Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…

15. And it much corrupteth the Communion of Saints, and turneth it to another thing; when this Holy Communion is so much of our duty and our comfort, and such a Representation of Heaven it self.

16. And if it be not a practical denial of some of the Articles of our Faith, it's well. We say there, that we Believe the Catholic Church to be Holy, and that it is a Communion of Saints, that is by the parts of it, to be exercised. And shall we deny this in our works, which in words we profess.

16. And if it be not a practical denial of some of the Articles of our Faith, it's well. We say there, that we Believe the Catholike Church to be Holy, and that it is a Communion of Saints, that is by the parts of it, to be exercised. And shall we deny this in our works, which in words we profess.

17. By this means also we dishonour the work of Reformation, when we hinder the fruits of it, that should be visible to the world; and make men believe that it lieth but in a change of bare opinions. They that see no great difference between the Reformed and the Romanists in their lives, will think it is no great matter, which side they are joined to. It's noted by some Protestant Writers, that when Luther opposed Popery in Germany, abundance of the common licentious people, that were weary of Popish Confessions, and Penances, did join with those that were truly conscientious, and dishonoured the Reformation by their lives, though they increased the number, and did ⟨p. 192⟩the service as Erasmus his Gospeller, that used to carry a bottle of wine, and Erasmus New Testament, with great brass bosses, and when he disputed with a Papist, knocked him about the pate with the Bible, and so confuted him.

17. By this means also we dishonour the work of Reformation, when we hinder the fruits of it, that should be visible to the world; and make men believe that it lieth but in a change of bare opinions. They that see no great difference between the Reformed and the Romanists in their lives, will think it is no great matter, which side they are joyned to. It's noted by some Protestant Writers, that when Luther opposed Popery in Germany, abundance of the common licentious people, that were weary of Popish Confessions, and Penances, did joyne with those that were truly conscientious, and dishonoured the Reformation by their lives, though they increased the number, and did ⟨p. 192⟩the service as Erasmus his Gospeller, that used to carry a bottle of wine, and Erasmus New Testament, with great brass bosses, and when he disputed with a Papist, knockt him about the pate with the Bible, and so confuted him.

19. By this means also we leave all Sects, to quarrel with us, and dispute against us, even whether we be true Churches of Christ or not, because our Adult-profession and Covenant is no more express, and discernible, then it is. And though we have enough to prove our selves a Church, yet do we leave them under their temptations, and our selves under the obloquy. And indeed we perversely maintain our own dishonour, while we think it a condition to be rested in, if we can but prove our selves true Churches; when our Learned Divines do give as much to ⟨p. 193⟩the Romanists themselves, though not as Papal, yet as Christian. A Leper is a true man, and yet his cure is a thing to be desired.

19. By this means also we leave all Sects, to quarrel with us, and dispute against us, even whether we be true Churches of Christ or not, because our Adult-profession and Covenant is no more express, and discernable, then it is. And though we have enough to prove our selves a Church, yet do we leave them under their temptations, and our selves under the obloquy. And indeed we perversly maintain our own dishonour, while we think it a condition to be rested in, if we can but prove our selves true Churches; when our Learned Divines do give as much to ⟨p. 193⟩the Romanists themselves, though not as Papal, yet as Christian. A Leper is a true man, and yet his cure is a thing to be desired.

20. Lastly, By this means also we tempt many well meaning people among us, to a dangerour separation from us, and to fly from our Churches, as if they would fall on their heads; and we too much harden those that are already separated: and all because we will not yield to the healing of our own diseases, or will do little or nothing to procure it. I know these men have no just ground for their hard conclusions, and censures of us; but we have little reason to give them this occasion, and cast a stumbling-block in the way of so many precious Souls.

To what is here briefly thrust together, if the Reader will add the twelve Reasons, in my Christian Concord, pag. 11, 12, 13, 14. and what's said in my book of Right to Sacraments, where these matters, or those that sustain them, are handled more at large, I suppose he may easily be convinced, that the former Church-Governors, in England, have been lamentably negligent, and our Churches by their means are much disordered, and that the present Ministers should be more forward, and diligent, ⟨p. 194⟩and unanimous for the cure, and that the Magistrate, if he love the Church of Christ, and the Souls of men, should speedily afford his help, and all too little to remedy these great and many evils, which we have let in, by suffering such a loose, unobserved transition from the state of Infant Church members, or from Apostasy, into the number of Adult-members, without Approved Profession and Confirmation.

To what is here briefly thrust together, if the Reader will adde the twelve Reasons, in my Christian Concord, pag. 11, 12, 13, 14. and what's said in my book of Right to Sacraments, where these matters, or those that sustaine them, are handled more at large, I suppose he may easily be convinced, that the former Church-Governours, in England, have been lamentably negligent, and our Churches by their means are much disordered, and that the present Ministers should be more forward, and diligent, ⟨p. 194⟩and unanimous for the cure, and that the Magistrate, if he love the Church of Christ, and the Souls of men, should speedily afford his help, and all too little to remedy these great and many evils, which we have let in, by suffering such a loose, unobserved transition from the state of Infant Church members, or from Apostacy, into the number of Adult-members, without Approved Profession and Confirmation.

Prop. 20. So many and great are the Benefits, that would follow the general practice of this duty, of Trying, Approving, and Confirming (or Absolving) all those that enter into the number of Adult Christians, that it should mightily provoke all Christian Magistrates, Ministers, and People, to join in a speedy and vigorous execution of it.

Prop. 20. So many and great are the Benefits, that would follow the general practice of this duty, of Trying, Approving, and Confirming (or Absolving) all those that enter into the number of Adult Christians, that it should mightily provoke all Christian Magistrates, Ministers, and People, to joyne in a speedy and vigorous execution of it.

1. One excellent fruit of this Practice, will be the great increase of Knowledge, and godliness, and the destruction of ignorance, and notorious impiety. This is an effect, most apparent in the Causes. When men are made to understand, that by the Law of God, seconded by the common ⟨p. 195⟩consent of the Church, and the most Learned, Godly Pastors, and (if it may be) by the Law of the Land; no man is to be accounted, or numbered with Adult-Christians, but those that make a sober, serious; understanding Profession of Christianity, renouncing the flesh, the world, and the Devil, and not contradicting, and nullifying this Profession, by a wicked life; this will engage Parents, to teach their Children, and Children themselves to learn what Christianity is, when they cannot have the Name, or the honour, and the Privileges of Christians, without some Credible Appearance of the thing. For doubtless while Christianity is in credit, the same motives that now prevail with the multitude to seem Christians, and to desire the Baptism of their Children, will continue then, to make them desire to be numbered with Christians, when they are at age: and so will provoke them to do that, without which they know they cannot be esteemed Christians. And as it's now a common thing to be baptized in Infancy, so will it be then a common thing, for our young people to learn the Principles of Christianity, yea and to reform their lives, (I hope with the most) when they understand, that else they must be taken to be no ⟨p. 196⟩Christians. And if it were but the making of the understanding Profession, and outside of Christianity, to be commoner among us, it would be a most precious fruit of our endeavours. But much more, when true Christianity it self, in the life and power of it, would also be more common. As no doubt but it would: For the Knowledge of the Letter, is the way to the receiving of the Spirit: & among multitudes that have the outside of true Religion, there will be far more, that have the life and soul of it, then among those that have not so much as the outside.

1. ONe excellent fruit of this Practice, will be the great increase of Knowledge, and godliness, and the destruction of ignorance, and notorious impiety. This is an effect, most apparent in the Causes. When men are made to understand, that by the Law of God, seconded by the common ⟨p. 195⟩

Any man in reason may foresee, that if we be openly agreed, and it be publicly enacted, or declared, that none be taken into the number of Adult Christians, nor admitted to their Privileges, till they have made an Approved Profession of Christianity, and so be received by Jesus Christ himself, acting by his Ministers, it will set all that care for the Name, or hopes or Privileges of Christians, to learn, and be, and do, that which they know will be so required of them. Whereas, as things go now in most places, they may bring their Children to Baptism, without understanding what Baptism is; and those Children may slide into the state of the Adult-Christians, and possess the Name, and ⟨p. 197⟩place, and outward Communion, and other honours and Privileges of such, without knowing whether Christ were a man or a woman, or who he is, or what business he came about into the world: And when no outward Necessity is laid upon them by the Church, to know more, or to seem better, no wonder if so many Heathens do sit among Christians, and if the multitude look not much after knowledge or Godliness.

Any man in reason may foresee, that if we be openly agreed, and it be publikely enacted, or declared, that none be taken into the number of Adult Christians, nor admitted to their Priviledges, till they have made an Approved Profession of Christianity, and so be received by Jesus Christ himself, acting by his Ministers, it will set all that care for the Name, or hopes or Privilidges of Christians, to learn, and be, and do, that which they know will be so required of them. Whereas, as things go now in most places, they may bring their Children to Baptism, without understanding what Baptism is; and those Children may slide into the state of the Adult-Christians, and possess the Name, and ⟨p. 197⟩place, and outward Communion, and other honours and Priviledges of such, without knowing whether Christ were a man or a woman, or who he is, or what business he came about into the world: And when no outward Necessity is laid upon them by the Church, to know more, or to seem better, no wonder if so many Heathens do sit among Christians, and if the multitude looke not much after knowledg or Godliness.

2. And moreover it will be a very great help to their Consciences, in order to the convincing them of their sin and misery, and of the insufficiency of that Condition which multitudes do now rest in; and so to waken them to look after a safer state, and to be what they must seem to be, if they will be taken to be Christians. It is a great help to the deceiving of the multitude of the ungodly, to be currently esteemed Christians, when they are not: And self-love is such a blinding thing, that a little help will go far with it, in the promoting of such deceits. Naturally men are very easily brought to think well of them selves, and hardly brought to confess their misery. Every man almost will easily confess himself a sinner, and a very great sinner, so you will but allow him to be a Christian, and a pardoned sinner. For ⟨p. 198⟩this is a common confession, and brings no very terrible Conclusion, and message to the Soul. But when a man must confess himself, no true Christian, but unsanctified, unpardoned, and a slave of Satan, this is as much as to confess himself in a state of damnation, in which if he die he is lost for ever, and men are hardly drawn to believe so terrible a Conclusion: when yet it is so necessary where it is true, that we can scarce imagine how a man can be saved without it. He that knoweth not himself to be out of his way, will hardly be persuaded to turn back: And he that knows not himself to be unpardoned, will hardly value or seek a pardon: And he that thinks he is sanctified, and a true Christian already, will seek to be made what he takes himself already to be. And how much Reputation doth, to help or hinder men, even in self-judging, is easily perceived. Now here is a threefold Reputation, of very great moment, to concur, either for mens Deception, or Conversion. 1. The Reputation of Prince and Parliament, and so of Law-givers and Rulers of the Nation, who by their Laws do manifest, whom they esteem good Christians, and this the people very much look at. 2. The Reputation of all the Pastors of the Church, which is to ⟨p. 199⟩be manifested in their Agreements, Confessions, or Declarations and Practices. 3. The common consent of Christian people, which is to be manifested by their actions, according to the Laws of Christ, and the Direction of their Guides.

2. And moreover it will be a very great helpe to their Consciences, in order to the convincing them of their sinne and misery, and of the insufficiency of that Condition which multitudes do now rest in; and so to waken them to look after a safer state, and to be what they must seem to be, if they will be taken to be Christians. It is a great help to the deceiving of the multitude of the ungodly, to be currantly esteemed Christians, when they are not: And self-love is such a blinding thing, that a little help will go farre with it, in the promoting of such deceits. Naturally men are very easily brought to think well of them selves, and hardly brought to confess their misery. Every man almost will easily confess himself a sinner, and a very great sinner, so you will but allow him to be a Christian, and a pardoned sinner. For

If Magistrates, Ministers and people do concur, to repute all the Infidels, and utterly Ignorant, wicked men among us to be Christians, how many thousand Souls may this deceive, and undo for ever? Whereas, If Magistrates, Ministers, and People that fear God, would all agree according to the Laws of Christ, to esteem none Adult-Christians, but those that by a Credible Profession of Christianity, do seem to be such, it would abundantly help to convince them of their misery, and the need of Christ and Grace, and the absolute necessity of a change. We see even among good men, in the case of a particular sin, how much common Reputation, doth help to hinder the work upon their Consciences: Among the Reformed Churches beyond the Sea, what Conscience is troubled for these actions, or omissions on the Lords Day, which in England would much trouble men of the same temper in other things. Among several Sects it troubleth them not, freely to revile the Servants of Christ that are against them, ⟨p. 200⟩because they find it rather go for commendable, then much condemnable, by those whom they most esteem. Among the Papists, the believing in a Vice-Christ, and the worshipping of his Image and Cross, with Divine Worship, and also the consecrated Host, and the condemning all the Churches of Christ that do it not, do go for Virtues, and Christian Practices, though they are most heinous, odious sins; and what is it but common Reputation of Prince and Priests, and multitudes of people, that could make so many, yea and such persons as some of them are, to continue in such sins, as if they were a part, yea an essential part of holiness, and one generation to succeed another in them. Were these sins but commonly reputed to be as odious as indeed they are, what a change would it make on millions of Souls? So that it's strange to see the power of Reputation.

If Magistrates, Ministers and people do concurre, to repute all the Infidels, and utterly Ignorant, wicked men among us to be Christians, how many thousand Souls may this deceive, and undo for ever? Whereas, If Magistrates, Ministers, and People that feare God, would all agree accordng to the Laws of Christ, to esteem none Adult-Christians, but those that by a Credible Profession of Christianity, do seem to be such, it would abundantly help to convince them of their misery, and the need of Christ and Grace, and the absolute necessity of a change. We see even among good men, in the case of a particular sinne, how much common Reputation, doth help to hinder the work upon their Consciences: Among the Reformed Churches beyond the Sea, what Conscience is troubled for these actions, or omissions on the Lords Day, which in England would much trouble men of the same temper in other things. Among several Sects it troubleth them not, freely to revile the Servants of Christ that are against them,

3. Moreover, this course would be an excellent help to the Labours of the Ministers of Christ, for mens Salvation. They would better understand and apply our Sermons: whereas now, they lose the benefit by misapplying them. Now we must labour all our lives, (and with most, in vain) to make unbelievers, and ungodly persons understand ⟨p. 201⟩what they are, and no means will serve to convince many people, that they are not truly Christians, that know not what it is to be a Christian, or that hate it and fight against it. When they all go together under the name of Christians, what ever comforts they hear offered to Believers, they take them to themselves, or mistake them as offered to them; and all the threatenings that are uttered against unbelievers, they put by and think it is not they that they are spoken against. But if once we could but get men to stand in their own places, and to know themselves; how easily then would our message work? Me thinks the Devil should not be able, to keep one man of an hundred in his power, if they knew themselves to be in his power: nor one of an hundred, in a state of ungodliness and condemnation if they knew that they are in such a state. At least, I am sure men will not so numerously, nor easily run into Hell, when they know they are going into it, as when they are confident that they are good Christians, and in the way to Heaven.

3. Moreover, this course would be an excellent help to the Labours of the Ministers of Christ, for mens Salvation. They would better understand and apply our Sermons: whereas now, they lose the benefit by misapplying them. Now we must labour all our lives, (and with most, in vaine) to make unbelievers, and ungodly persons understand ⟨p. 201⟩what they are, and no means will serve to convince many people, that they are not truly Christians, that know not what it is to be a Christian, or that hate it and fight against it. When they all go together under the name of Christians, what ever comforts they hear offered to Believers, they take them to themselves, or mistake them as offered to them; and all the threatnings that are uttered against unbelievers, they put by and think it is not they that they are spoken against. But if once we could but get men to stand in their own places, and to know themselves; how easily then would our message work? Me thinks the Devil should not be able, to keep one man of an hundred in his power, if they knew themselves to be in his power: nor one of an hundred, in a state of ungodliness and condemnation if they knew that they are in such a state. At least, I am sure men will not so numerously, nor easily runne into Hell, when they know they are going into it, as when they are confident that they are good Christians, and in the way to Heaven.

4. If this foredescribed Confirmation be practised, it will more powerfully oblige our people to Christ, then a secret sliding into the number of Adult-Christians will do. ⟨p. 202⟩And doubtless solemn engagements and obligations, have some force upon Conscience, to hold men to Christ, and restrain them from sin: or else Baptism it self would be much frustrate; and the Jews should not have been so often called by Moses, Joshua, Asa, and other Princes, to renew their Covenant with God. But with us, men feel no such bonds upon them. And many question whether they are bound at all, by their Parents promises for them in Baptism.

4. If this foredescribed Confirmation be practised, it will more powerfully oblige our people to Christ, then a secret sliding into the number of Adult-Christians will do. ⟨p. 202⟩And doubtless solemn engagements and obligations, have some force upon Conscience, to hold men to Christ, and restraine them from sinne: or else Baptism it self would be much frustrate; and the Jews should not have been so often called by Moses, Joshua, Asa, and other Princes, to renew their Covenant with God. But with us, men feel no such bonds upon them. And many question whether they are bound at all, by their Parents promises for them in Baptism.

5. The profiting of our people will be much greater in their own place: when those that are not yet fit for Adult-membership, and Privileges, are kept in the place of Catechumens or Expectants. Every thing doth thrive and prosper best in its own place: If you tear them not out of the Churches womb, till they are ready for the birth, they will prosper there, that else may perish. Your Corn will best prosper in the cold earth, where it seems to be dead and buried, till the Springing time shall come. And you should not violently unhose the ears, till Nature put them forth. The first digestion must be wrought, before the second, and Nature must have time allowed it, and the stomach must not too hastily let go the food, if you would have good sanguification ⟨p. 203⟩and nutrition follow. Men think they do a great kindness to grossly ignorant, or impious men, to take them into the Church before they are capable of such a station, and the work, or Privileges thereto belonging: but alas, they do but hurry them to perdition, by thrusting them out of the state, where they might have thriven in preparation to a Church-state, into a state which will set them abundance of work, which they are utterly unfit for, and under the pretence of benefits and Privileges, will occasion abundance of aggravations of their sins. A boy in his A, B, C. will learn better in his own place, among his fellows, then in a higher form, where he hath work set him, which he is uncapable of doing.

5. The profiting of our people will be much greater in their own place: when those that are not yet fit for Adult-membership, and Priviledges, are kept in the place of Catechumens or Expectants. Every thing doth thrive and prosper best in its own place: If you teare them not out of the Churches wombe, till they are ready for the birth, they will prosper there, that else may perish. Your Corne will best prosper in the cold earth, where it seems to be dead and buried, till the Springing time shall come. And you should not violently unhose the eares, till Nature put them forth. The first digestion must be wrought, before the second, and Nature must have time allowed it, and the stomack must not too hastily let go the food, if you would have good sanguification ⟨p. 203⟩and nutrition follow. Men think they do a great kindness to grosly ignorant, or impious men, to take them into the Church before they are capable of such a station, and the work, or Priviledges thereto belonging: but alas, they do but hurry them to perdition, by thrusting them out of the state, where they might have thriven in preparation to a Church-state, into a state which will set them abundance of work, which they are utterly unfit for, and under the pretence of benefits and Priviledges, will occasion abundance of aggravations of their sinnes. A boy in his A, B, C. will learne better in his own place, among his fellows, then in a higher form, where he hath work set him, which he is uncapable of doing.

6. By this means also Church-Discipline will attain its Ends; It will awe and preserve the Church, and terrify, and reduce offenders, and help them to Repentance, and preserve the order of the Church and Gospel; when it is exercised upon such as are capable of it; that know the nature of it, and either are habitually disposed to profit by it, or at least understand, what it was that they were engaged to, and understandingly consent to live under such a Discipline: and when it is exercised upon few, and we have ⟨p. 204⟩not such multitudes to sweep out of the Church.

6. By this means also Church-Discipline will attain its Ends; It will awe and preserve the Church, and terrifie, and reduce offendours, and help them to Repentance, and preserve the order of the Church and Gospel; when it is exercised upon such as are capable of it; that know the nature of it, and either are habitually diposed to profit by it, or at least understand, what it was that they were engaged to, and understandingly consent to live under such a Discipline: and when it is exercised upon few, and we have ⟨p. 204⟩not such multitudes to sweep out of the Church.