Your proposal is disjunctive, and therefore must receive a different an∣swer; for you cunningly clapped together things that should be separated, there being great disparity betwixt the souls and the seed of unholy parents. That the souls of unholy parents shall be everlastingly happy, I know not a∣ny man that is conversant in the Scriptures will dare to affirme, since into heaven no unclean thing shall enter; and therefore, he that hath this hope puri∣fieth himself, even as he is holy; and to that purpose those directions and ex∣hortations are, 2 Cor. 7.1. Having therefore these promises dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit, perfecting ho∣linesse in the fear of God, and Rom. 12.1, 2: 1 Thess. 5.23. with infinite places to the same purpose. Do we not teach the Doctrine of Regeneration, as well as your selves? that a man must be born again if he will enter into the Kingdome of heaven? and that of this Doctrine there be two parts, a death to sin, and a life to righteousnesse? your demand is therefore very unreaso∣nable, and I interpret it somewhat like a mock, that I would finde in my heart to give you some notice of that, which you know I do not defend, and acquaint you with the grounds of that which hath no ground, and therefore no good ground to stand upon. This motion then, as touching this part, might have been spared, and needs from me no farther consideration and meditation, except it be to practice it. And to that end, you and all other Christians have need of it also, if they are desirous to have a lively hope, that they shall be everlastingly happy.
Now to that other part of this disjunctive, [or the seed of unholy parents] you by this time know what I will answer, that there is a right and priviledge be∣longing to the seed, if the parents though wicked, be Professours and Members of the visible Church. It is but in vain to repeat the grounds upon which I have formerly defended it, and till I see them made n••ll▪ I shall defend it still; and yet not so frowardly & obstinately, but that when I am convinced, I shall readily yield. You conclude all with these words.