operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v afterward_o by_o degree_n cease_v yet_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n confer_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n express_v and_o show_v forth_o itself_o in_o great_a and_o very_o remarkable_a effect_n it_o fill_v man_n with_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a strength_n it_o endue_v they_o with_o courage_n and_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n to_o confess_v bold_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o to_o promote_v zealous_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n it_o wrought_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o continual_a joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o perfect_a purity_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n a_o boundless_a charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n and_o a_o infinite_a desire_n of_o do_v good_a in_o their_o generation_n and_o be_v young_a person_n teach_v now_o to_o receive_v confirmation_n with_o the_o same_o preparation_n with_o the_o same_o reverence_n and_o with_o the_o same_o expectation_n that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o may_v yet_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v annex_v the_o same_o inward_a blessing_n to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o same_o external_n mean_v be_v none_o esteem_v perfect_a christian_n or_o look_v upon_o as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o confirmation_n parent_n and_o surety_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v child_n in_o order_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o perfect_a christian_n and_o faithful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o ever_o know_v how_o or_o upon_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o confirmation_n who_o have_v not_o first_o pass_v through_o such_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o catechise_v as_o to_o understand_v perfect_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o perform_v it_o this_o will_v breed_v in_o young_a person_n a_o great_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n for_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a zeal_n in_o prepare_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o complete_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o its_o high_a mystery_n by_o this_o mean_n child_n will_v be_v full_o and_o distinct_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v man_n live_v all_o their_o life_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o its_o sacrament_n without_o ever_o understand_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o promise_v at_o baptism_n by_o this_o mean_v that_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o christian_n live_v and_o die_v will_v in_o great_a measure_n be_v prevent_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v child_n for_o want_n of_o instruction_n so_o soon_o possess_v and_o corrupt_v by_o vice_n as_o to_o lie_v and_o swear_v to_o be_v disobedient_a and_o ill_a nature_a to_o be_v vain_a and_o idle_a in_o that_o tender_a age_n wherein_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v form_v to_o all_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n with_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o prejudice_n and_o first_o possession_n be_v none_o receive_v to_o confirmation_n who_o do_v not_o express_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o live_v from_o thenceforward_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o godly_a conversation_n or_o who_o do_v not_o with_o free_a choice_n and_o a_o zealous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n desire_v to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o whole_a church_n this_o will_v give_v a_o mighty_a reputation_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v prevent_v that_o goldness_n and_o deadness_n in_o religion_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o course_n without_o due_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n this_o will_v make_v man_n earnest_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o solicitous_a not_o to_o contradict_v their_o profession_n by_o their_o life_n such_o a_o solemn_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n such_o a_o vow_n solemn_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o our_o personal_a protestation_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o mighty_a bridle_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o a_o mighty_a spur_n to_o provoke_v man_n to_o good_a work_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o man_n in_o who_o presence_n so_o sacred_a a_o obligation_n be_v enter_v into_o can_v not_o but_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o bind_v man_n to_o live_v worthy_a of_o this_o great_a vocation_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o not_o become_v a_o blemish_n and_o dishonour_n to_o their_o religion_n last_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o confirmation_n without_o be_v first_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o perfection_n and_o strength_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v domini_fw-la the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v from_o henceforward_o continue_v with_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n so_o now_o also_o these_o external_n ordinance_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o inward_a and_o sanctify_a grace_n as_o will_v have_v a_o visible_a effect_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o professor_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v challenge_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o lustful_a malicious_a passionate_a revengeful_a man_n and_o they_o will_v by_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o confirmation_n transform_v he_o into_o the_o pure_a the_o meek_a and_o the_o gentle_a spirit_n upon_o earth_n and_o since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o confirmation_n of_o baptise_a person_n if_o it_o be_v celebrate_v by_o we_o with_o the_o same_o preparation_n and_o reverence_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o ancient_n may_v not_o be_v as_o effectual_a now_o to_o confirm_v man_n in_o virtue_n as_o it_o be_v then_o to_o transform_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o have_v as_o proportionable_o great_a a_o effect_n upon_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o our_o life_n as_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o church_n will_v be_v again_o restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a regular_a constitution_n by_o these_o mean_v many_o perplex_v scruple_n about_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n will_v in_o great_a measure_n be_v remove_v no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n without_o have_v be_v first_o confirm_v and_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v confirm_v without_o have_v first_o pass_v through_o such_o preparation_n as_o will_v sit_v he_o for_o the_o communion_n last_o by_o these_o mean_n if_o any_o one_o after_o confirmation_n lapse_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n will_v offer_v itself_o of_o restore_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v so_o just_o lament_v by_o the_o church_n this_o solemn_a preparation_n by_o which_o i_o suppose_v person_n fit_v for_o confirmation_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o work_v in_o man_n mind_n such_o a_o dread_a of_o sin_n to_o be_v commit_v afterward_o as_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o and_o to_o profit_v under_o discipline_n 7._o these_o be_v the_o exceed_a great_a benefit_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o such_o a_o solemn_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o confirmation_n but_o till_o this_o excellent_a institution_n can_v be_v restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a solemnity_n and_o reverence_n which_o as_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v so_o in_o the_o present_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v hope_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v earnest_o
three_o practical_a essay_n viz._n on_o baptism_n confirmation_n repentance_n contain_v instruction_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n with_o earnest_a exhortation_n especial_o to_o young_a person_n draw_v from_o the_o considerarion_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o samuel_n clark_n m._n a._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n and_o fellow_n of_o cain_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o james_n knapton_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1699._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n my_o lord_n as_o the_o many_o undeserved_a favour_n with_o which_o your_o lordship_n have_v already_o be_v please_v to_o honour_v i_o oblige_v i_o not_o to_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n of_o testify_v public_o the_o grateful_a sense_n which_o i_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v of_o your_o lordship_n kindness_n so_o they_o encourage_v i_o to_o presume_v further_o upon_o your_o lordship_n candour_n in_o publish_v these_o short_a discourse_n under_o the_o patronage_n of_o your_o lordship_n name_n the_o singular_a zeal_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v show_v in_o make_v frequent_a confirmation_n give_v we_o reason_n to_o hope_v that_o if_o the_o direction_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v former_o give_v for_o the_o prepare_v person_n to_o be_v confirm_v be_v as_o strict_o observe_v as_o the_o regular_a and_o pious_a use_n of_o that_o excellent_a institution_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o probable_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n and_o holiness_n that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o god_n have_v place_v your_o lordship_n may_v become_v exemplary_o eminent_a for_o the_o restore_a of_o primitive_a piety_n and_o order_n to_o which_o state_n that_o it_o may_v effectual_o arrive_v and_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v long_o see_v it_o continue_v therein_o and_o that_o these_o short_a discourse_n may_v contribute_v their_o mite_n towards_o the_o promote_a so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o design_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o dutiful_a chaplain_n and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n s._n clarke_n the_o preface_n st_n chrysostom_n observe_v concern_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n that_o though_o their_o opinion_n be_v never_o so_o wide_o different_a both_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o each_o other_o yet_o every_o one_o pretend_a that_o his_o particular_a opinion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o found_v in_o it_o and_o that_o all_o different_a opinion_n be_v discountenance_v by_o it_o and_o may_v be_v confute_v out_o of_o it_o he_o observe_v also_o further_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o their_o confidence_n be_v because_o every_o one_o pick_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n all_o those_o passage_n which_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o favour_v his_o particular_a opinion_n without_o at_o all_o regard_v their_o cohaerence_n and_o connexion_n or_o the_o occasion_n and_o design_n of_o their_o be_v write_v thus_o from_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o christ_n as_o a_o man_n and_o in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n some_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o collect_v that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o so_o deny_v his_o divinity_n other_o on_o the_o contrary_a from_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o god_n and_o in_o his_o state_n of_o exaltation_n do_v as_o weak_o take_v occasion_n to_o deny_v his_o humanity_n assert_v that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v whole_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o divine_a i_o wish_v the_o same_o observation_n may_v not_o too_o true_o be_v make_v of_o most_o of_o the_o late_a dispute_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o christian_n in_o our_o day_n for_o thus_o i_o believe_v if_o we_o search_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o many_o of_o those_o man_n assertion_n who_o love_n to_o aggravate_v the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o natural_a misery_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o apply_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o whole_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v evident_o and_o express_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v so_o magnify_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n as_o to_o diminish_v and_o detract_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v because_o they_o apply_v those_o text_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n which_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n again_o the_o foundation_n of_o those_o man_n opinion_n who_o have_v extol_v some_o one_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o or_o as_o a_o equivalent_a for_o all_o other_o duty_n be_v their_o have_v interpret_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v some_o one_o particular_a virtue_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v think_v no_o moral_a virtue_n at_o all_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o believer_n be_v because_o they_o have_v apply_v those_o text_n to_o the_o most_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a performance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o thus_o to_o come_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o present_a discourse_n in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n have_v attribute_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n conversion_n to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o uncertain_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o have_v give_v man_n occasion_n to_o sit_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o time_n when_o this_o extraordinary_a grace_n shall_v be_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o be_v because_o they_o have_v fix_v that_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o a_o uncertain_a period_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v constant_o annex_v to_o his_o ordinance_n and_o which_o he_o certain_o bestow_v upon_o man_n at_o their_o baptism_n or_o at_o their_o solemn_a take_n upon_o themselves_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v make_v repentance_n so_o short_a and_o so_o easy_a a_o business_n be_v because_o they_o have_v too_o large_o apply_v those_o great_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o circular_a and_o repeat_v repentence_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n confine_v to_o the_o great_a repentance_n or_o conversion_n of_o unbeliever_n my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v to_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o set_v this_o great_a and_o most_o important_a matter_n in_o its_o true_a light_n from_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o show_v that_o at_o baptism_n god_n always_o bestow_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v man_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o to_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n this_o grace_n be_v seal_v and_o assure_v at_o confirmation_n that_o from_o henceforward_o man_n be_v bind_v with_o that_o assistance_n to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o their_o know_a duty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v except_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n any_o extraordinary_a much_o less_o irresistible_a grace_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n or_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o sin_n that_o if_o after_o this_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o great_a wickedness_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o proportionable_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n and_o that_o as_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o such_o repentance_n be_v accept_v to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v all_o true_a penitent_n so_o it_o have_v sufficient_o show_v the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o it_o when_o late_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o delay_v it_o when_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o necessity_n and_o from_o add_v to_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o hope_v to_o have_v they_o forgive_v there_o be_v nothing_o with_o which_o the_o devil_n more_o effectual_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n than_o with_o false_a notion_n of_o repentance_n and_o if_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v too_o severe_a in_o their_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v many_o more_o in_o our_o day_n not_o severe_a enough_o at_o least_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o just_a apprehension_n of_o the_o vast_a concern_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o will_v be_v much_o more_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o utmost_a strictness_n of_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o so_o mighty_a a_o stake_n depend_v
than_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v mistake_v in_o judge_v too_o loose_o of_o they_o the_o content_n essay_n the_o first_o of_o baptism_n chap._n i._o of_o baptism_n in_o general_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o baptism_n chap._n iii_o in_o what_o manner_n person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v baptise_a to_o what_o privilege_n they_o be_v admit_v and_o to_o what_o duty_n they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o baptism_n chap._n iu._n what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n after_o baptism_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n chap._n iii_o of_o right_a notion_n concern_v religion_n in_o general_n chap._n iu._n a_o digression_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o particular_a chap._n vi_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o confirmation_n of_o solemn_o renew_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n viii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o confirmamation_n of_o perseverance_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n chap._n ix_o of_o innocence_n and_o a_o early_a piety_n chap._n x._o of_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n xii_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n chap._n iii_o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v early_o chap._n iu._n that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v great_a and_o of_o penance_n chap._n v._o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n and_o of_o the_o one_o repentance_n of_o the_o ancient_n errata_fw-la page_n 3._o line_n 2._o r._n convert_v p._n 4._o l._n 23._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 27._o r._n pervigiliis_fw-la p._n 44._o l._n 7._o r._n wilful_a p._n 48._o l._n 17._o r._n the_o minister_n p._n 72._o l._n 5._o r._n a_o matter_n p._n 151._o l._n 6._o r._n magnificas_fw-la p._n 162._o l._n 29._o r._n integrity_n p._n 176._o l._n 8._o r._n subtract_v p._n 199._o l._n 22._o r._n intemperance_n p._n 201._o l._n 16._o r._n thing_n p._n 216._o l._n 32._o r._n poenitentiam_fw-la l._n 35._o filium_fw-la p._n 230._o l._n 29._o r._n medician_n l._n 31._o r._n fletibus_fw-la p._n 238._o l._n 26._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d essay_n the_o first_o of_o baptism_n chap._n i._o of_o baptism_n in_o general_n 1._o baptsm_n be_v the_o rite_n whereby_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v solemn_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o the_o first_o original_n of_o baptise_v with_o water_n be_v how_o evangel_n the_o jew_n use_v to_o baptise_v their_o proselyte_n and_o the_o baptism_n heathen_n those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v initiate_v to_o any_o sacred_a function_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v sufficient_a it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v this_o sacrament_n as_o a_o rite_n whereby_o convert_v at_o their_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n do_v solemn_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o live_v suitable_o to_o the_o profession_n they_o then_o enter_v into_o and_o whereby_o they_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o society_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v 2._o this_o baptism_n be_v either_o 1._o of_o person_n of_o ripe_a year_n or_o 2._o of_o infant_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_n consist_v of_o those_o who_o have_v by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o jewish_a or_o from_o the_o gentile_a religion_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o these_o be_v consequent_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n after_o they_o be_v come_v to_o ripe_a year_n afterward_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v spread_v itself_o over_o whole_a country_n and_o nation_n the_o church_n consist_v chief_o of_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o educate_v from_o the_o begin_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v general_o even_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n 3._o in_o the_o baptism_n of_o person_n of_o ripe_a year_n we_o must_v observe_v 1._o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o beforehand_o in_o order_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o baptism_n 2._o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v baptize_v to_o what_o privilege_n they_o be_v admit_v and_o to_o what_o duty_n they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o baptism_n and_o 3._o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o after_o their_o baptism_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o baptism_n 1._o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o person_n covert_v to_o christianity_n be_v what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o beforehand_o in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o this_o most_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o that_o which_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o prepare_v they_o for_o this_o solemnity_n and_o to_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n i._n e._n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o firm_a 〈◊〉_d belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o their_o martyr_n resolution_n to_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o belief_n 2._o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o those_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o convince_a and_o the_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n pour_v down_o upon_o man_n so_o effectual_a as_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o instant_n a_o single_a declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v account_v sufficient_a to_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v baptism_n immediate_o for_o thus_o we_o find_v st._n philip_n baptise_v the_o eunuch_n immediate_o upon_o his_o profess_v his_o belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 8._o 38._o and_o st._n paul_n baptise_v the_o jailor_n immediate_o upon_o his_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o prison_n door_n open_v with_o a_o earthquake_n act._n 16._o 33._o 3._o but_o afterward_o when_o these_o mighty_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v less_o common_a and_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v convince_v more_o gradual_o by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a in_o most_o church_n for_o man_n upon_o their_o conversion_n to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n but_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o both_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n if_o they_o have_v former_o be_v great_a sinner_n they_o be_v to_o evidence_n their_o repentance_n by_o baptism_n prayer_n and_o watch_n and_o fast_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o real_a change_n of_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n that_o they_o have_v actual_o renounce_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o former_a profession_n and_o will_v for_o the_o future_a conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o purge_v their_o conscience_n from_o every_o evil_a work_n that_o their_o baptism_n may_v be_v not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n 21._o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n 4._o they_o who_o be_v willing_a thus_o to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o of_o their_o sincere_a desire_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v catechise_v in_o all_o those_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v
public_a profession_n of_o at_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v full_o instruct_v in_o the_o excellent_a moral_a precept_n of_o that_o divine_a religion_n which_o they_o be_v to_o practice_v the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o then_o they_o be_v think_v prepare_v for_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n iii_o in_o what_o manner_n person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v baptize_v to_o what_o privilege_n they_o be_v admit_v and_o to_o what_o duty_n they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o baptism_n 1._o when_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o the_o time_n appoint_v come_v which_o be_v usual_o at_o bapt._n easter_n or_o whitsuntide_n the_o commemoration_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thing_n principal_o respect_v in_o this_o sacrament_n though_o it_o may_v also_o upon_o occasion_n be_v celebrate_v at_o baptismo_fw-la any_o other_o time_n when_o the_o person_n i_o say_v be_v thus_o prepare_v he_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o a_o convenient_a place_n where_o there_o be_v plenty_n of_o water_n and_o be_v strip_v of_o all_o his_o clothes_n he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n with_o stretch_a out_o arm_n in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n milit._n renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o not_o only_o the_o absolute_o sinful_a but_o also_o the_o lawful_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o far_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o most_o strict_a bound_n and_o most_o exact_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n then_o he_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n 42._o in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n after_o which_o he_o be_v baptize_v 2._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v immerse_v in_o the_o water_n prax._n three_o time_n once_o at_o the_o name_n of_o each_o person_n in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n which_o be_v do_v he_o come_v up_o out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o then_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o some_o church_n he_o be_v baptismo_fw-la anoint_v with_o oil_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o other_o ceremony_n which_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a so_o they_o be_v use_v only_o in_o some_o place_n and_o that_o diverse_o according_a to_o the_o different_a usage_n of_o particular_a church_n after_o all_o which_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o a_o ascript_n white_a robe_n and_o so_o admit_v among_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o last_o ceremony_n the_o greek_n as_o a_o â—helavius_fw-la learned_a writer_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n keep_v up_o to_o this_o day_n put_v upon_o the_o child_n immediate_o after_o baptism_n a_o white_a garment_n with_o this_o form_n receive_v this_o white_a and_o immaculate_a clothing_n and_o bring_v it_o with_o thou_o unspotted_a before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n 2._o this_o be_v the_o form_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v baptise_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o by_o all_o these_o outward_a and_o visible_a ceremony_n be_v significant_o represent_v certain_a inward_a and_o invisible_a thing_n which_o be_v either_o the_o privilege_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o the_o person_n baptise_a was_z entitle_v or_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o he_o be_v engage_v by_o his_o baptism_n 3._o the_o first_o grace_n or_o privilege_n which_o god_n annex_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n and_o to_o which_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v consequent_o entitle_v be_v remission_n of_o all_o past_a sin_n the_o design_n of_o our_o savior_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffer_v to_o purchase_v pardon_n and_o remission_n for_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v in_o his_o name_n and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n rom._n 3._o 25._o who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a through_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n now_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o pardon_n be_v apply_v and_o the_o seal_n by_o which_o it_o be_v secure_v to_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o by_o repentance_n begin_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o be_v baptize_v be_v baptize_v into_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n be_v by_o baptism_n entitle_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o pardon_v purchase_v by_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n as_o his_o body_n be_v wash_v with_o pure_a water_n so_o his_o sin_n be_v absolute_o do_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n heb._n 10._o 22._o hence_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3._o 5._o and_o they_o who_o by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v or_o by_o any_o other_o more_o extraordinary_a mean_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exhort_v immediate_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o wash_v away_o their_o sin_n act_v 22._o 16._o and_o now_o why_o tarry_v thou_o arise_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o wash_v away_o thy_o sin_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o act_n 2._o 38._o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o those_o place_n also_o seem_v manifest_o to_o allude_v rev._n 1._o 5._o unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o rev._n 7._o 14._o these_o be_v they_o which_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o all_o which_o passage_n be_v this_o that_o as_o a_o newborn_a infant_n be_v without_o spot_n innocent_a and_o sinless_a so_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n i._n e._n regenerate_v by_o baptism_n be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o sin_v clothe_v with_o the_o white_a and_o spotless_a garment_n of_o innocence_n which_o if_o he_o never_o defile_v by_o gross_a and_o wilful_a sin_n he_o shall_v walk_v in_o white_a with_o christ_n 4._o for_o he_o shall_v be_v worthy_a 4._o the_o next_o privilege_n which_o baptism_n principal_o and_o most_o significant_o represent_v be_v the_o admission_n of_o the_o convert_n into_o the_o church_n or_o family_n of_o god_n all_o that_o receive_a baptism_n be_v thereby_o actual_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o they_o be_v make_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n eph._n 2._o 19_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 12._o 22._o more_o particular_o they_o be_v make_v first_o member_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n they_o be_v incorporate_v into_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n second_o they_o be_v make_v child_n of_o god_n i._n e._n they_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a and_o elect_a people_n and_o who_o he_o design_v to_o govern_v with_o the_o same_o tenderness_n as_o a_o affectionate_a and_o merciful_a father_n do_v his_o most_o belove_a child_n which_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o our_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o john_n 3._o 1._o by_o our_o have_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n gal._n 4._o 5._o and_o by_o our_o have_a power_n give_v we_o to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1._o 12._o last_o they_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n they_o who_o before_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o
and_o design_v to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n upon_o promise_n make_v by_o surety_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o and_o that_o infant_n be_v right_o so_o admit_v to_o this_o ordinance_n beside_o the_o almost_o general_a consent_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v use_v but_o this_o one_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v those_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v infant_n to_o be_v mar._n 10._o 14_o and_o 15._o be_v certain_o qualify_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o qualification_n which_o fit_a man_n for_o both_o be_v repentance_n and_o faith_n now_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o repentance_n yet_o they_o have_v 59_o innocence_n which_o be_v better_o than_o repentance_n and_o which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o need_v it_o not_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n be_v yet_o by_o their_o repentance_n qualify_v for_o baptism_n how_o much_o more_o be_v infant_n who_o have_v never_o sin_v fit_v for_o it_o by_o their_o innocence_n and_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o and_o can_v have_v actual_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v 14._o sanctify_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n they_o be_v already_o in_o some_o sense_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o be_v ready_a without_o prejudice_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o 3._o infant_n therefore_o be_v right_o admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o privilege_n appropriate_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o a_o promise_v make_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v of_o certain_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o one_o on_o god_n part_n of_o certain_a grace_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v confer_v and_o because_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v any_o promise_n immediate_o by_o themselves_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v certain_a surety_n who_o shall_v promise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n what_o itself_o shall_v afterward_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o see_v it_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n 1_o that_o therefore_o which_o the_o surety_n undertake_v for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v in_o convenient_a time_n to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n of_o its_o be_v hearty_a in_o this_o belief_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o renew_a engagement_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o this_o practice_n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o fit_a season_n be_v bring_v to_o declare_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n its_o firmness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o command_n 2._o this_o be_v what_o the_o godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n promise_n for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n this_o they_o promise_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o undertake_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o a_o light_a thing_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o promise_n solemn_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whoever_o consider_v the_o matter_n serious_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o duty_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o any_o promise_n of_o more_o solemn_a obligation_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o duty_n more_o general_o and_o more_o shameful_o neglect_v nor_o any_o promise_n more_o light_o regard_v 3._o if_o a_o man_n be_v make_v guardian_n to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n how_o just_o do_v we_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o have_v he_o instruct_v in_o all_o that_o necessary_a knowledge_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o management_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v zealous_a to_o have_v he_o further_o endue_v with_o all_o those_o useful_a accomplishment_n which_o may_v become_v his_o quality_n and_o recommend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n but_o above_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v spare_v no_o pain_n to_o secure_v to_o he_o his_o estate_n and_o to_o improve_v his_o fortune_n and_o do_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o unfaithful_a of_o man_n who_o have_v such_o a_o charge_n commit_v unto_o he_o shall_v whole_o neglect_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o how_o much_o a_o great_a trust_n do_v he_o betray_v who_o have_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o child_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n by_o god_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v whole_o to_o have_v it_o teach_v those_o necessary_a truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o consist_v its_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o take_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o secure_v to_o it_o that_o portion_n which_o god_n have_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o who_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a babe_n perhaps_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o good_a advice_n and_o instruction_n begin_v to_o be_v overrun_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o in_o time_n must_v drown_v it_o in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n do_v yet_o show_v no_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o it_o what_o great_a uncharitableness_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n or_o what_o great_a mockery_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o education_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o whole_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o surety_n in_o baptism_n but_o first_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o but_o undoubted_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v assistant_n and_o if_o the_o parent_n either_o through_o wickedness_n neglect_v to_o instruct_v it_o or_o by_o death_n be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o the_o surety_n must_v look_v upon_o this_o care_n as_o chief_o devolve_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n 4._o in_o what_o station_n soever_o god_n appoint_v any_o man_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n either_o to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a or_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a if_o he_o neglect_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o brother_n perish_v through_o his_o default_n the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o perish_v will_v be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n ezek_n 3â—_n 8._o when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a o_o wicked_a man_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a child_n be_v commit_v particular_o to_o the_o care_n of_o any_o person_n if_o through_o his_o neglect_n it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v shall_v its_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n with_o what_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n shall_v we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n hear_v those_o who_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o our_o charge_n accuse_v we_o for_o have_v
be_v through_o carelessness_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v astonish_v and_o cut_v to_o the_o heart_n to_o hear_v they_o curse_v we_o and_o say_v have_v those_o who_o shall_v have_v instruct_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o willing_a to_o have_v learn_v it_o we_o have_v never_o come_v into_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o how_o will_v it_o double_v the_o torment_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o have_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v undo_v by_o our_o neglect_n inflict_v upon_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o slight_a and_o trivial_a matter_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o child_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o their_o name_n at_o the_o font_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v afterward_o to_o perform_v conscientious_o what_o we_o there_o solemn_o promise_v for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n as_o a_o duty_n wherein_o their_o soul_n and_o our_o own_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o concern_v tertullian_n think_v it_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o baptismo_fw-la the_o surety_n be_v there_o oblige_v to_o promise_n what_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o perform_v and_o what_o if_o they_o do_v live_v they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v the_o baptize_v person_n to_o take_v upon_o himself_o he_o never_o once_o think_v that_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n may_v be_v wilful_o betray_v or_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n careless_o neglect_v which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o much_o strong_a objection_n what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o this_o great_a charge_n without_o ever_o design_v to_o think_v more_o of_o it_o 6._o let_v those_o man_n consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o promise_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n what_o they_o never_o design_v to_o think_v upon_o after_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o answer_v ready_o for_o a_o child_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o great_a distance_n they_o have_v no_o probability_n of_o ever_o see_v more_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o when_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o a_o child_n deliver_v it_o immediate_o to_o its_o parent_n as_o if_o they_o be_v by_o that_o mockery_n release_v from_o their_o promise_n and_o god_n delude_v as_o easy_o as_o man_n last_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o testify_v their_o love_n to_o a_o child_n who_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o by_o some_o little_a and_o trifle_a mark_n of_o kindness_n while_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o inhumane_o and_o unchristian_o cruel_a to_o it_o by_o neglect_v that_o one_o great_a kindness_n which_o they_o have_v promise_v and_o vow_v to_o do_v for_o it_o 7._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o notorious_a neglect_n of_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o shameless_a wickedness_n of_o our_o present_a age._n for_o while_o parent_n and_o surety_n be_v careless_a to_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n vicious_a inclination_n prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o insensible_o grow_v into_o vicious_a habit_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o happiness_n annex_v to_o it_o whereas_o be_v surety_n according_a to_o their_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n conscientious_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o those_o for_o who_o they_o have_v undertake_v be_v timely_a and_o diligent_o instruct_v religion_n will_v have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o innocent_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n child_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o different_o according_a to_o their_o different_a temper_n be_v early_o wrought_v upon_o to_o admire_v the_o beauty_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n to_o thirst_v after_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o confirmation_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o profess_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o renew_v their_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o with_o a_o full_a resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n and_o those_o renew_a promise_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n at_o which_o every_o man_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o from_o which_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n may_v true_o be_v date_v be_v evident_a but_o of_o what_o use_v the_o know_v and_o fix_v this_o period_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n may_v be_v be_v general_o very_o little_o consider_v for_o whilst_o some_o have_v groundless_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o every_o good_a man_n conversion_n after_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v away_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n and_o whilst_o other_o have_v weak_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o conversion_n after_o which_o though_o a_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o great_a wickedness_n yet_o he_o can_v fall_v final_o from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n most_o other_o have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o inquire_v at_o all_o into_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o the_o religious_a life_n begin_v or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v it_o since_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o by_o a_o sudden_a conversion_n but_o by_o a_o gradual_a progress_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n yet_o may_v a_o man_n nevertheless_o certain_o fix_v to_o himself_o the_o period_n from_o whence_o to_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n for_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v only_o from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o constant_a sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o accompany_v with_o many_o frailty_n inadvertency_n and_o surprise_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o holiness_n he_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v from_o a_o course_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n to_o a_o victory_n or_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v reckon_v his_o religious_a life_n from_o no_o long_o a_o time_n notwithstanding_o any_o pious_a interval_n and_o struggle_n which_o he_o may_v have_v have_v with_o his_o habitual_a temptation_n than_o from_o that_o period_n since_o which_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o know_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o use_v of_o a_o man_n fix_v within_o himself_o such_o a_o period_n will_v be_v that_o more_o assure_v and_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a and_o clear_a view_n of_o a_o well_o examine_v course_n of_o past_a holiness_n that_o effectual_a bar_n against_o fall_v into_o the_o act_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n which_o will_v be_v put_v by_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o by_o such_o a_o act_n he_o must_v lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o past_a virtue_n and_o be_v force_v to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n again_o from_o a_o new_a period_n and_o above_o all_o that_o mighty_a dread_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v repent_v and_o sin_v into_o which_o man_n will_v be_v rouse_v by_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v clear_o that_o such_o a_o course_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o this_o period_n from_o which_o i_o suppose_v a_o christian_n to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n must_v be_v either_o baptism_n confirmation_n or_o repentance_n in_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n to_o that_o of_o christianity_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o begin_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o strict_a piety_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o
deserve_o eminent_a seem_v to_o be_v that_o great_a rigour_n with_o which_o they_o insist_v upon_o man_n live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o this_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o those_o who_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v date_v be_v confirmation_n the_o time_n from_o their_o baptism_n be_v only_o their_o preparation_n or_o time_n of_o instruction_n but_o then_o for_o those_o who_o have_v neglect_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a opportunity_n or_o have_v since_o fall_v into_o any_o great_a and_o wliful_a sin_n the_o only_a remain_a time_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n can_v be_v reckon_v be_v repentance_n i._n e._n the_o time_n since_o which_o they_o have_v so_o perfect_o have_v the_o conquest_n over_o all_o their_o temptation_n as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o they_o any_o more_o into_o any_o gross_a or_o wilful_a sin_n of_o baptism_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a essay_n of_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v treat_v in_o this_o of_o repentance_n in_o the_o next_o 3._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n those_o who_o upon_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o their_o admission_n complete_v or_o perfect_v afterward_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n when_o the_o samaritan_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n only_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o yet_o fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o we_o find_v that_o 73._o two_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 8._o 17._o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n stle_n to_o perfect_a or_o complete_a baptism_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o two_o thing_n be_v therefore_o lay_v down_o together_o among_o the_o principle_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o be_v according_o practise_v joint_o by_o the_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n this_o custom_n say_v 73._o st._n cyprian_n be_v also_o descend_v to_o we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v bring_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o baptismo_fw-la tertullian_n after_o baptism_n the_o hand_n be_v impose_v by_o blessing_n call_v down_o and_o invite_v the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o that_o most_o holy_a spirit_n willing_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o body_n that_o be_v cleanse_v and_o bless_a 4._o but_o of_o this_o confirmation_n of_o person_n baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n which_o be_v ancient_o administer_v immediate_o after_o baptism_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o many_o not_o without_o reason_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptism_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o speak_v now_o more_o large_o that_o which_o i_o be_o at_o this_o time_n more_o especial_o to_o consider_v be_v that_o confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n perfect_v or_o make_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o confirm_v such_o person_n be_v plain_o this_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o certain_a condition_n promise_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptise_a as_o certain_a privilege_n assure_v to_o be_v confer_v on_o god_n part_n and_o infant_n though_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o promise_v or_o perform_v any_o condition_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o certain_a surety_n who_o engage_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o their_o name_n at_o their_o baptism_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o these_o baptize_v infant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o continue_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v appropriate_v to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v willing_a also_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o god_n have_v indispensable_o require_v of_o all_o those_o member_n that_o they_o may_v enter_v therefore_o into_o these_o obligation_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o great_a solemnity_n and_o choice_n it_o have_v most_o wise_o be_v institute_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v in_o their_o name_n at_o their_o baptism_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n of_o their_o take_n free_o upon_o themselves_o that_o vow_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n to_o live_v from_o thenceforward_o conformable_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o most_o solemn_a purpose_n of_o obedience_n they_o shall_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n have_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o baptism_n seal_v anew_o and_o secure_v to_o they_o 5._o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o solemn_o and_o effectual_o so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o last_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o baptism_n have_v ancient_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o as_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o before_o baptism_n admit_v as_o complete_a member_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v esteem_v only_o as_o candidate_n desirous_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o those_o who_o have_v now_o be_v only_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v before_o confirmation_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o by_o themselves_o too_o as_o no_o other_o than_o catechuman_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n before_o he_o be_v confirm_v and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o confirmation_n before_o he_o have_v attain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o resolution_n to_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v certain_a solemn_a time_n appoint_v for_o baptism_n as_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n at_o which_o those_o who_o be_v before_o prepare_v by_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o catechise_v be_v admit_v with_o great_a solemnity_n into_o the_o complete_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o there_o be_v now_o such_o solemn_a season_n appoint_v against_o which_o minister_n of_o particular_a parish_n shall_v for_o some_o time_n beforehand_o diligent_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v those_o who_o be_v of_o age_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o whole_a process_n may_v be_v perform_v with_o so_o much_o reverence_n and_o solemnity_n that_o all_o the_o person_n confirm_v may_v understand_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o have_v all_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n seal_v and_o assure_v to_o they_o that_o they_o now_o receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o effectual_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o they_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o themselves_o before_o god_n and_o the_o church_n what_o their_o surety_n promise_v for_o they_o before_o at_o baptism_n to_o live_v from_o henceforward_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o in_o constant_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o be_v this_o excellent_a institution_n thus_o solemn_o and_o religious_o observe_v exceed_v great_a will_v be_v the_o effect_n which_o we_o may_v just_o hope_v to_o see_v produce_v by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n have_v upon_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o indue_a they_o with_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o the_o like_a and_o though_o these_o mighty_a
to_o exhort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o any_o capacity_n entrust_v with_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o religion_n with_o their_o first_o love_n to_o improve_v in_o they_o those_o natural_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n honesty_n and_o thankfulness_n simplicity_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o very_a creation_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o first_o insinuation_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o sin_n as_o of_o death_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v they_o full_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o bring_v they_o with_o understanding_n and_o resolution_n with_o desire_n and_o zeal_n to_o receive_v at_o confirmation_n the_o consummation_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n and_o a_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o end_n 8._o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n of_o dispute_n but_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a and_o practical_a direction_n by_o which_o one_o that_o design_n to_o be_v confirm_v who_o i_o always_o suppose_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n or_o one_o that_o be_v already_o confirm_v and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n may_v attain_v to_o that_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n 1._o first_o then_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n or_o to_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o attain_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o design_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a life_n if_o we_o do_v real_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n persuade_v that_o there_o will_v certain_o come_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a this_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o will_v assure_o overcome_v the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o belief_n which_o will_v certain_o baffle_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v mean_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n insipid_a in_o a_o word_n this_o will_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a zeal_n as_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ease_n and_o contentment_n but_o with_o a_o mighty_a pleasure_n sacrifice_v all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o the_o do_v the_o great_a good_a here_o and_o obtain_v the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o more_o for_o form_n and_o custom_n than_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o solicitation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v certain_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o seduce_v we_o into_o sin_n nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a faith_n ground_v upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n will_v be_v able_a to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n with_o bravery_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n with_o triumph_n and_o joy_n 2._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a or_o at_o least_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o do_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n they_o in_o course_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n without_o have_v ever_o consider_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n for_o do_v man_n indeed_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o character_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n oblige_v they_o to_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o strange_a to_o find_v a_o man_n who_o action_n shall_v give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o life_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o profession_n as_o to_o hear_v one_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o no_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o torment_v in_o the_o flame_n thereof_o for_o though_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o good_a measure_n the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n will_v have_v when_o a_o temporal_a prince_n declare_v that_o whoever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o such_o or_o such_o crime_n shall_v certain_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a punishment_n such_o a_o declaration_n have_v general_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o subject_n concern_v as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o punishment_n already_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o the_o criminal_n when_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n declare_v to_o mankind_n his_o will_n which_o be_v their_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n by_o such_o threat_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v if_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o those_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n in_o other_o case_n general_o have_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a either_o that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n or_o else_o that_o they_o imagine_v that_o though_o he_o now_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o seem_v so_o severe_o to_o exact_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n how_o come_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v lose_v that_o efficacy_n in_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n for_o which_o it_o be_v once_o so_o eminent_a even_o among_o its_o enemy_n themselves_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v how_o come_v that_o religion_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o can_v we_o hear_v man_n daily_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o impious_a and_o horrid_a oath_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o can_v we_o see_v man_n cheat_v and_o cozen_v destroy_v and_o prey_n upon_o one_o another_o without_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o appearance_n of_o remorse_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o severity_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o see_v man_n dally_v with_o eternity_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o empty_a and_o momentany_a gratification_n
duty_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o a_o partial_a obedience_n and_o while_o they_o satisfy_v their_o own_o mind_n with_o some_o loose_a and_o general_a consideration_n that_o their_o life_n be_v religious_a in_o the_o main_a that_o they_o have_v a_o general_a esteem_n for_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o hate_v profaneness_n and_o profess_a irreligion_n they_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o some_o important_a duty_n 2._o my_o design_n be_v not_o in_o this_o short_a essay_n to_o make_v a_o large_a and_o particular_a deduction_n of_o all_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n this_o have_v already_o be_v full_o and_o excellent_o do_v 2._o by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o writer_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o the_o chief_a particular_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o some_o brief_a head_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o remember_v and_o carry_v constant_o in_o mind_n as_o perpetual_a memorial_n of_o what_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o must_v remember_v ourselves_o to_o be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 3._o first_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o devout_a towards_o god_n with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o mind_n possible_a and_o to_o seek_v all_o opportunity_n of_o express_v that_o devotion_n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v faith_n in_o god_n trust_v and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o submission_n and_o resignedness_n to_o his_o will_n fear_v and_o love_n of_o he_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n prayer_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n witchcraft_n and_o consult_v with_o such_o as_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v skill_n in_o any_o evil_a art_n perjury_n and_o vain_a swear_v unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n want_v of_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n unthankfulness_n and_o neglect_v of_o prayer_n carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o neglect_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a worship_n 4._o second_o that_o we_o ought_v constant_o to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o men._n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v honour_n and_o reverence_n fidelity_n and_o obedience_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v our_o superior_n goodness_n and_o kindness_n affability_n and_o courteousness_n justice_n and_o honesty_n gentleness_n and_o candour_n meekness_n and_o peaceableness_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o do_v all_o possible_a kindness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o equal_n pity_v and_o succour_n mercifulness_n and_o compassion_n alm_n and_o beneficence_n instruction_n and_o assistance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o inferior_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n traiterousness_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n murder_n and_o steal_v extortion_n and_o fraud_n perfidiousness_n and_o lie_v oppression_n and_o over_o reach_v calumny_n and_o evil-speaking_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n sourness_n and_o unkindness_n anger_n and_o passion_n peevishness_n and_o ill-nature_n sullenness_n and_o moroseness_n discord_n and_o unpeaceableness_n cruelty_n and_o uncharitableness_n pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o unconcernedness_n at_o the_o want_v and_o misery_n of_o other_o 5._o three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v temperate_a and_o abstemious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o temporal_a enjoyment_n as_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o candidate_n for_o heaven_n as_o those_o who_o look_v for_o their_o portion_n not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n chastity_n and_o purity_n contentment_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n patience_n and_o watchfulness_n mortification_n and_o self-denial_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o humility_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o fornication_n uncleanness_n and_o lasciviousness_n voluptuousness_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n idleness_n and_o softness_n impatience_n and_o discontent_n 6._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o every_o one_o who_o will_v in_o earnest_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o serious_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n must_v resolve_v to_o perform_v whoever_o will_v bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o christ_n must_v first_o consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o impious_a and_o profane_a man_n and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n rather_o than_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o his_o god_n he_o must_v consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o dear_a interest_n to_o conquer_v his_o most_o natural_a passion_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o must_v ask_v himself_o whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o temperance_n and_o purity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o mortify_v his_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o as_o a_o resolute_a follower_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n contemn_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n for_o unless_o he_o can_v peremptory_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v all_o this_o his_o profession_n of_o religion_n will_v certain_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o he_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o of_o you_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o haply_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v it_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v who_o do_v not_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n whatever_o it_o may_v cost_v he_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 28_o etc._n etc._n chap._n vi_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o confirmation_n of_o solemn_o renew_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n 1._o when_o a_o person_n be_v thus_o arrive_v to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n when_o he_o understand_v distinct_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v come_v to_o a_o settle_a resolution_n of_o conduct_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o become_v true_o meet_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v right_o prepare_v to_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o the_o church_n have_v wise_o ordain_v shall_v be_v do_v public_o at_o confirmation_n where_o by_o ratify_v with_o our_o own_o mouth_n the_o vow_n make_v in_o our_o name_n by_o our_o surety_n we_o solemn_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o same_o baptismal_a covenant_n entitle_v we_o to_o receive_v 2._o first_o therefore_o at_o receive_v confirmation_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o yourself_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v you_o to_o observe_v consider_v that_o you_o now_o confirm_v &_o ratify_v all_o that_o your_o surety_n promise_v and_o vow_v for_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o engage_v in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o stand_v firm_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o never_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v or_o afraid_a to_o own_v yourself_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o obey_v from_o henceforward_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v
yet_o he_o may_v retain_v such_o a_o affection_n to_o it_o such_o a_o readiness_n to_o return_v to_o it_o in_o his_o former_a circumstance_n or_o at_o least_o may_v have_v so_o little_a hatred_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o as_o may_v make_v he_o very_o far_o from_o a_o true_a penitent_n in_o all_o such_o case_n therefore_o where_o a_o man_n may_v break_v off_o a_o sin_n upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o evidence_a the_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_v he_o from_o impose_v upon_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o testify_v his_o sincerity_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o change_n of_o mind_n by_o some_o such_o afflictive_a laborious_a or_o expensive_a duty_n as_o will_v prove_v he_o to_o have_v indeed_o attain_v such_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v he_o in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n from_o return_v again_o to_o the_o same_o or_o to_o any_o other_o the_o like_o wilful_a sin_n be_v this_o right_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o sin_v on_o secure_o at_o present_a and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n of_o grow_v better_a afterward_o with_o less_o pain_n when_o some_o particular_a alteration_n of_o their_o circumstance_n of_o life_n or_o perhaps_o age_n and_o sickness_n shall_v have_v remove_v their_o temptation_n 3._o but_o second_o when_o amendment_n of_o life_n do_v alone_o sufficient_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o repentance_n as_o general_o and_o in_o most_o case_n it_o do_v yet_o ought_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v to_o do_v something_o to_o testify_v their_o sorrow_n for_o past_a offence_n and_o to_o judge_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v 31._o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n they_o ought_v to_o take_v 2._o shame_n to_o themselves_o that_o after_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o shall_v again_o have_v return_v to_o sin_n and_o folly_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v with_o confusion_n of_o face_n the_o ingratitude_n of_o have_v again_o commit_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o continuance_n in_o they_o with_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o will_v not_o once_o pardon_v they_o under_o a_o less_o ransom_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o work_v in_o they_o that_o carefulness_n that_o indignation_n that_o fear_v that_o vehement_a desire_n that_o zeal_n and_o 10._o that_o revenge_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o consist_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o work_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o 4._o thus_o when_o st._n peter_n have_v thrice_o deny_v his_o master_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shamefulness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v he_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o weep_v bitter_o thus_o when_o david_n have_v commit_v those_o cry_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o foulness_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o fact_n make_v he_o every_o night_n wash_v his_o bed_n and_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n and_o extort_a from_o he_o those_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o penitential_a psalm_n be_v make_v up_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n who_o ever_o fall_v into_o any_o notorious_a sin_n be_v very_o 9_o severe_a in_o their_o humiliation_n earnest_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o their_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 5._o for_o this_o reason_n st._n james_n advise_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v to_o be_v afflict_v and_o mourn_v and_o weep_v to_o let_v their_o laughter_n be_v turn_v to_o mourn_v and_o their_o joy_n to_o heaviness_n and_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v lift_v they_o up_o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n always_o teach_v that_o pentecost_n sin_v commit_v wilful_o after_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v do_v away_o with_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n that_o such_o sin_n 7._o be_v not_o immediate_o forgive_v upon_o a_o man_n beginning_n to_o repent_v but_o after_o he_o have_v afflict_v his_o soul_n and_o humble_v himself_o deep_o and_o undergo_v many_o trouble_n that_o the_o lapsis_fw-la afflictive_a duty_n of_o repentance_n ought_v to_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o the_o penitent_a aught_o to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o watch_v fast_v pray_v and_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o that_o poenit._n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o severe_o he_o judge_v himself_o here_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o may_v he_o hope_v god_n will_v spare_v he_o and_o be_v merciful_a to_o he_o hereafter_o 6._o it_o be_v true_a the_o sin_n which_o the_o ancient_n particular_o respect_v when_o they_o preach_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o severe_a repentance_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o deny_v our_o saviour_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n impartial_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o renounce_v christianity_n and_o live_v in_o a_o open_a and_o profane_a contempt_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o manifest_a injustice_n fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o in_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n only_o put_fw-mi they_o who_o deny_v christ_n do_v it_o be_v compel_v by_o great_a and_o long_a torment_n but_o these_o other_o vice_n be_v commit_v wilful_o and_o of_o choice_n 7._o very_o great_a reason_n therefore_o there_o be_v why_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n shall_v enjoin_v themselves_o a_o great_a and_o remarkable_a repentance_n but_o yet_o because_o after_o all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n the_o whole_a sum_n and_o life_n of_o repentance_n be_v reformation_n therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o any_o other_o penitential_a severity_n than_o such_o as_o be_v direct_o conducive_a to_o this_o main_a end_n ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a be_v the_o penance_n enjoin_v man_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o more_o ignorant_a age_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o neither_o tend_v to_o improve_v the_o virtue_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n nor_o to_o make_v man_n more_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o but_o such_o penitential_a exercise_n as_o direct_o mortify_v man_n lust_n and_o passion_n or_o lead_v they_o to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o world_n in_o these_o by_o how_o much_o the_o penitent_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o constant_a by_o so_o much_o be_v he_o more_o secure_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o pardon_n 8._o the_o best_a therefore_o and_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o effectual_a repentance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o exercise_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a in_o mortify_v his_o vice_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a in_o improve_n all_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a by_o how_o much_o he_o have_v former_o be_v more_o faulty_a in_o any_o particular_a and_o to_o resolve_v by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v forgive_v he_o to_o love_n so_o much_o the_o more_o let_v he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v vanquish_v by_o any_o temptation_n lapsis_fw-la resolve_v to_o strengthen_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o against_o it_o and_o to_o become_v for_o the_o future_a the_o more_o heroical_o virtuous_a he_o that_o thus_o endeavour_n to_o appease_v god_n and_o by_o the_o repentance_n and_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n of_o his_o past_a fault_n be_v spur_v on_o to_o exercise_v great_a faith_n and_o virtue_n and_o courage_n such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n may_v become_v a_o joy_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o before_o make_v sorrowful_a and_o shall_v obtain_v not_o only_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 9_o particular_o a_o penitent_a aught_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v after_o a_o great_a and_o fervent_a charity_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o 13._o all_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n think_v to_o have_v a_o especial_a efficacy_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o very_o great_a be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o it_o in_o scripture_n alm_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n ecclus._n 3._o 30._o and_o charity_n say_v st._n peter_n shall_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 8._o and_o the_o merciful_a say_v our_o saviour_n