An apology for the nonconformists ministry containing I. the reasons of their preaching, II.…

5. But the fullest decision of this case will be from their cause it self. The Liturgy and Canon, 1. obligeth us to refuse no Child that is offered us in baptism. 2. The Rubric pronounceth the baptized Infants so dying certainly saved (not excepting any child of any Infidel or Atheist, or open denier of a life to come, or derider of Christ and the holy Scripture (of which there are now great store). 3. When the baptized Children can say the words of the Creed, Lords Prayer, &c. though they know not what they say, they are confirmed by the Bishop. 4. Being confirmed, they are to be admitted to the Lords-Supper, though they know not what it meaneth; yea they are compelled for fear of Imprisonment and ruin to communicate. 5. When they are sick, if ⟨p. 167⟩they will but say they repent, and desire it, they must be Absolved in absolute terms; though they give the Minister no satisfaction, that they are truly penitent, and have lived till then a most ungodly life, and perhaps lie cursing, and swearing, and railing at a holy life on their sick-bed. 6. And being dead, we must pronounce our hope of every one in England, except unbaptized ones, excommunicate and self-murderers, that God in mercy hath taken to himself the Soul of this our dear brother out of the miseries of this world; Though they were professed Atheists, Infidels, scorners of Christ, notorious adulterers, or other criminals, and never once so much as said, I repent. 7. And the Discipline of the Church being managed by one Lay-Chancellor and his Court, with some small assistance, in a Diocese of many hundred Parishes, is utterly uncapable of calling one of an hundred to repentance, or keeping clean the Church. And these are much of that which the Nonconformists refuse to subscribe their full Assent and Consent to, and to Covenant never to endeavour to reform, for which they suffer the loss of all. And now judge which side hath the looser principles and cause. And add their refusal to approve of that which they fear to be in many thousands, Perjury, and the rest which the Conformists never scruple, and try who are the looser, and have the greater Latitude of Conscience. And never did we yet meet with many that do believe that we live in more fullness, and idleness, and fleshly liberty than most of the Conformists do, which we speak not as accusing any, but in our necessary defence.

5. But the fullest decision of this case will be from their cause it self. The Liturgy and Canon, 1. obligeth us to refuse no Child that is offered us in baptism. 2. The Rubrick pronounceth the baptized Infants so dying certainly saved (not excepting any child of any Infidel or Atheist, or open denier of a life to come, or derider of Christ and the holy Scripture (of which there are now great store). 3. When the baptized Children can say the words of the Creed, Lords Prayer, &c. though they know not what they say, they are confirmed by the Bishop. 4. Being confirmed, they are to be admitted to the Lords-Supper, though they know not what it meaneth; yea they are compelled for fear of Imprisonment and ruine to communicate. 5. When they are sick, if