contempt_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n likewise_o and_o so_o both_o the_o positive_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v insignificant_a and_o of_o no_o account_n to_o he_o the_o two_o sacrament_n have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n which_o christian_n have_v value_v above_o their_o life_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o spiritual_a banquet_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n entertain_v those_o who_o be_v dear_a than_o his_o life_n be_v to_o he_o baptism_n be_v the_o ordinance_n which_o open_v the_o door_n and_o let_v we_o in_o to_o the_o banqueting-house_n none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o then_o the_o non-communicant_a regard_v not_o the_o lord_n supper_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v but_o slight_v his_o baptism_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o he_o that_o slight_v the_o feast_n must_v needs_o slight_a that_o which_o give_v admission_n to_o it_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o renew_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o make_v with_o god_n in_o our_o baptism_n and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renew_a engagement_n on_o our_o part_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o but_o on_o god_n part_n likewise_o by_o which_o he_o seal_v to_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o we_o care_v not_o for_o renew_v this_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o value_v not_o the_o first_o agreement_n that_o we_o make_v with_o god_n in_o our_o baptism_n beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n for_o our_o obtain_n grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o our_o baptism_n if_o we_o come_v not_o to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o perform_v what_o we_o promise_v which_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a beside_o my_o present_a purpose_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v non-communicants_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n will_v never_o have_v receive_v that_o ordinance_n no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o that_o ordinance_n who_o do_v not_o own_o the_o faith_n and_o solemn_o engage_v to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o that_o perform_v this_o which_o baptism_n engage_v man_n to_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n if_o we_o ask_v the_o non-communicant_a how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a he_o must_v say_v my_o father_n make_v i_o so_o when_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v do_v and_o he_o or_o other_o promise_v that_o which_o i_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v i_o will_v argue_v thus_o with_o the_o non-communicant_a either_o you_o own_o your_o baptism_n or_o you_o do_v not_o if_o you_o do_v not_o why_o do_v you_o not_o declare_v it_o why_o do_v you_o call_v yourself_o a_o christian_n and_o profess_v that_o you_o expect_v salvation_n from_o he_o who_o appoint_v that_o ordinance_n to_o all_o that_o expect_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n if_o you_o do_v own_o your_o baptism_n why_o do_v you_o not_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v that_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a engagement_n which_o you_o make_v in_o it_o by_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o but_o i_o have_v rather_o make_v another_o digression_n which_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v excuse_v consider_v that_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o many_o who_o be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v baptism_n as_o it_o be_v now_o general_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o practice_n show_v that_o they_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o their_o baptism_n so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o principle_n be_v utter_o against_o it_o and_o especial_o against_o infant-baptism_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v more_o upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o scripture_n than_o from_o any_o express_a instance_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v some_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o some_o rather_o to_o speak_v against_o it_o than_o for_o it_o and_o to_o disallow_v of_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o commend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o incline_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v such_o as_o have_v not_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o what_o ever_o any_o say_v against_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o error_n lay_v down_o these_o follow_a assertion_n which_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o person_n sober_o and_o with_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o not_o with_o haughty_a and_o stubborn_a mind_n to_o consider_v 1._o child_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o well_o as_o adult_v person_n and_o there_o be_v a_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o they_o which_o be_v their_o great_a privilege_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o take_v little_a child_n up_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o bless_a they_o shall_v allow_v no_o ordinance_n for_o they_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o his_o church_n wheresoever_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o parent_n he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n likewise_o with_o the_o child_n of_o that_o parent_n that_o be_v the_o child_n be_v include_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o covenant_n belong_v to_o the_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n 2._o our_o saviour_n take_v this_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o baptise_v those_o who_o forsake_v heathenism_n and_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o whensoever_o they_o make_v proselyte_n they_o do_v not_o only_o baptise_v the_o parent_n but_o the_o child_n likewise_o upon_o engagement_n that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o which_o every_o one_o to_o who_o he_o come_v know_v be_v practise_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v declare_v his_o exception_n against_o infant_n baptism_n if_o he_o intend_v their_o exclusion_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o infant_n shall_v have_v the_o seal_n of_o a_o covenant_n when_o it_o be_v never_o otherwise_o or_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n send_v to_o baptise_v nation_n in_o which_o infant_n have_v be_v common_o baptise_a before_o and_o yet_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v that_o infant_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a or_o if_o we_o have_v read_v of_o the_o apostle_n refusal_n of_o they_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o infant_n baptise_a before_o nor_o any_o ordinance_n for_o infant_n the_o anabaptist_n opinion_n have_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n but_o otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a 3._o as_o a_o consequent_a of_o this_o infant_n be_v all_o along_o baptise_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o the_o holy_a martyr_n that_o suffer_v for_o christianity_n of_o which_o those_o who_o write_v against_o the_o anabaptist_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v intend_v their_o exclusion_n they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o anabaptist_n know_v better_a what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o those_o christian_n do_v if_o those_o who_o be_v now_o of_o that_o persuasion_n have_v live_v in_o those_o day_n and_o have_v consider_v from_o whence_o our_o saviour_n take_v that_o ordinance_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v now_o espouse_v because_o then_o the_o original_a of_o it_o be_v fresh_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o use_v and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v continue_v by_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o only_o great_a haughtiness_n of_o mind_n by_o which_o man_n think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o ignorance_n through_o length_n of_o time_n that_o make_v a_o anabaptist_n 4._o infant_n be_v believer_n in_o a_o sense_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v nor_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o
there_o be_v nothing_o of_o sad_a experience_n to_o be_v allege_v so_o long_o as_o man_n keep_v in_o society_n though_o but_o civil_a society_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v rule_n and_o order_n if_o any_o controversy_n arisie_n the_o dissatisfied_a person_n partly_o by_o his_o obligation_n to_o those_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o advice_n and_o council_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o society_n do_v not_o present_o separate_v but_o submit_v or_o if_o he_o be_v stubborn_a and_o insolent_a he_o may_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o society_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o severe_a penalty_n till_o he_o be_v more_o modest_a humble_a and_o compliant_a but_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o under_o no_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o that_o society_n and_o no_o penalty_n be_v inflict_v than_o he_o break_v away_o and_o make_v party_n and_o bring_v all_o into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o every_o one_o who_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v account_v it_o his_o duty_n as_o a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o union_n be_v maintain_v but_o if_o man_n think_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v but_o whole_o leave_v at_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n or_o let_v it_o alone_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n be_v scatter_v into_o as_o many_o division_n and_o party_n as_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o their_o salvation_n please_v for_o many_o year_n after_o our_o bless_a reformation_n from_o popery_n there_o be_v so_o many_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n that_o the_o number_n of_o inhabitant_n in_o every_o parish_n be_v best_o know_v by_o the_o number_n of_o communicant_o in_o those_o happy_a day_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n master_n and_o mistress_n come_v at_o one_o communion_n &_o their_o servant_n after_o public_a catechise_n and_o private_a examination_n by_o their_o minister_n come_v the_o next_o communion_n it_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o unworthy_a communicant_n among_o they_o there_o be_v such_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o will_v be_v in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o evil_a be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o mischief_n that_o have_v happen_v since_o man_n take_v their_o liberty_n and_o forsake_v the_o sacrament_n parish_n now_o may_v better_o be_v compute_v by_o the_o number_n of_o non-communicants_a and_o those_o that_o run_v from_o the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o it_o i_o can_v in_o this_o place_n forbear_v mention_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o late_o hear_v from_o a_o very_a aged_n grave_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v now_o very_o conformable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o be_v lament_v that_o the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o their_o absent_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o sad_a distraction_n and_o division_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n i_o be_v say_v he_o one_o of_o those_o who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o surplice_n and_o with_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v discontent_v at_o those_o thing_n who_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a man_n but_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o they_o can_v have_v foresee_v the_o dreadful_a mischief_n that_o have_v happen_v unto_o the_o church_n they_o will_v never_o have_v so_o much_o as_o open_v their_o lip_n much_o less_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o then_o be_v i_o know_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v great_a care_n take_v to_o keep_v off_o scandalous_a communicant_n and_o there_o will_v be_v great_a care_n take_v if_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o but_o i_o think_v all_o sober_a people_n will_v say_v that_o if_o all_o the_o vicious_a man_n in_o england_n come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n as_o the_o dreadful_a division_n and_o separation_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o people_n take_v their_o liberty_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o many_o minister_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o make_v they_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o preach_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v but_o not_o of_o unworthy_a neglect_v of_o it_o another_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o noncommunicating_a be_v horrid_a debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n such_o as_o never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v whilst_o the_o sacrament_n be_v frequent_v there_o be_v thousand_o in_o this_o age_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o often_o say_v that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v but_o be_v so_o far_o from_o live_v like_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v be_v abandon_v by_o sober_a heathen_n as_o unfit_a for_o humane_a society_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o record_n of_o ancient_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o there_o be_v grievious_a wickedness_n &_o impiety_n yet_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o fear_n and_o shame_n but_o in_o our_o age_n wickedness_n insult_v as_o if_o it_o hope_v to_o have_v a_o better_a reputation_n than_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n eph._n 5.11_o call_v they_o the_o vnfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o secret_n but_o in_o our_o age_n wickedness_n appear_v open_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n or_o shame_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o in_o former_a time_n they_o that_o be_v drink_v be_v drink_v in_o the_o night_n but_o now_o it_o be_v scarce_o account_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o be_v become_v a_o noonday_n entertainment_n in_o former_a time_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o rude_a ungoverned_a rabble_n when_o hannah_n be_v false_o accuse_v of_o be_v drink_v count_v not_o say_v she_o thy_o handmaid_n for_o a_o daughter_n of_o belial_n belial_n signify_v without_o yoke_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o she_o have_v say_v i_o be_o none_o of_o those_o unruly_a forlorn_a miscreant_n that_o will_v be_v drink_v i_o suppose_v the_o proverb_n may_v be_v very_o ancient_a as_o drink_v as_o a_o beggar_n but_o now_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n if_o i_o may_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o call_v it_o so_o of_o lord_n and_o gentleman_n and_o be_v in_o as_o much_o esteem_n among_o too_o many_o of_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o brave_a achievement_n for_o which_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o adventure_v the_o ruin_n of_o himself_o and_o family_n whoredom_n be_v another_o sin_n which_o have_v exceed_o abound_v it_o be_v a_o old_a sin_n but_o the_o impudence_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v new_a in_o job_n time_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o adulterer_n wait_v for_o the_o twilight_n chap._n 24.15_o the_o whore_n which_o solomon_n speak_v of_o prov._n 7.9_o be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o twilight_n in_o the_o evening_n in_o the_o black_a and_o dark_a night_n and_o she_o be_v account_v to_o have_v a_o impudent_a face_n v._o 13._o but_o how_o impudent_a be_v those_o whore_n who_o appear_v in_o the_o open_a street_n at_o noon_n day_n tempt_v all_o that_o pass_v by_o to_o their_o filthy_a embrace_n we_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o attire_n of_o a_o harlot_n but_o now_o there_o be_v in_o this_o immodest_a age_n no_o distinction_n but_o by_o the_o show_n of_o woman_n we_o may_v suspect_v that_o the_o attire_n of_o harlot_n be_v all_o the_o fashion_n these_o two_o sin_n have_v of_o late_a year_n so_o much_o abound_v that_o there_o be_v thousand_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o live_v like_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v degenerate_v from_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o will_v be_v a_o shame_n to_o heathen_n if_o they_o live_v among_o they_o these_o sin_n have_v make_v many_o to_o become_v worse_o than_o beast_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v make_v they_o become_v devil_n to_o themselves_o and_o family_n there_o be_v another_o dreadful_a sin_n which_o abound_v and_o that_o be_v profane_a swear_v a_o sin_n which_o man_n commit_v only_o because_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o there_o be_v neither_o profit_n nor_o pleasure_n in_o it_o some_o be_v seldom_o guilty_a of_o it_o but_o when_o they_o be_v provoke_v to_o anger_n and_o then_o they_o must_v be_v revenge_v by_o abuse_v the_o name_n
gospel_n and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o sense_n such_o believer_n as_o be_v entitle_v to_o salvation_n they_o be_v such_o believer_n as_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n if_o the_o estate_n belong_v to_o a_o child_n in_o the_o cradle_n the_o indenture_n and_o seal_n of_o that_o estate_n belong_v to_o he_o likewise_o the_o child_n of_o a_o believer_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n as_o the_o child_n of_o a_o proselyte_n be_v call_v a_o proselyte_n if_o god_n give_v child_n but_o the_o denomination_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n 5._o those_o that_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n this_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a argument_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o those_o that_o be_v serious_a and_o considerate_a and_o not_o conceit_v and_o resolute_a in_o a_o case_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o live_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o case_n so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o their_o unsuccessfulness_n in_o all_o their_o attempt_n to_o establish_v their_o opinion_n do_v show_v that_o god_n do_v not_o nor_o ever_o do_v show_v any_o such_o favour_n to_o they_o as_o may_v give_v any_o sober_a person_n cause_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v god_n church_n and_o people_n however_o they_o plead_v his_o word_n to_o be_v their_o rule_n but_o that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o ordinance_n which_o god_n allow_v of_o and_o have_v countenance_v ever_o since_o there_o be_v any_o opposition_n make_v to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o writer_n yet_o alive_a who_o give_v a_o large_a and_o strange_a account_n of_o the_o mischievous_a practice_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n and_o other_o place_n what_o disturber_n and_o not_o promoter_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v be_v wheresoever_o they_o have_v come_v but_o i_o wave_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o either_o in_o this_o nation_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o will_v only_o say_v that_o if_o i_o have_v the_o high_a opinion_n of_o they_o for_o their_o moral_n that_o i_o have_v for_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o own_v and_o practise_v infant-baptism_n and_o the_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n be_v not_o member_n right_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o the_o papist_n but_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v mistake_v in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rightful_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n he_o must_v be_v very_o weak_a and_o notorous_o partial_a who_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n that_o separate_a from_o the_o true_a church_n which_o god_n have_v own_v in_o all_o age_n and_o not_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o argument_n by_o which_o many_o waver_a mind_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o god_n grant_v there_o may_v be_v the_o like_a success_n to_o those_o in_o the_o like_a case_n who_o shall_v read_v they_o v._o those_o excuse_n which_o man_n general_o make_v for_o their_o not_o receive_v be_v so_o far_o from_o justify_v their_o neglect_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o extenuate_v it_o nay_o they_o exceed_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o most_o non-communicants_a the_o truth_n be_v no_o excuse_n must_v be_v make_v in_o such_o a_o weighty_a matter_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v there_o may_v be_v interruption_n but_o there_o must_v be_v no_o excuse_n a_o interruption_n be_v when_o a_o man_n real_o intend_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o somewhat_o happen_v by_o which_o he_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v so_o it_o be_v with_o christian_n in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o israelite_n which_o we_o read_v of_o num._n 9.6_o 7._o who_o be_v hinder_v from_o eat_v the_o passover_n by_o the_o legal_a defilement_n of_o a_o dead_a corpse_n be_v extreme_o trouble_v and_o come_v to_o moses_n to_o know_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v there_o be_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v defile_v by_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o a_o man_n that_o they_o can_v not_o keep_v the_o passover_n on_o that_o day_n and_o they_o come_v before_o moses_n and_o before_o aaron_n on_o that_o day_n and_o those_o man_n say_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v defile_v by_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o a_o man_n wherefore_o be_v we_o keep_v back_o that_o we_o may_v not_o offer_v a_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o appoint_a season_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n observe_v how_o far_o those_o man_n be_v from_o make_v excuse_n for_o neglect_v god_n ordinance_n in_o that_o they_o be_v extreme_o trouble_v at_o a_o interruption_n which_o probable_o they_o can_v not_o help_v for_o he_o that_o be_v in_o a_o tent_n in_o which_o a_o man_n die_v or_o come_v into_o it_o be_v unclean_a chap._n 19.14_o and_o continue_v so_o seven-day_n this_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n moses_n say_v unto_o they_o stand_v still_o and_o i_o will_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v concern_v you_o and_o we_o read_v that_o god_n in_o that_o case_n appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o passover_n the_o next_o month._n god_n allow_v of_o the_o interruption_n for_o that_o time_n but_o there_o must_v be_v no_o excuse_n we_o read_v num._n 9.13_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v not_o thus_o hinder_v if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v the_o passover_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v the_o same_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n because_o he_o bring_v not_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n on_o his_o appoint_a season_n a_o place_n of_o scripture_n very_o fit_a for_o non-communicants_a to_o consider_v who_o if_o they_o have_v no_o impediment_n will_v make_v excuse_n instead_o of_o they_o they_o will_v pretend_v somewhat_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n which_o be_v not_o real_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o little_a regard_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o the_o general_a excuse_n be_v and_o then_o consider_v some_o more_o special_a case_n 1._o some_o pretend_v that_o the_o solemninity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a ordinance_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o make_v their_o approach_n to_o it_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o very_a good_a christian_n to_o who_o this_o be_v not_o a_o excuse_n but_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n of_o their_o absent_v from_o the_o sacrament_n they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o adventure_n for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o their_o lord_n supper_n although_o they_o be_v such_o as_o love_v he_o and_o do_v sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v may_v give_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o humility_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n be_v a_o good_a qualification_n for_o a_o communicant_a and_o that_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a duty_n to_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o compliment_v our_o saviour_n but_o that_o the_o examine_v themselves_o and_o reverent_o observe_v his_o institution_n great_a man_n do_v sometime_o allow_v of_o such_o excuse_n when_o they_o make_v invitation_n but_o the_o great_a god_n command_v when_o he_o invite_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o neglect_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n my_o design_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o make_v this_o a_o pretence_n for_o their_o noncommunicating_a they_o say_v the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o it_o but_o i_o will_v have_v such_o person_n to_o consider_v whither_o they_o go_v when_o they_o turn_v away_o from_o this_o solemn_a ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o a_o continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n their_o condition_n be_v unspeakable_o miserable_a what_o a_o affront_n be_v this_o to_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v
of_o god_n &_o destroy_v their_o own_o soul_n which_o let_v we_o see_v what_o fool_n the_o devil_n make_v they_o that_o forsake_v religion_n sometime_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n laughter_n and_o swear_v go_v together_o as_o if_o to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n be_v a_o help_n to_o mirth_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v this_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o have_v his_o servant_n to_o have_v innocent_a mirth_n if_o they_o shall_v their_o damnation_n will_v not_o be_v increase_v as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n sometime_o we_o observe_v man_n swear_v in_o their_o ordinary_a converse_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n to_o their_o speech_n of_o which_o the_o true_a account_n that_o i_o can_v give_v be_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o wickedness_n &_o of_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n that_o it_o continual_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o course_n run_v out_o at_o their_o mouth_n i_o may_v add_v another_o impiety_n which_o do_v exceed_o increase_v and_o that_o be_v contempt_n of_o religion_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n man_n of_o other_o religion_n may_v call_v it_o the_o devil_n day_n consider_v what_o horrid_a wickedness_n man_n be_v guilty_a of_o on_o that_o day_n he_o have_v more_o service_n do_v he_o on_o that_o day_n than_o in_o all_o the_o week_n beside_o it_o be_v become_v the_o ale-house-keeper_n market_n or_o rather_o fair-day_n if_o christian_n shall_v regard_v their_o soul_n on_o that_o day_n they_o can_v not_o pay_v their_o rent_n these_o wickedness_n and_o many_o more_o have_v abound_v since_o the_o day_n of_o noncommunicating_a if_o these_o ungodly_a wretch_n have_v not_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v of_o year_n in_o which_o they_o may_v have_v be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o church_n require_v it_o if_o they_o have_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o receive_v it_o no_o man_n can_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o horrid_a sin_n and_o have_v live_v such_o wicked_a life_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o so_o have_v be_v unworthy_a communicant_n and_o thereby_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o but_o now_o they_o do_v most_o apparent_o damn_v their_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o they_o damn_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o and_o in_o a_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o damn_v all_o religion_n if_o these_o profligate_v wretch_n be_v strict_o require_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o reform_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o it_o there_o will_v be_v a_o admonition_n from_o the_o minister_n there_o will_v be_v trerible_a check_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o the_o sacrament_n will_v rouse_v and_o cause_v to_o terrify_v they_o and_o if_o after_o upon_o their_o promise_n of_o amendment_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o shall_v return_v to_o their_o former_a course_n other_o communicant_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o friendly_a and_o godly_a admonition_n and_o if_o those_o prevail_v not_o they_o will_v at_o length_n complain_v to_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o live_v better_o or_o be_v abandon_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n but_o when_o man_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v then_o stranger_n to_o their_o neighbour_n or_o at_o least_o there_o be_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n they_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v reprove_v they_o answer_v to_o the_o reprover_n that_o he_o be_v nothing_o concern_v with_o they_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o they_o communicate_v together_o at_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n there_o be_v a_o great_a complaint_n of_o unworthy_a communicant_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v great_a than_o there_o be_v cause_n for_o but_o what_o a_o fearful_a cause_n be_v there_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o horrid_a and_o shameful_a wickedness_n of_o non-communicants_a the_o consequence_n of_o noncommunicating_a may_v come_v likewise_o under_o a_o more_o special_a consideration_n there_o be_v thousand_o that_o be_v not_o open_o scandalous_a and_o profane_a who_o condition_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v if_o they_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o guilt_n and_o trouble_n in_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v in_o health_n nor_o so_o much_o fear_v and_o disquietment_n when_o sickness_n come_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n and_o almost_o every_o day_n experience_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o let_v every_o man_n who_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n examine_v his_o own_o mind_n whether_o if_o he_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n he_o will_v not_o be_v more_o afraid_a to_o commit_v that_o sin_n whether_o he_o will_v not_o be_v more_o afraid_a to_o neglect_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v after_o a_o solemn_a and_o devout_a manner_n and_o know_v that_o he_o must_v short_o renew_v his_o engagement_n to_o god_n again_o he_o will_v not_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o his_o way_n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o they_o examine_v themselves_o and_o serious_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v have_v cause_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v from_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o he_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o receive_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o less_o afraid_a to_o sin_n he_o may_v be_v unworthy_a who_o do_v receive_v he_o may_v be_v one_o that_o live_v a_o sinful_a life_n but_o we_o have_v much_o more_o cause_n to_o think_v he_o unworthy_a and_o in_o a_o sinful_a state_n who_o receive_v not_o at_o all_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n in_o respect_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n when_o the_o non-communicant_a be_v sick_a and_o force_v to_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o former_a life_n which_o i_o have_v have_v such_o frequent_a occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o i_o visit_v the_o sick_a with_o some_o kind_n of_o fear_n lest_o i_o shall_v find_v their_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n torment_v their_o conscience_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v any_o say_v that_o they_o have_v damn_v their_o soul_n by_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n although_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v hear_v some_o lament_n that_o they_o do_v not_o come_v to_o it_o so_o qualify_v as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v i_o never_o yet_o hear_v any_o say_v i_o wish_v i_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n although_o in_o some_o case_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v there_o may_v be_v cause_n for_o person_n to_o wish_v so_o but_o that_o man_n and_o woman_n have_v not_o receive_v be_v the_o torment_n of_o their_o depart_a soul_n because_o than_o their_o guilty_a mind_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o may_v have_v do_v it_o to_o their_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n i_o late_o hear_v this_o expression_n from_o a_o sick_a bed_n which_o i_o mention_v because_o i_o think_v very_o useful_a as_o for_o the_o sacrament_n i_o be_v afraid_a in_o my_o health_n to_o receive_v it_o but_o i_o think_v if_o i_o have_v receive_v it_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o my_o way_n than_o i_o have_v be_v we_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n find_v that_o person_n be_v comfort_v or_o torment_v upon_o their_o sick-bed_n according_a to_o their_o communicate_v or_o noncommunicating_a in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n i_o know_v not_o which_o be_v more_o rare_a in_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o find_v a_o communicant_a trouble_v in_o mind_n or_o a_o non-communicant_a that_o be_v not_o there_o be_v another_o dreadful_a evil_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o noncommunicating_a which_o i_o may_v have_v mention_v under_o the_o former_a head_n and_o that_o be_v most_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a ignorance_n there_o never_o be_v any_o age_n in_o which_o there_o be_v minister_n more_o able_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v their_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v most_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n in_o many_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o can_v be_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o converse_n with_o they_o in_o private_a which_o be_v of_o great_a necessity_n