i_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v obtain_v the_o end_n we_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o tempt_v of_o god_n to_o expect_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v a_o sin_n be_v a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o plain_a command_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o unless_o god_n grant_v repentance_n to_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o it_o will_v prove_v damnable_a now_o while_o man_n continue_v in_o this_o neglect_n they_o do_v not_o true_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a repentance_n without_o reformation_n 4._o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o live_v and_o dye_v in_o the_o know_a and_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n but_o threaten_v the_o contrary_a and_o who_o will_v hazard_v his_o salvation_n by_o such_o a_o neglect_n obj._n 10._o but_o say_v other_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o ill_a thing_n of_o some_o church-member_n that_o we_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o we_o to_o join_v with_o they_o though_o they_o make_v holy_a profession_n yet_o their_o practice_n be_v unholy_a and_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a and_o this_o keep_v we_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o report_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v false_a and_o only_o raise_v by_o some_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o if_o so_o you_o wrong_v both_o yourselves_o and_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o believe_v of_o it_o before_o you_o have_v thorough_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o our_o neighbour_n as_o psalm_n 15.3_o 2._o suppose_v the_o report_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o their_o church-membership_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o immorality_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o want_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v 3._o their_o sin_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o those_o that_o hold_v church-fellowship_n with_o they_o if_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o and_o do_v no_o way_n partake_v with_o they_o therein_o such_o a_o reproof_n prudent_o and_o private_o give_v by_o a_o fellow-member_n may_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n to_o the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o a_o disorderly_a walker_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o christ_n own_o appointment_n to_o this_o end_n if_o not_o the_o reprover_n ought_v to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o they_o may_v use_v church-discipline_n upon_o they_o which_o if_o they_o neglect_v the_o reprove_v member_n will_v have_v this_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n and_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n as_o mat._n 18.15_o 16._o 4._o the_o participation_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v the_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o any_o of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o loss_n and_o punishment_n so_o that_o if_o you_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o keep_v yourselves_o off_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o of_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a or_o disorderly_o walk_v you_o punish_v yourselves_o for_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o which_o be_v injustice_n 5._o to_o keep_v off_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n mere_o because_o some_o unworthy_a person_n partake_v of_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o sin_n in_o one_o kind_n a_o occasion_n of_o your_o sin_v in_o another_o kind_n their_o sin_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o commission_n you_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n 6._o if_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n shall_v keep_v off_o from_o join_v with_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o member_n in_o it_o that_o be_v disorderly_a walker_n either_o all_o such_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o such_o disorderly_a walker_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v say_v that_o either_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v you_o must_v know_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o when_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o any_o member_n appear_v by_o their_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n that_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v aught_o to_o use_v church-discipline_n upon_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o to_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o a_o share_n in_o their_o gild_n but_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o keep_v from_o join_v with_o a_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o such_o peccant_a member_n in_o it_o obj._n 11._o but_o if_o this_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v use_v only_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n say_v some_o we_o can_v remember_v he_o well_o enough_o without_o it_o we_o think_v of_o he_o every_o day_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n put_v we_o frequent_o in_o mind_n of_o he_o how_o can_v any_o christian_a forget_v he_o that_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o they_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o such_o need_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o this_o end_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o objection_n savour_v rank_o of_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n which_o be_v very_o provoke_v sin_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n do_v you_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o end_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o a_o right_a participation_n of_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o a_o needless_a thing_n and_o be_v you_o not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n you_o will_v not_o account_v yourselves_o wise_a than_o christ_n himself_o who_o 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our_o dull_a and_o dead_a heart_n need_v the_o most_o heart-affecting_a and_o quicken_a mean_n and_o ordinance_n 3._o know_v that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v for_o other_o holy_a end_n beside_o that_o of_o remember_v christ_n as_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o have_v hear_v before_o and_o so_o be_v needful_a and_o to_o be_v use_v for_o those_o end_n as_o well_o as_o for_o that_o 4._o gracious_a soul_n have_v sometime_o meet_v with_o some_o peculiar_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o love_n in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o such_o spiritual_a refreshment_n strength_n and_o comfort_n as_o they_o find_v not_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o their_o experience_n shall_v be_v argument_n encourage_v other_o to_o use_v this_o ordinance_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o like_a benefit_n obj._n 12._o but_o say_v other_o we_o be_v so_o encumber_v and_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o can_v be_v enough_o compose_v in_o our_o spirit_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n can_v we_o once_o get_v well_o through_o they_o we_o will_v then_o endeavour_v to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o come_v to_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v no_o just_a plea_n or_o excuse_v for_o your_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o consider_v 1._o god_n allow_v you_o sufficient_a time_n for_o necessary_a care_n about_o your_o worldly_a matter_n and_o appoint_v you_o proper_a time_n also_o for_o the_o care_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v and_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o see_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v mind_v in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o place_n
a_o persuasive_a to_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o privilege_n contain_v a_o essay_n for_o the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o such_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n who_o live_v in_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o transition_n of_o church-member_n from_o their_o infant_n to_o their_o adult-state_n and_o regular_a admission_n to_o full_a communion_n write_a for_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o need_v instruction_n in_o these_o spiritual_a concern_v 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_a mr._n george_n day_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o london-street_n in_o ratcliff_n 1697._o 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among_o christian_n be_v oblige_v by_o their_o principle_n to_o make_v any_o opposition_n 1._o he_o persuade_v the_o adult_n who_o be_v unbaptise_v to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o and_o then_o to_o seek_v after_o baptism_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o author_n in_o the_o introduction_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v whole_o reject_v both_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o useless_a ceremony_n and_o dispute_v against_o they_o but_o all_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v gospel-ordinance_n must_v according_a to_o their_o declare_a principle_n concur_v with_o our_o author_n to_o press_v all_o adult_n unbaptised_a person_n to_o be_v baptise_a they_o who_o go_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o anabaptist_n may_v possible_o except_o against_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n which_o he_o assert_n but_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a as_o any_o other_o to_o persuade_v the_o adult_n who_o be_v not_o baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n to_o hasten_v to_o that_o ordinance_n 2._o he_o persuade_v baptise_a grow_v person_n to_o labour_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o and_o then_o to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v their_o unquestionable_a duty_n so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n he_o can_v have_v no_o adversary_n whatever_o different_a sentiment_n some_o may_v have_v about_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n have_v give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o author_n and_o his_o little_a book_n we_o have_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o this_o preface_n and_o shall_v only_o add_v our_o prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v afford_v his_o blessing_n that_o the_o book_n may_v attain_v the_o end_n which_o the_o author_n propound_v to_o himself_o in_o his_o write_n of_o it_o william_n bates_n george_n hamond_n errata_fw-la to_o be_v correct_v page_n 46._o line_n 22._o for_o bercelerius_fw-la read_v bertelerius_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n there_o be_v publish_v of_o mr._n george_n days_n the_o communicants_a instructor_n or_o a_o sacramental_a catechism_n mr._n day_n funeral_n sermon_n preach_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n sam._n slater_n print_v for_o john_n laurence_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o poultry_n there_o be_v now_o publish_v two_o scarce_a book_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n open_v or_o a_o display_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o essential_a and_o mediatorial_n glory_n contain_v forty_o two_o sermon_n on_o various_a text_n and_o also_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n both_o in_o 4to_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_n and_o learned_a mr._n j._n flavel_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o dartmouth_n there_o be_v likewise_o new_o publish_v a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o late_a day_n of_o thanksgiving_n decemb._n 2._o 1697._o by_o mr._n j._n how_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v dr._n bates_n congratulatory_a speech_n to_o the_o king_n novemb_n 22._o 1697._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o dissent_v minister_n in_o and_o about_o london_n a_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n in_o 176_o sermon_n on_o the_o lesser_a catechism_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n by_o tho._n watson_n former_o minister_n at_o st._n stephens-wallbrook_a london_n the_o introduction_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o no_o sober_a christian_n will_v deny_v that_o omission_n or_o neglect_v of_o command_v duty_n be_v as_o true_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o commission_n of_o sin_n forbid_v and_o so_o as_o certain_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o as_o will_v please_v god_n and_o escape_v destruction_n aught_o as_o conscientios_o to_o perform_v duty_n as_o to_o forbear_v iniquity_n and_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n as_o well_o as_o to_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n now_o among_o the_o many_o sin_n of_o omission_n
this_o ordinance_n you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o mercy_n as_o if_o this_o do_v render_v your_o sin_n unpardonable_a but_o your_o duty_n be_v to_o renew_v your_o repentance_n for_o it_o to_o pray_v for_o pardon_n of_o it_o and_o power_n against_o it_o and_o to_o stand_v more_o strict_o on_o your_o guard_n for_o time_n to_o come_v then_o you_o have_v scripture_n ground_n to_o hope_n for_o pardon_n 1_o john_n 2.1_o 2._o psalm_n 32.5_o 6._o jer._n 3.22_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o scripture_n well_o 5._o beware_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o secret_a love_n to_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o and_o lothness_n to_o part_v with_o it_o that_o keep_v you_o from_o this_o ordinance_n what_o ever_o else_o may_v be_v pretend_v be_v very_o jealous_a of_o your_o own_o heart_n for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n examine_v yourselves_o therefore_o very_o strict_o lest_o this_o shall_v lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n but_o if_o you_o find_v you_o be_v indeed_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o every_o sin_n and_o to_o obey_v every_o command_n of_o christ_n though_o you_o can_v live_v a_o sinless_a life_n yet_o you_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_v come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n obj._n 7._o but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o sect_n among_o professor_n of_o religion_n some_o say_n their_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o other_o say_v they_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o know_v not_o which_o to_o join_v ourselves_o to_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n and_o division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o causer_n and_o fomenter_n of_o they_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o great_a day_n for_o they_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o the_o blind_a as_o leu._n 19.14_o make_v they_o to_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o thereby_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o curse_n as_o deut._n 27.18_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o these_o difference_n may_v hinder_v some_o person_n from_o join_v themselves_o with_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o full_a communion_n though_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o ignorance_n weakness_n or_o prejudice_n these_o difference_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o nor_o plea_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o though_o there_o be_v such_o division_n among_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o of_o these_o society_n of_o christian_n at_o least_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—ue_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o some_o may_v be_v more_o reform_v pure_a and_o sound_v than_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o where_o they_o have_v liberty_n of_o choice_n to_o those_o who_o be_v just_o esteem_v by_o person_n capable_a to_o judge_n viz._n by_o wise_a and_o judicious_a christian_n the_o pure_a and_o best_a or_o such_o as_o keep_v near_o to_o the_o gospel-rule_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n 2._o consider_v for_o person_n to_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v join_v with_o any_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v not_o join_v to_o a_o true_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o certain_a sin_n to_o avoid_v a_o uncertain_a one_o and_o therefore_o no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v do_v thus_o 3._o in_o what_o soever_o society_n of_o christian_n the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a gospel-church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v viz._n the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o minister_n call_v qualify_v and_o set_v a_o part_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o society_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o true_a gospel-church_n and_o will_v be_v own_v by_o christ_n as_o such_o though_o it_o may_v differ_v from_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o circumstantial_a and_o lesser_a thing_n and_o private_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v join_v themselves_o to_o any_o such_o society_n see_v christ_n have_v receive_v they_o 4._o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o understanding_n and_o impartial_a eye_n that_o those_o of_o the_o moderate_a episcopal_n presbyterian_a and_o congregational_a persuasion_n have_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a gospel-churche_n and_o own_o the_o same_o doctrinal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o discipline_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o private_a christian_n may_v safe_o join_v themselves_o to_o either_o of_o they_o according_a as_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o suppose_v you_o have_v hear_v the_o minister_n of_o each_o of_o these_o persuasion_n where_o you_o have_v find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a benefit_n there_o it_o be_v most_o advisable_a for_o you_o to_o join_v if_o it_o may_v be_v obj._n 8._o but_o say_v another_o i_o be_o poor_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o shall_v i_o seek_v to_o join_v myself_o to_o a_o church_n they_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v i_o do_v it_o only_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o share_n in_o their_o charity_n and_o reject_v i_o for_o fear_v i_o shall_v be_v burdensome_a to_o they_o this_o keep_v i_o off_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o objection_n savour_v of_o pride_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o become_v not_o any_o christian_n especial_o the_o poor_a sort_n humility_n and_o charity_n or_o love_n will_v teach_v you_o to_o think_v the_o best_a and_o to_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o yourselves_o and_o to_o hope_v that_o minister_n and_o christian_n do_v better_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n than_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o refuse_v admission_n of_o any_o person_n into_o their_o communion_n mere_o for_o their_o poverty_n and_o you_o ought_v to_o think_v thus_o of_o they_o until_o you_o find_v the_o contrary_n 2._o be_v you_o sure_o beforehand_o that_o they_o will_v refuse_v you_o yet_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o offer_v yourself_o and_o seek_v admission_n and_o than_o if_o they_o unjust_o refuse_v you_o the_o sin_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n and_o you_o will_v be_v free_a but_o their_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v be_v no_o good_a excuse_n for_o your_o neglect_v your_o own_o duty_n 3._o no_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n dare_v to_o refuse_v the_o poor_a christian_n because_o he_o be_v poor_a provide_v it_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o gospel-right_a to_o and_o fitness_n for_o admission_n to_o this_o ordinance_n see_v he_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o refuse_v none_o that_o come_v to_o he_o but_o invit_v all_o whether_o rich_a or_o poor_a as_o mat._n 11.28_o and_o john_n 6.37_o and_o require_v his_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o same_o mat._n 28.19_o and_o mark_v 16.15_o 16._o mat._n 22.9_o 10._o they_o know_v that_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v but_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o as_o 1_o cor._n 1.26_o and_o james_n 2.5_o and_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o call_v they_o will_v not_o know_o refuse_v 4._o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o your_o own_o heart_n then_o suspicious_a of_o other_o and_o see_v that_o you_o aim_v at_o high_a and_o better_a end_n in_o seek_v to_o join_v yourself_o to_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o obtain_v some_o worldly_a support_n as_o know_v those_o that_o follow_v christ_n only_o for_o the_o loaf_n be_v just_o blame_v by_o he_o john_n 6.26_o if_o your_o end_n be_v right_o and_o good_a leave_v god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o your_o esteem_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o christian_n obj._n 9_o but_o say_v other_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n though_o we_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n god_n forbid_v that_o all_o who_o dye_v without_o this_o ordinance_n shall_v perish_v ans_fw-fr 1._o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o say_v or_o think_v that_o none_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o receiver_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o i_o believe_v the_o contrary_a yea_o i_o know_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o will_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o save_v change_n upon_o their_o heart_n as_o luke_n 13.26_o 27._o i_o free_o grant_v that_o neither_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o ordinance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n see_v god_n do_v nothing_o by_o ordinance_n but_o what_o he_o can_v do_v without_o they_o if_o he_o please_v yet_o 2._o
of_o which_o person_n under_o the_o christian_a name_n be_v guilty_a in_o this_o age_n and_o for_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o neglect_n of_o those_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v one_o and_o not_o the_o least_o it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a that_o many_o of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n old_a and_o some_o more_o have_v never_o be_v baptise_a and_o these_o with_o thousand_o more_o of_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n live_v also_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o cause_n of_o which_o neglect_n in_o some_o be_v the_o ignorance_n and_o error_n of_o their_o parent_n who_o if_o they_o be_v quaker_n whole_o reject_v these_o ordinance_n as_o useless_a ceremony_n and_o dispute_v against_o they_o or_o if_o anabaptist_n neglect_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o ignorance_n be_v careless_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n concern_v and_o so_o live_v and_o dye_v without_o the_o participation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n now_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o judge_v such_o as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n for_o to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o stand_v or_o fall_v i_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o external_a ordinance_n and_o god_n do_v nothing_o by_o they_o but_o what_o he_o can_v do_v without_o they_o if_o he_o please_v yet_o i_o know_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o use_v of_o ordinance_n when_o we_o may_v have_v they_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v his_o institution_n by_o which_o he_o do_v usual_o work_v grace_n in_o we_o and_o to_o neglect_v know_v duty_n yea_o or_o to_o live_v in_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v soul-damning_a sin_n which_o i_o earnest_o desire_v all_o that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a serious_o to_o consider_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o sinful_a omission_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o will_v be_v find_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o precious_a soul_n of_o man_n not_o only_o to_o observe_v mourn_v over_o and_o reprove_v these_o sin_n but_o to_o do_v their_o utmost_a also_o in_o their_o proper_a station_n and_o relation_n for_o reformation_n in_o this_o particular_a the_o sense_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v so_o deep_o impress_v on_o my_o spirit_n as_o to_o put_v i_o upon_o this_o well-meant_a though_o mean_a endeavour_v to_o contribute_v something_o towards_o this_o needful_a and_o desirable_a work_n i_o be_o too_o conscious_a of_o my_o own_o weakness_n to_o dictate_v to_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n acknowledge_v that_o i_o rather_o need_v and_o therefore_o desire_v their_o light_n and_o help_v herein_o yet_o hope_v i_o may_v without_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o take_v leave_v to_o confess_v that_o many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v very_o defective_a in_o our_o duty_n herein_o and_o in_o this_o confession_n i_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n at_o myself_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v we_o that_o we_o have_v manifest_v no_o great_a concern_v of_o spirit_n for_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o our_o lord-redeemer_n and_o help_v we_o that_o while_o we_o reprehend_v our_o people_n for_o their_o sinful_a omission_n we_o may_v be_v due_o humble_v for_o our_o own_o and_o make_v it_o more_o visible_a in_o our_o practice_n that_o we_o teach_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o a_o persuasive_a to_o full_a communion_n of_o baptise_v adult_n or_o grow_v person_n i_o shall_v then_o first_o apply_v myself_o to_o such_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n who_o though_o they_o go_v under_o the_o christian_a name_n yet_o be_v never_o baptise_a if_o this_o paper_n come_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o such_o i_o will_v propose_v some_o consideration_n to_o convince_v you_o of_o your_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v bless_v they_o bring_v you_o to_o repentance_n and_o then_o give_v you_o some_o counsel_n or_o direction_n for_o a_o right_a performance_n of_o your_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o your_o conviction_n be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o consider_v these_o seven_o thing_n first_o consider_v that_o baptism_n be_v as_o much_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v and_o to_o continue_v in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o long_o as_o that_o as_o appear_v by_o christ_n own_o command_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o viz._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o profess_a christian_n to_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n as_o to_o attend_v on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v for_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o enjoin_v the_o one_o enjoin_v the_o other_o therefore_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o must_v be_v sinful_a and_o how_o dare_v you_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n second_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v both_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o such_o child_n to_o be_v so_o bring_v to_o receive_v his_o blessing_n mark_v 10.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o which_o they_o be_v as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o so_o must_v have_v a_o gospel-right_a to_o this_o ordinance_n as_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o many_o judicious_a pen_n to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v you_o for_o more_o light_n in_o this_o point_n if_o you_o need_v it_o because_o of_o my_o intend_a brevity_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o your_o parent_n that_o they_o bring_v you_o not_o to_o this_o ordinance_n in_o your_o infancy_n and_o by_o consequence_n your_o sin_n and_o loss_n to_o neglect_v it_o ever_o since_o you_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o a_o capacity_n to_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o present_v yourselves_o to_o baptism_n three_o consider_v that_o your_o parent_n sinful_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v no_o just_a plea_n or_o excuse_v for_o your_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n since_o you_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n for_o than_o it_o become_v your_o duty_n both_o to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o give_v your_o own_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a consent_n to_o it_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o same_o by_o receive_v this_o ordinance_n for_o jew_n or_o heathen_n when_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o aught_o to_o be_v baptise_a much_o more_o may_v the_o adult_a child_n of_o christian_n when_o they_o make_v the_o like_a profession_n act_v 8.36_o etc._n etc._n 4._o consider_v that_o it_o look_v as_o if_o you_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o christ_n and_o christianity_n that_o you_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o wear_v the_o visible_a badge_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n i._n e._n baptism_n for_o by_o this_o ordinance_n christian_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o while_o you_o want_v this_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o yet_o profess_v christianity_n you_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v heathen-christians_a or_o christian_n heathen_n own_v only_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n follower_n but_o seem_v ashamed_a of_o his_o livery_n and_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o ashamed_a to_o own_o christ_n or_o his_o ordinance_n here_o before_o man_n he_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v you_o before_o his_o father_n and_o the_o angel_n hereafter_o mat._n 8.35_o and_o how_o sad_a will_v their_o condition_n be_v who_o christ_n will_v not_o own_o in_o the_o great_a day_n be_v you_o not_o loath_a to_o be_v find_v among_o such_o at_o last_o five_o consider_v that_o though_o the_o neglect_n of_o baptism_n may_v seem_v a_o small_a fault_n if_o any_o to_o ignorant_a and_o inconsiderate_a person_n yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n be_v downright_a disobedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o virtual_a slight_n and_o practical_a refuse_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o provoke_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n we_o find_v god_n threaten_v that_o parent_n who_o do_v not_o circumcise_v his_o son_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o his_o people_n that_o be_v either_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n promise_n and_o blessing_n belong_v to_o it_o or_o to_o cut_v he_o off_o by_o a_o untimely_a and_o violent_a death_n for_o so_o the_o learned_a understand_v that_o text_n gen._n 17.14_o compare_v with_o exod._n 31.14_o so_o that_o moses_n himself_o be_v like_a to_o have_v
than_o that_o this_o hand_n of_o i_o shall_v give_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lords-supper_n to_o the_o adjudge_v contemner_n of_o god_n melch._n adam_n in_o the_o life_n of_o calvin_n now_o shall_v not_o every_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o careful_a to_o keep_v this_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n from_o profanation_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n from_o participation_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n as_o he_o doubtless_o they_o shall_v 6._o you_o do_v not_o forbear_v to_o consult_v a_o lawyer_n about_o your_o estate_n or_o a_o physician_n about_o your_o body_n when_o occasion_n require_v it_o for_o fear_v they_o will_v ask_v you_o such_o question_n as_o you_o can_v answer_v but_o you_o willing_o submit_v to_o their_o inquiry_n because_o you_o know_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v understand_v your_o case_n that_o they_o may_v give_v you_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o shall_v you_o not_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o inquiry_n of_o gospel-minister_n the_o counsellor_n and_o physician_n of_o your_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v know_v your_o spiritual_a state_n and_o give_v you_o such_o counsel_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o it_o obj._n 4._o but_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o come_v before_o minister_n and_o have_v not_o confidence_n enough_o to_o discourse_n with_o they_o nor_o be_v we_o able_a to_o express_v our_o mind_n to_o they_o or_o give_v a_o account_n to_o they_o of_o our_o knowledge_n ans_fw-fr 1._o you_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o but_o sin_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o duty_n or_o of_o what_o be_v good_a be_v a_o sinful_a shame_n and_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o shame_n and_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o pray_v against_o it_o until_o you_o be_v cure_a of_o it_o yet_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a bashfulness_n in_o some_o especial_o in_o those_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n and_o in_o youth_n that_o be_v not_o easy_o conquer_a this_o minister_n do_v well_o understand_v and_o therefore_o prudence_n will_v direct_v they_o to_o treat_v such_o with_o the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o mildness_n 3._o minister_n will_v not_o expect_v that_o such_o shall_v express_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o mind_n with_o that_o readiness_n that_o other_o of_o a_o bold_a spirit_n may_v but_o will_v wise_o consider_v their_o weakness_n and_o discern_v sincerity_n under_o imperfection_n obj._n 5._o but_o other_o say_z we_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n lest_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o for_o we_o shall_v thereby_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o ourselves_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o we_o dare_v not_o run_v such_o a_o hazzard_n as_o this_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v very_o hazardous_a for_o all_o wicked_a and_o graceless_a person_n to_o meddle_v with_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n for_o they_o can_v but_o abuse_v and_o profane_v it_o and_o so_o bring_v themselves_o under_o great_a gild_n and_o become_v liable_a to_o great_a punishment_n for_o it_o therefore_o none_o such_o shall_v dare_v to_o approach_v this_o ordinance_n until_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v convert_v this_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v not_o to_o work_v grace_n where_o it_o be_v want_v but_o to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v it_o where_o it_o be_v already_o wrought_v it_o be_v child_n bread_n and_o not_o to_o be_v give_v unto_o dog_n yet_o know_v 2._o if_o you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o graceless_a state_n you_o be_v already_o in_o danger_n of_o damnation_n for_o your_o other_o sin_n though_o you_o keep_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o and_o so_o shall_v as_o much_o fear_v it_o as_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n nor_o be_v this_o sin_n unpardonable_a but_o upon_o true_a repentance_n both_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v forgive_v 3._o the_o sin_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o lie_v in_o a_o person_n not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v in_o not_o distinguish_v or_o not_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o ordinary_a and_o common_a bread_n and_o this_o sacramental_a and_o holy_a bread_n by_o which_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v signify_v and_o represent_v and_o in_o use_v this_o bread_n with_o as_o little_a preparation_n care_n regard_v and_o reverence_n as_o he_o do_v the_o other_o now_o gracious_a soul_n know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o common_a bread_n and_o this_o holy_a bread_n and_o therefore_o will_v take_v due_a care_n to_o use_v it_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o reverent_a manner_n and_o so_o keep_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o unworthy_a partake_v though_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o free_a from_o sinful_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o duty_n which_o yet_o shall_v not_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o this_o ordinance_n because_o upon_o their_o repentance_n they_o be_v pardon_v to_o they_o for_o christ_n sake_n 4._o the_o threaten_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n of_o damnation_n or_o judgement_n be_v not_o design_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o affrighten_v christian_n from_o this_o ordinance_n but_o to_o caution_n they_o against_o the_o profanation_n of_o it_o 5._o consider_v that_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n and_o turn_v your_o back_n upon_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o make_v liable_a to_o damnation_n or_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ill_a performance_n of_o a_o duty_n or_o the_o partake_v of_o a_o ordinance_n unworthy_o and_o you_o ought_v to_o fear_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a your_o consideration_n what_o christ_n intimate_v to_o we_o in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o the_o king_n son_n mat._n 22._o that_o those_o who_o make_v light_n of_o the_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o refuse_v to_o come_v be_v at_o last_o as_o blame-worthy_a as_o those_o who_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o defect_n so_o be_v they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o most_o deserve_o for_o of_o the_o two_o they_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o contempt_n whole_o to_o neglect_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o without_o some_o due_a qualification_n as_o one_o well_o observe_v so_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n on_o both_o hand_n be_v to_o examine_v yourselves_o careful_o concern_v your_o right_n to_o and_o fitness_n for_o this_o ordinance_n and_o when_o you_o have_v a_o evidence_n of_o these_o so_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n with_o holy_a care_n and_o reverence_n obj._n 6._o but_o we_o fear_v to_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n lest_o we_o shall_v sin_n again_o after_o it_o and_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v you_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o fear_v sin_v after_o this_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o before_o while_o you_o be_v liable_a to_o temptation_n from_o without_o and_o have_v corruption_n remain_v within_o you_o incline_v you_o to_o close_v with_o they_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o danger_n shall_v make_v you_o to_o watch_v against_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o nourish_v in_o you_o a_o fear_n of_o caution_n such_o a_o fear_n while_o it_o keep_v within_o its_o due_a bound_n be_v your_o duty_n and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o prevent_v sin_n but_o it_o be_v immoderate_a and_o sinful_a if_o it_o make_v you_o neglect_v another_o know_a duty_n as_o receive_v the_o lords-supper_n be_v and_z no_o better_a than_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o sin_n to_o avoid_v another_o 2._o there_o be_v not_o a_o child_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n that_o be_v perfect_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v while_o he_o be_v in_o this_o imperfect_a tempt_v state_n and_o you_o may_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o other_o so_o that_o if_o none_o shall_v come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n but_o such_o as_o live_v without_o sin_n we_o must_v all_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n eccl._n 7.20_o 1_o john_n 1.8_o james_n 3.2_o 3._o know_v that_o the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v a_o good_a mean_a to_o keep_v you_o from_o sin_v be_v a_o solemn_a renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o a_o new_a bond_n lay_v on_o your_o soul_n to_o love_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o walk_v the_o more_o circumspect_o and_o a_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v grace_n in_o you_o 4._o if_o you_o do_v sin_n after_o your_o partake_v of_o
john_n 2.12_o 13_o 14._o in_o christ_n fold_n some_o be_v lamb_n other_o sheep_n as_o john_n 21.15_o 16._o be_v thus_o distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o different_a time_n of_o their_o stand_n in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o different_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n they_o have_v obtain_v and_o regard_v aught_o to_o be_v have_v to_o each_o according_o in_o feed_v and_o rule_v of_o they_o that_o milk_n be_v give_v to_o babe_n even_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n i._n e._n such_o truth_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o who_o be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o strong_a meat_n to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o full_a or_o perfect_a age_n i._n e._n such_o truth_n as_o be_v more_o mysterious_a sublime_a and_o spiritual_a they_o be_v person_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o some_o christian_n be_v in_o their_o infant-state_n and_o so_o to_o be_v admit_v only_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o other_o be_v in_o their_o adult-state_n and_o so_o have_v a_o right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o high_a privilege_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n church-history_n inform_v we_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n there_o be_v several_a rank_n of_o profess_a christian_n the_o low_a be_v call_v catechuman_n catechize_v person_n of_o which_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_n by_o birth_n but_o upon_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n to_o they_o incline_v to_o and_o begin_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v thereupon_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n these_o be_v only_o in_o the_o church-porch_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believe_v or_o christian_a parent_n who_o by_o their_o birthright_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o under_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o their_o parent_n receive_v baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o by_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o eph._n 6.4_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o catechuman_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n by_o a_o catechist_n or_o minister_n who_o main_a business_n be_v to_o feed_v these_o lamb_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o take_v care_n of_o these_o young_a plant_n as_o be_v the_o nursery_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v sufficient_o instruct_v they_o desire_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competent_a i._n e._n person_n desire_v baptism_n upon_o which_o they_o give_v in_o their_o name_n and_o come_v under_o a_o strict_a even_o a_o sevenfold_a examination_n and_o so_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n then_o be_v call_v batptizati_n &_o illuminati_fw-la i._n e._n baptise_a and_o enlighten_v person_n and_o no_o long_o account_v to_o be_v in_o the_o porch_n but_o get_v over_o the_o threshold_n into_o the_o church_n own_v as_o fellow-citizen_n and_o denizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o have_v their_o name_n enrol_v among_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v thus_o initiate_v or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n they_o obtain_v some_o privilege_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o of_o which_o this_o be_v one_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a while_o catechuman_n or_o know_v but_o little_a of_o they_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o they_o for_o the_o church_n then_o think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o after_o baptism_n both_o because_o they_o be_v such_o high_a mystery_n and_o lest_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o shall_v bring_v they_o into_o contempt_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o strong_a desire_n after_o they_o say_v some_o yet_o be_v they_o account_v but_o incomplete_a christian_n and_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-member_n as_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o their_o infant-state_n or_o minority_n until_o they_o receive_v confirmation_n also_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o imposition_n or_o lay_v on_o they_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o holy_a spirit_n increase_v of_o grace_n and_o their_o confirmation_n or_o establishment_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v this_o religious_a rite_n of_o confirmation_n both_o the_o foremention_v sort_n of_o catechuman_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o so_o by_o it_o be_v pass_v from_o their_o infant-state_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o adult_n and_o then_o admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-member_n even_o to_o the_o lords-supper_n itself_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o become_v and_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a christian_n therefore_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perfect_a as_o phil._n 3.15_o not_o as_o if_o they_o have_v attain_v a_o sinless_a perfection_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n but_o because_o now_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n needful_a to_o the_o perfect_a of_o their_o church-state_n those_o that_o be_v not_o baptise_a till_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n receive_v confirmation_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n ordinary_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o their_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o complete_a church-member_n but_o such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n be_v not_o confirm_v till_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n by_o their_o parent_n and_o by_o the_o catechist_n and_o so_o capable_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n nor_o be_v any_o judge_v meet_v for_o admission_n to_o the_o lords-table_n until_o they_o have_v some_o considerable_a time_n before_o give_v proof_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o godliness_n but_o when_o they_o be_v confirm_v and_o have_v receive_v that_o ordinance_n they_o be_v then_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n and_o then_o be_v call_v fideles_fw-la the_o faithful_a that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v plain_o and_o full_o prove_v by_o divers_a learned_a pen_n and_o among_o our_o own_o especial_o by_o mr._n hanmer_n and_o mr._n baxter_n to_o who_o write_n i_o refer_v such_o who_o desire_v more_o clear_a light_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v at_o present_a as_o to_o confirmation_n be_v that_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v in_o after-age_n corrupt_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o chrysm_n or_o unction_n that_o be_v anoint_v with_o oil_n and_o by_o admit_v those_o to_o it_o who_o be_v not_o the_o meet_a object_n of_o it_o as_o person_n gross_o ignorant_a and_o propane_n etc._n etc._n the_o just_a resentment_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o these_o corruption_n have_v occasion_v a_o fault_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o many_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o total_a rejection_n or_o disuse_n of_o this_o pious_a rite_n of_o which_o i_o fear_v they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o good_a account_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o great_a day_n our_o duty_n doubtless_o lie_v between_o these_o two_o extreme_n to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o reassume_v the_o primitive_a right_n use_v of_o confirmation_n a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o zealous_o to_o be_v endeavour_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o the_o glory_n that_o may_v hence_o redound_v to_o god_n and_o the_o benefit_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o it_o as_o the_o forementioned_a author_n have_v excellent_o demonstrate_v and_o therefore_o with_o nervous_a argument_n persuade_v to_o the_o revival_n of_o it_o may_v there_o be_v new_a effusion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n on_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v i._n e._n christian_n magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o put_v they_o on_o the_o vigorous_a use_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o interest_n for_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o this_o and_o some_o other_o point_n that_o call_v for_o it_o at_o this_o day_n that_o all_o remain_a corruption_n may_v be_v sweep_v out_o of_o god_n house_n and_o christian_a practice_n at_o length_n reduce_v to_o and_o regulate_v by_o the_o gospel-rule_a in_o all_o thing_n second_o mean_v while_o i_o shall_v next_o as_o i_o promise_v humble_o