mr._n prowde_n confirmation-sermon_n preach_v at_o bridgewater_n july_n 16._o 1693._o imprimatur_fw-la lambeth_n nou._n 17._o 1693._o ra._n barker_n a_o sermon_n preach_v in_o the_o parish-church_n of_o bridgewater_n july_n 16._o 1693._o before_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n richard_n lord_z bishop_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n at_o a_o confirmation_n by_o fran._n proud_a m._n a._n vicar_n of_o woollavington_n in_o somersetshire_n london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o w._n rogers_n over_o against_o s._n dunstan's-church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1694._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n richard_n lord_z bishop_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v sole_o the_o product_n of_o your_o lordship_n command_n seem_v natural_o to_o fly_v to_o you_o for_o patronage_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a it_o must_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o goodness_n of_o soul_n and_o pious_a inclination_n which_o belong_v to_o your_o lordship_n to_o render_v it_o acceptable_a but_o the_o deference_n i_o owe_v your_o injunction_n for_o have_v it_o make_v public_a encourage_v i_o to_o hope_v it_o may_v occasion_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o endeavour_n in_o the_o world_n which_o that_o it_o may_v i_o hearty_o beg_v of_o god_n and_o humble_o subscribe_v myself_o your_o lordship_n most_o obedient_a servant_n fran._n proud_a act_v viii_o 17._o then_o lay_v they_o their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a solomon_n mature_a thought_n he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n be_v not_o more_o sad_o experiment_a than_o while_o we_o contemplate_v the_o religious_a strife_n which_o be_v so_o eager_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o among_o all_o the_o perplex_v controversy_n of_o this_o unhappy_a nature_n that_o about_o the_o doctrine_n which_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n present_v to_o our_o consideration_n be_v not_o the_o least_o it_o be_v strange_a even_o to_o prodigy_n to_o consider_v that_o after_o the_o office_n of_o confirmation_n be_v so_o plain_o deliver_v and_o recommend_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o religious_o observe_v in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n so_o general_o own_a in_o the_o main_a as_o to_o its_o nature_n and_o obligation_n even_o by_o the_o most_o considerable_a party_n now_o among_o we_o shall_v after_o all_o seem_v neglect_v and_o despise_v what_o can_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o melancholy_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o whence_o must_v the_o contradiction_n between_o the_o evident_a ground_n of_o this_o belief_n and_o practice_n derive_v indeed_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o true_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o unity_n with_o which_o the_o holy_a jesus_n by_o visit_v these_o low_a region_n bless_v the_o world_n be_v for_o want_v of_o entertainment_n here_o flee_v to_o heaven_n the_o great_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o we_o all_o his_o favour_n be_v free_a and_o in_o strictness_n of_o sense_n unmerited_a by_o we_o the_o method_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o high_o worthy_a our_o rational_a choice_n yet_o they_o be_v assign_v we_o by_o god_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a we_o must_v make_v our_o self_n so_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v if_o through_o carelessness_n or_o obstinacy_n we_o take_v wrong_a method_n and_o refuse_v or_o oppose_v those_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v we_o then_o grieve_v and_o contradict_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o unnatural_o bring_v on_o our_o present_a and_o eternal_a ruin_n our_o compassionate_a saviour_n at_o his_o departure_n hence_o promise_v we_o the_o comfortable_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o the_o divine_a efflux_n shall_v be_v communicate_v he_o himself_o and_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o by_o their_o precept_n and_o example_n have_v so_o plain_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o short_a nothing_o but_o our_o own_o perverseness_n can_v undo_v we_o particular_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n according_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o happy_a interpreter_n of_o sacred_a writ_n we_o have_v present_v to_o our_o thought_n one_o of_o the_o admirable_a way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o convey_v both_o the_o outward_a to_o wit_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a and_o the_o inward_a to_o wit_n the_o save_n and_o last_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o short_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o context_n it_o make_v it_o clear_a beyond_o denial_n that_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n join_v with_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n and_o effect_n of_o confirmation_n for_o those_o prayer_n which_o we_o read_v be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n vers_fw-la 15._o do_v so_o soon_o attend_v the_o conversion_n and_o baptism_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o samaria_n that_o it_o must_v signify_v confirmation_n when_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n say_v the_o text_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o philip_n they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n vers_n 14._o which_o exact_o agree_v with_o this_o doctrine_n and_o usage_n be_v a_o act_n which_o we_o find_v primitive_o reserve_v to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o allow_v to_o inferior_a officer_n such_o as_o philip_n the_o deacon_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n 17._o annotation_n on_o act_v 8._o vers_fw-la 17._o though_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n dr._n hammond_n observe_v that_o bishop_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doctor_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o far_a instruct_v they_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v former_o preach_v and_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d differ_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v from_o teach_v and_o in_o confirmation_n it_o certain_o be_v that_o in_o these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o save_n and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n use_v to_o be_v confer_v but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v far_a probable_a that_o the_o faith_n be_v plant_v at_o samaria_n by_o philip_n and_o the_o apostle_n come_v thither_o to_o confirm_v and_o not_o stay_v there_o corin._n act_n 8._o v._o 25._o act_n 14._o v._o 23._o tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o epist_n 1._o ad_fw-la corin._n but_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v at_o their_o be_v there_o ordain_v elder_n or_o bishop_n in_o their_o several_a city_n as_o we_o find_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v and_o as_o we_o read_v titus_n do_v also_o in_o crete_n this_o say_v clemens_n romanus_n the_o apostle_n do_v in_o their_o journeying_n when_o they_o go_v out_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n preach_v through_o region_n and_o city_n they_o constitute_v their_o first-fruit_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v and_o thus_o before_o this_o time_n they_o have_v constitute_v james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n bishop_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n shall_v come_v down_o to_o samaria_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o not_o also_o ordain_v some_o governor_n over_o they_o before_o they_o return_v in_o short_a therefore_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n join_v with_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n both_o according_a to_o the_o context_n and_o general_a suffrage_n of_o expositor_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v confirmation_n and_o ordination_n the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n come_v on_o all_o the_o sincere_a believer_n and_o endow_v they_o with_o the_o internal_a save_v and_o last_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o some_o of_o they_o with_o external_a and_o miraculous_a power_n and_o the_o apostle_n also_o by_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n on_o some_o signalise_v person_n ordain_v they_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n in_o several_a city_n the_o power_n of_o do_v which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o exercise_v and_o be_v not_o philip_n business_n though_o he_o have_v power_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v nay_o though_o himself_o be_v endow_v with_o miraculous_a gift_n now_o these_o thing_n premise_v in_o account_v for_o my_o text_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o shall_v pursue_v this_o follow_a method_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o true_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o
baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o of_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n here_o we_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n place_v among_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o necessary_a christian_a truth_n such_o as_o be_v essential_o of_o our_o religion_n faith_n repentance_n baptism_n resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n be_v not_o here_o design_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o expositor_n or_o else_o we_o must_v infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n rank_v these_o christian_a doctrine_n very_o unagreeable_o which_o be_v a_o too_o strange_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o the_o great_a apostle_n or_o else_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o we_o be_v hence_o oblige_v to_o pay_v a_o extraordinary_a deference_n to_o this_o apostolical_a usage_n consider_v and_o esteem_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o happy_a advances_n towards_o heaven_n which_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v assign_v we_o now_o according_a to_o these_o and_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n adult_n person_n soon_o after_o baptism_n child_n when_o be_v teach_v and_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n public_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o confirm_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o bishop_n hand_n join_v with_o devout_a prayer_n for_o they_o be_v bless_v by_o he_o in_o order_n to_o their_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jul._n epist_n 3._o ad_fw-la jul._n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o usage_n which_o cyprian_n declare_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o example_n who_o mention_v the_o samaritan_n baptize_v by_o philip_n and_o afterward_o confirm_v by_o peter_n and_o john_n as_o we_o read_v in_o my_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v receive_v baptism_n it_o be_v still_o the_o custom_n that_o they_o be_v offer_v and_o by_o our_o prayer_n say_v he_o and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o our_o hand_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n lucif_n book_n i._o against_o martion_n contra_fw-la lucif_n the_o flesh_n say_v tertullian_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v shadow_v that_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v illuminate_v st._n jerom_n have_v declare_v that_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o authorize_v hand_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v still_o convey_v to_o the_o baptise_a expostulate_v thus_o do_v thou_o ask_v i_o where_o it_o be_v write_v i_o answer_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n in_o this_o particular_a may_v challenge_v the_o force_n of_o a_o command_n st._n austin_n discourse_v on_o this_o subject_a express_v himself_o thus_o 8._o rhemist_n be_v testa_n act_n 8._o be_v there_o any_o man_n of_o so_o perverse_a a_o heart_n as_o to_o deny_v those_o child_n on_o who_o we_o impose_v hand_n in_o confirmation_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o speak_v not_o with_o tongue_n as_o be_v frequent_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o plant_v to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o suffrage_n of_o many_o more_o but_o this_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n from_o antiquity_n be_v so_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o learned_o perform_v that_o i_o own_v myself_o oblige_v to_o apologise_v for_o pretend_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o add_v these_o two_o remark_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v observable_a par._n cornel._n epist_n ad_fw-la fabium_fw-la apud_fw-la euseb_n opt._n l._n 2._o cont_n par._n that_o the_o first_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o novatian_o and_o the_o donatist_n 2._o it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a that_o no_o one_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o confirmation_n and_o so_o great_a a_o veneration_n have_v the_o than_o christian_a world_n for_o that_o sacrament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o public_a assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n without_o a_o communion_n and_o as_o this_o particular_a christian_a zeal_n begin_v to_o decline_v impiety_n and_o wickedness_n gradual_o prevail_v but_o while_o i_o insist_v on_o this_o particular_a i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v that_o this_o christian_a usage_n have_v be_v recommend_v to_o our_o practice_n by_o protestant_n of_o the_o great_a character_n even_o among_o all_o party_n pver_fw-la apol._n part_n 4._o de_fw-fr baptis_n pver_fw-la the_o waldenses_n in_o their_o apology_n to_o the_o marquis_n of_o brandenburg_n 1532._o speak_v of_o child_n which_o have_v be_v baptize_v thus_o express_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n confir_n confess_v walden_v de_fw-fr confir_n and_o can_v give_v a_o competent_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o begin_v true_o to_o love_n christ_n we_o bring_v they_o to_o profess_v these_o thing_n whatever_o their_o parent_n or_o godfather_n or_o the_o church_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o on_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o may_v make_v a_o free_a profession_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o be_v perform_v they_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o bishop_n confir_n confess_v walden_v de_fw-fr confir_n they_o ex._n council_n triden_n de_fw-fr confir_n and_o this_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o likewise_o chemnitius_n that_o extraordinary_a person_n account_n for_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o general_n nostri_fw-la saepè_fw-la ostenderunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n our_o divine_n have_v often_o prove_v that_o the_o rite_n of_o confirmation_n be_v separate_v from_o popish_a superstition_n may_v be_v very_o happy_o use_v even_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n shall_v be_v careful_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o short_a and_o easy_a catechism_n and_o when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o then_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o child_n who_o in_o his_o infancy_n be_v baptize_v shall_v 1._o in_o short_a be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o his_o baptism_n what_o be_v then_o bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o what_o he_o likewise_o then_o promise_v to_o do_v that_o he_o will_v renounce_v the_o devil_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o endeavour_v after_o all_o holy_a obedience_n 2._o that_o the_o child_n public_o before_o the_o congregation_n own_o this_o faith_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v add_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o he_o will_v continue_v in_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v in_o baptism_n and_o that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o then_o profess_v 4._o that_o public_a prayer_n be_v make_v for_o those_o child_n that_o god_n will_v govern_v preserve_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o profession_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n at_o which_o prayer_n without_o all_o superstition_n may_v be_v use_v the_o put_v on_o of_o hand_n neither_o will_v such_o a_o prayer_n say_v he_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v warrant_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n and_o the_o confirm_v grace_n such_o a_o confirmation_n say_v he_o will_v afford_v great_a advantage_n both_o to_o the_o young_a sort_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v how_o agreeable_a this_o will_v be_v to_o scripture_n prove_v several_a particular_n out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 8_o 14_o 19_o and_o from_o several_a canon_n make_v in_o several_a council_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 19_o melanct._n confess_v ecclesiarum_fw-la sax._n cap._n de_fw-fr confirm_v hemin_fw-fr syntag._n cap._n 22._o calv._n inst_z l._n 4._o c_o 19_o melancthon_n declare_v for_o this_o usage_n in_o the_o church_n of_o saxony_n and_o hemingius_n for_o those_o of_o denmark_n thus_o likewise_o mr._n calvin_n hic_fw-la mos_fw-la olim_fw-la fuit_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n that_o child_n be_v instruct_v in_o a_o easy_a and_o short_a catechism_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v by_o he_o and_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o hebrew_n 6._o he_o have_v these_o word_n transactâ_fw-la infantiâ_fw-la etc._n etc._n
fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la christianorum_fw-la liberi_fw-la postquam_fw-la adoleverant_a coram_fw-la episcopo_fw-la sisterentur_fw-la say_v mr._n calvin_n it_o be_v the_o ancient_a custom_n 19_o instit_fw-la l._n c._n 〈◊〉_d 19_o for_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n when_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o confirmation_n to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v condemn_v of_o gross_a partiality_n and_o vncharitableness_n say_v we_o mr._n hanmer_n who_o blush_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o bishop_n out_o of_o pride_n 51._o mr._n hanmer_n on_o confirm_v p._n 51._o have_v appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o confirmation_n and_o that_o mr._n baxter_n allow_v this_o rite_n to_o have_v be_v all_o along_o general_o administer_v by_o bishop_n must_v needs_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o read_v his_o book_n on_o confirmation_n where_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o though_o bishop_n do_v ancient_o officiate_v in_o this_o case_n yet_o that_o presbyter_n may_v do_v it_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o necessity_n require_v thus_o these_o unhappy_a opposer_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v record_v their_o judgement_n but_o after_o all_o such_o be_v the_o moderation_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o this_o case_n that_o so_o the_o divine_a end_n and_o design_n of_o confirmation_n be_v accomplish_v she_o do_v not_o censure_v those_o church_n which_o want_v protestant_a bishop_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a i_o propound_v to_o consider_v some_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o this_o usage_n and_o 1._o some_o will_v not_o permit_v confirmation_n to_o derive_v from_o apostolica_fw-la example_n and_o though_o the_o primitive_a church_n entertain_v it_o as_o such_o a_o doctrine_n yet_o say_v they_o it_o be_v they_o and_o have_v be_v all_o along_o since_o a_o gross_a mistake_n thus_o i_o find_v mr._n cartwright_n on_o the_o rhemist_n testament_n and_o some_o other_o argue_v their_o main_a argument_n be_v that_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o confirmation_n be_v all_o to_o be_v interpret_v only_o of_o confer_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o when_o these_o gift_n cease_v in_o the_o church_n confirmation_n vain_o have_v its_o beginning_n to_o which_o in_o short_a it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a even_o beyond_o denial_n that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n join_v with_o prayer_n be_v use_v in_o the_o confer_v grace_n or_o divine_a blessing_n long_o before_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o far_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o only_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n but_o as_o the_o internal_a save_v gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o necessary_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o promise_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o they_o must_v be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o thence_o confirmation_n obtain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n 16._o lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr baptis_n cap._n 16._o it_o be_v not_o now_o say_v st._n austin_n as_o it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o temporal_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n give_v as_o former_o to_o recommend_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o then_o new_a christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o late_o begin_v church_n for_o who_o as_o he_o expostulate_v do_v now_o expect_v that_o those_o upon_o who_o hand_n be_v impose_v for_o the_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v sudden_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n but_o invisible_o say_v he_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n inspire_v into_o their_o heart_n thus_o st._n austin_n answer_v this_o objection_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o prejudice_n of_o mr._n cartwright_n and_o other_o against_o this_o doctrine_n derive_v from_o their_o abhorrence_n of_o popish_a superstition_n for_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o write_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o a_o second_o objection_n against_o confirmation_n that_o it_o be_v a_o popish_a usage_n and_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o though_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n have_v prejudice_v too_o many_o against_o it_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v confirmation_n a_o sacrament_n nay_o have_v go_v far_o prefer_v it_o to_o baptism_n make_v it_o consist_v in_o opere_fw-la operato_fw-la bestow_v it_o on_o infant_n and_o clog_v it_o with_o several_a unnecessary_a ceremony_n in_o short_a as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o other_o matter_n so_o they_o have_v rob_v it_o of_o its_o apostolical_a primitive_a design_n and_o decency_n and_o expose_v it_o under_o a_o false_a notion_n and_o in_o a_o antic_a garb._n but_o if_o this_o may_v be_v lawful_o argue_v against_o confirmation_n when_o it_o be_v right_o use_v and_o apply_v then_o must_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o short_a reject_v christianity_n itself_o because_o all_o or_o most_o of_o its_o admirable_a doctrine_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o whoever_o serious_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o will_v certain_o find_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o difference_n itself_o from_o we_o be_v real_o make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o folly_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a design_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o return_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v remove_v from_o confirmation_n all_o popish_a superstition_n and_o pretence_n to_o a_o sacrament_n and_o have_v order_v a_o preparatory_a catechism_n for_o all_o those_o to_o learn_v and_o competent_o to_o understand_v who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o it_o in_o short_a have_v take_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o its_o primitive_a institution_n to_o impress_v upon_o the_o thought_n of_o youth_n a_o great_a and_o last_a veneration_n for_o religion_n oblige_v they_o to_o consider_v and_o reassume_v in_o their_o own_o person_n what_o their_o surety_n promise_v for_o they_o in_o their_o baptism_n in_o short_a that_o they_o will_v believe_v and_o behave_v themselves_o as_o become_v christian_n these_o thing_n premise_v they_o be_v by_o fervent_a prayer_n attend_v with_o the_o apostolical_a sign_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n recommend_v to_o god_n and_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o their_o own_o pious_a resolve_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a though_o short_a account_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n design_n in_o confirmation_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o for_o any_o one_o to_o object_n against_o it_o as_o popish_a and_o superstitious_a but_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o objection_n with_o a_o agreeable_a passage_n i_o find_v in_o mr._n baxter_n postscript_n to_o his_o tract_n on_o confirmation_n some_o will_v say_v say_v he_o it_o be_v mere_a prelacy_n or_o a_o prelatical_a design_n and_o some_o that_o it_o be_v independency_n or_o a_o independent_a design_n and_o some_o that_o it_o be_v but_o presbyterian_a examination_n whereas_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o none_o of_o they_o which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o if_o it_o be_v prelacy_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v find_v with_o independent_n if_o if_o be_v independency_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v approve_v by_o prelate_n and_o presbyterian_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o like_o christianity_n itself_o and_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n we_o common_o own_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o any_o thus_o mr._n baxter_n press_v on_o with_o the_o mighty_a force_n of_o truth_n answer_v this_o objection_n but_o 3._o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o the_o most_o prevail_a objection_n against_o this_o primitive_a usage_n be_v the_o evident_a want_n of_o a_o hearty_a and_o true_a concern_v for_o religion_n for_o alas_o instead_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o unity_n a_o careless_a and_o profane_a temper_n or_o a_o furious_a and_o irregular_a zeal_n have_v too_o apparent_o get_v the_o ascendant_n in_o our_o english_a world_n hence_o we_o be_v too_o general_o prejudice_v against_o our_o happiness_n and_o hence_o all_o our_o great_a misfortune_n derive_v to_o be_v real_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o all_o the_o divine_a method_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o heaven_n to_o be_v sincere_o devote_v to_o all_o the_o genuine_a act_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o sobriety_n to_o practice_v whatever_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n lovely_a among_o man_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rational_a design_n of_o our_o nature_n these_o thing_n demonstrate_v we_o christian_n will_v make_v we_o happy_a here_o and_o
introduce_v a_o habit_n of_o thought_n in_o some_o degree_n resemble_v the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o will_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o present_n and_o eternal_a bliss_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v assign_v we_o by_o our_o god_n but_o while_o we_o be_v not_o in_o earnest_n with_o god_n almighty_a nor_o sincere_o resolve_v in_o our_o choice_n of_o happiness_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o neglect_v or_o despise_v the_o method_n which_o shall_v advance_v we_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v indeed_o no_o wonder_n we_o loathe_v our_o duty_n here_o and_o undo_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o but_o have_v brief_o reflect_v on_o those_o objection_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o propound_v some_o consideration_n evince_v the_o reasonableness_n divine_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o usage_n and_o here_o 1._o let_v we_o look_v back_o into_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n and_o view_v this_o practice_n then_o prevail_v when_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n and_o temper_v be_v warm_a and_o vigorous_a when_o the_o holy_a jesus_n have_v new_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o miracle_n when_o in_o the_o infant_n state_n of_o our_o religion_n man_n do_v not_o quarrel_n with_o their_o duty_n but_o be_v influence_v by_o heavenly_a demonstration_n converse_v here_o as_o it_o become_v christian_n and_o long_v to_o be_v where_o their_o lord_n be_v go_v now_o either_o we_o must_v condemn_v these_o happy_a time_n or_o we_o must_v own_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o pay_v a_o extraordinary_a deference_n to_o this_o primitive_a doctrine_n if_o this_o consideration_n do_v awaken_v our_o thought_n what_o can_v rouse_v we_o from_o our_o sinful_a slumber_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o these_o first_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v real_o what_o they_o pretend_v profess_v a_o most_o holy_a religion_n and_o live_v according_a to_o their_o profession_n contemn_v this_o world_n and_o have_v their_o thought_n fire_v with_o a_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a life_n so_o perfect_o holy_a be_v their_o faith_n that_o it_o demonstrate_v itself_o to_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o so_o agreeable_a be_v their_o conversation_n to_o their_o belief_n that_o it_o prove_v their_o example_n to_o be_v divine_a shall_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o to_o use_v the_o same_o heavenly_a method_n which_o they_o have_v use_v and_o teach_v we_o if_o we_o do_v how_o can_v we_o please_v ourselves_o in_o their_o hope_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o happiness_n but_o 2._o we_o may_v sad_o consider_v that_o our_o forsake_v or_o neglect_v this_o holy_a usage_n and_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o contradict_v antiquity_n reflect_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a christian_n but_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o our_o age_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o do_v we_o only_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o confirmation_n as_o recommend_v by_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o must_v needs_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o but_o of_o such_o fatal_a tendency_n be_v the_o disuse_n of_o it_o that_o it_o demonstrate_v that_o disuse_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a example_n but_o a_o contradiction_n lodge_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n against_o the_o heavenly_a design_n of_o christianity_n for_o how_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o while_o confirmation_n be_v neglect_v the_o catechise_n of_o child_n be_v neglect_v too_o when_o such_o a_o solemn_a and_o public_a trial_n of_o youth_n as_o confirmation_n be_v seem_v by_o disuse_n to_o be_v lay_v aside_o how_o unconcerned_a be_v parent_n apt_a to_o be_v for_o their_o child_n and_o child_n for_o themselves_o how_o general_o be_v that_o sacred_a vow_n forget_v which_o surety_n make_v for_o child_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o how_o little_a impression_n do_v the_o infant_n vow_v make_v upon_o the_o child_n while_o this_o holy_a obligation_n be_v not_o solemn_o profess_v and_o reassume_v at_o confirmation_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o rank_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n among_o the_o dream_n of_o our_o infancy_n among_o the_o to-be-forgotten_a thing_n of_o our_o unthinking_a age_n and_o what_o must_v natural_o follow_v this_o neglect_n but_o ignorance_n division_n and_o profane_a atheism_n for_o while_o in_o order_n to_o confirmation_n child_n be_v not_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o these_o dreadful_a misfortune_n either_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a lethargy_n for_o want_v of_o divine_a instruction_n or_o instead_o of_o a_o rational_a substantial_a piety_n to_o be_v hurry_v away_o with_o a_o religious_a frenzy_n or_o last_o to_o lose_v the_o happiness_n both_o of_o this_o and_o a_o far_o better_a world_n by_o the_o wild_a inconsistency_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n thus_o do_v the_o neglect_n of_o confirmation_n and_o a_o agreeable_a preparation_n for_o it_o evident_o occasion_n either_o a_o stupid_a ignorance_n or_o a_o misapprehension_n or_o a_o open_a affront_a of_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o short_a whoever_o serious_o reflect_v on_o these_o dismal_a consequence_n and_o have_v not_o lose_v all_o concern_n for_o religion_n must_v needs_o deep_o resent_v the_o strange_a indifferency_n which_o this_o apostolical_a institution_n have_v meet_v with_o among_o we_o that_o it_o look_v very_o ominous_a even_o like_o one_o of_o those_o presage_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n before_o the_o migremus_fw-la hinc_fw-la be_v hear_v in_o the_o last_o temple_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o indeed_o according_a to_o this_o melancholy_a parallel_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o it_o be_v presumption_n and_o not_o faith_n to_o expect_v god_n to_o be_v with_o we_o if_o we_o despise_v or_o neglect_v his_o ordinance_n but_o 3._o and_o last_o we_o may_v very_o pertinent_o consider_v the_o many_o and_o extraordinary_a advantage_n of_o the_o genuine_a use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o admirable_o express_v by_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o among_o the_o rest_n choose_v to_o represent_v it_o you_o in_o the_o few_o though_o complete_a word_n of_o the_o judicious_a hooker_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o confirmation_n say_v he_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o child_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o be_v season_v with_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n before_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a example_n deprave_v their_o mind_n a_o good_a foundation_n be_v lay_v betimes_o for_o direction_n of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v sincere_a and_o find_v the_o prelate_n and_o father_n of_o god_n family_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n belong_v so_o by_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o apart_o of_o their_o own_o heavy_a burden_n discharge_v reap_v comfort_n by_o behold_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o true_a godliness_n in_o tender_a year_n and_o neglect_v not_o so_o fit_a a_o opportunity_n of_o give_v every_o one_o fatherly_a encouragement_n and_o exhortation_n whereunto_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n be_v add_v our_o warrant_n for_o the_o great_a good_a effect_n thereof_o be_v the_o same_o which_o patriarch_n prophet_n priest_n apostle_n father_n and_o man_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v have_v for_o such_o their_o benediction_n thus_o mr._n hooker_n express_v himself_o in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o i_o may_v represent_v it_o more_o particular_o 1._o by_o the_o due_a use_n of_o confirmation_n the_o diligent_a catechise_n of_o child_n will_v be_v happy_o promote_v than_o which_o nothing_o will_v more_o true_o advance_v the_o admirable_a design_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n for_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_n parent_n and_o surety_n will_v be_v awake_v into_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n even_o those_o parent_n and_o surety_n who_o the_o principle_n of_o piety_n dont_fw-fr influence_n will_v be_v oblige_v into_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o duty_n lest_o their_o remissness_n shall_v prove_v their_o shame_n lest_o those_o child_n they_o be_v concern_v to_o have_v instruct_v shall_v by_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unfit_a for_o confirmation_n and_o consequent_o the_o imputation_n of_o that_o ignorance_n belong_v to_o they_o thus_o will_v the_o sense_n of_o present_a shame_n awaken_v those_o thought_n which_o be_v unconcern_v at_o the_o prospect_n of_o eternal_a confusion_n for_o how_o little_a soever_o of_o this_o pious_a concern_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n these_o obligation_n and_o vow_n will_v be_v strict_o inquire_v after_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o parent_n and_o surety_n must_v give_v a_o sad_a account_n of_o that_o child_n which_o by_o