a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n plea_n for_o separation_n or_o a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o london_n case_n wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o book_n be_v digest_v into_o one_o short_a and_o plain_a discourse_n cambridge_z print_v at_o the_o university_n press_n for_o alexander_n bosvile_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o dial_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1700._o imprimatur_fw-la gul._n dawes_n procan_n humf_n gower_z ss_z theol._n pro_fw-la d_o na_fw-fr margareta_n prof._n gul._n saywell_n coll._n jes_n praefect_n ja._n johnson_n coll._n sid._n s._n magist_n the_o preface_n that_o collection_n of_o case_n and_o other_o discourse_n which_o be_v late_o write_v by_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o conform_v clergy_n to_o recover_v dissenter_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o universal_a approbation_n that_o i_o need_v not_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o discourse_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o only_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o this_o abridgement_n the_o collection_n itself_o be_v large_a and_o dear_a it_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o reduce_v it_o to_o a_o less_o bulk_n and_o small_a price_n that_o those_o person_n who_o have_v not_o either_o money_n to_o buy_v or_o time_n to_o peruse_v so_o big_a a_o volume_n may_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o upon_o easy_a term_n this_o i_o presume_v will_v justify_v my_o design_n if_o i_o have_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o i_o have_v use_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o avoid_v obscurity_n and_o all_o those_o other_o fault_n which_o be_v often_o charge_v upon_o abridgement_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v i_o have_v omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v material_a though_o the_o number_n of_o these_o sheet_n be_v not_o the_o six_o part_n of_o those_o that_o contain_v the_o original_a for_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o collection_n do_v frequent_o glance_v and_o sometime_o discourse_v large_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_a so_o that_o by_o avoid_v repetition_n and_o blending_a all_o the_o substance_n together_o i_o have_v much_o lessen_v the_o expense_n of_o money_n and_o time_n this_o and_o some_o other_o advantage_n arise_v from_o the_o digestion_n into_o chapter_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v gain_v if_o i_o have_v make_v a_o distinct_a abridgement_n of_o every_o single_a discourse_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v fair_o represent_v the_o sense_n of_o my_o author_n but_o if_o i_o have_v mistake_v or_o injure_v it_o in_o any_o particular_a i_o be_o sorry_a for_o it_o and_o do_v hearty_o beg_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reader_n the_o 11_o the_o and_o 12_o the_o chapter_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v exact_a for_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o a._n bp._n of_o york_n own_o correction_n for_o which_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o return_v his_o grace_n my_o humble_a thanks_o other_o part_n i_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o other_o worthy_a person_n to_o who_o judgement_n i_o shall_v ever_o pay_v the_o great_a deference_n but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v myself_o for_o what_o i_o have_v receive_v no_o assistance_n in_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o correct_v i_o when_o he_o find_v occasion_n i_o have_v follow_v not_o only_o my_o own_o opinion_n but_o the_o direction_n of_o several_a very_a judicious_a person_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o a._n bishop_n tillotson_n discourse_n of_o frequent_a communion_n which_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o collection_n the_o quotation_n in_o the_o london_n edit_n 1698._o which_o i_o follow_v be_v very_o bad_o print_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o mistake_n of_o that_o nature_n have_v creep_v into_o this_o book_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o many_o of_o they_o appear_v false_a at_o first_o view_n and_o many_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o but_o some_o of_o they_o i_o have_v venture_v to_o correct_v god_n almighty_a grant_n that_o this_o weak_a endeavour_n may_v be_v of_o some_o service_n at_o least_o towards_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o division_n which_o have_v endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n coll._n in_o cambridge_n octob._n 2d_o 1699._o tho._n bennet_n a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o book_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o abridgement_n 1._o archbishop_z tennison_n argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 2._o archbishop_z sharp_n discourse_v concern_v conscience_n in_o two_o part_n 3._o bishop_n grove_n persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o bishop_n patrick_n discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n 5._o bishop_n fowler_n be_v resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o his_o defence_n of_o the_o resolution_n etc._n etc._n 7._o bishop_n williams_n case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 8._o his_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 9_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 10._o dr._n hooper_n church_n of_o england_n free_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o popery_n 11._o dr._n sherlock_n resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 12._o his_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 13._o dr._n hicks_n case_n of_o infant-baptism_n 14._o dr._n freeman_n case_n of_o mixt-communion_n 15._o dr._n hascard_n discourse_n about_o edification_n 16._o dr._n calamy_n discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 17._o his_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 18._o dr._n scott_n case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 19_o dr._n claget_n answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n 20._o dr._n resbury_n case_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n 21._o dr._n cave_n serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n 22._o mr._n evans_n case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n contain_v a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n pag._n 1_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 15_o chap._n ii_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n pag._n 31_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n pag._n 48_o chap._n iu_o objection_n against_o our_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n and_o litany_n answer_v pag._n 90_o chap._n v._o of_o infant-baptism_n pag._n 103_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v pag._n 126_o chap._n vii_o objection_n against_o our_o communion-office_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n answer_v pag._n 135_o chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v pag._n 171_o chap._n ix_o the_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n answer_v pag._n 194_o chap._n x._o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v pag._n 210_o chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v pag._n 228_o chap._n xii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n answer_v pag._n 249_o chap._n xiii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n answer_v pag._n 277_o chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v pag._n 292_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n pag._n 309_o the_o introduction_n contain_v a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o overthrow_v a_o church_n be_v first_o to_o divide_v it_o and_o that_o our_o dissension_n be_v division_n proper_o so_o call_v how_o mortal_a these_o breach_n may_v at_o last_o prove_v any_o
and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n she_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o christian_n ii_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v the_o dissenter_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o say_v they_o we_o read_v leu._n 18.2_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n now_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o vast_a difference_n of_o our_o circumstance_n from_o those_o of_o the_o israelite_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v unlike_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n the_o thing_n forbid_v from_o verse_n 5_o the_o to_o 24_o the_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o act_n of_o uncleaness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o those_o particular_n in_o say_v v._o 24_o the_o defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o part_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o and_o they_o be_v therefore_o forbid_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n do_v after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o canaanite_n because_o they_o be_v the_o do_n of_o those_o people_n who_o they_o be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o imitate_v even_o in_o their_o great_a immorality_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o other_o place_n god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n to_o imitate_v the_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14.2_o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o eyebrow_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o indifferent_a neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n misbecome_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n be_v leu._n 19.19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle_n gender_v with_o a_o diverse_a kind_a thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o they_o be_v forbid_v not_o because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v object_v also_o that_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n hos_fw-la 2.16_o 17._o to_o call_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o baali_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a name_n and_o signify_v only_o my_o lord_n because_o that_o word_n be_v abuse_v in_o be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o idol_n baal_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forbid_v the_o name_n baali_n because_o a_o idol_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o he_o be_v call_v baal_n in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o also_o jah_n which_o the_o heathen_n use_v for_o a_o idol_n but_o because_o the_o word_n baali_n signify_v a_o unkind_a husband_n or_o lord_n such_o as_o baal_n be_v to_o his_o worshipper_n whereas_o god_n promise_v he_o will_v be_v call_v ishi_n that_o be_v a_o tenderly-loving_a husband_n for_o he_o design_v to_o be_v kind_a to_o his_o people_n israel_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o next_o verse_n signify_v idol_n which_o god_n there_o promise_v to_o destroy_v but_o suppose_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n to_o call_v he_o baal_n for_o the_o future_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v because_o of_o their_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o baal_n lest_o by_o use_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o worship_v he_o again_o whereas_o our_o ceremony_n be_v use_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n without_o any_o superstition_n or_o idolatry_n and_o we_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o return_v to_o popery_n by_o retain_v they_o well_o but_o they_o say_v it_o appear_v from_o scripture-precept_n and_o example_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v in_o idolatrous_a and_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o no_o abuse_n of_o any_o gesture_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o manifest_a idolatry_n do_v render_v that_o gesture_n simple_o evil_a and_o for_o ever_o after_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n suppose_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a become_v sinful_a by_o a_o abuse_n of_o it_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a but_o by_o accident_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o somewhat_o else_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n for_o if_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n after_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n become_v absolute_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o the_o jew_n sin_v in_o offer_v sacrifice_n erect_v altar_n burn_a incense_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n bow_v down_o themselves_o before_o he_o wearing_z a_o linen_n garment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o observe_v other_o thing_n and_o rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n if_o the_o dissenter_n say_v they_o except_z all_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v command_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n i_o reply_v that_o such_o a_o exception_n avail_v nothing_o for_o if_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o idolatry_n make_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o destroy_v that_o relation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v once_o abuse_v must_v ever_o remain_v so_o that_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n can_v undo_v what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o clear_v it_o from_o ever_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o command_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n that_o a_o bare_a conformity_n with_o idolater_n in_o use_v those_o rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o practise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n be_v not_o simple_o sinful_a or_o formal_a idolatry_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n have_v oblige_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o express_a command_n to_o commit_v sin_n and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o strict_o and_o severe_o prohibit_v in_o other_o place_n in_o truth_n such_o a_o position_n will_v plain_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o this_o principle_n intrenche_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o may_v judge_v who_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10.25_o etc._n etc._n that_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o to_o eat_v whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o a_o gesture_n
also_o upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n 4._o since_o this_o gift_n of_o express_v our_o mind_n be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v as_o lawful_o omit_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o any_o other_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v design_v for_o for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o elocution_n than_o he_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n may_v not_o lawful_o use_v a_o form_n in_o petition_v his_o prince_n or_o in_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o these_o case_n as_o a_o man_n see_v occasion_n than_o it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o prayer_n in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n have_v two_o gift_n he_o may_v use_v which_o he_o please_v and_o since_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n of_o prayer_n none_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v his_o ability_n to_o pray_v extempore_o 5._o use_v a_o form_n be_v as_o much_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a devotion_n as_o pray_v extempore_o because_o the_o end_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v at_o least_o as_o effectual_o serve_v by_o a_o form_n as_o by_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n now_o since_o there_o be_v two_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o both_o can_v be_v use_v at_o the_o same_o time_n therefore_o one_o may_v be_v lawful_o omit_v and_o consequent_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n which_o be_v one_o mean_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o the_o last_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o common_a case_n and_o want_n of_o christian_n can_v be_v so_o well_o express_v in_o one_o constant_a form_n as_o in_o conceive_v prayer_n because_o the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n be_v infinite_o variable_a and_o require_v suitable_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o the_o minister_n can_v otherwise_o provide_v than_o by_o pray_v extempore_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o common_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o main_a always_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v more_o full_o comprehend_v in_o a_o form_n than_o in_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n ought_v not_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o to_o the_o common_a case_n of_o all_o and_o what_o every_o one_o may_v true_o and_o sincere_o join_v with_o now_o a_o form_n will_v express_v they_o much_o better_a than_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o omission_n 2._o form_n can_v make_v as_o good_a provision_n for_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v be_v foresee_v such_o as_o the_o want_n of_o rain_n fair_a weather_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v form_n compose_v for_o they_o aforehand_o and_o as_o for_o other_o that_o can_v be_v fore-seen_a form_n may_v be_v provide_v when_o they_o happen_v and_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v do_v in_o our_o church_n 3._o if_o form_n must_v not_o be_v use_v because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o reach_v extraordinary_a case_n certain_o extempore_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o omission_n they_o will_v not_o always_o reach_v even_o ordinary_a case_n in_o a_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o all_o extraordinary_a case_n may_v be_v very_o well_o provide_v for_o by_o form_n but_o suppose_v it_o otherwise_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v upon_o sundry_a account_n of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o public_a devotion_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o spoil_v the_o church_n of_o they_o and_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o extempore_o effusion_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o contingency_n which_o may_v happen_v but_o very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o in_o a_o whole_a age._n iii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o and_o for_o this_o a_o very_a few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o since_o the_o use_n of_o public_a form_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a also_o chap._n iu_o objection_n against_o our_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n and_o litany_n answer_v have_v justify_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n my_o duty_n and_o method_n oblige_v i_o to_o justify_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v always_o think_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v rather_o have_v invite_v protestant_n to_o our_o communion_n than_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v if_o the_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o read_v over_o dr._n beverege_n sermon_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n they_o will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o alas_o this_o very_a liturgy_n be_v that_o which_o many_o person_n be_v incense_v against_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v down_o as_o idolatrous_a popish_a superstitious_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o now_o so_o often_o hear_v those_o bitter_a exclamation_n of_o rome_n and_o babylon_n baal_n and_o dagon_n for_o the_o common-prayer_n be_v not_o now_o esteem_v such_o a_o abominable_a thing_n as_o some_o ignorant_a and_o heady_a zealot_n be_v wont_a to_o count_v it_o but_o yet_o some_o objection_n be_v still_o insist_v upon_o to_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o return_v a_o fair_a answer_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v too_o general_a and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a sin_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v distinct_o confess_v of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o objector_n to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n in_o public_a worship_n which_o require_v more_o caution_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o order_n of_o it_o than_o that_o confession_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o prevent_v its_o being_n either_o too_o general_a or_o too_o particular_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o different_a person_n must_v join_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o so_o that_o all_o person_n can_v possible_o make_v the_o same_o particular_a confession_n but_o i_o think_v our_o confession_n viz._n the_o daily_a one_o and_o that_o in_o the_o communion-office_n be_v so_o judicious_o frame_v as_o to_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v all_o person_n may_v profitable_o use_v they_o however_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n after_o the_o minister_n have_v recite_v each_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v as_o particular_a as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v and_o by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v confess_v all_o his_o know_a offence_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n if_o a_o man_n must_v not_o use_v a_o confession_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v mend_v he_o must_v never_o confess_v at_o all_o and_o if_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o wise_a dissenter_n i_o suppose_v no_o more_o will_v be_v pretend_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_o use_v now_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o form_n and_o aught_o to_o end_v the_o dispute_n indeed_o there_o be_v example_n of_o jeremiah_n nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n confess_v such_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o but_o this_o be_v do_v upon_o solemn_a humiliation_n for_o those_o know_v and_o public_a idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o have_v bring_v god_n heavy_a judgement_n upon_o they_o or_o for_o common_a and_o scandalous_a transgression_n afterward_o they_o consider_v themselves_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o community_n which_o have_v provoke_v god_n and_o they_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o calamity_n and_o in_o the_o confession_n as_o if_o they_o have_v offend_v as_o great_o as_o their_o countryman_n but_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o those_o confession_n upon_o such_o public_a humiliation_n and_o those_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o particular_a confession_n be_v more_o proper_o the_o matter_n of_o private_a devotion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o practice_v strict_a examination_n and_o secret_a contrition_n in_o our_o closet_n we_o shall_v then_o find_v our_o affection_n prepare_v to_o comply_v with_o those_o
son_n of_o god_n will_v strike_v a_o man_n almost_o natural_o into_o the_o humble_a posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o if_o any_o reverence_n be_v due_a at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_o sure_a sit_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a posture_n to_o express_v it_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o gesture_n best_o answer_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n do_v best_a suit_n it_o be_v nature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v best_a esteem_v of_o if_o we_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o kneel_v do_v best_a answer_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o think_v i_o have_v full_o prove_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o the_o dissenter_n maintain_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o name_n table_n in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n for_o they_o call_v the_o place_n on_o which_o the_o consecrate_a element_n stand_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o eucharist_n they_o call_v a_o oblation_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o what_o connexion_n i_o pray_v be_v there_o between_o a_o altar_n or_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o table-gesture_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o etc._n indeed_o dispute_v against_o kneel_v arg_v 1._o p._n 6._o â—6_n etc._n etc._n say_v that_o kneel_v or_o a_o adoring-gesture_n be_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o guest_n and_o debar_v we_o the_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o social_a admittance_n and_o social_a entertainment_n that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o purpose_n of_o christ_n who_o intention_n be_v to_o dignify_v we_o by_o set_v we_o at_o his_o table_n and_o much_o more_o of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o father_n think_v otherwise_o as_o the_o phrase_n they_o use_v and_o the_o title_n they_o give_v the_o sacrament_n plain_o demonstrate_v they_o call_v it_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o kingly_a royal_a and_o most_o divine_a supper_n which_o import_n deference_n distance_n and_o respect_n on_o our_o part_n the_o dreadful_a sacrifice_n the_o venerable_a and_o unbloody_a sacrifice_n the_o wonderful_a and_o terrible_a mystery_n the_o royal_a spiritual_n holy_a formidable_a tremendous_a table_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n be_v in_o their_o language_n call_v the_o most_o mysterious_a most_o holy_a food_n and_o nutriment_n the_o most_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o place_n where_o the_o table_n stand_v the_o most_o holy_a part_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o allusion_n to_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n the_o bread_n in_o particular_a they_o style_v the_o bread_n of_o god_n the_o cup_n the_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a the_o royal_a and_o dreadful_a cup._n they_o advise_v the_o communicant_n to_o reverence_n these_o holy_a mystery_n to_o come_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v with_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n with_o silence_n and_o downcast_a eye_n to_o keep_v their_o joy_n within_o and_o to_o approach_v the_o table_n with_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o humility_n imaginable_a how_o can_v these_o speech_n consist_v with_o that_o social_n familiar_a carriage_n at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o patron_n of_o the_o table-gesture_n contend_v for_o as_o the_o privilege_n of_o guest_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n four_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o prove_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o our_o custom_n at_o present_a be_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o use_v a_o adore_v posture_n first_o then_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o gesture_n be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o contend_v for_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n and_o particular_o sit_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v sit_v to_o be_v a_o very_a irreverent_a posture_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o laodicean_n synod_n find_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o lord_n supper_n forbid_v the_o say_v feast_n and_o the_o lie_v upon_o couch_n in_o the_o church_n as_o their_o manner_n be_v at_o those_o feast_n the_o same_o practice_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n c._n 28._o and_o the_o decree_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o six_o trullian_n council_n c._n 74._o and_o that_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n now_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v forbid_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v from_o the_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n the_o animosity_n and_o excess_n that_o accompany_v those_o feast_n justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n say_v we_o rise_v up_o together_o and_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n apol._n 2._o from_o whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v but_o in_o most_o other_o place_n they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o lesson_n or_o in_o sermon-time_n as_o appear_v plain_o from_o what_o philostorgius_n 29._o philostorgius_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 3._o p._n 29._o observe_v of_o theophilus_n a_o indian_a bishop_n that_o among_o several_a irregularity_n which_o he_o correct_v in_o those_o church_n he_o particular_o reform_v this_o that_o the_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v when_o the_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v unto_o they_o and_o sozomen_n 19_o sozomen_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 7._o c._n 19_o note_n it_o as_o a_o very_a unusual_a thing_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rise_v up_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v optatus_n bishop_n of_o milevis_n optat._n milevis_n de_fw-fr schism_n donat._n l._n 4._o see_v also_o albaspin_n not_o in_o optat._n cite_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o 50._o psalm_n and_o apply_v it_o home_o to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n after_o this_o manner_n thou_o sit_v and_o speak_v against_o thy_o brother_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o place_n god_n reprove_v he_o that_o sit_v and_o defame_v his_o brother_n and_o therefore_o such_o evil_a teacher_n as_o you_o say_v he_o be_v more_o particular_o point_v at_o in_o the_o text_n for_o the_o people_n be_v not_o license_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n now_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n to_o stand_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o particular_o at_o the_o lesson_n and_o sermon_n parmenianus_n may_v easy_o have_v retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o optatus_n as_o conclude_v nothing_o against_o he_o in_o particular_a but_o what_o may_v be_v charge_v in_o common_a upon_o all_o private_a christian_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o 12._o he_o de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 12._o tertullian_n reprove_v it_o as_o a_o ill_a custom_n that_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n and_o a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o have_v these_o word_n add_v thereunto_o the_o sin_n of_o irreverence_n which_o the_o very_a heathen_a if_o they_o do_v perceive_v well_o and_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v will_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o if_o it_o be_v irreverent_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o and_o to_o confront_v one_o who_o you_o have_v a_o high_a respect_n and_o veneration_n for_o how_o much_o more_o irreligious_a be_v this_o gesture_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o angel_n of_o prayer_n yet_o stand_v by_o unless_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o upbraid_v god_n that_o prayer_n have_v tire_v we_o eusebius_n also_o 4._o also_o de_fw-fr vit._n constant_n l._n 4._o commend_v constantine_n because_o when_o he_o be_v present_a at_o a_o long_a panegyric_n concern_v christ_n sepulchre_n and_o be_v solicit_v to_o sit_v down_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o say_v it_o be_v unfit_a to_o attend_v upon_o any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n with_o ease_n and_o softness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o consonant_a to_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o discourse_n about_o divine_a thing_n shall_v be_v hear_v stand_v thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o sit_v or_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o fit_v to_o be_v use_v in_o divine_a service_n except_o at_o
the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o be_v before_o note_v and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n say_v a_o 4._o a_o alex._n hales_n de_fw-fr missâ—_n p._n 2._o quest_n 10._o p._n 4._o popish_a author_n which_o our_o dissenter_n urge_v for_o sit_v viz._n because_o the_o apostle_n sit_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o every_o priest_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o partake_v stand_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o kneel_v there_o nay_o if_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o we_o must_v never_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o we_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o convenient_a posture_n such_o as_o kneel_v sit_v discumb_a stand_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o heathen_n and_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unjust_a to_o say_v that_o our_o kneel_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o outward_a element_n when_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n mr._n tomb_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o whatever_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o theod._n p._n 168._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o mr._n bains_n christian_n lett._n 24._o and_o mr._n bayly_n disswas_n c._n 2_o 6._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o make_v sit_v necessary_a or_o forbid_v kneel_v and_z mr._n bains_n ibid._n grant_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o idolatrous_a and_o mr._n cartwright_n who_o think_v it_o inconvenient_a yet_o do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a harmon_n on_o luke_n 22.14_o last_o mr._n baxter_n christian_n dir._n part_n 2._o p._n 111._o quest_n 3._o sect_n 40._o say_v for_o kneel_v i_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n yet_o to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o any_o gesture_n nor_o against_o any_o christ_n be_v example_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_v not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v but_o to_o minister_n and_o but_o to_o a_o family_n to_o twelve_o and_o after_o supper_n and_o on_o a_o thursday_n night_n and_o in_o a_o upper-room_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o and_o 2._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o the_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_v pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n upon_o our_o knee_n chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o agreement_n between_o your_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o can_v think_v communion_n with_o your_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o first_o reformer_n be_v indeed_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v very_o commendable_a and_o a_o good_a beginning_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o age_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o complete_a reformation_n they_o leave_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o popish_a trash_n in_o the_o church_n hope_v by_o degree_n to_o reconcile_v the_o papist_n to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n too_o wide_o and_o too_o much_o prejudice_n or_o estrange_v they_o from_o it_o but_o we_o now_o live_v under_o better_a mean_n have_v great_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o a_o further_o and_o more_o perfect_a amendment_n be_v now_o necessary_a now_o i_o can_v but_o inward_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o love_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n who_o in_o their_o first_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v not_o nice_a or_o scrupulous_a beyond_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o thing_n doubtless_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n enough_o as_o to_o all_o true_a zeal_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n when_o they_o seal_v the_o well-grounded_n offence_n they_o take_v at_o they_o with_o their_o warm_a blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n signalise_v their_o profession_n with_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v intermix_v with_o rome_n in_o any_o usage_n of_o worship_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v the_o least_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n superstition_n or_o false_a religion_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reform_v whole_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_o jealous_a of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o be_v of_o superstition_n will_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o those_o fantastic_a antipathy_n as_o to_o abolish_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n mere_o because_o it_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o papist_n if_o some_o other_o very_o substantial_a reason_n do_v not_o plead_v against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o always_o use_v these_o temperate_a and_o unbiased_a method_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v justify_v themselves_o to_o their_o adversary_n or_o the_o world_n or_o have_v make_v it_o so_o evident_a as_o by_o their_o wise_a management_n they_o do_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v from_o the_o mere_a urgency_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o wantonness_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o where_o any_o mean_v honest_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o those_o do_v that_o dissent_n from_o we_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o reason_n very_o well_o awake_v that_o the_o mere_a charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o any_o dispute_v point_n may_v not_o so_o prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o thing_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o mature_a consideration_n however_o that_o i_o may_v full_o answer_v this_o objection_n draw_v from_o our_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n 2._o that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v 3._o that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o church_n have_v renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o rome_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n power_n but_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o show_v the_o vast_a distance_n between_o they_o first_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deprive_v her_o member_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n and_o miserable_o enslave_v they_o for_o 1._o she_o deny_v they_o all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bind_v they_o all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v her_o infallible_a but_o our_o church_n permit_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a she_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o own_v herself_o to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v a_o most_o slavish_a drudgery_n in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o vain_a and_o childish_a odd_a and_o uncouth_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o a_o man_n will_v wonder_v how_o they_o can_v invent_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o their_o cruel_a penance_n in_o impose_v of_o which_o the_o priest_n be_v arbitrary_a but_o our_o rite_n be_v exceed_v few_o plain_a easy_a grave_a and_o manly_a found_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n long_o before_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n our_o sacrament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o consequent_o we_o be_v not_o burden_v with_o the_o superstitious_a foppery_n of_o the_o other_o five_o popish_a one_o in_o short_a our_o rite_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o
good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o evil._n we_o have_v not_o one_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v pure_o popish_a but_o we_o must_v part_v with_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o our_o religion_n if_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v sinful_a which_o the_o papist_n abuse_n and_o as_o for_o the_o papist_n themselves_z we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o countenance_n they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrong_v by_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v right_a chap._n ix_o the_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n answer_v some_o think_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o real_a saint_n and_o therefore_o find_v many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o none_o but_o true_o unessayed_v person_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o the_o scripture_n apply_v to_o god_n church_n holiness_n in_o scripture_n be_v twofold_a 1._o inherent_a holiness_n and_o that_o can_v be_v in_o none_o proper_o but_o god_n angel_n and_o men._n in_o god_n originally_n as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v in_o who_o all_o excellency_n do_v possess_v infinite_a perfection_n and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n in_o angel_n and_o man_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n 2._o relative_n holiness_n found_v in_o a_o separation_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o common_a use_n and_o a_o appropriate_a it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o sabbath_n be_v holy_a and_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v holy_a and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a that_o be_v a_o society_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n thus_o the_o israelite_n even_o when_o very_o much_o corrupt_v be_v call_v god_n holy_a people_n deut._n 7.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o saint_n though_o there_o be_v strange_a immorality_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o well_o but_o do_v not_o christ_n die_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.27_o that_o be_v real_o holy_a yes_o but_o then_o by_o church_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o either_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v real_o holy_a in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o when_o the_o corrupt_a member_n shall_v be_v utter_o cut_v off_o neither_o be_v this_o to_o make_v two_o church_n but_o only_o to_o assign_v two_o different_a state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n 2._o that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n 3._o that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o first_o then_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n make_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o surety_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o qualification_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n that_o be_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 28.19_o now_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n act_v whilst_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n and_o baptise_a more_o than_o be_v sincere_a for_o of_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v baptise_a not_o above_o 120_o continue_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o 2._o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o act_v afterward_o for_o st._n peter_n baptise_a about_o 3000_o in_o one_o day_n upon_o their_o profess_v the_o word_n act_v 2.41_o though_o all_o will_v not_o probable_o prove_v sincere_a and_o two_o of_o they_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v gross_a hypocrite_n st._n philip_n act_v 8.12_o baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o samaria_n and_o and_o among_o they_o be_v simon_n magus_n who_o the_o holy_a deacon_n may_v just_o suspect_v for_o his_o former_a practice_n and_o who_o hypocrisy_n appear_v afterward_o such_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v demas_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o bare_a profession_n entitle_v they_o to_o that_o privilege_n 3._o christ_n foretell_v 15.1_o foretell_v matth._n 3.12_o and_o 13.24_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 15.1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o compare_v it_o to_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o tare_n a_o net_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o fish_n a_o flour_n of_o corn_n and_o chaff_n etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n say_v 9.6_o say_v rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n and_o christ_n say_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v 4._o the_o many_o corrupt_a member_n 3._o member_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 6._o gal._n 3._o rev._n 3._o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n prove_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o admit_v mere_a formal_a professor_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o think_v it_o god_n will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o no_o other_o rule_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n be_v practicable_a since_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n can_v make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o man_n because_o they_o themselves_o have_v short_a and_o fallible_a understanding_n second_o therefore_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n by_o external_n privilege_n i_o mean_v only_o a_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n be_v internal_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o the_o true_o good_a who_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o water_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n now_o when_o a_o man_n by_o gross_a and_o notorious_a wickedness_n have_v forfeit_v the_o internal_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ought_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o external_n privilege_n also_o but_o till_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o we_o must_v not_o forsake_v the_o church_n ourselves_o to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o because_o till_o then_o his_o right_n to_o they_o remain_v inviolable_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n give_v man_n a_o right_a to_o god_n promise_n as_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v the_o condition_n if_o a_o bare_a federal_a holiness_n give_v man_n a_o relation_n to_o god_n than_o it_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o relation_n not_o that_o unworthy_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o special_a reward_n of_o the_o true_o good_a but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n to_o partake_v of_o those_o external_n blessing_n which_o he_o in_o common_a bestow_v upon_o the_o whole_a family_n 2._o church-membership_n necessary_o imply_v church-communion_n or_o else_o it_o signify_v nothing_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o society_n if_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o 3._o all_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n though_o i_o doubt_v many_o of_o they_o be_v wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o mere_a circumcision_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o its_o most_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n 4._o it_o appear_v that_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a for_o they_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o that_o be_v in_o the_o cup_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o all_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n 10.17_o and_o we_o read_v that_o they_o all_o the_o 3000_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v of_o the_o number_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o
with_o heathen_n in_o their_o filthy_a mystery_n nor_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v immoral_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n because_o sometime_o it_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o their_o company_n must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o which_o they_o be_v command_v because_o evil_a man_n who_o till_o they_o repent_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v there_o rude_o intrude_v themselves_o as_o for_o st._n john_n word_n revel_v 18.4_o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n they_o be_v a_o command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o idolater_n and_o according_a to_o most_o interpreter_n those_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o text_n do_v not_o afford_v the_o dissenter_n the_o least_o plea_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o who_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n and_o retain_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o what_o it_o retain_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o have_v nothing_o now_o to_o add_v but_o that_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v utter_o 242._o utter_o see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 235_o 242._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 37_o 38._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o baily_n dissuasive_a p._n 22._o sacred_a desert_n p._n 97._o cawdrey_n reformation_n promote_v p._n 131._o manton_n on_o judas_n p._n 496._o cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 2._o burroughs_n gospel-worship_n serm._n 11._o p._n 242._o disclaim_v this_o plea_n of_o mixt-communion_n mr._n vines_n say_v it_o be_v donastical_a and_o other_o as_o mr._n brinsly_n and_o mr._n jenkin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a plea_n or_o pretence_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o schismatic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v untaught_a it_o as_o mr._n baxter_n advise_v and_o as_o they_o do_v disclaim_v it_o so_o they_o declare_v that_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n do_v it_o very_o unjust_o that_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n be_v ground_n of_o mourning_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o such_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o there_o be_v say_v mr._n burrough_n a_o error_n on_o both_o side_n either_o those_o that_o think_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o at_o all_o with_o who_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o those_o that_o if_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v the_o scandalous_a away_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o come_v think_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v not_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o this_o both_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o agree_v in_o and_o endeavour_v 5._o endeavour_v see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 31_o 32_o 44_o 242_o 246._o vindicat_fw-la of_o presb._n gou._n p._n 134._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 47._o firmin_n separ_fw-la exam._n p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church-reâ—or_a p._n 71._o tombes's_fw-fr theod._n p._n 74._o hooker_n survey_n pref._n a_o 3._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8_o 9_o grave_a confut._n part_n 3._o p._n 53_o 55._o burroughs_n gospel-worsh_a serm._n 11._o p._n 236_o 237._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 10._o p._n 191_o 250_o 211._o jean_n discourse_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n rutherford_n right_a of_o presbyt_fw-la blake'_v vindic._n p._n 235._o cotton_n inf._n bapt._n p._n 102._o cartwright_n on_o proverb_n edwards's_fw-fr apol._n baxter_n christian_n direct_v p._n 707._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 16._o bains_n on_o the_o ephes_n c._n 1._o v._n 1._o p._n 5._o to_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n nay_o they_o answer_v a_o objection_n draw_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v and_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o exclude_v such_o a_o one_o from_o church-communion_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o a_o private_a person_n but_o you_o be_v not_o command_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n if_o they_o exclude_v he_o not_o so_o mr._n baxter_n etc._n etc._n second_o that_o it_o concern_v not_o religious_a but_o civil_a communion_n and_o that_o not_o all_o civil_a society_n or_o commerce_n but_o familiar_a also_o for_o which_o they_o produce_v several_a reason_n 1._o they_o argue_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o eat_a bread_n which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o partake_v of_o or_o to_o be_v shut_v from_o the_o table_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o familiarity_n break_v off_o so_o mr._n ball_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o eat_v which_o be_v here_o forbid_a be_v allow_v to_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a but_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v only_o allow_v to_o be_v with_o a_o heathen_a therefore_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v with_o a_o brother_n so_o mr._n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n 454._o etc._n see_v baxter_n defence_n part_v 2._o p._n 27._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 200._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o cawdrey_n church-reformat_a p._n 75_o 122_o 126._o brinsly_n arraignment_n p._n 40_o 45_o 48._o tombes_n theodul_n p._n 128_o 167_o 210._o grave_a confut._n part_n 1._o p._n 17_o 18._o &_o part_v 4._o p._n 57_o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 219_o 226_o 333_o 246._o cartwright_n def._n of_o the_o admon_n p._n 98_o 99_o 106._o goodwin_n on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 487_o 488._o blake'_v vindic._n c._n 31._o p._n 236_o 238._o gillisp_n nihil_fw-la respondet_fw-la p._n 33._o knutton_n query_n throughton_n apol._n p._n 65._o baxter_n cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o owen_n evangel_n love_n c._n 3._o p._n 77._o brian_n dwelling_n with_o god_n sermon_n 6._o p._n 301._o firmin_n separate_a exam._n p._n 28._o collins_n provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 144_o 151._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o and_o as_o for_o other_o objection_n mr._n baxter_n answer_n be_v sufficient_a if_o you_o mark_v all_o the_o text_n in_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v command_v in_o such_o case_n beside_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n or_o antichristian_a and_o heretical_a confederacy_n and_o no-churche_n be_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n 1._o either_o that_o the_o church_n cast_v out_o the_o impenitent_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o 2._o that_o private_a man_n avoid_v all_o private_a familiarity_n with_o they_o but_o that_o the_o private_a member_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o such_o person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o show_v i_o one_o text_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o you_o can_v to_o conclude_v this_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n prove_v nothing_o but_o a_o supercilious_a arrogance_n and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o charity_n in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o what_o care_v they_o may_v take_v in_o their_o new_a way_n of_o discipline_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o our_o church_n have_v give_v the_o minister_n a_o power_n of_o reject_v scandalous_a sinner_n communion_n sinner_n see_v rubr._n after_o the_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v do_v for_o the_o close_a hypocrite_n will_v escape_v the_o narrow_a search_n every_o man_n be_v charge_v to_o examine_v himself_o and_o not_o another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o all_o will_v do_v so_o for_o he_o that_o inquire_v serious_o into_o his_o own_o sin_n will_v find_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a but_o he_o that_o be_v curious_a to_o pry_v into_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a and_o censorious_a which_o will_v make_v he_o as_o unfit_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o any_o of_o those_o fault_n which_o he_o so_o scornful_o condemn_v in_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o esteem_v himself_o and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pollute_v by_o their_o company_n chap._n x._o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v well_o but_o though_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a yet_o they_o can_v find_v pure_a ordinance_n and_o
better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o first_o what_o pure_a ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n but_o he_o who_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o he_o like_v best_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_n the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n second_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v separation_n for_o this_o edification_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o particular_a christian_n now_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o text_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 8.1_o and_o 14.5_o 12._o eph._n 2.21_o and_o 4.12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o matth._n 21.42_o act_n 4.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 12_o 19_o and_o 13.10_o now_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o as_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v also_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v edification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v particular_a christian_n one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o firm_a close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4.4_o than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n st._n judas_n v._o 19_o seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o separate_v but_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o pretence_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o particular_a christian_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o think_v he_o can_v edify_v better_o among_o the_o dissenter_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o because_o better_a edification_n can_v be_v have_v in_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o our_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o fit_a our_o constitution_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n second_o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n first_o then_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v fit_a to_o edify_v soul_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o our_o creed_n contain_v all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o nice_a and_o obscure_a matter_n in_o they_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n think_v needful_a that_o be_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o this_o faith_n will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n the_o church_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n when_o firm_o believe_v do_v plain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a she_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o show_v unless_o obedience_n follow_v such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n as_o produce_v excellent_a virtue_n and_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n her_o festival_n commemorate_v the_o virtue_n and_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o excellent_a men._n her_o ceremony_n be_v decent_a her_o prayer_n be_v for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o force_v and_o her_o homily_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o piety_n which_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o she_o tell_v sinner_n plain_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v and_o say_v that_o plain_a virtue_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n so_o exact_o 3._o she_o be_v fit_o constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n because_o she_o give_v we_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o describe_v his_o attribute_n and_o our_o want_n her_o prayer_n be_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o due_a length_n and_o she_o have_v proper_a prayer_n for_o most_o particular_a occasion_n she_o have_v office_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o confirm_v our_o obedience_n the_o office_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n and_o burial_n be_v extreme_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o all_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v such_o that_o she_o make_v religion_n neither_o slovenly_a nor_o too_o gay_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v judge_v all_o her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o they_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o fit_a to_o make_v our_o service_n comely_a and_o true_o whilst_o we_o have_v body_n these_o outward_a help_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a her_o government_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v that_o her_o member_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a and_o if_o all_o vice_n be_v not_o chastise_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o unnecessary_a division_n have_v stop_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a none_o of_o her_o part_n or_o office_n give_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o she_o but_o consider_v all_o thing_n she_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o 14.3_o therefore_o heb._n 6.1_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n second_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n but_o strict_o command_v under_o great_a temporal_a penalty_n to_o direct_v their_o flock_n to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o our_o pastor_n for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o true_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v uncharitable_a our_o protestant_a neighbour_n have_v commend_v our_o government_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v our_o pastor_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o our_o man_n work_n to_o edify_v their_o people_n dissenter_n
be_v horrible_o and_o inexcusable_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v through_o such_o mistake_n as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o they_o have_v be_v careful_a be_v very_o unblamable_a and_o be_v bind_v as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n to_o take_v more_o care_n of_o inform_v their_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o may_v leave_v their_o sin_n but_o when_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o a_o man_n do_v his_o best_a and_o have_v not_o mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o understanding_n better_o then_o though_o the_o man_n commit_v schism_n yet_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o man_n by_o their_o inward_a sincerity_n will_v impute_v it_o to_o his_o ignorance_n and_o forgive_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n especial_o if_o this_o innocent_o mistake_v man_n be_v careful_a in_o the_o follow_a point_n first_o that_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o ready_a to_o receive_v conviction_n second_o that_o he_o separate_v no_o more_o than_o he_o needs_o must_v but_o comply_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n three_o that_o where_o he_o can_v comply_v he_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n neither_o exclaim_n at_o his_o governor_n or_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o use_v illegal_a mean_n to_o get_v more_o liberty_n but_o live_v as_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n four_o that_o he_o do_v not_o censure_v those_o of_o another_o persuasion_n but_o show_v himself_o a_o good_a neighbour_n and_o friendly_a to_o they_o whoe're_o observe_v these_o thing_n though_o he_o dissent_v from_o we_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o censure_v he_o as_o a_o ill_a man_n ill_o subject_a or_o ill_a christian_a but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v do_v no_o more_o justify_v or_o lessen_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n for_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v a_o delude_a dissenter_n or_o a_o delude_a papist_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o innocence_n or_o excusableness_n of_o some_o man_n mistake_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o infinite_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o have_v a_o care_n how_o he_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v show_v how_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o before_o he_o disobey_v his_o governor_n or_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o though_o something_o in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n yet_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n and_o therefore_o every_o dissenter_n ought_v present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n for_o fear_v he_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n let_v he_o not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o frivolous_a pretence_n for_o though_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o certain_o as_o for_o heresy_n or_o drunkenness_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a father_n think_v so_o what_o if_o the_o point_n of_o conformity_n be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n who_o make_v they_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v have_v be_v well_o please_v if_o these_o controversy_n have_v never_o be_v we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_a and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v our_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o to_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n above_o their_o capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o since_o they_o have_v understanding_n enough_o to_o find_v fault_n and_o separate_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v honesty_n enough_o to_o seek_v satisfaction_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o mischief_n of_o separation_n we_o be_v bind_v especial_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v disobey_v his_o superior_n without_o sin_n unless_o after_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n he_o find_v their_o command_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n chap._n xii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n answer_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o who_o fear_n they_o shall_v sin_v in_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v a_o duty_n no_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n settle_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n command_v it_o much_o less_o will_v his_o bare_a doubt_n excuse_v he_o but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o i_o shall_v particular_o examine_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o give_v a_o account_n first_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n second_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o power_n that_o human_a law_n have_v over_o it_o four_o of_o its_o authority_n i._n e._n whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i._o in_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o shall_v treat_v 1._o of_o doubt_v in_o general_n 2._o of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n first_o then_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o doubt_n when_o he_o can_v determine_v whether_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v consider_v be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o he_o think_v the_o question_n probable_a on_o both_o side_n but_o can_v fix_v upon_o either_o so_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v like_o a_o balance_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o equal_a weight_n in_o both_o scale_n neither_o scale_n come_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v lean_v more_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v doubtful_a still_o just_o as_o one_o scale_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o other_o while_o yet_o that_o weight_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v it_o perfect_o down_o but_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o evidence_n on_o one_o side_n that_o the_o mind_n can_v determine_v itself_o than_o the_o man_n doubt_v no_o long_o but_o be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o the_o balance_n be_v say_v to_o be_v fix_v when_o there_o be_v weight_n enough_o to_o carry_v it_o down_o on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n sometime_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o entire_o assent_v without_o the_o least_o doubtfulness_n this_o be_v assurance_n or_o full_a persuasion_n at_o other_o time_n the_o evidence_n may_v gain_v a_o assent_n but_o not_o such_o as_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_n this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v call_v opinion_n or_o probable_a persuasion_n so_o a_o great_a or_o less_o weight_n carry_v down_o the_o scale_n with_o great_a or_o less_o force_v and_o briskness_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o mind_n be_v determine_v the_o balance_n be_v turn_v and_o the_o doubt_n be_v end_v though_o perhaps_o the_o man_n be_v not_o perfect_o free_a from_o all_o scruple_n about_o that_o thing_n second_o then_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v to_o consider_v but_o every_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v the_o conscience_n as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v affect_v with_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o action_n so_o his_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v his_o conscience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o concern_v his_o own_o action_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o his_o own_o action_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o
man_n he_o that_o mind_v those_o thing_n most_o on_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o christ_n sake_n do_v depend_v will_v not_o need_v new_a phrase_n every_o time_n to_o raise_v his_o affection_n and_o the_o more_o a_o man_n be_v concern_v about_o the_o necessary_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n the_o less_o afraid_a will_v he_o be_v of_o offend_a god_n by_o kneel_v at_o it_o for_o he_o will_v find_v that_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n which_o make_v a_o man_n real_o better_a and_o more_o like_a to_o god_n 3._o if_o man_n be_v but_o real_o will_v to_o receive_v satisfaction_n this_o alone_a will_v half_o conquer_v their_o scruple_n but_o when_o they_o be_v fond_a of_o they_o and_o nourish_v they_o and_o will_v neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o recover_v they_o to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v they_o come_v once_o to_o distrust_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v all_o this_o while_n mistake_v will_v they_o calm_o and_o patient_o hear_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v or_o write_v against_o they_o as_o eager_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o man_n do_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o any_o disease_n they_o be_v subject_a unto_o will_v they_o i_o say_v thus_o diligent_o use_v all_o fit_a mean_n and_o help_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o scruple_n before_o they_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o they_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o difficult_a a_o task_n to_o convince_v and_o settle_v such_o teachable_a mind_n when_o they_o have_v any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n about_o their_o worldly_a concern_v they_o present_o repair_v to_o those_o who_o be_v best_a skill_a and_o most_o able_a to_o resolve_v they_o and_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n they_o common_o acquiesce_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o have_v any_o man_n a_o scruple_n about_o his_o estate_n whether_o it_o be_v firm_o settle_v or_o he_o have_v a_o true_a legal_a title_n to_o it_o the_o way_n he_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o advise_v with_o lawyer_n the_o most_o eminent_a for_o knowledge_n and_o honesty_n in_o their_o profession_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n this_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n he_o can_v have_v that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o safe_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o one_o that_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o custom_n or_o practice_n be_v for_o his_o health_n the_o opinion_n of_o know_a and_o experience_a physician_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o determine_v he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o here_o when_o any_o private_a christian_a be_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v with_o fear_n and_o scruple_n that_o concern_v his_o duty_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o public_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v he_o i_o say_v to_o come_v to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o dispute_v with_o they_o and_o pert_o to_o oppose_v they_o but_o with_o modesty_n to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n and_o meek_o to_o receive_v instruction_n humble_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n take_v great_a care_n that_o no_o evil_a affection_n love_v of_o a_o party_n or_o carnal_a interest_n influence_n or_o bias_n their_o judgement_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o desire_n man_n to_o pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o priest_n sleeve_n but_o only_o diligent_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v some_o due_a regard_n to_o their_o authority_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absurd_a as_o some_o may_v imagine_v for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o take_v upon_o trust_n from_o their_o lawful_a teacher_n what_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o themselves_o but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o a_o private_a christian_a shall_v govern_v himself_o when_o the_o very_a minister_n of_o religion_n disagree_v by_o what_o rule_n shall_v he_o choose_v his_o guide_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o a_o man_n be_v tolerable_o able_a to_o judge_n for_o himself_o let_v he_o impartial_o hear_v both_o side_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o change_v his_o mind_n when_o he_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o can_v we_o thus_o prevail_v with_o the_o people_n diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n our_o church_n will_v every_o day_n gain_v more_o ground_n among_o all_o wise_a men._n for_o we_o care_v not_o how_o much_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n our_o people_n have_v so_o they_o be_v but_o humble_a and_o modest_a with_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o desire_v man_n to_o become_v our_o proselyte_n any_o further_a than_o we_o give_v they_o good_a scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o judge_v they_o have_v better_o depend_v on_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v regular_o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n set_v over_o they_o than_o on_o any_o other_o teacher_n that_o they_o can_v choose_v for_o themselves_o i_o speak_v now_o of_o these_o present_a controversy_n about_o form_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o common_a people_n not_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n when_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n about_o which_o we_o can_v easy_o satisfy_v ourselves_o we_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o authorize_v guide_n if_o they_o chance_v to_o mislead_v we_o we_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o our_o error_n be_v more_o excusable_a as_o be_v occasion_v by_o those_o who_o judgement_n god_n command_v we_o to_o respect_v but_o when_o we_o choose_v instructor_n according_a to_o our_o own_o fancy_n if_o we_o then_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n we_o may_v thank_v our_o own_o wantonness_n for_o it_o and_o be_v more_o severe_o accountable_a for_o such_o mistake_n thus_o if_o a_o sick_a person_n shall_v miscarry_v under_o a_o license_v physician_n he_o have_v this_o contentment_n that_o he_o use_v the_o wise_a mean_n for_o recovery_n but_o if_o he_o will_v hearken_v only_o to_o quack_n and_o then_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o he_o must_v charge_v his_o own_o folly_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n 4._o we_o shall_v thorough_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a that_o be_v necessary_a or_o our_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v that_o be_v sinful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v that_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n oblige_v we_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4.15_o there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n but_o either_o omit_v what_o the_o law_n command_v or_o do_v what_o the_o law_n forbid_v for_o instance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v where_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n and_o sit_v be_v require_v where_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n be_v forbid_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v then_o indeed_o the_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o other_o can_v be_v find_v as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v then_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o read_v prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n must_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n lawful_a and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o scruple_v they_o because_o they_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n nay_o where_o they_o be_v require_v by_o our_o superior_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o convince_a and_o can_v be_v evade_v but_o by_o give_v another_o notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a especial_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v or_o that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o evil_a purpose_n but_o have_v full_o confute_v these_o two_o mistake_v in_o the_o second_o and_o eight_o chapter_n i_o shall_v pass_v they_o over_o here_o 5._o i_o desire_v those_o who_o scruple_n to_o comply_v with_o our_o church_n to_o consider_v that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o public_a constitution_n that_o will_v be_v every_o way_n unexceptionable_a the_o
our_o church_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o encounter_n she_o design_n to_o make_v man_n good_a by_o make_v they_o first_o judicious_a but_o some_o other_o desire_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o side_n by_o catch_v of_o their_o imagination_n and_o so_o some_o new_a device_n shall_v in_o time_n bring_v they_o over_o to_o a_o new_a party_n dissension_n itself_o among_o protestant_n weaken_v their_o interest_n and_o that_o which_o weaken_v one_o side_n strengthen_v another_o many_o that_o be_v weary_v with_o endless_a wrangle_n be_v too_o apt_a for_o quiet_a sake_n to_o run_v to_o infallibility_n some_o dissenter_n prepare_v the_o way_n for_o popery_n by_o run_v into_o another_o extreme_a to_o avoid_v it_o by_o decry_v episcopacy_n liturgy_n festival_n etc._n etc._n as_o popish_a they_o condemn_v that_o as_o popish_a which_o be_v decent_a and_o christian_n and_o so_o bring_v popery_n into_o reputation_n for_o man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v if_o such_o good_a thing_n be_v popish_a sure_o that_o which_o be_v popish_a be_v also_o primitive_a and_o evangelical_n what_o we_o have_v examine_v be_v good_a and_o probable_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n it_o appear_v also_o from_o the_o history_n of_o our_o late_a war_n that_o popery_n gain_v ground_n by_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o church_n for_o it_o make_v such_o a_o progress_n in_o those_o time_n that_o the_o dissenter_n charge_v the_o jesuit_n with_o the_o king_n murder_n thereby_o tacit_o own_v that_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o power_n over_o some_o of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o instrument_n in_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o man_n that_o popery_n be_v not_o then_o root_v out_o 647._o out_o vid._n rob._n mentit_fw-la de_fw-la salmonet_fw-la hist_o des_fw-fr trouble_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr grand_fw-fr bret._n lib._n 3._o p._n 165._o short_a view_n of_o the_o troub_v p._n 564._o arbit_n gov_fw-mi p._n 28._o whitl_n mem._n p._n 279_o 280_o 282._o exact_a coll._n p._n 647._o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o many_o priest_n and_o other_o papist_n fight_v and_o act_v for_o the_o parliament_n against_o the_o king_n nay_o in_o 49_o there_o be_v a_o design_n to_o 405._o to_o ibid._n p._n 405._o settle_v the_o popish_a discipline_n in_o england_n and_o scotland_n the_o papist_n general_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o vizor_n of_o 10._o of_o edwards_n gangr_n par_fw-fr 2_o p._n 10._o independency_n a_o college_n of_o jesuit_n be_v settle_v at_o 7._o at_o b._n of_o heref._n narrat_fw-la to_o the_o lds._n p._n 7._o come_v in_o 52_o and_o 155_o be_v reconcile_v to_o rome_n that_o year·_a cromwell_n 1655._o cromwell_n cromwel_n declar._n oct._n 31._o 1655._o say_v that_o he_o have_v some_o proof_n that_o jesuit_n have_v be_v find_v among_o the_o discontent_a party_n and_o dr._n bayly_n the_o papist_n 261._o papist_n dr._n bayly_n life_n of_o bp._n fisher_n p._n 260_o 261._o court_v he_o as_o the_o hope_n of_o rome_n one_o of_o his_o physician_n 347._o physician_n elen._n mot_n par._n 2._o p._n 347._o say_v he_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o papist_n for_o toleration_n but_o break_v off_o because_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o his_o price_n and_o because_o he_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v offensive_a we_o be_v etc._n be_v hist_o indep_n part_n 2._o p._n 245_o etc._n etc._n tell_v also_o that_o a_o agreement_n be_v make_v in_o 49_o even_o with_o owen_n oneal_n that_o bloody_a romanist_n and_o that_o he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n raise_v the_o siege_n of_o londonderry_n a_o great_a door_n be_v open_v to_o romish_a emissary_n when_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n be_v by_o public_a order_n take_v away_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o oath_n revive_v in_o those_o day_n by_o 18._o by_o cotton_n lr._n exam._n p._n 4_o 5._o simplicit_fw-la defence_n p._n 22._o min._n of_o lond._n test_n p._n 18._o williams_n gorton_n etc._n etc._n help_v equivocate_a papist_n to_o a_o evasion_n as_o i_o fear_v it_o may_v the_o quaker_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o keep_v out_o popery_n in_o those_o time_n the_o patient_a suffering_n of_o her_o member_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o popish_a or_o earthlyminded_n and_o the_o write_n of_o laud_n chillingworth_n bramhal_n cousin_n hammond_n etc._n etc._n keep_v man_n steadfast_a in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o papist_n themselves_o think_v their_o cause_n be_v promote_v by_o our_o division_n as_o appear_v from_o 2_o jesuit_n viz._n campanella_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o spanish_a mon._n cap._n 25._o p._n 157._o print_a at_o lond._n in_o english_a in_o 54._o and_o contzen_n polit._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 18._o sect._n 9_o and_o they_o act_v according_o for_o they_o widen_v our_o breach_n that_o themselves_o may_v enter_v and_o hope_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v dissolve_v at_o last_o by_o our_o distemper_n they_o expose_v protestant_n as_o a_o disunit_a people_n and_o ask_v man_n how_o they_o can_v in_o prudence_n join_v with_o those_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n among_o themselves_o as_o for_o the_o design_n of_o advance_v the_o protestant_a religion_n to_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n by_o dissetle_v the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v effect_v for_o six_o reason_n first_o the_o dissetle_v that_o which_o be_v well_o settle_a corrupt_v religion_n by_o remove_v charity_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o it_o let_v man_n loose_a that_o can_v govern_v themselves_o it_o move_v man_n to_o atheism_n idolatry_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o sin_n it_o expose_v the_o church_n for_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o enemy_n as_o it_o do_v former_o in_o africa_n and_o egypt_n those_o that_o dissent_v from_o a_o national_a church_n general_o move_v for_o alteration_n in_o it_o when_o there_o be_v a_o ferment_n in_o the_o state_n and_o in_o such_o season_v a_o church_n may_v be_v pull_v in_o sunder_o but_o there_o be_v not_o temper_n enough_o to_o set_v it_o together_o to_o advantage_n state-dissenters_a general_o begin_v revolution_n with_o the_o pretence_n of_o reform_v religion_n and_o well-meaning_a dissenter_n when_o in_o such_o hand_n can_v establish_v nothing_o but_o what_o please_v their_o secular_a leader_n a_o change_n in_o the_o church_n natural_o produce_v some_o change_n in_o the_o state_n and_o who_o can_v secure_v the_o event_n for_o the_o better_a none_o can_v foresee_v all_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o disturbance_n when_o the_o vessel_n be_v stir_v the_o lees_n come_v up_o and_o religion_n be_v make_v less_o pure_a by_o commotion_n politician_n promise_v fair_a and_o use_v conscientious_a man_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n but_o afterward_o they_o take_v other_o measure_n man_n may_v intend_v well_o but_o by_o use_v the_o illegal_a arm_n they_o frequent_o render_v that_o which_o be_v well_o settle_v much_o worse_o by_o their_o unh_n of_o it_o second_o in_o the_o time_n of_o usurpation_n which_o begin_v with_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o pure_a religion_n our_o dissension_n cause_v great_a corruption_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n the_o war_n be_v preach_v up_o as_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o many_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o lay_v the_o great_a villainy_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o elect_a person_n the_o instance_n of_o their_o extravagancy_n be_v endless_a and_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n be_v 31._o be_v vid._n ordin_n feb._n 4._o 1646._o min._n testim_fw-la p._n 31._o high_o sensible_a of_o they_o three_o if_o by_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v mean_v such_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o life_n as_o the_o gospel_n teach_v and_o a_o removal_n of_o human_a invention_n that_o purity_n be_v in_o our_o church_n already_o and_o as_o for_o her_o injunction_n they_o be_v like_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n rule_v of_o ecclesiastical_a wisdom_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o general_a canon_n in_o holy_a writ_n but_o if_o by_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v mean_v a_o fewness_n of_o part_n as_o the_o quaker_n believe_v their_o way_n be_v pure_a because_o they_o have_v take_v away_o sacrament_n and_o outward_a form_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o papist_n may_v say_v that_o their_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v more_o pure_a than_o that_o of_o the_o protestant_n because_o they_o have_v take_v the_o cup_n from_o it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o that_o which_o make_v a_o pure_a church_n be_v like_o that_o which_o make_v a_o pure_a medicine_n not_o the_o fewness_n of_o the_o ingredient_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o they_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v and_o the_o aptness_n of_o they_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o health_n therefore_o our_o church_n be_v already_o pure_a the_o ruin_n of_o it_o will_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o purity_n
communion_n with_o the_o church_n than_o church-communion_n never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o establish_v church_n if_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n and_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v both_o disobedience_n and_o schism_n but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suspending_a communion_n these_o man_n will_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a never_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o public_a assembly_n during_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o division_n they_o may_v refuse_v to_o enter_v themselves_o fix_v and_o settle_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o they_o all_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o absurd_a this_o distinction_n of_o fix_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v and_o that_o whoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o not_o a_o occasional_a member_n and_o that_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o fix_a communion_n so_o that_o when_o man_n communicate_v occasional_o as_o they_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o different_a party_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o divide_a church_n they_o either_o communicate_v with_o none_o or_o with_o all_o of_o they_o if_o with_o none_o than_o they_o maintain_v communion_n with_o no_o church_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o if_o they_o communicate_v with_o all_o than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o separate_a and_o opposite_a party_n that_o be_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v schismatic_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n that_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a every_o true_a christian_a be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o be_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v constant_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v so_o that_o he_o can_v without_o sin_n communicate_v only_o occasional_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o communicate_v constant_o as_o be_v constant_o present_a there_o there_o can_v be_v two_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n one_o for_o constant_a and_o another_o for_o occasional_a communion_n without_o schism_n and_o therefore_o where_o my_o constant_a abode_n be_v there_o my_o constant_a communion_n must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o that_o place_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o for_o instance_n sometime_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sometime_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o because_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o church-communion_n for_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a and_o opposite_a church_n be_v to_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o ourselves_o as_o those_o separate_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o and_o whoever_o communicate_v with_o both_o those_o church_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n so_o that_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o will_v damn_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o adultery_n or_o murder_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v unlawful_a and_o dangerous_a to_o communicate_v with_o schismatic_n nothing_o less_o than_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o division_n but_o man_n may_v new_a model_n church_n as_o often_o as_o their_o fancy_n alter_v that_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o communion_n otherwise_o no_o church_n can_v be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n now_o that_o man_n that_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o since_o therefore_o those_o who_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n do_v thereby_o own_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o since_o he_o who_o separate_v from_o that_o establish_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n therefore_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o iii_o now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v so_o plain_o prove_v than_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n for_o since_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a to_o join_v occasional_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o english_a man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n because_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o it_o occasional_o but_o if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n that_o he_o be_v great_o mistake_v it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pastor_n of_o dissent_v congregation_n ought_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o article_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o that_o matter_n may_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o yet_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o my_o purpose_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o satisfy_v lay-dissenters_a and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o our_o church_n because_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o constant_o and_o certain_o if_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n be_v true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o averse_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o parish-church_n than_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n who_o have_v often_o join_v with_o we_o and_o as_o the_o minister_n by_o bring_v their_o case_n to_o the_o people_n may_v see_v communion_n then_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n so_o the_o people_n by_o perceive_v their_o case_n not_o to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o minister_n but_o wide_o different_a from_o it_o will_v be_v induce_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v therefore_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o if_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n than_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o it_o and_o that_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n even_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v full_o prove_v for_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o with_o who_o i_o be_o to_o treat_v have_v join_v in_o our_o solemn_a office_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o can_v not_o lawful_o do_v if_o our_o church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o that_o personal_a argument_n because_o i_o design_v to_o descend_v to_o particular_n and_o to_o show_v first_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o second_o that_o those_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v use_v of_o to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a first_o then_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n appear_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a 24._o sober_a bayly_n dissuasive_a c._n 2._o p._n 21._o corbet_n discourse_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n p._n 33._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 13._o see_v ball_n be_v friendly_a trial_n c._n 13._o p._n 306._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n to_o minister_n in_o new_a england_n p._n 24._o nonconformist_n nay_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o 57_o to_o a_o grave_a and_o sober_a confut._n
with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o we_o 16._o we_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o rom._n 14.19_o 1_o thess_n 5.11_o eph._n 4.12_o 16._o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o whatever_o may_v be_v urge_v the_o apostle_n conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v and_o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o in_o a_o word_n what_o st._n austin_n and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o epist_n 118_o &_o 86._o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n must_v oblige_v a_o good_a man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o distraction_n it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n for_o instance_n what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v a_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5.1_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a person_n plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n by_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v a_o man_n liberty_n more_o damage_v when_o restrain_v by_o superior_n than_o when_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o superiour_n command_n restrain_v it_o perpetual_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v his_o own_o liberty_n suppose_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v damnify_v though_o it_o be_v restrain_v for_o his_o whole_a life_n for_o say_v he_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 1_o cor._n 8.13_o and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consistent_a with_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o christian_n liberty_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o freedom_n from_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o jewish_a law_n lay_v upon_o man_n this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o i_o think_v that_o in_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o judaisme_n but_o we_o must_v note_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v not_o in_o our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o act_n of_o observe_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v so_o not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a convert_v and_o if_o they_o can_v observe_v some_o judaical_a rite_n without_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n certain_o we_o may_v safe_o use_v a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o establish_v church_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v those_o person_n who_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o a_o few_o harmless_a imposition_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n from_o she_o but_o because_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a objection_n against_o some_o particular_a thing_n impose_v by_o she_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o general_a but_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n which_o relate_v to_o single_a instance_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o next_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o dissenter_n judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o by_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o 3._o by_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o require_v we_o to_o produce_v some_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v needless_a because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n however_o for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v command_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o extempore_o prayer_n i._o then_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n command_v we_o to_o use_v none_o but_o form_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v say_v they_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v that_o in_o his_o day_n the_o minister_n pray_v by_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o ability_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n do_v signify_v with_o all_o his_o might_n i._n e._n with_o his_o utmost_a fervency_n for_o the_o same_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o same_o book_n p._n 60._o who_o do_v not_o compose_v their_o own_o prayer_n at_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n by_o nazianzen_n orat._n 3._o 2_o dly_a because_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n affirm_v that_o christian_n do_v pray_v without_o a_o monitor_n or_o prompter_n because_o they_o do_v pray_v from_o their_o heart_n they_o think_v he_o allude_v to_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o in_o their_o public_a worship_n have_v a_o monitor_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o what_o word_n and_o to_o what_o god_n they_o be_v to_o pray_o now_o since_o the_o christian_n pray_v without_o a_o monitor_n therefore_o say_v they_o they_o pray_v without_o any_o one_o to_o direct_v they_o what_o form_n of_o word_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o without_o a_o monitor_n can_v signify_v without_o any_o one_o to_o dictate_v a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o whether_o he_o pray_v by_o form_n or_o extempore_o his_o word_n be_v a_o form_n to_o the_o people_n whatever_o therefore_o this_o obscure_a phrase_n mean_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o can_v mean_v without_o a_o form_n unless_o it_o mean_v without_o a_o minister_n too_o 2._o it_o seem_v to_o i_o most_o probable_a that_o by_o without_o a_o monitor_n be_v mean_v without_o any_o one_o to_o correct_v they_o when_o either_o the_o people_n repeat_v or_o the_o minister_n recite_v the_o public_a prayer_n false_o for_o 33._o for_o a._n gell._n noct._n att._n l._n 13._o c._n 21._o rosin_n antiq._n l._n 3._o c._n 33._o the_o heathen_a priest_n begin_v their_o sacrifice_n with_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o invocation_n of_o janus_n and_o vesta_n and_o proceed_v with_o the_o invocation_n of_o all_o the_o great_a deity_n by_o name_n now_o that_o none_o of_o the_o great_a god_n might_n be_v pretermit_v and_o 2._o and_o plin._n l._n 28._o c._n 2._o none_o of_o the_o prayer_n false_o or_o disorderly_o recite_v or_o repeat_v 4._o repeat_v livia_n l._n 4._o one_o priest_n read_v out_o of_o a_o ritual_a and_o another_o be_v appoint_v for_o a_o public_a monitor_n to_o oversee_v and_o correct_v such_o mistake_n as_o may_v be_v make_v when_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v we_o pray_v without_o a_o monitor_n his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o we_o pray_v without_o a_o priest_n to_o dictate_v our_o prayer_n to_o we_o whether_o out_o of_o a_o book_n or_o extempore_o but_o that_o we_o pray_v without_o one_o to_o oversee_v to_o admonish_v the_o priest_n or_o people_n when_o they_o dictate_v or_o repeat_v false_o because_o say_v he_o we_o pray_v from_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v either_o by_o join_v our_o affection_n and_o desire_n with_o the_o priest_n without_o repeat_v the_o word_n or_o by_o say_v our_o prayer_n by_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o need_v none_o to_o correct_v we_o for_o tertullian_n affect_v to_o express_v the_o greek_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_a his_o de_fw-la pectore_fw-la or_o from_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v a_o translation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v to_o say_v by_o heart_n so_o that_o tertullian_n word_n do_v rather_o argue_v for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n than_o against_o they_o the_o three_o and_o last_o testimony_n against_o the_o antiquity_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o of_o socrates_n scholasticus_n who_o word_n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 22._o they_o thus_o translate_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o worship_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o two_o to_o be_v find_v that_o speak_v the_o same_o word_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a they_o shall_v pray_v by_o form_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o different_a ceremony_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o chief_a church_n and_o then_o conclude_v every_o where_o and_o among_o all_o worship_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o two_o to_o be_v sound_n not_o that_o speak_v the_o same_o word_n but_o that_o agree_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o thing_n where_o by_o worship_n of_o prayer_n he_o mean_v rite_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o church_n differ_v in_o and_o how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o same_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o even_o now_o we_o see_v there_o be_v different_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o prayer_n among_o those_o church_n which_o do_v yet_o agree_v in_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o form_n be_v use_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n by_o a_o short_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n there_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o while_o this_o gift_n continue_v perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v no_o other_o form_n in_o public_a worship_n but_o only_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o upon_o the_o cease_n or_o abatement_n of_o it_o form_n be_v compose_v after_o the_o method_n of_o those_o inspire_a prayer_n for_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o even_o from_o the_o apostolical_a age_n some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v perform_v in_o form_n of_o prayer_n because_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v there_o never_o be_v any_o dispute_n among_o christian_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o if_o form_n be_v a_o innovation_n such_o a_o remarkable_a and_o public_a innovation_n shall_v be_v introduce_v without_o the_o least_o contest_v or_o opposition_n for_o though_o some_o innovation_n do_v creep_v in_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o that_o public_a nature_n always_o find_v powerful_a adversary_n to_o withstand_v it_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o probability_n we_o will_v inquire_v into_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o liturgy_n of_o saint_n peter_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n james_n though_o corrupt_v by_o latter_a age_n yet_o be_v doubtless_o of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o probable_o even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o beside_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o strong_a relish_n of_o that_o age_n that_o of_o st._n james_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o st._n cyril_n time_n who_o write_v a_o comment_n upon_o it_o even_o in_o his_o young_a year_n and_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o jac._n by_o allat_n de_fw-fr lit._n sti._n jac._n proclus_n and_o the_o 32._o the_o council_n trull_n c._n 32._o six_o general_a council_n to_o be_v of_o st._n james_n own_o composure_n and_o it_o be_v probable_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n within_o 170_o year_n after_o the_o apostolical_a age._n and_o that_o there_o be_v form_n of_o worship_n in_o it_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n seem_v high_o probable_a for_o first_o all_o the_o form_n sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la be_v there_o and_o in_o st._n cyril_n comment_n and_o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o clemens_n which_o all_o agree_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v live_v within_o a_o 100_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n dom._n apostle_n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n mention_n it_o as_o a_o form_n then_o use_v and_o receive_v and_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o form_n be_v word_n derive_v from_o the_o very_a age_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o be_v assert_v by_o nicephorus_n of_o the_o trisagium_fw-la in_o particular_a hist_o lib._n 18._o c._n 53._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o from_o that_o primitive_a age_n there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n prescribe_v in_o baptism_n from_o the_o question_n and_o answer_n which_o tertull._n de_fw-fr resur_n carn_n st._n cypr._n 76.80_o origen_n in_o numer_n hom._n 5._o speak_v of_o and_o if_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v limit_v to_o a_o form_n of_o question_n why_o not_o to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n to_o prescribe_v for_o the_o latter_a as_o for_o the_o former_a but_o that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la there_o be_v form_n of_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o question_n and_o answer_v use_v in_o baptism_n clemens_n constitution_n affirm_v and_o some_o of_o the_o prayer_n be_v there_o insert_v l._n 7._o
and_o that_o christian_n do_v very_o early_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o name_n give_v to_o public_a prayer_n for_o they_o be_v call_v the_o magn._n the_o justin_n apol._n 2._o ignat._n epist_n ad_fw-la magn._n common-prayer_n 6._o common-prayer_n orig._n cont_n celf._n l._n 6._o constitute_v prayer_n and_o 14._o and_o cypr._n the_o lap_n serm_n 14._o solemn_a prayer_n which_o last_o be_v the_o title_n by_o which_o the_o heathen_n distinguish_v their_o 2._o their_o vid._n ovid._n the_o fast_n lib._n 6._o stat._n lib._n 4._o senec._n in_o oedip._n act_n 2._o scen_n 2._o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o language_n of_o that_o age_n must_v signify_v a_o public_a form_n 29._o form_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o &_o 29._o st._n basil_n fetch_v the_o glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o cite_v it_o from_o st._n clemens_n the_o apostle_n scholar_n and_o from_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v live_v in_o the_o year_n 200_o and_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v live_v in_o the_o year_n 160_o set_v down_o these_o word_n as_o the_o christian_a form_n of_o praising_n god_n paedag._n god_n paedag._n praise_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o this_o form_n be_v old_a than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arian_n for_o they_o be_v sharp_o 24._o sharp_o theod._n hist_o l._n 2._o c._n 24._o reprove_v by_o the_o orthodox_n father_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a worship_n consist_v of_o hymn_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v compose_v into_o set_a form_n tertull._n apol._n cap._n 2._o and_o before_o he_o lucian_n in_o philop._n and_o justin_n martyr_n also_o epist_n ad_fw-la zen._n &_o heren_n speak_v of_o their_o sing_v such_o hymn_n they_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o watch_v and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n say_v lucian_n and_o pliny_n say_v that_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n it_o be_v their_o manner_n to_o sing_v by_o turn_n a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n which_o hymn_n be_v doubtless_o of_o human_a composure_n there_o be_v no_o hymn_n to_o christ_n in_o scripture_n of_o that_o length_n as_o to_o take_v up_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o public_a service_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o very_o early_o there_o be_v various_a psalm_n and_o ode_n compose_v by_o christian_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n 5._o christ_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n 5._o and_o that_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la be_v condemn_v for_o suppress_v those_o hymn_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v the_o composition_n of_o man_n of_o late_a day_n 7._o day_n ibid._n hist_o lib._n 7._o though_o in_o all_o probability_n those_o hymn_n be_v compose_v within_o much_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostolical_a age._n but_o as_o for_o this_o hymn_n which_o pliny_n speak_v of_o it_o be_v early_o for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v much_o above_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n that_o pliny_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o trajan_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o hymn_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v use_v in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n about_o the_o same_o time_n lucian_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o prayer_n which_o they_o use_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d begin_v from_o the_o father_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o of_o a_o famous_a hymn_n add_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o service_n philop._n service_n lucian_n philop._n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o hymn_n that_o pliny_n speak_v of_o since_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a worship_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n consist_v of_o hymn_n which_o be_v form_n of_o praise_n intermix_v with_o prayer_n and_o some_o of_o these_o of_o human_a composure_n this_o be_v a_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a use_n of_o form_n and_o doubtless_o they_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o pray_v by_o form_n in_o verse_n can_v not_o but_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o form_n in_o prose_n now_o that_o pray_v in_o meeter_n or_o compose_v hymn_n be_v a_o very_a early_a practice_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v let_v the_o people_n sing_v the_o verse_n which_o answer_v advers_o to_o one_o another_o 5._o another_o constitut_n apost_n l._n 2._o cap._n 5._o which_o way_n of_o sing_v be_v so_o very_o ancient_a that_o eusebius_n 171._o eusebius_n euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 2._o c._n 171._o urge_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o essenes_n christian_n because_o they_o sing_v by_o turn_n answer_v one_o another_o and_o how_o can_v they_o thus_o answer_v to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o hymn_n and_o prayer_n unless_o they_o have_v constant_a form_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o they_o have_v such_o responsal_n in_o prayer_n be_v evident_a because_o when_o julian_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o gentilism_n will_v needs_o dress_v it_o up_o 15._o up_o soz._n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 15._o after_o the_o order_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n one_o thing_n wherein_o he_o seek_v to_o imitate_v it_o be_v in_o their_o constitute_v prayer_n that_o be_v not_o in_o have_v constitute_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o that_o the_o heathen_a have_v before_o but_o in_o have_v such_o constitute_v form_n as_o the_o christian_n have_v that_o be_v as_o nazianzen_n 102._o nazianzen_n nazian_n orat._n 1._o p._n 102._o explain_v it_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v in_o part_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v in_o part_n nicephorus_n 8._o nicephorus_n niceph_n l._n 13._o c._n 8._o derive_v from_o ignatius_n who_o be_v a_o scholar_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o form_n and_o that_o in_o constantine_n time_n the_o church_n use_v public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o often-cited_n place_n of_o eusebius_n constant_n eusebius_n euseb_n de_fw-fr laud._n constant_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o constantine_n compose_v godly_a prayer_n for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o soldier_n and_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o in_o particular_a what_o the_o prayer_n be_v we_o acknowledge_v thou_o o_o god_n alone_a etc._n etc._n 20._o etc._n id._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr constant_n c._n 20._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o form_n be_v compose_v only_o for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o soldier_n who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o heathen_n and_o that_o constantine_n compose_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o public_a form_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o there_o have_v what_o need_n constantine_n have_v compose_v one_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o form_n indeed_o be_v compose_v only_o for_o his_o heathen_a soldier_n for_o as_o for_o his_o christian_a soldier_n the_o story_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o go_v to_o church_n 19_o church_n ibid._n c._n 19_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v hence_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o heathen_a soldier_n which_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n for_o if_o they_o have_v it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n will_v have_v use_v it_o but_o that_o they_o have_v form_n be_v evident_a because_o he_o call_v the_o prayer_n which_o constantine_n use_v in_o his_o court_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 17._o god_n ibid._n c._n 17._o authorize_v prayer_n which_o be_v the_o same_o title_n which_o he_o 18._o he_o ibid._n c._n 18._o give_v to_o that_o form_n which_o he_o make_v for_o his_o heathen_a soldier_n and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o authorize_v prayer_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o his_o soldier_n he_o mean_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o do_v then_o by_o the_o authorize_v prayer_n which_o he_o use_v in_o his_o court_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n he_o must_v mean_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n also_o and_o since_o he_o have_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o court_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n must_v have_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n too_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v public_a form_n of_o prayer_n after_o which_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o liturgy_n of_o st._n basil_n st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n ambrose_n we_o have_v undeniable_a testimony_n of_o the_o same_o see_v st._n chrysost_o 2._o ad_fw-la corinth_n homil._n 18._o st._n austin_n de_fw-fr bapt._n cont_n donat._n lib._n 6._o and_o council_n
carth._n 3._o c._n 12._o council_n milev_n c._n 12._o justin_n novel_a 137._o pref._n &_o 1_o 2_o 6._o nazian_n orat._n in_o basil_n 20._o say_v st._n basil_n compose_v order_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o st._n basil_n himself_o epist_n 63._o recite_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o public_a service_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o monastical_a oratory_n of_o his_o institution_n say_v that_o nothing_o be_v do_v therein_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n hold_v about_o the_o year_n 364_o express_o provide_v that_o the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n shall_v be_v always_o use_v both_o morning_n and_o evening_n can._n 18._o and_o this_o canon_n be_v take_v into_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o collection_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o general_n council_n of_o chalcedon_n in_o the_o year_n 451_o by_o which_o establishment_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n so_o far_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n council_n extend_v and_o then_o in_o the_o year_n 541_o these_o canon_n be_v make_v imperial_a law_n by_o justinian_n novel_a 131._o c._n 1._o see_v zonar_n and_o balsam_n on_o can_v 18._o see_v also_o smectym_n answ_n to_z the_o remonst_z p._n 7._o grand_fw-fr deb_fw-mi p._n 11._o and_o council_n laod._n c._n 15_o 19_o thus_o for_o near_o 600_o year_n after_o christ_n we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o from_o henceforth_o or_o a_o little_a after_o down_z to_z mr._n calvin_n time_n all_o be_v agree_v that_o no_o prayer_n but_o establish_a liturgy_n be_v use_v nay_o calvin_n who_o pray_v extempore_o after_o his_o lecture_n always_o use_v a_o form_n before_o pref._n ad_fw-la calv._n prael_n in_o min._n proph._n and_o he_o compose_v a_o form_n for_o the_o sunday-service_n which_o be_v afterward_o establish_v at_o geneva_n nay_o he_o say_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n i_o high_o approve_v that_o it_o be_v determine_v so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o administration_n to_o vary_v from_o it_o ep._n 87._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o reform_a church_n but_o what_o have_v some_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o be_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o form_n ever_o call_v in_o question_n before_o nay_o mr._n ball_n dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n mr._n norton_n and_o mr._n tomb_n do_v 13._o do_v see_v ball_n be_v trial_n pref._n etc._n etc._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 8._o baxter_n cure_n of_o ch._n divis_n p._n 175._o owen_n work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n p._n 220.222_o 235._o norton_n answer_n to_o apollon_n c._n 13._o express_o own_v they_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o this_o be_v say_v 255._o say_v clark_n life_n of_o 10_o divine_n p._n 255._o to_o be_v the_o tenant_n of_o all_o our_o dissent_v best_o and_o most_o judicious_a divine_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v say_v 67._o say_v bradshaw_n life_n in_o clark_n coll._n in_o fol._n p._n 67._o one_o that_o the_o flower_n of_o our_o own_o divine_n go_v on_o in_o this_o way_n when_o they_o may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o if_o they_o have_v please_v in_o their_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n and_o we_o find_v mr._n hildersham_n prayer_n before_o sermon_n 1633·_fw-la sermon_n see_v his_o doctrine_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n anno_fw-la 1633·_fw-la print_v this_o be_v so_o universal_o and_o constant_o practise_v that_o mr._n clark_n 38._o clark_n collect._n of_o 10_o life_n 4_o to_o p._n 38._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o man_n who_o bring_v conceive_v prayer_n into_o use_n in_o those_o part_n where_o he_o live_v be_v mr._n sam._n cook_n who_o die_v but_o in_o the_o year_n 1649._o nay_o the_o chief_a dissent_v writer_n do_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o they_o also_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o form_n 5._o form_n see_v ball_n be_v tri_n l._n c._n 2._o rogers_n tr._n 223._o bryan_n dwelling_n with_o god_n p._n 307._o egerton_n practice_n of_o christianity_n c._n 11._o p._n 691._o edit_fw-la 5._o from_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o charge_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n with_o enthusiasm_n 1006._o enthusiasm_n grave_a confut_o epist_n to_o the_o reader_n contin_n morn_n exerc._n p._n 1006._o and_o novelty_n 1.16_o novelty_n priest_n serm._n on_o joh._n 1.16_o they_o grant_v also_o 1._o that_o form_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o that_o there_o be_v footstep_n of_o this_o way_n of_o worship_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o mr._n tomb_n and_o other_o have_v show_v 13._o show_v theodulia_n p._n 221._o baxt._n cure_n p._n 176._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 128_o 129._o grave_a confut_o p._n 12_o 13._o and_o mr._n ainsworth_n that_o do_v otherwise_o argue_v against_o they_o do_v confess_v 12.8_o confess_v annot._n on_o ex._n 12.8_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v very_o ancient_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o christian_a church_n of_o ancient_a time_n for_o the_o space_n of_o this_o 1400_o year_n at_o least_o if_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v their_o stint_a liturgy_n say_v mr._n ball_n 80._o ball_n trial_n p._n 96_o 106_o 111_o 138._o &_o p._n 80._o and_o 222._o and_o tombes's_fw-fr theodulia_n p._n 222._o they_o answer_v objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o that_o in_o the_o best_a reform_v nay_o in_o all_o reform_a church_n they_o be_v not_o only_o use_v and_o tolerate_v but_o also_o 234._o also_o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 108_o etc._n etc._n rogers_n treatise_n p._n 224._o tombes's_fw-fr theod._n p._n 234._o useful_a and_o expedient_a 4._o that_o those_o among_o we_o to_o who_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n have_v be_v most_o burdensome_a have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n profess_v their_o like_n and_o approbation_n of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n as_o mr._n ball_n assure_v we_o 12._o we_o trial_n p._n 96_o 106_o 12._o that_o they_o think_v it_o altogether_o unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o stint_a form_n and_o liturgy_n be_v not_o only_o frequent_o affirm_v by_o mr._n ball_n 13._o ball_n resp_n ad_fw-la apol._n c._n 13._o but_o little_o less_o even_a by_o mr._n norton_n 102._o norton_n sacril_n desert_n p._n 102._o who_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o embrace_v communion_n with_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n neither_o do_v it_o lie_v as_o a_o duty_n on_o a_o believer_n that_o he_o disjoin_v and_o separate_v himself_o from_o such_o a_o church_n and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o then_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o all_o church_n so_o mr._n baxter_n 224._o baxter_n defence_n part_v 2._o p._n 65._o see_v ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 131_o rogers_n tr._n p._n 224._o be_v it_o not_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o pride_n to_o conclude_v that_o almost_o all_o christ_n be_v church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o these_o 13_o hundred_o year_n at_o least_o to_o this_o day_n have_v offer_v such_o worship_n unto_o god_n as_o that_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o avoid_v it_o and_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o catholic_a church_n on_o earth_n this_o day_n be_v below_o your_o communion_n for_o use_v form_n and_o that_o even_o calvin_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o cartwright_n hildersham_n and_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n be_v unworthy_a your_o communion_n as_o for_o pray_v extempore_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o england_n in_o opposition_n to_o our_o liturgy_n for_o in_o the_o nine_o year_n of_o q._n eliz._n to_o seduce_v the_o people_n from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o popery_n one_o friar_n come_v begin_v to_o pray_v extempore_o with_o such_o fervour_n that_o he_o delude_v many_o and_o be_v ample_o reward_v for_o it_o by_o the_o pope_n see_v fox_n and_o firebrand_n p._n 7_o etc._n etc._n after_o he_o tho._n heath_n do_v the_o same_o p._n 17._o see_v also_o vnreason_n of_o sep_v pref_o p._n 11_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o hope_v when_o the_o dissenter_n have_v well_o consider_v who_o they_o join_v with_o and_o who_o cause_n they_o advance_v by_o decry_v our_o liturgy_n and_o extol_v extempore_o prayer_n they_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o think_v better_o of_o form_n of_o prayer_n second_o i_o be_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n 1._o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o use_v of_o public_a form_n do_v deaden_a the_o devotion_n of_o prayer_n whereas_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v quicken_v devotion_n much_o more_o than_o extempore_o prayer_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n more_o than_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o his_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v ready_a before_o he_o he_o have_v
who_o they_o know_v may_v sometime_o mistake_v their_o passion_n for_o their_o zeal_n and_o wreak_v their_o anger_n or_o their_o faction_n in_o their_o prayer_n or_o let_v drop_v a_o error_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a or_o express_v themselves_o so_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o join_v so_o that_o in_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n a_o man_n must_v judge_v what_o be_v say_v before_o he_o can_v consent_v to_o it_o and_o if_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o rub_n the_o minister_n go_v on_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o the_o man_n be_v leave_v behind_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o perhaps_o confound_v before_o he_o can_v join_v again_o and_o no_o soon_o perhaps_o be_v he_o well_o fix_v but_o he_o be_v trouble_v again_o with_o the_o same_o inconveniency_n all_o which_o be_v easy_o prevent_v by_o the_o use_n of_o form_n 4._o form_n do_v not_o divert_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o extempore_o prayer_n do_v which_o disturb_v devotion_n whenever_o the_o minister_n hesitate_v or_o blunder_n or_o express_v himself_o improper_o for_o then_o some_o will_v be_v pity_v other_o contemn_v other_o carp_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o perform_v well_o some_o will_v admire_v his_o phrase_n judgement_n readiness_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n do_v call_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o matter_n 5._o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o thing_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n be_v better_o secure_v by_o form_n than_o by_o extempore_o prayer_n where_o they_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o minister_n for_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o bad_a memory_n or_o apt_a to_o blunder_v or_o be_v dull_a etc._n etc._n then_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n and_o of_o this_o i_o have_v see_v too_o many_o sad_a experiment_n but_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o able_a and_o pious_a person_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o indisposition_n of_o body_n dulness_n inadvertency_n etc._n etc._n with_o outward_a care_n and_o accident_n and_o if_o he_o be_v he_o must_v many_o time_n pray_v confuse_o or_o with_o break_a indecent_a expression_n and_o omit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o matter_n sometime_o he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o be_v force_v to_o use_v fulsome_a repetition_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a almost_o but_o that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o flat_a and_o empty_a nonsense_n undigested_a conception_n and_o unadvised_a expression_n shall_v escape_v from_o his_o lip_n before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o this_o if_o he_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o modesty_n must_v put_v he_o into_o great_a confusion_n and_o so_o amaze_v he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o able_a to_o recover_v himself_o now_o be_v it_o not_o a_o hard_a case_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o five_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o person_n must_v be_v disturb_v by_o one_o man_n disorder_n for_o they_o must_v either_o pray_v after_o he_o or_o not_o pray_v at_o all_o but_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v prevent_v by_o set_v public_a form_n 6._o those_o that_o join_v in_o a_o form_n may_v be_v better_o secure_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o own_o devotion_n for_o they_o know_v beforehand_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o form_n be_v not_o so_o much_o surprise_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o affect_v may_v more_o safe_o conclude_v it_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o not_o the_o word_n that_o move_v they_o whereas_o a_o man_n that_o be_v tickle_v with_o the_o word_n of_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n may_v fancy_v himself_o to_o be_v very_o devout_a when_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o true_a devotion_n in_o he_o i_o may_v add_v more_o but_o i_o think_v these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v a_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o they_o very_o much_o help_v devotion_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v still_o object_v that_o he_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o form_n do_v actual_o deaden_v his_o devotion_n because_o his_o affection_n be_v flat_a and_o heavy_a when_o he_o use_v they_o but_o he_o be_v almost_o transport_v when_o he_o hear_v a_o man_n pray_v extempore_o i_o beseech_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o his_o experience_n be_v not_o found_v in_o prejudice_n and_o whether_o his_o prejudice_n ought_v to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v certain_a other_o man_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o join_v with_o a_o form_n do_v help_v their_o devotion_n so_o that_o here_o be_v experience_n against_o experience_n now_o since_o two_o contrary_a experience_n can_v proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n therefore_o one_o must_v proceed_v from_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o man._n now_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o many_o man_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o form_n do_v help_v devotion_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v the_o same_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o himself_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o matter_n impartial_o he_o will_v soon_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o we_o have_v scripture_n and_o reason_n on_o our_o side_n but_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o passion_n which_o may_v be_v charm_v and_o flatter_v and_o will_v betray_v he_o into_o strong_a delusion_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o extempore_o prayer_n that_o affect_v he_o for_o that_o be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o a_o form_n and_o if_o he_o be_v take_v with_o the_o chime_a of_o word_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sensitive_a delight_n and_o he_o must_v not_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n only_o to_o gratify_v his_o fancy_n beside_o i_o desire_v he_o strict_o to_o examine_v his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o often_o be_v as_o dull_a at_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o at_o the_o public_a form_n if_o so_o than_o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o not_o the_o form_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o double_a iniquity_n who_o divide_v the_o church_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n and_o charge_v his_o own_o formality_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n do_v stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o before_o i_o answer_v this_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n first_o then_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n attribute_v to_o he_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o other_o that_o be_v ordinary_a fix_v and_o stand_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a be_v the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o express_v it_o in_o know_v or_o unknown_a language_n we_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v thus_o pray_v hannah_n who_o as_o the_o targum_fw-la paraphrase_n it_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n for_o pray_v and_o praise_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v frequent_o call_v prophesy_v 1_o sam._n 10.5_o numb_a 11.25_o 1_o chron._n 25.1_o luc._n 1.67_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o those_o prayer_n and_o praise_n together_o with_o those_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o sundry_a other_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o pentecost_n wherein_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v communicate_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o very_a language_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v immediate_o inspire_a this_o gift_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n because_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o enable_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o perform_v their_o office_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n they_o be_v send_v to_o but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n from_o god_n as_o other_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o 1_o cor._n 14.22_o and_o therefore_o since_o all_o miracle_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o after_o a_o time_n to_o cease_v certain_o this_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o too_o however_o because_o many_o dissenter_n think_v it_o not_o a_o extraordinary_a but_o a_o stand_a gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n will_v communicate_v to_o
nothing_o can_v be_v distinct_o hear_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o those_o who_o can_v read_v may_v bring_v book_n and_o those_o that_o can_v may_v attend_v to_o those_o that_o be_v near_o nay_o i_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v that_o some_o devout_a people_n that_o can_v never_o read_v have_v attain_v to_o a_o ability_n of_o recite_v most_o of_o the_o psalm_n without_o book_n by_o often_o hear_v they_o in_o those_o church_n where_o they_o be_v alternate_o recite_v i_o shall_v add_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o psalm_n be_v recite_v alternate_o in_o those_o church_n only_o where_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n can_v read_v very_o few_o except_v now_o if_o the_o people_n may_v join_v in_o vocal_a praise_n why_o may_v they_o not_o also_o join_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v some_o example_n or_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o one_o but_o not_o for_o the_o other_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o that_o the_o express_a warrant_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o one_o be_v a_o imply_v warrant_v for_o the_o other_o i_o have_v already_o show_v chap._n 3._o that_o the_o people_n join_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v very_o ancient_o practise_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o primitive_a way_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o people_n speak_v to_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v disorderly_a and_o a_o break_n in_o upon_o the_o minister_n office_n but_o will_v they_o say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n entrench_v upon_o the_o priest_n when_o they_o all_o bow_v themselves_o upon_o the_o pavement_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o praise_v he_o say_v for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o 2_o chron._n 7.3_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o minister_n preside_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o guide_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o not_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o audible_a confession_n of_o sin_n after_o the_o minister_n nor_o to_o utter_v some_o few_o affectionate_a petition_n and_o those_o very_a short_a to_o which_o they_o be_v also_o invite_v and_o â—â—ted_v by_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o favour_v of_o a_o affectation_n of_o undue_a superiority_n over_o the_o people_n than_o to_o proceed_v from_o any_o fear_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n be_v invade_v some_o urge_v that_o woman_n be_v forbid_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o but_o this_o be_v strange_o misapply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o speak_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n signify_v nothing_o but_o prophesy_v interpret_n preach_v and_o instruct_v and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o the_o woman_n be_v because_o preach_v imply_v authority_n whereas_o the_o woman_n part_n be_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n they_o that_o will_v read_v the_o whole_a chapter_n will_v find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n 5._o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o read_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n in_o our_o church_n now_o if_o sermon_n and_o catechise_v be_v allowable_a beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o may_v not_o some_o apocryphal_a lesson_n be_v read_v which_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n especial_o since_o those_o write_n be_v great_o esteem_v by_o the_o church_n in_o its_o pure_a age_n when_o they_o and_o other_o human_a writing_n also_o be_v public_o read_v as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v omit_v do_v either_o recite_v genealogy_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o levitical_a service_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v in_o other_o chapter_n that_o be_v read_v or_o which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v more_o profitable_a to_o read_v any_o part_n of_o that_o than_o any_o other_o good_a lesson_n i_o answer_v that_o then_o no_o place_n will_v be_v leave_v for_o sermon_n which_o be_v no_o more_o of_o divine_a authority_n than_o the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o person_n be_v mistake_v the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n for_o canonical_a scripture_n because_o the_o church_n speak_v so_o plain_o in_o her_o six_o article_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v they_o otherwise_o than_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o no_o apocryphal_a lesson_n be_v read_v upon_o any_o lord_n day_n in_o the_o year_n and_o as_o for_o other_o exception_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o dr._n falkener_n libertas_n eccles_n p._n 164_o etc._n etc._n 6._o if_o any_o object_n against_o our_o stand_v at_o the_o creed_n mr._n baxter_n say_v his_o judgement_n be_v for_o it_o where_o it_o be_v require_v and_o where_o not_o do_v it_o will_v be_v aivisive_a and_o scandalous_a nay_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o convenient_a praise_v gesture_n etc._n etc._n see_v his_o christ_n direct_v p._n 858._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o litany_n against_o which_o it_o be_v plead_v 1._o that_o the_o people_n utter_v the_o word_n of_o invocation_n in_o the_o litany_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o minister_n all_o the_o while_n suggest_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o they_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o allow_v the_o people_n a_o interest_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v admit_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n bear_v too_o considerable_a a_o part_n to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o 1._o though_o the_o people_n say_v good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n yet_o the_o minister_n say_v the_o other_o and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prayer_n 2._o they_o be_v but_o these_o two_o short_a and_o know_v petition_n which_o be_v except_v against_o and_o if_o the_o people_n may_v be_v allow_v any_o part_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o know_v of_o nothing_o more_o proper_a than_o these_o nor_o be_v they_o repeat_v but_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o new_a and_o distinct_a matter_n beside_o they_o relieve_v our_o attention_n and_o cherish_v our_o warm_a affection_n in_o prayer_n and_o i_o can_v almost_o appeal_v to_o the_o keen_a of_o our_o adversary_n whether_o if_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o be_v apply_v but_o once_o in_o gross_a to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o litany_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o languish_v in_o the_o offering_n it_o up_o than_o as_o it_o be_v now_o order_v but_o 3._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o those_o prayer_n the_o minister_n have_v the_o principal_a and_o guide_a part_n in_o that_o he_o utter_v all_o the_o distinct_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o the_o people_n do_v not_o whereas_o he_o utter_v word_n of_o invocation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o consider_v i_o pray_v whether_o if_o the_o people_n be_v to_o utter_v that_o which_o be_v the_o minister_n part_n now_o and_o the_o minister_n to_o say_v that_o only_o which_o be_v they_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v more_o grievous_a complaint_n that_o the_o minister_n authority_n be_v slight_v in_o the_o whole_a design_n since_o he_o seem_v only_o to_o learn_v from_o the_o people_n what_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o deadly_a sin_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o deadly_a now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v by_o some_o true_o enough_o say_v that_o these_o word_n do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v a_o distinction_n between_o sin_n that_o be_v and_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o deadly_a but_o admit_v that_o such_o a_o distinction_n be_v intend_v yet_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o all_o sin_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n deadly_a or_o damnable_a yet_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n sin_n of_o mere_a infirmity_n be_v not_o impute_v and_o therefore_o not_o deadly_a to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n so_o heinous_a that_o he_o who_o commit_v they_o be_v thereby_o put_v into_o a_o damnable_a state_n and_o it_o be_v of_o such_o sin_n as_o these_o that_o this_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o appear_v by_o deadly_a sin_n be_v add_v to_o fornication_n from_o fornication_n and_o all_o other_o deadly_a sin_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o
themselves_o do_v grant_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o prohibition_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o then_o they_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n shall_v be_v baptise_a because_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a shall_v 1._o be_v teach_v matth._n 28.29_o 2._o believe_v mark_v 16.16_o 3._o repent_v act_v 2.38_o but_o those_o and_o the_o like_a text_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a than_o the_o apostle_n word_n 2_o thess_n 3.10_o do_v prove_v that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o eat_v for_o he_o require_v that_o if_o any_o will_v not_o work_v neither_o shall_v he_o eat_v now_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n can_v work_v and_o therefore_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o eat_v again_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o plague_n in_o any_o country_n and_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o call_v 11_o or_o 12_o man_n and_o give_v they_o a_o meditine_n against_o this_o plague_n and_o say_v go_v into_o such_o a_o country_n and_o call_v the_o people_n of_o it_o together_o and_o teach_v they_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o medicine_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o take_v it_o from_o you_o shall_v live_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v die_v now_o since_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o medicine_n though_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o will_v any_o man_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n shall_v receive_v it_o because_o they_o only_o can_v be_v call_v together_o and_o be_v teach_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v they_o that_o bring_v it_o no_o certain_o wherefore_o see_v child_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n know_v they_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v receive_v both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v but_o that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n shall_v be_v baptise_a shall_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n have_v order_v some_o prophet_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o law_n to_o every_o creature_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v circumcise_a and_o baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v will_v those_o prophet_n have_v circumcise_a and_o baptise_a only_o grow_v person_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o if_o in_o a_o short_a history_n of_o their_o mission_n we_o shall_v have_v read_v that_o they_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a as_o many_o proselyte_n as_o glad_o receive_v their_o word_n will_v this_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o also_o circumcise_v and_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o those_o believe_a proselyte_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o usage_n of_o their_o mother-church_n or_o shall_v god_n bid_v 12_o man_n of_o a_o church_n that_o have_v always_o practise_v infant-baptism_n go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o indies_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v will_v those_o man_n that_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n think_v it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v deny_v to_o infant_n no_o certain_o and_o therefore_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o apostle_n can_v not_o so_o understand_v their_o commission_n as_o to_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n now_o since_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o either_o express_o or_o otherwise_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n certain_o his_o command_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n do_v comprehend_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o men._n for_o the_o apostle_n live_v under_o a_o dispensation_n where_o infant_n be_v initiate_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v natural_o understand_v their_o commission_n of_o baptise_v to_o have_v extend_v unto_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o actual_a believer_n our_o adversary_n indeed_o put_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o they_o will_v well_o consider_v the_o next_o word_n they_o will_v find_v that_o infant_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o they_o because_o it_o follow_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o same_o want_n of_o faith_n which_o here_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n exclude_v also_o from_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o infant_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o same_o incapacity_n of_o believe_v which_o exclude_v they_o from_o baptism_n exclude_v they_o from_o salvation_n too_o wherefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v in_o that_o text_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o grow_v person_n just_a as_o the_o word_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o but_o they_o urge_v also_o that_o baptism_n be_v unprofitable_a for_o infant_n because_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v all_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o signify_v nothing_o but_o only_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n of_o which_o say_v they_o infant_n be_v whole_o uncapable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o another_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a circumcision_n which_o be_v all_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o profit_v nothing_o without_o keep_v the_o law_n which_o infant_n can_v not_o keep_v but_o that_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o yet_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o so_o that_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v prove_v nothing_o because_o it_o stretch_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n beyond_o their_o just_a meaning_n which_o be_v to_o let_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n know_v not_o that_o their_o infant_n be_v unprofitable_o circumcise_a or_o baptise_a but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rest_v in_o external_a circumcision_n or_o baptism_n but_o far_o have_v not_o the_o church_n be_v always_o in_o possession_n of_o this_o practice_n or_o can_v any_o time_n be_v show_v on_o this_o side_n the_o apostle_n when_o it_o begin_v nay_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n or_o that_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n otherwise_o orthodox_n do_v decline_v the_o baptise_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o these_o man_n do_v now_o then_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o their_o argument_n be_v better_a than_o they_o real_o be_v and_o that_o infant-baptism_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o ancient_a a_o practice_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o church_n ancient_n or_o modern_a which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n bring_v in_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o very_a first_o age_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o very_a companion_n and_o contemporary_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o write_v against_o other_o heresy_n pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n though_o we_o be_v sure_a from_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v 181._o be_v see_v suicerus_fw-la in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hammond_n on_o matth._n 19.28_o john_n 3.5_o selden_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la lib._n 2._o c._n 4._o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la p._n 181._o practise_v in_o those_o early_a time_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v all_o consent_n in_o such_o a_o dangerous_a error_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o peaceable_o and_o tame_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o opposition_n or_o that_o such_o a_o alteration_n shall_v be_v make_v without_o observation_n no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o or_o when_o certain_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o grow_v person_n before_o baptism_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o infant_n ought_v not_o
sort_n of_o stipulation_n which_o at_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o because_o if_o they_o renounce_v it_o the_o covenant_n be_v as_o void_a as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o a_o implicit_a stipulation_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v likely_a have_v not_o respect_n to_o all_o baptism_n or_o baptism_n in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o adult_n proselyte_n who_o the_o minister_n use_v to_o interrogate_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o interrogate_v adult_a proselyte_n now_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o tertullian_n 18._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr baptism_n cap._n 18._o make_v mention_n of_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n for_o child_n at_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n make_v parent_n etc._n etc._n stipulate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o 3._o their_o see_v selden_n de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o minor_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o child_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o matth._n 18.6_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n may_v also_o probable_o allude_v to_o all_o baptism_n because_o child_n may_v be_v answer_v for_o by_o other_o person_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n i._o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o baptise_a infant_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v of_o which_o some_o think_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a but_o since_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o and_o consequent_o be_v new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o since_o i_o say_v they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o and_o since_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3.5_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o our_o church_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v unless_o the_o ordinance_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v of_o none_o effect_v towards_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v object_v that_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o covenant_n or_o act_n in_o their_o name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o surety_n be_v procure_v by_o the_o parent_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o parent_n may_v act_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant_n the_o surety_n have_v all_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o parent_n can_v give_v they_o 2._o the_o church_n do_v hereby_o take_v great_a security_n that_o the_o infant_n shall_v be_v religious_o bring_v up_o inasmuch_o as_o beside_o their_o parent_n a_o obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o other_o also_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o if_o the_o parent_n shall_v die_v or_o be_v negligent_a the_o surety_n be_v engage_v to_o admonish_v the_o child_n and_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o better_a advantage_n of_o do_v so_o than_o other_o person_n and_o in_o this_o age_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a reproof_n be_v so_o general_o omit_v it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o defect_n be_v this_o way_n a_o little_a supply_v but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a that_o the_o opportunity_n thereof_o and_o obligation_n thereto_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v seldom_o practise_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v keep_v and_o not_o where_o it_o be_v break_v and_o if_o the_o dissenter_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o that_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o may_v remove_v this_o objection_n themselves_o by_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o observe_v it_o thus_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o example_n as_o for_o the_o interrogatory_n put_v to_o the_o surety_n and_o their_o answer_n they_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o what_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o that_o infant_n do_v stand_v engage_v to_o perform_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n this_o be_v the_o know_a meaning_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o misunderstanding_n iii_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dislike_v be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n against_o which_o it_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o our_o retain_v of_o it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o that_o it_o seem_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o christ_n right_a who_o alone_o may_v institute_v sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o first_o pretence_n though_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v our_o retain_v of_o it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o we_o consider_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v common_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o those_o corruption_n for_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n tertullian_n mil._n tertullian_n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o practice_n which_o tradition_n have_v introduce_v custom_n have_v confirm_v and_o the_o believer_n faith_n have_v observe_v and_o maintain_v which_o word_n together_o with_o his_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a mention_n of_o it_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o montanist_n forty_o year_n after_o he_o and_o about_o 200_o after_o christ_n origen_n 38._o origen_n hom._n 2._o in_o psal_n 38._o mention_n those_o who_o at_o their_o baptism_n be_v sign_v with_o this_o sign_n and_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o st._n basil_n 27._o basil_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o give_v this_o usage_n the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o fix_v law_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v prevail_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v before_o st._n basil_n and_o very_o near_o if_o not_o contemporary_a with_o tertullian_n himself_o not_o only_o speak_v very_o familiar_o of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n but_o have_v some_o expression_n that_o will_v now_o seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unwarrantable_a and_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o father_n have_v save_v he_o from_o be_v question_v about_o it_o he_o 175._o he_o see_v cyprian_n de_fw-fr lap_n p._n 169._o adv_n demet._n p._n 203._o de_fw-la unit._fw-la p._n 175._o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o baptism_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o it_o complete_v every_o sacrament_n the_o great_a the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o usage_n be_v manifest_a nay_o the_o father_n frequent_o use_v be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n for_o be_v baptise_a i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o st._n cyril_n st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n austin_n who_o sprinkle_v their_o writing_n with_o the_o common_a mention_n of_o this_o ceremony_n and_o oftentimes_o frame_v argument_n for_o a_o good_a life_n from_o this_o very_a sign_n upon_o their_o forehead_n only_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o remark_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a have_v his_o direction_n probable_o from_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o sign_n the_o great_a banner_n in_o his_o war_n with_o this_o encouragement_n that_o by_o this_o he_o shall_v overcome_v that_o this_o dream_n or_o vision_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a reality_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o success_n of_o that_o prince_n army_n under_o it_o and_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n will_v by_o so_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n countenance_n such_o a_o rite_n as_o this_o already_o use_v in_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v resent_v it_o before_o as_o superstitious_a or_o any_o way_n unwarrantable_a i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o petulant_a against_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v sometime_o signalise_v by_o very_o renown_v miracle_n as_o
those_o that_o consult_v the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o the_o best_a authority_n can_v but_o be_v convince_v and_o that_o those_o conceit_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v this_o sign_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v too_o fanciful_a do_v confirm_v the_o ancient_a reception_n of_o it_o into_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v this_o sign_n because_o they_o live_v among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o testify_v to_o both_o that_o they_o make_v the_o cross_a the_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o one_o and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o other_o whereas_o we_o have_v no_o such_o occasion_n for_o it_o who_o do_v universal_o profess_v christianity_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n suppose_v the_o sign_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v use_v upon_o weighty_a reason_n and_o sure_o then_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n may_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v as_o just_a reason_n to_o use_v it_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n because_o of_o the_o blasphemous_a contempt_n that_o be_v general_o cast_v upon_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o christianity_n particular_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n cross_n and_o passion_n by_o the_o pretend_a wit_n of_o our_o age._n so_o that_o st._n cyprian_n thiber_fw-la cyprian_n epist_n 56._o ad_fw-la thiber_fw-la word_n be_v now_o pertinent_a arm_v your_o forehead_n that_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n may_v be_v keep_v safe_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v remember_v the_o badge_n you_o take_v upon_o you_o in_o baptism_n and_o so_o long_o as_o you_o have_v that_o upon_o your_o forehead_n never_o be_v ashamed_a or_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n as_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o your_o hope_n lay_v in_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o that_o baptism_n be_v as_o our_o church_n declare_v complete_a without_o it_o but_o what_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v full_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o cross_n be_v use_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v warrantable_a 2._o our_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o like_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o we_o admit_v of_o no_o visible_a crucifix_n nor_o have_v any_o of_o our_o writer_n venture_v to_o say_v 876._o say_v christian_n direct_a eccles_n case_n p._n 113._o p._n 875_o 876._o with_o mr._n baxter_n that_o a_o crucifix_n well_o befit_v the_o imagination_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o a_o crucifix_n to_o be_v a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o consideration_n exciting_a our_o mind_n to_o worship_n god_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v true_o express_v by_o mr._n hooker_n who_o 348._o who_o eccles_n pol._n l._n 5._o p._n 348._o say_v that_o between_o the_o cross_n which_o superstition_n honour_v as_o christ_n and_o that_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o sign_n of_o remembrance_n there_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o great_a a_o difference_n as_o between_o those_o brazen_a image_n which_o solomon_n make_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o cistern_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o which_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n do_v adore_v we_o be_v a_o mere_a transient_a sign_n which_o abide_v not_o so_o long_o as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o become_v a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o worship_n any_o more_o than_o any_o word_n we_o use_v in_o worship_n may_v do_v 2._o our_o use_n even_o of_o this_o transient_a sign_n be_v nothing_o like_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o at_o baptism_n they_o use_v it_o much_o often_o and_o so_o different_o from_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v not_o use_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o the_o same_o word_n that_o we_o use_v it_o with_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o roman_a ritual_a 3._o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v notorious_o abuse_v this_o sign_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o continue_v the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v full_o prove_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n as_o to_o the_o second_o pretence_n that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o a_o sacrament_n be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n give_v to_o we_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o never_o suppose_v that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n can_v confer_v grace_n nor_o have_v ever_o make_v the_o least_o pretence_n to_o any_o divine_a appointment_n for_o it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o make_v the_o cross_a a_o sign_n betoken_v our_o faith_n and_o christian_a courage_n because_o we_o apply_v it_o in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n oâ—_n christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o make_v it_o a_o outward_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o own_v it_o to_o be_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o all_o other_o ceremony_n be_v for_o we_o do_v not_o account_v a_o ceremony_n innocent_a because_o it_o be_v insignificant_a and_o impertinent_a but_o yet_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n for_o our_o ceremony_n be_v not_o seal_n and_o assurance_n from_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o but_o hint_n and_o remembrance_n of_o some_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o with_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o significant_a usage_n have_v ever_o be_v take_v up_o without_o any_o imputation_n of_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n for_o 1._o the_o jewish_a church_n change_v the_o posture_n of_o eat_v the_o passover_n from_o stand_v to_o sit_v in_o token_n of_o their_o rest_n and_o security_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v also_o a_o altar_n of_o witness_n rear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o jordan_n and_o the_o synagogue-worship_n rite_n of_o marriage_n form_n of_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n be_v significant_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o receive_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o comply_v with_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 2._o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n use_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o charity_n tertullian_n de_fw-fr orat._n speak_v as_o if_o the_o public_a service_n be_v imperfect_a if_o it_o conclude_v not_o with_o the_o holy_a kiss_n which_o be_v use_v in_o token_n of_o the_o mutual_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n that_o christian_n have_v with_o one_o another_o the_o feast_n of_o charity_n also_o signify_v the_o mutual_a love_n and_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o equal_a regard_n that_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v towards_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v all_o to_o eat_v free_o together_o at_o one_o common_a meal_n i_o may_v further_o instance_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o insufflation_n which_o be_v use_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o breathe_v into_o they_o the_o good_a spirit_n and_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v strip_v off_o his_o garment_n in_o token_n that_o he_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o trine_n immersion_n at_o the_o mention_n of_o each_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o signify_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o great_a article_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ancient_o practise_v without_o any_o jealousy_n of_o invade_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n in_o institute_v new_a sacrament_n 3._o all_o the_o reform_a church_n nay_o the_o very_a dissenter_n themselves_o do_v use_v some_o symbolical_a action_n in_o their_o most_o religious_a solemnity_n for_o 1._o their_o give_v to_o the_o baptise_a infant_n a_o new_a name_n seem_v to_o betoken_v its_o be_v make_v a_o new_a creature_n nay_o the_o dissenter_n general_o give_v it_o some_o scripture-name_n or_o one_o that_o betoken_v a_o particular_a grace_n and_o this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o this_o too_o sometime_o of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o new_a sacrament_n 2._o the_o dissenter_n plead_v for_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v a_o
table-gâ—sture_a and_o express_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o account_v a_o additional_a sacrament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 4._o and_o last_o suppose_v that_o a_o independent_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o church-covenant_n shall_v signify_v his_o assent_n by_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o no_o less_o than_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n that_o be_v of_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o be_v engage_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o instate_a in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v never_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n now_o from_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o our_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o the_o infant_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v think_v a_o add_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o that_o of_o baptism_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o convocation_n c._n 30._o declare_v that_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_a the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v etc._n etc._n now_o say_v they_o baptism_n be_v itself_o a_o seal_n of_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o dedicate_a the_o infant_n by_o our_o own_o invent_a way_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v add_v a_o new_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o dedication_n may_v proper_o signify_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o first_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o a_o declaration_n of_o what_o the_o church_n think_v of_o a_o baptise_a person_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o this_o declaration_n that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o church_n be_v evident_a if_o we_o compare_v the_o office_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o canon_n together_o both_o the_o rubric_n and_o canon_n say_v that_o baptism_n be_v complete_a without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v express_o say_v we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n and_o upon_o that_o do_v sign_n it_o with_o the_o cross_n so_o that_o the_o child_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v within_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n before_o it_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o cross_n since_o therefore_o the_o person_n be_v dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptism_n be_v acknowledge_v complete_a without_o or_o before_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n we_o can_v be_v think_v to_o dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o to_o dedicate_v by_o the_o cross_n again_o but_o the_o dedication_n by_o the_o cross_n must_v be_v something_o very_o distinct_a from_o the_o dedication_n of_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o dedication_n and_o the_o other_o the_o dedication_n itself_o so_o that_o this_o be_v plain_o no_o other_o than_o a_o declaration_n the_o church_n make_v of_o what_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o and_o what_o engagement_n he_o lie_v under_o which_o declaration_n be_v therefore_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n we_o receive_v this_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o in_o baptism_n the_o minister_n alone_o as_o the_o immediate_a agent_n of_o christ_n pronounce_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n i_o baptise_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o office_n of_o baptism_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vii_o objection_n against_o our_o communion-office_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n answer_v though_o the_o communion-office_n for_o the_o gravity_n and_o holiness_n thereof_o be_v prefer_v by_o the_o dissenter_n before_o all_o other_o office_n in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o past_o free_a from_o exception_n for_o i._o it_o be_v object_v against_o it_o that_o the_o petition_n in_o the_o prayer_n before_o consecration_n that_o our_o sinful_a body_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o by_o his_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n wash_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n imply_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v great_a efficacy_n than_o his_o body_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o only_o the_o body_n by_o christ_n body_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o priest_n say_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v give_v for_o thou_o preserve_v thy_o body_n and_o soul_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o church_n teach_v that_o the_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n flow_v from_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v the_o mention_v of_o one_o alone_o exclude_v the_o other_o for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v sometime_o of_o the_o bread_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o and_o sometime_o of_o the_o wine_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o yet_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o he_o mean_v both_o ii_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o deliver_v the_o element_n into_o every_o person_n be_v hand_n with_o a_o form_n of_o word_n recite_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v but_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o christ_n word_n for_o the_o evangelist_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o then_o what_o may_v be_v particular_o say_v or_o do_v to_o every_o one_o will_v be_v sufficient_o relate_v in_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v or_o speak_v to_o all_o 2._o suppose_v that_o our_o practice_n do_v vary_v from_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o defend_v as_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o dinnertime_n and_o not_o at_o supper_n which_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v not_o scruple_n 3._o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n matth._n 28.19_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o when_o great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a together_o the_o form_n of_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v express_v several_o to_o every_o person_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v do_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherefore_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n herein_o be_v no_o way_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o abate_v the_o solemnity_n of_o its_o administration_n see_v falkner_n be_v libert_n eccles_n p._n 218_o etc._n etc._n iii_o the_o last_o and_o great_a objection_n be_v against_o the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o large_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o his_o example_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a for_o its_o being_n no_o table-gesture_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n 5._o that_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n first_o then_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n for_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o express_a command_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o if_o authority_n do_v not_o restrain_v our_o liberty_n we_o may_v either_o sit_v kneel_z or_o stand_v without_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v in_o several_a place_n etc._n place_n matth._n 26.26_o etc._n etc._n mark_v 14.22_o etc._n etc._n luke_n 22.19_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n be_v the_o representative_n
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o sermon_n which_o too_o be_v only_o practise_v in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o other_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n which_o custom_n be_v still_o observe_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n at_o this_o day_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o seat_n erect_v or_o allow_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o people_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o establish_v sit_v not_o only_o as_o convenient_a but_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a 1._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a revolt_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o so_o many_o church_n in_o distant_a country_n be_v perfect_o free_a and_o independent_a one_o upon_o another_o shall_v unanimous_o conspire_v together_o to_o introduce_v a_o novel-custom_n contrary_n to_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o order_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o 3._o they_o shall_v censure_v the_o practice_n and_o injunction_n of_o inspire_a man_n as_o indecent_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n or_o complain_v or_o oppose_v either_o then_o or_o in_o the_o succeed_a generation_n as_o for_o stand_v in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n both_o at_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v use_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o as_o for_o kneel_v it_o be_v plain_a the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v that_o gesture_n also_o for_o though_o on_o sunday_n and_o the_o fifty_o day_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n they_o observe_v stand_v yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o use_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v at_o their_o public_a devotion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o authority_n cite_v at_o the_o 3._o the_o conc._n 1._o nic._n c._n 20._o resp_n quest_n inter_fw-la opera_fw-la just_o mart._n p._n 468._o tertull._n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n c._n 3._o epiphan_n expos_fw-la fid_fw-we cath._n p._n 1105._o edit_fw-la par._n st._n jer._n prol._n come_v in_o epist_n ad_fw-la eph._n st._n aust_n epist_n 119._o ad_fw-la jan._n c._n 15._o tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 3._o bottom_n now_o since_o they_o be_v wont_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n every_o day_n and_o since_o 35._o since_o see_v tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o p._n 47._o st._n aust_n epist_n 118._o const_n apol._n l._n 2._o c._n 57_o st._n chrysost_o hom._n 1._o in_o c._n 2._o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la tim._n st._n ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n l._n 4._o c._n 5._o cave_n prim._n christ_n c._n 11._o st._n cyril_n catech._n mist_n 5._o st._n aust_n resp_n ad_fw-la oros_n quest_n 49._o tom._n 4._o p._n 691._o basil_n 1541._o euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 6._o c._n 35._o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o receive_v with_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o on_o those_o day_n when_o they_o constant_o pray_v kneel_v and_o since_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o praying-posture_n of_o the_o day_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v upon_o those_o day_n on_o which_o they_o pray_v kneel_v for_o since_o sit_v be_v general_o condemn_v as_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a gesture_n by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o since_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v say_v that_o prostration_n or_o lie_v flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v so_o therefore_o the_o posture_n of_o receive_v must_v be_v either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v and_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o on_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a reason_n to_o invite_v or_o oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o use_v kneel_v that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a posture_n they_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n viz._n stand_v both_o at_o their_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o fifty_o day_n after_o easter_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v usual_a at_o other_o time_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v they_o do_v not_o observe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n at_o all_o other_o time_n viz._n that_o as_o at_o such_o time_n they_o do_v constant_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n so_o they_o do_v also_o constant_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v and_o receive_v in_o a_o prayer_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o premise_n i_o may_v promise_v myself_o thus_o much_o success_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v careful_o weigh_v and_o peruse_v they_o with_o a_o teachable_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n shall_v find_v himself_o much_o more_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o primitive_a church_n use_v at_o some_o time_n to_o kneel_v as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n than_o that_o they_o never_o do_v kneel_v at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o posture_n be_v never_o use_v or_o hear_v of_o but_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n as_o some_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v have_v confident_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n but_o second_o suppose_v they_o never_o do_v kneel_v as_o we_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o adore_a posture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o present_a practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o numerous_a testimony_n both_o of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n may_v be_v allege_v but_o i_o will_v content_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n too_o with_o a_o few_o of_o each_o sort_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v that_o he_o who_o will_v except_v against_o they_o will_v also_o with_o the_o same_o face_n and_o assurance_n except_v against_o the_o whiteness_n of_o snow_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o first_o for_o the_o greek_a father_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o 244._o of_o st._n cyril_n hierosol_n mystag_n catech._n 5._o versus_fw-la finem_fw-la paris_n edit_fw-la p._n 244._o st._n cyril_n be_v hear_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o express_v to_o our_o purpose_n this_o holy_a father_n in_o a_o place_n before_o cite_v give_v instruction_n to_o communicant_n how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o when_o they_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v both_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o cup_n he_o advise_v thus_o approach_v say_v he_o not_o rude_o stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n but_o bow_v thyself_o and_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n paris_n purpose_n 24_o hom._n ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n p._n 538._o to._n 9_o paris_n st._n chrysostom_n speak_v in_o his_o fourteen_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o he_o provoke_v and_o excite_v the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n to_o a_o awful_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n at_o the_o holy_a communion_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n after_o this_o manner_n this_o body_n the_o wise_a man_n revereneed_a even_o when_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o manger_n and_o approach_v thereunto_o worship_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o great_a tremble_n let_v we_o therefore_o who_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n imitate_v at_o least_o these_o barbarian_n but_o thou_o see_v this_o body_n not_o in_o a_o manger_n but_o on_o the_o altar_n not_o hold_v by_o a_o woman_n but_o by_o the_o priest_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a and_o manifest_v a_o much_o great_a reverence_n than_o those_o barbarian_n lest_o come_v light_o and_o at_o a_o venture_n we_o heap_v fire_n on_o our_o head_n the_o same_o father_n in_o another_o place_n express_o bid_v they_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o communicate_v when_o the_o table_n be_v make_v ready_a and_o the_o king_n himself_o there_o and_o in_o order_n to_o beget_v in_o their_o mind_n great_a and_o awful_a thought_n concern_v that_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a feast_n he_o further_o exhort_v they_o 1151._o they_o st._n chrys_n hom._n 3._o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n in_o moral_n p._n 1151._o that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o chancel_n door_n open_a than_o they_o shall_v suppose_v heaven_n itself_o be_v unfold_v from_o above_o and_o that_o the_o angel_n
reproof_n not_o on_o thing_n that_o be_v justifiable_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v defend_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o those_o part_n of_o it_o only_o but_o not_o for_o these_o last_o our_o symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n for_o we_o be_v scarce_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o she_o nor_o be_v we_o impose_v as_o necessary_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n severe_o condemn_v the_o jewish_a tradition_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o condemn_v only_o those_o by_o which_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o in_o which_o they_o place_v special_a holiness_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n 1._o the_o surplice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v solemn_o hallow_a etc._n etc._n but_o we_o use_v it_o only_o for_o distinction_n and_o uniformity_n and_o place_n no_o more_o holiness_n in_o it_o than_o in_o the_o hood_n which_o denote_v degree_n beside_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n minister_n do_v officiate_v in_o white_a garment_n and_o beza_n and_o calvin_n be_v bull._n be_v cont._n westph_n vol._n 1._o p._n 55._o epist_n ad_fw-la bull._n against_o contend_v about_o the_o surplice_n and_o i_o pray_v why_o be_v a_o minister_n be_v linen_n garment_n more_o popish_a than_o a_o lawyer_n be_v gown_n or_o a_o judge_n robe_n our_o famous_a hooker_n 5.228_o hooker_n eccles_n pol._n book_n 5.228_o say_v to_o solemn_a action_n of_o royalty_n and_o justice_n there_o suitable_a ornament_n be_v a_o beauty_n be_v they_o only_o in_o religion_n a_o stain_n 2._o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o use_v by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n she_o enjoin_v numberless_a cross_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o that_o sacrament_n but_o we_o retain_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n and_o have_v abolish_v all_o superstitious_a abuse_n of_o it_o 3._o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v require_v by_o we_o only_o as_o a_o reverend_a gesture_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o this_o kneel_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v perfect_o remove_v the_o papist_n indeed_o kneel_v to_o their_o host_n as_o to_o their_o god_n but_o we_o do_v nothing_o like_o they_o for_o we_o kneel_v not_o to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o at_o our_o receive_v of_o they_o now_o what_o they_o do_v on_o no_o reason_n why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v on_o the_o best_a especial_o when_o our_o church_n declare_v that_o adoration_n of_o the_o of_o the_o element_n be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o disuse_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n because_o the_o papist_n have_v make_v it_o a_o idol_n so_o we_o may_v continue_v our_o reverence_n though_o they_o have_v pay_v it_o adoration_n 4._o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n be_v most_o notorious_o abuse_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o office_n but_o we_o practise_v no_o superstition_n about_o it_o and_o use_v it_o not_o as_o a_o sacramental_a sign_n but_o as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o marriage_n vow_n last_o the_o feast_n and_o fast_n of_o our_o church_n can_v be_v just_o account_v popish_a for_o the_o time_n of_o assemble_v be_v a_o circumstance_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o can_v be_v leave_v to_o particular_a choice_n but_o must_v be_v determine_v in_o common_a and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n must_v be_v determine_v too_o in_o a_o ordinary_a orderly_a assembly_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n when_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o festival_n and_o when_o a_o fast_a as_o to_o the_o keep_v of_o the_o lord's-day_n our_o church_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n unless_o she_o will_v have_v rash_o depart_v from_o apostolical_a observation_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n as_o for_o the_o keep_v of_o easter_n she_o be_v under_o the_o like_a obligation_n the_o annual_a feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n the_o great_a lord's-day_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o weekly_a and_o as_o to_o the_o fast_a of_o good_a friday_n it_o be_v nigh_o as_o early_o as_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n they_o lament_v their_o sin_n our_o saviour_n die_v for_o on_o the_o friday_n before_o as_o constant_o as_o they_o commemorate_a his_o rising_n again_o for_o our_o salvation_n the_o sunday_n after_o and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o those_o two_o great_a day_n with_o more_o devotion_n there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o church_n some_o time_n beforehand_o set_v apart_o for_o better_a recollection_n and_o great_a preparation_n the_o number_n of_o day_n be_v in_o some_o place_n more_o in_o some_o less_o that_o of_o forty_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o western_a country_n and_o therefore_o be_v still_o keep_v and_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v as_o religious_o observe_v as_o it_o be_v pious_o appoint_v whitsunday_n too_o the_o day_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v be_v observe_v always_o and_o universal_o by_o the_o ancient_a church_n only_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o latter_a remembrance_n but_o yet_o before_o popery_n come_v in_o it_o be_v first_o observe_v in_o the_o western_a church_n and_o afterward_o take_v up_o by_o the_o eastern_a in_o st._n chrysostom_n time_n as_o it_o stand_v recommend_v by_o he_o to_o the_o people_n of_o antioch_n other_o time_n beside_o these_o have_v be_v appoint_v for_o our_o religious_a assembly_n in_o which_o beside_o the_o general_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o martyr_n be_v grateful_o remember_v and_o pious_o propose_v those_o day_n be_v call_v common_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n then_o particular_o commemorate_a not_o that_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o the_o saint_n or_o that_o the_o day_n be_v employ_v in_o his_o honour_n but_o because_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o memory_n or_o martyrdom_n we_o come_v together_o as_o to_o pay_v our_o other_o duty_n to_o our_o god_n so_o to_o thank_v he_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o example_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n heretofore_o when_o god_n have_v be_v bountiful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o saint_n increase_v in_o some_o proportion_n the_o day_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v that_o popery_n have_v both_o acknowledge_v saint_n to_o god_n which_o he_o may_v not_o own_v and_o give_v the_o true_a saint_n a_o honour_n which_o they_o must_v disclaim_v but_o with_o we_o the_o number_n of_o those_o day_n be_v not_o great_a than_o what_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n may_v well_o comply_v with_o and_o as_o the_o number_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o large_a so_o their_o sanctity_n sure_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o then_o on_o those_o day_n we_o neither_o beseech_v by_o their_o merit_n nor_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o their_o intercession_n you_o see_v then_o how_o unreasonable_a the_o objection_n of_o popery_n be_v here_o too_o but_o see_v to_o what_o absurdity_n it_o go_v on_o first_o it_o be_v suppose_v popery_n to_o keep_v a_o day_n in_o the_o memory_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o than_o it_o be_v think_v as_o popish_a to_o call_v he_o a_o saint_n a_o great_a person_n at_o geneva_n it_o seem_v presume_v it_o somewhat_o popish_a to_o observe_v sunday_n itself_o and_o consider_v about_o change_v the_o day_n nay_o some_o be_v so_o perverse_o superstitious_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o that_o that_o day_n on_o which_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n remember_v our_o saviour_n bitter_a passion_n have_v seem_v to_o they_o the_o fit_a for_o a_o feast_n and_o the_o time_n universal_o now_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o joyful_a memory_n of_o his_o bless_a nativity_n the_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o fast_a this_o indeed_o be_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n no_o it_o be_v like_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a to_o conclude_v by_o popery_n nothing_o can_v be_v mean_v but_o the_o corruption_n and_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o that_o church_n be_v once_o as_o fair_a speak_v of_o as_o its_o error_n be_v now_o and_o have_v she_o continue_v in_o that_o purity_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v of_o her_o communion_n and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o she_o no_o otherwise_o than_o she_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o herself_o and_o to_o have_v corrupt_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n as_o we_o must_v not_o receive_v the_o evil_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o good_a so_o we_o must_v not_o reject_v the_o
in_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o 5._o church-membership_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o church-communion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n due_o preach_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n join_v with_o those_o of_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n nay_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_n administration_n and_o therefore_o 4.4_o therefore_o act_n 2.47_o eph._n 5.23_o and_o 4.4_o since_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n since_o his_o ordinary_a method_n of_o save_a man_n be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n since_o chriâ—â—_n suffer_v for_o we_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v â—e_v say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o such_o man_n can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v unworthy_a receiver_n but_o 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o for_o we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o such_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n who_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o receiver_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o confirm_v ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n '_o tâ—s_v true_a that_o none_o but_o convert_v or_o baptise_a person_n must_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v those_o who_o be_v already_o baptise_a to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o holiness_n than_o this_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n for_o what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o the_o sacrament_n represent_v to_o we_o wherein_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o three_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n who_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n in_o sin_v that_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o 24._o in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.39_o and_o 19.18_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o 7_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v grow_v very_o scandalous_a yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n and_o hypocrite_n devour_v widow_n house_n and_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n matth._n 15.6_o 7_o 8._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v a_o separation_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v seat_n say_v he_o all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n 23.2_o 3._o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 11.18_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o and_o 3.3_o and_o 5.1_o and_o 11.18_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o 11.28_o but_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v what_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz._n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strise_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brethren_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridle_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o
themselves_o own_o our_o sermon_n to_o be_v real_o good_a and_o though_o some_o few_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o true_a design_n of_o preach_v yet_o in_o general_a man_n may_v edify_v very_o well_o among_o we_o nor_o have_v there_o be_v for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n a_o clergy_n so_o learned_a pious_a prudent_a and_o industrious_a to_o edify_v man_n soul_n as_o now_o be_v in_o the_o english_a church_n ii_o because_o those_o who_o make_v this_o pretence_n do_v common_o mistake_v better_a edification_n and_o sure_o to_o desert_n the_o plain_a and_o great_a duty_n of_o church-communion_n for_o disputable_a or_o mistake_a edification_n be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n now_o the_o mistake_n of_o these_o man_n be_v principal_o three_o 1._o in_o take_v nice_a notion_n for_o edify_v truth_n he_o that_o discourse_n about_o angel_n separate_a soul_n the_o situation_n of_o paradise_n and_o hell_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v think_v a_o sound_a divine_a than_o he_o that_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n plain_o by_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conversation_n such_o thing_n pass_v with_o too_o many_o for_o save_v truth_n and_o many_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a man_n that_o espouse_v party_n and_o interest_n ready_o embrace_v they_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o have_v itch_a ear_n 2_o tim._n 4.3_o if_o the_o food_n though_o wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v not_o to_o their_o fancy_n they_o complain_v of_o starve_v bring_v but_o a_o honest_a sincere_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o you_o may_v edify_v in_o a_o worse_a church_n than_o we_o but_o otherwise_o the_o best_a doctrine_n will_v be_v insipid_a to_o you_o place_v edification_n in_o the_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n which_o our_o church_n press_v upon_o we_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n for_o these_o thing_n alone_o do_v true_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o these_o all_o religion_n tend_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n rom._n 14.17_o now_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o be_v so_o strong_o enjoin_v and_o zealous_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n we_o need_v not_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o edification_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o other_o nourishment_n be_v spiritual_a pride_n and_o wantonness_n wherefore_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n the_o food_n of_o your_o understanding_n and_o not_o of_o your_o fancy_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o for_o if_o you_o have_v but_o such_o a_o increase_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o hear_v meek_o god_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o pure_a affection_n you_o can_v not_o easy_o fail_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o sinful_a to_o give_v man_n a_o liberty_n to_o run_v from_o any_o establish_a church_n for_o better_a edificaton_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o easy_o mistake_v and_o may_v we_o not_o add_v that_o when_o a_o quarrel_n arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a denial_n of_o the_o minister_n due_n than_o he_o be_v call_v dull_a and_o a_o better_a must_v be_v seek_v elsewhere_o thus_o one_o fault_n help_v out_o another_o and_o defamation_n must_v excuse_v the_o schism_n 2._o in_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o party_n for_o essential_a truth_n this_o those_o man_n do_v that_o be_v wed_v to_o a_o party_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o explain_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o way_n they_o cry_v we_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n truth_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v edify_v they_o be_v weaken_a in_o their_o faith_n the_o early_a and_o best_a christian_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o know_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o man_n be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o old_a way_n otherwise_o they_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obedience_n to_o governor_n which_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o better_a edification_n 3._o in_o take_v sudden_a heat_n and_o warmth_n arise_v from_o melt_a tone_n and_o other_o art_n for_o edification_n whereas_o a_o bright_a or_o a_o lower_a day_n or_o a_o do_v of_o physic_n can_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v often_o happen_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n according_a as_o these_o heat_n and_o bodily_a passion_n be_v stir_v so_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n the_o ministry_n be_v edify_v or_o unprofitable_a but_o sound_n and_o solid_a reason_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o edification_n whereas_o the_o silly_a and_o weak_a who_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o these_o heat_n and_o cold_n be_v inconstant_a and_o turn_v round_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o person_n be_v all_o sail_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o toss_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n iii_o because_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v cause_v endless_a division_n in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v and_o the_o governor_n must_v not_o restrain_v he_o therefore_o people_n may_v run_v from_o teacher_n to_o teacher_n to_o find_v out_o better_a edification_n ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o and_o when_o once_o they_o have_v tear_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o piece_n than_o envy_n detraction_n strife_n murmur_n fierceness_n and_o numberless_a other_o mischief_n will_v come_v in_o and_o that_o which_o divide_v they_o from_o the_o church_n will_v crumble_v they_o into_o endless_a party_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o enemy_n but_o all_o this_o will_v be_v avoid_v if_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o schism_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v paint_v forth_o in_o the_o black_a colour_n iv_o because_o this_o be_v a_o discouragement_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o true_o christian_a ministry_n for_o if_o the_o flock_v run_v from_o a_o pastor_n that_o instruct_v they_o right_o upon_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v it_o not_o cool_v his_o zeal_n check_v his_o labour_n and_o affront_v his_o person_n and_o office_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v to_o the_o best_a pastor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o and_o the_o most_o judicious_a dissenter_n have_v complain_v of_o it_o though_o upon_o this_o principle_n it_o can_v be_v remedy_v because_o the_o people_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o ought_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v scorn_v and_o discountenance_v and_o have_v their_o ministry_n render_v useless_a for_o the_o fancy_n peevishness_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pastor_n be_v idle_a or_o unsound_a in_o doctrine_n i_o answer_v that_o our_o governor_n upon_o a_o just_a and_o modest_a complaint_n will_v quicken_v the_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a and_o correct_v the_o heretical_a pastor_n and_o restore_v the_o flock_n to_o true_a edification_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o separation_n as_o those_o who_o have_v leisure_n may_v find_v in_o these_o book_n of_o they_o which_o i_o have_v quote_v 8._o quote_v see_v hildersh_n lect._n 28_o 29.54_o 58_o 66._o methermeneut_n p._n 71_o 72_o 74._o baxter_n cure_n p._n 359._o his_o defence_n part_v 1._o p._n 85._o his_o farewell-sermon_n continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exer._n serm._n 4._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o burroughs_n irenic_n c._n 12_o 23._o platform_n pref._n p._n 7._o etc._n etc._n 13._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 4._o brinsly_n arraignment_n p._n 48._o cawdry_n independ_v a_o schism_n p._n 50._o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 246._o tuckney_n serm._n on_o act_n 9.31_o jus_fw-la diu._n min._n evangel_n p._n 11_o 12._o letter_n of_o the_o minist_n in_o old-eng_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o new-eng_n p._n 13._o nye'_v case_n of_o great_a use_n p._n 3_o 25._o tombes_n theodul_n c._n 9_o §._o 8._o at_o the_o bottom_n but_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o know_v some_o person_n will_v object_v that_o our_o minister_n be_v unedifying_a preacher_n for_o they_o can_v profit_v by_o their_o sermon_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v these_o man_n full_a satisfaction_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v right_o open_v and_o due_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n so_o that_o the_o hearer_n improve_v in_o christian_a knowledge_n or_o in_o faith_n or_o in_o well-doing_n than_o they_o profit_v by_o that_o sermon_n now_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o improve_v
their_o separation_n upon_o these_o account_n that_o they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a and_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n they_o except_v against_o be_v real_o forbid_v by_o god_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o then_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v that_o they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v which_o be_v not_o real_o forbid_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o think_v so_o they_o can_v act_v against_o their_o mistake_a conscience_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v require_v nothing_o that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o particular_a objection_n against_o our_o establishment_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o in_o the_o several_a forego_v chapter_n the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o be_v this_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o justify_v his_o break_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o my_o false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o just_a cause_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o ask_v this_o question_n when_o st._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o persecute_v christian_n be_v his_o persecution_n sinful_a or_o no_o yes_o sure_o for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o lawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v he_o before_o god_n for_o do_v that_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v well_o before_z they_o separate_z for_o schism_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n and_o as_o vehement_o speak_v against_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o father_n as_o any_o sin_n whatever_o let_v dissenter_n look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o their_o false_a persuasion_n that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o make_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n this_o matter_n will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v suppose_v a_o papist_n that_o hearty_o believe_v popery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o worship_v image_n and_o the_o host_n this_o person_n will_v certain_o abhor_v these_o practice_n do_v he_o think_v they_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v all_o charge_n such_o papist_n with_o idolatry_n though_o they_o disclaim_v it_o and_o profess_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o such_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v so_o let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_n for_o a_o man_n be_v false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n now_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o causeless_a separation_n be_v as_o proper_o schism_n as_o worship_v a_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o schismatic_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v as_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n a_o man_n mistake_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o will_v more_o or_o less_o excuse_v he_o before_o god_n in_o both_o instance_n but_o it_o can_v change_v the_o nature_n either_o of_o schism_n or_o idolatry_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o answer_v he_o be_v to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n and_o then_o he_o may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n now_o the_o only_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o lay_v aside_o pride_n passion_n interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o endeavour_v serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o understand_v his_o duty_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n advise_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n practise_v all_o undoubted_a duty_n and_o beg_v god_n assistance_n for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o first_o we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o than_o i_o be_o persuade_v our_o scandalous_a division_n will_v present_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o alas_o we_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v sure_o they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o for_o the_o text_n they_o produce_v be_v such_o as_o have_v they_o in_o the_o least_o examine_v they_o can_v scarce_o have_v be_v wrest_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n nay_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v think_v better_o of_o our_o way_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v inconvenient_a yet_o a_o lay-person_n may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n in_o short_a most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n and_o scarce_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n show_v we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o end_n to_o serve_v by_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o way_n be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v he_o thither_o that_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o church-division_n be_v modest_a humble_a and_o docible_a and_o believe_v that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v that_o think_v his_o governor_n may_v be_v wise_a than_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o authority_n a_o man_n that_o where_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o thwart_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n endeavour_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v and_o to_o that_o end_n beg_v god_n assistance_n and_o use_v the_o best_a help_n and_o guide_v he_o can_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n and_o be_v bias_v neither_o way_n i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n and_o we_o ready_o grant_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o but_o then_o we_o must_v add_v that_o we_o believe_v such_o a_o man_n will_v soon_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o his_o duty_n also_o to_o conform_v second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v real_o do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v though_o his_o separation_n be_v material_o a_o schism_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o all_o those_o that_o commit_v schism_n be_v not_o equal_o guilty_a of_o it_o those_o that_o separate_v to_o serve_v a_o turn_n
best_a policy_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a that_o can_v be_v establish_v will_v have_v some_o flaw_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v bear_v and_o tolerate_v some_o inconvenience_n will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n arise_v that_o never_o can_v be_v foresee_v or_o provide_v against_o and_o to_o make_v alteration_n upon_o every_o emergent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v often_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o pretend_v to_o cure_v by_o it_o let_v the_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o government_n discipline_n public_a worship_n be_v most_o exact_a and_o blameless_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v fault_n in_o governor_n and_o minister_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o men._n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o this_o world_n a_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n that_o consist_v only_o of_o saint_n in_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v amiss_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o advantage_n against_o it_o man_n must_v be_v willing_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o put_v candid_a construction_n and_o favourable_a interpretation_n upon_o thing_n and_o not_o strain_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o they_o 6._o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v not_o conquer_v a_o man_n scruple_n then_o let_v he_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o act_n against_o they_o but_o here_o i_o easy_o imagine_v some_o ready_a present_o to_o ask_v i_o do_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o such_o scrupulous_a person_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a thing_n and_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n will_v be_v altogether_o unpracticable_a if_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o suspend_v join_v himself_o to_o it_o till_o he_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o expediency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v or_o be_v in_o use_n in_o that_o church_n for_o indeed_o private_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o convenient_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-goverment_n discipline_n or_o public_a worship_n any_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n of_o state_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n belong_v to_o superior_n and_o if_o they_o appoint_v what_o be_v indecent_a or_o inconvenient_a they_o only_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o inferior_n who_o join_v with_o such_o worship_n or_o yield_v to_o such_o injunction_n not_o plain_o sinful_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o encourage_v man_n to_o venture_v blindfold_a on_o sin_n or_o to_o neglect_v any_o reasonable_a care_n of_o their_o action_n but_o if_o people_n raise_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n they_o can_v start_v before_o they_o proceed_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o manifest_a impiety_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v plain_o nor_o by_o any_o easy_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o can_v but_o occasion_v infinite_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_v to_o man_n mind_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a conscience_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o persuade_v that_o what_o be_v require_v be_v forbid_v by_o god_n because_o by_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o light_n and_o doubtful_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o full_o satisfy_v about_o our_o conformity_n to_o all_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n we_o may_v presume_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a unless_o they_o plain_o appear_v to_o we_o otherwise_o if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o this_o principle_n will_v introduce_v popery_n and_o make_v people_n without_o any_o examination_n submit_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o their_o superior_n please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o popery_n which_o god_n have_v manifest_o forbid_v which_o render_v our_o separation_n from_o it_o necessary_a whereas_o we_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a only_a doubtful_a or_o rather_o not_o so_o good_a as_o may_v be_v devise_v and_o this_o sure_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.14_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a it_o be_v unclean_a do_v he_o not_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v v._o 23._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o answer_v yes_o but_o then_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n i_o suppose_v the_o person_n tolerable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o he_o have_v some_o little_a exception_n against_o it_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o which_o case_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o very_o weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n of_o though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-plays_a or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischieâ—_n 1._o all_o fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o except_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a
to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n or_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_n as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_n communion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v long_o be_v join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n which_o sin_n say_v they_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 18.6_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom._n 14.15_o these_o person_n i_o design_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o show_v that_o no_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o 3._o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n i._o then_o a_o weak_a brother_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o scripture_n language_n denote_v one_o new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o neither_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n nor_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o same_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o apostle_n a_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v call_v our_o new-birth_n and_o the_o convert_v be_v for_o a_o while_n reckon_v as_o in_o a_o infant_n state_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v most_o gentle_o use_v till_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o full_a age_n heb._n 5.14_o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v sudden_o fly_v back_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n for_o they_o have_v be_v jew_n and_o gentile_n retain_v still_o a_o great_a love_n for_o many_o of_o their_o old_a custom_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v mighty_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la to_o overcome_v the_o old_a man_n be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o first_o treat_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n imaginable_a the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n will_v not_o stand_v rigid_o on_o any_o little_a matter_n but_o tolerate_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a afterward_o to_o be_v do_v away_o hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o mistake_v they_o now_o labour_v under_o hence_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n concern_v weak_a brethren_n be_v not_o stand_v law_n equal_o oblige_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o infant-state_n of_o the_o church_n till_o christianity_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o his_o compliance_n be_v to_o win_v many_o to_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9.19_o now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o be_v to_o spread_v christianity_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n but_o his_o direction_n and_o practice_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v the_o national_a religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n which_o we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o at_o our_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o remove_v every_o straw_n out_o of_o child_n way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v men._n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother-tongue_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2.9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissenter_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2._o the_o dissenter_n according_a to_o their_o weak_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o far_a off_o from_o be_v weak_a christian_n in_o any_o sense_n they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o ignorant_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o
by_o the_o passion_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n whatever_o condescension_n may_v be_v due_a to_o the_o weak_a yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v they_o shall_v govern_v the_o wise_a and_o who_o can_v govern_v more_o absolute_o than_o those_o who_o none_o must_v displease_v since_o then_o scandalize_a or_o give_v offence_n do_v not_o signify_v do_v something_o which_o another_o take_v ill_a i_o design_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n the_o greek_a word_n which_o we_o translate_v scandal_n or_o offence_n signify_v either_o a_o trap_n or_o snare_n or_o else_o more_o common_o something_o lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o another_o which_o occasion_n his_o stumble_a or_o fall_v by_o which_o he_o be_v bruise_v and_o hurt_v and_o so_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v man_n from_o become_v christ_n disciple_n or_o make_v they_o entertain_v unworthy_a thought_n of_o their_o profession_n or_o discourage_v they_o in_o it_o or_o tempt_v they_o to_o forsake_v it_o be_v call_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n it_o be_v sometime_o render_v a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v rom._n 14.13_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v 1_o joh._n 2.10_o a_o stumble_a block_n rev._n 2.14_o or_o a_o thing_n that_o do_v offend_v matth._n 13.41_o in_o all_o which_o place_n there_o be_v the_o same_o original_a word_n hence_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v any_o one_o as_o it_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o 1.23_o the_o see_v matth._n 17.27_o and_o 26.31_o mark_v 4.17_o and_o 6.3_o joh._n 6.61_o 1._o cor._n 1.23_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o do_v something_o which_o tend_v to_o fright_v he_o from_o christianity_n to_o make_v he_o think_v hardly_o of_o it_o or_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v he_o repent_v of_o his_o conversion_n so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o his_o ruin_n and_o undo_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o word_n hence_o i_o observe_v four_o thing_n 1._o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o those_o be_v not_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o be_v offend_v for_o how_o can_v they_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n who_o be_v so_o easy_o draw_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n 2._o that_o man_n that_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v scandalize_v at_o what_o another_o man_n do_v speak_v false_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o sin_n ignorant_o whereas_o his_o say_n so_o confute_v his_o ignorance_n for_o if_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n he_o commit_v it_o wilful_o 3._o since_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a signify_v tempt_a to_o sin_n there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o offend_a any_o one_o by_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o use_v in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v comply_v with_o without_o sin_n for_o the_o man_n that_o fear_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a be_v suppose_v to_o be_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o conformity_n be_v lawful_a and_o how_o then_o shall_v he_o fear_v that_o his_o example_n will_v tempt_v other_o to_o sin_n in_o do_v a_o innocent_a action_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o what_o i_o do_v be_v lawful_a yet_o it_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o do_v something_o else_o that_o be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o i_o may_v become_v true_o guilty_a of_o give_v offence_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v accountable_a only_o for_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o our_o action_n and_o not_o for_o such_o consequence_n as_o wicked_a or_o silly_a man_n may_v draw_v from_o they_o for_o at_o that_o rate_n a_o man_n can_v not_o speak_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o give_v scandal_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o i_o be_o satisfy_v myself_o yet_o i_o may_v by_o my_o example_n tempt_v other_o that_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o that_o think_v conformity_n to_o be_v sinful_a to_o follow_v i_o with_o a_o doubt_v or_o gainsay_v conscience_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o go_v to_o separate_v meeting_n against_o one_o conscience_n as_o to_o conform_v against_o one_o conscience_n and_o the_o man_n ought_v to_o fear_v lest_o he_o draw_v some_o to_o separate_v meeting_n against_o their_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o he_o fear_v the_o draw_v of_o other_o to_o church_n against_o their_o conscience_n the_o influence_n of_o his_o example_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o instance_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n be_v equal_a and_o therefore_o his_o own_o persuasion_n must_v determine_v his_o practice_n 2._o a_o man_n that_o be_v satisfy_v himself_o aught_o to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v other_o especial_o those_o who_o he_o former_o persuade_v to_o separation_n by_o his_o example_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o he_o have_v do_v what_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o prevent_v the_o ill_a effect_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v far_o answerable_a for_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o he_o do_v 4._o since_o scandalize_a be_v lead_n into_o sin_n we_o may_v scandalize_v other_o as_o soon_o by_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o by_o thwart_v their_o humour_n st._n paul_n who_o circumcise_a timothy_n act_v 16.3_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v forsake_v the_o faith_n refuse_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n gal._n 2.3_o though_o he_o anger_v the_o jew_n by_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v the_o jewish_a law_n still_o in_o force_n and_o this_o he_o do_v because_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n be_v different_a if_o he_o have_v please_v they_o he_o have_v true_o scandalize_v they_o by_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n mr._n baxter_n say_v in_o his_o cure_n of_o church-division_n many_o a_o time_n i_o have_v the_o rather_o go_v to_o the_o common-prayer_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o same_o man_n that_o call_v the_o go_n to_o they_o a_o scandal_n that_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a separation_n and_o error_n because_o i_o know_v that_o be_v not_o scandal_n which_o they_o call_v scandal_n that_o be_v displease_v they_o and_o cross_v their_o opinion_n but_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o error_n or_o other_o sin_n be_v true_a scandalize_a understand_v this_o or_o you_o will_v displease_v god_n under_o pretence_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n p._n 135._o this_o sure_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v of_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o shall_v go_v to_o church_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o to_o a_o conventicle_n in_o the_o afternoon_n who_o halt_v between_o both_o and_o will_v fain_o displease_v neither_o side_n but_o indeed_o give_v real_a offence_n to_o both_o from_o all_o this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n but_o be_v afraid_a of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o his_o principle_n aught_o to_o hasten_v the_o fast_o to_o his_o parish-church_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v those_o very_a dissenter_n of_o who_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o tender_a iii_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o suppose_v notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v true_o weak_a person_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o danger_n of_o their_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n offend_v by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v i_o shall_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v such_o offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brethren_n for_o first_o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v other_o be_v scandalize_v we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v rom._n 3.8_o we_o must_v not_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n ourselves_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a sin_n in_o another_o the_o very_o best_a thing_n may_v be_v pervert_v and_o christ_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v set_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o luke_n 2.24_o but_o this_o do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n law_n if_o offence_n be_v take_v at_o my_o do_v any_o duty_n those_o only_a that_o be_v offend_v be_v chargeable_a with_o it_o since_o those_o who_o fear_v give_v offence_n do_v themselves_o think_v conformity_n
we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o duty_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o affair_n for_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n according_a to_o circumstance_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o give_v certain_a rule_n for_o man_n charity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o fix_v the_o proportion_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v of_o his_o estate_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o positive_o to_o tell_v how_o far_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o forego_v his_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o brother_n this_o whole_a matter_n say_v dr._n hammond_n disc_n of_o scan_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o christian_n pious_a discretion_n or_o prudence_n it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o either_o to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o any_o indifferent_a action_n remain_v such_o according_a as_o that_o piety_n and_o that_o prudence_n shall_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v most_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o man_n soul_n second_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o if_o this_o matter_n be_v right_o consider_v we_o shall_v soon_o fâ—â—d_v ourselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v upon_o this_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n than_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o 1._o our_o separation_n harden_v other_o dissenter_n in_o their_o persuasion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o conformity_n for_o they_o will_v think_v we_o separate_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v true_a scandalize_a they_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a cause_n 2._o whatever_o sect_n we_o join_v with_o we_o offend_v all_o the_o other_o party_n who_o sometime_o speak_v as_o hardly_o of_o one_o another_o as_o of_o the_o conformist_n 3._o hereby_o great_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o conformist_n for_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o public_a condemn_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n distaste_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o well-meaning_a but_o least-knowing_a member_n of_o it_o 4._o scandal_n be_v thereby_o give_v to_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sinful_a to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o offend_a a_o prince_n a_o parliament_n &_o c_o no_o scandal_n take_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o great_a as_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n 5._o hereby_o scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n who_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o own_o way_n because_o they_o only_o have_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n the_o papist_n always_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o our_o division_n whereas_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v this_o weapon_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n 6._o separation_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudices_fw-la men_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n they_o have_v cause_v shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n and_o now_o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o answer_v those_o plea_n by_o which_o the_o dissenter_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o nothing_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o add_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n &_o due_o consider_v what_o i_o offer_v to_o you_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o nothing_o but_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v charge_v our_o church_n with_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o defend_v your_o practice_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n that_o may_v be_v contrive_v better_o yet_o every_o defect_n or_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n be_v not_o warrant_n enough_o to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n which_o a_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o be_v alter_v but_o whether_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v appoint_v which_o will_v make_v a_o alteration_n not_o only_o desirable_a but_o necessary_a &_o whether_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v till_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o she_o have_v corrupt_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o require_v her_o member_n to_o join_v in_o these_o corruption_n but_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a mr._n caâ—â—â—â—_n 12._o caâ—â—â—â—_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o sect_n 10_o 11_o 12._o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n keep_v up_o there_o be_v the_o plain_a appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o authority_n no_o man_n may_v safe_o despise_v or_o reject_v its_o admonition_n or_o resist_v its_o counsel_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o its_o discipline_n much_o less_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o violate_v its_o unity_n for_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o obstinate_o separate_v from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o such_o a_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n as_o if_o he_o have_v particular_o design_v it_o against_o your_o own_o practice_n nay_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n tell_v you_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o yourself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o you_o by_o forbear_v what_o you_o dislike_v as_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o case_n will_v bear_v this_o wantonness_n and_o whether_o such_o expression_n be_v consistent_a with_o your_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o confess_v to_o make_v out_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o i_o think_v it_o hard_o that_o a_o public_a rule_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v reason_n enough_o to_o justify_v thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o compliance_n without_o more_o ado_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o union_n till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n in_o our_o case_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o change_n though_o in_o
prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a in_o the_o three_o chapter_n 3._o show_v we_o any_o church_n that_o do_v not_o always_o observe_v festival_n in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n 4._o name_v any_o one_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o have_v not_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o exception_n as_o those_o that_o we_o use_v nay_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n if_o any_o at_o all_o require_v by_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n nay_o far_o i_o can_v easy_o etc._n easy_o see_v durel_n be_v view_n of_o the_o goverm_n etc._n etc._n and_z spirit_n be_v cassend_v anglic._n p._n 123_o etc._n etc._n show_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n be_v either_o practise_v in_o foreign_a church_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v of_o by_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o reformation_n consider_v also_o that_o separation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n as_o mr._n baxter_n 52._o baxter_n defence_n p._n 27_o 52._o have_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n and_o therefore_o the_o papist_n have_v use_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o destroy_v it_o and_o particular_o by_o division_n they_o have_v attempt_v to_o pull_v it_o down_o by_o pretend_a protestant_a hand_n and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o you_o to_o bring_v about_o their_o own_o design_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n strenuous_o promote_v the_o separation_n and_o mix_v themselves_o with_o you_o they_o have_v put_v on_o every_o shape_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o follow_v the_o common_a outery_n against_o the_o church_n as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a spur_v you_o on_o to_o call_v for_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o clamour_n for_o liberty_n 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