a_o persuasive_a to_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o privilege_n contain_v a_o essay_n for_o the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o such_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n who_o live_v in_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o transition_n of_o church-member_n from_o their_o infant_n to_o their_o adult-state_n and_o regular_a admission_n to_o full_a communion_n write_a for_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o need_v instruction_n in_o these_o spiritual_a concern_v 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_a mr._n george_n day_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o london-street_n in_o ratcliff_n 1697._o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n 1698._o the_o preface_n there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n which_o may_v render_v this_o short_a preface_n not_o only_o excusable_a but_o also_o in_o some_o respect_v necessary_a that_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o two_o thing_n 1._o touch_v the_o author_n and_o the_o come_v forth_o of_o this_o small_a piece_n 2._o touch_v the_o subject-matter_n handle_v in_o it_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o author_n the_o late_a reverend_a mr._n george_n day_n he_o be_v a_o well_o accomplish_v and_o approve_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n very_o exemplary_a in_o his_o holy_a conversation_n and_o abundant_a in_o his_o ministerial_a labour_n in_o which_o his_o study_n diligence_n and_o fidelity_n be_v the_o more_o conspievous_a in_o regard_n of_o those_o painful_a and_o weaken_a bodily_a distemper_n by_o which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o try_v and_o exercise_v he_o for_o many_o year_n last_o pass_v as_o to_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v now_o send_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v compose_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o press_n by_o himself_o that_o very_a copy_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o bookseller_n be_v send_v by_o he_o to_o several_a minister_n to_o be_v peruse_v among_o other_o we_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v to_o this_o preface_n have_v it_o in_o our_o hand_n about_o a_o year_n ago_o and_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a inspection_n into_o the_o matter_n method_n and_o manner_n of_o handle_v his_o subject_n have_v thought_n it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n and_o benefit_n to_o many_o if_o it_o be_v make_v public_a and_o certify_v he_o of_o our_o opinion_n touch_v it_o after_o this_o it_o lay_v in_o his_o hand_n as_o dormant_n but_o about_o the_o end_n of_o november_n last_o this_o good_a man_n find_v himself_o to_o decline_v very_o sensible_o deliver_v his_o copy_n 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among_o christian_n be_v oblige_v by_o their_o principle_n to_o make_v any_o opposition_n 1._o he_o persuade_v the_o adult_n who_o be_v unbaptise_v to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o and_o then_o to_o seek_v after_o baptism_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o author_n in_o the_o introduction_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v whole_o reject_v both_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o useless_a ceremony_n and_o dispute_v against_o they_o but_o all_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v gospel-ordinance_n must_v according_a to_o their_o declare_a principle_n concur_v with_o our_o author_n to_o press_v all_o adult_n unbaptised_a person_n to_o be_v baptise_a they_o who_o go_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o anabaptist_n may_v possible_o except_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n which_o he_o assert_n but_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a as_o any_o other_o to_o persuade_v the_o adult_n who_o be_v not_o baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n to_o hasten_v to_o that_o ordinance_n 2._o he_o persuade_v baptise_a grow_v person_n to_o labour_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o and_o then_o to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v their_o unquestionable_a duty_n so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n he_o can_v have_v no_o adversary_n whatever_o different_a sentiment_n some_o may_v have_v about_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n have_v give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o author_n and_o his_o little_a book_n we_o have_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o this_o preface_n and_o shall_v only_o add_v our_o prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v afford_v his_o blessing_n that_o the_o book_n may_v attain_v the_o end_n which_o the_o author_n propound_v to_o himself_o in_o his_o write_n of_o it_o william_n bates_n george_n hamond_n errata_fw-la to_o be_v correct_v page_n 46._o line_n 22._o for_o bercelerius_fw-la read_v bertelerius_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n there_o be_v publish_v of_o mr._n george_n days_n the_o communicants_a instructor_n or_o a_o sacramental_a catechism_n mr._n day_n funeral_n sermon_n preach_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n sam._n slater_n print_v for_o john_n laurence_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o poultry_n there_o be_v now_o publish_v two_o scarce_a book_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n open_v or_o a_o display_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o essential_a and_o mediatorial_n glory_n contain_v forty_o two_o sermon_n on_o various_a text_n and_o also_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n both_o in_o 4to_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_n and_o learned_a mr._n j._n flavel_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o dartmouth_n there_o be_v likewise_o new_o publish_v a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o late_a day_n of_o thanksgiving_n decemb._n 2._o 1697._o by_o mr._n j._n how_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v dr._n bates_n congratulatory_a speech_n to_o the_o king_n novemb_n 22._o 1697._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o dissent_v minister_n in_o and_o about_o london_n a_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n in_o 176_o sermon_n on_o the_o lesser_a catechism_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n by_o tho._n watson_n former_o minister_n at_o st._n stephens-wallbrook_a london_n the_o introduction_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o no_o sober_a christian_n will_v deny_v that_o omission_n or_o neglect_v of_o command_v duty_n be_v as_o true_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o commission_n of_o sin_n forbid_v and_o so_o as_o certain_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o as_o will_v please_v god_n and_o escape_v destruction_n aught_o as_o conscientios_o to_o perform_v duty_n as_o to_o forbear_v iniquity_n and_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n as_o well_o as_o to_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n now_o among_o the_o many_o sin_n of_o omission_n
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
unworthiness_n that_o you_o deserve_v it_o not_o this_o shall_v not_o keep_v you_o from_o it_o for_o all_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o unworthy_a we_o be_v all_o unworthy_a of_o our_o common_a food_n for_o our_o body_n much_o more_o unworthy_a of_o this_o holy_a food_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o deep_a sense_n you_o have_v of_o this_o unworthiness_n the_o more_o worthy_a you_o be_v in_o god_n account_n 2._o if_o you_o have_v a_o gospel-right_a to_o this_o ordinance_n and_o a_o gospel-sitness_a or_o preparedness_n for_o it_o you_o be_v worthy_a in_o a_o gospel-sense_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o see_v then_o that_o you_o be_v thus_o qualify_v and_o come_v obj._n 2._o but_o we_o fear_v we_o be_v not_o fit_v or_o prepare_v enough_o to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n and_o this_o keep_v we_o off_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o may_v be_v you_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v what_o that_o fitness_n or_o preparedness_n be_v that_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o so_o your_o 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the_o comfortable_a privilege_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o to_o see_v they_o own_v as_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o god_n together_o with_o themselves_o by_o receive_v baptism_n the_o sign_n and_o seal_v thereof_o so_o it_o be_v their_o unquestionable_a duty_n to_o instruct_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o learn_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n solemnize_v in_o baptism_n the_o nature_n use_v and_o end_v of_o it_o and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o to_o acquaint_v they_o when_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o will_v be_v their_o interest_n to_o give_v their_o own_o actual_a and_o hearty_a consent_n to_o their_o baptismal-covenant_n see_v the_o consent_n of_o parent_n in_o their_o behalf_n will_v serve_v they_o no_o long_o then_o until_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o consent_v for_o themselves_o which_o if_o they_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v they_o forfeit_v the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o desire_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o renew_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o receive_v the_o lords-supper_n that_o be_v the_o other_o confirm_v seal_n thereof_o but_o alas_o the_o generality_n of_o parent_n sinful_o and_o shameful_o neglect_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o child_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n too_o at_o this_o day_n breed_v they_o up_o in_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o very_a foundation-truths_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o most_o of_o our_o youth_n either_o regard_v not_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o only_o content_v themselves_o to_o be_v now_o and_o then_o present_a in_o our_o public_a religious_a assembly_n to_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o custom_n and_o example_n then_o by_o any_o sense_n of_o religion_n or_o conscience_n 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with_o the_o great_a care_n constancy_n and_o diligence_n read_v and_o weigh_v those_o scripture_n deut._n 6.6_o 7._o prov._n 22.6_o eph._n 6.4_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o arbitrary_a thing_n nor_o leave_v to_o your_o pleasure_n to_o do_v it_o or_o not_o your_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o how_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o account_n four_o consider_v god_n have_v entrust_v you_o with_o authority_n over_o your_o child_n to_o command_v they_o to_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o will_n and_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o have_v command_v your_o child_n to_o honour_n and_o obey_v you_o herein_o and_o expect_v you_o shall_v use_v your_o authority_n over_o they_o especial_o to_o this_o end_n and_o godly_a parent_n have_v so_o do_v and_o be_v commend_v in_o scripture_n for_o it_o read_v and_o consider_v eph._n 6.1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o chron._n 28.9_o gen._n 18.19_o you_o use_v this_o power_n over_o they_o for_o yourselves_o in_o require_v they_o to_o obey_v your_o will_n and_o will_v you_o not_o also_o use_v it_o for_o your_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o your_o dear_a child_n soul_n five_o consider_v if_o your_o child_n live_v and_o dye_v in_o ignorance_n of_o soulsaving_a truth_n they_o will_v perish_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o through_o your_o default_n or_o neglect_v of_o instruct_v they_o their_o sin_n will_v hereby_o become_v you_o and_o god_n will_v require_v their_o blood_n at_o your_o hand_n see_v isa_n 26.11_o 2_o thes_n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o now_o do_v you_o not_o cry_v out_o of_o those_o as_o monster_n in_o nature_n wolf_n and_o tiger_n in_o humane_a shape_n yea_o worse_o than_o beast_n who_o murder_n their_o own_o child_n and_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o their_o own_o tender_a infant_n blood_n how_o much_o great_a monster_n be_v those_o parent_n who_o starve_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o child_n by_o 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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 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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
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