A sober discourse of right to church-communion

Obj. 11. And whereas it may be Objected that 'tis Love and not Baptism, that discovers us to be Christs Disciples; It is answered.

Answ. We do readily ⟨p. 161⟩confess that we are commanded to put on love, Coll. 3.14. which is a great Character of a Disciple of Christ, and it is much to be Lamented, that there is so little seen among Saints: Yet that cannot be called Love, which is exercised in opposition to the Order prescribed in the Word, by which Ordinances ought to be Administered; For as Love is a grace of the Spirit of Christ; so Ordinances are the appointments of the same Spirit which works Grace in the Hearts of Christians; All true Gospel Love being Regulated by Gospel-Rule; and as all men may know the Disciples of Christ by their Love one to another: so also, it is a Character given by the same Lord, of being a Disciple when this Love is manifest in keeping his Commandments, John 14.15. If ye Love me keep my Commandments. ver. 21. He that hath my Commandments, and keepeth them,⟨p. 130⟩he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me, shall be beloved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest my self to him. ver. 23. Jesus answered and said, If any man Love me, he will keep my Words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. ver. 24. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings, and the Word which you hear is not mine, but the Fathers which sent me. Now of these Commandments this Ordinance of Baptism is not the least, and it seems to savour of little Love in them that would have Men believe, it is advanced in them above their Brethren to charge them with want of Love, as the only Reason why they cannot admit persons to the Supper of the Lord, that never yet Received the Baptism of Christ. Therefore,

Answ. We do readily confess⟨p. 161⟩