204' LIVES OF THE PURITANS. out which the spoil of the church is most unnatural' sacrilege. 9. Are the ministers of this realm, of whatsoever calling, now in place, lawful ministers ; and their administration, and ecclesiastical actions, lawful and effectual ? This article, so far as I can see, is the same as the fourth. 10. Is it not convenient at a marriage, to have the com- munion, and the newly married persons to communicate; and, at a funeral, to have a sermon ? Imould have communions at such times as the church appoints. On those days, if there be a marriage, it is meet that the parties communicate. As to the funeral sermons, they may be used. Yet, if there be any incon- venience, by hurting or offending the church, they ought to be omitted. 11. Is it lawful for any man to preach, besides he who is a pastor ; and may a pastor preach out of his own flock without a license ? None may preach but a pastor, and he, on just occasion, being requested, may preach out of his own flock. But, surely, if he have no license to preach, he hath no license to be a pastor. 12. Is it better and more agreeable to God's word, and more for the profit of God's church, that a prescribed order of common prayer be used, or that every minister pray publicly, as his own spirit shall direct him ? An ordinary prayer is very necessary, that it may be familiar to the people : but, as every parish will have its occasions and necessities, so it is necessary, that the minister be able to pray in the congregation, according to the necessities of the people. 13. Are the children of parents, who are perfect papists, to be baptized ? And are infants within God's covenant, and have they faith ? If parents are obstinate, and perfect papists, wanting- nothing of the spiritual wickedness of antichrist, and are so accounted by the church, their children are not to be admitted to this sacrament, though we exclude them not from the electionof God : but if the parents be not cast out of the church, we may admit the children ; yet not as having that faith which cometh by hearing, but as being within the covenant : I am their God, and the God of their children.
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