it_o be_v a_o dedicate_a mean_n to_o consecrate_v we_o to_o god_n that_o it_o signify_v our_o covenant_a engagement_n and_o be_v as_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o represent_v christ_n die_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o signify_v our_o be_v list_v under_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o baptism_n that_o it_o add_v another_o sacrament_n to_o baptism_n and_o that_o it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o engage_v sign_n in_o our_o first_o and_o solemn_a covenant_v with_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v real_o oblige_v by_o baptism_n be_v more_o express_o affix_v to_o that_o airy_a sign_n than_o to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o many_o other_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o we_o may_v find_v intersperse_v in_o the_o several_a writing_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n where_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o dispute_v this_o ceremony_n this_o of_o the_o cross_n have_v at_o least_o the_o semblance_n of_o a_o sacrament_n be_v indeed_o the_o only_a objection_n the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n insist_v upon_o in_o their_o exception_n against_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o present_a liturgy_n as_o to_o this_o therefore_o first_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v that_o the_o word_n sacrament_n itself_o have_v be_v so_o well_o agree_v upon_o among_o we_o the_o father_n have_v use_v it_o so_o much_o at_o large_a in_o their_o writing_n that_o it_o will_v sometime_o be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o our_o brethren_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n by_o which_o several_a other_o exception_n have_v be_v make_v may_v have_v disallow_v and_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o word_n by_o no_o mean_n scriptural_a but_o pagan_a and_o heathenish_a however_o since_o by_o a_o long_a reception_n of_o the_o word_n into_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v agree_v on_o all_o side_n what_o the_o sense_n and_o acceptation_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n will_v be_v to_o show_v 1._o what_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n and_o then_o 2._o to_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o as_o our_o church_n never_o do_v design_n or_o intend_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n to_o make_v any_o new_a sacrament_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o have_v not_o any_o semblance_n of_o a_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n that_o both_o side_n be_v agree_v in_o first_o as_o to_o our_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n i_o must_v presume_v our_o church_n in_o her_o public_a catechism_n have_v give_v that_o definition_n of_o it_o which_o no_o reform_v church_n but_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n give_v to_o we_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o it_o be_v true_a the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o large_a catechism_n do_v in_o that_o question_n of_o they_o what_o be_v a_o sacrament_n put_v in_o a_o expression_n or_o two_o that_o point_n at_o some_o opinion_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v no_o more_o agree_v among_o themselves_o than_o they_o be_v with_o some_o of_o our_o church_n but_o then_o in_o their_o next_o question_n what_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o sacrament_n they_o give_v we_o the_o same_o account_n with_o that_o of_o our_o church-catechism_n only_o a_o little_a varied_a in_o the_o word_n viz._n the_o part_n of_o a_o sacrament_n be_v two_o the_o one_o a_o outward_a sensible_a sign_n use_v according_a to_o christ_n own_o appointment_n the_o other_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n thereby_o signify_v by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o be_v well_o enough_o agree_v in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o therefore_o second_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o as_o our_o church_n never_o do_v design_n or_o intend_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n to_o make_v any_o new_a sacrament_n of_o it_o so_o according_a to_o the_o common_a notion_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v as_o to_o the_o word_n sacrament_n there_o be_v not_o any_o semblance_n of_o a_o sacrament_n it_o can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o here_o i_o may_v not_o without_o some_o reason_n insist_v that_o as_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o sacrament_n that_o both_o the_o outward_a sign_n must_v signify_v a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n and_o also_o must_v have_v its_o express_a institution_n and_o appointment_n from_o christ_n we_o that_o never_o suppose_v the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n can_v confer_v grace_n nor_o have_v ever_o make_v the_o least_o pretext_n to_o any_o divine_a appointment_n for_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n when_o it_o have_v no_o pretension_n to_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o sacrament_n but_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o follow_v the_o argument_n as_o they_o have_v lay_v it_o they_o say_v therefore_o that_o however_o we_o do_v not_o call_v or_o account_v it_o a_o holy_a sacrament_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o bring_v a_o ceremony_n into_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o seem_v tantamount_n to_o a_o christian_a sacrament_n we_o do_v thereby_o usurp_v the_o prerogative_n of_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n set_v up_o our_o post_n against_o his_o post_n and_o our_o threshold_n again_o his_o threshold_n this_o they_o say_v we_o do_v partly_o 1._o as_o we_o make_v the_o cross_a a_o sign_n betoken_v our_o faith_n and_o christian_a courage_n when_o in_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o baptise_a person_n we_o say_v we_o do_v it_o in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucified_a etc._n etc._n and_o partly_o 2._o when_o by_o a_o entire_a representative_a of_o our_o church_n it_o be_v determine_v that_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o baptise_a person_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n first_o they_o say_v that_o by_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o etc._n etc._n we_o apply_v such_o signification_n to_o it_o that_o run_v it_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n use_v it_o as_o a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n as_o to_o this_o we_o must_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o no_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n in_o our_o church_n but_o it_o be_v with_o this_o design_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v significant_a of_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o it_o will_v be_v a_o odd_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n indeed_o to_o use_v this_o or_o that_o gesture_n or_o action_n in_o our_o religious_a service_n that_o shall_v have_v no_o signification_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o to_o account_v it_o therefore_o innocent_a because_o it_o be_v impertinent_a it_o be_v the_o significancy_n of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o useful_a or_o proper_a and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v very_o disallowable_a but_o then_o though_o our_o ceremony_n be_v significant_a and_o any_o of_o they_o use_v as_o memorative_a sign_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o any_o duty_n or_o obligation_n towards_o god_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o seal_n or_o assurance_n from_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o but_o hint_n and_o remembrance_n of_o some_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o significant_a usage_n have_v be_v all_o along_o arbitrary_o take_v up_o without_o any_o imputation_n of_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n may_v be_v make_v out_o both_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n notwithstanding_o the_o punctual_a prescription_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o also_o in_o all_o the_o late_a reformation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v first_o take_v we_o a_o view_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o herein_o 1._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o their_o very_a passover_n about_o which_o both_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n they_o have_v such_o express_a direction_n by_o moses_n before_o they_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n yet_o do_v they_o in_o some_o age_n follow_v considerable_o vary_v not_o only_o in_o their_o time_n of_o keep_v it_o which_o have_v be_v original_o appoint_v on_o the_o ten_o they_o change_v it_o to_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o month_n but_o
the_o church_n whereby_o the_o person_n be_v thrice_o dip_v or_o put_v under_o water_n at_o the_o mention_n of_o each_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o great_a article_n milit_fw-la advers._fw-la praxeam_n again_o in_o lib_n de_fw-fr coron_n milit_fw-la so_o tertullian_n express_v it_o nam_fw-la nec_fw-la semel_fw-la sed_fw-la ter_z ad_fw-la singula_fw-la nomina_fw-la in_fw-la personas_fw-la singulas_fw-la tingimur_fw-la we_o be_v dip_v not_o once_o but_o three_o time_n at_o each_o name_n and_o so_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o three_o person_n and_o beside_o this_o signification_n of_o the_o three_o person_n by_o this_o threefold_a immersion_n which_o tertullian_n and_o not_o only_o he_o but_o st._n ambrose_n have_v mention_v there_o be_v other_o of_o the_o father_n that_o have_v suppose_v the_o death_n the_o burial_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n together_o with_o his_o be_v in_o the_o grave_a three_o day_n be_v signify_v by_o this_o custom_n and_o yet_o be_v this_o so_o far_o from_o be_v account_v any_o sacrament_n of_o itself_o or_o a_o sacrament_n within_o that_o of_o baptism_n that_o the_o church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o lay_v immersion_n aside_o for_o the_o generality_n and_o the_o threefold_a immersion_n much_o soon_o particular_o in_o spain_n and_o that_o upon_o a_o reason_n that_o make_v the_o single_a dip_v as_o significant_a as_o the_o trine_n have_v be_v when_o it_o be_v in_o use_n viz_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o arrian_n who_o have_v take_v occasion_n from_o this_o threefold_a dip_v in_o baptism_n to_o assert_v the_o three_o distinct_a substance_n pretend_v a_o testimony_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o this_o usage_n much_o such_o a_o reason_n by_o the_o way_n the_o reform_a church_n in_o poland_n govern_v themselves_o by_o when_o in_o a_o general_a synod_n they_o decree_v against_o the_o posture_n of_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o that_o custom_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o first_o by_o the_o arrian_n who_o as_o they_o irreverent_o treat_v christ_n 1578._o synod_n petricov_n an._n 1578._o so_o also_o his_o sacred_a appointment_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o view_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o late_a reformation_n 2._o be_v it_o not_o very_o evident_a that_o in_o none_o of_o our_o late_a reformation_n nay_o even_o in_o those_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o but_o they_o do_v in_o their_o most_o religious_a solemnity_n some_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o symbolical_a action_n that_o have_v great_a signification_n in_o they_o 1._o there_o give_v to_o every_o baptise_a infant_n a_o new_a name_n which_o both_o they_o and_o we_o do_v call_v the_o christian_a name_n this_o seem_v to_o betoken_v our_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a state_n or_o condition_n of_o life_n which_o still_o they_o seem_v to_o aim_v more_o express_o at_o in_o their_o general_a care_n to_o give_v the_o child_n some_o scripture_n name_n or_o some_o name_n that_o shall_v signify_v some_o excellent_a virtue_n or_o grace_n some_o religious_a duty_n owe_v to_o god_n or_o some_o memorable_a benefit_n receive_v from_o he_o here_o we_o have_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n and_o this_o too_o sometime_o of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o this_o no_o more_o account_v a_o new_a sacrament_n or_o a_o sacrament_n within_o that_o of_o baptism_n than_o we_o do_v our_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o indeed_o there_o seem_v just_a as_o much_o reason_n for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o and_o no_o more_o 2._o those_o argument_n which_o some_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v use_v in_o plea_n for_o the_o posture_n of_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v show_v that_o beside_o what_o they_o urge_v from_o the_o posture_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n himself_o celebrate_v it_o they_o apprehend_v some_o significancy_n in_o the_o gesture_n that_o render_v it_o more_o accommodate_v to_o that_o ordinance_n than_o any_o other_o for_o some_o of_o they_o plead_v for_o the_o posture_n of_o sit_v as_o be_v most_o proper_o a_o table-gesture_n and_o do_v best_a of_o all_o express_a our_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_v of_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o coheir_n now_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o consider_v our_o lord_n have_v no_o where_o express_o command_v we_o to_o perform_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o sit_v posture_n much_o less_o have_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o ordain_v this_o gesture_n in_o token_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o so_o that_o we_o see_v this_o gesture_n of_o sit_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o argument_n make_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o this_o not_o from_o any_o antecedent_n express_v institution_n of_o christ_n which_o notwithstanding_o this_o posture_n of_o sit_v be_v not_o account_v by_o those_o that_o frame_v the_o argument_n any_o new_a or_o additional_a sacrament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o last_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v a_o formal_a covenant_n which_o they_o insist_v upon_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v admit_v into_o any_o of_o their_o church_n must_v engage_v themselves_o in_o this_o be_v of_o that_o importance_n among_o they_o that_o they_o call_v it_o the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o church_n that_o which_o make_v any_o particular_a person_n member_n of_o a_o church_n church-coven_a apol._n for_o church-coven_a yea_o and_o as_o another_o express_v it_o that_o wherein_o the_o union_n of_o such_o a_o church_n do_v consist_v we_o will_v suppose_v then_o this_o covenant_n administer_v in_o some_o form_n or_o other_o and_o the_o person_n admit_v by_o this_o covenant_n into_o a_o independent_a church_n declare_v his_o consent_n by_o some_o action_n or_o other_o such_o as_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n or_o the_o like_a let_v i_o ask_v they_o what_o must_v they_o of_o that_o church_n think_v of_o this_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n will_v they_o not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o token_n of_o his_o consent_n to_o be_v a_o church-member_n here_o then_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o what_o of_o no_o less_o according_a to_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n than_o a_o perfect_a new_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n that_o be_v of_o be_v embody_v in_o christ_n church_n engage_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o enstate_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o will_v they_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o admission_n either_o the_o form_n of_o word_n wherein_o their_o covenant_n be_v administer_v or_o the_o ceremony_n of_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n by_o which_o this_o covenant_n be_v take_v and_o assent_v to_o be_v original_o ordain_v by_o christ_n or_o do_v they_o themselves_o esteem_v this_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n or_o do_v the_o presbyterian-brethren_n in_o all_o their_o argument_n against_o this_o way_n charge_v they_o with_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n so_o that_o from_o all_o instance_n imaginable_a both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o both_o primitive_a and_o late_a reformation_n even_o from_o the_o particular_a practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o though_o we_o sign_v the_o baptize_v person_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n christ_n of_o crucified_a etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v be_v accuse_v as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n or_o add_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o that_o of_o baptism_n but_o then_o they_o tell_v we_o second_o we_o seem_v to_o own_v it_o ourselves_o when_o in_o a_o entire_a representative_a of_o our_o church_n such_o as_o we_o suppose_v a_o convocation_n to_o be_v it_o be_v actual_o determine_v that_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o person_n baptise_a be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o immediate_a say_v one_o of_o our_o brethren_n than_o in_o the_o present_a dedicate_a act_n to_o use_v the_o sign_n and_o express_v the_o dedicate_a signification_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o 30_o canon_n do_v say_v the_o cross_n be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o stress_n of_o the_o objection_n in_o this_o part_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o word_n dedicate_v that_o be_v because_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v itself_o a_o seal_n of_o admission_n into_o covenant_n and_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o by_o use_v a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n whereby_o we_o profess_v the_o person_n baptise_a dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o
deep_a impression_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o well_o fit_v for_o profound_a and_o solid_a reason_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v the_o large_a here_o that_o even_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v see_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o we_o use_v it_o be_v not_o introduce_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o be_v of_o a_o much_o ancient_a date_n that_o the_o use_n we_o make_v of_o it_o bear_v no_o conformity_n at_o all_o with_o that_o church_n in_o their_o use_v it_o that_o by_o our_o different_a usage_n we_o keep_v at_o a_o sufficient_a distance_n nay_o perhaps_o be_v in_o less_o likelihood_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o their_o communion_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o abolish_v in_o a_o word_n that_o that_o very_a principle_n upon_o which_o the_o charge_n of_o popery_n be_v lay_v as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o cross_n be_v itself_o weak_a and_o fallible_a nor_o be_v we_o bind_v by_o any_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o holy_a writ_n to_o throw_v off_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n mere_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v abuse_v it_o it_o have_v prove_v a_o mighty_a inconvenience_n to_o the_o church_n that_o people_n have_v be_v throw_v into_o so_o precipitant_a a_o zeal_n of_o remove_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a extreme_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o have_v be_v almost_o afraid_a to_o determine_v in_o any_o action_n or_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n lest_o it_o shall_v some_o way_n or_o other_o have_v be_v profane_v and_o make_v unwarrantable_a by_o their_o practice_n this_o be_v that_o give_v rise_v to_o the_o mischievous_a enthusasm_n in_o germany_n that_o end_v in_o such_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a practtise_n as_o well_o as_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n take_v up_o and_o maintain_v by_o the_o anabaptist_n there_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o mention_v the_o horrid_a confusion_n of_o our_o own_o age_n and_o nation_n which_o yet_o perhaps_o we_o be_v wrought_v up_o into_o by_o this_o very_a humour_n i_o mean_v a_o restless_a fondness_n for_o some_o additional_a refinement_n still_o which_o our_o church_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v i_o can_v but_o inward_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o love_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n who_o in_o their_o first_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v not_o nice_a or_o scrupulous_a beyond_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o thing_n doubtless_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n enough_o as_o to_o all_o true_a zeal_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n when_o they_o seal_v the_o wellgrounded_n offence_n they_o take_v at_o they_o with_o their_o warm_a blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_o primitive_a christian_n signalise_v their_o profession_n with_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v intermix_v with_o rome_n in_o any_o usage_n of_o worship_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v the_o least_o savour_n of_o idolatry_n superstition_n or_o false_a religion_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reform_v whole_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_o jealous_a of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o be_v of_o superstition_n will_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o those_o fantastic_a antipathy_n as_o to_o abolish_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n mere_o because_o it_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o papist_n if_o some_o other_o very_o substantial_a reason_n do_v not_o put_v in_o its_o claim_n against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o govern_v themselves_o in_o these_o temperate_a and_o unbyast_a method_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v justify_v themselves_o to_o their_o adversary_n or_o the_o world_n or_o have_v make_v it_o so_o evident_a as_o by_o their_o wise_a management_n they_o do_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v from_o the_o mere_a urgency_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o wantonness_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o where_o any_o mean_v honest_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o those_o do_v that_o dissent_n from_o we_o in_o this_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o reason_n very_o well_o awake_v that_o the_o mere_a charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o any_o dispute_v point_n may_v not_o so_o prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o thing_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o debate_n and_o mature_a consideration_n second_o the_o other_o head_n of_o objection_n against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v that_o it_o seem_v the_o introduce_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o warranty_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a offensive_a invasion_n of_o his_o right_n who_o royal_a prerogative_n alone_o it_o be_v to_o institute_v what_o sacrament_n he_o please_v in_o his_o church_n this_o objection_n seem_v to_o point_v at_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o with_o respect_n in_o common_a to_o all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n which_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o antecedent_o prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o to_o do_v this_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v general_o affirm_v it_o a_o bold_a and_o unwarrantable_a intrusion_n upon_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n that_o be_v in_o prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n all_o their_o mode_n and_o usage_n in_o worship_n from_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vary_v or_o deviate_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v in_o any_o one_o circumstance_n this_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o further_o notice_n of_o than_o as_o it_o may_v necessary_o intermix_v itself_o with_o the_o question_n particular_o in_o hand_n about_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n partly_o because_o i_o will_v keep_v as_o strict_o as_o may_v be_v to_o this_o distinct_a case_n and_o especial_o because_o this_o case_n of_o do_v nothing_o in_o or_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o in_o his_o word_n have_v be_v another_o province_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n itself_o which_o our_o brethren_n will_v make_v their_o main_a instance_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v make_v direct_o against_o it_o they_o do_v unquestionable_o take_v up_o some_o usage_n wherein_o moses_n have_v give_v no_o antecedent_n direction_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v not_o unlawful_a upon_o that_o account_n because_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v not_o only_o not_o blame_v or_o accuse_v they_o of_o encroachment_n or_o superstition_n but_o himself_o practise_v &_o comply_v with_o they_o this_o among_o many_o other_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v up_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o their_o synagogue_n worship_n and_o upon_o another_o occasion_n may_v be_v further_o insist_v on_o by_o and_o by_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o be_v no_o rule_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o add_v the_o inexpediency_n and_o unfitness_n of_o this_o rule_n to_o the_o very_a oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v to_o diffuse_v itself_o among_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o people_n who_o do_v so_o infinite_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o both_o in_o their_o custom_n and_o in_o the_o signification_n of_o those_o custom_n too_o that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v a_o vast_a and_o bulky_a digest_v of_o law_n indeed_o that_o must_v have_v suit_v all_o country_n be_v every_o circumstance_n and_o punctilio_n in_o divine_a worship_n to_o have_v be_v antecedent_o prescribe_v all_o this_o have_v be_v with_o so_o much_o clearness_n make_v out_o by_o several_a hand_n that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v at_o this_o time_n of_o the_o day_n our_o brethren_n do_v not_o expect_v or_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o further_a conviction_n in_o this_o point_n and_o seem_v in_o some_o measure_n agree_v that_o this_o position_n of_o they_o will_v not_o hold_v water_n it_o be_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n therefore_o that_o will_v fall_v more_o direct_o under_o our_o consideration_n at_o this_o present_a and_o that_o be_v that_o our_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n do_v seem_v to_o run_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o mean_v when_o they_o tell_v sacrament_n and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o mean_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a invisible_a grace_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o redeemer_n that_o
cross_n we_o have_v make_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o add_v to_o that_o of_o baptism_n to_o dedicate_v he_o in_o our_o own_o invent_a way_n as_o christ_n have_v in_o that_o which_o he_o have_v institute_v 1._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o sure_o the_o word_n dedication_n be_v of_o a_o much_o large_a signification_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v confine_v mere_o to_o the_o interpretation_n that_o our_o brethren_n will_v put_v upon_o it_o the_o meaning_n of_o dedication_n proper_o be_v the_o appropriate_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n to_o any_o peculiar_a service_n such_o as_o a_o church_n or_o temple_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n any_o person_n to_o the_o profession_n the_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o ministry_n or_o to_o any_o kind_n of_o attendance_n at_o the_o holy_a altar_n this_o be_v the_o strict_a sense_n of_o dedication_n but_o then_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n we_o may_v suppose_v it_o apply_v to_o any_o strict_a or_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o dedication_n thus_o suppose_v a_o man_n ordain_v to_o the_o ministry_n whereby_o he_o be_v proper_o dedicate_v to_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v by_o some_o solemn_a act_n of_o his_o own_o dedicate_v himself_o to_o a_o zealous_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o this_o after_o some_o time_n that_o he_o may_v have_v apprehend_v himself_o hitherto_o not_o so_o diligent_a in_o the_o trust_n that_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o he_o this_o can_v be_v call_v in_o any_o sense_n a_o new_a ordination_n but_o it_o may_v with_o reason_n and_o sense_n enough_o be_v style_v a_o dedicate_a of_o a_o man_n self_n more_o particular_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o ministry_n he_o be_v ordain_v to_o and_o therefore_o 2._o in_o this_o sense_n the_o convocation_n ought_v in_o all_o justice_n to_o be_v understand_v when_o they_o in_o explain_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o cross_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o seem_v hard_a measure_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o if_o those_o in_o a_o convocation_n shall_v not_o have_v apply_v the_o word_n dedication_n to_o what_o may_v be_v most_o strict_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o severe_o expound_v that_o no_o other_o declaration_n of_o their_o meaning_n and_o intention_n must_v be_v accept_v of_o than_o what_o mere_o the_o strict_a and_o critical_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n will_v bear_v sure_o there_o be_v many_o expression_n in_o the_o father_n that_o may_v seem_v more_o distant_a from_o that_o sense_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v they_o in_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o yield_v they_o up_o as_o the_o author_n or_o defender_n of_o some_o dangerous_a opinion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o some_o phrase_n of_o they_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o they_o may_v be_v press_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o meaning_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o favour_v they_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a allowance_n to_o be_v give_v to_o some_o scheme_n of_o speech_n and_o meaning_n of_o word_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a wrangle_n and_o dispute_v about_o they_o however_o there_o do_v not_o need_v even_o this_o sort_n of_o charity_n for_o this_o word_n dedicate_v upon_o which_o such_o weight_n of_o argument_n have_v be_v lay_v for_o as_o in_o all_o author_n it_o have_v be_v various_o use_v so_o be_v it_o proper_o enough_o apply_v in_o this_o canon_n for_o the_o design_n for_o which_o it_o be_v use_v and_o the_o declaration_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o to_o the_o candid_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n the_o word_n dedication_n as_o they_o use_v it_o may_v proper_o enough_o signify_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o first_o dedication_n to_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o a_o declaration_n of_o what_o the_o church_n think_v of_o the_o person_n baptise_a what_o she_o do_v expect_v from_o he_o and_o what_o obligation_n he_o lie_v under_o by_o his_o baptism_n and_o as_o a_o medium_n of_o this_o declaration_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v make_v be_v as_o expressive_a as_o so_o many_o word_n what_o the_o infant_n by_o his_o baptism_n be_v design_v to_o the_o apostle_n himself_o have_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n under_o that_o term_n and_o denomination_n of_o the_o cross_n now_o that_o our_o church_n do_v design_n this_o declarative_a dedication_n by_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n and_o none_o other_o be_v very_o evident_a in_o that_o though_o the_o word_n dedicate_v be_v use_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o their_o sense_n in_o that_o canon_n yet_o do_v they_o there_o refer_v to_o the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n by_o compare_v therefore_o the_o canon_n and_o the_o office_n for_o baptism_n together_o the_o canon_n direct_v to_o the_o office_n and_o the_o rubric_n belong_v to_o the_o office_n direct_v to_o the_o canon_n we_o may_v observe_v what_o stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o word_n dedicate_v that_o be_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o design_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o immediate_a dedication_n that_o be_v make_v by_o baptism_n and_o yet_o how_o by_o the_o cross_n we_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dedicate_v too_o as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o by_o that_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o gospel_n now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n both_o in_o the_o rubric_n and_o canon_n do_v affirm_v and_o own_v that_o the_o baptism_n be_v complete_a and_o the_o child_n make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n before_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v make_v use_n of_o or_o if_o upon_o occasion_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o at_o all_o it_o be_v express_o say_v we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o upon_o that_o do_v sign_n it_o with_o the_o cross_n so_o that_o the_o child_n be_v declare_v within_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n before_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v apply_v to_o it_o beside_o that_o in_o the_o office_n for_o private_a baptism_n where_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o be_v omit_v we_o be_v direct_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o child_n so_o baptise_a be_v lawful_o and_o sufficient_o baptise_a the_o canon_n confirm_v it_o that_o the_o infant_n baptise_a be_v by_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n before_o it_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n as_o a_o perfect_a member_n thereof_o and_o not_o by_o any_o power_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptism_n acknowledge_v complete_a and_o perfect_a before_o or_o without_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n the_o church_n can_v be_v suppose_v ordain_v so_o needless_a a_o repetition_n as_o this_o will_v be_v to_o dedicate_v in_o baptism_n &_o then_o to_o dedicate_v by_o the_o cross_n again_o but_o that_o which_o they_o express_v by_o dedicate_v by_o the_o cross_n must_v be_v something_o very_o distinct_a from_o that_o dedication_n which_o be_v in_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o dedication_n the_o other_o be_v the_o dedication_n itself_o as_o distinct_a the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o admission_n be_v from_o admission_n itself_o and_o a_o signification_n of_o a_o privilege_n be_v from_o a_o institute_v mean_n of_o grace_n it_o seem_v a_o thing_n decent_a and_o seasonable_a enough_o that_o when_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o receive_v a_o person_n into_o his_o favour_n and_o give_v he_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n solemn_o declare_v and_o testify_v he_o be_v receive_v into_o her_o communion_n by_o give_v he_o the_o badge_n of_o our_o common_a religion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v plain_o no_o other_o than_o a_o declaration_n the_o church_n make_v of_o what_o the_o person_n baptise_a be_v admit_v to_o what_o engagement_n he_o lie_v under_o when_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n it_o express_v what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o baptism_n which_o be_v indeed_o not_o a_o sign_n of_o dedication_n but_o dedication_n itself_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v as_o also_o the_o cross_n be_v not_o dedication_n itself_o but_o a_o sign_n of_o it_o which_o declaration_n be_v therefore_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n we_o