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knowledge_n great_a sin_n sin_v 3,244 5 9.7690 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33349 Three practical essays ... containing instructions for a holy life, with earnest exhortations, especially to young persons, drawn from the consideration of the severity of the discipline of the primitive church / by Samuel Clark ...; Whole duty of a Christian Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682. 1699 (1699) Wing C4561; ESTC R11363 120,109 256

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but_o than_o second_o to_o the_o keep_v a_o man_n baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a that_o which_o be_v think_v further_o necessary_a be_v that_o from_o fall_v into_o a_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o of_o those_o small_a and_o less_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o carelessness_n and_o culpable_a ignorance_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o betray_v a_o man_n into_o the_o act_n of_o he_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v himself_o by_o great_a cautiousness_n and_o sincere_a enquiry_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o from_o sin_n of_o omission_n from_o grow_v cool_a in_o religion_n and_o remit_v of_o his_o first_o love_n he_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v himself_o by_o constant_a meditation_n and_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o in_o order_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o humble_a and_o teachable_a penitent_a and_o devout_a meek_a in_o spirit_n and_o pure_a in_o mind_n and_o that_o to_o attain_v perfection_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o press_v forward_o towards_o 14_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n with_o a_o perfect_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n a_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o boundless_a charity_n to_o all_o mankind_n 3._o this_o be_v what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v by_o keep_v their_o baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a viz._n a_o regular_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o to_o this_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o strong_o oblige_v by_o the_o very_a form_n of_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v immerse_v into_o the_o water_n and_o they_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o again_o and_o this_o great_a solemnity_n be_v never_o after_o to_o be_v repeat_v in_o token_n that_o as_o christ_n once_o die_v for_o sin_n and_o rose_n again_o never_o to_o come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n any_o more_o so_o 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to_o live_v with_o all_o the_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o duty_n of_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o set_v down_o the_o head_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 3._o and_o consider_v that_o you_o promise_v all_o this_o most_o solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n consider_v that_o you_o enter_v into_o this_o promise_n with_o such_o solemnity_n as_o lay_v upon_o you_o the_o strong_a possible_a obligation_n to_o virtue_n consider_v that_o you_o so_o enter_v into_o this_o promise_n with_o knowledge_n and_o deliberation_n that_o if_o you_o shall_v afterward_o fall_v into_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n in_o contempt_n of_o such_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o gild_n thereof_o will_v be_v extreme_o increase_v and_o that_o therefore_o you_o ought_v now_o to_o affect_v your_o mind_n deep_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n and_o 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assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o tender_a father_n can_v deny_v his_o child_n any_o reasonable_a request_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n 13_o also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v and_o whenever_o he_o require_v more_o of_o we_o than_o we_o be_v natural_o able_a to_o perform_v will_v certain_o afford_v we_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n proportionable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o encounter_v as_o he_o constant_o do_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o through_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v enable_v to_o bear_v all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o either_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v with_o less_o concern_n than_o we_o can_v even_o
so_o appropriate_v but_o apply_v promiscuous_o to_o all_o christian_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o the_o apostle_n letter_n in_o which_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n be_v call_v elect_a sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a and_o most_o evident_o from_o st._n john_n who_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o whosoever_o say_v he_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n i._n e._n every_o christian_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o in_o those_o time_n who_o be_v not_o indeed_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o elect_a person_n and_o as_o christian_n who_o then_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o profession_n be_v style_v regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a so_o they_o who_o continue_v to_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o the_o end_n be_v say_v to_o persevere_v and_o of_o such_o only_a be_v it_o say_v that_o they_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o after_o their_o baptism_n lapse_v into_o any_o notorious_a transgression_n for_o one_o that_o have_v thus_o lapse_v they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o he_o shall_v repeat_v his_o crime_n no_o more_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o baptismal_a remission_n but_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o 23._o a_o long_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n to_o endeavour_v to_o wash_v out_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n nay_o and_o even_o this_o course_n also_o they_o allow_v of_o but_o 4._o once_o not_o that_o true_a repentance_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o ambrose_n ancient_a writer_n express_v it_o that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a remain_a remedy_n may_v not_o by_o be_v make_v too_o easy_a grow_v contemptible_a and_o ineflectual_a 6._o and_o now_o let_v we_o think_v upon_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n who_o i_o do_v not_o say_v after_o baptism_n and_o the_o solemn_a take_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o frequent_a purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n after_o repeat_v vow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n nay_o perhaps_o after_o confirm_v all_o these_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v themselves_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n we_o still_o continue_v under_o the_o weak_a excuse_n of_o infirmity_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n do_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o or_o have_v god_n establish_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o upon_o slight_a term_n and_o entail_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o upon_o easy_a condition_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a christian_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o say_v st._n john_n he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a 1_o john_n 3._o 7._o it_o be_v true_a the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o we_o live_v in_o christian_a nation_n and_o under_o christian_a government_n where_o there_o be_v no_o pagan_n to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v after_o their_o repentance_n and_o with_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o any_o sin_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n and_o complete_a conviction_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o etc._n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o can_v but_o require_v some_o time_n perfect_o to_o overcome_v a_o vicious_a disposition_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n but_o may_v we_o therefore_o spend_v our_o whole_a life_n in_o little_a and_o weak_a struggle_n against_o sin_n without_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v ancient_o think_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v a_o man_n for_o baptism_n may_v we_o therefore_o be_v excuse_v from_o ever_o become_v perfect_a christian_n because_o we_o be_v all_o along_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v never_o convert_v by_o any_o sudden_a conviction_n when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o that_o state_n describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o seven_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o great_a and_o know_v sin_n and_o set_v his_o mind_n to_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o through_o the_o viciousness_n of_o his_o inclination_n or_o the_o force_n of_o evil_a habit_n he_o frequent_o relapse_n and_o be_v entangle_v in_o they_o again_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n indeed_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o yet_o harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v hope_n that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o may_v at_o length_n prevail_v and_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n but_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o overcome_v he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a nor_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_o get_v above_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o know_v sin_n and_o assure_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o any_o more_o to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v and_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v at_o it_o timely_a that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n so_o wicked_a who_o do_v not_o design_n to_o repent_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o before_o he_o die_v and_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o in_o his_o gospel_n make_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o repentance_n that_o he_o have_v to_o innocence_n and_o continue_a obedience_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o by_o a_o fatal_a error_n the_o repentance_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o large_a promise_n be_v not_o the_o late_a repentance_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o the_o timely_a repentance_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a at_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o than_o baptism_n itself_o indeed_o if_o a_o christian_a by_o a_o unhappy_a education_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o sin_n and_o habituate_v to_o wickedness_n whenever_o he_o come_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o a_o heathen_a convert_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o both_o but_o when_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n do_v notwitstanding_n that_o continue_v wilful_o all_o his_o life_n in_o sin_n our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o assure_v he_o that_o god_n and_o angel_n will_v rejoice_v at_o his_o conversion_n if_o when_o he_o grow_v old_a he_o leave_v off_o sin_v because_o he_o can_v sin_v no_o more_o that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o such_o a_o repentance_n shall_v be_v accept_v at_o all_o we_o must_v therefore_o so_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n as_o to_o attain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o our_o saviour_n will_v accept_v and_o tryph._n he_o that_o after_o such_o a_o repentance_n live_v constant_o virtuous_a shall_v certain_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v always_o be_v innocent_a but_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o renew_a obedience_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o extend_v itself_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o our_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n 1._o as_o those_o who_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n have_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n be_v baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n upon_o their_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n so_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n
and_o design_v to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n upon_o promise_n make_v by_o surety_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o and_o that_o infant_n be_v right_o so_o admit_v to_o this_o ordinance_n beside_o the_o almost_o general_a consent_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v use_v but_o this_o one_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v those_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v infant_n to_o be_v mar._n 10._o 14_o and_o 15._o be_v certain_o qualify_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o qualification_n which_o fit_a man_n for_o both_o be_v repentance_n and_o faith_n now_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o repentance_n yet_o they_o have_v 59_o innocence_n which_o be_v better_o than_o repentance_n and_o which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o need_v it_o not_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n be_v yet_o by_o their_o repentance_n qualify_v for_o baptism_n how_o much_o more_o be_v infant_n who_o have_v never_o sin_v fit_v for_o it_o by_o their_o innocence_n and_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o and_o can_v have_v actual_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v 14._o sanctify_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n they_o be_v already_o in_o some_o sense_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o be_v ready_a without_o prejudice_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o 3._o infant_n therefore_o be_v right_o admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o privilege_n appropriate_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o a_o promise_v make_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v of_o certain_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o one_o on_o god_n part_n of_o certain_a grace_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v confer_v and_o because_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v any_o promise_n immediate_o by_o themselves_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v certain_a surety_n who_o shall_v promise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n what_o itself_o shall_v afterward_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o see_v it_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n 1_o that_o therefore_o which_o the_o surety_n undertake_v for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v in_o convenient_a time_n to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n of_o its_o be_v hearty_a in_o this_o belief_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o renew_a engagement_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o this_o practice_n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o fit_a season_n be_v bring_v to_o declare_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n its_o firmness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o command_n 2._o this_o be_v what_o the_o godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n promise_n for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n this_o they_o promise_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o undertake_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o a_o light_a thing_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o promise_n solemn_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whoever_o consider_v the_o matter_n serious_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o duty_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o any_o promise_n of_o more_o solemn_a obligation_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o duty_n more_o general_o and_o more_o shameful_o neglect_v nor_o any_o promise_n more_o light_o regard_v 3._o if_o a_o man_n be_v make_v guardian_n to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n how_o just_o do_v we_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o have_v he_o instruct_v in_o all_o that_o necessary_a knowledge_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o management_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v zealous_a to_o have_v he_o further_o endue_v with_o all_o those_o useful_a accomplishment_n which_o may_v become_v his_o quality_n and_o recommend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n but_o above_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v spare_v no_o pain_n to_o secure_v to_o he_o his_o estate_n and_o to_o improve_v his_o fortune_n and_o do_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o unfaithful_a of_o man_n who_o have_v such_o a_o charge_n commit_v unto_o he_o shall_v whole_o neglect_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o how_o much_o a_o great_a trust_n do_v he_o betray_v who_o have_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o child_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n by_o god_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v whole_o to_o have_v it_o teach_v those_o necessary_a truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o consist_v its_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o take_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o secure_v to_o it_o that_o portion_n which_o god_n have_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o who_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a babe_n perhaps_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o good_a advice_n and_o instruction_n begin_v to_o be_v overrun_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o in_o time_n must_v drown_v it_o in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n do_v yet_o show_v no_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o it_o what_o great_a uncharitableness_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n or_o what_o great_a mockery_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o education_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o whole_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o surety_n in_o baptism_n but_o first_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o but_o undoubted_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v assistant_n and_o if_o the_o parent_n either_o through_o wickedness_n neglect_v to_o instruct_v it_o or_o by_o death_n be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o the_o surety_n must_v look_v upon_o this_o care_n as_o chief_o devolve_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n 4._o in_o what_o station_n soever_o god_n appoint_v any_o man_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n either_o to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a or_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a if_o he_o neglect_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o brother_n perish_v through_o his_o default_n the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o perish_v will_v be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n ezek_n 3●_n 8._o when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a o_o wicked_a man_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a child_n be_v commit_v particular_o to_o the_o care_n of_o any_o person_n if_o through_o his_o neglect_n it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v shall_v its_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n with_o what_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n shall_v we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n hear_v those_o who_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o our_o charge_n accuse_v we_o for_o have_v
be_v through_o carelessness_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v astonish_v and_o cut_v to_o the_o heart_n to_o hear_v they_o curse_v we_o and_o say_v have_v those_o who_o shall_v have_v instruct_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o willing_a to_o have_v learn_v it_o we_o have_v never_o come_v into_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o how_o will_v it_o double_v the_o torment_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o have_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v undo_v by_o our_o neglect_n inflict_v upon_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o slight_a and_o trivial_a matter_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o child_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o their_o name_n at_o the_o font_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v afterward_o to_o perform_v conscientious_o what_o we_o there_o solemn_o promise_v for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n as_o a_o duty_n wherein_o their_o soul_n and_o our_o own_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o concern_v tertullian_n think_v it_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o baptismo_fw-la the_o surety_n be_v there_o oblige_v to_o promise_n what_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o perform_v and_o what_o if_o they_o do_v live_v they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v the_o baptize_v person_n to_o take_v upon_o himself_o he_o never_o once_o think_v that_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n may_v be_v wilful_o betray_v or_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n careless_o neglect_v which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o much_o strong_a objection_n what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o this_o great_a charge_n without_o ever_o design_v to_o think_v more_o of_o it_o 6._o let_v those_o man_n consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o promise_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n what_o they_o never_o design_v to_o think_v upon_o after_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o answer_v ready_o for_o a_o child_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o great_a distance_n they_o have_v no_o probability_n of_o ever_o see_v more_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o when_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o a_o child_n deliver_v it_o immediate_o to_o its_o parent_n as_o if_o they_o be_v by_o that_o mockery_n release_v from_o their_o promise_n and_o god_n delude_v as_o easy_o as_o man_n last_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o testify_v their_o love_n to_o a_o child_n who_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o by_o some_o little_a and_o trifle_a mark_n of_o kindness_n while_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o inhumane_o and_o unchristian_o cruel_a to_o it_o by_o neglect_v that_o one_o great_a kindness_n which_o they_o have_v promise_v and_o vow_v to_o do_v for_o it_o 7._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o notorious_a neglect_n of_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o shameless_a wickedness_n of_o our_o present_a age._n for_o while_o parent_n and_o surety_n be_v careless_a to_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n vicious_a inclination_n prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o insensible_o grow_v into_o vicious_a habit_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o happiness_n annex_v to_o it_o whereas_o be_v surety_n according_a to_o their_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n conscientious_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o those_o for_o who_o they_o have_v undertake_v be_v timely_a and_o diligent_o instruct_v religion_n will_v have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o innocent_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n child_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o different_o according_a to_o their_o different_a temper_n be_v early_o wrought_v upon_o to_o admire_v the_o beauty_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n to_o thirst_v after_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o confirmation_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o profess_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o renew_v their_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o with_o a_o full_a resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n and_o those_o renew_a promise_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n at_o which_o every_o man_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o from_o which_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n may_v true_o be_v date_v be_v evident_a but_o of_o what_o use_v the_o know_v and_o fix_v this_o period_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n may_v be_v be_v general_o very_o little_o consider_v for_o whilst_o some_o have_v groundless_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o every_o good_a man_n conversion_n after_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v away_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n and_o whilst_o other_o have_v weak_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o conversion_n after_o which_o though_o a_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o great_a wickedness_n yet_o he_o can_v fall_v final_o from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n most_o other_o have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o inquire_v at_o all_o into_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o the_o religious_a life_n begin_v or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v it_o since_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o by_o a_o sudden_a conversion_n but_o by_o a_o gradual_a progress_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n yet_o may_v a_o man_n nevertheless_o certain_o fix_v to_o himself_o the_o period_n from_o whence_o to_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n for_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v only_o from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o constant_a sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o accompany_v with_o many_o frailty_n inadvertency_n and_o surprise_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o holiness_n he_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v from_o a_o course_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n to_o a_o victory_n or_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v reckon_v his_o religious_a life_n from_o no_o long_o a_o time_n notwithstanding_o any_o pious_a interval_n and_o struggle_n which_o he_o may_v have_v have_v with_o his_o habitual_a temptation_n than_o from_o that_o period_n since_o which_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o know_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o use_v of_o a_o man_n fix_v within_o himself_o such_o a_o period_n will_v be_v that_o more_o assure_v and_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a and_o clear_a view_n of_o a_o well_o examine_v course_n of_o past_a holiness_n that_o effectual_a bar_n against_o fall_v into_o the_o act_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n which_o will_v be_v put_v by_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o by_o such_o a_o act_n he_o must_v lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o past_a virtue_n and_o be_v force_v to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n again_o from_o a_o new_a period_n and_o above_o all_o that_o mighty_a dread_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v repent_v and_o sin_v into_o which_o man_n will_v be_v rouse_v by_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v clear_o that_o such_o a_o course_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o this_o period_n from_o which_o i_o suppose_v a_o christian_n to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n must_v be_v either_o baptism_n confirmation_n or_o repentance_n in_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n to_o that_o of_o christianity_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o begin_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o strict_a piety_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o
to_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v plain_a unless_o god_n shall_v irresistible_o compel_v they_o they_o may_v well_o continue_v to_o act_v as_o they_o do_v though_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v real_o great_a than_o it_o be_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o imagine_v that_o if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v his_o preach_v and_o see_v his_o miracle_n if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o behold_v those_o mighty_a work_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n as_o the_o jew_n than_o have_v they_o shall_v not_o like_v they_o have_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o 30._o themselves_o but_o with_o all_o cheerfulness_n have_v believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o embrace_v his_o religion_n they_o fancy_n they_o shall_v immediate_o have_v become_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v will_v have_v have_v a_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n and_o if_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v not_o set_v upon_o this_o world_n more_o than_o upon_o the_o next_o if_o they_o value_v not_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o sense_n above_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v most_o certain_o they_o will_v do_v the_o same_o now_o but_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o earthly_a thing_n and_o their_o passion_n be_v strong_a than_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o reason_n if_o they_o do_v indeed_o so_o love_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n now_o as_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o by_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o religion_n to_o live_v like_o christian_n we_o need_v not_o question_v to_o affirm_v that_o they_o may_v very_o well_o have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n though_o they_o have_v live_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n be_v a_o notorious_a and_o stand_a instance_n how_o far_o prejudice_n and_o affection_n be_v able_a to_o prevail_v over_o the_o strong_a conviction_n when_o our_o saviour_n begin_v to_o preach_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n they_o require_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o and_o they_o will_v believe_v he_o but_o when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miracle_n that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v 25._o the_o book_n if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v write_v they_o persist_v still_o in_o their_o infidelity_n when_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o think_v themselves_o secure_a of_o he_o they_o say_v let_v he_o now_o come_v down_o from_o the_o 42_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o but_o when_o he_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a wherein_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n which_o be_v a_o much_o great_a and_o more_o convince_a miracle_n they_o grow_v more_o harden_v and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o unbelief_n 19_o other_o there_o be_v who_o imagine_v that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o world_n by_o the_o appearance_n of_o one_o send_v direct_o from_o that_o unknown_a state_n they_o will_v immediate_o become_v new_a creature_n but_o if_o god_n shall_v satisfy_v their_o unreasonable_a demand_n by_o send_v one_o on_o purpose_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o convince_v they_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o as_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v by_o one_o rise_v 31._o from_o the_o dead_a they_o may_v indeed_o at_o first_o be_v surprise_v and_o terrify_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o so_o unusual_a and_o unexpected_a a_o messenger_n but_o as_o wicked_a man_n upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n at_o the_o amaze_a approach_n of_o death_n and_o eternity_n resolve_v in_o the_o utmost_a anguish_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n to_o amend_v their_o life_n and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o terror_n be_v over_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o death_n past_a return_v to_o their_o old_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n shall_v god_n send_v a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o present_a wickedness_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o fright_v be_v over_o and_o their_o present_a terrible_a apprehension_n cease_v it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n impossible_a that_o their_o old_a vicious_a habit_n and_o belove_a sin_n shall_v again_o by_o degree_n prevail_v over_o they_o many_o there_o be_v in_o our_o present_a age_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o spirit_n by_o the_o powerful_a demonstration_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o their_o life_n be_v more_o remarkable_o eminent_a for_o exemplary_a piety_n than_o they_o who_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o less_o violent_a but_o more_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n go_v on_o in_o a_o sober_a constant_a and_o regular_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o righteousness_n 20._o in_o sum_n therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o upon_o the_o full_a view_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o exact_a and_o most_o deliberate_a judgement_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o make_v ought_v infinite_o to_o determine_v the_o action_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n consider_v that_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o upon_o the_o final_a upshot_n of_o thing_n if_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o deceit_n if_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v not_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v any_o good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o evil_n if_o there_o be_v any_o excellency_n if_o there_o be_v any_o happiness_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v true_a consider_v this_o i_o say_v thorough_o and_o then_o resolve_v deliberate_o and_o with_o full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n to_o act_v always_o suitable_o to_o this_o consideration_n and_o to_o put_v all_o upon_o this_o one_o issue_n and_o when_o temptation_n and_o melancholy_n shall_v succeed_v when_o vain_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a suspicion_n shall_v cloud_v the_o understanding_n and_o perplex_v the_o mind_n be_v sure_a to_o stick_v immovable_o to_o that_o resolution_n which_o have_v once_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o wise_a judgement_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n possible_a and_o when_o the_o present_a indisposition_n of_o mind_n shall_v be_v over_o thing_n will_v again_o appear_v in_o their_o true_a light_n and_o the_o first_o resolution_n will_v grow_v continual_o strong_a 21._o only_o in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o above_o all_o be_v sure_a to_o fix_v these_o thing_n deep_o upon_o the_o mind_n by_o frequent_a and_o serious_a meditation_n the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v strong_a and_o unless_o these_o also_o can_v by_o some_o mean_n be_v interest_v the_o bare_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v constant_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n 95._o but_o we_o must_v by_o constant_a meditation_n fix_v and_o inculcate_v they_o upon_o the_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v move_v our_o passion_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n be_v not_o content_a to_o believe_v slight_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o represent_v he_o frequent_o in_o your_o mind_n with_o the_o most_o lively_a character_n of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n consider_v he_o as_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v measure_v the_o water_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n and_o 12._o mete_v out_o heaven_n with_o the_o span_n and_o comprehend_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o measure_n and_o weigh_v the_o mountain_n in_o scale_n and_o the_o hill_n in_o a_o balance_n to_o who_o all_o nation_n be_v as_o a_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o be_v count_v as_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n consider_v he_o as_o that_o all-powerful_a be_v before_o who_o the_o pillar_n of_o heaven_n tremble_v 11._o and_o be_v astonish_v at_o his_o reproof_n before_o who_o all_o nation_n be_v as_o nothing_o and_o they_o be_v count_v to_o he_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n 17._o be_v not_o content_a to_o believe_v in_o general_a the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o think_v of_o he_o always_o as_o actual_o present_a observe_v all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n and_o understand_v even_o our_o thought_n afar_o off_o be_v not_o content_a 2._o to_o believe_v in_o general_a a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o frequent_o represent_v to_o yourself_o the_o solemnity_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n imagine_v our_o saviour_n sit_v in_o judgement_n as_o in_o that_o prophetical_a allusion_n with_o his_o throne_n like_o the_o
duty_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o a_o partial_a obedience_n and_o while_o they_o satisfy_v their_o own_o mind_n with_o some_o loose_a and_o general_a consideration_n that_o their_o life_n be_v religious_a in_o the_o main_a that_o they_o have_v a_o general_a esteem_n for_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o hate_v profaneness_n and_o profess_a irreligion_n they_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o some_o important_a duty_n 2._o my_o design_n be_v not_o in_o this_o short_a essay_n to_o make_v a_o large_a and_o particular_a deduction_n of_o all_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n this_o have_v already_o be_v full_o and_o excellent_o do_v 2._o by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o writer_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o the_o chief_a particular_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o some_o brief_a head_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o remember_v and_o carry_v constant_o in_o mind_n as_o perpetual_a memorial_n of_o what_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o must_v remember_v ourselves_o to_o be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 3._o first_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o devout_a towards_o god_n with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o mind_n possible_a and_o to_o seek_v all_o opportunity_n of_o express_v that_o devotion_n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v faith_n in_o god_n trust_v and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o submission_n and_o resignedness_n to_o his_o will_n fear_v and_o love_n of_o he_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n prayer_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n witchcraft_n and_o consult_v with_o such_o as_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v skill_n in_o any_o evil_a art_n perjury_n and_o vain_a swear_v unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n want_v of_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n unthankfulness_n and_o neglect_v of_o prayer_n carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o neglect_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a worship_n 4._o second_o that_o we_o ought_v constant_o to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o men._n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v honour_n and_o reverence_n fidelity_n and_o obedience_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v our_o superior_n goodness_n and_o kindness_n affability_n and_o courteousness_n justice_n and_o honesty_n gentleness_n and_o candour_n meekness_n and_o peaceableness_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o do_v all_o possible_a kindness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o equal_n pity_v and_o succour_n mercifulness_n and_o compassion_n alm_n and_o beneficence_n instruction_n and_o assistance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o inferior_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n traiterousness_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n murder_n and_o steal_v extortion_n and_o fraud_n perfidiousness_n and_o lie_v oppression_n and_o over_o reach_v calumny_n and_o evil-speaking_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n sourness_n and_o unkindness_n anger_n and_o passion_n peevishness_n and_o ill-nature_n sullenness_n and_o moroseness_n discord_n and_o unpeaceableness_n cruelty_n and_o uncharitableness_n pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o unconcernedness_n at_o the_o want_v and_o misery_n of_o other_o 5._o three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v temperate_a and_o abstemious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o temporal_a enjoyment_n as_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o candidate_n for_o heaven_n as_o those_o who_o look_v for_o their_o portion_n not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n chastity_n and_o purity_n contentment_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n patience_n and_o watchfulness_n mortification_n and_o self-denial_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o humility_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o fornication_n uncleanness_n and_o lasciviousness_n voluptuousness_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n idleness_n and_o softness_n impatience_n and_o discontent_n 6._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o every_o one_o who_o will_v in_o earnest_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o serious_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n must_v resolve_v to_o perform_v whoever_o will_v bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o christ_n must_v first_o consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o impious_a and_o profane_a man_n and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n rather_o than_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o his_o god_n he_o must_v consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o dear_a interest_n to_o conquer_v his_o most_o natural_a passion_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o must_v ask_v himself_o whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o temperance_n and_o purity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o mortify_v his_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o as_o a_o resolute_a follower_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n contemn_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n for_o unless_o he_o can_v peremptory_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v all_o this_o his_o profession_n of_o religion_n will_v certain_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o he_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o of_o you_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o haply_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v it_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v who_o do_v not_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n whatever_o it_o may_v cost_v he_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 28_o etc._n etc._n chap._n vi_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o confirmation_n of_o solemn_o renew_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n 1._o when_o a_o person_n be_v thus_o arrive_v to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n when_o he_o understand_v distinct_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v come_v to_o a_o settle_a resolution_n of_o conduct_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o become_v true_o meet_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v right_o prepare_v to_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o the_o church_n have_v wise_o ordain_v shall_v be_v do_v public_o at_o confirmation_n where_o by_o ratify_v with_o our_o own_o mouth_n the_o vow_n make_v in_o our_o name_n by_o our_o surety_n we_o solemn_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o same_o baptismal_a covenant_n entitle_v we_o to_o receive_v 2._o first_o therefore_o at_o receive_v confirmation_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o yourself_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v you_o to_o observe_v consider_v that_o you_o now_o confirm_v &_o ratify_v all_o that_o your_o surety_n promise_v and_o vow_v for_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o engage_v in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o stand_v firm_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o never_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v or_o afraid_a to_o own_v yourself_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o obey_v from_o henceforward_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v