maternum huic prima fuit Schola Sacrarum literarum his mothers lap was his first School Nec magis inejus sinu quà m Sermone educatus he suckt in not only milk from her brests but also the principles of religion from her mouth And this is that for which the children of the virtuous woman are said to call her Blessed viz. Prov. 31 28 Cartwright Propter educationem virtutem pietatem per educationem procuratam For their education and virtue and piety procured by it This duty then you see is injoyned and belongs unto parents Neither may they think to shift it off from themselves by saying It 's the Ministers Office to do it for it 's theirs also as well as his nor will his doing his part free them from the obligation that lyes upon them 2. Their duty is to require and see to it that those under their charge do diligently frequent and carefully attend upon the publick Ordinances of Catechizing and the preaching of the Word especially upon the Lords day the due sanctification whereof both by themselves and theirs is charged upon them Exod. 10.10 Zanch. in 4 praecept Datur praeceptum hoc imprimis cuique patrifamilias this precept is given in the first place to every father of a family as those that should require the same to be observed by the whole family Again Vult Deus ut patresfamilias authores sint toti familiae duces ut veniant in caetum fidelium c. Ibid. The Lord would have the Governours of families to be procurers and leaders to the whole family to come unto the assembly of the faithful to sanctifie the Holy-day c. Every governour of a family saith he may and ought to compel them of his houshold to the outward worship of God Officium est inquit Bullingerus boni patris-familias curare ut tota familia Sabbathum sanctificet Decad. 2. Ser. 4. It is the duty of a good Governour of a family to take care that the whole family do sanctifie the Sabbath Such persons therefore may not think it sufficient to sanctifie the Lords day and to attend upon the publ ck Ordinances themselves but they are to look well unto those under their charge that the fame be done by them also whose profanation and neglect of the duties thereof may be laid to the charge of those that might and should have prevented it but did not being regardlesse of them Nor should they content themselves with this only that those belonging to them do attend upon the Ordinances but they are also to labour that they do it to good purpose least by the carelesse and customary performance of their duty God be dishonoured and their own souls injured and hazarded no lesse then by the omission of it They ought therefore to call upon them for and require from them an account of the things that they have heard and help them to the fuller understanding of them that so through the blessing of the Lord they may attain the end of what they do and their labour may not be in vain 3. Their duty is to watch and have a vigilent eye over them in respect of their conversation to prevent miscarriages and to quicken them to their duty The care of governours in this particular is of very great consequence without which things will certainly go amiss and many disorders will follow in the family What Solomon saith of a King and other magistrates in the Common-wealth may not unholy be applyed to our purpose every father being in some sort a magistrate as it were in his own family A King that sitteth in the Throne of Judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes i.e. Curâ inspectione coercet malos Lavater By their care and inspection they lay a restraint upon those that are evil so that they are not so bad as they would be nor take that liberty to sin that otherwise they would do The neglect hereof seems to be a part of good Elies fault and this in likelyhood imports the cause why the sins of his sons were so great he kept not so strict a hand over them and their actions as he should have done but was too indulgent toward them Those words of his in dealing with and reproving them seem to imply so much Why 1 Sam. 2.23 24. faith he do you such things for I hear of your evil dealings by this people nay my sons for it is no good report that I hear ye make the Lords people to transgress So here the good man knows little but by hear-say and what the common rumour and complaint of the people brings to his ears Sic dicunt inquit sic ad me perfetur q. d. Si vera sirt quae audio gravitur peccatis P. Martyr in l. So they say this is brought to me if the things be true which I hear ye sin grievously The contrary carriage is commended in Solomons virtuous woman Pro. 3.27 Carswright she looketh well to the wayes of her houshold Lustrat mores universae familiae diligens haec inspectio non solù nec praecipuè opera domesticae respicit verum etiam quomodo se in cultu Divino gerunt quales in piâ—tate progressus faciant diligenter observat This diligent inspection respects not only nor chiefly the houshold-imployments but she also diligently observes how they behave themselves in the worship of God and what progresse they make in piety Lavater Considerat quibus moribus singuli sint praediti quid dicant quid faciant ne turpe quid committant She considers what the manners of each one are what they say what they do that no unseemly thing be committed by them Thus though eye-service be not good yet is there need and accordingly ought there to be a watchful eye over them that children and servants be not evil 4. This Inspection ought to be accompanied with the discreet exercise of Discipline without which what we see to be amiss may be far enough from being amended Haec duo quasi elements sunt virtutis Spes honoris metus poenae quorum illa incitstiores reddit ad pulcherrima studia haec segniores ad vitia Plutarch de lib. educand Such as need reproof and correction must have it and those that deserve countenance and encouragement should not want it the evil are to be timely checkt and curbed and the good cherished and commended And these two being rightly managed will by the blessing of the Lord be found to be notable means to restrain vice and promote virtue Fond affection may prompt parents to with-hold but true love will bid them to make use of the rod when there is cause for nothing more endangers the disobedient then indulgence Hence the Scriptures do so much urge the use of discipline thus speaking He that spareth the rod hateth his son Prov. 13.26 but he that loveth him chastneth him betimes Because there is folly bound
all the priviledges of it with themselves an honourable condition and of greatest advantage because so in respect of things of greatest concernment viz. Such as makes most for the promoting of the spiritual and eternal welfare of their precious souls in the preparing and fitting of them for this excellent state they having been happy instruments through the blessing of the Lord upon their pious endeavours 1 Cor. 12 2◠And if as saith the Apostle when one member is honoured all the members rejoyce with it Surely their super-added relation to them and instrumentality in the honour must needs not a little augment the joy It is the choice priviledge of Christian parents that not only themselves but their children also with them are comprehended within Gods gracious Covenant being owned of him for his and having a right unto the initiatory Seal the consideration whereof administers greater matter of comfort unto them then the intituling of them to the fairest outward patrimony and inheritance How much greater joy then must it needs occasion in them when they shall behold the Covenant so far made good their children now owning the Lord for their and personally and actually taking hold of his Covenant giving up themselves unto him and so ratifying by their own act what their parents had done in their behalf at the time when they dedicated them upto the Lord in their baptisme They were before as children in their minority though an holy seed and heirs of the same promise with their parents yet little differing from the other sort of Catechumens among whom they were ranked being fed with the milk of the principles of the Doctrine of Christ and not admitted to the higher injoyments of those of perfect age But now the door is open for them and free entrance is afforded them unto the participation of the daintiest provisions of Gods house They are now brought into the Wine-cellar and Banquetting-house to sit down at the Table there to eat and drink abundantly of the wine upon the Lees well refined and of the fat things full of Marrow wherewith the feast to which as guests they are invited is plentifully furnished In a word the Churches store is now unlocked unto them whereof they may freely take their fill it belonging to them as well as to the rest of her grown children And is not here matter of great joy to such as have so near relation unto them 3. To see themselves now discharged by the Church of that obligation which was laid upon them at the time of their childrens baptism when having given them up unto the Lord they received them again under a serious and solemn ingagement to take care of them as his to train them up in his knowledge and fear and so to return them unto the Church as persons fitted and prepared for their masters service What was the duty and work of the Susceptors or undertakers of old in reference to such as being adult desired Baptism and to give up their names to Christ to whom they committed themselves as unto parents and masters to take the care of and ingage for them unto the Church the same was and still is the duty incumbent upon Christian parents in reference to their children that were baptized in their infancy Qui brobè intelligentes Qui coelestium munerum Sacro fuerit desiderio captus accedit ad aliquem ex sidelium numero precaturque tum ut se ad Pontificem adducat tum ut reliquae suscipiat curam cuise tanquam parenti magistro totos addicebant Hyper. ibid ex Dionys Areopsgit inquit Hyperius in Opusc cap. de Cateches Speaking of the Susceptors in the behalf of adult ones quantoperè sint Deo Ecclesiae pro fide alterius nomine datâ obstricti non abs re crebrò instabunt quo istud fiat utpete qui animadvertunt non priùs sponsione semel factâ se posse liberari quà m hi quos ex sacro fonte snsceperunt pro se ipsi abrenunciare diabelo pompis ejus fidem de Deo Patre filio Jesu Christo Spiritu sancto confiteri denique obedientiam fidei coram Deo Ecclesiâ universâ promittere valeant Who well understanding how much they stand bound to God and the Church for their faith given in the name of another will not without cause be often instant that that viz. for which they stand ingaged may be done as considering that they cannot be freed from their promise once made till those for whom they did undertake in Baptism can themselves in their own behalf renounce the divel and his pomps confess their Faith in God the Father Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit finally till they promise the obedience of faith before God and the whole Church A like course to this was taken by the Jews as Buxtorfe tels us in the behalf of their circumcised children In Synag cap. 3 whom they begin to teach some select places of Scripture as soon as they are able to speak and so proceeding on by degrees At thirteen years of age he is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 filius praecepti the son of the precept and then was he to receive the passover as saith Mr. Weemes then also he ought to observe the six hundred thirteen precepts Synag l. 1. c. 5. §. 5. Parag. 1. which comprehend in them the sum of the Mosaical Law and Jewish Religion and then is he accounted guilty and lyable to punishment both divine and humane if he do transgress them whereas before his faults were imputed to his father of whom the punishment was exacted But being thirteen compleat the father cals ten Jews to witness saying That his son is now of age hath been instructed in the precepts well learned their customs and can recite readily the benedictions and daily prayers c. Proinde se liberum perrò immunem esse velle filiique peccata a se excutere Therefore that he is willing to be henceforth free and to shake of the sins off his son after which done he concludes with prayer wherein Deo gratias agit singulares quòd filii sui poenà liberatus sit Deo supplex petit ut filius suus in longos annos bonaque opera adolescat He renders special thanks to God that he is freed from his sons punishment humbly beseecheth him that his son may grow up into many years and good works As therefore the burden being great was taken on with holy fear so the work being accomplished it will certainly be laid down with joy and many thanksgivings returned unto the Lord that through his graciousassistance hath enabled them comfortably to undergo it and in some measure to discharge their duty herein withall hath by his blesing made their labours successful whereof they have now an ample testimony in the publick solemn profession of their faith made by their children before the Church to whom they
shall the son of man also confess before the Angels of God Equivalent to that of God to Eli 1 Sam. 2.30 Them that honour me I will honour The like hereunto is that of Paul Rom. 10.9 10. If saith he thou shalt confesse with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved For with the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation Hence the Apostle Peter exhorts unto it as a duty incumbent upon all Christians being one principal way whereby they give glory to God Sanctifie saith he 1 Pet. 3.15 Deodat the Lord God in your hearts i. e. Give glory to him truly and heartily How be ready alway to give an answer to every one that asketh you a reason or an account of the hope that is in you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Fidei in Deum in Christum Jesum Winckleman in loc quae fundamentum est spâ—i de futurâ coelesti haereditate Of your Faith in God and Jesus Christ which is the foundation of our hope of the future and celestial inheritance Paraeus in loc An answer not to all curious questions that may be demanded but such as do appertain unto the fundamentals of Religion which both the learned and the unlearned ought to know And this not to every one that out of curiosity or a captious humor to ensnare you do demand it but unto those who by their office may require it or out of a will and readinesse to learn and be informed do desire it of you So that that which the Apostle here intends is this That Christians should he alwaies ready to make confession of their faith Calvin in lec as often as there is occasion for it that God may have his glory from them And there are two cases especially wherein this is necessary to be done by all without exception 1. In time of persecution if by those in authority thority they be called thereunto In this case ought they to do it freely and boldly not fearing the faces of men nor any thing that they can do unto them Isa 8.12 13 but as the Prophet Esau speaks from whom the Apostle Peter borrowed that passage fear not their fear nor be afraid but sanctifie the Lord of hosts and let him be your fear remembring well those words of Christ Whosoever shall deny me before men Mat. 10 33 him will I also deny before my father which is in heaven 2. When the Church shall require it for their satisfaction concerning their knowledg in the mysteries of Christianity and let not any say They are ashamed so to do least Christ be ashamed of and refuse to own them when he shall come in his glory They ought rather to account it an honour that an oportunity is afforded unto them of glorifying God in so eminent a way which consideration should make all persons ready so to do willingly and chearfully And as thus by the confession of their faith they glorified God so do they also no lesse by the dedication of themselves to him and his service wherein disclaiming all right in themselves they freely professe that they are and will be the Lords offering up both soul and body to be an holy Temple and habitation for him to dwell in and to be wholly at his dispose and imployed in his work and doing his Will According to those exhortations of the Apostle Paul I beseech you brethren Rom. 12.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to preâ—…nt by way of Dedication Leigh Beza 2. Cor. 6.19 20 saith he by the mercies of God that you â—ffer up or present your bodies i. e. your whole man by a Synechdoche a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God Again You are not your own but ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods And this he did greatly commend in these Corinthians as that whereby God had more glory then from their liberal almes and contributions 2 Cor. 8.5 And this you did saith he not as we hoped but first gave your selves to the Lord and unto us by the will of God As David and other of the Lords people did give glory to him by the dedicate things viz. the silver and gold c. which they consecrated to the building and service of the Temple which was to honour the Lord with their substance Prov. 3.9 So do persons much more honour the Lord by giving up themselves to him having no greater nor better gift to bestow nor more especial acceptable sacrifice that they can bring to God which being Solemnly done at Confirmation it 's that whereby God is especially glorified 2. From them and the rest of his people also by the praises which this will occasion them to render unto him which is another special way whereby the Lord hath his glory from them as those words of God himself by the Prophet David do fully declare Stephanus in 1. He saith he that offreth me praise he glorifieth me Summo me honors afficit yeeldeth me the highest and most excellent honour As for the Confirmed themselves well may the high praises of God be in their mouths being advanced to the injoyment of the highest priviledges that the Church can confer upon them If David saw cause why he should prefer the lowest room even a door-keepers place in the house of the Lord Psal 84.10 before the most pleasant dwelling any other where Well may these then being now admitted into the innermost rooms thereof cry out blessing the Lord for so great a favour and say in the words of the same Prophet Psal 16.6 The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage It is a blessed condition in Davids account and therefore deserves the best of their praises For so he Blessed are they that dwell in thine house Psal 84.4 they will still be praising thee having still cause so do And again Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee that he may dwell in thy Courts We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house even of thy holy Temple And for the rest of the Lords people it cannot but much quicken them to this duty to give the Lord the glory that is due unto his name and to blesse him greatly for his truth and faithfulnesse in building up and inlarging the borders of his Sion when they shall behold the goings of God in and toward poor souls his wonderful power and various wisdom shewed and seen in bringing them in and making them willing to submit unto the Scepter of Christ hiding the glorious mysteries of the Gospel from the wise and prudent the rich and honourable of the world and revealing them to babes obscure and simple ones making them wise unto salvation Surely it must needs give them great cause of saying as Christ did We thank thee O Father Lord of heaven and earth who hast done this of thy good pleasure And with the Apostle Paul to break forth into admiration saying O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledg of God how unsearchable are his Judgments and his wayes past finding out For who hath known the mind of the Lord or who hath been his Counceller Or who hath given unto him and it shall be recompensed unto him again For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever AMEN Gloria tota Deo nostri conaminis hujus Paxque inter fratres firma sequela siet Quisquis haec legit ubi pariter certus est pergat mecum ubi pariter haesitat quaerat mecum ubi errorem suum cognoscit redeat ad me ubi meum revocet me August de Trin. lib. 1. cap. 3. FINIS
what 9 Eucharist why called the Communion 23 Examples of parents care in instructing 120 Excellency of the Scriptures 113 Excommunication respects the confirmed only 60 Exemplary conversation in Governors 116 F Faith and love the sum of Christianity 116 Familiarity in Catechizing 86 Fidelis who 23 Folly of â—iding ignorance 111 Force of examples good and bad 126 Free admittance to the confirmed 138 Frequency in catechizing 84 Fruit of discipline 124 Fruit of good education 143 Fruits of love 148 Fundamental truths to be taught 76 Fundamental truths few 79 Gen. 14.14 Expounded 119 Gods goodness to England 103 Gods presence efficacious 153 Gods goings in soules matter of his praise 165 Gospel preached here from the beginning 103 in Tiberius reign 104 Governours ought to further the fruit of ordinances 122 Governors to watch over the conversations of their family 124 Gravity to be in a catechist 90 Ground of profaneness among us 106 Ground of Christian love 151 H. Harmony in the exercise of confirmation 93 Heb. 6.2 Expounded 27 Heb. 12.2 Expounded 149 Hierom. Expounded 34 Hieroms condenscension 87 Hieroms counsel 118 Holiness of life requisite to confirmation 96.116 wherein it consisteth 96 Holiness press't upon the catechumens 116 Holiness fits Gods house 153 Honour of the Church 154 I. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Corripere Erudire 91 Jehovah Shammah 152 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 23 Ignorant and scandalous to be debard from communion 132 Ignorant aged to be dealt with as children 107 Imposition of hands the several kinds of it 2 Imposition of hands the way of reconciling penitents 6 Imposition of hands the gesture of prayer 2 Imposition of hands commendable 97 At first the only Rite in confirmation 98 Imposition of hands in different 98 Infanâ— confirmation a popish errour 46 Infant baptized and adult 2. distinct classes 54 Instances of debarring from communion 132 Instruction the duty of domestick governours 118 Joy of faithful ministers 130 Junilius 89 K Knowledg of fundamentals sufficient 94 Knowledg necessary to holiness 110 L Lâ—cedemonian law 125 Love the bond of christians 150 M Matter of the catechisme 76 Means ineffectual without a blessing 114 Method of catechisme 81 Mildness to be in a catechist 91 Milk for babes 77 Ministers to know the state of the people 129 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 23 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 17 Mysteries of the sacraments concealed from catechumens 13 why so 14 N Names given in to be recorded 100 Near relation and affection between church-members 147 Noahs seven precepts 10 None to be exempted from profession 95 O Obligation of the confirmed 144 Obstruction of the reformation whence 102 Original sin 135 Oversight of the first reformers 105 P 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 91 Parents care for frequenting ordinances 121 Parisiensis complaint 47 Passeover chief among the Jews 25 Pastors care 76 Pastors office 129 Penitents how reconciled 6 why by imposition of hands 60 Peoples preparedness an help to reformation 68 People to be convinâ—'t of their duty 69 1 Pet. 3.15 Expounded 162 Persons ought to offer themselves to confirmation 59 Popish chrysme in confirmation 44 Popish form of confirmation 45 Popish administrator in confirmation 45 Popish ceremonies in confirmation 49 Popish end of confirmation 48 Prayer obtains wisdom 114 Praise the way of glorifying God 164 Pride restrain'd confirmation to bishops 46.51 Private instruction usefull 76 Priviledg of beleevers children 24 Priviledg of the confirmed 93 Priviledg of christian parents 137 Priviledg of christian children 142 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Profane are to be kept or cast out 97 Profession of faith necessary 94 Profession of faith to be publick 95 Profession without practice vain 115 Proselyâ—â— portae among the Jews 10 Purity the churches beauty 152 Q Qualification for church-members 48 Qualification of a catechist 74 Question and answer catechetical form 88 R Ready reception the peoples duty 72 Real conviction efficacious 158 Recovery of confirmation our duty 71 Reformation received here soon 104 Refusal of reformation no small sin 107 Refusers of instruction uncapable of communion 102 Register useful 99 Religious children a joy to parents 135 Religious servants a joy to their masters 136 Reproofs by catechists necessary 91 S Sanctifying the sabbath charged on governours 121 Satisfaction to ministers by confirmation 131 Satisfaction from persons requisite 152 Seal of the Lord 19 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who they were 11 Seeking after knowledg a great duty 112 Self-conceit dangerous 157 Semblance of confirmation in the reformed churches 41 Shame a mean to personal reformation 158 Solemn engagements 146 Steps to full membership 5. 11 Study of the scriptures the way to wisdom 113 Submission to confirmation peoples duty 100 Sum of fundamentals 79 Symbolum magnum 80 Sions enlargement her childrens joy 148 T 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 23 Thankfulness to God due from the confirmed 141 2 Thes 3.14 Expounded 159 U Unction in baptisme 2. fold 7 Unction a Sacrament in a large sense 19 Unworthy not to be admitted to the Lords supper 101 Unworthy to be excluded from communion 154 W. Waiting at wisdoms gate the way to knowledg 112 Woldenses testimony for confirmation 37 Word a perfect rule 70 ERRATA In M. Hughes Epistle p. 1. l. 22. for watching r walking In M. Baxters Epistle p. 1. l. 4. for printed r. perceived Pag. 13 adumbrare read adumbratè p. 14. there r. these p. 15. perfectus r. perfectes p. 20. assecultus r. assecutus p. 21. nequa r neque p. 21. data r data est p. 22. referter r refertur p. 28 positions r expositions p. 30 Scrinian r Scrinia p. 33. Ridus r Fidus p. 34. invise renter r inviserentur p. 24. to be lamented quodque r quoque p. 37. opara r. opera p. 39. reputatem r reputatum p. 44 to testifie r. do testifie p. 48. multi r multo p. 48 quam r quum p. 58. by the Lord r for the Lord p. 77. pâ—â—cht r pitcht upon p. 81. fittest r fit Test p. 82 lost r was lost p. 89 instructed r intrusted p. 108 add be p. 110 imports r in part p. 12â— libris r liberis p. 131 puor r pudor p. 132 vouchsafed r vouched p. 144. how r how much Confirmatio Rediviva OR An EXERCITATION UPON CONFIRMATION SEeing that Confirmation the subject of this following discourse fals and is comprehended under one acception of Imposition of hands and in that sense as the words are Synonimous so is the thing signified by both the same being called Confirmation from the Effect and end and Imposition of hands from the Rite and gesture therein used and observed whence it comes to passe that in the writings of the Ancients the same thing is expressed and often to be understood by both these Terms I think it requisite to premise a few things briefly concerning the Nature and Use or End of this Ceremony Imposition of hands was Simplicissimus ritus a most Simple rite made use of under both the Old and New Testament
example then your words Of so much concernment is the example of superiours in families which therefore cals for their special care And thus having laid down the duty both of Ministers and people for the recovery of Confirmation I shall add some Arguments to stir them both up to do accordingly drawn from the consideration of the great Utility that will hereof insue And that 1. To Ministers themselves to whom it will be of no small advantage For by this means 1. They will come to be better acquainted with and have more through and particular knowledg both of their people and their condition each one coming under their Cognizance and being personally dealt withal by them As a prudent and provident housholder is diligent to know the state or faces of his flocks taking particular notice of them Pro. 27.23 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Carrwright Quanto magis cavendum est iis qui ovibus Christi precioso ipsius sanguine redemptis praeficiuntur How much more ought their care to be that are intrusted with and set over the sheep of Christ which he hath redeemed with his precious blood Being constituted by Christ to be the shepherds of his people they ought herein to imitate him the chief Shepherd of our Souls who knoweth his sheep and calleth them by name Joh. 10.3 14 Herein lyeth the Office of Pastours so to have particular knowledg of those committed to them that they may approve themselves to God Work-men that need not be ashamed 2 Tim 2.15 rightly dividing the Word of truth giving to each his portion in due season Luke 12.42 For some need instruction others admonition one correction another consolation the weak must be strengthned the sick and diseased healed the broken bound up the lost sought Ezer 34.4 and those that were driven away must be brought back again Every one should be carefully looked after and provided for according to what his particular condition doth require that so they may as they ought take heed to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers as those that must give an account of them and blessed is that servant and shepherd whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing 1 Pet. 5.4 For when the chief Shepherd shall appear Mar. 25.21 they shall receive a crown of Glory that fadeth not away and having been faithful over a few things shall be made rulers over many thing and shall enter into the joy of their Lord. 2. Great will be the comfort and incouragement in their work that will follow hereupon When they shall behold and have experience of the proficiency of those who are committed to their care and so see the fruit of their labours and that they have not run nor spent their strength in vain which to such as are faithful who have minded not their own but the things of Jesus Christ and sought not their own gain and outward advantage but the winning of souls to Christ and fruit that might redound to their account at the great day of Christs appearing is of all other the most refreshing and matter of great joy 3 Joh. 4 Affluentiam elecorum Silvancorum Muscul in loc This is that which will much satisfie them to see as t is said of Christ Isa 53.11 the travel of their soul the work of the Lord to prosper in their hand children whom they have begotten to God through the Gospel of whom they have travelled in birth till Christ hath been formed in them They will remember no more or if they do they will remember with gladness the pain and travel that they have been at for joy that they have been instrumentl of their new birth and bringing them into the Kingdom of God How frequent is the Apostle Paul in manifesting the great comfort he took in those who had been by his ministry brought to the knowledge and obedience of Christ My brethren saith he Phil. 4.1 dearly beloved and longed for my joy and crown Again What is our hope or joy or crown of rejoycing are not even Je for ye are our glory and joy Yet again I Thes 3.9 What thanks can we render unto God again for you for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God And of how great advantage will Confirmation be to this joy of faithful instructers wherein a Specimen is given and discovery made of the success of their labours 3. They will be much quieted and facilitated through the satisfaction hence accrewing concerning the persons to be admitted in the administration of the Lords Supper the principal thing about which there hath been and still is so great a noise among us wherein we have had experience of neither few nor small difficulties and differences among those who have desired and endeavoured a right regulation of it That it is not Common for all comers to feed upon and challenge a right unto because in a fort they profess Christianity is the judgment after much search and inquiry into the Scriptures of most pious and conscientious Divines both in this Nation and also in the Reformed Churches abroad who are fully convinced from the word and thus far unanimously agree That both the ignorant and scandalous are unqualified for and therefore ought to be debarred from the participation of this Ordinance And that this was also both the opinion and practise of the Ancients is very evident in their writings Justine Martyr who lived about the year 150 after Christ speaking of the manner how the duties of publick worship were performed by Christians in his time in their Assemblies among other things acquaints us with the qualifications required in such as were admitted unto the Lords Supper Apolog. 2. Hoc alimentum inquit apud nos vocatur Eucharistia ad quod nemo admittitur nisi qui credit veram esse nostram Doctrinam ablutus regenerationis lavacrâ— in remissionem peccatorum sic vivens ut Christus docuit This food is with us called the Eucharist unto which no man is admitted but only he that believes our Doctrine to be true being washed in the laver of regeneration for the remission of sins and living so as Christ hath taught us Cyprian also who lived about 250 years after Christ presseth much to caution this way and being demanded concerning a Stage-player whether he might communicate he thus answers Epistâ—ad Euchratium Num. 61. Puto nec Majestati Divinae nec Evangelicae disciplina congruere ut puor honor Ecclesiae tam turpi infami contagione soedetur I think saith he that t is agreeable neither with the Divine Majesty nor Evangelical Discipline that the holinesse and honour of the Church should be defiled with so filthy and infamous a contagion Which place saith Goulart In Notis meets with those who admit unto the holy Communion without distinction such as are impure and impious Chrysostome who lived ann 400 after
Christ is large upon this Theam pressing it upon Ministers as their duty to look to it that no unworthy person be admitted to Communicate at the Lords table Adeat nullus crudelis c. Let no one come In Mat. 26. Homil. 83 saith he that is cruel unmerciful impure by any means I speak this to you that Communicate as well as to you that administer the Ordinance No small punishment hangs over your heads if you permit any to partake of this Table whom you know to live in any sin or wickednesse Therefore if a Captain if the Consul himself if he that wears the Diadem come unworthily restrain and hinder him thou hast greater power then he what pardon can he obtain for such a contempt that shall suffer those that are polluted with sin debauch't persons to come The Lord would adorn you with so great honour Jer. 15.12 that you might most diligently discern these things Therefore let us plainly put back whomsoever we see to come unworthily Let no one Communicate unlesse he be of the number of the Disciples Even this multitude is the body of Christ wherefore thou who dost administer these mysteries must take heed that thou provoke not the Lord in not purging this body lest thou give a sharp sword in stead of meat But if any shall through ignorance come to the Table fear not to reject him fear God not man but if thou dare not to repel him tell me I will not permit these to be done I will rather give my life then the Lords body to any unworthily I will rather suffer my own blood to be spilt then tender that most sacred blood to any but the worthy Thus that resolute and holy Bishop And that those of the Reformed Religion abroad are of the same minde t were easie for the proof hereof to produce many pregnant testimonies A difference then is to be put between persons professing themselves Christians in reference to this Ordinance which ought not to be administred promiscuously to all but to such only as are qualified for it viz. having a competent knowledg in the principal and necessary Doctrins of Christianity and this accompanied with a conversation not contradictory and inconsistent but in some measure suitable thereunto Of both which an account is required and solemn publick profession made to satisfaction by such as are admitted unto Confirmation So that by this means the stewards intrusted with the dispensation of these mysteries may with freedom and comfort proceed in their work having sufficient warrant so to do as seeing the persons upon due trial approving themselves to be such to whom according to the rule they do belong 2. To parents and masters that have the charge of others committed to them the comfort redounding from hence will be great especially 1. To see the fruit and successe of their care and industry for the Religious education of those under their charge through the blessing of the Lord who hath graciously answered their prayrs and expectations in the main thing that they have desired in their behalf Their children had their being from them but withall a sinful being Original guilt being derived and transmitted to them and an universal pravity and corruption of their whole nature as an hereditary disease or leprosie Cen. 5.3 For fathers as Adam the father of us all beget children in their own image and after their own likenesse And all may say as doth the Prophet David Psal 51.5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me Now for parents to be instrumental for the Regeneration and new birth of their children wherein being freed from their former misery they are made new creatures and do bear the image of the heavenly and second Adam as before they did bear the image of the first earthly This must needs be matter of very great joy to such as are gracious of whom in this regard the words of Solomon are verified Pro. 23.24 25 The father saith he of the righteous shall greatly rejoyce and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him Thy father and thy mother shall be glad and she that bare thee shall rejoyce Not that they are born such by nature but made such by Grace Cartw. in loc Vnde qui liberos it a erudierunt a teneris instituerunt ut cooperatione Spiritus Dei regeniti sint non immerito etiam regeneratorum parentes censeri appellari possint Whence those that have so trained up and instructed their children from their tender age that through the co-operation of the Spirit of God they be regenerate may not undeservedly be accounted and called the parents of the regenerate And so likewise the masters of such servants as are Religious and fear the Lord having been good proficients in the School of their families cannot but greatly rejoyce hereat and look on and account them as in the rank even of children Pro. 17.2 For a wise servant saith Solomon shall have rule over a son that causeth shame and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren So dear will godlinesse make even servants to be to their godly Masters whose hearts they do greatly chear Such a servant was Eleezer to Abraham a servant born and bred in his house and one of his Catechumens of whose godlinesse as the trust reposed in him by his Master is an apparent argument so is his carriage a clear evidence and demonstration thereof when he was sent and imployed about that weighty businesse of choosing a wife for his only son Isaac Gen. 24.2 for in likelyhood this servant In Loc. saith Ainsworth was his steward Eleezer Haud dubiè erat inquiâ— Paraus Gen. 15.2 3 without doubt it was the same This servant was so dear to Paraeus Mat. 8.5 6 Luk. 7.1 Eâ—as Paraphras and beloved and respected by Abraham that he had thoughts before he received the promise of Isaac of making him or at least his son his heir Of such esteem was the Centurions servant unto him Qui non aestimavit eum ex conditione sed ex fide sinceritate morum He had respect unto his faith and uprightnesse of life not to his condition and therefore he sends the Elders of the Jews to Jesus yea after comes himself earnestly beseeching him to cure him being sick Thus godly parents and Masters cannot but have great joy to see their children and servants whom they have been careful to educate and train up in the knowledg and fear of the Lord to be such and so that their labour hath not been in vain Whereof in Coufirmation they have a solemn and ample testimony from the account which they give both of their faith and manner of life for the satisfaction of the Church 2. To see those who are so neerly related unto them to be upon tryal approved owned and admitted as compleat Members into the Church to the injoyment of