to_o seduce_v i_o to_o sin_n but_o beside_o my_o renounce_v the_o world_n thus_o understand_v i_o be_o also_o to_o forsake_v and_o withstand_v its_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n that_o be_v all_o pleasure_n pride_n and_o wealth_n when_o they_o become_v injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o divert_v or_o stop_v i_o in_o my_o exercise_n of_o piety_n which_o they_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o my_o affection_n towards_o they_o be_v inordinate_a immoderate_a or_o unseasonable_a and_o because_o worldly_a vanity_n only_o gratify_v my_o carnal_a part_n and_o sensitive_a appetite_n i_o be_o also_o bind_v to_o renounce_v that_o which_o they_o gratify_v i_o mean_v the_o flesh_n or_o my_o unmortified_a corruption_n which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n and_o do_v not_o only_o hinder_v i_o from_o do_v good_a but_o do_v also_o incline_v and_o spur_v i_o on_o to_o do_v evil._n for_o i_o find_v that_o from_o this_o unmortified_a corruption_n there_o spring_v up_o in_o i_o many_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o evil_a concupiscence_n which_o be_v call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o mean_n whereof_o until_o they_o be_v mortify_v i_o be_o bring_v to_o entertain_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o abuse_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o sin_n and_o though_o the_o renounce_n of_o these_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n together_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v a_o article_n of_o my_o christianity_n and_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o privilege_n of_o baptism_n be_v bestow_v upon_o i_o yet_o see_v they_o be_v my_o sore_a enemy_n and_o continual_o endeavour_v not_o only_a my_o present_n but_o my_o eternal_a ruin_n without_o any_o other_o tie_n self-preservation_n prompt_v i_o to_o withstand_v they_o the_o second_o thing_n promise_v in_o my_o behalf_n when_o i_o be_v baptize_v be_v my_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n sum_v up_o in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n my_o faith_n of_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o more_o than_o either_o bare_o historical_a and_o temporary_a i_o shall_v not_o surpass_v the_o very_a devil_n and_o wicked_a hypocritical_a man_n in_o believe_v for_o the_o one_o believe_v always_o historical_o and_o the_o other_o only_o hypocritical_o for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o faith_n i_o vow_v in_o baptism_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a assent_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o gospel_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o a_o unshaken_a reliance_n upon_o the_o same_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v the_o general_n and_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n sum_v up_o in_o the_o creed_n be_v the_o particular_a object_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o faith_n to_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o i_o and_o every_o christian_a that_o i_o forfeit_v that_o title_n without_o it_o for_o a_o believer_n be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o christian_a but_o still_o i_o know_v that_o how_o necessary_a soever_o faith_n be_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o my_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v get_v by_o my_o own_o power_n for_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o do_v enable_v i_o to_o assent_v unto_o and_o rely_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o because_o faith_n will_v not_o profit_v to_o my_o justification_n without_o work_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n therefore_o my_o surety_n undertake_v that_o i_o shall_v keep_v god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n so_o that_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v myself_o bind_v to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o fit_a to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n unless_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o keep_v god_n law_n and_o have_v regard_n unto_o all_o his_o precept_n and_o that_o too_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n or_o sincere_o and_o always_o without_o intermission_n or_o discontinuance_n but_o when_o i_o profess_v this_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o as_o if_o i_o think_v i_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n the_o condition_n whereof_o be_v perfect_a obedience_n for_o this_o i_o be_o no_o way_n able_a to_o perform_v but_o because_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o second_o covenant_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n thereof_o namely_o obedience_n or_o faith_n fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n which_o good_a work_n be_v the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o do_v flow_v as_o natural_o from_o it_o as_o fruit_n from_o their_o tree_n and_o without_o which_o my_o faith_n be_v dead_a and_o you_o have_v ever_o teach_v i_o to_o set_v a_o peculiar_a value_n upon_o good_a work_n because_o through_o mean_n thereof_o i_o glorify_v god_n edify_v my_o neighbour_n and_o justify_v and_o declare_v my_o faith_n before_o men._n and_o according_a to_o my_o present_a sentiment_n of_o religion_n i_o look_v upon_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n to_o make_v up_o my_o whole_a duty_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o these_o i_o hold_v be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v in_o my_o practice_n because_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o work_v without_o faith_n can_v please_v god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v my_o firm_a resolution_n to_o observe_v they_o both_o and_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o my_o surety_n have_v promise_v for_o i_o yet_o i_o know_v i_o can_v do_v so_o but_o by_o the_o assistance_n and_o help_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v by_o diligent_a and_o humble_a prayer_n beg_v a_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o enable_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o at_o baptism_n be_v stipulate_v anâ—_n promise_v in_o my_o name_n and_o will_v also_o daily_o offer_v up_o my_o unfeigned_a thanks_o unto_o god_n that_o hâ—â—_n have_v call_v i_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o hatâ—_n bring_v i_o out_o of_o my_o natural_a state_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v admit_v i_o into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o there_o he_o do_v vouchsafe_v i_o the_o appoint_a mean_n of_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n and_o i_o humble_o pray_v god_n by_o his_o prevent_a grace_n to_o incline_v my_o will_n by_o his_o assist_a grace_n to_o give_v i_o strength_n and_o by_o his_o consummate_v grace_n to_o bring_v i_o actual_o to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o in_o holy_a baptism_n my_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n under_o ook_n in_o my_o stead_n and_o as_o you_o ever_o mind_a and_o make_v i_o sensible_a how_o great_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o my_o surety_n for_o what_o they_o do_v for_o i_o at_o baptism_n so_o you_o likewise_o have_v let_v i_o know_v the_o obligation_n i_o have_v to_o take_v up_o their_o bond_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o be_v able_a and_o so_o to_o discharge_v they_o and_o this_o i_o do_v at_o confirmation_n when_o i_o solemn_o take_v upon_o myself_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o my_o baptismal_a surety_n have_v vow_v and_o promise_v i_o shall_v believe_v and_o do_v but_o now_o alas_o be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v break_v my_o baptismal_a covenant_n it_o be_v my_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n on_o purpose_n to_o renew_v it_o but_o before_o my_o admission_n to_o that_o heavenly_a entertainment_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o more_o eminent_a part_n of_o christianity_n which_o you_o have_v teach_v i_o and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o namely_o faith_n obedience_n prayer_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o you_o who_o be_v to_o admit_v i_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o knowledge_n in_o each_o of_o these_o and_o to_o desire_v your_o judgement_n whither_o or_o no_o it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o order_n to_o my_o admission_n i_o begin_v with_o faith_n as_o thâ—_n without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o only_o insignificant_a but_o sinful_a which_o be_v consider_v as_o my_o aâ—_n of_o believe_v i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o it_o signify_v my_o assent_n unto_o and_o rely_v upon_o the_o word_n oâ—_n god_n truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o man_n salvation_n so_o that_o i_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o general_a object_n oâ—_n my_o faith_n and_o the_o creed_n to_o contain_v the_o main_a particular_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o i_o i_o mean_v that_o creed_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o its_o compiler_n and_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n to_o the_o profession_n whereof_o paul_n exhort_v timothy_n to_o keep_v constant_a and_o teach_v other_o and_o because_o before_o my_o admission_n to_o the_o holy_a communion_n i_o think_v i_o
have_v a_o union_n with_o he_o as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o so_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o common_a union_n among_o the_o member_n both_o those_o that_o be_v glorify_v in_o heaven_n and_o those_o that_o in_o some_o degree_n be_v sanctify_v on_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o be_v the_o first_o privilege_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o all_o true_a christian_n communicate_v in_o all_o office_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n in_o do_v good_a to_o one_o another_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o they_o have_v in_o common_a one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o hope_n article_n x._o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n genuine_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o pardon_v of_o sin_n follow_v from_o both_o for_o none_o shall_v have_v their_o sin_n forgive_v but_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o unless_o i_o abide_v in_o this_o ark_n i_o shall_v certain_o perish_v now_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v be_v instruct_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o original_a which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o my_o nature_n the_o other_o actual_a which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o my_o conversation_n the_o former_a i_o bring_v with_o i_o into_o the_o world_n the_o latter_a i_o commit_v while_o i_o live_v therein_o and_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o sin_n deserve_v eternal_a death_n and_o can_v only_o be_v pardon_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o can_v only_o be_v forgive_v by_o he_o who_o law_n it_o transgress_v for_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o second_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o seal_v in_o baptism_n wherein_o i_o believe_v my_o original_a sin_n be_v present_o pardon_v and_o that_o my_o actual_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n shall_v be_v pardon_v if_o i_o true_o repent_v i_o of_o the_o same_o now_o this_o my_o belief_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n suppose_n that_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n gracious_o and_o free_o without_o any_o desert_n on_o man_n part_n give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o the_o world_n and_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o meritorious_a death_n he_o remit_v the_o fault_n absolve_v from_o the_o gild_n and_o acquit_v from_o punishment_n all_o true_o penitent_a and_o believe_a sinner_n and_o i_o do_v further_o believe_v that_o he_o impute_v to_o they_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o account_v they_o just_a in_o his_o sight_n i_o believe_v that_o all_o who_o be_v justify_v and_o thus_o acquit_v have_v holiness_n in_o some_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n which_o holiness_n though_o it_o can_v altogether_o discharge_v they_o from_o sin_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o so_o that_o a_o justify_v person_n be_v not_o under_o its_o dominion_n nor_o yield_v himself_o a_o vassal_n to_o it_o but_o resist_v its_o command_n and_o make_v it_o die_v daily_o and_o for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o minister_n a_o indispensible_a power_n and_o charge_n to_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o forgiveness_n he_o have_v likewise_o appoint_v they_o to_o pray_v and_o intercede_v and_o also_o to_o baptize_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o memory_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o indeed_o all_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o power_n of_o his_o minister_n especial_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n capable_a of_o receive_v what_o they_o believe_v namely_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n article_n xi_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o father_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v of_o christian_n under_o the_o new_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o christian_n of_o all_o man_n will_v be_v most_o miserable_a and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v learn_v and_o you_o have_v teach_v i_o concern_v christianity_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a but_o i_o firm_o and_o true_o believe_v that_o my_o mortal_a body_n shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o grave_a by_o virtue_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o my_o belief_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o power_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o both_o can_v and_o will_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o very_a same_o body_n that_o die_v article_n xii_o the_o life_n everlasting_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o everlasting_a life_n be_v the_o last_o christian_a privilege_n and_o that_o which_o crown_v the_o rest_n and_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o understand_v by_o this_o life_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o true_a happiness_n in_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o just_a person_n shall_v be_v perfect_o enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v and_o that_o their_o body_n shall_v live_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o spirit_n and_o be_v exceed_o glorify_v and_o opposite_a to_o this_o life_n everlasting_a i_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o everlasting_a death_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o as_o life_n everlasting_a consist_v in_o the_o fruition_n so_o i_o believe_v everlasting_a death_n consist_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o all_o other_o comfort_n and_o be_v the_o endure_v of_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n for_o ever_o but_o as_o my_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o they_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n suppose_v that_o i_o be_o to_o learn_v not_o only_o the_o word_n but_o likewise_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o creed_n so_o it_o also_o imply_v that_o i_o shall_v live_v like_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o otherwise_o my_o consent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n will_v stand_v i_o in_o no_o stead_n and_o therefore_o not_o meddle_v with_o remote_a and_o learned_a inference_n i_o will_v draw_v such_o from_o each_o article_n as_o be_v near_o and_o familiar_a short_a and_o edify_a as_o for_o example_n from_o my_o believe_v that_o god_n create_v i_o i_o infer_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o be_v obedient_a and_o subject_a to_o he_o by_o my_o believe_v that_o christ_n redeem_v i_o i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o yield_v up_o myself_o to_o he_o as_o his_o purchase_n and_o to_o be_v whole_o dispose_v by_o he_o and_o employ_v only_o in_o his_o service_n my_o believe_v christ_n conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o birth_n of_o the_o virgin_n shall_v make_v i_o diligent_a to_o fit_v my_o heart_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o overshadow_v and_o for_o christ_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o it_o my_o belief_n of_o christ_n crucifixion_n shall_v teach_v i_o to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n my_o belief_n of_o his_o death_n and_o burial_n shall_v make_v i_o content_a to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o truth_n be_v assure_v that_o if_o i_o suffer_v for_o christ_n i_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o it_o shall_v also_o keep_v i_o from_o be_v dishearten_v by_o death_n see_v that_o christ_n by_o die_v have_v take_v away_o the_o stinâ—_n of_o death_n which_o be_v sin_n and_o maâ—_n it_o a_o entrance_n into_o life_n my_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o chrisâ—_n shall_v make_v i_o actual_o rise_v froâ—_n sin_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o utter_o to_o forsake_v my_o sin_n as_o christ_n diâ—_n the_o grave_a to_o which_o after_o â—_o be_v once_o rise_v from_o it_o he_o return_v no_o more_o my_o believe_v christ_n ascension_n and_o sit_v â—_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n shoulâ—_n teach_v i_o to_o set_v my_o affection_n oâ—_n thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o believe_a judgement_n to_o come_v shall_v makâ—_n i_o careful_a so_o to_o walk_v as_o that_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v in_o iâ—_n my_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o communion_n oâ—_n saint_n shall_v render_v i_o mightâ—_n circumspect_a to_o preserve_v charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o thing_n destructive_a oâ—_n catholic_n unity_n the_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o i_o believe_v shall_v make_v i_o high_o to_o esteem_v all_o those_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o
themselves_o descend_v of_o those_o old_a gnostic_n who_o be_v so_o pestilential_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v notorious_o addict_v to_o blaspheme_n rail_v at_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o and_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v gift_v with_o maliciousness_n avarice_n schismaticalness_n rebellion_n and_o contumacy_n according_a to_o their_o description_n in_o st._n judas_n 10.11.12_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o want_n of_o have_v be_v due_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o main_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v in_o that_o divine_a science_n such_o smatterer_n and_o half-witted_a whereof_o there_o be_v small_a hope_n ever_o to_o have_v they_o cure_v but_o by_o a_o full_a institution_n in_o those_o element_n which_o be_v undeniable_o requisite_a to_o sound_v knowledge_n but_o catechise_v be_v not_o only_o necessary_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o regular_a entrance_n and_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a intuition_n of_o those_o particular_a truth_n whereof_o we_o can_v be_v ignoranâ—â—ut_o with_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n yet_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v so_o spacious_a a_o field_n that_o even_o a_o wary_a traveller_n may_v therein_o lose_v himself_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a welfare_n be_v in_o sacred_a writ_n so_o often_o mingle_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v otherwise_o that_o it_o exceed_v the_o generality_n of_o capacity_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o right_o to_o sever_v those_o that_o be_v idle_a as_o the_o most_o be_v in_o this_o study_n will_v not_o take_v pain_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a have_v not_o the_o ability_n to_o distinguish_v collect_v and_o reduce_v such_o necessary_a point_n to_o their_o respective_a chapter_n and_o yet_o till_o such_o point_n be_v plain_o digest_v into_o several_a head_n many_o at_o least_o the_o the_o illiterate_a multitude_n will_v unavoidable_o want_v a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a both_o to_o their_o temporal_a and_o immortal_a happiness_n now_o that_o the_o gather_n of_o these_o necessary_a truth_n into_o sum_n and_o model_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o catchism_n be_v visible_a in_o all_o those_o system_n which_o have_v ever_o bear_v that_o name_n and_o of_o this_o truth_n our_o own_o church-catechism_n yield_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v faith_n practice_n prayer_n and_o doctrine_n be_v collect_v into_o such_o short_a and_o plain_a sum_n that_o the_o weakness_n of_o no_o man_n wit_n can_v either_o hinder_v altogether_o the_o knowledge_n or_o excuse_v the_o utter_a ignorance_n of_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o with_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o prejudice_n shall_v impartial_o peruse_v the_o church_n catechism_n he_o therein_o may_v observe_v all_o save_a truth_n reduce_v to_o such_o short_a but_o full_a head_n that_o the_o weak_a be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o hazardous_a nor_o the_o slothful_a to_o the_o laborious_a re-search_a thereof_o in_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n vii_o catechise_v the_o most_o suitable_a mean_n to_o heal_v the_o distemper_n of_o this_o church_n seveveral_a proposition_n to_o be_v suppose_v a_o short_a digression_n concern_v our_o disorder_n but_o we_o will_v yet_o suppose_v that_o all_o which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v deliver_v aught_o to_o receive_v no_o better_a estimation_n than_o mere_a ordinary_a discourse_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v upon_o a_o new_a ground_n and_o examine_v the_o necessity_n of_o catechise_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o present_a temper_n and_o disposition_n or_o indeed_o rather_o distemper_n and_o disorder_n of_o this_o church_n and_o people_n and_o in_o order_n unto_o this_o it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a and_o useless_a a_o little_a to_o consider_v what_o our_o present_a disorder_n be_v and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o our_o declension_n both_o from_o the_o design_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—s_v not_o conspicuous_a only_o in_o those_o grand_a debauchee_n who_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o profess_v it_o only_o to_o disgrace_v it_o but_o also_o in_o those_o who_o seem_v strict_a and_o severe_a in_o perform_v all_o the_o formal_a and_o exterior_a part_n of_o discipleship_n even_o those_o i_o mean_v who_o be_v zealous_a hearer_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o constant_a communicant_n at_o his_o table_n not_o profess_v devotion_n to_o any_o other_o for_o even_o these_o be_v content_a as_o occasion_n serve_v to_o abandon_v that_o purity_n continence_n meekness_n humility_n candour_n mercifulness_n and_o other_o instance_n of_o a_o sweet_a nature_n so_o vehement_o urge_v by_o our_o divine_a lawgiver_n and_o which_o be_v the_o genuine_a result_n of_o true_a christian_a principle_n for_o that_o one_o law_n of_o sordid_a interest_n brutal_a passion_n and_o churlish_a self-preservation_n although_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o these_o be_v total_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o beside_o profess_a politician_n there_o be_v other_o who_o seem_v to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a engine_n of_o state_n and_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o tractable_a for_o battery_n as_o defence_n and_o who_o notwithstanding_o their_o contrary_a pretence_n live_v as_o if_o they_o regard_v not_o what_o christ_n chief_o aim_v at_o by_o his_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o how_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o both_o in_o his_o birth_n and_o death_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o bless_v we_o in_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o that_o the_o main_a design_n of_o our_o inspire_a christianity_n be_v the_o entire_a reformation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o make_v we_o as_o good_a as_o our_o profession_n but_o beside_o this_o sort_n of_o nominal_a christian_n there_o be_v another_o which_o be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o that_o union_n which_o they_o fancy_v already_o to_o enjoy_v with_o christ_n that_o they_o dream_v to_o be_v in_o present_a possession_n of_o that_o vision_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o future_a state_n and_o they_o be_v so_o dazzle_v with_o the_o supposititious_a glory_n of_o their_o spiritual_a perfection_n that_o they_o contemn_v the_o mean_n ordain_v to_o make_v they_o true_o perfect_a because_o they_o fancy_v they_o have_v arrive_v at_o it_o already_o and_o with_o these_o may_v be_v join_v all_o such_o who_o be_v so_o close_o addict_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n piety_n and_o religion_n to_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v whosoever_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o persuasion_n since_o who_o rise_n we_o have_v be_v under_o a_o sensible_a decay_n of_o charity_n and_o as_o a_o natural_a consequent_a thereof_o a_o increase_n of_o wickedness_n but_o if_o these_o engross_v not_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o disorder_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o will_v fill_v up_o their_o measure_n those_o i_o mean_v who_o pervert_v the_o plain_a scripture_n to_o such_o a_o meaning_n as_o do_v best_a help_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n and_o what_o be_v yet_o worse_o who_o make_v it_o matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o assert_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n which_o they_o have_v perverse_o mistaâ—en_v and_o this_o deify_n our_o own_o interpretation_n and_o tyrannical_o enforce_v â—hem_n upon_o other_o this_o restrain_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o that_o latitude_n and_o generality_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n from_o that_o liberty_n wherein_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n leave_v they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o make_v they_o immortal_a the_o common_a incentary_n of_o christendom_n and_o that_o which_o â—ears_v into_o piece_n not_o the_o coat_n but_o the_o â—owels_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n ridente_fw-la â—urcâ_fw-la nec_fw-la dolente_fw-la judaeo_n take_v away_o these_o wall_n of_o separation_n and_o all_o will_v quick_o be_v one_o take_v away_o the_o damn_v of_o man_n for_o not_o subscribe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o man_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v of_o christian_n only_o to_o believe_v christ_n and_o to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n but_o he_o only_o let_v those_o leave_n claim_v infallibility_n who_o have_v no_o title_n to_o it_o and_o let_v they_o that_o in_o their_o word_n disclaim_v it_o disclaim_v it_o likewise_o in_o their_o action_n in_o a_o word_n take_v away_o tyranny_n in_o
much_o to_o respect_v the_o people_n fancy_n as_o proficiency_n in_o religion_n the_o inform_v of_o their_o judgement_n and_o direct_v their_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o humour_v of_o their_o caprice_n aught_o to_o be_v their_o chief_a aim_n and_o travel_v 3._o that_o they_o can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o guide_n who_o be_v rule_v by_o those_o who_o they_o shall_v rule_v the_o issue_n whereof_o will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o that_o of_o the_o blind_a lead_n etc._n etc._n 4._o that_o if_o catechise_v be_v a_o way_n of_o instruction_n which_o will_v best_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o most_o solid_o and_o secure_o advance_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o any_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o constant_a repetition_n and_o audience_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o they_o be_v the_o content_n of_o the_o church-catechism_n it_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o that_o old_a say_n nunquam_fw-la satis_fw-la docetur_fw-la quod_fw-la nunquam_fw-la satis_fw-la discitur_fw-la those_o lesson_n can_v never_o be_v too_o much_o teach_v which_o can_v never_o be_v too_o much_o learn_v for_o repetition_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o make_v the_o catechism_n what_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a fasten_v like_o nail_n by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o though_o in_o all_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o hammer_n the_o act_n be_v the_o same_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o stroke_n superfluous_a while_o every_o one_o tend_v to_o complete_a the_o work_n we_o may_v bring_v the_o same_o quarrel_n against_o read_v book_n and_o hear_v sermon_n for_o they_o be_v but_o old_a matter_n in_o new_a word_n and_o if_o strip_v of_o dress_n and_o disguise_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v but_o so_o many_o vary_a repetition_n in_o religion_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v new_a we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v it_o be_v false_a 6._o but_o to_o evacuate_v the_o whole_a objection_n a_o diligent_a catechist_n will_v find_v enough_o in_o the_o church-catechism_n to_o entertain_v his_o congregation_n with_o variety_n and_o to_o delight_n and_o profit_n all_o but_o itch_a ear_n for_o it_o want_v nothing_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o defend_v we_o in_o our_o journey_n or_o to_o save_v we_o when_o come_v to_o our_o long_a home_n and_o those_o who_o be_v therein_o due_o instruct_v will_v find_v themselves_o so_o sufficient_o guard_v that_o no_o machination_n of_o heresy_n or_o schism_n will_v be_v able_a to_o batter_v or_o undermine_v they_o indeed_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o catechise_v will_v be_v its_o best_a vindication_n and_o most_o effectual_o answer_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v never_o a_o great_a necessity_n of_o enforce_v what_o we_o now_o treat_v of_o than_o the_o conjuncture_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o we_o see_v satan_n be_v let_v loose_a and_o lay_v hard_a at_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n not_o only_o by_o such_o opinion_n as_o disturb_v our_o peace_n but_o will_v utter_o destroy_v our_o christianity_n insomuch_o that_o we_o have_v great_a need_n to_o speak_v to_o every_o one_o as_o that_o famous_a anchorite_n to_o his_o pillar_n upon_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o earthquake_n stand_v fast_o for_o you_o shall_v be_v shake_v and_o stand_v fast_o we_o can_v if_o we_o want_v a_o sure_a foundation_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o can_v be_v expect_v where_o it_o be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o full_a and_o timely_a catechise_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o church-catechism_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o for_o its_o authority_n usefulness_n accomplishment_n content_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o antiquity_n and_o benefit_n of_o catechise_n in_o general_a or_o more_o particular_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o present_a temperament_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n it_o shall_v be_v dispute_v what_o catechism_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o public_a use_n i_o shall_v return_v first_o that_o although_o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a catechism_n both_o in_o our_o own_o and_o foreign_a language_n compose_v by_o private_a person_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a emolument_fw-fr accrue_v to_o the_o people_n from_o this_o of_o teach_v yet_o there_o be_v none_o which_o with_o those_o of_o this_o communion_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a esteem_n with_o the_o catechism_n of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o consider_v as_o we_o ought_v its_o authority_n usefulness_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o for_o its_o authority_n the_o church-catechism_n have_v no_o less_o pre-eminence_n above_o other_o than_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n above_o the_o instigation_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n for_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o this_o and_o catechism_n pen_v by_o particular_a person_n be_v like_o that_o between_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o advice_n and_o judgement_n of_o private_a subject_n this_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v any_o imputation_n or_o disrespect_n upon_o those_o catechism_n pen_v by_o grave_n and_o learned_a divine_n which_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o useful_a in_o their_o station_n but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o church-catechism_n command_v of_o we_o a_o peculiar_a veneration_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o public_a authority_n in_o the_o next_o place_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o authority_n the_o church-catechism_n have_v a_o especial_a usefulness_n in_o be_v the_o common_a test_n by_o which_o we_o may_v try_v who_o be_v of_o or_o against_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o excellent_a form_n of_o religion_n whereby_o particular_a person_n may_v examine_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o those_o who_o will_v therein_o either_o establish_v or_o subvert_v they_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o church-catechism_n great_o enhaunse_v its_o commendation_n for_o if_o its_o content_n fall_v under_o a_o upright_a review_n it_o will_v merit_v no_o less_o praise_n than_o those_o composure_n which_o be_v so_o exact_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o defective_a nor_o redundant_fw-la for_o although_o some_o have_v object_v its_o deficiency_n as_o not_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n justification_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n it_o may_v hereunto_o be_v true_o answer_v that_o these_o point_n be_v rather_o brief_o express_v than_o total_o omit_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o omission_n but_o the_o short_a and_o orthodox_n expression_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o exception_n but_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o catechism_n be_v right_o weigh_v it_o will_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o church_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v therein_o either_o more_o dark_o or_o more_o succinct_o set_v down_o for_o if_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v in_o a_o catechism_n discuss_v at_o length_n it_o will_v lose_v and_o forfeit_v its_o name_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o clerk_n of_o ordinary_a industry_n and_o letter_n to_o make_v all_o those_o point_n plain_a and_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o church-catechism_n who_o want_n be_v object_v against_o its_o compleatness_n and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v or_o repine_v that_o the_o church_n have_v leave_v something_o to_o exercise_v the_o labour_n and_o ability_n of_o her_o clergy_n but_o to_o conclude_v if_o we_o mature_o examine_v the_o catechism_n we_o shall_v find_v therein_o such_o a_o natural_a evenness_n in_o the_o method_n and_o style_n and_o such_o a_o consistency_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o in_o any_o like_a composition_n easy_o to_o be_v match_v as_o for_o the_o introduction_n it_o natural_o carry_v we_o to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n show_v when_o by_o who_o after_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o become_v christian_n next_o it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o great_a privilege_n benefit_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n as_o also_o how_o by_o solemn_a vow_n we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v they_o the_o question_n be_v plain_a and_o short_a the_o answer_v full_a and_o pithy_a wnd_v the_o compiler_n thereof_o have_v manifest_v a_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o care_n in_o deliver_v the_o rule_n in_o the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n for_o if_o they_o have_v load_v it_o with_o long_a indicative_a period_n they_o may_v at_o once_o have_v both_o puzzle_v the_o understanding_n and_o oppress_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o tender_a capacity_n for_o who_o chief_o it_o be_v design_v if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o principal_a chapter_n of_o the_o catechism_n the_o church_n therein_o have_v follow_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o best_a and_o