The Unreasonableness of Separation, Part 3 · Section 14
Sect. 14. 3. It now remains, that we consider whether the restraint of Discipline in our Parochial Churches doth overthrow their Constitution? To make this clear, we must understand that the Discipline of the Church either respects the admission of Church-members to the Holy Communion; or the casting of them out for Scandal afterwards.
1. As to that part of Discipline which respects the admission of Church-members. The Rubrick after Confirmation saith, That none shall be admitted to the holy Communion, untill such time as he be confirmed, or be ready and desirous to be confirmed. Now to capacitate a person for Confirmation, it is necessary that he be able to give an account of the necessary points of the Christian Faith and Practice, as they are contained in the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Church Catechism; and of his sufficiency herein the Parochial Minister is the Iudge. For he is either to bring or send in writing, with his hand subscribed thereunto, the names of all such persons within his Parish, as he shall think fit to be presented to the Bishop to be confirmed. Now, if this were strictly observed (and the Church is not responsible for mens neglect) were it not sufficient for the satisfaction of men as to the admission of Church-members to the Lord's Supper? And I do not see, but the Objections made against the Discipline of this Church might be removed, if the things allowed and required by the Rules of it, were duly practised; and might attain to as great purity, as is ever pretended to by the Separate Congregations who now find so much fault for our want of Discipline. For, even the Churches of New-England do grant, Synod of New-England concerning the subject of Baptism, &c. 1662.that the Infant seed of Confederate visible Believers are members of the same Church with their Parents, and when grown up are personally under the Watch, Discipline and Government of that Church. And, that Infants baptized have a right to further privileges, if they appear qualified for them. And the main of these qualifications are, understanding the Doctrine of Faith, and publickly professing their assent thereto, not scandalous in life, and solemnly owning the Covenant before the Church. Taking this for the Baptismal Covenant, and not their Church Covenant, our Church owns the same thing, onelyonly it is to be done before the Bishop instead of their Congregation. But the Minister is to be judge of the qualifications,Baxter of Confirmation, p. 20. which Mr. Baxter himself allows in this case. Who grants the Profession of Faith to be a Condition of Right before the Church; and then adds, that such profession is to be tried,p. 49, 52. judged and approved by the Pastours of the Church to whose Office it belongs; because to Ministers as such the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are committed; and they are the Stewards of God's House, &c. which he there proves at large by many Arguments. p. 155.But he complains of the old careless practice of this excellent duty of Confirmation. This is a thing indeed to be lamented, that it is too hastily and cursorily performed: but let the fault then be laid, where it ought to be laid; not upon the Church, whose Rules are very good, but upon those persons in it who slubber over so important a Duty. But is it not more becoming Christians in a peaceable and orderly manner to endeavour to retrieve so excellent a means for the Reformation of our Parochial Churches; than peevishly to complain of the want of Discipline, and to reject Communion with our Church on that account? And I shall desire Mr. Baxter to consider his own words, That the practice of so much Discipline,p. 172. as we are agreed in, is a likelier way to bring us to agreement in the rest, than all our disputings will do without it. Yea Mr. Baxter grants, That the Presbyters of our Church have by the Rubrick the Trial and Approbation of those, that are sent to the Bishop for Confirmation; and that the Doctrine and Practice of the Church of England, p. 262.is for the Power of Presbyters herein as far as they could desire. This is a very fair confession, and sufficient to make it appear that our Diocesan Episcopacy doth not overthrow the Power of Presbyters, as to this part of Discipline which concerns admission of Church-members to the Communion.