A37049:417
A37049:417
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1675
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
These are the main and principal ends of the Sacraments, though they serve also for outward Distinguishing of Gods People from all other societies and persons.
In Sum, The Word offereth Christ and his Benefits, the Hearer accepteth him, on the Terms on which he is offered, and consenteth; both th •se are supposed to precede the Sacraments, though (as we may see in the Jailer▪ Acts 16. and others) it may be but for a very short time; yet in the order of •• ture at least, they are Prior, and then come the Sacraments, which have in them, 1. a clear view of the bargain, that we may clo •e distinctly▪ and know what we attain. 2. A solemn Confirmation on Gods side of the Covenant, and the particular offer •he therein maketh. 3. A furthering of us in part, and helping us to believe, and a conferring of something offered. 4. A comforting of those upon whom the Blessings are conferred. 5. The Receivers solemn and public engaging ⟨p. 92⟩to God, that he shall observe and make use of all these; the Fifth may be looked upon, as the Second in Order▪
In Sum, The Word offereth Christ and his Benefits, the Hearer accepteth him, on the Terms on which he is offered, and consenteth; both th •se are supposed to precede the Sacraments, though (as we may see in the Jaylor▪ Acts 16. and others) it may be but for a very short time; yet in the order of •• ture at least, they are Prior, and then come the Sacraments, which have in them, 1. a clear view of the bargain, that we may clo •e distinctly▪ and know what we attain. 2. A solemn Confirmation on Gods side of the Covenant, and the particular offer •he therein maketh. 3. A furthering of us in part, and helping us to believe, and a conferring of something offered. 4. A comforting of those upon whom the Blessings are conferred. 5. The Receivers solemn and publick ingaging ⟨p. 92⟩to God, that he shall observe and make use of all these; the Fifth may be looked upon, as the Second in Order▪
We may come now to consider the Faults we are guilty of in reference to the Sacraments. And First in general, then more particularly in reference to Baptism and the Lords Supper: We shall not speak to those faults common to Papists and others, which are more Doctrinal, such as Errors about the persons who may Administer them, as that Women may Administer Baptism, &c. But we shall speak to those that are incident to us in our practise.
We may come now to consider the Faults we are guilty of in reference to the Sacraments. And First in general, then more particularly in reference to Baptism and the Lords Supper: We shall not speak to those faults common to Papists and others, which are more Doctrinal, such as Errours about the persons who may Administer them, as that Women may Administer Baptism, &c. But we shall speak to those that are incident to us in our practise.
And First in general we fail, either when too much weight is laid on them, or when too little, First, when too much, •s 1. When there is an absolute necessity supposed to be of them, in order to Salvation. 2. When they are thought to confer Grace of themselves by the very partaking of the outward Elements, although without Faith. 3. When they are rested on in the outward Receiving; as if that made us some way acceptable to God. 4. When there is a superstitious blind preferring of them to, and with, the prejudice of all other Ordinances, so that one will neglect Preaching and Prayer long, but must have Baptism and the Communion. 5. When there is a preferring of the outward ordinance to Christ and the thing signified, that is, when men seek more to have the Baptism of Water than the Baptism of the Spirit, and the External Communion more, than the inward; in which any Heaven that is to be found in the Ordinances, lieth; and when men are more commoved for wanting the Sacrament once, than for wanting Christ often and long▪ 6. Coming unto, and going from, the External Ordinances neglecting him and without dependence upon him who giveth the blessing, and thinking that then all is well enough, seeing they were present at the Ordinance. 7. Going far off for the partaking of a Sacrament to the prejudice of necessary Moral Duties called for at that time. 8. Placing more in them than in works of Mercy and Charity, or doting on them to the neglect of those. 9. When they are accounted so holy as if they might not be given, where Christ alloweth them to be given; or as if that wronged them, when they are not Administrated ⟨p. 93⟩in some consecrate place, as if one place were now under the Gospel more holy than another. 10. Adding to Christ's Institution, in the way of Administration, as if what he hath appointed, because, it is common and ordinary, were base, and too low for them.
And First in general we fail, either when too much weight is laid on them, or when too little, First, when too much, s 1. When there is an absolute necessity supposed to be of them, in order to Salvation. 2. When they are thought to confer Grace of themselves by the very partaking of the outward Elements, although without Faith. 3. When they are rested on in the outward Receiving; as if that made us some way acceptable to God. 4. When there is a superstitious blind preferring of them to, and with, the prejudice of all other Ordinances, so that one will neglect Preaching and Prayer long, but must have Baptism and the Communion. 5. When there is a preferring of the outward rdinance to Christ and the thing signifyed, that is, when men seek more to have the Baptism of Water than the Baptism of the Spirit, and the External Communion more, than the inward; in which any Heaven that is to be found in the Ordinances, lyeth; and when men are more commoved for wanting the Sacrament once, than for wanting Christ often and long 6. Coming unto, and going from, the External Ordinances neglecting him and without dependance upon him who giveth the blessing, and thinking that then all is well enough, seeing they were present at the Ordinance. 7. Going far off for the partaking of a Sacrament to the prejudice of necessary Moral Duties called for at that time. 8. Placeing more in them than in works of Mercy and Charity, or doating on them to the neglect of those. 9. When they are accounted so holy as if they might not be given, where Christ alloweth them to be given; or as if that wronged them, when they are not Administrated
Again, they get too little esteem, 1. When people use them as bare and empty signs, without respect to their due ends, 2. When there is not that Rever once given to God in them as ought to be according to his command, when we are about so holy and so solemn pieces of Worship. 3. When men carnally and without preparation, and observation, can hazard on them as common things▪ 4. When Gods Grace and Goodness in condescending in them to us, is not admired and blessed. 5. When they are not pondered and studied, that we may know them, and be affected in receiving them, and when there is not Meditation on them. 6. Want of delight in them. 7. Carelessness of them whether we have them or want them. 8. Corrupting the Lords Institution in our manner of going, about them, either adding to it, or diminishing from it or changing it, as if men might do so. 9. Little zeal to keep them pure. 10. Neglecting the occasions of them when we may have them with some little pains. 11. Accounting them better when Administrated by one Minister, than when by another; or esteeming little of them, because dispensed by some men, (though lawful Ministers) as if men added any worth to the Ordinance of God. 12. Never actually laying weight on any of them, or drawing comfort from them, or less than should have been done. 13. Not wishing and praying that others may have good of them. 14. Not fearing the wronging of them by multitudes who partake of them, and not endeavouring to have abuses of that kind helped, but making them common to all indifferently and promiscuously. 15. When Folk fear not the breaking of their engagements in them▪ 16. When men hang the Fruit of them on the Administerer's intention, or on the grace of them that are Joint-partakers with them. 17. When there is little Zeal against the Errors that wrong them, as when they are denied by Anabaptists, and when they are corrupted, as in the Mass.
Again, they get too little esteem, 1. When people use them as bare and empty signs, without respect to their due ends, 2. When there is not that Rever •nce given to God in them as ought to be according to his command, when we are about so holy and so solemn pieces of Worship. 3. When men carnally and without preparation, and observation, can hazard on them as common things▪ 4. When Gods Grace and Goodness in condescending in them to us, is not admired and blessed. 5. When they are not pondered and studied, that we may know them, and be affected in receiving them, and when there is not Meditation on them. 6. Want of delight in them. 7. Carelessness of them whether we have them or want them. 8. Corrupting the Lords Institution in our manner of going, about them, either adding to it, or diminishing from it or changing it, as if men might do so. 9. Little zeal to keep them pure. 10. Neglecting the occasions of them when we may have them with some little pains. 11. Accounting them better when Administrated by one Minister, than when by another; or esteeming little of them, because dispensed by some men, (though lawful Ministers) as if men added any worth to the Ordinance of God. 12. Never actually laying weight on any of them, or drawing comfort from them, or less than should have been done. 13. Not wishing and praying that others may have good of them. 14. Not fearing the wronging of them by multitudes who partake of them, and not endeavouring to have abuses of that kind helped, but making them common to all indifferently and promiscuously. 15. When Folk fear not the breaking of their ingagements in them 16. VVhen men hang the Fruit of them on the Administerer's intention, or on the grace of them that are Joynt-partakers with them. 17. VVhen there is little Zeal against the Errours that wrong them, as when they are denyed by Anabaptists, and when they are corrupted, as in the Masse.
To come particularly to Baptism; we may consider, 1. The sins of those who seek it for their Children. 2. The sins of these who Administer it. 3. The sins of on-lookers, especially those who are called to be Witnesses. 4. The sins of those who are baptized.
To come particularly to Baptism; we may consider, 1. The sins of those who seek it for their Children. 2. The sins of these who Administer it. 3. The sins of on-lookers, especially those who are called to be VVitnesses. 4. The sins of those who are baptized.
The Parents or presenters of Children to Baptism fail before, in the time, and after the Administration of this Ordinance; First, before, 1. By not serious minding that which is to be done, 2. Not considering the Child's condition as needing Christ in that Ordinance. Nor 3. The end of that Ordinance. 4. Miskenning Christ, and not going first to him, for conferring the things and blessings signified. 5. Not praying for the Child, for the Minister, and for a Blessing on the Ordinance. 6. Not blessing God, that there is a Covenant of Grace that taketh in our Children; nor offering them to be engaged and received in it. 7. Not minding the most simple and edifying way of going about it, but walking by other Rules. 8. Needless delaying of it for carnal ends. 9. Being more desirous of the Sign, than of the Thing signified.
The Parents or presenters of Children to Baptism fail before, in the time, and after the Administration of this Ordinance; First, before, 1. By not serious minding that which is to be done, 2. Not considering the Child's condition as needing Christ in that Ordinance. Nor 3. The end of that Ordinance. 4. Miskenning Christ, and not going first to him, for conferring the things and blessings signified. 5. Not praying for the Child, for the Minister, and for a Blessing on the Ordinance. 6. Not blessing God, that there is a Covenant of Grace that taketh in our Children; nor offering them to be ingaged and received in it. 7. Not minding the most simple and edifying way of going about it, but walking by other Rules. 8. Needless delaying of it for carnal ends. 9. Being more desirous of the Sign, than of the Thing signifyed.
2dly. When we come to it, we sin. First, Not seeking to have our own Covenant with God (by which we have this privilege of bringing our Children to Baptism,) renewed and made sure. 2. Not considering by what right we claim it to our Children. 3. Not repenting of our own Breaches of Covenant, nor wondering that God keepeth with us, who have often broken to him. 4. Not coming with the exercise of fear and reverence. 5 Waiting on it oft-times without attention or minding our Duty in what is spoken. 6. Promising for the fashion when we engage for the Children's Education, and without either Judgement or Resolute purpose to perform. 7. Being ignorant of what is said or done. 8. Not concurring in Prayer for the Bl •ssing. 9. Not undertaking in Christ • strength to perform the Duties called for.
2dly. When we come to it, we sin. First, Not seeking to have our own Covenant with God (by which we have this priviledge of bringing our Children to Baptism,) renewed and made sure. 2. Not considering by what right we claim it to our Children. 3. Not repenting of our own Breaches of Covenant, nor wondering that God keepeth with us, who have often broken to him. 4. Not coming with the exercise of fear and reverence. 5 VVaiting on it oft-times without attention or minding our Duty in what is spoken. 6. Promising for the fashion when we ingage for the Childrens Education, and without either Judgement or Resolute purpose to perform. 7. Being ignorant of what is said or done. 8. Not concurring in Prayer for the Bl •ssing. 9. Not undertaking in Christ • strength to perform the Duties called for.
3dly. After the Administration of Baptism, we fail. First, In forgetting all our engagements. 2. In growing careless to maintain any suitable frame, and falling carnally in our Mirth on such occasions. 3. Not being much in Prayer for the Children, ⟨p. 95⟩nor insisting or continuing in Prayer for the Blessing. 4. Not being Faithful according to our engagements, in Educating them. 1. In knowledge, that they may be so trained up as to know what God is. 2. In the fear of God, pressing it upon them by frequent Exhortations. 3. In giving them good Example. 4. In giving t •em seasonable Correction (but rather sparing them though to their hurt) when there is cause of Correction. 5. Being also unfaithful in not seriously minding them of their engagements by Baptism. And 6. Much more by giving them evil Example. 7. Conniving at their faults. 8. Advising them to what is sinful, or sending them where they may meet with snares, or suffering them to go there. 9. Providing for them the things of this Life, without respect to that Life which is to come. 10. Not enabling our selves that we may discharge our Duty to them. 11. Not insisting to press those things upon them, that concern their Souls always; thinking it is enough that sometimes they be spoken to. 12. Never purposely stirred up and driven by that Tie to see for their good. Nor 13. Repenting our many short comings. Nor 14. Lamenting for what we see sinful in them, when they follow not Faithful advice. These are things that would carefully be looked unto, both by Fathers and Mothers, and all such as engage for the Christian Education of the Children, whom they present to that Ordinance
3dly. After the Administration of Baptism, we fail. First, In forgetting all our engagements. 2. In growing careless to maintain any suitable frame, and falling carnally in our Mirth on such occasions. 3. Not being much in Prayer for the Children, ⟨p. 95⟩nor insisting or continuing in Prayer for the Blessing. 4. Not being Faithful according to our ingagements, in Educating them. 1. In knowledge, that they may be so trained up as to know what God is. 2. In the fear of God, pressing it upon them by frequent Exhortations. 3. In giving them good Example. 4. In giving t •em seasonable Correction (but rather sparing them though to their hurt) when there is cause of Correction. 5. Being also unfaithful in not seriously minding them of their ingagements by Baptism. And 6. Much more by giving them evil Example. 7. Conniving at their faults. 8. Advising them to what is sinful, or sending them where they may meet with snares, or suffering them to go there. 9. Providing for them the things of this Life, without respect to that Life which is to come. 10. Not enabling our selves that we may discharge our Duty to them. 11. Not insisting to press those things upon them, that concern their Souls always; thinking it is enough that sometimes they be spoken to. 12. Never purposely stirred up and driven by that Tye to see for their good. Nor 13. Repenting our many short comings. Nor 14. Lamenting for what we see sinful in them, when they follow not Faithful advice. These are things that would carefully be looked unto, both by Fathers and Mothers, and all such as engage for the Christian Education of the Children, whom they present to that Ordinance
Next in him that Administereth Baptism, there are oft-times diverse failings. As 1. When it is customarily dispensed without respect to it's end. 2. When in Prayer the Child's Salvation is not really and seriously aimed at, but for the fashion. 3. When it becometh a burden to dispense it. 4. When it is not thought much of, that Christ admitteth such into his House, or himself to be a partaker of such mercies, but be a Dispenser of them to others. 5. When he followeth it not privately with his Prayers for a Blessing; besides what failings may be in unsuitable words, and Humane Ceremonies, &c. And seeking himself in the words that are spoken, rather than the Edification of the Hearers.
Next in him that Administreth Baptism, there are oft-times diverse failings. As 1. When it is customarily dispensed without respect to it's end. 2. When in Prayer the Childs Salvation is not really and seriously aimed at, but for the fashion. 3. When it becometh a burden to dispense it. 4. When it is not thought much of, that Christ admitteth such into his House, or himself to be a partaker of such mercies, but be a Dispenser of them to others. 5. When he followeth it not privately with his Prayers for a Blessing; besides what failings may be in unsuitable words, and Humane Ceremonies, &c. And seeking himself in the words that are spoken, rather than the Edification of the Hearers.
When we are Witnesses and On-lookers, we fail. 1. In wearying and fretting, because we are detained a while. 2. Not ⟨p. 96⟩setting our selves to be edified by that we see done and hear spoken. 3. Not sympathising with the Child or its Parents in Prayer. 4. Not being thankful to God for such a Benefit and Ordinance to such a Child's behalf. 5. Lightness of Carriage, and in looking, speaking, or thinking in the time, as if we were not present at such an Ordinance of Christs. 6. Not so seriously taken up in sympathising with other Folks Children, because they are not our own. 7. Removing and withdrawing and not staying to countenance it. 8. Not minding the Child when we are gone. 9. Not helping them▪ as we may to be answerable to that tie they come under in Baptism. 10. Not admonishing them when we see Parents and Children walk unanswerable, nor testifying against them, nor mourning for the Dishonour God getteth by Baptised Person's unsuitable Carriage.
When we are Witnesses and On-lookers, we fail. 1. In wearying and fretting, because we are detained a while. 2. Not ⟨p. 96⟩setting our selves to be edified by that we see •done and hear spoken. 3. Not sympathising with the Child or its Parents in Prayer. 4. Not being thankful to God for such a Benefit and Ordinance to such a Childs behalf. 5. Lightness of Carriage, and in looking, speaking, or thinking in the time, as if we were not present at such an Ordinance of Christs. 6. Not so seriously taken up in sympathising with other Folks Children, because they are not our own. 7. Removing and withdrawing and not staying to countenance it. 8. Not minding the Child when we are gone. 9. Not helping them▪ as we may to be answerable to that tye they come under in Baptism. 10. Not admonishing them when we see Parents and Children walk unanswerable, nor testifying against them, nor mourning for the Dishonour God getteth by Baptised Person's unsuitable Carriage.
Fourthly, All of us that are Baptised, fail wonderfully, less or more. 1st. That we never (as we ought) reckon our selves obliged by that tie we come under in Baptism. 2. That we neither are, nor seriously study to be, as we ought▪ answerable to it. 3. That we are not thankful for it to God, who admitted us to that Ordinance. 4. That we do not esteem it above all bare carnal Birth-Rights how great soever. 5. That we do not seek to have it cleared, in the extent of it, as to the Privileges and Benefits thereby conferred on us and our Children. 6. That we do not pursue after the Blessing therein Covenanted to us. 7. That we do not endeavour the performance of the condition of believing and trusting in Christ which is the condition of the Covenant of which Baptism is the Seal. 8. That we do not lay weight on our Baptism for strengthening our Faith both in Spiritual and Temporal Difficulties, as if it were no Seal of the Covenant. 9. That we are often ignorant how to make use of it. 10. That we do not account our selves wholly Gods, as being given away to Him in Baptism, but live to our selves. 11. That we do not sight against our Lusts, Satan, and the World, according to our Baptismal Vow▪ 12. That we do not adorn our Christian Profession with an Holy Life. 13. That we walk and war against Christ, instead of fighting ⟨p. 97⟩under his Banner. 14. That we do not aggravate our sins, as being committed against this Tie. 15. That we are not patient under Sufferings, nor penitent and humble under all sad Dispensations; notwithstanding that we are by our Baptism bound to take up the Cross. 16. That we do not meditate on our engagements, nor repent for our Neglects. 17. That we do not aim and endeavour to come up to the main ends of this Ordinance. Which are. 1. The evidencing out Regeneration and ingrafting into Christ. 2. The giving up our selves to the Father, Son, and Spirit. 3. Sticking by Christ on the most costly and dearest terms. 4. Taking Directions from him and walking in him. 5 Seeking the things above, and not the things that are on Earth▪ 6. Mortification to Creatures, and to be Crucified with Christ. 7. The improving of this Tie, not only for obliging us to these, but for strengthening us in Him to attain them, and to comfort our selves in all Difficulties from this ground. These things are much a-missing; Alas, they are much a-missing:
For we lamentably neglect to draw all our Strength and Furniture under all tentations, and for all Duties from Christ by virtue of this Baptismal Obligation and Tie: We resort but seldom to this Magazine and Store - House; this precious Privilege is (Alas!) but very little manured and improved by us.
For we lamentably neglect to draw all our Strength and Furniture under all tentations, and for all Duties from Christ by vertue of this Baptismal Obligation and Tye: We resort but seldome to this Magazine and Store - House; this precious Priviledge is (Alas!) but very little manured and improved by us.
We come next to speak of the sins we are usually guilty of in reference to the Lords Supper, and they be of several sorts. 1. Some are Doctrinal when the Institution is corrupted, as in Popery: These we will not now meddle with. 2. Others are practical, and they are either in Ministers and Elders, who admit and debar, or in such as are admitted or debarred.
And First, we are to consider, that men may sin against this Ordinance, by not Communicating. As 1. When they contemn and wilfully neglect it. 2. When they are not frequent in it, but carelessly slight it, when conveniently it may be had. 3. By not foreseeing and ordering our Affairs, so as we may not be hindered, when an occasion of that Ordinance offereth it self near to us. 4. By incapacitating our selves to be admitted through ignorance or scandal, and by negligence ⟨p. 98⟩to remove these. 5. By fretting at our being debarred, or at these who has a hand in it. 6. Not repenting of the causes which procureth our being declared. 7. Not seeking to be humbled under such a weighty censure, and to get the right use of it for the time to come. 8. Suspecting that it proceedeth from carnal ends. 9. Reporting amiss of those who do it 10. Not praying for them that partake in this Ordinance, where-ever we hear of it in any place. 11. Looking rather to the unfitness of some that are admitted, and the neglect of duty in Office-bearers in debarring, than our own. 12. Not sympathizing with them, and yet on that ground absenting our selves, to wit, for the faults of others.
And First, we are to consider, that men may sin against this Ordinance, by not Communicating. As 1. When they contemn and wilfully neglect it. 2. When they are not frequent in it, but carelessly slight it, when conveniently it may be had. 3. By not foreseeing and ordering our Affairs, so as we may not be hindred, when an occasion of that Ordinance offereth it self near to us. 4. By incapacitating our selves to be admitted through ignorance or scandal, and by negligence ⟨p. 98⟩to remove these. 5. By sretting at our being debarred, or at these who has a hand in it. 6. Not repenting of the causes which procureth our being declared. 7. Not seeking to be humbled under such a weighty censure, and to get the right use of it for the time to come. 8. Suspecting that it proceedeth from carnal ends. 9. Reporting amiss of those who do it 10. Not praying for them that partake in this Ordinance, where-ever we hear of it in any place. 11. Looking rather to the unfitness of some that are admitted, and the neglect of duty in Office-bearers in debarring, than our own. 12. Not sympathizing with them, and yet on that ground absenting our selves, to wit, for the faults of others.
And here, by the way, we beseech you take these few words of Exhortation. 1. Look on debarring of ignorant and scandalous persons from the Lord's Table as Christ's Ordinance. 2. Consider wherefore your selves are debarred, and as you may be assured it is from no particular prejudice or disrespect, so ye would repent & be humbled for that which procureth it. 3 Be making up what is wanting for the time to-come: your failing in any of these is a fault, and let none think themselves the less bound to the study of holiness, because they are kept from partaking of it: But the sin of some is; they shift it, because they will not stir themselves up to a suitable frame for it, and yet they are not suitably affected with the want of it.
And here, by the way, we beseech you take these few words of Exhortation. 1. Look on debarring of ignorant and scandalous persons from the Lord's Table as Christ's Ordinance. 2. Consider wherefore your selves are debarred, and as you may be assured it is from no particular prejudice or disrespect, so ye would repent & be humbled for that which procureth it. 3 Be making up what is wanting for the time to-come: your failing in any of these is a fault, and let none think themselves the less bound to the study of holiness, because they are kept from partaking of it: But the sin of some is; they shift it, because they will not stir themselves up to a sutable frame for it, and yet they are not sutably affected with the want of it.