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

Answ. We will revive nothing of it, but what was good: The corruption we shall omit. They did it but on a few, (contrary to their own Laws) but we would have it used to all. They Confirmed children that understood not what they said: But we shall expect an understanding Profession of Faith. They did it in a hurry as an idle Ceremony: we would have it done deliberately and with great reverence. The Bishop only did it with them, that knew not whom he did Confirm, but ventured on other mens words, or without: But we would have the Pastor do it, that knoweth the persons, and hath time to try them, having one Parish and not two hundred to oversee.

Answ. We will revive nothing of it, but what was good: The corruption we shall omit. They did it but on a few, (contrary to their own Laws) but we would have it used to all. They Confirmed children that understood not what they said: But we shall expect an understanding Profession of Faith. They did it in a hurry as an idle Ceremony: we would have it done deliberately and with great reverence. The Bishop only did it with them, that knew not whom he did Confirm, but ventured on other mens words, or without: But we would have the Pastour do it, that knoweth the persons, and hath time to try them, having one Parish and not two hundred to oversee.

Object. But, at least, the Papists and Prelates will be hardened or encouraged by your coming so near them.

Object. But, at least, the Papists and Prelats will be hardened or encouraged by your coming so neare them.

Answ. I will not cast off the Work of God, because that any will make it an occasion of sin. And I take it to be the more my duty and not the less, because it tends to Peace with all. I take it not to be any part of my Religion, to study how to cross my brethren, or forbear a practice (yea so necessary a duty) because they like it. I detest that principle and spirit. I rather fear, lest their own self conceitedness, interest, prejudice and discontent, will make them dislike it.

Answ. I will not cast off the Work of God, because that any will make it an occasion of sinne. And I take it to be the more my duty and not the less, because it tends to Peace with all. I take it not to be any part of my Religion, to study how to cross my brethren, or forbeare a practice (yea so necessary a duty) because they like it. I detest that principle and spirit. I rather feare, lest their own selfconceitedness, interest, prejudice and discontent, will make them dislike it.

Answ. 1. It was much for the gift of Miracles, but not only. And if the giving of one sort of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost be ceased; yet the other, more excellent and necessary gifts continue; and therefore no reason the sign should cease, because it was not appropriated to the gift of Miracles. But 2. If any man scruple either the sign of Imposing hands, or the Name of Confirmation, we desire him his liberty: these are not the things that we contend for: Let him but yield us that which I have showed to be most Certain, and most useful to the ⟨p. 270⟩Church; that is, a solemn Transition out of an Infant Church-state into an Adult, under Approbation of the Pastors, and the just cognisance of t•e Church; and let him call it what he will, I shall not much contend with him about the name, or sign of Imposition.

Answ. 1. It was much for the gift of Miracles, but not only. And if the giving of one sort of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost be ceased; yet the other, more excellent and necessary gifts continue; and therefore no reason the signe should cease, because it was not appropriated to the gift of Miracles. But 2. If any man scruple either the signe of Imposing hands, or the Name of Confirmation, we desire him his liberty: these are not the things that we contend for: Let him but yield us that which I have shewed to be most Certaine, and most usefull to the ⟨p. 270⟩Church; that is, a solemn Transition out of an Infant Church-state into an Adult, under Approbation of the Pastours, and the just cognisance of t•e Church; and let him call it what he will, I shall not much contend with him about the name, or signe of Imposition.

Object. 20. Abundance of Ministers are raw, imprudent young men, and not fit to manage so great a trust: and so it will mar all; while some are so strict, that they will refuse all that seem not godly to their censorious minds; and some will be loose man-pleasers, and let in all, and turn it but to an unprofitable formality.

Object. 20. Abundance of Ministers are raw, imprudent young men, and not fit to manage so great a trust: and so it will marre all; while some are so strict, that they will refuse all that seem not godly to their censorious minds; and some will be loose man-pleasers, and let in all, and turn it but to an unprofitable formality.

Answ. 1. While men are men, they will act as men. If we shall have no Church-Ordinances and Administrations, till you are secured from humane abuse of them, you must shut up the Church doors, and give up all; and shut up your Bibles, till Papists and Infidels can find no matter of cavilling at the Translation. 2. As I said before, this indeed should provoke the Magistrate to set a faithful guard on the Church doors, that seeing the Pastors have so great a Trust, and the danger of abusing it is so great, the worthiest should be chosen that can be had. And if it be not so, you reproach your selves, that are choosers and Pastors, and have the ⟨p. 271⟩Rule. Why choose you not better if you know where to find them? 3. This Objection, is as much against our Judging of those that are to be Baptized, which yet the Ministers that did Baptize, have ever done, and were you not Baptized already, we must admit you, and judge who is to be admitted, as the ancient Preachers of the Gospel did. 4. The Episcopal Brethren had more wit, then to be against Confirmation, because one man may use it too strictly, and another too loosely: The Congregational men are not against Church-covenants or Professions, because one Pastor or Church may be too strict; and another too loose in judging of mens Piety: The Presbyterians are not against Trying men before admission to the Lords Supper, nor against Discipline, because one Eldership may be too strict, and another too loose. The Anabaptists are not against Rebaptizing men at age, because one Minister may refuse the fit, and another may take in all that come. Why then should a possibility of Ministers miscarriage, cause you to be more against this, then all the rest? 5. If Ministers be Associated, they will be accountable for such miscarriages; and the Advise and Admonition of their Brethren, may do much to prevent or reform such ⟨p. 272⟩abuses: And the faithful people of their charge, will somewhat observe them, and bid Archippus take heed to the Ministry that he hath received in the Lord, that he fulfil it, Col. 4. 17. 6. As long as you are not forced into our charge, but have your Liberty to choose your Pastor, (as now it is) you have the less reason for this complaint. If the Laws of Zeno or Plato be thought too strict in their Schools, as long as the Scholars may choose to come there, and all volunteers, they may the better bear it. 7.

As I said before, the trust must be put in some or other to judge: And where can it be fitter then in them, who by study are prepared, and by office appointed by Christ hereunto. 8. If you will give a Presbytery, or one Eminent Minister in every market-Town, or visitors of your own appointment, a special care to oversee the rest in doing this, and such like works, I shall be no gainsayer, so the work be but done: the more inspection and circumspection the better. 9 If one Minister refuse the fit, there be many more that will not. 10 Your Commissioners may have power moderately to correct the Ministers abuses in their work.

As I said before, the trust must be put in some or other to judge: And where can it be fitter then in them, who by study are prepared, and by office appointed by Christ hereunto. 8. If you will give a Presbytery, or one Eminent Minister in every market-Town, or visiters of your own appointment, a special care to oversee the rest in doing this, and such like works, I shall be no gainsayer, so the work be but done: the more inspection and circumspection the better. 9 If one Minister refuse the fit, there be many more that will not. 10 Your Commissioners may have power moderately to correct the M•nisters abuses in their work.

But because I perceive that Rulers are unreasonably jealous, lest the Pastors of the ⟨p. 273⟩Church will do too much, rather then left they do too little, and are more solicitous to use the bridle of restraint, then the spur of instigation: I entreat them to consider these things:

But because I perceive that Rulers are unreasonably jealous, lest the Pastours of the ⟨p. 273⟩Church will do too much, rather then left they do too little, and are more solicitous to use the bridle of restraint, then the spurre of instigation: I intreate them to consider these things:

1. That most certainly there is no part of all our Ministry, that stirs up near so much ill will, passion, malice, yea and persecutions against us, as this part, about taking in and casting out, and exercising the Keys of the Kingdom; in which you are so jealous of us.

1. That most certainly there is no part of all our Ministry, that stirs up neer so much ill will, passion, malice, yea and persecutions against us, as this part, about taking in and casting out, and exercising the Keyes of the Kingdom; in which you are so jealous of us.

2. And alas Ministers are flesh and Blood, as well as others: and all of them too tender of their Interest, of Profit, Reputation, and Ease: which are all contradicted notably by this work. Do you think Ministers will be so hot on it, to have their neighbours hate them and revile them, and to live as Owls in the places where they live, and to put themselves on a great deal of trouble? Surely it is a very self-displeasing thing to the very Nature of man, unless he be a monster, to displease his neighbours, and be hated and baited by them. And it will provoke them not only to forbear all acts of kindness or bounty, but to deny them their due maintenance, as far as ever they can: And many, if not most Ministers, have no great mind to be so used; ⟨p. 274⟩nay had rather lose it, then go to Law for all their dues; the trouble, and cost, and odium of it is so great. So that our Parliaments have been too much afraid, lest Ministers should cease to be men, or to be sinners, and to be man pleasers, and to indulge their flesh; and lest we should run into the fire, and lie down among the thorns, and choose a life of trouble and sufferings.

2. And alas Ministers are flesh and Blood, as well as others: and all of them too tender of their Interest, of Profit, Reputation, and Ease: which are all contradicted notably by this work. Do you think Ministers will be so hot on it, to have their neighbours hate them and revile them, and to live as Owles in the places where they live, and to put themselves on a great deal of trouble? Surely it is a very self-displeasing thing to the very Nature of man, unless he be a monster, to displease his neighbours, and be hated and baited by them. And it will provoke them not only to forbeare all acts of kindness or bounty, but to deny them their due maintenance, as far as ever they can: And many, if not most Ministers, have no great mind to be so used; ⟨p. 274⟩nay had rather lose it, then go to Law for all their dues; the trouble, and cost, and odium of it is so great. So that our Parliaments have been too much afraid, lest Ministers should cease to be men, or to be sinners, and to be manpleasers, and to indulge their flesh; and lest we should runne into the fire, and lie down among the thorns, and choose a life of trouble and sufferings.

3. And me thinks experience should satisfy men of this. Do you not see how backward Ministers are to Church-Reformation, and Discipline in the exercise, when they have been most forward for the Power? How little is yet done in it, for all our liberty, after all our Prayers, and petitions, and writing for it? Do you find in most Parishes that Ministers are prone to overdo? certainly you do not.

3. And me thinks experience should satisfie men of this. Do you not see how backward Ministers are to Church-Reformation, and Discipline in the exercise, when they have been most forward for the Power? How little is yet done in it, for all our liberty, after all our Prayers, and petitions, and writing for it? Do you find in most Parishes that Ministers are prone to overdo? certainly you do not.

4. Do you not know that all the Work of God is so much against Nature, and hath such abundance of enemies and difficulties in the way, that few men are like to be guilty of over-doing? Why be you not as careful to hinder men from overdoing in sanctifying the Lords day, in teaching and praying with their families, &c. but because you see that few need your curb. I am confident, should Parliaments do their best to drive on Ministers ⟨p. 275⟩to such works as these, and make Laws upon Laws, to spur them to the practice, they would not be able to bring one half of us, nor the tenth man, to reach so far, as Christ hath bound us; no nor one man of us, in all respects.

4. Do you not know that all the Work of God is so much against Nature, and hath such abundance of enemies and difficulties in the way, that few men are like to be guilty of over-doing? Why be you not as carefull to hinder men from overdoing in sanctifying the Lords day, in teaching and praying with their families, &c. but because you see that few need your curb. I am confident, should Parliaments do their best to drive on Ministers ⟨p. 275⟩to such works as these, and make Laws upon Laws, to spur them to the practice, they would not be able to bring one half of us, nor the tenth man, to reach so farre, as Christ hath bound us; no nor one man of us, in all respects.

And yet I again say, that if any rash men are overrigid and abuse their trust (which is likest to be those whose maintenance no whit cometh from the people; for in the rest there is more danger of the contrary,) we desire not that they should be exempted from the Magistrates, Ministers, or peoples due means for their amendment. But let the spur be most used, seeing there is most need; and let us see some severe Laws, to drive us on to those duties, that flesh and blood, and all the world is so much against.

And yet I againe say, that if any rash men are overrigid and abuse their trust (which is likest to be those whose maintenance no whit cometh from the people; for in the rest there is more danger of the contrary,) we desire not that they should be exempted from the Magistrates, Ministers, or peoples due means for their amendment. But let the spurre be most used, seeing there is most need; and let us see some severe Laws, to drive us on to those duties, that flesh and blood, and all the world is so much against.

I Come now to the last part of mask, which is to give some brief Directions for the most effectual Practice of this excellent, needful work. And I shall first speak of the Duty of Ministers in order to it, and 2. Of the peoples Duty, and lastly of the Magistrates. The Duty of the Pastors I judge to consist in these particulars.

I Come now to the last part of m••aske, which is to give some brief Directions for the most effectual Practice of this excellent, needfull work. And I shall first speake of the Duty of Ministers in order to it, and 2. Of the peoples Duty, and lastly of the Magistrates. The Duty of the Pastours I judge to consist in these particulars.

Direct. 1. Let the Pastors in each Country ⟨p. 276⟩meet together, and agree as one man in faithfulness, and self-denial, to do their duty; that the most conscionable may not be liable to the reproach of singularity, because the rest betray them, and the Church and Cause of Christ, by withdrawing, and leaving the work undone: so long hath the Church already suffered the neglect, even of godly Ministers, that in such a time of leave and help, we still hold off, and dare not venture on a little displeasure of the people, when our Ancestors ventured on the flames; I grieve to think what a shame it will be to our names, and to the Reformed Churches, and what a confusion it may bring upon our faces, before our Righteous Judge. And it is a grief to me, if I were sure of Magistrates assistance, that all our Enemies shall say, and that the Histories of this age shall tell posterity, that the Ministers of England, after fasting, prayers, wars and vows pretended for Reformation, would yet do little or nothing toward it, but preach; even in times of Liberty and encouragement, till the Magistrate did it: And that it must be the work of the Magistrate, after our unworthy, lazy, or treacherous desertion of it. Had we no more help then we have, we might do much, were we willing and unanimous.

Direct. 1. Let the Pastours in each Country ⟨p. 276⟩meet together, and agree as one man in faithfulness, and self-denial, to do their duty; that the most conscionable may not be liable to the reproach of singularity, because the rest betray them, and the Church and Cause of Christ, by withdrawing, and leaving the work undone: so long hath the Church already suffered the neglect, even of godly Ministers, that in such a time of leave and helpe, we still hold off, and dare not venture on a little displeasure of the people, when our Ancestours ventered on the flames; I grieve to think what a shame it will be to our names, and to the Reformed Churches, and what a confusion it may bring upon our faces, before our Righteous Judge. And it is a griefe to me, if I were sure of Magistrates assistance, that all our Enemies shall say, and that the Histories of this age shall tell posterity, that the Ministers of England, after fasting, prayers, warres and vowes pretended for Reformation, would yet do little or nothing toward it, but preach; even in times of Liberty and encouragement, till the Magistrate did it: And that it must be the work of the Magistrate, after our unworthy, lazy, or treacherous desertion of it. Had we no more help then we have, we might do much, were we willing and unanimous.