_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n as_o mat._n 18.15_o 16._o 4._o the_o participation_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v the_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o any_o of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o loss_n and_o punishment_n so_o that_o if_o you_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o keep_v yourselves_o off_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o of_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a or_o disorderly_o walk_v you_o punish_v yourselves_o for_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o which_o be_v injustice_n 5._o to_o keep_v off_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n mere_o because_o some_o unworthy_a person_n partake_v of_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o sin_n in_o one_o kind_n a_o occasion_n of_o your_o sin_v in_o another_o kind_n their_o sin_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o commission_n you_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n 6._o if_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n shall_v keep_v off_o from_o join_v with_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o member_n in_o it_o that_o be_v disorderly_a walker_n either_o all_o such_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o such_o disorderly_a walker_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v say_v that_o either_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v you_o must_v know_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o when_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o any_o member_n appear_v by_o their_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n that_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v aught_o to_o use_v church-discipline_n upon_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o to_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o a_o share_n in_o their_o gild_n but_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o keep_v from_o join_v with_o a_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o such_o peccant_a member_n in_o it_o obj._n 11._o but_o if_o this_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v use_v only_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n say_v some_o we_o can_v remember_v he_o well_o enough_o without_o it_o we_o think_v of_o he_o every_o day_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n put_v we_o frequent_o in_o mind_n of_o he_o how_o can_v any_o christian_a forget_v he_o that_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o they_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o such_o need_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o this_o end_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o objection_n savour_v rank_o of_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n which_o be_v very_o provoke_v sin_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n do_v you_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o end_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o a_o right_a participation_n of_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o a_o needless_a thing_n and_o be_v you_o not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n you_o will_v not_o account_v yourselves_o wise_a than_o christ_n himself_o who_o institute_v this_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v never_o do_v have_v he_o not_o intend_v it_o for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o the_o receiver_n do_v christ_n judge_v it_o needful_a and_o dare_v you_o say_v it_o be_v needless_a do_v it_o become_v sinful_a dust_n contemptible_a worm_n to_o slight_v a_o ordinance_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o though_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n be_v useful_a to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o christ_n yet_o the_o use_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n may_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o for_o some_o truth_n do_v more_o powerful_o affect_v our_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o eye_n than_o by_o the_o ear_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o man_n usual_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o our_o spirit_n and_o move_v our_o affection_n more_o than_o a_o bare_a hear_n of_o it_o do_v now_o in_o this_o ordinance_n christ_n be_v represent_v as_o crucify_a before_o our_o eye_n as_o gal._n 3.1_o and_o our_o dull_a and_o dead_a heart_n need_v the_o most_o heart-affecting_a and_o quicken_a mean_n and_o ordinance_n 3._o know_v that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v for_o other_o holy_a end_n beside_o that_o of_o remember_v christ_n as_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o have_v hear_v before_o and_o so_o be_v needful_a and_o to_o be_v use_v for_o those_o end_n as_o well_o as_o for_o that_o 4._o gracious_a soul_n have_v sometime_o meet_v with_o some_o peculiar_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o love_n in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o such_o spiritual_a refreshment_n strength_n and_o comfort_n as_o they_o find_v not_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o their_o experience_n shall_v be_v argument_n encourage_v other_o to_o use_v this_o ordinance_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o like_a benefit_n obj._n 12._o but_o say_v other_o we_o be_v so_o encumber_v and_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o can_v be_v enough_o compose_v in_o our_o spirit_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n can_v we_o once_o get_v well_o through_o they_o we_o will_v then_o endeavour_v to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o come_v to_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v no_o just_a plea_n or_o excuse_v for_o your_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o consider_v 1._o god_n allow_v you_o sufficient_a time_n for_o necessary_a care_n about_o your_o worldly_a matter_n and_o appoint_v you_o proper_a time_n also_o for_o the_o care_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v and_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o see_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v mind_v in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o place_n
this_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n for_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n until_o they_o be_v convert_v none_o be_v fit_a guest_n for_o this_o holy_a table_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o those_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a because_o they_o must_v exercise_n grace_n at_o this_o ordinance_n as_o faith_n repentance_n love_n etc._n etc._n which_o necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o must_v have_v it_o before_o they_o come_v all_o unsanctified_a person_n that_o partake_v of_o it_o do_v but_o profane_a and_o pollute_v it_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o so_o that_o if_o graceless_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o approach_v this_o ordinance_n because_o they_o be_v graceless_a as_o we_o say_v and_o if_o gracious_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o use_v it_o because_o they_o be_v gracious_a as_o the_o quaker_n say_v than_o none_o at_o all_o must_v use_v it_o and_o so_o this_o ordinance_n will_v be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o as_o useless_a but_o can_v any_o man_n of_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n what_o will_v this_o be_v less_o than_o to_o accuse_v christ_n who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o of_o folly_n in_o set_v up_o a_o useless_a and_o needless_a ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n and_o do_v foolish_a worm_n think_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n against_o he_o in_o the_o great_a day_n five_o suppose_v that_o text_n in_o 1_o cor._n 11.26_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o christ_n come_v in_o spirit_n as_o they_o hold_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o worth_a observe_n that_o though_o the_o apostle_n approve_v of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n till_o then_o he_o do_v not_o say_v than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o use_v no_o more_o by_o such_o nor_o will_v his_o word_n admit_v of_o that_o sense_n any_o more_o than_o the_o like_a phrase_n use_v by_o he_o as_o 1_o tim._n 4.13_o till_o i_o come_v give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n do_v the_o apostle_n mean_v think_v you_o that_o young_a timothy_n shall_v study_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n only_o until_o he_o come_v to_o he_o and_o ever_o after_o lay_v both_o aside_o sure_o no_o i_o judge_v this_o expression_n in_o 1_o cor._n 11.26_o free_v christian_n no_o more_o from_o their_o obligation_n to_o continue_v the_o use_n of_o the_o lords-supper_n than_o the_o like_a expression_n in_o 1_o tim._n 4.13_o free_a timothy_n from_o his_o obligation_n to_o continue_v his_o ministry_n six_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n institute_v this_o ordinance_n will_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o christ_n have_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o will_v be_v till_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n therefore_o this_o ordinance_n ought_v to_o continue_v so_o long_o also_o for_o as_o none_o but_o christ_n have_v right_o and_o power_n to_o set_v up_o alter_z or_o remove_v a_o ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o it_o so_o he_o never_o make_v any_o such_o alteration_n but_o when_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o it_o thus_o we_o find_v the_o ordinance_n of_o circumcision_n continue_v in_o the_o jesish_a church_n until_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o institute_n baptism_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o the_o passover_n continue_v until_o christ_n appoint_v the_o lords-supper_n a_o ordinance_n of_o like_a signification_n and_o use_v to_o succeed_v it_o and_o this_o doubtless_o must_v continue_v until_o it_o shall_v please_v he_o to_o set_v up_o another_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v these_o be_v the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o while_o the_o church_n have_v need_n of_o it_o for_o its_o spiritual_a uses_n and_o end_v that_o be_v for_o the_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o christ_n death_n the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o end_n will_v continue_v till_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o note_n of_o a_o judicious_a divine_a on_o 1_o cor._n 11.26_o because_o say_v he_o we_o shall_v always_o want_v such_o a_o help_n as_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o world_n st._n paul_n signify_v this_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o until_o he_o appear_v to_o judgement_n for_o see_v he_o be_v not_o conversant_a among_o we_o in_o a_o visible_a form_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o sign_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n with_o which_o our_o mind_n may_v exercise_n themselves_o these_o thing_n due_o and_o impartial_o consider_v may_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o sober_a mind_a person_n that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v not_o antiquate_v or_o grow_v out_o of_o date_n but_o aught_o still_o to_o be_v reverent_o use_v by_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o or_o can_v think_v of_o by_o which_o person_n be_v or_o may_v be_v keep_v off_o from_o this_o ordinance_n and_o so_o clear_v my_o way_n and_o i_o hope_v they_o too_o by_o remove_v obstruction_n i_o shall_v now_o instruct_v such_o as_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o sinful_a neglect_v and_o be_v make_v in_o some_o measure_n willing_a and_o defirous_a of_o reformation_n in_o this_o matter_n 1._o go_v to_o god_n and_o humble_o acknowledge_v your_o fault_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n beg_v pardon_v grace_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o resolve_v in_o his_o strength_n to_o continue_v in_o this_o sin_n no_o long_o but_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o set_v about_o it_o to_o which_o end_n 2._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o whether_o you_o have_v a_o gospel-right_a to_o and_o fitness_n for_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lords-supper_n if_o you_o need_v any_o help_n herein_o the_o sacramental_a catechism_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o as_o to_o this_o but_o for_o your_o better_a assistance_n 3._o apply_v yourselves_o to_o some_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o to_o he_o to_o who_o spiritual_a oversight_n and_o conduct_v you_o intend_v to_o commit_v your_o soul_n desire_v his_o assistance_n submit_v to_o his_o inquiry_n into_o the_o state_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o entreat_v his_o impartial_a thought_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o propose_v your_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o he_o if_o you_o have_v any_o in_o order_n to_o satisfaction_n and_o ask_v his_o spiritual_a counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n 4._o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o transition_n or_o passage_n of_o church-member_n from_o their_o infant-state_n to_o that_o of_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n and_o the_o term_n of_o their_o admission_n to_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v what_o will_v be_v require_v of_o you_o and_o consider_v well_o whether_o you_o can_v free_o and_o hearty_o comply_v with_o the_o term_n propose_v if_o you_o find_v in_o they_o any_o matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n signify_v it_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o seek_v satisfaction_n of_o he_o and_o when_o you_o be_v satisfy_v make_v it_o also_o know_v to_o he_o with_o your_o desire_n of_o admission_n indeed_o the_o method_n of_o admission_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o particular_a church_n though_o i_o acknowledge_v a_o uniformity_n in_o this_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o common_a concern_v be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v as_o what_o will_v be_v great_o conducive_a to_o unity_n love_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o edification_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o several_a church_n here_o but_o only_o add_v these_o two_o thing_n more_o first_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o second_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o my_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n herein_o humble_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o free_a censure_n of_o the_o more_o judicious_a first_o then_z as_o to_o the_o transition_n or_o pass_v of_o church-member_n from_o their_o infant-state_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o adult_n and_o admission_n to_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n or_o household_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v member_n of_o several_a size_n or_o stature_n some_o be_v but_o newborn_a babe_n as_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o some_o little_a child_n other_o youngman_n and_o other_o call_v father_n as_o 1_o
john_n 2.12_o 13_o 14._o in_o christ_n fold_n some_o be_v lamb_n other_o sheep_n as_o john_n 21.15_o 16._o be_v thus_o distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o different_a time_n of_o their_o stand_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o different_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n they_o have_v obtain_v and_o regard_v aught_o to_o be_v have_v to_o each_o according_o in_o feed_v and_o rule_v of_o they_o that_o milk_n be_v give_v to_o babe_n even_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n i._n e._n such_o truth_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o who_o be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o strong_a meat_n to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o full_a or_o perfect_a age_n i._n e._n such_o truth_n as_o be_v more_o mysterious_a sublime_a and_o spiritual_a they_o be_v person_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o some_o christian_n be_v in_o their_o infant-state_n and_o so_o to_o be_v admit_v only_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o other_o be_v in_o their_o adult-state_n and_o so_o have_v a_o right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o high_a privilege_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n church-history_n inform_v we_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n there_o be_v several_a rank_n of_o profess_a christian_n the_o low_a be_v call_v catechuman_n catechize_v person_n of_o which_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_n by_o birth_n but_o upon_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n to_o they_o incline_v to_o and_o begin_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v thereupon_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n these_o be_v only_o in_o the_o church-porch_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believe_v or_o christian_a parent_n who_o by_o their_o birthright_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o under_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o their_o parent_n receive_v baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o by_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o eph._n 6.4_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o catechuman_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n by_o a_o catechist_n or_o minister_n who_o main_a business_n be_v to_o feed_v these_o lamb_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o take_v care_n of_o these_o young_a plant_n as_o be_v the_o nursery_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v sufficient_o instruct_v they_o desire_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competent_a i._n e._n person_n desire_v baptism_n upon_o which_o they_o give_v in_o their_o name_n and_o come_v under_o a_o strict_a even_o a_o sevenfold_a examination_n and_o so_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n then_o be_v call_v batptizati_n &_o illuminati_fw-la i._n e._n baptise_a and_o enlighten_v person_n and_o no_o long_o account_v to_o be_v in_o the_o porch_n but_o get_v over_o the_o threshold_n into_o the_o church_n own_v as_o fellow-citizen_n and_o denizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o have_v their_o name_n enrol_v among_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v thus_o initiate_v or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n they_o obtain_v some_o privilege_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o of_o which_o this_o be_v one_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a while_o catechuman_n or_o know_v but_o little_a of_o they_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o they_o for_o the_o church_n then_o think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o after_o baptism_n both_o because_o they_o be_v such_o high_a mystery_n and_o lest_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o shall_v bring_v they_o into_o contempt_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o strong_a desire_n after_o they_o say_v some_o yet_o be_v they_o account_v but_o incomplete_a christian_n and_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-member_n as_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o their_o infant-state_n or_o minority_n until_o they_o receive_v confirmation_n also_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o imposition_n or_o lay_v on_o they_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o holy_a spirit_n increase_v of_o grace_n and_o their_o confirmation_n or_o establishment_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v this_o religious_a rite_n of_o confirmation_n both_o the_o foremention_v sort_n of_o catechuman_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o so_o by_o it_o be_v pass_v from_o their_o infant-state_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o adult_n and_o then_o admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-member_n even_o to_o the_o lords-supper_n itself_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o become_v and_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a christian_n therefore_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perfect_a as_o phil._n 3.15_o not_o as_o if_o they_o have_v attain_v a_o sinless_a perfection_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n but_o because_o now_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n needful_a to_o the_o perfect_a of_o their_o church-state_n those_o that_o be_v not_o baptise_a till_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n receive_v confirmation_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n ordinary_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o their_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o complete_a church-member_n but_o such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n be_v not_o confirm_v till_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n by_o their_o parent_n and_o by_o the_o catechist_n and_o so_o capable_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n nor_o be_v any_o judge_v meet_v for_o admission_n to_o the_o lords-table_n until_o they_o have_v some_o considerable_a time_n before_o give_v proof_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o godliness_n but_o when_o they_o be_v confirm_v and_o have_v receive_v that_o ordinance_n they_o be_v then_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n and_o then_o be_v call_v fideles_fw-la the_o faithful_a that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v plain_o and_o full_o prove_v by_o divers_a learned_a pen_n and_o among_o our_o own_o especial_o by_o mr._n hanmer_n and_o mr._n baxter_n to_o who_o write_n i_o refer_v such_o who_o desire_v more_o clear_a light_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v at_o present_a as_o to_o confirmation_n be_v that_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v in_o after-age_n corrupt_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o chrysm_n or_o unction_n that_o be_v anoint_v with_o oil_n and_o by_o admit_v those_o to_o it_o who_o be_v not_o the_o meet_a object_n of_o it_o as_o person_n gross_o ignorant_a and_o propane_n etc._n etc._n the_o just_a resentment_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o these_o corruption_n have_v occasion_v a_o fault_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o many_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o total_a rejection_n or_o disuse_n of_o this_o pious_a rite_n of_o which_o i_o fear_v they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o good_a account_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o great_a day_n our_o duty_n doubtless_o lie_v between_o these_o two_o extreme_n to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o reassume_v the_o primitive_a right_n use_v of_o confirmation_n a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o zealous_o to_o be_v endeavour_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o the_o glory_n that_o may_v hence_o redound_v to_o god_n and_o the_o benefit_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o it_o as_o the_o forementioned_a author_n have_v excellent_o demonstrate_v and_o therefore_o with_o nervous_a argument_n persuade_v to_o the_o revival_n of_o it_o may_v there_o be_v new_a effusion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n on_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v i._n e._n christian_n magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o put_v they_o on_o the_o vigorous_a use_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o interest_n for_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o this_o and_o some_o other_o point_n that_o call_v for_o it_o at_o this_o day_n that_o all_o remain_a corruption_n may_v be_v sweep_v out_o of_o god_n house_n and_o christian_a practice_n at_o length_n reduce_v to_o and_o regulate_v by_o the_o gospel-rule_a in_o all_o thing_n second_o mean_v while_o i_o shall_v next_o as_o i_o promise_v humble_o
of_o which_o person_n under_o the_o christian_a name_n be_v guilty_a in_o this_o age_n and_o for_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o neglect_n of_o those_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v one_o and_o not_o the_o least_o it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a that_o many_o of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n old_a and_o some_o more_o have_v never_o be_v baptise_a and_o these_o with_o thousand_o more_o of_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n live_v also_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o cause_n of_o which_o neglect_n in_o some_o be_v the_o ignorance_n and_o error_n of_o their_o parent_n who_o if_o they_o be_v quaker_n whole_o reject_v these_o ordinance_n as_o useless_a ceremony_n and_o dispute_v against_o they_o or_o if_o anabaptist_n neglect_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o ignorance_n be_v careless_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n concern_v and_o so_o live_v and_o dye_v without_o the_o participation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n now_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o judge_v such_o as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n for_o to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o stand_v or_o fall_v i_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o external_a ordinance_n and_o god_n do_v nothing_o by_o they_o but_o what_o he_o can_v do_v without_o they_o if_o he_o please_v yet_o i_o know_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o use_v of_o ordinance_n when_o we_o may_v have_v they_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v his_o institution_n by_o which_o he_o do_v usual_o work_v grace_n in_o we_o and_o to_o neglect_v know_v duty_n yea_o or_o to_o live_v in_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v soul-damning_a sin_n which_o i_o earnest_o desire_v all_o that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a serious_o to_o consider_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o sinful_a omission_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o will_v be_v find_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o precious_a soul_n of_o man_n not_o only_o to_o observe_v mourn_v over_o and_o reprove_v these_o sin_n but_o to_o do_v their_o utmost_a also_o in_o their_o proper_a station_n and_o relation_n for_o reformation_n in_o this_o particular_a the_o sense_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v so_o deep_o impress_v on_o my_o spirit_n as_o to_o put_v i_o upon_o this_o well-meant_a though_o mean_a endeavour_v to_o contribute_v something_o towards_o this_o needful_a and_o desirable_a work_n i_o be_o too_o conscious_a of_o my_o own_o weakness_n to_o dictate_v to_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n acknowledge_v that_o i_o rather_o need_v and_o therefore_o desire_v their_o light_n and_o help_v herein_o yet_o hope_v i_o may_v without_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o take_v leave_v to_o confess_v that_o many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v very_o defective_a in_o our_o duty_n herein_o and_o in_o this_o confession_n i_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n at_o myself_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v we_o that_o we_o have_v manifest_v no_o great_a concern_v of_o spirit_n for_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o our_o lord-redeemer_n and_o help_v we_o that_o while_o we_o reprehend_v our_o people_n for_o their_o sinful_a omission_n we_o may_v be_v due_o humble_v for_o our_o own_o and_o make_v it_o more_o visible_a in_o our_o practice_n that_o we_o teach_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o a_o persuasive_a to_o full_a communion_n of_o baptise_v adult_n or_o grow_v person_n i_o shall_v then_o first_o apply_v myself_o to_o such_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n who_o though_o they_o go_v under_o the_o christian_a name_n yet_o be_v never_o baptise_a if_o this_o paper_n come_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o such_o i_o will_v propose_v some_o consideration_n to_o convince_v you_o of_o your_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v bless_v they_o bring_v you_o to_o repentance_n and_o then_o give_v you_o some_o counsel_n or_o direction_n for_o a_o right_a performance_n of_o your_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o your_o conviction_n be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o consider_v these_o seven_o thing_n first_o consider_v that_o baptism_n be_v as_o much_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v and_o to_o continue_v in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o long_o as_o that_o as_o appear_v by_o christ_n own_o command_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o viz._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o profess_a christian_n to_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n as_o to_o attend_v on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v for_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o enjoin_v the_o one_o enjoin_v the_o other_o therefore_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o must_v be_v sinful_a and_o how_o dare_v you_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n second_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v both_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o such_o child_n to_o be_v so_o bring_v to_o receive_v his_o blessing_n mark_v 10.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o which_o they_o be_v as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o so_o must_v have_v a_o gospel-right_a to_o this_o ordinance_n as_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o many_o judicious_a pen_n to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v you_o for_o more_o light_n in_o this_o point_n if_o you_o need_v it_o because_o of_o my_o intend_a brevity_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o your_o parent_n that_o they_o bring_v you_o not_o to_o this_o ordinance_n in_o your_o infancy_n and_o by_o consequence_n your_o sin_n and_o loss_n to_o neglect_v it_o ever_o since_o you_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o a_o capacity_n to_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o present_v yourselves_o to_o baptism_n three_o consider_v that_o your_o parent_n sinful_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v no_o just_a plea_n or_o excuse_v for_o your_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n since_o you_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n for_o than_o it_o become_v your_o duty_n both_o to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o give_v your_o own_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a consent_n to_o it_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o same_o by_o receive_v this_o ordinance_n for_o jew_n or_o heathen_n when_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o aught_o to_o be_v baptise_a much_o more_o may_v the_o adult_a child_n of_o christian_n when_o they_o make_v the_o like_a profession_n act_v 8.36_o etc._n etc._n 4._o consider_v that_o it_o look_v as_o if_o you_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o christ_n and_o christianity_n that_o you_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o wear_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n i._n e._n baptism_n for_o by_o this_o ordinance_n christian_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o while_o you_o want_v this_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o yet_o profess_v christianity_n you_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v heathen-christians_a or_o christian_n heathen_n own_v only_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n follower_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a of_o his_o livery_n and_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o ashamed_a to_o own_o christ_n or_o his_o ordinance_n here_o before_o man_n he_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v you_o before_o his_o father_n and_o the_o angel_n hereafter_o mat._n 8.35_o and_o how_o sad_a will_v their_o condition_n be_v who_o christ_n will_v not_o own_o in_o the_o great_a day_n be_v you_o not_o loath_a to_o be_v find_v among_o such_o at_o last_o five_o consider_v that_o though_o the_o neglect_n of_o baptism_n may_v seem_v a_o small_a fault_n if_o any_o to_o ignorant_a and_o inconsiderate_a person_n yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n be_v downright_a disobedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o virtual_a slight_n and_o practical_a refuse_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o provoke_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n we_o find_v god_n threaten_v that_o parent_n who_o do_v not_o circumcise_v his_o son_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o his_o people_n that_o be_v either_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n promise_n and_o blessing_n belong_v to_o it_o or_o to_o cut_v he_o off_o by_o a_o untimely_a and_o violent_a death_n for_o so_o the_o learned_a understand_v that_o text_n gen._n 17.14_o compare_v with_o exod._n 31.14_o so_o that_o moses_n himself_o be_v like_a to_o have_v