of_o it_o we_o have_v then_o great_a need_n to_o be_v confirm_v in_o those_o holy_a resolution_n and_o good_a purpose_n and_o also_o strengthen_v against_o those_o fierce_a battery_n and_o desperate_a assault_n that_o will_v be_v make_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v now_o actual_o to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o bid_v a_o bold_a and_o open_a defiance_n to_o all_o the_o work_n of_o hell_n and_o satan_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o design_n and_o proper_a work_n of_o confirmation_n and_o this_o do_v evident_o manifest_a not_o only_o the_o lawfulness_n but_o likewise_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o divine_a rite_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n he_o enter_v this_o way_n upon_o his_o duty_n and_o work_n not_o be_v thereto_o urge_v by_o necessity_n but_o only_o to_o point_v out_o to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o compendious_a way_n to_o gain_v a_o competency_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o christian_a duty_n he_o who_o we_o be_v strict_o charge_v to_o follow_v as_o dear_a child_n be_v over_o shadow_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n just_o when_o he_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o weighty_a work_n about_o which_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n neither_o be_v this_o useful_a ministry_n only_o warrant_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n the_o great_a exemplar_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n but_o also_o we_o find_v it_o diligent_o observe_v and_o due_o practise_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o imitation_n of_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o confirm_v their_o convert_n after_o that_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n flock_n after_o the_o disciple_n be_v endow_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a by_o be_v miraculous_o inspire_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o communicate_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o their_o proselyte_n to_o help_v their_o imperfection_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o plain_a express_a word_n of_o scripture_n the_o relation_n whereof_o be_v record_v act_v 8.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o when_o the_o disciple_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n then_o lay_v they_o their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o if_o we_o do_v but_o due_o observe_v these_o word_n they_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o this_o divine_a ritual_a 1._o here_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o ministry_n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v and_o it_o be_v to_o such_o only_a that_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v belong_v it_o be_v only_o those_o that_o through_o the_o gate_n of_o baptism_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n flock_n upon_o who_o he_o will_v power_n down_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o his_o ambassador_n 2._o here_o be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o apostolic_a rite_n be_v administer_v after_o baptism_n when_o by_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n they_o have_v engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n than_o be_v the_o season_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n communicate_v unto_o they_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o strengthen_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o solemn_a engagement_n they_o then_o make_v 3._o here_o be_v the_o manner_n how_o confirmation_n be_v by_o these_o devout_a person_n administer_v it_o be_v by_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 4._o here_o be_v the_o only_a minister_n of_o this_o rite_n two_o of_o the_o select_a apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n philip_n the_o evangelist_n who_o convert_v and_o baptize_v they_o give_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o have_v not_o power_n so_o to_o do_v for_o this_o gift_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o none_o of_o the_o inferior_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o this_o very_a order_n do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n punctual_o observe_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o primitive_a discipline_n she_o confirm_v none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o time_n when_o she_o administer_v it_o be_v after_o baptism_n and_o here_o indeed_o she_o something_o vary_v from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n who_o confirm_v their_o convert_n present_o after_o baptism_n but_o she_o not_o until_o a_o considerable_a time_n afterward_o until_o the_o baptize_v be_v grow_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o understand_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n but_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o in_o regard_n those_o heathen_n which_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v at_o age_n when_o baptize_v to_o understand_v that_o promise_n they_o then_o make_v and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o be_v confirm_v at_o that_o very_a instant_n she_o likewise_o administer_v this_o rite_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o also_o the_o administer_v hereof_o be_v the_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v in_o the_o place_n and_o ordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o do_v in_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o be_v inspire_v and_o miraculous_o assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n all_o derive_v from_o the_o very_a same_o authority_n our_o church_n do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n even_o by_o those_o who_o precedent_n be_v a_o very_a good_a authority_n in_o this_o case_n and_o now_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o conjecture_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o confirmation_n unless_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v only_o ordain_v for_o a_o time_n viz._n for_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o after_o it_o be_v to_o expire_v but_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o ministry_n be_v not_o temporary_a and_o relative_a only_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o and_o hereby_o to_o become_v a_o perpetual_a and_o never-ceasing_a ministry_n i_o can_v then_o conceive_v what_o there_o be_v far_a to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o justness_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o rite_n and_o first_o in_o order_n to_o this_o performance_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o confirmation_n be_v establish_v and_o pass_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o author_n or_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n into_o a_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o that_o very_a epistle_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o apostle_n to_o make_v imposition_n of_o hand_n namely_o that_o which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n in_o confirmation_n by_o which_o it_o be_v usual_o know_v a_o fundamental_a point_n heb._n 6.1_o 2._o i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o very_a word_n as_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o my_o present_a purpose_n therefore_o leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n not_o lay_v again_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n here_o be_v six_o fundamental_a point_n of_o st._n paul_n catechism_n which_o he_o lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n or_o beginning_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christianity_n and_o among_o these_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v reckon_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_a to_o i_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v the_o very_a same_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o be_v use_v in_o confirm_v the_o baptize_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v place_v immediate_o after_o baptism_n as_o be_v a_o discipline_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v upon_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o a_o christian_a now_o this_o be_v a_o ground_n work_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o it_o must_v have_v
whereby_o i_o endeavour_v to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o good_n and_o estate_n of_o my_o neighbour_n as_o also_o i_o be_o hereby_o strict_o enjoin_v to_o be_v content_a with_o that_o portion_n of_o worldly_a good_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o to_o use_v justice_n in_o all_o mydealing_n to_o preserve_v my_o neighbour_n good_n and_o to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o enjoy_v his_o own_o propriety_n quiet_o and_o peaceable_o q._n in_o which_o of_o these_o command_n do_v thou_o learn_v to_o keep_v thy_o tongue_n from_o evil_a speak_n lie_v and_o slander_v a._n this_o part_n of_o my_o duty_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n i_o learn_v in_o the_o five_o command_n of_o this_o second_o table_n or_o in_o the_o nine_o of_o they_o all_o thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o neighbour_n in_o which_o i_o be_o forbid_v all_o lie_a slander_a backbiting_a evil_a speak_v bear_v false_a witness_n and_o all_o other_o vice_n of_o this_o nature_n whereby_o the_o reputation_n or_o good_a name_n of_o my_o neighbour_n or_o his_o good_n and_o life_n may_v be_v impair_v or_o wrong_v as_o also_o by_o this_o law_n i_o be_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a virtue_n that_o be_v to_o set_v so_o sure_a a_o guard_n over_o my_o tongue_n as_o nothing_o may_v proceed_v out_o of_o my_o mouth_n that_o may_v injure_v my_o brother_n q._n in_o which_o of_o these_o command_n do_v thou_o learn_v to_o keep_v thy_o body_n in_o temperance_n soberness_n and_o chastity_n a._n this_o i_o learn_v in_o the_o three_o command_n of_o this_o table_n or_o in_o the_o seven_o of_o they_o all_o thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n wherein_o i_o be_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n lasciviousness_n wantonness_n or_o uncleanness_n as_o also_o by_o this_o law_n i_o be_o enjoin_v to_o keep_v my_o body_n chaste_a and_o clean_a from_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o mean_n conduce_v hereunto_o such_o be_v sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o if_o by_o a_o high_a and_o full_a diet_n my_o body_n shall_v grow_v wanton_a and_o unruly_a then_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n by_o prayer_n watch_v and_o fast_v q._n in_o which_o command_n do_v thou_o learn_v not_o to_o covet_v nor_o desire_v other_o man_n good_n but_o to_o learn_v and_o labour_v true_o to_o get_v thy_o own_o live_n and_o to_o do_v thy_o duty_n in_o that_o state_n into_o which_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v thou_o a._n thus_o much_o i_o learn_v both_o in_o the_o last_o command_n of_o this_o table_n and_o of_o they_o all_o wherein_o i_o be_o forbid_v all_o covetous_a desire_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n the_o envy_v his_o wealth_n or_o prosperity_n all_o cark_n over-solicitous_a distract_n thought_n in_o the_o purchase_n this_o world_n good_n as_o also_o i_o be_o by_o this_o law_n command_v to_o be_v content_a with_o my_o own_o to_o labour_v honest_o in_o that_o employment_n wherein_o divine_a providence_n have_v place_v i_o without_o harbour_v one_o evil_a thought_n against_o my_o brother_n welfare_n q._n be_v you_o able_a to_o keep_v these_o command_n and_o hereby_o to_o make_v good_a that_o part_n of_o your_o promise_n you_o make_v at_o your_o baptism_n a._n in_o some_o measure_n i_o be_o able_a to_o observe_v they_o otherwise_o god_n will_v be_v unjust_a in_o exact_v that_o obedience_n i_o be_o uncapable_a of_o perform_v q._n how_o be_v you_o able_a whether_o by_o your_o own_o strength_n or_o must_v you_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o high_a power_n a._n i_o be_o not_o able_a by_o my_o own_o innate_a power_n to_o observe_v these_o law_n but_o that_o god_n who_o command_v i_o to_o keep_v they_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v my_o hearty_a endeavour_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o q._n what_o mean_n must_v you_o use_v to_o procure_v the_o assistance_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n a._n the_o only_a way_n to_o gain_v his_o aid_n be_v by_o earnest_o and_o affectionate_o beg_v it_o by_o prayer_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o my_o catechism_n warn_v i_o at_o all_o time_n to_o beg_v god_n special_a grace_n by_o prayer_n q._n how_o be_v you_o assure_v that_o god_n will_v help_v you_o when_o you_o pray_v unto_o he_o a._n in_o regard_n that_o he_o have_v faithful_o promise_v that_o all_o such_o as_o ask_v shall_v have_v and_o his_o bless_a son_n have_v pass_v his_o word_n that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v the_o father_n in_o his_o name_n it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o we_o q._n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o all_o the_o request_n even_o of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o grant_v a._n possible_o they_o may_v beg_v such_o favour_n as_o may_v not_o be_v convenient_a for_o they_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o at_o that_o present_a q._n by_o what_o mean_n may_v we_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v a._n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o form_n or_o precedent_n for_o the_o composure_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o call_v it_o the_o lord_n prayer_n q._n but_o what_o warrant_n have_v we_o to_o justify_v our_o so_o frequent_a use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n a._n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n st._n matthew_n bid_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o pray_v after_o that_o form_n and_o st._n luke_n enjoin_v we_o to_o pray_v the_o very_a same_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o when_o we_o do_v not_o use_v the_o very_a word_n yet_o at_o least_o we_o ought_v to_o compose_v our_o prayer_n answerable_a to_o that_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n q._n let_v i_o hear_v if_o thou_o can_v say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n a._n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n q._n what_o desire_v thou_o of_o god_n in_o this_o prayer_n a._n i_o desire_v my_o lord_n god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o grace_n unto_o i_o and_o unto_o all_o people_n that_o we_o may_v worship_v he_o serve_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a both_o for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o that_o he_o will_v he_o merciful_a unto_o we_o and_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o it_o will_v please_v he_o to_o save_v and_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o danger_n ghostly_a and_o bodily_a and_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o from_o our_o ghostly_a enemy_n and_o from_o everlasting_a death_n and_o this_o i_o trust_v he_o will_v do_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v amen_o so_o be_v it_o q._n why_o do_v you_o invoke_v god_n after_o this_o manner_n call_v he_o your_o heavenly_a father_n a._n because_o when_o i_o consider_v he_o as_o my_o father_n this_o give_v i_o confidence_n to_o approach_v his_o sacred_a presence_n and_o also_o give_v i_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v supply_v my_o want_n according_a as_o my_o necessity_n require_v q._n but_o why_o do_v you_o say_v our_o father_n &_o not_o my_o father_n and_o also_o put_v up_o all_o the_o follow_a petition_n in_o general_a term_n a._n in_o regard_n i_o be_o bind_v not_o only_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o myself_o but_o also_o for_o all_o those_o who_o have_v god_n for_o their_o father_n q._n but_o why_o do_v you_o call_v he_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n a._n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o my_o temporal_a father_n and_o to_o acknowdedge_v my_o be_v and_o well-being_n sole_o to_o depend_v upon_o this_o my_o everliving_a and_o eternal_a father_n q._n be_v their_o any_o thing_n else_o you_o learn_v from_o this_o comfortable_a title_n a._n yes_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o on_o earth_n that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o disparity_n betwixt_o we_o this_o teach_v i_o to_o use_v all_o reverence_n and_o humility_n when_o in_o his_o presence_n to_o have_v clean_a hand_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n when_o i_o appear_v before_o so_o great_a so_o infinite_a a_o majesty_n q._n in_o which_o petition_n do_v thou_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o send_v his_o grace_n unto_o you_o and_o unto_o all_o people_n that_o you_o may_v worship_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o
the_o very_a same_o continuance_n with_o it_o the_o shallow_a capacity_n easy_o apprehend_v that_o when_o the_o foundation_n be_v root_v up_o the_o whole_a fabric_n must_v be_v throw_v down_o but_o then_o again_o this_o ministry_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v of_o a_o large_a continuance_n than_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o regard_n that_o blessing_n which_o by_o this_o ministry_n be_v confer_v be_v to_o abide_v with_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o viz._n the_o benign_a influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o our_o saviour_n make_v this_o gracious_a promise_n at_o the_o first_o to_o his_o disciple_n to_o give_v they_o the_o comforter_n he_o be_v to_o abide_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 14.16_o and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v send_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o this_o gift_n be_v so_o miraculous_o bestow_v upon_o the_o holy_a apostle_n at_o the_o day_n of_o penticost_n insomuch_o that_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n be_v strange_o amaze_v and_o marvel_v to_o hear_v they_o speak_v in_o divers_a language_n at_o that_o very_o same_o time_n st._n peter_n to_o take_v off_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o wonder_n and_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o power_n tell_v they_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o upon_o condition_n they_o will_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v every_o one_o of_o they_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o the_o mean_a the_o most_o inconsiderable_a among_o they_o but_o shall_v receive_v that_o great_a thing_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o they_o and_o not_o only_a themselves_o but_o their_o child_n also_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v act_v 2.38_o 39_o now_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o rite_n which_o be_v partly_o moral_a and_o partly_o ceremonial_a the_o first_o be_v prayer_n the_o other_o be_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v transient_a only_o for_o a_o short_a time_n when_o as_o the_o promise_n itself_o be_v to_o continue_v for_o ever_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o solemn_a rite_n annex_v to_o a_o perpetual_a promise_n shall_v be_v transient_a and_o temporary_a the_o promise_n be_v of_o a_o blessing_n to_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o this_o also_o must_v be_v for_o ever_o and_o as_o this_o ministry_n be_v to_o continue_v for_o ever_o so_o be_v it_o due_o observe_v and_o actual_o practise_v by_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o reverent_a bishop_n of_o down_o in_o his_o treatise_n upon_o this_o subject_n have_v very_o learned_o prove_v and_o certain_o next_o after_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a argument_n for_o the_o probation_n of_o ritual_n and_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o discourse_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o rite_n be_v certain_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v every_o reasonable_a person_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v authorize_v by_o no_o mean_a a_o person_n than_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v a_o never-ceasing_a ministry_n must_v of_o necessity_n both_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o very_o meet_v and_o convenient_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o practice_n but_o in_o regard_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o powerful_o prevail_v with_o mankind_n than_o their_o interest_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o wholesome_a discipline_n and_o to_o encourage_v all_o to_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o it_o endeavour_v to_o manifest_v those_o great_a grace_n and_o excellent_a privilege_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o the_o worthy_a reception_n and_o due_a ministry_n of_o it_o when_o confirmation_n be_v right_o perform_v and_o worthy_o receive_v it_o will_v be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o we_o and_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o spiritual_a good_a and_o interest_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v neglect_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o scripture_n have_v speak_v so_o full_o &_o plain_o as_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o great_a blessing_n that_o wait_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v record_v by_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n that_o at_o the_o first_o ministration_n of_o this_o rite_n they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o command_v they_o to_o tarry_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o glorious_a promise_n they_o be_v endow_v with_o virtue_n from_o on_o high_a that_o be_v with_o strength_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n to_o persevere_v in_o their_o christian_a profession_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o accurse_a instrument_n so_o that_o this_o power_n from_o on_o high_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a blessing_n of_o confirmation_n be_v express_v not_o only_o with_o speak_v of_o tongue_n and_o do_v miracle_n but_o it_o be_v effect_v in_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a strength_n they_o be_v not_o only_o enable_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n to_o speak_v in_o a_o language_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o do_v mighty_a work_n to_o convince_v gainsayers_a but_o also_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o courage_n and_o wisdom_n and_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o boldness_n open_o to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o manful_o to_o fight_v under_o his_o banner_n against_o sin_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o continue_v christ_n faithful_a servant_n and_o soldier_n to_o their_o life_n end_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o due_o consider_v how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o err_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n to_o start_v aside_o like_o a_o break_a bow_n and_o what_o great_a opposition_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o we_o shall_v find_v abundance_n of_o reason_n to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o gain_v a_o great_a measure_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n good_a spirit_n that_o body_n of_o death_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o old_a man_n of_o sin_n our_o rebellious_a will_n and_o affection_n do_v fatal_o resist_v all_o good_a motion_n and_o inclination_n within_o we_o this_o law_n in_o our_o member_n be_v continual_o war_a against_o the_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o our_o member_n but_o when_o this_o almighty_a spirit_n descend_v upon_o we_o he_o supply_v we_o with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o strength_n as_o enable_v we_o to_o mortify_v all_o our_o earthly_a member_n to_o keep_v they_o under_o subjection_n to_o vanquish_v all_o those_o proud_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o lead_v we_o captive_n to_o the_o committance_n of_o evil_n but_o beside_o these_o inward_a we_o have_v also_o outward_a enemy_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o accurse_a retinue_n which_o bandy_n together_o their_o force_n to_o overcome_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o into_o their_o snare_n and_o vassalage_n these_o exercise_n all_o their_o malice_n and_o cunning_a to_o provoke_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o solemn_a baptismal_a engagement_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o a_o downright_a opposition_n to_o that_o duty_n our_o maker_n expect_v from_o we_o when_o we_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o a_o holy_a profession_n and_o have_v faithful_o covenant_v to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a practice_n that_o be_v unworthy_a this_o our_o high_a call_n then_o be_v the_o time_n that_o our_o grand_a adversary_n fear_v that_o he_o shall_v lose_v a_o prosellyte_n will_v violent_o oppose_v we_o he_o will_v make_v we_o promise_n as_o large_a as_o heart_n can_v either_o wish_v or_o desire_v nay_o he_o will_v not_o stand_v out_o for_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o lose_v a_o disciple_n he_o will_v out_o of_o design_n court_v we_o at_o a_o exceed_a high_a rate_n tell_v we_o as_o he_o do_v our_o saviour_n that_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n with_o their_o glory_n be_v at_o his_o disposal_n so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v want_v to_o complete_a our_o desire_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v will_v we_o but_o throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o under_o his_o accurse_a banner_n
thing_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o well_o learned_a the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 11.12_o and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n that_o apollo_n be_v first_o instruct_v or_o catechize_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o original_a render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o speak_v to_o other_o diligent_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v therefore_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o good_a effect_n of_o catechise_v we_o can_v assign_v these_o disorder_n among_o we_o viz._n the_o ignorance_n of_o some_o the_o debauchery_n of_o many_o the_o factiousnes_n of_o not_o a_o few_o to_o any_o cause_n so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o weighty_a duty_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o inestimable_a benefit_n that_o do_v attend_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o performance_n it_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o a_o very_a great_a neglect_n be_v make_v which_o be_v occasion_v not_o only_o by_o the_o default_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n but_o also_o by_o those_o that_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n many_o of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o child_n be_v strange_o careless_a in_o their_o education_n be_v far_o more_o ready_a to_o debauch_v their_o tender_a year_n than_o to_o endeavour_v by_o wholesome_a instruction_n to_o season_v they_o with_o the_o sound_a principle_n of_o religion_n a_o idle_a story_n a_o vain_a song_n or_o a_o wanton_a expression_n they_o can_v hear_v repeat_v by_o they_o with_o far_o more_o delight_n than_o those_o plain_a necessary_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o catechism_n and_o they_o will_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n rather_o enjoin_v they_o to_o employ_v that_o time_n in_o follow_v such_o little_a worldly_a occasion_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o suffer_v they_o to_o idle_a it_o away_o in_o play_n and_o pastime_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v rehearse_v their_o catechism_n before_o the_o congregation_n nay_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v absolute_o forbid_v or_o at_o least_o seek_v occasion_n to_o hinder_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n from_o be_v public_o instruct_v in_o the_o church_n catechism_n i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o this_o nature_n guilty_a will_v serious_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o almighty_a god_n have_v not_o only_o command_v we_o to_o know_v his_o sacred_a will_n and_o to_o retain_v it_o in_o our_o memory_n but_o also_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o our_o child_n and_o to_o instruct_v our_o family_n therein_o according_a to_o our_o several_a capacity_n and_o certain_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v that_o great_a blessing_n of_o child_n will_v be_v strange_o confound_v and_o full_a of_o terror_n at_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o they_o shall_v behold_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o loin_n reject_v with_o a_o depart_n from_o i_o you_o curse_v occasion_v principal_o through_o their_o carelessness_n and_o neglect_n in_o their_o education_n but_o beside_o these_o it_o be_v too_o evident_o manifest_a that_o those_o also_o who_o shall_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o remiss_a in_o administer_a such_o food_n to_o these_o tender_a lamb_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o weak_a appetite_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o omission_n if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o ponder_v with_o themselves_o that_o charge_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o be_v strict_o bind_v if_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v account_v good_a and_o faithful_a steward_n to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n what_o they_o can_v allege_v in_o defence_n for_o this_o their_o negligence_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o of_o these_o head_n either_o they_o affirm_v that_o catechism_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o preach_v or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o well_o relish_v the_o church_n catechism_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o pretence_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o without_o abundance_n of_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n enjoin_v every_o minister_n under_o strict_a penalty_n to_o instruct_v the_o young_a sort_n in_o the_o catechism_n every_o sunday_n in_o the_o afternoon_n which_o if_o due_o perform_v we_o may_v hope_v to_o see_v a_o good_a reformation_n in_o the_o loose_a practice_n of_o the_o young_a sort_n neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o my_o head_n how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o preach_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a way_n of_o preach_v and_o if_o this_o be_v right_o exercise_v no_o method_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a &_o seasonable_a to_o increase_v the_o knowledge_n of_o most_o capacity_n especial_o in_o country_n congregation_n where_o all_o sort_n be_v in_o no_o mean_a degree_n ignorant_a of_o those_o plain_a common_a truth_n contain_v in_o our_o church_n catechism_n the_o judicious_a mr._n hooker_n term_v the_o public_a performance_n of_o catechise_n in_o the_o open_a hear_n of_o the_o congregation_n preach_v in_o reference_n whereto_o he_o describe_v preach_v to_o be_v the_o open_a publication_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n or_o the_o make_v know_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o which_o way_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v whether_o by_o a_o continue_a discourse_n as_o in_o a_o sermon_n or_o by_o question_n and_o answer_v as_o in_o catechise_v it_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v style_v preach_v but_o other_o there_o be_v who_o possible_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o catechise_v may_v be_v advantageous_a yet_o they_o neglect_v it_o because_o they_o can_v affect_v the_o church_n catechism_n which_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o use_v i_o must_v confess_v myself_o uncapable_a of_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o this_o scruple_n in_o regard_n i_o be_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o i_o know_v but_o one_o which_o be_v too_o frequent_o give_v in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n they_o do_v not_o like_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o church_n catechism_n that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n it_o contain_v no_o doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o it_o include_v most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n three_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o compile_v a_o catechism_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v plain_a 2._o methodical_a 3._o that_o it_o contain_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o church_n catechism_n 1._o it_o be_v plain_a and_o without_o much_o difficulty_n to_o be_v understand_v all_o it_o contain_v be_v level_v to_o the_o weak_a capacity_n 2._o it_o be_v methodical_a it_o begin_v with_o our_o baptism_n which_o be_v our_o initiation_n into_o christianity_n into_o the_o number_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n it_o show_v we_o what_o we_o be_v by_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o grace_n be_v give_v we_o at_o our_o baptism_n when_o as_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o also_o be_v employ_v our_o condition_n by_o nature_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n our_o soul_n very_o much_o defile_v and_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o very_o much_o impair_v and_o weaken_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n it_o also_o at_o large_a explain_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n by_o show_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o those_o command_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o that_o solemn_a promise_n and_o than_o it_o manifest_v our_o insufficiency_n of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o we_o be_v to_o beg_v of_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o here_o also_o it_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n and_o precedent_n for_o our_o prayer_n viz._n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o afterward_o in_o brief_a it_o explain_v both_o the_o sacrament_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o it_o contain_v the_o first_o principle_n &_o element_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o i_o can_v apprehend_v what_o just_a ground_n of_o exception_n can_v be_v make_v against_o the_o use_n of_o this_o catechism_n but_o that_o every_o minister_n ought_v to_o use_v it_o as_o not_o only_o be_v wise_o and_o prudent_o compose_v but_o also_o as_o be_v hereto_o oblige_v by_o the_o high_a power_n to_o who_o lawful_a command_n we_o be_v to_o yield_v a_o active_a obedience_n but_o but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o only_a guilty_a per_fw-la …_o for_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v other_o to_o who_o trust_n be_v commit_v some_o part_n of_o christ_n flock_n who_o although_o they_o do_v not_o whole_o omit_v this_o