baptize_v when_o of_o ripe_a age._n but_o neither_o god_n or_o man_n require_v more_o of_o any_o than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v nor_o be_v therefore_o such_o a_o actual_a personal_a declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n require_v of_o infant_n repentance_n indeed_o they_o need_v none_o for_o any_o actual_a sin_n faith_n they_o may_v have_v in_o principle_n though_o they_o can_v outward_o express_v it_o this_o be_v therefore_o do_v by_o the_o church_n in_o their_o name_n by_o the_o intervention_n of_o surety_n who_o may_v lawful_o and_o useful_o stipulate_v for_o they_o and_o they_o remain_v oblige_v by_o such_o a_o stipulation_n parent_n be_v natural_o these_o voluntary_o bind_v to_o see_v to_o the_o pious_a education_n of_o such_o child_n towards_o which_o they_o can_v have_v too_o many_o help_n and_o will_v all_o who_o have_v undertake_v this_o solemn_a and_o weighty_a charge_n be_v but_o true_o careful_a to_o perform_v it_o which_o without_o grievous_a sin_n they_o can_v neglect_v will_v they_o do_v what_o they_o promise_v for_o they_o which_o sure_o be_v not_o impossible_a or_o very_a difficult_a to_o be_v do_v will_v they_o call_v upon_o these_o child_n to_o hear_v sermon_n see_v that_o they_o learn_v their_o catechism_n and_o do_v their_o best_a to_o have_v they_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o fit_v for_o confirmation_n and_o bring_v unto_o it_o when_o of_o sufficient_a age_n and_o understanding_n there_o to_o discharge_v their_o surety_n and_o to_o take_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n upon_o themselves_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o other_o sacrament_n we_o shall_v soon_o see_v another_o face_n of_o christianity_n among_o we_o and_o i_o believe_v few_o thing_n will_v go_v further_o in_o silence_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v either_o against_o baptise_v infant_n or_o against_o our_o peculiar_a form_n of_o baptism_n §_o xxv_o another_o objection_n against_o infant-baptism_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n one_o positive_a text_n say_v they_o will_v end_v all_o the_o dispute_n on_o which_o they_o argue_v far_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o own_o people_n because_o they_o do_v that_o which_o say_v he_o i_o command_v they_o not_o neither_o come_v it_o not_o into_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o like_a in_o other_o place_n jer._n 7._o 31._o in_o answer_n as_o to_o what_o they_o so_o often_o affirm_v that_o one_o positive_a text_n for_o infant-baptism_n will_v end_v the_o controversy_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v as_o positive_o command_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o be_v it_o only_o in_o the_o old_a and_o not_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a or_o political_a law_n none_o but_o manichee_n will_v deny_v it_o or_o a_o fair_a consequence_n from_o it_o it_o be_v i_o say_v as_o positive_o command_v that_o christian_n shall_v teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n ephes._n 5._o 14._o as_o it_o be_v to_o honour_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n but_o yet_o these_o person_n absolute_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o and_o they_o not_o only_a object_n against_o our_o way_n of_o sing_v but_o they_o be_v against_o any_o outward_a sing_n at_o all_o and_o never_o practice_v it_o in_o religious_a worship_n but_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o and_o with_o some_o few_o of_o their_o own_o who_o still_o keep_v up_o that_o most_o heavenly_a part_n of_o god_n service_n see_v grantham_n work_n and_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n so_o strange_a a_o power_n have_v a_o inveterate_a prejudice_n which_o will_v neither_o yield_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o plain_a scripture_n experience_n or_o reason_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v as_o to_o their_o require_v a_o express_a command_n for_o infant-baptism_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o ask_v it_o when_o they_o themselves_o do_v practice_v some_o thing_n for_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o command_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o clear_a example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o admit_v woman_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o even_o to_o baptism_n for_o which_o last_o they_o have_v no_o express_a command_n and_o i_o think_v but_o one_o example_n for_o baptism_n they_o say_v that_o woman_n be_v include_v under_o all_o nation_n and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o child_n but_o neither_o be_v express_o name_v as_o for_o admit_v woman_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o be_v not_o sure_a from_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o ever_o any_o woman_n do_v receive_v it_o they_o have_v in_o vain_a attempt_v to_o bring_v one_o express_a text_n for_o it_o though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n that_o they_o do_v receive_v than_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptise_v infant_n nor_o can_v they_o evince_v any_o example_n of_o woman_n receive_v from_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o afterward_o '_o that_o those_o that_o believe_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n for_o that_o place_n where_o the_o woman_n be_v express_o mention_v relate_v only_o to_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o the_o latter_a place_n where_o those_o that_o believe_v be_v say_v to_o be_v together_o break_v bread_n it_o be_v all_o along_o speak_v of_o man_n in_o the_o original_n see_v this_o matter_n full_o clear_v in_o mr._n walker_n appendix_n to_o his_o discourse_n of_o infant-baptism_n as_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o preach_v that_o sermon_n which_o convert_v so_o many_o thousand_o address_v himself_o to_o the_o man_n only_o man_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o man_n and_o brethren_n ver_fw-la 29._o and_o if_o woman_n and_o sister_n be_v include_v under_o man_n and_o brethren_n may_v not_o we_o as_o well_o argue_v that_o some_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v woman_n because_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v by_o st._n peter_n sermon_n say_v to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v ver_fw-la 37._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o express_a command_n for_o admit_v woman_n to_o the_o communion_n than_o there_o be_v example_n the_o place_n that_o be_v plead_v for_o it_o come_v short_a of_o proof_n let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o for_o though_o the_o word_n men_n do_v in_o the_o original_n include_v both_o sex_n yet_o what_o follow_v bind_v it_o to_o the_o masculine_a only_o the_o word_n himself_o be_v of_o the_o masculine_a gender_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d since_o than_o they_o admit_v woman_n to_o the_o communion_n without_o any_o express_a command_n or_o example_n but_o only_o by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n they_o can_v never_o show_v any_o reason_n why_o infant_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o scripture_n which_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v do_v by_o fair_a consequence_n show_v they_o have_v a_o right_a unto_o it_o and_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o as_o for_o those_o place_n wherein_o god_n reprove_v his_o people_n for_o do_v what_o he_o never_o command_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o way_n of_o speech_n common_a to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o signify_v his_o express_a forbid_v they_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n particular_o that_o in_o jeremy_n as_o what_o go_v before_o make_v full_o evident_a they_o have_v build_v the_o high_a place_n of_o tophet_n to_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n which_o i_o command_v they_o not_o now_o god_n have_v express_o forbid_v they_o to_o do_v this_o and_o that_o on_o pain_n of_o death_n leu._n 18._o 21_o 29._o and_o deut._n 13._o per_fw-mi tot_fw-mi but_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n offer_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n to_o devil_n and_o christian_n offer_v they_o to_o god_n which_o even_o those_o do_v who_o will_v not_o baptise_v they_o though_o they_o have_v no_o more_o express_a command_n for_o it_o than_o we_o have_v for_o their_o baptism_n or_o than_o they_o themselves_o for_o admit_v woman_n to_o the_o communion_n §_o xxvi_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n practice_n in_o baptise_v infant_n and_o give_v i_o hope_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o most_o plausible_a objection_n against_o this_o practice_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o small_a
by_o the_o death_n of_o a_o redeemer_n as_o justification_n or_o actual_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o reinstate_v we_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v account_v righteous_a before_o he_o as_o well_o as_o sanctification_n or_o actual_a strength_n and_o grace_n to_o conquer_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n it_o be_v true_a the_o beginning_n of_o these_o be_v confer_v in_o baptism_n we_o be_v so_o far_o regenerate_v therein_o as_o to_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o its_o privilege_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o who_o will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o or_o forsake_v we_o unless_o we_o ourselves_o do_v put_v a_o bar_n to_o the_o divine_a assistance_n by_o confirm_a ill_a habit_n and_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n but_o since_o the_o divine_a image_n which_o we_o there_o recover_v be_v very_o often_o obscure_v again_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o remain_v of_o sin_n within_o we_o there_o be_v need_n enough_o of_o our_o be_v renew_v again_o by_o repentance_n nor_o have_v god_n here_o leave_v we_o without_o hope_n or_o comfort_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o dream_n of_o the_o old_a novatian_o have_v appoint_v a_o remedy_n even_o for_o those_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n and_o that_o be_v this_o other_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n wherein_o as_o we_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o we_o receive_v new_a strength_n to_o obey_v his_o command_n as_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a faith_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n we_o therein_o obtain_v not_o only_o the_o strengthen_n but_o likewise_o the_o refresh_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o the_o catechism_n express_v it_o which_o include_v divine_a consolation_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v and_o such_o peace_n as_o pass_v all_o understanding_n §_o xxviii_o but_o may_v some_o here_o object_n where_o be_v this_o blessedness_n you_o speak_v of_o where_o be_v these_o promise_n in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o such_o wonderful_a assistance_n in_o this_o sacrament_n in_o answer_n this_o holy_a communion_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n to_o which_o so_o many_o blessing_n be_v promise_v throughout_o the_o whole_a gospel_n or_o else_o why_o do_v we_o perform_v they_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o holy_a vow_n and_o prayer_n and_o praise_v and_o confession_n and_o adoration_n and_o consequent_o it_o must_v share_v in_o all_o their_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n it_o be_v a_o memorial_n or_o commemoration_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n and_o suffering_n and_o if_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o old_a law_n that_o in_o every_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o name_n he_o will_v meet_v and_o bless_v his_o people_n 24._o people_n exod._n 20._o 24._o much_o more_o may_v we_o expect_v it_o under_o the_o gospel_n if_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o solemn_o promise_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o much_o more_o will_v he_o be_v so_o at_o this_o great_a synaxis_n this_o more_o general_a and_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n to_o celebrate_v his_o name_n and_o record_v his_o praise_n desire_v praise_n thus_o ignatius_n in_o epist._n ad_fw-la ephes._n if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o two_o be_v of_o so_o great_a force_n that_o it_o bring_v christ_n among_o they_o how_o much_o more_o will_v the_o unanimous_a prayer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n ascend_v to_o god_n prevail_v with_o he_o to_o grant_v all_o they_o desire_v he_o have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o seek_v his_o face_n in_o vain_a nor_o be_v it_o in_o vain_a to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o the_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n can_v be_v without_o exceed_a comfort_n to_o those_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n they_o have_v a_o share_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o big_a expression_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v sure_o far_a more_o than_o a_o empty_a figure_n it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a matter_n to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n wherein_o if_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n sure_o he_o that_o do_v it_o worthy_o must_v eat_v and_o drink_v salvation_n no_o less_o can_v be_v intend_v in_o our_o communion_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n than_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n unite_n himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o even_o by_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n whereby_o he_o in_o a_o sense_n and_o in_o some_o degree_n make_v we_o partaker_n thereof_o and_o communicate_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o blessing_n he_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o by_o this_o heavenly_a food_n nourish_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o everlasting_a life_n give_v we_o herein_o the_o earnest_a and_o pledge_n of_o our_o immortality_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o assure_v we_o that_o because_o he_o live_v we_o shall_v live_v also_o which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n dwelling_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o we_o and_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o and_o of_o the_o minister_n pray_v in_o the_o very_a delivery_n of_o the_o element_n that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v preserve_v our_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o everlasting_a life_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o word_n he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o he_o shall_v live_v by_o i_o he_o shall_v never_o die_v he_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o these_o expression_n be_v then_o precise_o mean_v of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o may_v well_o be_v by_o anticipation_n and_o prophecy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o then_o actual_o institute_v for_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o his_o death_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o be_v yet_o certain_o true_a of_o the_o partake_n of_o christ_n sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o feed_v on_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n with_o thanksgiving_n §_o xxix_o which_o bring_v to_o the_o close_a of_o our_o description_n that_o all_o these_o benefit_n be_v confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n only_o on_o the_o faithful_a receiver_n for_o none_o but_o such_o be_v proper_o partaker_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o judas_n do_v outward_o partake_v of_o this_o sacrament_n as_o our_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v think_v he_o do_v judas_n do_v see_v the_o exhortation_n lest_o after_o the_o take_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o devil_n enter_v into_o you_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o judas_n satan_n do_v but_o the_o soon_o enter_v into_o he_o because_o he_o receive_v with_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o treachery_n covetousness_n and_o malice_n i_o take_v faith_n here_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n for_o a_o practical_a assent_n to_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o a_o ready_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o its_o revelation_n threaten_n and_o promise_n accompany_v with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v its_o command_n though_o the_o more_o peculiar_a object_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o sacrament_n must_v be_v the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o pardon_v which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n but_o of_o these_o hereafter_o more_o at_o large_a under_o those_o qualification_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o those_o who_o will_v partake_v worthy_o and_o profitable_o of_o this_o holy_a communion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o perpetual_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o adult_n christian_n to_o communicate_v and_o even_o to_o frequent_v communion_n §_o i._o wherein_o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v in_o general_a the_o indispensible_a obligation_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n 2._o the_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o reach_v all_o adult_a christian_n 3._o it_o be_v duration_n it_o be_v perpetual_a it_o last_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v it_o frequent_o and_o in_o the_o 5_o and_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v either_o against_o receive_v the_o communion_n in_o general_n or_o against_o frequent_o receive_v it_o §_o ii_o one_a of_o the_o obligation_n in_o general_a to_o receive_v and_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o any_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o do_v but_o remember_v the_o reason_n of_o
prevent_v any_o misinterpretation_n of_o this_o innocent_a and_o decent_a ceremony_n she_o have_v express_o declare_v service_n declare_v rubric_n after_o communion_n service_n that_o thereby_o no_o adoration_n be_v intend_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v either_o unto_o the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n which_o be_v bodily_a receive_v or_o unto_o any_o corporal_a presence_n of_o christ_n natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o this_o have_v so_o far_o satisfy_v all_o person_n who_o be_v not_o extreme_o prejudice_v that_o the_o member_n of_o foreign_a church_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o communion_n here_o in_o england_n have_v willing_o and_o glad_o do_v it_o kneel_v 139._o kneel_v tigurin_n liturgy_n p._n 139._o and_o one_o will_v think_v none_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o shall_v any_o more_o object_n against_o this_o practice_n till_o they_o have_v answer_v what_o one_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n in_o other_o thing_n have_v offer_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o baxter_n '_o s_z christian_a directory_n part_v 2._o pag._n 3._o who_o acknowledge_v that_o for_o kneel_v he_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v he_o it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o or_o against_o any_o gesture_n christ_n example_n can_v never_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o other_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_o not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v it_o but_o to_o minister_n but_o to_o a_o family_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o 2._o and_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o a_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_a pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n §_o xliv_o to_o the_o second_o objection_n that_o person_n can_v join_v with_o unworthy_a communicant_n we_o may_v first_o ask_v who_o make_v any_o man_n the_o judge_n of_o heart_n and_o how_o we_o be_v sure_o any_o person_n be_v unworthy_a since_o none_o be_v so_o but_o the_o impenitent_a when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o supper_n that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v betray_v he_o they_o do_v not_o ask_v he_o lord_n be_v it_o my_o neighbour_n but_o lord_n be_v it_o i_o and_o according_o we_o ought_v sure_o to_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o our_o self_n than_o for_o other_o and_o be_v it_o not_o suspicious_a that_o there_o be_v something_o very_o much_o amiss_o in_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o censure_v our_o neighbour_n do_v it_o not_o look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v solicitous_a to_o take_v off_o man_n eye_n from_o our_o own_o fault_n though_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o another_o reputation_n let_v any_o one_o consider_v the_o world_n and_o he_o will_v soon_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a but_o far_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v always_o be_v make_v up_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o the_o tare_n will_v never_o be_v entire_o separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n know_v that_o judas_n be_v a_o devil_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o remove_v he_o from_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o refuse_v to_o receive_v with_o he_o if_o other_o man_n receive_v unworthy_o to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o that_o shall_v never_o injure_v i_o if_o i_o myself_o be_o a_o worthy_a receiver_n but_o suppose_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o exact_a discipline_n in_o any_o church_n and_o we_o know_v too_o well_o who_o those_o be_v that_o have_v now_o render_v that_o almost_o impracticable_a among_o we_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o our_o not_o communicate_v with_o it_o since_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v more_o notorious_o corrupt_v in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o can_v pretend_v we_o to_o be_v there_o be_v not_o only_a drunkard_n but_o even_o a_o incestuous_a person_n in_o their_o communion_n and_o yet_o st._n paul_n do_v never_o advise_v any_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o to_o call_v a_o more_o pure_a church_n out_o of_o that_o church_n but_o only_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o and_o so_o to_o receive_v beside_o if_o any_o person_n be_v public_o scandalous_a so_o as_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o congregation_n we_o know_v our_o rubric_n permit_v he_o not_o to_o receive_v but_o order_n the_o minister_n to_o put_v he_o back_o from_o the_o communion_n though_o in_o large_a parish_n it_o be_v perhaps_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v every_o person_n and_o if_o any_o be_v real_o scandalize_v at_o another_o wicked_a life_n he_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o minister_n acquaint_v with_o it_o if_o he_o have_v first_o reprove_v he_o himself_o without_o success_n and_o till_o he_o have_v do_v both_o these_o he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o pretence_n for_o a_o objection_n on_o that_o account_n against_o receive_v and_o as_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v also_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o sensible_a of_o those_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o communion_n supra_fw-la communion_n baxter_n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la §_o xlv_o the_o objection_n against_o receive_v in_o general_a be_v thus_o i_o hope_v full_o answer_v there_o remain_v only_a something_o like_o one_o against_o frequent_a communion_n and_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n familiarity_n breed_v contempt_n so_o the_o commonness_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v because_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v beside_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o frequent_a communion_n now_o it_o have_v be_v so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o they_o receive_v every_o day_n but_o this_o rather_o increase_v than_o diminish_v their_o reverence_n for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o will_v do_v the_o same_o by_o we_o if_o we_o receive_v with_o that_o care_n that_o we_o ought_v and_o with_o a_o just_a consideration_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o this_o sacred_a ordinance_n chap._n iii_o of_o examination_n before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o §_o i._o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n intend_v to_o dissuade_v person_n from_o a_o due_a preparation_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o none_o ought_v to_o come_v thither_o without_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v none_o if_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o some_o superadded_a actual_a preparation_n he_o that_o come_v without_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v certain_o without_o the_o wedding-garment_n and_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n he_o that_o come_v without_o the_o latter_a where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v will_v fall_v short_a of_o that_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o have_v in_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n it_o may_v not_o therefore_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o inquire_v more_o distinct_o into_o each_o of_o these_o and_o to_o show_v wherein_o they_o consist_v §_o ii_o by_o habitual_a preparation_n be_v mean_v that_o which_o be_v transact_v in_o the_o entire_a frame_n the_o uniform_a course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n when_o a_o person_n have_v make_v it_o the_o main_a business_n of_o his_o life_n to_o mortify_v all_o ill_a habit_n and_o to_o introduce_v better_o in_o their_o room_n to_o cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n to_o perform_v his_o vow_n in_o baptism_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o renew_v to_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o he_o that_o be_v in_o this_o happy_a condition_n as_o he_o be_v always_o fit_a to_o die_v so_o be_v he_o always_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n even_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o any_o actual_a preparation_n §_o iii_o nor_o yet_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o such_o actual_a preparation_n be_v to_o be_v neglect_v where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v nay_o it_o be_v undoubted_o high_o useful_a and_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n this_o preparation_n chief_o consist_v in_o examination_n or_o the_o strict_a trial_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n a_o due_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o
the_o mind_n from_o all_o worldly_a thing_n till_o it_o acquire_v a_o contrary_a bent_n and_o inclination_n and_o mount_v free_o and_o vigorous_o towards_o heaven_n despise_v and_o trample_v all_o the_o ridiculous_a trifle_n of_o this_o perish_a world_n and_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n and_o dross_n for_o the_o knowledge_n for_o the_o love_n of_o a_o crucify_a redeemer_n which_o every_o very_a good_a man_n experience_n in_o some_o happy_a moment_n of_o his_o life_n now_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v this_o be_v the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o faith_n repentance_n humility_n and_o divine_a love_n and_o the_o energy_n and_o inward_a free_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o heaven_n and_o to_o this_o the_o church_n invite_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v use_v on_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la or_o life_n up_o your_o heart_n to_o which_o the_o congregation_n reply_n we_o lift_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o lord_n which_o we_o have_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o do_v when_o he_o confer_v such_o inestimable_a favour_n upon_o we_o and_o when_o christ_n institute_v this_o feast_n as_o have_v be_v say_v principal_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v think_v upon_o he_o our_o absent_a friend_n give_v ourselves_o a_o little_a ease_n and_o breathe_n from_o the_o amusement_n and_o care_n of_o life_n escape_v from_o this_o world_n and_o fix_v our_o heart_n upon_o a_o better_a upon_o that_o happy_a place_n where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o whither_o if_o we_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o we_o shall_v at_o length_n also_o arrive_v see_v he_o have_v pray_v to_o his_o father_n that_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v give_v he_o may_v be_v with_o he_o where_o he_o be_v that_o they_o may_v behold_v his_o glory_n st._n john_n 17._o 24._o §_o x._o a_o four_o grace_n be_v humility_n this_o be_v indeed_o include_v in_o repentance_n for_o a_o true_a penitent_n must_v be_v humble_a but_o we_o must_v be_v more_o explicit_a in_o it_o and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o church_n to_o form_v a_o particular_a act_n thereof_o immediate_o before_o the_o consecration_n when_o the_o priest_n kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o communicate_v we_o do_v not_o presume_v to_o come_v to_o this_o thy_o table_n o_o merciful_a lord_n trust_n in_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o only_o in_o thy_o manifold_a and_o great_a mercy_n we_o be_v not_o worthy_a so_o much_o as_o to_o gather_v up_o the_o crumb_n under_o thy_o table_n and_o indeed_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v think_v he_o can_v express_v too_o great_a humility_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n when_o he_o come_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o pardon_n it_o be_v this_o most_o humble_a prostration_n of_o soul_n this_o abasement_n and_o annihilation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o utter_o disclaim_v our_o own_o merit_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o bottom_n of_o that_o seraphical_a divinity_n which_o have_v make_v so_o much_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o make_v it_o more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v dangerous_a enthusiasm_n as_o have_v appear_v both_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o if_o they_o rest_v it_o here_o as_o be_v do_v in_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n it_o be_v accountable_a and_o rational_a and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n especial_o in_o the_o sacrament_n where_o the_o low_a we_o abase_v ourselves_o the_o high_a will_n god_n raise_v we_o and_o this_o we_o ought_v particular_o to_o exercise_v when_o we_o see_v the_o minister_n approach_v to_o we_o with_o the_o bread_n or_o wine_n and_o firm_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v our_o saviour_n together_o with_o they_o §_o xi_o but_o yet_o five_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v but_o rather_o to_o increase_v our_o thankfulness_n because_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n must_v needs_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n to_o this_o the_o church_n especial_o direct_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n you_o must_v render_v most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n and_o again_o after_o the_o sursum_fw-la corda_n we_o be_v invite_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o our_o lord_n god_n to_o which_o the_o congregation_n answer_v it_o be_v meet_a and_o right_a so_o to_o do_v on_o which_o follow_v that_o solemn_a act_n of_o thanks_o and_o praise_n which_o the_o priest_n alone_o pronounce_v as_o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n do_v in_o st._n luk._n 22._o 19_o and_o in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24._o he_o take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o from_o which_o action_n the_o whole_a sacrament_n obtain_v two_o name_n the_o eucharist_n from_o give_v thanks_o as_o it_o be_v express_o call_v in_o two_o or_o three_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o syriac_a version_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n as_o it_o be_v style_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n now_o this_o praise_v god_n and_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n aught_o to_o spread_v itself_o through_o every_o part_n of_o the_o office_n and_o even_o our_o repentance_n and_o humility_n will_v be_v so_o manage_v as_o to_o increase_v our_o praise_n but_o we_o shall_v more_o especial_o exercise_v our_o thankfulness_n when_o the_o minister_n say_v it_o be_v meet_v right_a and_o our_o bind_a duty_n that_o we_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n 16._o time_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 16._o and_o in_o all_o place_n give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n on_o which_o follow_v that_o seraphical_a anthem_n repeat_v by_o saint_n here_o below_o and_o angel_n above_o therefore_o with_o angel_n and_o archangel_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o the_o pious_a communicant_a join_v both_o in_o heart_n and_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o particular_a preface_n before_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o praise_n god_n either_o for_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o resurrection_n or_o ascension_n or_o for_o his_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o else_o we_o adore_v the_o divine_a trinity_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o preface_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v add_v because_o the_o church_n do_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o so_o often_o at_o least_o as_o these_o great_a festival_n return_v there_o will_v be_v a_o communion_n and_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o entire_o desire_v our_o heavenly_a father_n merciful_o to_o accept_v our_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o we_o most_o hearty_o thank_v he_o that_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o feed_v we_o who_o have_v due_o receive_v these_o holy_a mystery_n with_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o most_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o assure_v we_o thereby_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodness_n towards_o we_o and_o then_o we_o again_o break_v out_o into_o that_o hymn_n of_o praise_n to_o the_o whole_a bless_a trinity_n part_n of_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v sing_v by_o the_o angel_n at_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a on_o earth_n peace_n goodwill_n towards_o men._n but_o more_o especial_o be_v we_o to_o have_v our_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o most_o exalt_a praise_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v to_o which_o the_o minister_n exhort_v we_o in_o the_o delivery_n both_o of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n nothing_o but_o faith_n and_o holy_a joy_n and_o humble_a praise_n be_v then_o to_o be_v admit_v then_o when_o the_o holy_a soul_n be_v in_o the_o mount_n with_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o she_o to_o be_v here_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o disturbance_n can_v find_v entrance_n it_o be_v because_o she_o must_v so_o soon_o return_v again_o to_o a_o sordid_a vexatious_a impertinent_a world_n when_o she_o be_v now_o already_o on_o the_o wing_n for_o heaven_n be_v advance_v so_o far_o upward_o in_o that_o glorious_a road_n and_o will_v so_o glad_o fly_v away_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o her_o redeemer_n §_o xii_o the_o last_o grace_n be_v charity_n take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n for_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n 1._o love_n to_o god_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o piety_n which_o quicken_v and_o enlivens_fw-la every_o christian_a duty_n this_o be_v here_o increase_v by_o remember_v god_n love_n to_o we_o in_o send_v his_o son_n and_o our_o saviour_n love_n in_o give_v himself_o to_o die_v for_o we_o this_o sacrament_n be_v the_o dear_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o
to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o to_o make_v they_o better_o that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n of_o manner_n have_v not_o be_v deny_v even_o by_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o most_o need_n of_o it_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o governor_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n do_v most_o earnest_o desire_v it_o we_o can_v no_o less_o doubt_n without_o the_o high_a affront_n to_o both_o when_o they_o have_v by_o so_o many_o repeat_v act_n solemn_o declare_v as_o much_o to_o the_o nation_n that_o a_o firm_a combination_n of_o good_a man_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o bring_v this_o design_n to_o a_o good_a issue_n we_o may_v more_o than_o guess_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o do_v by_o such_o method_n and_o for_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v against_o those_o who_o have_v embark_v in_o this_o pious_a and_o generous_a undertake_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o unprejudiced_a person_n who_o have_v read_v the_o right_n reverend_a bishop_n of_o glocester_n defence_n of_o they_o but_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o have_v but_o very_o little_a weight_n and_o be_v there_o fair_o answer_v and_o as_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o late_a archbishop_n be_v a_o hearty_a friend_n of_o they_o and_o their_o design_n so_o his_o most_o reverend_a successor_n have_v give_v they_o a_o just_a and_o noble_a commendation_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n wherein_o he_o require_v they_o to_o press_v the_o clergy_n of_o their_o respective_a diocese_n to_o invite_v their_o churchwarden_n and_o other_o pious_a person_n among_o the_o laity_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n after_o which_o he_o add_v we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o expect_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o concurrence_n from_o the_o visible_a success_n of_o that_o noble_a zeal_n wherewith_o so_o many_o about_o the_o great_a city_n do_v promote_v true_a piety_n and_o a_o reformation_n of_o manner_n thus_o far_o our_o most_o reverend_a metropolitan_a and_o since_o that_o time_n the_o same_o design_n have_v be_v public_o espouse_v and_o recommend_v by_o several_a other_o of_o the_o high_a character_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o general_n reformation_n of_o man_n manner_n be_v ever_o effect_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n without_o execution_n or_o those_o law_n be_v ever_o effectual_o execute_v by_o the_o straggle_a endeavour_n of_o a_o few_o good_a man_n who_o charge_v single_o against_o such_o infernal_a host_n of_o infidelity_n and_o lewdness_n if_o any_o thing_n considerable_a herein_o be_v accomplish_v unless_o by_o such_o a_o combination_n i_o shall_v own_v myself_o happy_o mistake_v but_o whether_o i_o be_o or_o no_o the_o event_n will_v teach_v posterity_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o long_a letter_n with_o the_o remarkable_a word_n of_o the_o excellent_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o his_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o christian_a piety_n the_o close_a of_o the_o twenty_o chapter_n that_o scandal_n say_v he_o which_o we_o have_v bring_v upon_o our_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v not_o contract_v by_o the_o irregularity_n of_o one_o or_o two_o person_n but_o by_o associate_v and_o common_a crime_n so_o neither_o will_v it_o be_v remove_v by_o a_o few_o single_a and_o private_a reformation_n there_o must_v be_v combination_n and_o public_a confederacy_n in_o virtue_n to_o balance_n and_o counterpoise_v those_o of_o vice_n or_o they_o will_v never_o recover_v that_o honour_n which_o she_o acquire_v by_o the_o general_a piety_n of_o her_o professor_n he_o go_v on_o in_o those_o primitive_a day_n there_o be_v such_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o that_o be_v ill_a that_o a_o vicious_a person_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o monster_n or_o prodigy_n and_o like_o a_o putrify_a member_n cut_v off_o as_o be_v not_o only_o dangerous_a but_o noisome_a to_o the_o body_n but_o alas_o the_o scene_z be_v so_o change_v that_o the_o church_n be_v now_o make_v up_o of_o such_o as_o she_o will_v then_o have_v cast_v out_o and_o it_o be_v now_o as_o remarkable_a a_o occurrent_a to_o find_v a_o good_a christian_a as_o it_o be_v then_o to_o see_v a_o bad._n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v well_o the_o worthy_a author_n conceal_v his_o name_n when_o he_o publish_v such_o disoblige_a truth_n at_o least_o if_o he_o have_v be_v now_o live_v he_o will_v scarce_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o forwardness_n and_o a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n sir_n i_o be_o your_o oblige_a friend_n sam_n wesley_n appendix_n of_o baptism_n §_o i._o concern_v which_o i_o shall_v brief_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v what_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o it_o what_o be_v our_o obligation_n from_o it_o whether_o our_o saviour_n design_v it_o to_o remain_v always_o in_o his_o church_n and_o last_o who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o §_o ii_o first_o what_o it_o be_v and_o baptism_n may_v be_v thus_o describe_v it_o be_v the_o first_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o jewish_a baptism_n to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o by_o sprinkle_v dip_v or_o wash_v with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o damn_v gild_n of_o original_a sin_n be_v wash_v away_o we_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v take_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o god_n grace_n here_o and_o endless_a bliss_n hereafter_o on_o our_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n §_o iii_o it_o be_v the_o first_o or_o initiatory_a sacrament_n enter_v we_o into_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o renew_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n who_o alone_o have_v power_n to_o institute_v a_o proper_a sacrament_n or_o sign_n seal_v pledge_v and_o mean_n of_o grace_n perpetual_o obligatory_a on_o all_o christian_n we_o know_v not_o indeed_o the_o express_a time_n of_o its_o institution_n for_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n st._n john_n 4._o 1._o long_o before_o he_o enlarge_v the_o commission_n of_o his_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o make_v disciple_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o baptise_v they_o st._n matt._n 28._o 19_o see_v below_o of_o the_o right_a translation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o we_o know_v it_o be_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n for_o as_o that_o be_v a_o figure_n sign_n rom._n 4._o 11._o and_o seal_v of_o god_n covenant_n and_o mean_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n so_o be_v this_o it_o seem_v also_o to_o have_v have_v respect_n to_o the_o way_n of_o admit_v proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o both_o former_o be_v and_o still_o be_v by_o baptism_n lightfoot_n grotius_n etc._n etc._n ammian_n epictet_n and_o perhaps_o also_o to_o the_o lustration_n or_o purification_n among_o the_o heathen_a which_o grotius_n think_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v the_o remain_v of_o a_o patriarchal_a tradition_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o universal_a flood_n which_o the_o apostle_n also_o seem_v to_o intimate_v when_o he_o call_v baptism_n the_o antitype_n to_o the_o ark_n or_o the_o deluge_n 1_o st._n pet._n 3._o 20_o 21._o §_o iv_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v water_n which_o as_o it_o have_v a_o natural_a power_n of_o cleanse_v be_v in_o itself_o more_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o symbolical_a and_o sacramental_a use._n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v think_v that_o god_n give_v the_o first_o blessing_n to_o the_o water_n gen._n 1._o 10._o because_o they_o be_v design_v for_o baptism_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o wash_v dip_v or_o sprinkle_v the_o person_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v by_o this_o ceremony_n the_o baptise_a person_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n the_o gentile_n therefore_o be_v general_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n because_o they_o do_v not_o before_o believe_v aright_o of_o any_o of_o the_o three_o person_n though_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n who_o before_o do_v believe_v aright_o of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v sometime_o baptize_v only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act_n 10._o 42._o 19_o 5._o §_o v._o i_o say_v wash_v dip_v or_o sprinkle_v according_a to_o our_o catechism_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o baptism_n though_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v i_o think_v express_o determine_v in_o scripture_n either_o by_o precept_n or_o such_o example_n as_o clear_o prove_v it_o or_o by_o the_o force_n or_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n baptise_v nay_o there_o be_v several_a
that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o original_a gild_n or_o stain_n of_o our_o nature_n see_v section_n vi._n where_o it_o be_v also_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o damnable_a as_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v if_o it_o make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o if_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n have_v render_v all_o mankind_n obnoxious_a to_o judgement_n to_o condemnation_n and_o to_o death_n it_o be_v true_a the_o second_o adam_n have_v find_v a_o remedy_n by_o his_o own_o death_n but_o the_o merit_v thereof_o be_v only_o to_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n he_o have_v appoint_v the_o chief_a of_o which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n all_o good_a christian_n believe_v one_o baptism_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v therein_o bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a 1_o st._n pet._n 1._o 23._o baptism_n be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n to_o which_o god_n have_v tie_v we_o though_o he_o may_v not_o have_v tie_v himself_o where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v indeed_o the_o case_n be_v different_a but_o what_o be_v extraordinary_a case_n against_o a_o certain_a stand_a rule_n that_o original_a sin_n be_v real_o wash_v away_o in_o baptism_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o that_o the_o same_o have_v be_v the_o unanimous_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o on_o that_o account_n we_o think_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o baptise_v infant_n as_o do_v the_o holy_a father_n of_o old_a that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v make_v inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n §_o xvi_o a_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o infant_n be_v baptism_n be_v because_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o covenant_n and_o be_v and_o still_o be_v under_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n and_o consequent_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o enter_v seal_n there_o of_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n i_o prove_v from_o god_n own_o word_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n deut._n 29._o 10_o 11_o 12._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o of_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n etc._n etc._n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n your_o little_a one_o your_o wife_n and_o thy_o stranger_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n god_n will_v never_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o little_a one_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o say_v child_n only_o but_o little_a one_o such_o as_o christ_n particular_o order_v his_o disciple_n to_o suffer_v to_o come_v to_o he_o of_o which_o more_o below_o and_o be_v translate_v in_o the_o greek_a by_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v infant_n or_o innocent_n ezek._n 9_o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v use_v in_o those_o ancient_a constitution_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_v your_o infant_n the_o custom_n of_o nation_n and_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n do_v also_o prove_v that_o infant_n may_v enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n and_o may_v be_v oblige_v by_o compact_n make_v in_o their_o name_n by_o other_o and_o may_v receive_v advantage_n by_o they_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o a_o man_n covenant_n which_o he_o say_v can_v be_v disannul_v to_o god_n covenant_n galat._n 3._o 15._o and_o sure_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o example_n infant_n may_v be_v still_o as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a in_o circumcision_n actual_o oblige_v to_o perform_v that_o for_o the_o future_a which_o they_o can_v actual_o perform_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o such_o obligation_n the_o infant_n of_o believer_n the_o true_a child_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n always_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n they_o be_v include_v in_o it_o they_o have_v a_o right_a unto_o it_o and_o to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o as_o a_o heir_n have_v right_a to_o a_o estate_n a_o infant_n prince_n to_o a_o crown_n though_o there_o be_v some_o solemnity_n require_v to_o give_v they_o investiture_n and_o actual_a possession_n of_o they_o the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v a_o gospel_n covenant_n the_o condition_n the_o same_o namely_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v account_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n gal._n 3._o 15._o the_o inseparable_a fruit_n of_o which_o faith_n be_v obedience_n for_o by_o faith_n he_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o offer_v his_o son_n heb._n 11._o 8_o 17._o the_o benefit_n be_v the_o same_o for_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o gen._n 17._o 8._o and_o he_o can_v promise_v no_o more_o to_o any_o creature_n for_o this_o include_v all_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o better_a the_o mediator_n the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v in_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n gen._n 22._o 18._o gal._n 3._o 16._o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v on_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o abraham_n gal._n 3._o 8._o the_o same_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o the_o same_o covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o he_o be_v make_v with_o his_o child_n after_o he_o for_o so_o it_o be_v express_o say_v gen._n 17._o 7._o gal._n 3._o 7._o and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n in_o this_o covenant_n child_n be_v oblige_v to_o what_o they_o know_v not_o to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o abraham_n perform_v or_o else_o no_o benefit_n by_o it_o it_o reach_v beyond_o the_o law_n for_o the_o apostle_n express_o distinguish_v this_o from_o it_o gal._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v something_o legal_a that_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o appendage_n unto_o it_o namely_o a_o temporal_a promise_n of_o canaan_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n gen._n 17._o 8._o to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o this_o be_v but_o like_o a_o codicil_n annex_v to_o a_o will_n not_o the_o chief_a or_o main_a part_n of_o it_o for_o neither_o abraham_n nor_o the_o patriarch_n do_v actual_o inherit_v canaan_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v god_n have_v prepare_v better_a blessing_n for_o they_o even_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n act_n 7._o 5._o heb._n 11._o 10_o 14_o 16._o now_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o spiritual_a offspring_n be_v the_o promise_v make_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o which_o be_v of_o faith_n the_o same_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o bless_v together_o with_o he_o gal._n 3._o 7._o rom._n 4._o 13._o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v itself_o figurative_o call_v the_o covenant_n act_n 7._o 8._o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v hereby_o admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n then_o make_v with_o his_o people_n and_o oblige_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o as_o when_o the_o law_n be_v add_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o also_o for_o he_o that_o be_v circumcise_v say_v the_o apostle_n be_v debtor_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n gal._n 5._o 3._o that_o be_v be_v oblige_v to_o fulfil_v it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o age_n as_o be_v thereby_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o bind_v to_o observe_v all_o its_o political_a and_o ceremonial_a constitution_n as_o be_v the_o proselyte_n of_o justice_n who_o be_v circumcise_v whereas_o the_o jewish_a writer_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n who_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n only_o be_v only_o oblige_v to_o the_o seven_o precept_n of_o noah_n and_o this_o st._n paul_n very_o well_o know_v have_v be_v breed_v a_o pharisee_n and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o tradition_n when_o therefore_o the_o old_a seal_n of_o circumcision_n be_v take_v off_o this_o of_o baptism_n be_v add_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o its_o room_n one_o positive_a institution_n succeed_v another_o a_o new_a seal_n to_o abraham_n covenant_n the_o seal_v differ_v but_o the_o deed_n be_v the_o same_o only_o that_o part_n of_o it_o strike_v off_o which_o be_v pure_o polical_a relate_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o temporal_a canaan_n only_o and_o that_o baptism_n do_v real_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n we_o may_v learn_v as_o well_o from_o the_o clear_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o from_o the_o apostle_n argument_n col._n 2._o 11._o 12_o 13._o where_o after_o circumcision_n he_o mention_n baptism_n as_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n to_o which_o he_o add_v
mercy_n we_o have_v need_n of_o it_o because_o all_o bear_a sinner_n and_o that_o it_o be_v free_a for_o all_o person_n to_o receive_v it_o iust._n mart._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o he_o must_v include_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n in_o france_n who_o be_v partly_o cotemporary_a with_o justin_n martyr_n both_o of_o they_o flourish_v near_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n for_o he_o mention_n infant_n child_n young_a and_o old_a as_o bear_v again_o unto_o god_n by_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o by_o be_v bear_v again_o or_o regeneration_n the_o father_n understand_v baptism_n which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n also_o as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o valid_a objection_n that_o several_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v delay_v their_o baptism_n and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n since_o this_o prove_v more_o than_o the_o objector_n will_v have_v it_o who_o be_v not_o for_o delay_v it_o till_o this_o time_n and_o beside_o they_o do_v this_o upon_o particular_a reason_n see_v this_o elaborate_o handle_v by_o mr._n walker_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o infant-baptism_n some_o because_o they_o think_v all_o sin_n damnable_a which_o be_v commit_v after_o baptism_n other_o because_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o baptism_n purge_v away_o all_o sin_n original_a and_o actual_a and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o than_o either_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o this_o no_o more_o show_v the_o defer_v of_o baptism_n to_o have_v be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o people_n may_v without_o sin_n absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o other_o sacrament_n because_o too_o many_o actual_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n namely_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o lead_v a_o better_a life_n but_o this_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o instance_n to_o be_v find_v in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o orthodox_n christian_n who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o child_n when_o bring_v to_o be_v baptize_v and_o believe_v we_o may_v be_v positive_a that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o father_n or_o ancient_a writer_n for_o the_o first_o eight_o hundred_o year_n at_o least_o ever_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o regular_a church_n ever_o since_o be_v as_o clear_v and_o manifest_a whereas_o we_o know_v that_o whenever_o the_o popish_a error_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v neither_o early_a nor_o universal_o receive_v for_o not_o only_o our_o own_o ancestor_n when_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n not_o only_o all_o our_o european_a church_n but_o the_o african_a too_o former_o do_v and_o still_o do_v baptise_v their_o child_n both_o the_o coptis_fw-la in_o egypt_n and_o the_o abyssine_n in_o ethiopia_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o even_o those_o of_o st._n thomas_n who_o have_v for_o many_o age_n scarce_o any_o correspondence_n with_o our_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o clear_v we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o since_o infant-baptism_n have_v be_v general_o receive_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n since_o we_o can_v tract_n it_o up_o as_o high_a as_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v almost_o cotemporary_n with_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o polycarp_n who_o be_v irenaeus_n his_o master_n live_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o first_o century_n for_o these_o reason_n we_o can_v think_v it_o unlawful_a we_o must_v believe_v as_o st._n austin_n say_v that_o it_o be_v certain_o hand_v down_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v now_o continue_v without_o interruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o near_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n so_o it_o will_v by_o god_n grace_n continue_v therein_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o infant-baprism_a be_v not_o true_a baptism_n there_o have_v be_v yet_o no_o true_a church_n since_o our_o saviour_n since_o there_o have_v be_v none_o which_o do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n no_o entire_a church_n which_o have_v think_v it_o unlawful_a though_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v have_v have_v private_a opinion_n not_o even_o those_o of_o piedmont_n though_o it_o be_v true_a they_o often_o delay_v baptism_n when_o they_o can_v not_o have_v it_o without_o the_o superstitious_a appendage_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o shelter_v among_o they_o who_o do_v whole_o deny_v baptism_n to_o infant_n they_o also_o deny_v baptism_n itself_o and_o the_o other_o sacrament_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o head_n and_o the_o whole_a argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n with_o this_o one_o remark_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o of_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n that_o promise_n have_v never_o yet_o be_v fulfil_v that_o king_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o queen_n nurse_v mother_n to_o the_o church_n for_o they_o never_o have_v but_o one_o king_n and_o queen_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o those_o they_o do_v not_o love_v to_o hear_v of_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forget_v this_o promise_n for_o 1700_o year_n together_o nor_o will_v they_o affirm_v it_o there_o have_v be_v many_o excellent_a king_n and_o prince_n protector_n of_o church_n which_o have_v baptise_a infant_n and_o have_v be_v in_o their_o infancy_n themselves_o baptize_v whence_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o that_o tthose_n be_v true_a church_n who_o use_v it_o if_o there_o ever_o yet_o be_v any_o since_o our_o saviour_n §_o xxi_o to_o sum_v up_o the_o evidence_n for_o infant-baptism_n if_o outward_a baptism_n be_v general_o and_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o infant_n may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o neglect_v no_o mean_n to_o save_v they_o if_o our_o saviour_n command_v such_o to_o come_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o and_o do_v himself_o put_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o and_o call_v they_o believer_n and_o say_v that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v keep_v they_o from_o he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o any_o to_o have_v a_o millstone_n tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n than_o to_o offend_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a offence_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o gate_n to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o heaven_n if_o the_o child_n even_o of_o one_o believe_v parent_n have_v holiness_n federal_a holiness_n by_o their_o parent_n charter_n and_o may_v have_v the_o beginning_n of_o real_a actual_a holiness_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o have_v have_v extraordinary_a gift_n and_o be_v therefore_o much_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o ordinary_a if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o covenant_n or_o have_v a_o covenant_n make_v for_o they_o by_o other_o with_o privilege_n and_o obligation_n annex_v if_o they_o have_v right_a to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o even_o in_o abraham_n covenant_n which_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n a_o evangelical_n covenant_n and_o be_v never_o exclude_v by_o christ_n who_o will_v rather_o give_v they_o new_a privilege_n than_o lessen_v the_o old_a if_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n have_v design_v that_o child_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o must_v have_v express_o and_o formal_o except_v they_o from_o baptism_n and_o have_v forbid_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v they_o which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v because_o the_o jew_n do_v admit_v child_n to_o be_v proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o he_o ever_o do_v thus_o forbid_v they_o nay_o he_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o make_v disciple_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v before_o they_o if_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a even_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptise_v child_n because_o they_o frequent_o baptize_v whole_a household_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o child_n among_o they_o and_o
our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v now_o general_o monthly_a communion_n and_o if_o we_o have_v follow_v they_o in_o their_o error_n ought_v we_o not_o much_o more_o to_o do_v so_o in_o their_o reformation_n §_o xxi_o the_o advantage_n of_o frequent_a communion_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o reformation_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o good_a life_n shall_v be_v the_o last_o argument_n to_o engage_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o how_o far_o the_o sacrament_n itself_o conduce_v to_o those_o end_n have_v be_v already_o declare_v and_o the_o more_o frequent_o we_o receive_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v the_o great_a benefit_n shall_v we_o obtain_v by_o it_o the_o often_o the_o vow_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v upon_o we_o the_o strong_a will_v the_o cord_n be_v and_o with_o more_o difficulty_n to_o be_v break_v the_o often_o we_o come_v to_o these_o water_n of_o life_n the_o more_o will_v our_o soul_n be_v refresh_v by_o they_o the_o more_o frequent_o we_o partake_v of_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o great_a strength_n shall_v we_o receive_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n and_o assistance_n in_o god_n service_n and_o as_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n already_o mention_v be_v very_o much_o owe_v to_o their_o daily_a communion_n so_o if_o we_o impartial_o consider_v those_o among_o we_o who_o do_v most_o frequent_o communicate_v i_o be_o persuade_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o rational_a christian_n and_o general_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whilst_o those_o be_v the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o this_o bless_a feast_n and_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n scarce_o ever_o receive_v it_o §_o xxii_o but_o it_o will_v now_o be_v time_n to_o consider_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o against_o frequent_a communion_n for_o the_o first_o against_o receive_v in_o general_n the_o most_o common_a objection_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o follow_a head_n either_o a_o bad_a life_n or_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n or_o want_v of_o preparation_n or_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o or_o else_o the_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o the_o ill_a character_n perhaps_o of_o some_o of_o the_o communicant_n the_o four_o former_a be_v usual_o bring_v by_o person_n of_o all_o persuasion_n the_o two_o latter_a principal_o by_o those_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o our_o way_n of_o worship_n §_o xxiii_o as_o for_o the_o first_o and_o more_o common_a rank_n of_o excuse_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o it_o may_v deserve_v a_o remark_n that_o our_o church_n have_v already_o full_o answer_v they_o and_o all_o person_n have_v hear_v as_o much_o as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o minister_n read_v the_o exhortation_n at_o the_o warn_n for_o the_o celebration_n before_o the_o communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o fair_a nor_o modest_a it_o argue_v neither_o ingenuity_n nor_o conscience_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o without_o any_o addition_n to_o their_o strength_n or_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o satisfy_v they_o the_o two_o former_a objection_n business_n and_o a_o bad_a life_n be_v answer_v in_o the_o second_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v i_o will_v not_o communicate_v because_o i_o be_o otherwise_o hinder_v by_o worldly_a business_n but_o such_o excuse_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o accept_v and_o allow_v before_o god_n they_o that_o refuse_v the_o feast_n in_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n &c_n &c_n be_v not_o so_o excuse_v but_o count_v unworthy_a of_o the_o heavenly_a feast_n and_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o a_o bad_a life_n it_o be_v add_v if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o be_o a_o grievous_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o be_o afraid_a to_o come_v wherefore_o then_o do_v you_o not_o repent_v and_o a_o mend_v the_o two_o latter_a unpreparedness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v also_o fair_o hint_v at_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o exhortation_n and_o a_o remedy_n appoint_v for_o they_o if_o any_o man_n can_v quiet_v his_o conscience_n but_o require_v far_a comfort_n or_o counsel_n he_o be_v direct_v to_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n or_o such_o be_v the_o church_n caution_n and_o indulgence_n in_o so_o tender_a a_o affair_n to_o any_o other_o discreet_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o open_v his_o grief_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v ghostly_a counsel_n or_o spiritual_a advice_n suitable_a to_o his_o condition_n and_o he_o who_o neglect_v to_o take_v this_o method_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o either_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o do_v not_o regard_v the_o church_n direction_n in_o these_o matter_n §_o xxiv_o but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o more_o particular_a examination_n of_o these_o objection_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v take_v from_o a_o wicked_a life_n a_o man_n be_v a_o most_o grievous_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o he_o come_v not_o to_o the_o holy_a table_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o most_o inexcusable_a excuse_n for_o though_o some_o have_v think_v that_o a_o duty_n may_v atone_v for_o a_o sin_n yet_o one_o will_v think_v none_o shall_v be_v so_o wild_a to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o one_o sin_n can_v ever_o atone_v for_o another_o but_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v say_v of_o this_o sacrament_n as_o ananias_n do_v to_o st._n paul_n of_o that_o of_o baptism_n 16._o baptism_n act._n 22._o 16._o why_o tarry_v thou_o arise_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o wash_v away_o thy_o sin_n the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o mean_v to_o confer_v grace_n on_o those_o that_o be_v true_o penitent_a true_o sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o afflict_v for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v it_o in_o those_o who_o already_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v no_o place_n for_o a_o wicked_a man_n who_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o wickedness_n who_o do_v not_o hearty_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o strive_v against_o it_o and_o actual_o and_o immediate_o forsake_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o cast_v the_o child_n bread_n to_o dog_n and_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n the_o seal_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o what_o have_v any_o to_o do_v with_o the_o sign_n who_o have_v not_o the_o substance_n what_o have_v a_o stubborn_a rebel_n to_o do_v with_o his_o prince_n pardon_n yet_o after_o all_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n though_o he_o save_v they_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o repentance_n nor_o be_v it_o while_o they_o remain_v so_o but_o upon_o a_o change_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o he_o actual_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o the_o repent_a sinner_n but_o the_o obstinate_a sinner_n that_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o lord_n s_o table_n who_o be_v also_o if_o he_o live_v and_o die_v such_o as_o certain_o as_o god_n be_v true_a exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n but_o for_o those_o who_o be_v indeed_o desirous_a to_o do_v better_o though_o their_o faith_n be_v yet_o but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o that_o merciful_a redeemer_n who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o sure_o the_o sacrament_n can_v but_o have_v that_o good_a effect_n on_o all_o who_o be_v not_o quite_o harden_v as_o to_o make_v they_o think_v on_o their_o way_n and_o amend_v their_o life_n when_o they_o approach_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o great_a reason_n which_o keep_v many_o from_o it_o be_v not_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o willing_a to_o do_v and_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o exact_a examination_n and_o severe_a repentance_n §_o xxv_o and_o as_o some_o have_v raise_v objection_n against_o receive_v because_o of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a or_o of_o which_o they_o may_v be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n guilty_a so_o there_o be_v other_o who_o say_v they_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n for_o fear_v of_o fall_v into_o sin_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v as_o if_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a a_o error_n much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o some_o person_n run_v into_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o defer_v their_o baptism_n till_o
the_o point_n of_o death_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o in_o answer_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o sin_n after_o baptism_n may_v be_v forgive_v on_o true_a repentance_n so_o doubtless_o they_o may_v after_o the_o other_o sacrament_n for_o not_o only_o the_o corinthian_n but_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o fail_n after_o the_o communion_n a_o confirm_a habit_n or_o inveterate_a course_n of_o sin_n be_v damnable_a as_o well_o before_o the_o sacrament_n as_o after_o it_o but_o the_o devout_a and_o frequent_a receive_n of_o it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o prevent_v the_o fall_n into_o such_o a_o desperate_a condition_n and_o for_o lesser_a fail_n from_o which_o none_o be_v free_a those_o will_v be_v forgive_v if_o we_o be_v true_o penitent_a for_o they_o and_o constant_o strive_v against_o they_o §_o xxvi_o another_o pretence_n something_o ally_v to_o this_o last_o be_v that_o man_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o their_o neighbour_n and_o that_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sacrament_n in_o answer_n it_o be_v own_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o this_o feast_n of_o love_n with_o true_a charity_n forgive_a all_o our_o enemy_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o practice_v every_o day_n we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n without_o imprecate_v a_o heavy_a curse_n upon_o ourselves_o but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o matter_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o short_a issue_n either_o you_o have_v real_o offend_v your_o neighbour_n or_o he_o have_v offend_v you_o or_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v you_o be_v both_o to_o blame_v if_o the_o former_a you_o know_v your_o duty_n leave_v thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n if_o the_o second_o and_o he_o trespass_n against_o thou_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n and_o say_v i_o have_v offend_v forgive_v he_o and_o receive_v together_o with_o he_o if_o both_o be_v in_o fault_n both_o must_v make_v satisfaction_n if_o either_o refuse_v to_o be_v reconcile_v the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o refuser_n not_o in_o he_o that_o be_v willing_a who_o shall_v not_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o other_o gild_n though_o the_o uncharitable_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a for_o this_o holy_a table_n while_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o unchristian_a temper_n §_o xxvii_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n be_v another_o excuse_n or_o objection_n against_o receive_v the_o cumber_n of_o worldly_a affair_n and_o be_v trouble_v like_a martha_n about_o many_o thing_n while_o this_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o very_o needful_a be_v too_o often_o postponed_a and_o neglect_v exact_o the_o same_o pretence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o parable_n already_o mention_v who_o when_o the_o king_n send_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n begin_v with_o one_o consent_n to_o make_v excuse_n and_o go_v their_o way_n one_o to_o his_o farm_n another_o to_o his_o merchandise_n one_o say_v i_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o must_v needs_o go_v to_o see_v it_o which_o as_o indifferent_a a_o excuse_n as_o it_o be_v be_v yet_o better_o than_o they_o who_o absent_v themselves_o from_o god_n public_a worship_n only_o to_o go_v and_o see_v their_o ground_n when_o they_o long_o before_o have_v buy_v it_o another_o i_o have_v buy_v five_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o i_o go_v to_o prove_v they_o he_o have_v his_o stock_n to_o look_v after_o which_o he_o think_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o his_o absence_n as_o the_o three_o do_v who_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o can_v not_o come_v but_o must_v stay_v at_o home_n to_o look_v after_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o family_n it_o be_v well_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n how_o open_a the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v here_o lay_v the_o common_a spring_n of_o man_n neglect_n and_o indevotion_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a matter_n all_o which_o excuse_n be_v so_o contrive_v that_o they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n be_v only_o for_o recluse_a person_n such_o as_o be_v abstract_v from_o the_o world_n and_o live_v like_o monk_n and_o hermit_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v design_v for_o all_o christian_n and_o one_o great_a end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o take_v off_o our_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o heaven_n but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o this_o pretence_n of_o business_n to_o excuse_v person_n from_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v almost_o always_o either_o false_a or_o vain_a or_o wicked_a or_o altogether_o §_o xxviii_o 1._o it_o be_v often_o false_a in_o fact_n and_o we_o be_v not_o real_o so_o hinder_v by_o business_n but_o we_o may_v be_v there_o if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o feast_n or_o to_o the_o inviter_n since_o that_o business_n can_v only_o excuse_v we_o which_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v do_v before_o which_o can_v be_v do_v after_o and_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v do_v at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o we_o shall_v receive_v but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v ingenuous_a they_o will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o very_o rare_o have_v any_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o indeed_o what_o business_n unless_o of_o such_o high_a necessity_n and_o mercy_n have_v a_o christian_n to_o do_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o very_a name_n whereof_o show_v the_o propriety_n and_o that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o our_o own_o but_o set_v apart_o for_o a_o holy_a rest_n and_o christian_a sabbath_n and_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o probable_a that_o those_o who_o can_v find_v time_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o urgent_a business_n for_o visit_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o their_o friend_n for_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a discourse_n both_o before_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o even_o upon_o it_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o for_o their_o sin_n too_o shall_v yet_o be_v able_a to_o find_v no_o time_n for_o their_o saviour_n when_o he_o invite_v they_o to_o his_o own_o table_n judge_v then_o how_o wretched_a a_o excuse_v this_o be_v when_o by_o a_o palpable_a falsehood_n man_n will_v defend_v their_o disobedience_n §_o xxix_o but_o second_o this_o excuse_n be_v weak_a and_o foolish_a for_o suppose_v we_o shall_v real_o find_v out_o some_o little_a business_n to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o just_a before_o and_o during_o the_o celebration_n yet_o what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o to_o put_v off_o a_o great_a affair_n for_o a_o less_o a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n for_o what_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o moment_n but_o what_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o a_o miserable_a exchange_n shall_v i_o make_v if_o through_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n i_o shall_v by_o gain_v the_o one_o eternal_o lose_v the_o other_o beside_o if_o business_n can_v defend_v a_o person_n for_o one_o neglect_n or_o omission_n how_o immodest_a as_o well_o as_o foolish_a be_v it_o to_o bring_v always_o the_o same_o excuse_v and_o still_o to_o postpone_v our_o own_o happiness_n include_v in_o our_o obedience_n §_o xxx_o and_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v as_o wicked_a as_o it_o be_v foolish_a for_o it_o be_v a_o high_a affront_n and_o injury_n both_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o king_n son_n and_o will_v they_o not_o both_o extreme_o and_o just_o resent_v it_o it_o be_v a_o wrong_n and_o injury_n do_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o injure_v they_o like_v he_o in_o the_o gospel_n rather_o to_o leave_v our_o saviour_n than_o to_o part_v with_o our_o possession_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o step_v out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o a_o few_o moment_n to_o say_v we_o will_v not_o come_v because_o we_o be_v busy_a be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v we_o will_v come_v when_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v to_o put_v it_o off_o till_o another_o time_n be_v fair_o to_o own_o we_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a concern_v for_o whatever_o we_o think_v so_o we_o set_v immediate_o about_o it_o §_o xxxi_o but_o there_o be_v oftentimes_o something_o very_o bad_a at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o excuse_n and_o those_o who_o make_v it_o will_v do_v well_o serious_o to_o ask_v themselves_o whether_o by_o business_n they_o mean_v not_o something_o worse_a some_o appendage_n to_o it_o which_o sting_v their_o conscience_n and_o dare_v not_o let_v they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n be_v they_o not_o guilty_a of_o intemperance_n or_o injustice_n in_o their_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v they_o must_v be_v remit_v to_o the_o answer_v give_v to_o those_o under_o the_o former_a head_n