i_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v obtain_v the_o end_n we_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o tempt_v of_o god_n to_o expect_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v a_o sin_n be_v a_o disobedience_n to_o a_o plain_a command_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o unless_o god_n grant_v repentance_n to_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o it_o will_v prove_v damnable_a now_o while_o man_n continue_v in_o this_o neglect_n they_o do_v not_o true_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a repentance_n without_o reformation_n 4._o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o live_v and_o dye_v in_o the_o know_a and_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n but_o threaten_v the_o contrary_a and_o who_o will_v hazard_v his_o salvation_n by_o such_o a_o neglect_n obj._n 10._o but_o say_v other_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o ill_a thing_n of_o some_o church-member_n that_o we_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o we_o to_o join_v with_o they_o though_o they_o make_v holy_a profession_n yet_o their_o practice_n be_v unholy_a and_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a and_o this_o keep_v we_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o report_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v false_a and_o only_o raise_v by_o some_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o if_o so_o you_o wrong_v both_o yourselves_o and_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o believe_v of_o it_o before_o you_o have_v thorough_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o our_o neighbour_n as_o psalm_n 15.3_o 2._o suppose_v the_o report_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o their_o church-membership_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o immorality_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o want_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v 3._o their_o sin_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o those_o that_o hold_v church-fellowship_n with_o they_o if_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o and_o do_v no_o way_n partake_v with_o they_o therein_o such_o a_o reproof_n prudent_o and_o private_o give_v by_o a_o fellow-member_n may_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n to_o the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o a_o disorderly_a walker_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o christ_n own_o appointment_n to_o this_o end_n if_o not_o the_o reprover_n ought_v to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o they_o may_v use_v church-discipline_n upon_o they_o which_o if_o they_o neglect_v the_o reprove_v member_n will_v have_v this_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n and_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n as_o mat._n 18.15_o 16._o 4._o the_o participation_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v the_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o any_o of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o loss_n and_o punishment_n so_o that_o if_o you_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o keep_v yourselves_o off_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n because_o some_o of_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a or_o disorderly_o walk_v you_o punish_v yourselves_o for_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o which_o be_v injustice_n 5._o to_o keep_v off_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n mere_o because_o some_o unworthy_a person_n partake_v of_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o sin_n in_o one_o kind_n a_o occasion_n of_o your_o sin_v in_o another_o kind_n their_o sin_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o commission_n you_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n 6._o if_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n shall_v keep_v off_o from_o join_v with_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o member_n in_o it_o that_o be_v disorderly_a walker_n either_o all_o such_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o such_o disorderly_a walker_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v say_v that_o either_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v you_o must_v know_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o when_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o any_o member_n appear_v by_o their_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n that_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v aught_o to_o use_v church-discipline_n upon_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o to_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o a_o share_n in_o their_o gild_n but_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o keep_v from_o join_v with_o a_o particular_a church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o such_o peccant_a member_n in_o it_o obj._n 11._o but_o if_o this_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v use_v only_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n say_v some_o we_o can_v remember_v he_o well_o enough_o without_o it_o we_o think_v of_o he_o every_o day_n the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n put_v we_o frequent_o in_o mind_n of_o he_o how_o can_v any_o christian_a forget_v he_o that_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o they_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o such_o need_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o this_o end_n ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o objection_n savour_v rank_o of_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n which_o be_v very_o provoke_v sin_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n do_v you_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_v and_o end_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o a_o right_a participation_n of_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o a_o needless_a thing_n and_o be_v you_o not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n you_o will_v not_o account_v yourselves_o wise_a than_o christ_n himself_o who_o institute_v this_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v never_o do_v have_v he_o not_o intend_v it_o for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o the_o receiver_n do_v christ_n judge_v it_o needful_a and_o dare_v you_o say_v it_o be_v needless_a do_v it_o become_v sinful_a dust_n contemptible_a worm_n to_o slight_v a_o ordinance_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2._o though_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n be_v useful_a to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o christ_n yet_o the_o use_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n may_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o for_o some_o truth_n do_v more_o powerful_o affect_v our_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o eye_n than_o by_o the_o ear_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o man_n usual_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o our_o spirit_n and_o move_v our_o affection_n more_o than_o a_o bare_a hear_n of_o it_o do_v now_o in_o this_o ordinance_n christ_n be_v represent_v as_o crucify_a before_o our_o eye_n as_o gal._n 3.1_o and_o our_o dull_a and_o dead_a heart_n need_v the_o most_o heart-affecting_a and_o quicken_a mean_n and_o ordinance_n 3._o know_v that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v for_o other_o holy_a end_n beside_o that_o of_o remember_v christ_n as_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o have_v hear_v before_o and_o so_o be_v needful_a and_o to_o be_v use_v for_o those_o end_n as_o well_o as_o for_o that_o 4._o gracious_a soul_n have_v sometime_o meet_v with_o some_o peculiar_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o love_n in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o such_o spiritual_a refreshment_n strength_n and_o comfort_n as_o they_o find_v not_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o their_o experience_n shall_v be_v argument_n encourage_v other_o to_o use_v this_o ordinance_n in_o hope_n of_o the_o like_a benefit_n obj._n 12._o but_o say_v other_o we_o be_v so_o encumber_v and_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o can_v be_v enough_o compose_v in_o our_o spirit_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n can_v we_o once_o get_v well_o through_o they_o we_o will_v then_o endeavour_v to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o come_v to_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v no_o just_a plea_n or_o excuse_v for_o your_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o consider_v 1._o god_n allow_v you_o sufficient_a time_n for_o necessary_a care_n about_o your_o worldly_a matter_n and_o appoint_v you_o proper_a time_n also_o for_o the_o care_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v and_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o see_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v mind_v in_o its_o due_a time_n and_o place_n
this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o a_o dislike_n of_o or_o a_o malignity_n against_o the_o work_n itself_o in_o many_o as_o for_o want_v of_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o this_o impediment_n can_v be_v no_o way_n remove_v but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o due_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_v such_o a_o ability_n therefore_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o too_o ignorant_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v ashamed_a of_o your_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n but_o not_o ashamed_a to_o learn_v though_o late_o yet_o better_o late_o than_o never_o second_o have_v get_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n yourselves_o begin_v your_o work_n of_o teach_v your_o child_n betimes_o be_v drop_v and_o instil_v some_o of_o the_o plain_a easy_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n into_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o find_v they_o capable_a to_o learn_v and_o to_o remember_v be_v frequent_a at_o it_o to_o impress_n they_o the_o more_o firm_o on_o 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up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o late_a unanimous_a labour_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o about_o this_o city_n press_v their_o respective_a congregation_n to_o the_o revival_n of_o family-worship_n have_v be_v signal_o bless_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o such_o and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o good_a presage_n of_o god_n continue_v his_o candlestick_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o for_o religious_a family_n be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o nursery_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o these_o flourish_n which_o god_n grant_v the_o church_n will_v from_o they_o be_v supply_v and_o enlarge_v there_o be_v also_o some_o adult_n person_n who_o though_o their_o parent_n wretched_o neglect_v their_o soul_n in_o their_o minority_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v and_o inlighten_v convince_v and_o convert_v by_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o so_o be_v bring_v into_o christ_n and_o join_v themselves_o for_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o alas_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v in_o our_o day_n be_v small_a in_o comparison_n with_o what_o have_v be_v in_o former_a age_n as_o gospel-minister_n general_o observe_v to_o their_o grief_n and_o this_o prove_v we_o to_o be_v upon_o the_o decay_a hand_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a duty_n of_o all_o adult_n person_n that_o make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n to_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o church-priviledge_n yet_o the_o far_o great_a number_n live_v in_o the_o shameful_a neglect_n hereof_o some_o to_o thirty_o forty_o yea_o fifty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o yet_o never_o receive_v the_o lords-supper_n these_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v christian_n at_o large_a or_o loose_a professor_n if_o not_o for_o the_o looseness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o for_o sit_v so_o loose_a from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o their_o backwardness_n to_o come_v whole_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o it_o be_v real_o asleep_o far_o easy_a yoke_n than_o that_o of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n make_v a_o address_n attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o and_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o persuade_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n for_o your_o conviction_n i_o offer_v you_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n you_o come_v not_o under_o the_o special_a care_n guidance_n and_o oversight_n of_o any_o pastor_n and_o so_o lose_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o may_v be_v a_o great_a damage_n to_o your_o soul_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o in_o divers_a case_n you_o will_v need_v their_o special_a help_n by_o way_n of_o council_n instruction_n support_v or_o comfort_n to_o answer_v your_o doubt_n encourage_v you_o against_o your_o fear_n succour_v you_o under_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n the_o want_n of_o a_o skilful_a and_o faithful_a soul-friend_n in_o such_o case_n will_v be_v great_o prejudicial_a to_o you_o second_o consider_v until_o you_o be_v thus_o join_v you_o neglect_v one_o of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o supper_n the_o last_o that_o he_o institute_v leave_v as_o a_o stand_a monument_n of_o his_o matchless_a love_n to_o his_o church_n in_o die_v for_o it_o and_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n thereof_o in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o as_o another_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o ordinance_n wherein_o he_o propose_v himself_o as_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o believer_n to_o refresh_v and_o satisfy_v their_o soul_n increase_v their_o grace_n and_o nourish_v they_o to_o life_n eternal_a so_o that_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 1._o you_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o great_a sin_n upon_o your_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a disobedience_n to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v take_v eat_v etc._n etc._n drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o and_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o therefore_o to_o neglect_v it_o be_v practical_o to_o forget_v christ_n and_o if_o you_o forget_v he_o how_o can_v you_o hope_v he_o will_v remember_v you_o 2._o you_o lose_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o ordinance_n the_o nourishment_n and_o strengthen_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o grace_n which_o you_o need_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o hereby_o give_v god_n just_a cause_n to_o withhold_v his_o blessing_n from_o other_o ordinance_n and_o be_v this_o a_o loss_n that_o you_o can_v easy_o bear_v be_v it_o much_o at_o one_o with_o you_o whether_o you_o profit_n by_o the_o
propose_v this_o follow_a method_n for_o the_o passage_n of_o church-member_n from_o their_o infant-state_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o adult_n and_o admission_n to_o full_a communion_n be_v what_o be_v already_o practise_v in_o some_o and_o easy_o practicable_a in_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o their_o respective_a pastor_n will_v come_v to_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n herein_o which_o i_o humble_o conceive_v may_v without_o much_o difficulty_n be_v obtain_v if_o attempt_v by_o prudent_a and_o proper_a hand_n to_o who_o thought_n this_o well-meant-motion_n be_v hearty_o recommend_v in_o hope_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v in_o time_n a_o good_a expedient_a to_o restore_v confirmation_n to_o its_o primitive_a use_n and_o for_o the_o present_a be_v a_o equivalent_a first_o see_v the_o title-condition_n of_o infant_n church-membership_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o adult_n as_o the_o learned_a baxter_n have_v plain_o prove_v that_o of_o infant_n be_v this_o that_o 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shall_v receive_v herein_o second_o see_v many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n be_v breed_v up_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o religion_n other_o corrupt_v with_o error_n other_o immoral_a and_o profane_a in_o their_o life_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o the_o pastor_n inquire_v both_o into_o the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o life_n of_o he_o that_o seek_v admission_n i_o say_v 1._o into_o his_o knowledge_n whether_o he_o be_v competent_o acquaint_v at_o least_o with_o the_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o he_o be_v find_v gross_o and_o culpable_o ignorant_a the_o pastor_n may_v endeavour_v in_o a_o prudent_a and_o love_a way_n to_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o those_o that_o enjoy_v such_o excellent_a and_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o we_o of_o the_o necessity_n excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n in_o order_n to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n and_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o live_v and_o die_v in_o ignorance_n etc._n etc._n and_o serious_o press_v he_o to_o a_o more_o careful_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n for_o time_n to_o come_v such_o as_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n hear_v of_o and_o confer_v with_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o his_o knowledge_n may_v be_v the_o more_o methodical_a and_o distinct_a advise_v he_o first_o to_o take_v some_o good_a catechism_n in_o hand_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o the_o communicants_a instructor_n or_o sacramental_a catechism_n etc._n etc._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o familiarize_v the_o precious_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o own_o get_v they_o if_o possible_a into_o his_o memory_n which_o a_o little_a pain_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n may_v soon_o obtain_v in_o the_o most_o i_o have_v know_v some_o of_o forty_o fifty_o yea_o sixty_o year_n of_o age_n who_o in_o a_o few_o month_n time_n have_v by_o this_o mean_v get_v more_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v free_o confess_v than_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o their_o whole_a life_n before_o and_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v some_o grow_a person_n to_o this_o who_o be_v proud_a and_o idle_a as_o well_o as_o ignorant_a account_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o be_v put_v like_o child_n to_o a_o catechism_n yet_o every_o one_o that_o be_v so_o far_o awaken_v and_o enlighten_v as_o to_o see_v his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o need_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o have_v a_o sincere_a love_n to_o and_o desire_v after_o it_o will_v ready_o follow_v the_o spiritual_a counsel_n of_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v a_o just_a and_o deep_o concern_v for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v think_v no_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o take_v for_o the_o further_a and_o secure_v thereof_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v a_o little_a difficult_a at_o first_o but_o when_o they_o have_v be_v enure_v to_o it_o for_o some_o time_n their_o desire_n after_o knowledge_n and_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o will_v facilitate_v or_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o they_o can_v we_o prevail_v on_o those_o adult_n person_n among_o we_o that_o need_v it_o to_o take_v this_o faithful_a advice_n their_o mind_n will_v be_v much_o more_o enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o better_o prepare_v for_o profit_v by_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v such_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n well_o learn_v and_o thereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n well_o lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o superstructure_n of_o knowledge_n will_v be_v carry_v on_o with_o great_a facility_n firmness_n and_o success_n but_o until_o this_o be_v do_v minister_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o wonder_n that_o they_o work_v at_o the_o labour-in-vain_a in_o preach_v though_o they_o may_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n if_o milk_n be_v not_o give_v to_o babe_n in_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o strong_a meat_n to_o grow_v christian_n the_o young_a may_v starve_v while_o the_o elder_n thrive_v and_o flourish_v o_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v serious_o think_v of_o this_o and_o take_v due_a care_n to_o feed_v christ_n lamb_n as_o well_o as_o his_o sheep_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n yet_o in_o inspect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o person_n due_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o their_o different_a capacity_n the_o mean_n and_o help_v they_o have_v have_v to_o get_v knowledge_n the_o time_n they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o their_o different_a ability_n to_o express_v themselves_o their_o bashfulness_n etc._n etc._n that_o no_o sincere_a though_o weak_a christian_a be_v discourage_v and_o that_o such_o as_o have_v arrive_v but_o at_o a_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o baptismal-covenant_n with_o god_n and_o other_o point_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n though_o their_o apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v but_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a be_v not_o reject_v but_o treat_v with_o all_o tenderness_n love_n and_o prudence_n and_o help_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o the_o pastor_n find_v the_o candidate_n furnish_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v next_o inquire_v 2._o into_o his_o faith_n whether_o he_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o believe_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o if_o the_o pastor_n find_v he_o under_o any_o error_n he_o may_v endeavour_v by_o better_a instruction_n to_o cure_v he_o of_o it_o before_o his_o admission_n lest_o he_o shall_v infect_v other_o therewith_o and_o occasion_n a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o pastor_n be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a he_o shall_v further_o inquire_v 3._o into_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o holy_a profession_n and_o such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n of_o this_o neighbour_a christian_n shall_v be_v the_o observer_n and_o witness_n for_o the_o better_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n great_a care_n shall_v be_v take_v also_o in_o this_o matter_n lest_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n be_v admit_v and_o thereby_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n be_v profane_v the_o godly_a offend_v and_o grieve_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a open_v to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n dishonour_v and_o
provoke_v to_o inflict_v some_o judgement_n upon_o they_o 4._o see_v the_o lords-supper_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n and_o strengthen_n of_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v and_o not_o for_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v not_o and_o so_o those_o that_o approach_v it_o shall_v be_v only_o gracious_a person_n if_o they_o will_v receive_v benefit_n thereby_o for_o we_o must_v first_o live_v spiritual_o as_o well_o as_o natural_o before_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o pastor_n inquire_v also_o into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o candidate_n soul_n what_o experience_n he_o have_v have_v of_o the_o working_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n upon_o he_o what_o reason_n he_o can_v give_v of_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v in_o he_o what_o evidence_n he_o have_v of_o a_o save_a change_n or_o work_v of_o grace_n upon_o his_o heart_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o for_o the_o better_a discovery_n of_o his_o soul_n condition_n direct_v he_o in_o that_o needful_a and_o useful_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n and_o exhort_v he_o to_o a_o diligent_a performance_n of_o it_o and_o to_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n over_o his_o own_o heart_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o it_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o 29._o the_o sacramental_a catechism_n may_v be_v very_o helpful_a to_o he_o in_o this_o work_n in_o which_o he_o will_v find_v the_o mark_n or_o sign_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o thereby_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n of_o his_o own_o case_n 4._o when_o the_o pastor_n have_v receive_v satisfaction_n in_o these_o point_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n believe_v he_o to_o have_v a_o gospel-right_a to_o and_o fitness_n for_o this_o ordinance_n it_o seem_v necessary_a at_o least_o on_o a_o prudential_a account_n and_o for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o person_n be_v propound_v to_o the_o church_n when_o meet_v together_o by_o name_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n and_o hold_v as_o a_o expectant_a for_o some_o convenient_a time_n at_o least_o from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o proposal_n to_o the_o next_o sacrament-day_n that_o the_o member_n may_v have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inquire_v whether_o he_o be_v well_o report_v of_o and_o unblameable_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o that_o they_o first_o give_v the_o pastor_n a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v more_o private_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v object_v he_o may_v further_o inform_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o person_n be_v keep_v off_o until_o the_o objection_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o all_o concern_v receive_v satisfaction_n 5._o when_o the_o expectant_a be_v actual_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o come_v before_o the_o church_n the_o pastor_n may_v signify_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n former_o propound_v to_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v join_v to_o they_o and_o admit_v to_o full_a communion_n with_o they_o require_v that_o if_o any_o member_n remain_v yet_o unsatisfied_a he_o will_v now_o speak_v or_o by_o their_o silence_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o other_o signal_n testify_v their_o unanimous_a consent_n to_o his_o admission_n which_o be_v do_v the_o pastor_n may_v next_o desire_v he_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o own_o his_o baptismal-covenant_n address_v himself_o to_o he_o in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n see_v you_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o full_a communion_n with_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o walk_v with_o it_o in_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o duty_n and_o to_o partake_v with_o it_o in_o all_o church-priviledge_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a the_o church_n shall_v satisfy_v that_o every_o person_n admit_v a_o member_n thereof_o do_v own_o and_o profess_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o the_o church_n profess_v in_o order_n to_o this_o satisfaction_n you_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v true_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a question_n q._n 1._o do_v you_o believe_v there_o be_v but_o one_o only_o live_v and_o true_a god_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v three_o distinct_a person_n and_o each_o of_o they_o god_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o god_n infinite_a eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o be_v wisdom_n power_n holiness_n justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n a._n i_o do_v believe_v this_o q._n 2._o do_v you_o believe_v that_o this_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n ordain_v whatsoever_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o time_n and_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n he_o create_v and_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o out_o of_o nothing_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o space_n of_o six_o day_n and_o all_o very_a good_a and_o that_o he_o do_v still_o uphold_v preserve_v and_o govern_v it_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n a._n i_o do_v believe_v this_o q._n 3._o do_v you_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n with_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n here_o below_o and_o that_o he_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o life_n with_o he_o upon_o condition_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a upon_o pain_n of_o death_n a._n i_o do_v believe_v this_o q._n 4._o do_v you_o believe_v that_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o harken_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o so_o break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o thereby_o bring_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n descend_v from_o they_o by_o ordinary_a generation_n into_o a_o estate_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n a._n i_o do_v believe_v this_o q._n 5._o do_v you_o believe_v that_o man_n thus_o fall_v be_v not_o able_a to_o recover_v himself_o and_o that_o god_n have_v out_o of_o his_o mere_a good_a pleasure_n elect_v some_o to_o everlasting_a life_n do_v enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o that_o estate_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o estate_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o a_o redeemer_n a._n i_o do_v believe_v this_o q._n 6._o do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n also_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n by_o take_v to_o himself_o a_o true_a body_n and_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n of_o her_o humane_a substance_n and_o bear_v of_o she_o yet_o without_o sin_n both_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o life_n and_o that_o so_o he_o be_v and_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n in_o two_o distinct_a nature_n and_o one_o person_n for_o ever_o a._n i_o do_v believe_v this_o q._n 7._o do_v you_o believe_v that_o this_o redeemer_n of_o god_n elect_n as_o a_o prophet_n do_v teach_v his_o church_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o as_o a_o priest_n have_v satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o god_n by_o he_o once_o offer_v up_o himself_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n in_o suffer_v the_o curse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o now_o continual_o intercee_v for_o they_o in_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o king_n subdue_v the_o elect_a unto_o himself_o rule_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o restrain_v and_o conquer_v all_o his_o and_o their_o enemy_n a._n i_o do_v believe_v this_o q._n 8._o do_v you_o believe_v that_o though_o this_o jesus_n christ_n be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o bury_v yet_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a on_o the_o three_o day_n show_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o alive_a and_o afterward_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o divers_a of_o they_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o still_o remain_v sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o father_n from_o whence_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n a._n i_o do_v believe_v this_o q._n 9_o do_v you_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n have_v full_o and_o sufficient_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o perfect_a perpetual_a and_o only_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n do_v effectual_o apply_v the_o redemption_n purchase_v by_o