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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n believe_v church_n infallibility_n 5,773 5 11.7611 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27392 An answer to the dissenters pleas for separation, or, An abridgment of the London cases wherein the substance of those books is digested into one short and plain discourse. Bennet, Thomas, 1673-1728. 1700 (1700) Wing B1888; ESTC R16887 202,270 335

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the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o be_v before_o note_v and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n say_v a_o 4._o a_o alex._n hales_n de_fw-fr miss●_n p._n 2._o quest_n 10._o p._n 4._o popish_a author_n which_o our_o dissenter_n urge_v for_o sit_v viz._n because_o the_o apostle_n sit_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o every_o priest_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o partake_v stand_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o kneel_v there_o nay_o if_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o we_o must_v never_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o we_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o convenient_a posture_n such_o as_o kneel_v sit_v discumb_a stand_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o heathen_n and_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unjust_a to_o say_v that_o our_o kneel_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o outward_a element_n when_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n mr._n tomb_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o whatever_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o theod._n p._n 168._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o mr._n bains_n christian_n lett._n 24._o and_o mr._n bayly_n disswas_n c._n 2_o 6._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o make_v sit_v necessary_a or_o forbid_v kneel_v and_z mr._n bains_n ibid._n grant_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o idolatrous_a and_o mr._n cartwright_n who_o think_v it_o inconvenient_a yet_o do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a harmon_n on_o luke_n 22.14_o last_o mr._n baxter_n christian_n dir._n part_n 2._o p._n 111._o quest_n 3._o sect_n 40._o say_v for_o kneel_v i_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n yet_o to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o any_o gesture_n nor_o against_o any_o christ_n be_v example_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_v not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v but_o to_o minister_n and_o but_o to_o a_o family_n to_o twelve_o and_o after_o supper_n and_o on_o a_o thursday_n night_n and_o in_o a_o upper-room_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o and_o 2._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o the_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_v pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n upon_o our_o knee_n chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o agreement_n between_o your_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o can_v think_v communion_n with_o your_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o first_o reformer_n be_v indeed_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v very_o commendable_a and_o a_o good_a beginning_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o age_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o complete_a reformation_n they_o leave_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o popish_a trash_n in_o the_o church_n hope_v by_o degree_n to_o reconcile_v the_o papist_n to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n too_o wide_o and_o too_o much_o prejudice_n or_o estrange_v they_o from_o it_o but_o we_o now_o live_v under_o better_a mean_n have_v great_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o a_o further_o and_o more_o perfect_a amendment_n be_v now_o necessary_a now_o i_o can_v but_o inward_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o love_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n who_o in_o their_o first_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v not_o nice_a or_o scrupulous_a beyond_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o thing_n doubtless_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n enough_o as_o to_o all_o true_a zeal_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n when_o they_o seal_v the_o well-grounded_n offence_n they_o take_v at_o they_o with_o their_o warm_a blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n signalise_v their_o profession_n with_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v intermix_v with_o rome_n in_o any_o usage_n of_o worship_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v the_o least_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n superstition_n or_o false_a religion_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reform_v whole_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_o jealous_a of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o be_v of_o superstition_n will_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o those_o fantastic_a antipathy_n as_o to_o abolish_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n mere_o because_o it_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o papist_n if_o some_o other_o very_o substantial_a reason_n do_v not_o plead_v against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o always_o use_v these_o temperate_a and_o unbiased_a method_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v justify_v themselves_o to_o their_o adversary_n or_o the_o world_n or_o have_v make_v it_o so_o evident_a as_o by_o their_o wise_a management_n they_o do_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v from_o the_o mere_a urgency_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o wantonness_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o where_o any_o mean_v honest_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o those_o do_v that_o dissent_n from_o we_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o reason_n very_o well_o awake_v that_o the_o mere_a charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o any_o dispute_v point_n may_v not_o so_o prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o thing_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o mature_a consideration_n however_o that_o i_o may_v full_o answer_v this_o objection_n draw_v from_o our_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n 2._o that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v 3._o that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o church_n have_v renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o rome_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n power_n but_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o show_v the_o vast_a distance_n between_o they_o first_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deprive_v her_o member_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n and_o miserable_o enslave_v they_o for_o 1._o she_o deny_v they_o all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bind_v they_o all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v her_o infallible_a but_o our_o church_n permit_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a she_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o own_v herself_o to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v a_o most_o slavish_a drudgery_n in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o vain_a and_o childish_a odd_a and_o uncouth_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o a_o man_n will_v wonder_v how_o they_o can_v invent_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o their_o cruel_a penance_n in_o impose_v of_o which_o the_o priest_n be_v arbitrary_a but_o our_o rite_n be_v exceed_v few_o plain_a easy_a grave_a and_o manly_a found_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n long_o before_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n our_o sacrament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o consequent_o we_o be_v not_o burden_v with_o the_o superstitious_a foppery_n of_o the_o other_o five_o popish_a one_o in_o short_a our_o rite_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o
edification_n nor_o do_v our_o church_n impose_v they_o like_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a and_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o changeable_a thing_n as_o for_o our_o penance_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o cruel_a like_o those_o of_o rome_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n subject_n her_o member_n by_o several_a of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o enslave_v passion_n for_o instance_n purgatory_n subject_n they_o to_o fear_n and_o auricular_a confession_n to_o shame_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n expose_v they_o to_o great_a anxiety_n but_o our_o church_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o man_n but_o when_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o make_v satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 4._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v licentious_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o our_o adversary_n can_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v just_o charge_v with_o plain_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n our_o church_n reject_v and_o utter_o abhor_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o image-worship_n invocation_n of_o saint_n transubstantiation_n pardon_n indulgence_n sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n deny_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o vulgar_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n rob_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n prohibit_v marriage_n to_o priest_n merit_n supererogation_n make_v simple_a fornication_n a_o mere_a venial_a sin_n damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o communion_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o church_n that_o more_o severe_o condemn_v all_o instance_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o immorality_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v three_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n to_o show_v this_o in_o all_o particular_n will_v be_v a_o tedious_a task_n therefore_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o office_n of_o infant-baptism_n by_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n before_o they_o go_v into_o the_o church_n after_o many_o preparatory_a prescription_n the_o priest_n be_v dress_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o purple_a robe_n call_v the_o infant_n say_v what_o ask_v thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o godfather_n answer_v faith_n p._n what_o shall_v thou_o get_v by_o faith_n g._n eternal_a life_n p._n if_o thou_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n then_o the_o priest_n blow_v three_o gentle_a puff_n upon_o the_o infant_n be_v face_n and_o say_v go_v out_o of_o he_o o_o unclean_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n then_o cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n and_o breast_n he_o say_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v always_o etc._n etc._n and_o after_o a_o long_a prayer_n the_o priest_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n come_v the_o idle_a and_o profane_a form_n of_o the_o benediction_n of_o salt_n viz._n i_o conjure_v thou_o o_o creature_n of_o salt_n in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o cross_n then_o he_o put_v a_o little_a salt_n into_o the_o infant_n be_v mouth_n say_v take_v thou_o the_o salt_n of_o wisdom_n and_o add_v most_o impious_o be_v it_o thy_o propitiation_n unto_o eternal_a life_n after_o the_o pax_n tecum_fw-la he_o pray_v that_o this_o infant_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o most_o woeful_o be-called_a then_o the_o priest_n cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n say_v and_o this_o sign_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n and_o put_v up_o a_o very_a good_a prayer_n then_o he_o put_v part_n of_o his_o robe_n upon_o the_o infant_n and_o bring_v he_o within_o the_o church_n say_v enter_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o follow_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o the_o paternoster_n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o the_o priest_n take_v spittle_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o therewith_o touch_v the_o infant_n be_v ear_n and_o nostril_n say_v etc._n etc._n then_o he_o conjure_v the_o devil_n again_o say_v be_v pack_v o_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o ask_v the_o infant_n whether_o he_o renounce_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o holy_a oil_n and_o anoint_v the_o infant_n with_o it_o in_o his_o breast_n and_o betwixt_o his_o shoulder_n he_o say_v i_o anoint_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v off_o his_o purple_a robe_n and_o put_v on_o another_o of_o white_a colour_n and_o have_v ask_v four_o more_o question_n and_o receive_v the_o answer_n he_o pour_v water_n thrice_o upon_o the_o child_n head_n as_o he_o recite_v over_o it_o our_o saviour_n form_n of_o baptism_n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o the_o chrism_n or_o holy_a ointment_n he_o anoint_v the_o infant_n upon_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o head_n in_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o cross_n and_o pray_v o_o god_n omnipotent_a etc._n etc._n afterward_o he_o take_v a_o white_a linen_n cloth_n and_o put_v it_o on_o the_o child_n head_n say_v take_v the_o white_a garment_n etc._n etc._n last_o he_o put_v into_o the_o child_n or_o his_o godfather_n hand_n a_o light_a candle_n say_v receive_v the_o burn_a lamp_n etc._n etc._n beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o common_a ritual_a there_o be_v divers_a other_o add_v in_o the_o pastoral_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v and_o now_o if_o any_o man_n will_v read_v our_o office_n of_o baptism_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o unlike_a than_o these_o two_o office_n be_v our_o litany_n indeed_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o dissenter_n as_o savour_v of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a if_o a_o man_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o popish_a one_o the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o consist_v in_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o the_o brevity_n i_o be_o confine_v to_o in_o this_o discourse_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o abide_v any_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n four_o in_o the_o book_n they_o receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v all_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n take_v only_o those_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o all_o protestant_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v true_a she_o read_v some_o part_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o she_o do_v not_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n by_o they_o five_o and_o last_o in_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o find_v their_o whole_a religion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n find_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o her_o own_o infallibility_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o of_o her_o own_o doctrine_n on_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o her_o council_n which_o she_o will_v have_v to_o be_v no_o less_o inspire_v than_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n build_v her_o whole_a religion_n upon_o scripture_n which_o be_v her_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n she_o reverence_n ancient_a general_a council_n but_o do_v not_o think_v they_o infallible_a and_o as_o for_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o church_n claim_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n by_o require_v subscription_n to_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o she_o mean_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o to_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o outward_a submission_n when_o her_o decision_n do_v not_o contradict_v any_o essential_o of_o faith_n or_o manner_n but_o not_o a_o authority_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o infallible_o true_a and_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n it_o be_v true_a she_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o she_o require_v subscription_n as_o a_o test_n of_o this_o belief_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o person_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o undoubted_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o creed_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o as_o to_o the_o motive_n which_o our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v they_o
better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o first_o what_o pure_a ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n but_o he_o who_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o he_o like_v best_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_n the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n second_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v separation_n for_o this_o edification_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o particular_a christian_n now_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o text_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 8.1_o and_o 14.5_o 12._o eph._n 2.21_o and_o 4.12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o matth._n 21.42_o act_n 4.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 12_o 19_o and_o 13.10_o now_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o as_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v also_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v edification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v particular_a christian_n one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o firm_a close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4.4_o than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n st._n judas_n v._o 19_o seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o separate_v but_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o pretence_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o particular_a christian_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o think_v he_o can_v edify_v better_o among_o the_o dissenter_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o because_o better_a edification_n can_v be_v have_v in_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o our_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o fit_a our_o constitution_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n second_o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n first_o then_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v fit_a to_o edify_v soul_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o our_o creed_n contain_v all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o nice_a and_o obscure_a matter_n in_o they_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n think_v needful_a that_o be_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o this_o faith_n will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n the_o church_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n when_o firm_o believe_v do_v plain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a she_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o show_v unless_o obedience_n follow_v such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n as_o produce_v excellent_a virtue_n and_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n her_o festival_n commemorate_v the_o virtue_n and_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o excellent_a men._n her_o ceremony_n be_v decent_a her_o prayer_n be_v for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o force_v and_o her_o homily_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o piety_n which_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o she_o tell_v sinner_n plain_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v and_o say_v that_o plain_a virtue_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n so_o exact_o 3._o she_o be_v fit_o constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n because_o she_o give_v we_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o describe_v his_o attribute_n and_o our_o want_n her_o prayer_n be_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o due_a length_n and_o she_o have_v proper_a prayer_n for_o most_o particular_a occasion_n she_o have_v office_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o confirm_v our_o obedience_n the_o office_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n and_o burial_n be_v extreme_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o all_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v such_o that_o she_o make_v religion_n neither_o slovenly_a nor_o too_o gay_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v judge_v all_o her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o they_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o fit_a to_o make_v our_o service_n comely_a and_o true_o whilst_o we_o have_v body_n these_o outward_a help_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a her_o government_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v that_o her_o member_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a and_o if_o all_o vice_n be_v not_o chastise_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o unnecessary_a division_n have_v stop_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a none_o of_o her_o part_n or_o office_n give_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o she_o but_o consider_v all_o thing_n she_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o 14.3_o therefore_o heb._n 6.1_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n second_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n but_o strict_o command_v under_o great_a temporal_a penalty_n to_o direct_v their_o flock_n to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o our_o pastor_n for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o true_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v uncharitable_a our_o protestant_a neighbour_n have_v commend_v our_o government_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v our_o pastor_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o our_o man_n work_n to_o edify_v their_o people_n dissenter_n
by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n and_o not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dread_n of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v he_o and_o that_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n 3._o it_o be_v excessive_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a it_o rob_v a_o man_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a 4._o it_o be_v scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o scrupulous_a man_n go_v on_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o scruple_n every_o thing_n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o for_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n 5._o this_o needless_a scruple_v have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o chief_o respect_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o three_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 1._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_a or_o most_o offensive_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o pray_v do_v not_o god_n principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n or_o will_v he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v we_o because_o he_o dislike_v the_o garment_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n or_o habit_n which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religious_a performance_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursom_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o dutiful_a child_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o we_o shall_v lay_v out_o our_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o idifferent_a and_o inferior_a nature_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_v this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n for_o say_v st._n paul_n ver_fw-la 18._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o
book_n and_o laxation_n of_o discipline_n in_o those_o war_n atheism_n have_v much_o increase_v and_o they_o say_v that_o some_o undisguised_a sceptic_n and_o atheist_n have_v since_o the_o king_n return_n be_v much_o use_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o sure_o such_o hand_n can_v do_v what_o well_o meaning_n zeal_n can_v not_o effect_v nor_o can_v they_o settle_v themselves_o as_o several_a distinct_a party_n by_o a_o general_a toleration_n for_o first_o some_o dissenter_n believe_v some_o of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v incapable_a of_o forbearance_n as_o maintain_v principle_n destructive_a of_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n this_o opinion_n they_o still_o have_v of_o antinomian_o quaker_n and_o muggletonian_n and_o they_o former_o declaim_v against_o the_o toleration_n of_o erastians_n and_o independent_o 12._o independent_o harmon_n consent_n p._n 12._o nay_o many_o minister_n declare_v a_o toleration_n to_o be_v a_o appoint_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n in_o man_n conscience_n for_o the_o devil_n to_o fly_v to_o a_o toleration_n of_o soul-murther_n the_o great_a murder_n of_o all_o other_o etc._n etc._n second_o there_o be_v no_o firmness_n in_o this_o union_n for_o the_o union_n that_o last_v be_v that_o of_o the_o concord_n of_o member_n in_o a_o uniform_a body_n three_o party_n can_v be_v keep_v equal_a in_o number_n and_o interest_n but_o one_o will_v always_o prevail_v and_o be_v favour_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o strong_a to_o attempt_v to_o subdue_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o peace_n but_o in_o perpetual_a discord_n some_o indeed_o think_v this_o inclination_n to_o the_o swallow_v up_o of_o all_o other_o party_n be_v to_o be_v find_v almost_o only_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o there_o be_v something_o of_o it_o to_o be_v discern_v i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o all_o church_n for_o our_o own_o suffer_v bonner_n himself_o to_o live_v yet_o in_o all_o faction_n and_o party_n though_o the_o inequality_n of_o power_n make_v it_o not_o seem_v to_o be_v alike_o in_o all_o of_o they_o party_n who_o be_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o show_n concern_v for_o religion_n will_v perpetual_o covet_v after_o power_n and_o party_n that_o be_v conscientious_a in_o their_o way_n will_v do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o withdraw_v from_o other_o because_o they_o think_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o they_o think_v those_o of_o another_o way_n without_o repentance_n to_o be_v lose_v eternal_o charity_n will_v urge_v they_o to_o reduce_v they_o and_o they_o will_v think_v that_o suffer_v they_o to_o wander_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o condition_n beside_o experience_n show_v that_o where_o there_o be_v power_n there_o be_v little_a forbearance_n and_o the_o same_o man_n as_o their_o condition_n alter_v speak_v of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n thus_o do_v the_o 2._o the_o vid._n august_n cont._n petil._n lib._n 2._o donatist_n of_o old_a and_o the_o 3._o the_o mr._n calamy_n great_a dang_n of_o cou._n ref._n p._n 3._o head_n of_o the_o discipline_n in_o the_o late_a time_n those_o that_o remove_v to_o new_a england_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v get_v foot_v there_o refuse_v indulgence_n to_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n and_o use_v they_o to_o this_o day_n with_o great_a severity_n the_o 276._o the_o whitlock_n memoir_n p._n 276._o commons_o in_o 47_o give_v indulgence_n to_o all_o but_o those_o that_o use_v the_o common_a prayer_n the_o dutch_a suffer_v none_o to_o speak_v against_o those_o doctrine_n which_o the_o state_n have_v authorize_v and_o the_o remonstrant_a party_n contend_v for_o superiority_n whenever_o they_o have_v any_o encouragement_n the_o popish_a order_n mortal_o hate_v and_o be_v they_o not_o restrain_v will_v soon_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o gittichius_n his_o behaviour_n towards_o 416._o towards_o ruari_fw-la epist_n par_fw-fr 1._o p._n 415_o 416._o ruarus_n a_o socinian_n of_o better_a temper_n show_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o socinian_o those_o great_a asserter_n of_o liberty_n in_o religion_n the_o quaker_n themselves_o when_o form_v into_o a_o society_n begin_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o domineer_v and_o g._n fox_n 41._o fox_n spirit_n of_o the_o hart._n p._n 41._o declare_v he_o never_o like_v the_o word_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v have_v no_o liberty_n give_v to_o presbyterian_o papist_n independent_o and_o baptist_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o removal_n of_o popery_n and_o perfect_a the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o popery_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o church_n call_v by_o diodati_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n will_v rather_o advantage_v it_o both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o for_o she_o be_v more_o like_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n than_o some_o other_o of_o the_o reformation_n can_v better_o answer_v the_o papist_n objection_n than_o those_o that_o be_v cramp_v in_o a_o few_o point_n and_o therefore_o if_o dissension_n ruin_v she_o popery_n will_v the_o soon_o spread_v over_o foreign_a reform_a country_n and_o since_o the_o romanist_n be_v so_o powerful_a diligent_a and_o cunning_a have_v so_o much_o learning_n and_o interest_n and_o pretend_v to_o antiquity_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v secure_v we_o from_o they_o at_o home_n but_o the_o christian_a constitution_n and_o strong_a nature_n of_o the_o primitive_a learned_a pure_a loyal_a and_o pious_a church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v a_o national_a body_n already_o form_v that_o be_v able_a to_o detect_v the_o forgery_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v not_o give_v advantage_n to_o she_o by_o run_v from_o she_o into_o any_o extreme_a mounseur_fw-fr daille_n who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v partial_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o be_v at_o that_o time_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n with_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n 98._o divine_n de_fw-fr confess_v adv_fw-la hammond_n c._n 1._o p._n 97_o 98._o say_v as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n purge_v from_o foreign_a wicked_a superstitious_a worship_n and_o error_n either_o impious_a or_o dangerous_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n approve_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o illustrious_a martyr_n abound_v with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o with_o most_o frequent_a example_n of_o good_a work_n flourish_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o this_o time_n i_o have_v always_o have_v it_o in_o just_a esteem_n and_o till_o i_o die_v i_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o due_a veneration_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o who_o know_v other_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v displease_v at_o we_o which_o so_o much_o excel_v they_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v less_o strength_n in_o it_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o popery_n than_o a_o number_n of_o divide_a party_n the_o best_a of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o primitive_a learned_a united_n numerous_n or_o legal_a and_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o these_o party_n have_v scarce_o any_o form_a way_n of_o keep_v out_o popery_n for_o what_o hinder_v a_o crafty_a jesuit_n from_o gather_v and_o model_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o what_o a_o gap_n do_v they_o leave_v open_a for_o seducer_n who_o take_v away_o all_o legal_a test_n and_o admit_v stranger_n to_o officiate_v upon_o bare_a pretence_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n the_o romanist_n have_v more_o powerful_a way_n of_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o dissent_v party_n than_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o man_n separate_v too_o frequent_o through_o weakness_n of_o imagination_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v variety_n of_o gratification_n they_o will_v offer_v strictness_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o mental_a prayer_n to_o those_o who_o contemn_v or_o scruple_n form_n they_o have_v mystical_a phrase_n for_o such_o who_o think_v they_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n when_o they_o darken_v understanding_n with_o word_n and_o according_o the_o three_o part_n of_o a_o very_a mystical_a book_n write_v by_o father_n benet_n a_o capuchin_n be_v reprint_v in_o london_n in_o 46_o with_o a_o alley_n a_o a_o bright_a star_n centre_v in_o christ_n our_o perfection_n print_a for_o h._n overton_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n new_a title_n and_o without_o the_o author_n name_n and_o it_o pass_v among_o some_o of_o the_o party_n for_o a_o book_n of_o very_o sublime_a evangelical_n truth_n they_o use_v much_o gesture_n and_o great_a show_n of_o zeal_n in_o preach_v they_o have_v rough_a cord_n and_o mean_a garment_n bare_a foot_n and_o many_o other_o great_a show_v of_o self-denial_n they_o have_v procession_n and_o other_o rite_n to_o humour_v the_o soppishness_n of_o other_o but_o
3._o some_o be_v offend_v with_o our_o pray_n against_o sudden_a death_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o by_o sudden_a death_n understand_v our_o be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o world_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v for_o sometime_o a_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sudden_a to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n can_v any_o good_a christian_a find_v fault_n with_o the_o petition_n but_o suppose_v that_o by_o sudden_a death_n we_o mean_v what_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o death_n of_o which_o a_o man_n have_v not_o the_o least_o warning_n by_o sickness_n be_v there_o not_o reason_n why_o even_o good_a man_n may_v desire_v not_o to_o die_v sudden_o may_v they_o not_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o draw_v towards_o their_o end_n by_o their_o good_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n make_v impression_n upon_o their_o friend_n companion_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o better_n of_o they_o may_v not_o their_o counsel_n be_v then_o more_o effectual_a with_o they_o than_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v so_o as_o for_o themselves_o may_v not_o the_o warning_n they_o have_v of_o approach_a death_n be_v improve_v to_o make_v they_o more_o sit_v to_o die_v than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o perfect_a health_n in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o think_v himself_o to_o have_v sufficient_o perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o those_o act_n of_o self-examination_n humiliation_n and_o devotion_n by_o which_o good_a man_n improve_v the_o warn_v of_o death_n which_o mortal_a sickness_n or_o extreme_a age_n give_v they_o let_v he_o suspend_v his_o act_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o when_o we_o pray_v god_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sudden_a death·_fw-la 4._o some_o be_v offend_v that_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n holy_a incarnation_n etc._n etc._n by_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n by_o his_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o come_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o say_v this_o be_v swear_v other_o conjure_v and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o when_o we_o say_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o thy_o holy_a incarnation_n and_o by_o thy_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o we_o implore_v christ_n who_o have_v already_o show_v such_o inestimable_a goodness_n towards_o we_o by_o take_v our_o nature_n into_o his_o divinity_n to_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v bury_v to_o rise_v again_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o to_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o we_o and_o by_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o qualify_v the_o apostle_n for_o their_o great_a work_n of_o carry_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n into_o the_o world_n i_o say_v we_o implore_v he_o who_o have_v already_o do_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o we_o plead_v with_o he_o by_o that_o goodness_n which_o he_o have_v already_o give_v we_o such_o great_a demonstration_n of_o by_o those_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o deliver_v we_o by_o his_o powerful_a grace_n from_o those_o evil_n which_o we_o pray_v against_o and_o this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a so_o devout_a and_o affectionate_a so_o humble_a and_o thankful_a a_o way_n of_o pray_v that_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o any_o who_o call_v themselves_o believer_n shall_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v it_o or_o so_o profane_a and_o unlike_a what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v as_o to_o deride_v it_o to_o conclude_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o of_o all_o the_o prayer_n in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n i_o shall_v be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o the_o litany_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n apt_a to_o excite_v our_o most_o intense_a and_o fervent_a desire_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o whole_a office_n be_v frame_v with_o respect_n both_o to_o matter_n and_o contrivance_n for_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o utmost_a devotion_n of_o good_a christian_n and_o for_o the_o warm_n of_o the_o cold_a heart_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o such_o a_o disposition_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o express_v our_o charity_n by_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o distinct_o and_o particular_o as_o public_a prayer_n will_v bear_v chap._n v._o of_o infant-baptism_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o office_n of_o baptism_n i_o think_v it_o be_v proper_a to_o justify_v infant-baptism_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o and_o dislike_v by_o some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o that_o my_o discourse_n concern_v infant-baptism_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n of_o premise_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o original_a of_o the_o jewish_a church_n consider_v pure_o as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v date_v from_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n but_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n from_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n for_o that_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v distinct_a thing_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o distinction_n rom._n 4.13_o gal._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n upon_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v found_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o rom._n 4._o 9th_o to_o the_o 17_o and_o 9.6_o etc._n etc._n gal._n 3.5_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v a_o spiritual_a covenant_n make_v with_o he_o as_o the_o father_n of_o believer_n and_o with_o his_o posterity_n not_o as_o proceed_n from_o he_o by_o natural_a but_o by_o spiritual_a generation_n as_o heir_n of_o his_o faith_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_n we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3.3_o and_o it_o be_v one_o god_n which_o shall_v justify_v the_o circumcision_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n through_o faith_n rom._n 3.30_o and_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n gal._n 3.29_o nay_o it_o will_v far_a appear_v that_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v not_o with_o abraham_n natural_a but_o his_o spiritual_a offspring_n if_o we_o consider_v 3._o that_o the_o initiatory_a sacrament_n into_o it_o be_v circumcision_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n act_v 7.8_o and_o circumcision_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o faith_n or_o faithful_a obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n require_v of_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o which_o they_o promise_v to_o perform_v it_o also_o signify_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n deut._n 10.16_o and_o 30.6_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o 4._o as_o to_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v a_o very_a plain_a account_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o gen._n 17._o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v first_o that_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a see_v exod._n 12.48_o 49._o which_o also_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v not_o to_o his_o natural_a but_o to_o his_o spiritual_a child_n hence_o in_o all_o age_n great_a number_n of_o gentile_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o circumcision_n second_o that_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v child_n from_o circumcision_n that_o he_o order_v that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v defer_v beyond_o the_o 8_o day_n god_n be_v please_v to_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o choose_v the_o child_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o holy_a upon_o their_o account_n this_o be_v ground_n enough_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o for_o god_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o believer_n though_o they_o can_v not_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o faith_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o godfather_n and_o of_o the_o congregation_n under_o which_o he_o be_v circumcise_a be_v believe_v of_o old_a by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o child_n as_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o consent_n see_v seld._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la lib._n 2._o c._n 2._o de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o
i_o design_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n by_o christ_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptize_v 4._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o believer_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n god_n command_v infant_n to_o be_v circumcise_a as_o well_o as_o adult_v person_n and_o sure_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o circumcision_n than_o they_o be_v also_o capable_a of_o baptism_n for_o the_o two_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o those_o covenant_n the_o very_a same_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o initiation_n of_o infant_n be_v then_o no_o absurdity_n it_o can_v be_v none_o now_o nay_o if_o infant_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n when_o the_o entrance_n be_v more_o grievous_a and_o not_o without_o blood_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v now_o uncapable_a of_o admission_n into_o it_o when_o the_o entrance_n be_v make_v more_o easy_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o tender_a child_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o baptism_n because_o they_o can_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o it_o they_o can_v understand_v the_o gospel_n or_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o submit_v to_o baptism_n out_o of_o their_o own_o choice_n nor_o can_v they_o have_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n further_o strengthen_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o but_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v very_o weak_a and_o fallacious_a and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n first_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o fallacious_a because_o it_o make_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o a_o strict_a institution_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n for_o one_o or_o a_o few_o end_n and_o precise_o for_o person_n of_o one_o sort_n and_o a_o institution_n of_o latitude_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o he_o for_o several_a end_n and_o for_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n different_o qualify_v for_o those_o several_a end_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o jewish_a ordinance_n of_o fringe_n which_o can_v only_o concern_v grow_v person_n because_o they_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v viz._n to_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o remember_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o marriage_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o several_a end_n and_o for_o person_n different_o qualify_v for_o those_o several_a end_n insomuch_o that_o person_n who_o be_v incapacitate_v as_o to_o some_o end_n of_o marriage_n may_v yet_o honest_o marry_o because_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o rest_n for_o this_o reason_n those_o who_o be_v not_o capacitate_v for_o the_o procreation_n of_o child_n may_v marry_v because_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o answer_v another_o end_n for_o which_o marriage_n be_v ordain_v now_o our_o adversary_n can_v prove_v that_o baptism_n be_v a_o strict_a institution_n because_o it_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o latitude_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptise_a who_o be_v less_o capable_a of_o baptism_n than_o infant_n possible_o can_v be_v for_o john_n baptise_a with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o seal_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n now_o our_o saviour_n be_v without_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v baptise_a which_o show_v that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o some_o end_n of_o baptism_n may_v be_v baptise_a though_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o rest_n second_o it_o be_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n because_o god_n command_v young_a babe_n to_o be_v circumcise_a though_o all_o the_o end_n of_o circumcision_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v by_o they_o for_o since_o there_o lie_v the_o same_o objection_n against_o infant-circumcision_a as_o against_o infant-baptism_n therefore_o those_o man_n who_o argue_v thus_o against_o infant-baptism_n do_v reproach_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o enjoin_v infant-circumcision_a child_n be_v capable_a of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o to_o consign_v to_o we_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o may_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o adopt_a heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o well_o as_o they_o may_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o family_n and_o adopt_a heir_n of_o a_o temporal_a estate_n and_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o sign_n of_o those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o suppose_v a_o prince_n shall_v send_v for_o a_o attaint_v traitor_n be_v child_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o several_a person_n assemble_v for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v say_v you_o know_v the_o blood_n of_o this_o child_n be_v attaint_v by_o his_o father_n treason_n by_o law_n he_o have_v forfeit_v all_o right_n to_o his_o ancestor_n estate_n and_o title_n and_o be_v quite_o undo_v though_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o his_o wretched_a condition_n my_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n yern_v upon_o he_o and_o here_o i_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o blood_n and_o inheritance_n to_o which_o hence_o forward_o he_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o right_n as_o if_o the_o family_n have_v never_o be_v attaint_v i_o justify_v he_o free_o and_o declare_v myself_o reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o that_o no_o spot_n or_o imputation_n may_v hereafter_o lie_v upon_o he_o i_o here_o before_o you_o all_o wash_v he_o with_o pure_a water_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v cleanse_v from_o his_o original_a attainder_n and_o corruption_n of_o blood_n and_o that_o he_o be_v as_o full_o restore_v to_o his_o birthright_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v attaint_v suppose_v i_o say_v this_o be_v do_v for_o a_o poor_a attaint_v infant_n can_v any_o man_n say_v the_o action_n be_v insignificant_a and_o invalid_a because_o that_o child_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o sign_n when_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v wash_v from_o the_o attainder_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n signify_v thereby_o beside_o though_o abraham_n believe_v and_o solemn_o profess_v his_o faith_n before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a yet_o isaac_n be_v circumcise_a and_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n before_o he_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o will_v any_o man_n say_v he_o be_v circumcise_a in_o vain_a or_o that_o god_n command_v a_o foolish_a thing_n though_o he_o be_v under_o the_o very_a same_o incapacity_n as_o to_o the_o end_n of_o circumcision_n that_o infant_n now_o be_v as_o to_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o circumcision_n be_v more_o proper_a for_o infant_n than_o baptism_n because_o it_o leave_v a_o mark_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o instruct_v they_o what_o be_v do_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o baptism_n do_v not_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o even_o the_o mark_n of_o circumcision_n be_v as_o insignificant_a during_o the_o nonage_n of_o the_o child_n as_o baptism_n be_v to_o christian_a infant_n neither_o afterward_o can_v he_o tell_v what_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o character_n be_v but_o by_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o reason_v against_o infant-baptism_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v defer_v till_o the_o full_a year_n of_o discretion_n when_o the_o circumcise_a person_n may_v have_v understand_v the_o spiritual_a signification_n thereof_o 2._o allow_v that_o circumcision_n be_v more_o proper_a for_o infant_n than_o baptism_n yet_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o jew_n know_v very_o well_o that_o baptism_n leave_v no_o mark_n upon_o the_o person_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o argue_v against_o infant-baptism_n must_v condemn_v the_o jewish_a church_n which_o for_o many_o age_n baptise_a infant_n and_o minor_a proselyte_n into_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o actual_a believer_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o reprove_v for_o it_o by_o any_o prophet_n which_o we_o may_v presume_v they_o will_v have_v be_v have_v baptismal_a initiation_n of_o infant_n into_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o absurd_a insignificant_a and_o abusive_a a_o practice_n as_o the_o professor_n against_o infant-baptism_n pretend_v it_o be_v ii_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o infant_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n by_o christ_n that_o he_o never_o exclude_v they_o by_o any_o express_a prohibition_n the_o anabaptist_n
themselves_o do_v grant_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o prohibition_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o then_o they_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n shall_v be_v baptise_a because_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a shall_v 1._o be_v teach_v matth._n 28.29_o 2._o believe_v mark_v 16.16_o 3._o repent_v act_v 2.38_o but_o those_o and_o the_o like_a text_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a than_o the_o apostle_n word_n 2_o thess_n 3.10_o do_v prove_v that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o eat_v for_o he_o require_v that_o if_o any_o will_v not_o work_v neither_o shall_v he_o eat_v now_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n can_v work_v and_o therefore_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o eat_v again_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o plague_n in_o any_o country_n and_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o call_v 11_o or_o 12_o man_n and_o give_v they_o a_o meditine_n against_o this_o plague_n and_o say_v go_v into_o such_o a_o country_n and_o call_v the_o people_n of_o it_o together_o and_o teach_v they_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o medicine_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o take_v it_o from_o you_o shall_v live_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v die_v now_o since_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o medicine_n though_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o will_v any_o man_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n shall_v receive_v it_o because_o they_o only_o can_v be_v call_v together_o and_o be_v teach_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v they_o that_o bring_v it_o no_o certain_o wherefore_o see_v child_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n know_v they_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v receive_v both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v but_o that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n shall_v be_v baptise_a shall_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n have_v order_v some_o prophet_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o law_n to_o every_o creature_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v circumcise_a and_o baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v will_v those_o prophet_n have_v circumcise_a and_o baptise_a only_o grow_v person_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o if_o in_o a_o short_a history_n of_o their_o mission_n we_o shall_v have_v read_v that_o they_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a as_o many_o proselyte_n as_o glad_o receive_v their_o word_n will_v this_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o also_o circumcise_v and_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o those_o believe_a proselyte_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o usage_n of_o their_o mother-church_n or_o shall_v god_n bid_v 12_o man_n of_o a_o church_n that_o have_v always_o practise_v infant-baptism_n go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o indies_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v will_v those_o man_n that_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n think_v it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v deny_v to_o infant_n no_o certain_o and_o therefore_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o apostle_n can_v not_o so_o understand_v their_o commission_n as_o to_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n now_o since_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o either_o express_o or_o otherwise_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n certain_o his_o command_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n do_v comprehend_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o men._n for_o the_o apostle_n live_v under_o a_o dispensation_n where_o infant_n be_v initiate_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v natural_o understand_v their_o commission_n of_o baptise_v to_o have_v extend_v unto_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o actual_a believer_n our_o adversary_n indeed_o put_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o they_o will_v well_o consider_v the_o next_o word_n they_o will_v find_v that_o infant_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o they_o because_o it_o follow_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o same_o want_n of_o faith_n which_o here_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n exclude_v also_o from_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o infant_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o same_o incapacity_n of_o believe_v which_o exclude_v they_o from_o baptism_n exclude_v they_o from_o salvation_n too_o wherefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v in_o that_o text_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o grow_v person_n just_a as_o the_o word_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o but_o they_o urge_v also_o that_o baptism_n be_v unprofitable_a for_o infant_n because_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v all_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o signify_v nothing_o but_o only_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n of_o which_o say_v they_o infant_n be_v whole_o uncapable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o another_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a circumcision_n which_o be_v all_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o profit_v nothing_o without_o keep_v the_o law_n which_o infant_n can_v not_o keep_v but_o that_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o yet_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o so_o that_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v prove_v nothing_o because_o it_o stretch_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n beyond_o their_o just_a meaning_n which_o be_v to_o let_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n know_v not_o that_o their_o infant_n be_v unprofitable_o circumcise_a or_o baptise_a but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rest_v in_o external_a circumcision_n or_o baptism_n but_o far_o have_v not_o the_o church_n be_v always_o in_o possession_n of_o this_o practice_n or_o can_v any_o time_n be_v show_v on_o this_o side_n the_o apostle_n when_o it_o begin_v nay_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n or_o that_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n otherwise_o orthodox_n do_v decline_v the_o baptise_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o these_o man_n do_v now_o then_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o their_o argument_n be_v better_a than_o they_o real_o be_v and_o that_o infant-baptism_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o ancient_a a_o practice_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o church_n ancient_n or_o modern_a which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n bring_v in_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o very_a first_o age_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o very_a companion_n and_o contemporary_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o write_v against_o other_o heresy_n pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n though_o we_o be_v sure_a from_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v 181._o be_v see_v suicerus_fw-la in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hammond_n on_o matth._n 19.28_o john_n 3.5_o selden_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la lib._n 2._o c._n 4._o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la p._n 181._o practise_v in_o those_o early_a time_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v all_o consent_n in_o such_o a_o dangerous_a error_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o peaceable_o and_o tame_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o opposition_n or_o that_o such_o a_o alteration_n shall_v be_v make_v without_o observation_n no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o or_o when_o certain_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o grow_v person_n before_o baptism_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o infant_n ought_v not_o
society_n of_o christian_n you_o please_v which_o giddy_a principle_n if_o it_o shall_v prevail_v will_v certain_o throw_v we_o into_o a_o absolute_a confusion_n and_o introduce_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mischief_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o our_o bless_a lord_n found_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o for_o they_o also_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o through_o their_o word_n one_o of_o the_o last_o petition_n which_o he_o then_o put_v up_o among_o diverse_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n that_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o become_v a_o inducement_n to_o move_v man_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n peace_n and_o amity_n and_o a_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v be_v the_o only_a beauty_n strength_n and_o security_n of_o all_o society_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o nourish_a of_o animosity_n and_o run_v into_o opposite_a party_n and_o faction_n do_v mighty_o weaken_v and_o by_o degree_n almost_o unavoidable_o draw_v on_o the_o ruin_n and_o dissolution_n of_o any_o community_n whether_o civil_a or_o sacred_a concord_n and_o union_n therefore_o will_v be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o state_n it_o have_v be_v know_v by_o too_o sad_a a_o experience_n as_o well_o in_o we_o as_o other_o age_n what_o a_o pernicious_a influence_n the_o intestine_a broil_n and_o quarrel_n among_o christian_n have_v have_v they_o have_v be_v the_o great_a stumbling-block_n to_o jew_n turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o their_o conversion_n they_o have_v make_v some_o among_o ourselves_o to_o become_v doubtful_a and_o sceptical_a in_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v lead_v other_o into_o many_o dangerous_a error_n that_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o some_o they_o have_v tempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o natural_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o the_o deity_n and_o embolden_v they_o to_o a_o profess_a atheism_n therefore_o as_o you_o will_v avoid_v the_o harden_v of_o man_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v whole_o ineffectual_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o cautious_a that_o you_o do_v not_o wilful_o divide_v his_o holy_a catholic_a church_n you_o be_v often_o warn_v of_o this_o and_o how_o many_o argument_n do_v st._n paul_n heap_v together_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o how_o pathetical_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v you_o again_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o mutual_a endearment_n that_o christianity_n afford_v if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n in_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n phil._n 2.1_o 2._o these_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o concord_n do_v strict_o oblige_v you_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a of_o you_o they_o that_o have_v the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o heaven_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v into_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o join_v serious_o in_o send_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o participate_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n beside_o the_o many_o strict_a precept_n and_o other_o strong_a obligation_n which_o you_o have_v to_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n die_v that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o john_n 11.52_o and_o do_v you_o not_o then_o contradict_v this_o end_n of_o his_o death_n in_o set_v those_o at_o variance_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o unite_v nay_o may_v you_o not_o be_v say_v to_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o by_o mangle_v and_o divide_v a_o sound_n and_o healthful_a part_n of_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n if_o indeed_o our_o church_n do_v require_v you_o to_o profess_v any_o false_a doctrine_n or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o any_o divine_a command_n you_o be_v bind_v in_o such_o instance_n to_o withdraw_v from_o she_o but_o since_o her_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a you_o be_v indispensable_o engage_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o it_o can_v be_v inculcate_v too_o often_o nothing_o but_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o we_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n lawful_a let_v it_o pity_v you_o at_o least_o to_o see_v the_o ghastly_a wound_n that_o be_v still_o renew_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o division_n be_v persuade_v to_o have_v some_o compassion_n on_o a_o bleed_a church_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v and_o in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o her_o enemy_n by_o the_o unnatural_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v support_v and_o defend_v she_o why_o shall_v you_o leave_v she_o thus_o desolate_a and_o forlorn_a when_o her_o present_a exigency_n require_v your_o most_o cordial_a assistance_n if_o the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n do_v not_o allow_v you_o may_v forsake_v she_o that_o have_v forsake_v he_o but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v object_v against_o she_o since_o she_o exact_v no_o forbid_a thing_n of_o you_o you_o ought_v to_o strengthen_v her_o hand_n by_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n since_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o let_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v any_o long_o a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o happy_a peace_n to_o a_o divide_a church_n a_o considerable_a security_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o probable_o defeat_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o stand_v gape_v after_o all_o and_o hope_n by_o our_o distraction_n to_o repair_v the_o loss_n she_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o reformation_n may_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v all_o wicked_a purpose_n unsuccesful_a and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o love_n heal_v all_o our_o breach_n and_o prosper_v the_o charitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o follow_v after_o peace_n amen_n the_o end_n