Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending…

Object. 8. But though all this hold of Heathens or Infidels newly pretending to be converted, and so coming for Baptism, yet it will not hold of professing Parents that bring their children to Baptism, or of such as come to the Lords Supper. For such have been long in the Church already, and therefore must follow the truth of their Profession by a holy conversation.

Answ. I grant this: and withal that the Pastor should be as diligent as he can to know the conversations of his people. But withal I still say, 1. That, as it was sufficient at his first admittance that he made a verbal Profession; so the same Obligation lieth on the Minister and people to believe his word still, till he forfeit his Credit, as it did at the first. A Verbal profession is still as Obligatory to us for belief, though more be required in him to second it. 2. And therefore I say, that if a Minister through the numerousness of his flock, or want of ability, or opportunity, or other causes (yea culpable in himself) shall be ignorant of the lives of his people, he is to credit their Profession, and not on that account to deny them Gods Ordinances. 3. They therefore that will exclude any, for want of a holy life, must bring a certain Proof of his unholiness of life; for they can require no more Proof from him of his holiness, but that he professeth it: And so I grant that as he professed Repentance and Faith at first entrance, so he is now to profess that he continueth therein, and walketh holy before God. And if he do but say that he doth this, no man can reject him till he first disprove him, supposing him to be a member of his pastoral charge, or otherwise obliged to administer it to him, if fit. Those therefore that will have any mans children kept from baptism, for their parents unholiness, or persons kept from the Supper, must not expect that men bring proof to them of their holiness beyond their profession of it, but must deal by them as by other notorious offenders, even admonish them of their unholy Carriages; and if he hear not, take witness, and then call the Church; and if he hear not the Church, then he must he rejected; and not denied the Communion of the Church upon every mans uncharitable presumptions, or so heavily punished before he be judged or heard. 4. And they must know that it is heinous evils indeed that will prove ⟨p. 35⟩