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 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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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require_v parent_n first_o to_o get_v his_o word_n into_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o then_o to_o teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n deut._n 6.6_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o instruct_v other_o in_o that_o which_o you_o have_v not_o learn_v yourselves_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o observe_v that_o many_o parent_n be_v but_o child_n in_o understanding_n and_o that_o when_o for_o the_o time_n they_o have_v live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v be_v such_o good_a proficient_n or_o scholar_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v their_o family_n they_o themselves_o need_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n as_o heb._n 5.12_o i_o be_o persuade_v this_o be_v the_o grand_a though_o not_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o family-duty_n be_v so_o general_o disuse_v at_o
this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o a_o dislike_n of_o or_o a_o malignity_n against_o the_o work_n itself_o in_o many_o as_o for_o want_v of_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o this_o impediment_n can_v be_v no_o way_n remove_v but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o due_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v such_o a_o ability_n therefore_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o too_o ignorant_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v ashamed_a of_o your_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n but_o not_o ashamed_a to_o learn_v though_o late_o yet_o better_o late_o than_o never_o second_o have_v get_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n yourselves_o begin_v your_o work_n of_o teach_v your_o child_n betimes_o be_v drop_v and_o instil_v some_o of_o the_o plain_a easy_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n into_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o find_v they_o capable_a to_o learn_v and_o to_o remember_v be_v frequent_a at_o it_o to_o impress_n they_o the_o more_o firm_o on_o 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christ_n and_o join_v themselves_o for_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o alas_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v in_o our_o day_n be_v small_a in_o comparison_n with_o what_o have_v be_v in_o former_a age_n as_o gospel-minister_n general_o observe_v to_o their_o grief_n and_o this_o prove_v we_o to_o be_v upon_o the_o decay_a hand_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a duty_n of_o all_o adult_n person_n that_o make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n to_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o church-priviledge_n yet_o the_o far_o great_a number_n live_v in_o the_o shameful_a neglect_n hereof_o some_o to_o thirty_o forty_o yea_o fifty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o yet_o never_o receive_v the_o lords-supper_n these_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v christian_n at_o large_a or_o loose_a professor_n if_o not_o for_o the_o looseness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o for_o sit_v so_o loose_a from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o their_o backwardness_n to_o come_v whole_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o it_o be_v real_o asleep_o far_o easy_a yoke_n than_o that_o of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n make_v a_o address_n attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o and_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o persuade_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n for_o your_o conviction_n i_o offer_v you_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n you_o come_v not_o under_o the_o special_a care_n guidance_n and_o oversight_n of_o any_o pastor_n and_o so_o lose_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o may_v be_v a_o great_a damage_n to_o your_o soul_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o in_o divers_a case_n you_o will_v need_v their_o special_a help_n by_o way_n of_o council_n instruction_n support_v or_o comfort_n to_o answer_v your_o doubt_n encourage_v you_o against_o your_o fear_n succour_v you_o under_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n the_o want_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o faithful_a soul-friend_n in_o such_o case_n will_v be_v great_o prejudicial_a to_o you_o second_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v thus_o join_v you_o neglect_v one_o of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o supper_n the_o last_o that_o he_o institute_v leave_v as_o a_o stand_a monument_n of_o his_o matchless_a love_n to_o his_o church_n in_o die_v for_o it_o and_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n thereof_o in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o as_o another_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o ordinance_n wherein_o he_o propose_v himself_o as_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o believer_n to_o refresh_v and_o satisfy_v their_o soul_n increase_v their_o grace_n and_o nourish_v they_o to_o life_n eternal_a so_o that_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 1._o you_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o great_a sin_n upon_o your_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a disobedience_n to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v take_v eat_v etc._n etc._n drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o and_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o therefore_o to_o neglect_v it_o be_v practical_o to_o forget_v christ_n and_o if_o you_o forget_v he_o how_o can_v you_o hope_v he_o will_v remember_v you_o 2._o you_o lose_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o ordinance_n the_o nourishment_n and_o strengthen_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o grace_n which_o you_o need_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o hereby_o give_v god_n just_a cause_n to_o withhold_v his_o blessing_n from_o other_o ordinance_n and_o be_v this_o a_o loss_n that_o you_o can_v easy_o bear_v be_v it_o much_o at_o one_o with_o you_o whether_o you_o profit_n by_o the_o
mean_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o if_o so_o you_o be_v doubtless_o yet_o stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o in_o a_o wretched_a state_n 3._o you_o grieve_v and_o discourage_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o work_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o fear_v that_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o believe_v not_o their_o true_a report_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o make_v due_a application_n of_o the_o word_n they_o preach_v to_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o receive_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a this_o must_v needs_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o work_n 4._o you_o scandalize_v other_o christian_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o think_v that_o you_o be_v but_o formalist_n and_o hypocrite_n take_v up_o only_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o ignorant_a of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o be_v 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bad_a example_n on_o the_o most_o of_o mankind_n especial_o on_o youth_n and_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o you_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o into_o which_o they_o be_v draw_v by_o your_o example_n and_o have_v you_o not_o sin_n enough_o of_o your_o own_o o_o therefore_o beware_v of_o partake_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v yourselves_o pure_a 1_o tim._n 5.22_o and_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n any_o long_o for_o other_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o for_o your_o own_o three_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n you_o lose_v the_o benefit_n also_o of_o divers_a other_o church_n privilege_n such_o as_o communion_n with_o the_o choice_a and_o most_o experience_a christian_n a_o interest_n in_o their_o special_a love_n their_o watchfulness_n over_o you_o and_o helpfulness_n to_o you_o by_o instruction_n admonition_n exhortation_n sympathy_n in_o your_o affliction_n consolation_n communication_n of_o experience_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o no_o wise_a person_n will_v slight_v such_o privilege_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o these_o that_o know_v how_o needful_a and_o useful_a they_o may_v be_v to_o he_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n four_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n you_o lie_v more_o open_a to_o temptation_n from_o your_o soul_n enemy_n and_o will_v be_v more_o easy_o overcome_v by_o they_o for_o the_o sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o those_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a bond_n which_o you_o have_v lay_v upon_o your_o soul_n by_o a_o public_a own_v your_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o actual_a renew_n of_o it_o in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n will_v be_v apt_a mighty_o to_o awe_v your_o conscience_n keep_v you_o close_o to_o your_o duty_n and_o make_v you_o more_o watchful_a and_o resolute_a against_o temptation_n and_o ready_a to_o cry_v out_o when_o assault_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o that_o god_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v and_o to_o who_o i_o have_v give_v up_o myself_o to_o love_n fear_v obey_v and_o serve_v he_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o ever_o let_v these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o neglect_v and_o humble_v for_o they_o and_o convince_v also_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o make_v willing_a to_o set_v upon_o it_o i_o say_v willing_a for_o i_o think_v it_o very_o sinful_a to_o force_v person_n into_o church_n or_o frighten_v they_o into_o that_o participation_n of_o sacrament_n by_o threaten_v penal_a law_n etc._n etc._n see_v i_o find_v not_o that_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v entrust_v any_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n with_o such_o a_o coercive_a power_n or_o that_o he_o will_v have_v any_o press_v into_o his_o service_n certain_o he_o accept_v of_o none_o but_o volunteer_n and_o though_o none_o be_v such_o by_o nature_n he_o make_v all_o those_o such_o by_o efficacious_a grace_n who_o he_o receive_v it_o be_v true_a christ_n command_v his_o servant_n gospel-minister_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o to_o his_o spiritual_a feast_n luke_n 14.23_o but_o sure_o he_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v use_v any_o outward_a violence_n to_o their_o person_n or_o drive_v they_o in_o by_o staff_n whip_n or_o sword_n no_o nor_o with_o pecuniary_a mulct_n or_o fine_n for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n christ_n commit_v no_o civil_a power_n to_o his_o minister_n their_o business_n be_v with_o man_n soul_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o their_o rational_a nature_n propose_v to_o they_o weighty_a argument_n to_o invite_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o kindness_n offer_v and_o though_o these_o alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevail_v upon_o the_o deprave_a will_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n join_v the_o inward_a powerful_a working_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n make_v they_o effectual_o persuasive_a to_o all_o his_o elect_n and_o of_o unwilling_a make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n as_o psalm_n 110.3_o for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v indeed_o the_o compulsion_n there_o speak_v of_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o love_a invitation_n or_o bid_v and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v by_o another_o evangelist_n mat._n 22.3_o christ_n send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v they_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o they_o will_v not_o come_v christ_n do_v not_o say_v then_o force_v they_o against_o their_o will_n to_o come_v or_o punish_v fine_a excommunicate_a or_o imprison_v they_o for_o their_o refusal_n he_o will_v himself_o call_v man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o slight_v his_o invitation_n in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n i_o must_v profess_v i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n for_o admission_n of_o all_o person_n though_o never_o so_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n sure_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o christ_n have_v entrust_v with_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v not_o suffer_v the_o lord_n table_n to_o be_v make_v like_v the_o table_n of_o a_o common_a ordinary_n free_n for_o all_o comer_n nor_o cast_v christ_n holy_a thing_n to_o know_v dog_n and_o swine_n who_o ever_o dare_v to_o do_v so_o must_v be_v accountable_a to_o christ_n for_o it_o who_o be_v jealous_a for_o his_o own_o name_n and_o will_v not_o hold_v they_o guiltless_a that_o either_o pollute_v or_o profane_v his_o sacred_a institution_n or_o permit_v other_o to_o do_v it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v such_o to_o answer_v for_o these_o crime_n at_o his_o righteous_a bar_n who_o will_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o person_n in_o judgement_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n intend_v which_o be_v to_o instruct_v such_o as_o by_o the_o forementioned_a consideration_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o sinful_a neglect_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o to_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n but_o that_o i_o meet_v with_o divers_a objection_n which_o some_o make_v against_o their_o approach_v this_o holy_a supper_n which_o must_v be_v answer_v because_o they_o lie_v as_o stumbling-block_n in_o their_o way_n and_o be_v sometime_o plead_v as_o excuse_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o obj._n 1_o some_o say_v we_o think_v ourselves_o unworthy_a to_o partake_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n therefore_o we_o come_v not_o to_o it_o ans_fw-fr 1._o if_o you_o mean_v by_o
this_o ordinance_n you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o mercy_n as_o if_o this_o do_v render_v your_o sin_n unpardonable_a but_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o renew_v your_o repentance_n for_o it_o to_o pray_v for_o pardon_n of_o it_o and_o power_n against_o it_o and_o to_o stand_v more_o strict_o on_o your_o guard_n for_o time_n to_o come_v then_o you_o have_v scripture_n ground_n to_o hope_n for_o pardon_n 1_o john_n 2.1_o 2._o psalm_n 32.5_o 6._o jer._n 3.22_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o scripture_n well_o 5._o beware_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o secret_a love_n to_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o and_o lothness_n to_o part_v with_o it_o that_o keep_v you_o from_o this_o ordinance_n what_o ever_o else_o may_v be_v pretend_v be_v very_o jealous_a of_o your_o own_o heart_n for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n examine_v yourselves_o therefore_o very_o strict_o lest_o this_o shall_v lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n but_o if_o you_o find_v you_o be_v indeed_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o every_o sin_n and_o to_o obey_v every_o command_n of_o christ_n though_o you_o can_v live_v a_o sinless_a life_n yet_o you_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_v come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n obj._n 7._o but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o sect_n among_o professor_n of_o religion_n some_o say_n their_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o other_o say_v they_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o know_v not_o which_o to_o join_v ourselves_o to_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n and_o division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o causer_n and_o fomenter_n of_o they_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o great_a day_n for_o they_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o the_o blind_a as_o leu._n 19.14_o make_v they_o to_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o thereby_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o curse_n as_o deut._n 27.18_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o these_o difference_n may_v hinder_v some_o person_n from_o join_v themselves_o with_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o full_a communion_n though_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o ignorance_n weakness_n or_o prejudice_n these_o difference_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o nor_o plea_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o though_o there_o be_v such_o division_n among_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o of_o these_o society_n of_o christian_n at_o least_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—ue_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o some_o may_v be_v more_o reform_v pure_a and_o sound_v than_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o where_o they_o have_v liberty_n of_o choice_n to_o those_o who_o be_v just_o esteem_v by_o person_n capable_a to_o judge_n viz._n by_o wise_a and_o judicious_a christian_n the_o pure_a and_o best_a or_o such_o as_o keep_v near_o to_o the_o gospel-rule_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n 2._o consider_v for_o person_n to_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v join_v with_o any_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v not_o join_v to_o a_o true_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o certain_a sin_n to_o avoid_v a_o uncertain_a one_o and_o therefore_o no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v do_v thus_o 3._o in_o what_o soever_o society_n of_o christian_n the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a gospel-church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v viz._n the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o minister_n call_v qualify_v and_o set_v a_o part_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o society_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o true_a gospel-church_n and_o will_v be_v own_v by_o christ_n as_o such_o though_o it_o may_v differ_v from_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o circumstantial_a and_o lesser_a thing_n and_o private_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v join_v themselves_o to_o any_o such_o society_n see_v christ_n have_v receive_v they_o 4._o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o understanding_n and_o impartial_a eye_n that_o those_o of_o the_o moderate_a episcopal_n presbyterian_a and_o congregational_a persuasion_n have_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a gospel-churche_n and_o own_o the_o same_o doctrinal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o discipline_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o private_a christian_n may_v safe_o join_v themselves_o to_o either_o of_o they_o according_a as_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o suppose_v you_o have_v hear_v the_o minister_n of_o each_o of_o these_o persuasion_n where_o you_o have_v find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a benefit_n there_o it_o be_v most_o advisable_a for_o you_o to_o join_v if_o it_o may_v be_v obj._n 8._o but_o say_v another_o i_o be_o poor_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o shall_v i_o seek_v to_o join_v myself_o to_o a_o church_n they_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v i_o do_v it_o only_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o share_n in_o their_o charity_n and_o reject_v i_o for_o fear_v i_o shall_v be_v burdensome_a to_o they_o this_o keep_v i_o off_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o objection_n savour_v of_o pride_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o become_v not_o any_o christian_n especial_o the_o poor_a sort_n humility_n and_o charity_n or_o love_n will_v teach_v you_o to_o think_v the_o best_a and_o to_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o yourselves_o and_o to_o hope_v that_o minister_n and_o christian_n do_v better_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n than_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o refuse_v admission_n of_o any_o person_n into_o their_o communion_n mere_o for_o their_o poverty_n and_o you_o ought_v to_o think_v thus_o of_o they_o until_o you_o find_v the_o contrary_n 2._o be_v you_o sure_o beforehand_o that_o they_o will_v refuse_v you_o yet_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o offer_v yourself_o and_o seek_v admission_n and_o than_o if_o they_o unjust_o refuse_v you_o the_o sin_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n and_o you_o will_v be_v free_a but_o their_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v be_v no_o good_a excuse_n for_o your_o neglect_v your_o own_o duty_n 3._o no_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n dare_v to_o refuse_v the_o poor_a christian_n because_o he_o be_v poor_a provide_v it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o gospel-right_a to_o and_o fitness_n for_o admission_n to_o this_o ordinance_n see_v he_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o refuse_v none_o that_o come_v to_o he_o but_o invit_v all_o whether_o rich_a or_o poor_a as_o mat._n 11.28_o and_o john_n 6.37_o and_o require_v his_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o same_o mat._n 28.19_o and_o mark_v 16.15_o 16._o mat._n 22.9_o 10._o they_o know_v that_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v but_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o as_o 1_o cor._n 1.26_o and_o james_n 2.5_o and_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o call_v they_o will_v not_o know_o refuse_v 4._o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o your_o own_o heart_n then_o suspicious_a of_o other_o and_o see_v that_o you_o aim_v at_o high_a and_o better_a end_n in_o seek_v to_o join_v yourself_o to_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o obtain_v some_o worldly_a support_n as_o know_v those_o that_o follow_v christ_n only_o for_o the_o loaf_n be_v just_o blame_v by_o he_o john_n 6.26_o if_o your_o end_n be_v right_o and_o good_a leave_v god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o your_o esteem_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o christian_n obj._n 9_o but_o say_v other_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n though_o we_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n god_n forbid_v that_o all_o who_o dye_v without_o this_o ordinance_n shall_v perish_v ans_fw-fr 1._o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o say_v or_o think_v that_o none_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o receiver_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o i_o believe_v the_o contrary_a yea_o i_o know_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o will_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o save_v change_n upon_o their_o heart_n as_o luke_n 13.26_o 27._o i_o free_o grant_v that_o neither_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o ordinance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n see_v god_n do_v nothing_o by_o ordinance_n but_o what_o he_o can_v do_v without_o they_o if_o he_o please_v yet_o 2._o
i_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v obtain_v the_o end_n we_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o tempt_v of_o god_n to_o expect_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v a_o sin_n be_v a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o plain_a command_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o unless_o god_n grant_v repentance_n to_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o it_o will_v prove_v damnable_a now_o while_o man_n continue_v in_o this_o neglect_n they_o do_v not_o true_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a repentance_n without_o reformation_n 4._o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o live_v and_o dye_v in_o the_o know_a and_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n but_o threaten_v the_o contrary_a and_o who_o will_v hazard_v his_o salvation_n by_o such_o a_o neglect_n obj._n 10._o but_o say_v other_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o ill_a thing_n of_o some_o church-member_n that_o we_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o we_o to_o join_v with_o they_o though_o they_o make_v holy_a profession_n yet_o their_o practice_n be_v unholy_a and_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a and_o this_o keep_v we_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o report_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v false_a and_o only_o raise_v by_o some_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o if_o so_o you_o wrong_v both_o yourselves_o and_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o believe_v of_o it_o before_o you_o have_v thorough_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o our_o neighbour_n as_o psalm_n 15.3_o 2._o suppose_v the_o report_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o their_o church-membership_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o immorality_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o want_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v 3._o their_o sin_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o those_o that_o hold_v church-fellowship_n with_o they_o if_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o and_o do_v no_o way_n partake_v with_o they_o therein_o such_o a_o reproof_n prudent_o and_o private_o give_v by_o a_o fellow-member_n may_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n to_o the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o a_o disorderly_a walker_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o christ_n own_o appointment_n to_o this_o end_n if_o not_o the_o reprover_n ought_v to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o they_o may_v use_v church-discipline_n upon_o they_o which_o if_o they_o neglect_v the_o reprove_v member_n will_v have_v this_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n and_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n as_o mat._n 18.15_o 16._o 4._o the_o participation_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v the_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o any_o of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o loss_n and_o punishment_n so_o that_o if_o you_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o keep_v yourselves_o off_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o of_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a or_o disorderly_o walk_v you_o punish_v yourselves_o for_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o which_o be_v injustice_n 5._o to_o keep_v off_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n mere_o because_o some_o unworthy_a person_n partake_v of_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o sin_n in_o one_o kind_n a_o occasion_n of_o your_o sin_v in_o another_o kind_n their_o sin_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o commission_n you_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n 6._o if_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n shall_v keep_v off_o from_o join_v with_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o member_n in_o it_o that_o be_v disorderly_a walker_n either_o all_o such_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o such_o disorderly_a walker_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v say_v that_o either_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v you_o must_v know_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o when_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o any_o member_n appear_v by_o their_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n that_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v aught_o to_o use_v church-discipline_n upon_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o to_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o a_o share_n in_o their_o gild_n but_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o keep_v from_o join_v with_o a_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o such_o peccant_a member_n in_o it_o obj._n 11._o but_o if_o this_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v use_v only_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n say_v some_o we_o can_v remember_v he_o well_o enough_o without_o it_o we_o think_v of_o he_o every_o day_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n put_v we_o frequent_o in_o mind_n of_o he_o how_o can_v any_o christian_a forget_v he_o that_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o they_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o such_o need_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o this_o end_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o objection_n savour_v rank_o of_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n which_o be_v very_o provoke_v sin_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n do_v you_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o end_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o a_o right_a participation_n of_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o a_o needless_a thing_n and_o be_v you_o not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n you_o will_v not_o account_v yourselves_o wise_a than_o christ_n himself_o who_o institute_v this_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v never_o do_v have_v he_o not_o intend_v it_o for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o the_o receiver_n do_v christ_n judge_v it_o needful_a and_o dare_v you_o say_v it_o be_v needless_a do_v it_o become_v sinful_a dust_n contemptible_a worm_n to_o slight_v a_o ordinance_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o though_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n be_v useful_a to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o christ_n yet_o the_o use_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n may_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o for_o some_o truth_n do_v more_o powerful_o affect_v our_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o eye_n than_o by_o the_o ear_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o man_n usual_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o our_o spirit_n and_o move_v our_o affection_n more_o than_o a_o bare_a hear_n of_o it_o do_v now_o in_o this_o ordinance_n christ_n be_v represent_v as_o crucify_a before_o our_o eye_n as_o gal._n 3.1_o and_o our_o dull_a and_o dead_a heart_n need_v the_o most_o heart-affecting_a and_o quicken_a mean_n and_o ordinance_n 3._o know_v that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v for_o other_o holy_a end_n beside_o that_o of_o remember_v christ_n as_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o have_v hear_v before_o and_o so_o be_v needful_a and_o to_o be_v use_v for_o those_o end_n as_o well_o as_o for_o that_o 4._o gracious_a soul_n have_v sometime_o meet_v with_o some_o peculiar_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o love_n in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o such_o spiritual_a refreshment_n strength_n and_o comfort_n as_o they_o find_v not_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o their_o experience_n shall_v be_v argument_n encourage_v other_o to_o use_v this_o ordinance_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o like_a benefit_n obj._n 12._o but_o say_v other_o we_o be_v so_o encumber_v and_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o can_v be_v enough_o compose_v in_o our_o spirit_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n can_v we_o once_o get_v well_o through_o they_o we_o will_v then_o endeavour_v to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o come_v to_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v no_o just_a plea_n or_o excuse_v for_o your_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o consider_v 1._o god_n allow_v you_o sufficient_a time_n for_o necessary_a care_n about_o your_o worldly_a matter_n and_o appoint_v you_o proper_a time_n also_o for_o the_o care_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v and_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o see_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v mind_v in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o place_n