one_o in_o this_o question_n a_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v by_o chance_n happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o we_o prove_v it_o by_o this_o reason_n which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n must_v own_v for_o true_a and_o good_a because_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o his_o own_o than_o other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o rather_o to_o avoid_v sin_n in_o himself_o than_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o his_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o whether_o any_o human_a authority_n can_v make_v that_o action_n cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a which_o if_o do_v without_o any_o such_o command_n have_v be_v criminal_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scandal_n that_o follow_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a can_v secure_v that_o other_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v by_o what_o i_o do_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o their_o command_n but_o than_o it_o do_v free_v i_o from_o all_o guilt_n and_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o to_o become_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v which_o if_o i_o have_v do_v needless_o without_o any_o great_a reason_n and_o my_o brother_n have_v be_v hurt_v and_o his_o conscience_n wound_v by_o it_o may_v have_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o uncharitableness_n great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o scandal_n be_v more_o or_o less_o probable_a to_o follow_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n otherwise_o obligatory_a do_v not_o lose_v their_o bind_a force_n because_o of_o some_o scandal_n that_o may_v possible_o happen_v from_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o or_o else_o all_o authority_n be_v utter_o void_a and_o insignificant_a and_o every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o himself_o please_v for_o to_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o allow_v man_n under_o pretence_n that_o some_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v thereat_o to_o disobey_v law_n and_o constitution_n make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o bring_v both_o magistrate_n and_o law_n into_o contempt_n for_o what_o law_n ever_o be_v make_v or_o can_v be_v make_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o some_o man_n or_o other_o either_o do_v or_o may_v take_v offence_n thereat_o whether_o such_o a_o constitution_n or_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v scandalous_a or_o no_o every_o one_o must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o hurtfulness_n of_o what_o be_v require_v he_o be_v free_a to_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o which_o be_v direct_o to_o dissolve_v all_o government_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o certain_a disorder_n and_o everlasting_a confusion_n every_o one_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n be_v a_o main_a duty_n of_o charity_n may_v superior_n therefore_o at_o their_o pleasure_n appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n then_o sure_o a_o inferior_a earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o heaven_n this_o mr._n jean_n urge_v also_o out_o of_o amesius_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o reply_v that_o here_o be_v no_o cross_v the_o determination_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v his_o express_a will_n that_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n we_o shall_v obey_v our_o governor_n and_o he_o who_o have_v make_v this_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n the_o mischief_n that_o may_v sometime_o without_o our_o fault_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n follow_v from_o it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v as_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o superior_n shall_v appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v exercise_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o private_a christian_n shall_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n cancel_v the_o public_a law_n or_o that_o every_o ignorant_a and_o froward_a brother_n shall_v determine_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o charity_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n especial_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o duty_n of_o justice_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n before_o we_o give_v a_o alm_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o exact_v of_o we_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accuse_v we_o of_o injury_n if_o we_o perform_v it_o not_o but_o a_o great_a care_n to_o hinder_v sin_n in_o other_o or_o not_o to_o scandalize_v they_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o after_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o what_o be_v his_o due_a and_o right_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o forenamed_a most_o judicious_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o superior_a to_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o brethren_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v one_o man_n wrong_a to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o courtesy_n withal_o or_o than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v the_o exchequer_n to_o relieve_v a_o hospital_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la dicat_fw-la ut_fw-la habeamus_fw-la quod_fw-la demus_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la faciamus_fw-la furta_fw-la divitibus_fw-la who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o steal_v from_o the_o rich_a what_o we_o may_v bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v tax_n on_o pretence_n that_o you_o know_v those_o who_o have_v more_o need_n of_o your_o money_n to_o this_o mr._n jean_n reply_v suppose_v say_v he_o the_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o a_o debt_n of_o charity_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o legal_a debt_n since_o he_o may_v and_o do_v challenge_v it_o as_o due_a and_o we_o do_v he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o here_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o both_o be_v require_v by_o god_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o charity_n which_o god_n require_v when_o i_o give_v to_o those_o in_o want_n what_o be_v none_o of_o i_o own_o this_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n or_o expression_n of_o that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o brother_n to_o do_v he_o good_a by_o wrong_v our_o superior_n god_n have_v oblige_v servant_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a to_o their_o power_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o master_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n require_v from_o they_o to_o give_v away_o their_o master_n good_n without_o his_o leave_n though_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o relief_n god_n have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o be_v any_o occasion_n of_o their_o brother_n sin_n or_o fall_v but_o then_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o management_n in_o all_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n we_o be_v bind_v charitable_o to_o regard_v our_o brother_n but_o in_o instance_n where_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n our_o superior_n only_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n without_o violate_v the_o right_a of_o our_o superior_n it_o remain_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o great_a bishop_n in_o what_o case_n soever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n of_o circumstance_n we_o have_v nothing_o permit_v to_o our_o choice_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o remit_v of_o the_o right_n of_o god_n or_o our_o superior_a and_o to_o comply_v with_o our_o neighbour_n in_o such_o
name_n since_o we_o may_v as_o well_o and_o true_o offer_v it_o in_o his_o name_n though_o he_o be_v not_o name_v in_o it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v and_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v true_a he_o do_v not_o express_v his_o name_n in_o it_o because_o as_o yet_o they_o to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o be_v not_o to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v but_o now_o that_o he_o be_v ascend_v we_o can_v as_o well_o offer_v it_o in_o his_o name_n as_o if_o his_o name_n have_v be_v express_v in_o it_o how_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o he_o do_v not_o direct_v they_o to_o offer_v it_o in_o his_o name_n before_o his_o ascension_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v offer_v it_o in_o his_o name_n afterward_o especial_o consider_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v so_o frame_v it_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o mediation_n be_v to_o be_v more_o full_o explain_v to_o they_o they_o can_v not_o offer_v it_o at_o all_o but_o in_o and_o through_o his_o mediation_n for_o now_o that_o we_o understand_v his_o mediation_n we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o he_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o thus_o invoke_v god_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n we_o must_v implicit_o invoke_v he_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v peculiarly_a our_o father_n since_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o compose_v this_o form_n as_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n his_o follower_n can_v offer_v it_o up_o no_o otherwise_o but_o in_o and_o through_o his_o mediation_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n that_o he_o intend_v that_o after_o his_o ascension_n they_o shall_v offer_v it_o in_o his_o mediation_n though_o his_o name_n be_v not_o express_v in_o it_o and_o what_o though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v express_v and_o always_o have_v be_v in_o the_o prayer_n immediate_o precede_v it_o for_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v command_v we_o to_o use_v this_o form_n at_o least_o in_o our_o public_a worship_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o no_o other_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v use_v beside_o either_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a and_o if_o we_o use_v another_o prayer_n before_o it_o we_o may_v express_v in_o the_o transition_n to_o it_o as_o we_o ordinary_o do_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n since_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v our_o father_n we_o do_v implicit_o pray_v in_o christ_n mediation_n and_o also_o explicit_o in_o the_o prayer_n annex_v to_o it_o how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o christ_n name_n be_v not_o express_v in_o it_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v we_o shall_v offer_v it_o in_o his_o mediation_n or_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v it_o for_o a_o stand_a form_n 3._o that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n use_v it_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n either_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v it_o for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o his_o religion_n together_o with_o those_o miraculous_a work_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o christian_a assembly_n shall_v be_v record_v in_o it_o than_o that_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v recite_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o creed_n or_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o new_a testament_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a prayer_n that_o they_o use_v in_o their_o public_a assembly_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o they_o use_v no_o prayer_n at_o all_o notwithstanding_o our_o lord_n command_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n notwithstanding_o he_o command_v they_o to_o say_v our_o father_n or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v 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 since_o notwithstanding_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o do_v so_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o record_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o their_o baptise_v any_o person_n in_o that_o form_n so_o that_o from_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n omit_v the_o lord_n prayer_n notwithstanding_o he_o once_o command_v they_o to_o use_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o those_o who_o live_v near_a the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o they_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a do_v always_o use_v this_o form_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o believe_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v so_o for_o thus_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_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 vid._n lucian_n philop._n and_o tertullian_n who_o live_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostolical_a age_n discourse_v of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n tell_v we_o that_o novis_fw-la discipulis_fw-la novi_fw-la testamenti_fw-la christus_fw-la novam_fw-la orationis_fw-la formam_fw-la determinavit_fw-la i._n e._n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o new_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o his_o new_a disciple_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n his_o junior_n reckon_v his_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n among_o those_o divine_a and_o wholesome_a precept_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o his_o people_n and_o a_o little_a after_o oremus_fw-la say_v he_o fratres_n dilectissimi_fw-la sicut_fw-la magister_fw-la docuit_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v we_o pray_v as_o our_o master_n have_v teach_v we_o let_v the_o father_n own_o the_o word_n of_o his_o son_n and_o since_o say_v he_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n when_o we_o ask_v pardon_n for_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o ask_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o advocate_n and_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o prevail_v for_o what_o we_o ask_v in_o christ_n name_n if_o we_o ask_v in_o his_o prayer_n de_fw-fr orat._n domin_n so_o st._n cyril_n acquaint_v we_o that_o after_o the_o general_a prayer_n for_o all_o man_n follow_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o prayer_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n cyril_n cat._n mist_n 5._o thus_o also_o st._n jerom_n docuit_fw-la apostolos_fw-la ut_fw-la quotidie_fw-la in_o corporis_fw-la illius_fw-la sacrificio_fw-la credentes_fw-la audeant_fw-la loqui_fw-la pater_fw-la noster_fw-la hieron_n in_o pelag._n l._n 3._o and_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v every_o day_n say_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o that_o almost_o every_o church_n conclude_v with_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n speak_v of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o forgive_v injury_n tell_v they_o etc._n etc._n when_o thou_o say_v forgive_v we_o 〈◊〉_d hom._n 42._o 50._o ep_n 59_o ad_fw-la paul_n qu._n 5._o st._n chrysde_n simultat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o forgive_v thou_o beg_v god_n to_o deny_v thou_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o ordinary_a use_n in_o his_o age_n and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o think_v matter_n of_o duty_n to_o use_v it_o syllabical_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v but_o say_v he_o you_o will_v say_v i_o dare_v not_o say_v forgive_v i_o as_o i_o forgive_v but_o only_o forgive_v i_o to_o which_o have_v answer_v that_o however_o he_o say_v it_o god_n will_v forgive_v he_o as_o he_o forgive_v he_o conclude_v thus_o do_v not_o imagine_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o be_v secure_v from_o this_o danger_n by_o not_o pronounce_v all_o the_o prayer_n do_v not_o therefore_o curtail_v it_o but_o as_o it_o be_v institute_v so_o use_v it_o that_o so_o the_o necessity_n of_o daily_o use_v the_o whole_a may_v compel_v thou_o to_o forgive_v thy_o brother_n and_o st._n gregory_n express_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 6._o ep._n l._n 7._o c._n 6._o do_v always_o
strong_o enforce_v upon_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o prayer_n which_o among_o they_o be_v better_o compose_v and_o more_o fervent_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o there_o be_v better_o frame_v and_o order_v to_o affect_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o true_o christian_n man_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v explain_v and_o premise_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n will_v be_v find_v true_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o question_n stand_v be_v false_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o better_a edification_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o apt_a and_o fit_a the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n 2._o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o use_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n for_o edification_n the_o first_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o induction_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n reducible_a to_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o her_o creed_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o allow_v which_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a contain_v all_o necessary_n and_o fundamental_o in_o religion_n nothing_o defective_a in_o vital_n or_o integral_n to_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a church_n christ_n that_o found_v his_o church_n best_o know_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o her_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v contain_v in_o her_o creed_n whatever_o be_v fundamental_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o by_o easy_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o will_v we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n upon_o earth_n the_o constitution_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o government_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o law_n the_o time_n of_o account_n and_o retribution_n the_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n to_o confirm_v these_o we_o may_v read_v they_o at_o large_a in_o holy_a writ_n and_o find_v wise_o sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n who_o article_n to_o help_v the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v short_a and_o few_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o dulness_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v manifest_a and_o plain_a they_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o suppose_v before_o or_o include_v in_o or_o follow_v from_o that_o brief_a creed_n the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o 1_o john_n 4._o 15._o 5._o 5._o whatever_o be_v any_o way_n reveal_v by_o god_n as_o necessary_a be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n nothing_o that_o be_v nice_a and_o obscure_a fit_a only_a for_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a be_v bring_v into_o our_o creed_n all_o who_o article_n be_v primitive_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n none_o of_o they_o pure_o speculative_a or_o curious_a but_o plain_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v but_o yesterday_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o truth_n but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o the_o highpriest_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fringe_n of_o his_o garment_n we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o this_o will_v save_v they_o and_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v disguise_v or_o deface_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o descend_a age_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a shape_n and_o complexion_n we_o cast_v out_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n out_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o niceness_n out_o of_o our_o creed_n that_o creed_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a day_n of_o christianity_n believe_v and_o be_v secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v no_o more_o that_o faith_n this_o church_n maintain_v which_o will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n she_o lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o solemn_a intention_n of_o all_o religion_n our_o creed_n our_o prayer_n our_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o devotion_n her_o creed_n be_v such_o that_o all_o its_o article_n so_o direct_o or_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lead_v unto_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o no_o man_n can_v firm_o believe_v they_o but_o they_o must_v ordinary_o influence_n his_o manner_n and_o better_a his_o conversation_n and_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o creed_n his_o life_n be_v not_o mend_v he_o either_o ignorant_o and_o gross_o mistake_v their_o consequence_n or_o be_v wilful_o desperate_a our_o church_n public_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n no_o act_n of_o devotion_n however_o set_v off_o with_o zeal_n and_o passion_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o if_o obedience_n be_v want_v afterward_o be_v but_o scene_n and_o show_n such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n which_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n and_o story_n in_o magnify_v and_o praise_v in_o sigh_v and_o repeat_v but_o in_o the_o production_n of_o mercy_n charity_n and_o justice_n and_o such_o excellent_a virtue_n she_o make_v no_o debate_n between_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o argue_v nice_o about_o the_o preference_n nor_o dispute_v critical_o the_o mode_n how_o joint_o they_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o plain_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n she_o not_o only_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o to_o a_o conversation_n of_o equal_a firmness_n and_o solidity_n her_o festival_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o virtue_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n her_o ceremony_n which_o be_v principal_o design_v for_o decency_n may_v also_o remind_v we_o of_o those_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n her_o collect_v and_o petition_n be_v for_o grace_n to_o subdue_v our_o folly_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o lash_v the_o sturdy_a into_o sobriety_n and_o goodness_n and_o her_o homily_n be_v plain_o and_o smart_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o persuade_v a_o true_a christian_a deportment_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a she_o flatter_v and_o lull_v no_o man_n asleep_o in_o vice_n but_o tell_v all_o secure_a sinner_n plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o receive_v aright_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolve_v that_o their_o person_n be_v not_o justify_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o purify_v themselves_o and_o be_v real_o just_a and_o good_a she_o neither_o use_v nor_o allow_v any_o nice_a distinction_n in_o plain_a duty_n to_o baffle_v our_o obedience_n nor_o suffer_v a_o cunning_a head_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o teach_v man_n learned_o to_o sin_n but_o urge_v plain_a virtue_n lay_v down_o distinct_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o teach_v by_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n without_o call_v they_o mean_a duty_n or_o ordinary_a morality_n to_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n she_o set_v no_o abstruse_a and_o fantastic_a character_n nor_o any_o mark_n who_o truth_n must_v be_v fetch_v in_o by_o long_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o mean_a christian_a can_v easy_o judge_v of_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 press_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n not_o only_o thereby_o enforce_v peace_n and_o justice_n pity_n and_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o kindness_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o she_o make_v king_n safe_a and_o subject_n more_o secure_a condemn_v both_o tyranny_n and_o disobedience_n parent_n more_o obey_v and_o
of_o christ_n and_o no_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n 4._o that_o no_o church-state_n can_v depend_v upon_o human_a contract_n and_o covenant_n for_o then_o a_o church_n will_v be_v a_o human_a creature_n and_o a_o human_a constitution_n whereas_o a_o church_n can_v be_v found_v only_o upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v true_a no_o man_n who_o be_v at_o age_n can_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n till_o he_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o voluntary_o undertake_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n but_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n from_o this_o unless_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o voluntary_a contract_n and_o covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o exact_v from_o their_o member_n and_o wherein_o they_o place_v a_o church-state_n be_v part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o they_o find_v the_o church_n upon_o a_o human_a covenant_n for_o christ_n have_v make_v but_o one_o covenant_n with_o mankind_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n if_o it_o be_v than_o no_o man_n be_v a_o christian_n but_o a_o independent_a and_o then_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o show_v how_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o all_o mankind_n determine_v one_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o dr._n owen_n church_n another_o of_o mr._n griffiths_n or_o any_o other_o independent_a pastor_n and_o if_o they_o can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n there_o be_v another_o still_o why_o they_o exact_v this_o church-covenant_n of_o baptise_a christian_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o to_o their_o communion_n if_o baptism_n make_v they_o member_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o think_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church-state_n but_o what_o depend_v on_o such_o human_a contract_n than_o the_o church_n owe_v its_o be_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n 5._o i_o observe_v far_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n which_o already_o consist_v of_o baptise_a christian_n christianity_n indeed_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o sure_o it_o do_v not_o separate_a christian_n from_o each_o other_o the_o apostle_n only_o undertake_v to_o convert_v jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n but_o these_o man_n convert_v christian_n from_o common_a christianity_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o independency_n if_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n we_o know_v no_o church_n but_o what_o all_o christian_n be_v make_v member_n of_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n the_o one_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n from_o among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o prove_v the_o gather_a church_n out_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o national_a church_n must_v either_o conclude_v that_o a_o church_n and_o church-state_n be_v a_o very_a indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o in_o a_o safe_a condition_n without_o it_o or_o that_o baptise_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a independent_a church_n be_v no_o better_o than_o jew_n and_o heathen_n that_o be_v that_o baptism_n itself_o though_o a_o divine_a sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o no_o value_n till_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o a_o human_a independent_a covenant_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n on_o that_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n into_o which_o we_o be_v all_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v of_o a_o equal_a extent_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n found_v upon_o one_o covenant_n and_o all_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n may_v and_o have_v divide_v the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n and_o member_n and_o particular_a church_n yet_o the_o church_n can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n for_o that_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o they_o can_v divide_v the_o covenant_n also_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o guilty_a divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o new_a grant_n a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a distinct_a city_n and_o corporation_n but_o than_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o charter_n be_v the_o same_o their_o right_n to_o it_o depend_v upon_o distinct_a grant_n but_o if_o he_o grant_v a_o charter_n for_o the_o erect_v of_o such_o a_o corporation_n and_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o that_o corporation_n those_o who_o wilful_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o corporation_n to_o which_o this_o charter_n be_v grant_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n and_o must_v not_o think_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a distinct_a corporation_n by_o the_o same_o charter_n thus_o it_o be_v here_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n oâ—_n grace_n with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o one_o body_n and_o christian_a church_n who_o shall_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n we_o be_v all_o receive_v into_o this_o covenant_n and_o admit_v member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n now_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o body_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o body_n and_o to_o every_o member_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o this_o body_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n which_o we_o call_v church_n but_o which_o be_v not_o member_n nor_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o can_v carry_v our_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n out_o of_o the_o church_n with_o we_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v the_o common_a charter_n of_o the_o christian-church_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o content_v to_o enjoy_v these_o blessing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o christian_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o go_v without_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o particular_a separate_a church_n but_o a_o general_a covenant_n make_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o communion_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n god_n have_v not_o make_v any_o covenant_n in_o particular_a with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n of_o france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o body_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v we_o in_o particular_a a_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o live_v in_o unity_n and_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v second_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n now_o church-communion_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o church-fellowship_n and_o society_n and_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 the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church_n member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church_n privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o a_o church_n relation_n exact_v from_o they_o i_o know_v this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v a_o personal_a and_o presential_a communion_n in_o religious_a office_n as_o when_o man_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v
the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n together_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o they_o join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n now_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o church-communion_n be_v something_o antecedent_n to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o communion_n for_o no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o any_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o natural_a union_n be_v in_o natural_a body_n that_o communion_n be_v in_o body_n politic_a whether_o civil_a or_o religious_a society_n a_o member_n must_v be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v any_o natural_a action_n or_o office_n of_o a_o member_n before_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o the_o foot_n can_v walk_v or_o the_o ear_n can_v hear_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o foot_n to_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o see_v or_o walk_v but_o see_v and_o walk_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o union_n thus_o in_o a_o body_n politic_a when_o man_n by_o any_o common_a charter_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o society_n they_o become_v one_o common_a body_n or_o one_o communion_n and_o this_o give_v they_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o body_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o their_o charter_n require_v of_o they_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regular_o admit_v into_o this_o society_n pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n or_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v require_v of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o body_n this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o it_o will_v be_v censure_v as_o a_o unjust_a usurpation_n shall_v a_o man_n who_o be_v no_o citizen_n of_o london_n open_v his_o shop_n and_o drive_v a_o trade_n as_o other_o citizen_n do_v or_o give_v his_o vote_n at_o a_o common-hall_n and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n act_n like_o a_o citizen_n this_o will_v not_o make_v he_o a_o citizen_n but_o a_o intruder_n he_o be_v a_o foreigner_n still_o and_o his_o presume_v to_o act_n like_o a_o citizen_n when_o he_o be_v none_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n but_o just_o expose_v he_o to_o censure_v and_o punishment_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v one_o body_n and_o society_n unite_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o be_v make_v by_o baptism_n the_o exercise_n of_o this_o communion_n consist_v in_o all_o those_o office_n and_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o and_o which_o none_o have_v any_o right_a to_o perform_v but_o they_o such_o as_o pray_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o intrude_v into_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n than_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o church-member_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v no_o church-member_n though_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a conventicle_n shall_v for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o at_o some_o critical_a time_n come_v to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o there_o hear_v the_o common-prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v this_o make_v this_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o which_o he_o never_o communicate_v before_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a will_v never_o do_v again_o if_o it_o do_v not_o all_o this_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v only_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o perform_v some_o such_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o since_o the_o decay_n of_o church_n discipline_n may_v sometime_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o member_n which_o be_v such_o a_o abuse_n as_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o deny_v their_o communion_n to_o schismatic_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o excommunicate_a upon_o other_o account_n but_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v embody_v and_o incorporate_v with_o it_o and_o i_o suppose_v what_o that_o mean_n every_o one_o know_v who_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n of_o a_o city_n or_o any_o inferior_a corporation_n which_o consist_v of_o privilege_n and_o duty_n and_o require_v all_o those_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o society_n to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a trust_n and_o obligation_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o or_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n include_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o church_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o church_n society_n as_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n instruction_n censure_n of_o the_o church_n a_o communion_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a office_n and_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o authority_n or_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n renounce_v his_o membership_n and_o communion_n with_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v extreme_o plain_a and_o though_o man_n may_v cavil_v for_o dispute_n sake_n yet_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o that_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o though_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n he_o shall_v sometime_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n from_o hence_o of_o great_a use_n 1._o that_o church-communion_n primary_o and_o principal_o respect_v the_o universal_a church_n not_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o church_n communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o particular_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o among_o those_o who_o be_v present_a and_o neighbour_n to_o each_o other_o but_o in_o membership_n now_o a_o member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n not_o mere_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o how_o large_a soever_o the_o body_n be_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n those_o who_o live_v at_o st._n david_n and_o those_o at_o tarmouth_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n this_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o a_o church-state_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o church-communion_n be_v found_v only_o on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a covenant_n to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n such_o particular_a church-membership_a be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o human_a invention_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o schism_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o alone_o if_o well_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o independency_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a church-state_n as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o
proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o premise_v the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v those_o case_n which_o immediate_o respect_v church-communion_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n 2._o whether_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n case_n 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n case_n 1_o or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n now_o methinks_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o christian_n be_v baptise_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o renounce_v his_o membership_n by_o schism_n or_o infidelity_n or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n baptism_n incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o be_v frequent_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 12._o eph._n 5._o 23._o 4._o 12._o 4._o 4._o one_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v animate_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o this_o one_o body_n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o 18._o col._n 1._o 18._o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a 13._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o church_n communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o church-membership_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n contain_v both_o a_o right_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o actual_a communion_n he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v challenge_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n among_o which_o actual_a communion_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian-communion_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n which_o no_o man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v any_o right_n to_o and_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o church_n communion_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o religious_a assembly_n to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n to_o attend_v public_a instruction_n and_o to_o live_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o put_v this_o past_a all_o doubt_n that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o church-member_n i_o shall_v offer_v these_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o membership_n be_v bind_v to_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o all_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v a_o community_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o community_n in_o which_o every_o member_n may_v act_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o communication_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n as_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n to_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o he_o can_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n for_o all_o member_n and_o either_o all_o or_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o actual_a communion_n but_o this_o be_v more_o absurd_a still_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n as_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o member_n of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n without_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o its_o member_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v christ_n appoint_v such_o variety_n of_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n evangelist_n 12._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o institute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o god_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o adminster_n the_o christian_a sacrament_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o nay_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v learn_v better_a than_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n of_o who_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o 41._o act_n 2._o 41._o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o christian_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o prayer_n of_o church-member_n yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o offer_v these_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n if_o then_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n authorize_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n join_v in_o the_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o we_o can_v celebrate_v this_o feast_n but_o in_o church-communion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n which_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v administer_v by_o consecrate_a person_n and_o in_o church-communion_n for_o it_o lose_v its_o nature_n and_o signification_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o private_a mass_n so_o that_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o true_a christian_a worship_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o we_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v exercise_v only_o about_o church-communion_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o
be_v church-member_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o church_n authority_n consist_v in_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o all_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n to_o shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_o or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o church_n authority_n will_v signify_v nothing_o be_v not_o external_n and_o actual_a communion_n both_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 5._o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o notion_n of_o separation_n without_o this_o now_o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o separation_n be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o express_a testimony_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o where_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v plain_o signify_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a godly_a separation_n when_o the_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a but_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o 19_o 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o their_o go_v out_o from_o they_o plain_o signify_v their_o forsake_v christian_n assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n admonish_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v in_o which_o he_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o refer_v to_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o thus_o according_o to_o have_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n for_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n feast_n because_o they_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o by_o partake_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20_o 21._o gentile_n sacrifice_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n must_v first_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o we_o have_v any_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v preserve_v his_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n no_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n but_o he_o who_o actual_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o christian_a institution_n a_o state_n of_o communion_n confer_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v but_o actual_a communion_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n be_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o enjoyment_n consist_v in_o act_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o church-communion_n we_o must_v live_v in_o actual_a communion_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dormant_a and_o useless_a right_n which_o we_o never_o bring_v into_o act._n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v non-communion_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o impossibility_n he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o country_n or_o travel_n through_o any_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o can_v enjoy_v actual_a communion_n the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o communion_n continue_v though_o necessity_n may_v suspend_v the_o act._n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v our_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o see_v the_o church_n divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o party_n and_o faction_n which_o refuse_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o presbyterian_o independent_o anabaptist_n quaker_n all_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o some_o conclude_v it_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o divide_a party_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o total_a suspension_n of_o church-communion_n as_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v for_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o divide_a sect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o some_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o opposite_a and_o separate_a communion_n therefore_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o strong_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o hold_v in_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o these_o divide_a communion_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o such_o division_n and_o separation_n excuse_v we_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n actual_a communion_n never_o be_v and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o duty_n long_o together_o for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_a long_o together_o as_o to_o be_v without_o division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o set_v up_o private_a conventicle_n of_o their_o own_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o continue_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n who_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n farewell_n to_o all_o church_n communion_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v any_o man_n indeed_o travel_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o there_o find_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v for_o he_o to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o either_o party_n till_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v which_o party_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o then_o he_o be_v bind_v if_o he_o understand_v their_o language_n to_o communicate_v
out_o of_o england_n without_o interrupt_v our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o communion_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o though_o they_o may_v observe_v different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o other_o untoward_a consequence_n that_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n then_o constant_a communion_n be_v not_o always_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a i_o suppose_v because_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o constant_a actual_a or_o presential_a communion_n with_o the_o french_a church_n though_o we_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o it_o but_o certain_o sir_n have_v you_o ever_o consider_v what_o i_o discourse_v about_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n you_o will_v not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o for_o this_o be_v a_o modern_a distinction_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o the_o bottom_n as_o i_o plain_o show_v but_o however_o by_o constant_a communion_n our_o dissenter_n understand_v the_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n always_o or_o ordinary_o in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n sometime_o or_o as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o another_o church_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o notion_n of_o constant_a or_o occasional_a communion_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a or_o the_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n must_v that_o question_n be_v understand_v whether_o constant_a communion_n he_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a the_o meaning_n of_o which_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o when_o other_o reason_n and_o circumstance_n determine_v my_o personal_a communion_n ordinary_o to_o one_o church_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n to_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o that_o church_n if_o i_o can_v lawful_o communicate_v sometime_o with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v non-communion_n with_o any_o church_n with_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v for_o other_o reason_n ordinary_o to_o communicate_v but_o only_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o pretence_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v acknowledge_v lawful_a for_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n make_v occasional_a as_o well_o as_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n sinful_a i_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o communicate_v constant_o or_o ordinary_o with_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o live_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o or_o sometime_o with_o it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o understand_v this_o question_n as_o you_o now_o do_v not_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o for_o other_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o but_o of_o any_o church_n with_o which_o i_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v as_o occasion_n serve_v it_o make_v it_o a_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a proposition_n to_o say_v that_o constant_a communion_n by_o that_o meaning_n presential_a and_o personal_a communion_n be_v always_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a for_o at_o this_o rate_n if_o occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n geneva_n holland_n germany_n be_v lawful_a it_o become_v a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o i_o to_o communicate_v always_o personal_o and_o presentional_o with_o all_o these_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v who_o can_v be_v present_a but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o a_o time_n but_o yet_o thus_o far_o the_o proposition_n hold_v universal_o true_a that_o whatever_o church_n i_o can_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o without_o sin_n i_o be_o also_o bind_v to_o communicate_v constant_o with_o whenever_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o determine_v my_o communion_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n make_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o understand_v this_o question_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o this_o you_o think_v can_v be_v my_o meaning_n for_o accorcord_v to_o i_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o another_o provide_v the_o distance_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v with_o both_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o sir_n how_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o fasten_v so_o many_o absurd_a proposition_n upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v desire_v of_o you_o for_o the_o future_a if_o you_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o your_o own_o reputation_n yet_o upon_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n not_o to_o write_v so_o hasty_o but_o to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o understand_v a_o book_n before_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v it_o where_o do_v i_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o of_o another_o i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o no_o baptise_a christian_n be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n consider_v mere_o as_o particular_a but_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o all_o sound_a orthodox_n church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n this_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n without_o which_o he_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o church-communion_n though_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o of_o another_o the_o first_o suppose_n that_o every_o christian_a whatever_o particular_a church_n he_o actual_o communicate_v in_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a sound_a church_n the_o second_o suppose_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o christian_n be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o church_n as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o another_o that_o constant_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n confine_v their_o church-membership_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o church_n i_o must_v be_v a_o member_n of_o for_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n not_o mere_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o particular_a church_n i_o must_v communicate_v in_o now_o our_o obligation_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o certain_a particular_a church_n result_v from_o the_o place_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a and_o have_v our_o ordinary_a abode_n and_o residence_n the_o church_n which_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o state_n of_o which_o we_o be_v natural_a subject_n if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_a church_n challenge_n our_o communion_n and_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o same_o place_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o competition_n between_o two_o church_n because_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n in_o what_o church_n we_o must_v constant_o communicate_v which_o must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o french_a and_o a_o dutch_a as_o well_o as_o a_o english_a church_n in_o london_n and_o since_o distance_n of_o place_n do_v not_o hinder_v may_v we_o not_o choose_v which_o of_o these_o we_o will_v ordinary_o communicate_v with_o i_o answer_v no_o we_o have_v only_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o england_n the_o french_a church_n be_v in_o france_n and_o the_o dutch_a church_n be_v in_o holland_n though_o there_o be_v a_o french_a and_o dutch_a congregation_n allow_v in_o london_n these_o congregation_n belong_v to_o their_o own_o original_a church_n and_o be_v under_o their_o government_n and_o censure_n but_o there_o be_v no_o church-power_n and_o authority_n in_o england_n but_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a congregation_n our_o obligation_n to_o constant_a communion_n be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o alone_o have_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o england_n to_o require_v our_o communion_n and_o obedience_n one_o particular_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o not_o by_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o by_o distinct_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o church_n within_o who_o jurisdiction_n we_o live_v can_v only_o challenge_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o suppose_v
before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o eminent_a nonconformist_n of_o several_a persuasion_n publish_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o suffering_n which_o such_o needless_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o edition_n correct_v by_o the_o author_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxiv_o to_o the_o dissenter_n from_z the_o church_n of_o england_n dear_a brethren_n you_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v upon_o by_o authority_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n order_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o such_o as_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o expose_v our_o religion_n to_o danger_n and_o yourselves_o to_o suffer_v in_o which_o unless_o the_o cause_n be_v good_a the_o call_v clear_a and_o 3._o mr._n mede_n be_v farewell_o serm._n on_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 3._o the_o end_v right_a it_o can_v bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o or_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n not_o bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o for_o we_o can_v suffer_v joyful_o the_o 4._o mr._n read_v his_o case_n p._n 4._o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n the_o confinement_n of_o our_o person_n the_o ruin_n of_o our_o family_n unless_o conscience_n be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v i_o will_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o sin_n against_o god_n that_o i_o may_v have_v avoid_v those_o suffering_n from_o men._n not_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o who_o all_o be_v accountable_a 92._o continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exer._n ser._n 4._o p._n 92._o for_o what_o portion_n he_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v not_o to_o throw_v away_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o who_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v without_o sin_n in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o as_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o ibid._n read_v ibid._n in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o yourselves_o to_o assist_v person_n in_o this_o enquiry_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o of_o late_a several_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v undertake_v the_o most_o material_a point_n that_o you_o do_v question_n and_o have_v handle_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o calmness_n which_o become_v their_o profession_n and_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o which_o may_v the_o better_o invite_v those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o but_o because_o truth_n and_o reason_n do_v too_o often_o suffer_v by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la we_o have_v against_o particular_a person_n to_o remove_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v that_o obstruction_n i_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n show_v that_o these_o author_n be_v not_o alone_o but_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a nonconformist_n for_o they_o who_o do_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o parochial_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o of_o these_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v and_o for_o one_o hundred_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v produce_v two_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o go_v by_o the_o poll_n so_o that_o if_o reason_n or_o authority_n will_v prevail_v i_o hope_v that_o yet_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o recovery_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o your_o own_o and_o the_o church_n sake_n amen_n the_o content_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o ministerial_a and_o lay-communion_n pag._n 1_o the_o dissenter_n grant_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n p._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o p._n 12_o that_o they_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o can_v p._n 16_o that_o defect_n in_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n p._n 23_o that_o the_o expectation_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o withhold_v communion_n p._n 39_o the_o badness_n of_o minister_n will_v not_o justify_v separation_n p._n 48_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o discipline_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v p._n 59_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o its_o lay-member_n be_v concern_v in_o p._n 64_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a and_o do_v not_o stint_v the_o spirit_n ibid._n that_o public_a prescribe_a form_n may_v lawful_o be_v join_v with_o p._n 66_o that_o the_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n be_v for_o its_o matter_n sound_n and_o good_a and_o for_o its_o form_n tolerable_a if_o not_o useful_a p._n 69_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o idolatrous_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o ordinance_n p._n 71_o 72_o that_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n and_o gospel_n be_v lawful_a p._n 73_o the_o conclusion_n ibid._n the_o non-conformists'_a plea_n for_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o christian_a world_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o rank_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n minister_n and_o people_n the_o clergy_n beside_o the_o thing_n essential_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o all_o well-ordered_a church_n in_o the_o world_n strict_o oblige_v by_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n or_o both_o to_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v thus_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o do_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n more_o especial_o contain_v in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v use_v the_o form_n and_o rite_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o promise_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n in_o its_o order_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n which_o do_v much_o depend_v upon_o that_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o laity_n be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n require_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o attend_v upon_o and_o join_v with_o the_o worship_n practise_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o mr._n baxter_n to_o who_o when_o it_o 29._o defence_n of_o the_o cure_n part_v 2._o pag._n 29._o be_v object_v that_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n be_v impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n he_o reply_v what_o be_v impose_v on_o you_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o your_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o parish-church_n but_o your_o actual_a communion_n itself_o in_o discourse_v therefore_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o must_v be_v careful_o observe_v lest_o the_o thing_n require_v only_o of_o one_o order_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o all_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o one_o that_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o mischief_n cranford_n a_o book_n license_v by_o mr._n cranford_n spring_v from_o man_n confound_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a conformity_n with_o those_o of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n there_o be_v much_o more_o require_v of_o the_o minister_n than_o of_o the_o people_n private_a person_n have_v much_o less_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o in_o absent_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n than_o the_o pastor_n have_v for_o not_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n certain_o if_o this_o difference_n be_v but_o observe_v and_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o
not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o not_o practise_v it_o if_o indeed_o god_n law_n have_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v very_o well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n schism_n undoubted_o be_v a_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n a_o sin_n against_o which_o there_o be_v as_o many_o hard_a thing_n say_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n as_o against_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o let_v those_o that_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o or_o join_v with_o other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o i_o say_v let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o their_o separation_n proceed_v upon_o good_a ground_n if_o they_o will_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o always_o enough_o to_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v sinful_a condition_n impose_v in_o our_o communion_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v for_o unless_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o their_o believe_v so_o will_v not_o cancel_v their_o obligation_n to_o our_o church_n communion_n or_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o this_o may_v perhaps_o at_o the_o first_o hear_n seem_v very_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o many_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a for_o all_o that_o and_o 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 here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o roman-catholick_n persuasion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o popery_n and_o hearty_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a one_o wherein_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n do_v pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o image_n do_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o real_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o his_o soul_n and_o deity_n be_v personal_o unite_v be_v now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o practice_n or_o be_v he_o not_o he_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o he_o will_v abhor_v these_o practice_n if_o he_o do_v in_o the_o least_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v they_o as_o idolatrous_a nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forbid_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o he_o can_v be_v a_o good_a catholic_n unless_o he_o thus_o worship_n image_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o host_n well_o now_o the_o point_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o he_o do_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n we_o all_o grant_v that_o if_o he_o have_v such_o clear_a information_n about_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o protestant_n have_v he_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o idolater_n if_o he_o shall_v contitinue_v in_o these_o practice_n but_o whether_o his_o belief_n and_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v these_o thing_n do_v not_o excuse_v he_o and_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v idolatry_n that_o will_v otherwise_o be_v so_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n but_o yet_o none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o great_a question_n of_o it_o for_o we_o do_v charge_v the_o papist_n indiscriminate_o with_o idolatry_n in_o their_o worship_n notwithstanding_o their_o disclaim_n it_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n to_o worship_n god_n no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v real_o take_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o consecrate_a element_n and_o those_o other_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 these_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v they_o let_v his_o opinion_n about_o they_o be_v what_o it_o will._n a_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v or_o false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o can_v neither_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v all_o that_o it_o will_v do_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o may_v more_o or_o less_o extenuate_v the_o transgression_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o the_o case_n be_v just_a the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o any_o man_n to_o withdraw_v his_o communion_n from_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v that_o be_v as_o proper_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n for_o any_o man_n therefore_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v or_o that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o that_o church_n without_o sin_n yet_o if_o this_o persuasion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o schismatic_a for_o all_o this_o than_o the_o other_o man_n be_v a_o idolater_n that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o adore_v image_n and_o those_o other_o undue_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o romanist_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o misperswasion_n will_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o more_o or_o less_o excuse_v the_o man_n person_n before_o god_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n but_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o case_n it_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o idolatry_n which_o god_n word_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v idolatry_n well_o now_o admit_v all_o this_o here_o come_v the_o pinch_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o transgressor_n if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o comply_v against_o his_o conscience_n you_o grant_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o comply_v than_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n why_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v often_o true_a and_o here_o be_v that_o dilemma_n which_o man_n by_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v abuse_v with_o evil_a principle_n and_o persuasion_n do_v frequent_o run_v themselves_o into_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o act_n nor_o forbear_v act_v they_o can_v neither_o obey_v nor_o disobey_v without_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o error_n and_o false_a principle_n which_o mislead_v the_o man_n be_v depose_v and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v and_o then_o he_o may_v both_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o god_n law_n require_v of_o he_o and_o avoid_v sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v why_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o use_v conscientious_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o common_a prudence_n will_v recommend_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o gain_v instruction_n and_o information_n to_o himself_o about_o any_o point_n that_o he_o desire_v thorough_o to_o understand_v that_o be_v to_o say_v free_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o apply_v himself_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o the_o get_v right_a notion_n and_o sentiment_n about_o his_o duty_n in_o these_o matter_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n call_v in_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o 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 and_o to_o practise_v all_o that_o he_o be_v undoubted_o convince_v to_o
which_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o cure_v our_o scrupulousness_n about_o little_a thing_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o the_o roman_n cap._n 14._o among_o who_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n observe_v or_o not_o observe_v some_o day_n have_v occasion_v as_o much_o trouble_v and_o scruple_n as_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n do_v now_o among_o we_o ver_fw-la 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n or_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_n this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n and_o then_o he_o add_v ver_fw-la 18._o for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o men._n thus_o when_o you_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o your_o prayer_n let_v it_o be_v your_o great_a care_n to_o fix_v in_o your_o mind_n a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n infinite_a majesty_n of_o your_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o your_o manifold_a want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o petition_n for_o and_o his_o readiness_n to_o grant_v they_o upon_o your_o humble_a request_n and_o the_o more_o you_o do_v this_o the_o less_o solicitous_a you_o will_v be_v about_o the_o form_n or_o word_n of_o your_o prayer_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 stand_v in_o need_n of_o nor_o require_v new_a phrase_n every_o time_n to_o stir_v his_o attention_n or_o to_o raise_v his_o affection_n thus_o let_v man_n be_v very_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a in_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o holy_a communion_n let_v they_o come_v thereunto_o with_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o with_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o true_a charity_n towards_o all_o man_n the_o more_o concern_v they_o be_v about_o these_o necessary_a thing_n the_o less_o afraid_a will_v they_o be_v of_o offend_a god_n by_o kneel_v at_o the_o administration_n or_o come_v up_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o a_o new_a nature_n in_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n 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 unto_o god_n he_o that_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o not_o put_v off_o his_o hat_n or_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o not_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n or_o gospel_n as_o i_o before_o show_v you_o have_v no_o worthy_a thought_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o right_a notion_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o unfeigned_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o our_o brother_n not_o in_o any_o external_a rite_n or_o observance_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o mutable_a and_o be_v different_a in_o several_a church_n 3._o it_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o the_o remove_v these_o scruple_n which_o hinder_v the_o bless_a union_n of_o christian_n among_o we_o if_o man_n be_v but_o real_o willing_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n this_o alone_a will_v go_v half_a way_n towards_o conquer_a they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v fond_a of_o and_o nourish_v their_o doubt_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o converse_v only_o with_o those_o man_n read_v only_o those_o book_n and_o hear_v those_o discourse_n which_o be_v make_v of_o their_o side_n which_o serve_v to_o heighten_v and_o strengthen_v their_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n when_o they_o avoid_v the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n as_o dangerous_a snare_n and_o temptation_n and_o look_v upon_o this_o tenderness_n or_o aptness_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a conscientiousness_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n whereas_o 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 desire_v and_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o man_n do_v for_o cure_v 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 of_o christ_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 if_o therefore_o any_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n against_o any_o thing_n practise_v or_o require_v in_o our_o church_n let_v he_o first_o read_v some_o of_o those_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v write_v with_o all_o the_o fairness_n and_o evidence_n imaginable_a on_o purpose_n to_o explain_v and_o justify_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o usual_o except_v against_o let_v he_o consult_v with_o some_o of_o our_o church_n before_o he_o leave_v it_o let_v he_o honest_o repair_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n or_o some_o other_o who_o he_o have_v in_o great_a estimation_n and_o ingenuous_o open_v his_o mind_n to_o he_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v he_o most_o stumble_v at_o and_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v offer_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n if_o consult_v with_o one_o person_n will_v not_o do_v it_o let_v he_o advise_v with_o other_o and_o try_v this_o often_o before_o he_o condemn_v we_o and_o divide_v from_o we_o will_v man_n do_v this_o serious_o with_o earnest_a desire_n of_o instruction_n without_o doubt_n we_o shall_v have_v far_o few_o separatist_n and_o they_o who_o after_o this_o do_v still_o dissent_v from_o we_o will_v be_v far_o more_o excusable_a in_o it_o than_o otherwise_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o man_n ordinary_o do_v in_o their_o temporal_a affair_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 and_o argue_v with_o they_o and_o pert_o to_o oppose_v they_o but_o with_o all_o modesty_n to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n meek_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_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 we_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 or_o to_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v better_o guide_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o 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 and_o deference_n to_o their_o
for_o fear_n of_o offence_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o place_n hic_fw-la charitatis_fw-la rationem_fw-la haberi_fw-la decet_fw-la sed_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la arras_n our_o charity_n to_o our_o brother_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n displease_v god_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n and_o action_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o man_n of_o ill-disposed_a or_o weak_a mind_n false_a consequence_n and_o unjust_a inference_n may_v be_v strain_v from_o they_o as_o we_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v abuse_v into_o a_o argument_n for_o licentiousness_n 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 st._n luke_n 2._o 24._o but_o still_o this_o do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n nor_o can_v it_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n duty_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o such_o uncertain_a contingent_a thing_n as_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o construction_n other_o shall_v make_v of_o our_o action_n or_o the_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v draw_v from_o they_o god_n almighty_a in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o law_n have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o accidental_a event_n that_o may_v happen_v either_o through_o the_o weakness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o command_n without_o any_o allowance_n from_o he_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o foresee_v those_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o our_o do_v our_o duty_n it_o can_v therefore_o never_o be_v that_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v give_v any_o real_a scandal_n and_o whatever_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o my_o do_v of_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v it_o imputable_a to_o i_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o fault_n for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v one_o to_o disobey_v god_n in_o obey_v he_o but_o they_o alone_o be_v chargeable_a who_o be_v offend_v by_o it_o now_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a injunction_n of_o our_o superior_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o another_o bible_n out_o of_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o god_n will_n for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n more_o plain_o command_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o press_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o five_o commandment_n that_o the_o conformity_n require_v by_o our_o church_n contain_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unlawful_a must_v be_v grant_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n from_o all_o which_o the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v since_o we_o may_v not_o redeem_v a_o scandal_n by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n since_o god_n have_v plain_o require_v our_o submission_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o i_o now_o discourse_v with_o that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o competent_a authority_n and_o be_v lawful_a i_o say_v the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n refuse_v to_o conform_v only_o for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o this_o argument_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v any_o of_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o brother_n safety_n by_o wound_v his_o own_o soul_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o lawful_a authority_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a but_o then_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o load_v the_o conclusion_n with_o some_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o pretend_v follow_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v ensue_v upon_o it_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o brief_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o those_o precept_n which_o contain_v only_a ritual_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o those_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o do_v respect_v the_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o together_o can_v be_v observe_v we_o must_v neglect_v or_o violate_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a that_o this_o be_v true_a even_o of_o some_o command_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n do_v produce_v that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n now_o if_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n under_o moses_n law_n yet_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o positive_a injunction_n of_o man_n that_o concern_v only_o the_o external_o and_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o yield_v to_o the_o royal_a and_o indispensable_a law_n of_o charity_n of_o which_o this_o duty_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a part_n thus_o say_v mr._n jean_n in_o his_o second_o part_n of_o scholastical_a divinity_n what_o law_n of_o any_o earthly_a wight_n whatsoever_o concern_v ceremony_n can_v be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o command_v of_o god_n touch_v the_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o these_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a work_n of_o mercy_n if_o therefore_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o work_n of_o mercy_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o man_n sure_o then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o trash_n of_o human_a invention_n to_o yield_v unto_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o there_o do_v happen_v any_o such_o interfering_n between_o two_o command_n of_o god_n the_o one_o positive_a the_o other_o moral_a the_o positive_a aught_o always_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n ought_v certain_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o moral_a command_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a obligation_n they_o cease_v to_o bind_v we_o either_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o when_o they_o plain_o hinder_v our_o performance_n of_o any_o moral_a duty_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o church_n be_v presume_v to_o dispense_v with_o its_o order_n as_o god_n almighty_n do_v allow_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n in_o such_o circumstance_n but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o where_o the_o necessity_n be_v urgent_a and_o extreme_a the_o sin_n we_o must_v otherwise_o commit_v evident_a and_o certain_a and_o at_o last_o our_o obedience_n be_v dispense_v withal_o only_o for_o that_o one_o time_n thus_o in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n our_o saviour_n st._n matth._n 12._o 5._o acquit_v david_n and_o his_o follower_n of_o all_o blame_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o hunger_n do_v eat_v of_o the_o shewbread_n which_o otherwise_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v but_o have_v they_o take_v a_o particular_a fancy_n to_o that_o bread_n and_o refuse_v to_o have_v eat_v of_o any_o other_o because_o that_o best_a agree_v with_o their_o stomach_n and_o be_v most_o please_a to_o their_o palate_n can_v we_o think_v our_o saviour_n will_v have_v so_o easy_o excuse_v they_o or_o which_o be_v near_o to_o our_o case_n because_o god_n do_v prefer_v act_n of_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n where_o both_o can_v not_o be_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v justify_v any_o man_n whole_o leave_v off_o sacrifice_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n invent_v another_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o more_o expedient_a than_o sacrifice_a or_o choose_v another_o place_n to_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a for_o all_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o city_n be_v we_o may_v leave_v our_o prayer_n forsake_v the_o church_n to_o save_v
asperse_v what_o they_o separate_v from_o and_o so_o man_n be_v inevitable_o betray_v into_o envy_n and_o bitter_a rail_n into_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o those_o evil_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v natural_o productive_a of_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sore_a grief_n and_o trouble_n and_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o to_o many_o good_a man_n who_o can_v but_o be_v grieve_v great_o to_o see_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o disregard_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n so_o slight_v and_o neglect_v and_o to_o behold_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n which_o cost_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o be_v so_o great_o belove_v by_o he_o so_o very_o little_o consult_v or_o rather_o purposely_o betray_v to_o behold_v man_n allow_v themselves_o nay_o glory_n in_o such_o damnable_a sin_n destroy_v their_o soul_n by_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o and_o wilful_o forfeit_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o last_o to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n so_o perplex_v with_o idle_a question_n and_o make_v intricate_a by_o needless_a dispute_n and_o to_o see_v so_o many_o unreasonable_a controversy_n start_v and_o such_o eager_a quarrel_n among_o christian_n which_o the_o best_a man_n sometime_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o weather_n and_o get_v over_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v many_o sad_a and_o ache_a heart_n among_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sad_a division_n and_o separation_n among_o we_o these_o therefore_o be_v the_o scandal_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o so_o much_o offend_v and_o these_o be_v the_o division_n for_o which_o there_o be_v such_o search_n of_o heart_n at_o this_o day_n i_o will_v to_o god_n some_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v thing_n they_o may_v then_o possible_o begin_v to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o action_n and_o perhaps_o see_v cause_n to_o take_v some_o part_n of_o that_o reproach_n upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v please_v so_o prodigal_o to_o cast_v upon_o we_o 2._o but_o i_o have_v another_o thing_n yet_o to_o show_v the_o error_n of_o apply_v this_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o our_o case_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n so_o there_o be_v too_o in_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o give_a offence_n here_o relate_v and_o they_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o conform_v unto_o by_o which_o the_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v the_o difference_n i_o mean_v be_v this_o that_o however_o they_o may_v be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n equal_o indifferent_a yet_o the_o superven_a command_n from_o lawful_a authority_n may_v make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o text_n relate_v be_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a too_o no_o humane_a law_n have_v take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o but_o the_o institution_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v we_o give_v offence_n be_v thing_n already_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o a_o lawful_a authority_n have_v bind_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o have_v any_o controversy_n i_o hope_v with_o any_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o of_o the_o tragical_a outcry_n against_o they_o prove_v they_o essential_o evil_a though_o some_o man_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o call_v they_o rag_n of_o rome_n instance_n of_o superstition_n and_o relic_n of_o idolatry_n these_o be_v word_n of_o course_n and_o art_n of_o rail_v which_o proclaim_v indeed_o the_o rancour_n and_o malice_n of_o some_o man_n spirit_n but_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o certain_o a_o strange_a that_o shall_v hear_v all_o this_o outcry_n and_o at_o last_o find_v the_o thing_n declaim_v so_o against_o be_v but_o pure_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n he_o will_v either_o great_o question_v the_o judgement_n and_o honesty_n of_o some_o man_n or_o at_o least_o conclude_v that_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v serve_v those_o man_n to_o quarrel_n with_o that_o be_v resolve_v either_o to_o find_v fault_n or_o to_o make_v they_o 2._o nor_o second_o shall_v i_o need_v here_o to_o dispute_v whether_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o have_v be_v do_v full_o already_o by_o a_o more_o learned_a hand_n to_o which_o i_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o add_v but_o that_o our_o brethren_n and_o all_o the_o several_a denomination_n of_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n themselves_o and_o sufficient_o confute_v their_o own_o objection_n so_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o frame_v any_o argument_n against_o we_o which_o may_v not_o like_o a_o two-edged_a weapon_n wound_v themselves_o and_o time_n be_v when_o some_o of_o they_o find_v it_o sad_o true_a the_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v use_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n other_o gall_v their_o own_o side_n with_o and_o they_o be_v force_v to_o think_v those_o answer_n good_a for_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v so_o for_o we_o against_o they_o and_o what_o deal_v that_o be_v i_o leave_v other_o to_o judge_n 3._o no_o nor_o three_o do_v i_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o stay_v to_o answer_v that_o trifle_a objection_n that_o this_o command_n of_o man_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v they_o more_o than_o indifferent_a or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o they_o nor_o make_v so_o very_o great_a a_o stir_n about_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o command_a of_o thing_n indifferent_a make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o it_o alter_v they_o indeed_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o and_o our_o practice_n but_o the_o thing_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o church_n command_v they_o as_o thing_n fit_v to_o be_v do_v but_o indifferent_a still_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v after_o her_o command_v they_o and_o her_o public_a declaration_n and_o rubric_n sufficient_o acquit_v she_o from_o all_o such_o thought_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v she_o own_o protestation_n but_o still_o pretend_v that_o she_o believe_v contrary_a to_o what_o she_o solemn_o profess_v it_o be_v but_o another_o instance_n of_o some_o man_n ingenuity_n and_o candour_n towards_o she_o and_o need_v not_o be_v count_v strange_a in_o this_o age._n nor_o be_v she_o stand_v so_o stiff_o as_o man_n speak_v for_o these_o thing_n any_o argument_n of_o her_o think_v otherwise_o of_o they_o for_o however_o a_o ceremony_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o small_a thing_n yet_o faction_n and_o disobedience_n be_v a_o great_a one_o and_o aught_o with_o all_o care_n to_o be_v suppress_v and_o that_o church_n need_v not_o be_v blame_v for_o its_o sharpness_n against_o dissension_n about_o these_o which_o have_v already_o by_o sad_a experience_n find_v that_o gratify_a faction_n in_o these_o have_v in_o the_o issue_n be_v the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o her_o whole_a constitution_n if_o any_o church_n may_v be_v excuse_v in_o this_o certain_o this_o may_v which_o have_v already_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o indulge_v in_o they_o and_o can_v but_o be_v concern_v when_o it_o see_v the_o same_o practice_n pursue_v again_o and_o that_o too_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o trample_v upon_o she_o with_o so_o much_o cruelty_n and_o scorn_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o her_o visitation_n the_o beginning_n of_o strife_n say_v solomon_n be_v as_o when_o one_o let_v out_o a_o river_n and_o so_o we_o have_v find_v faction_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v also_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n apply_v itself_o with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o quickness_n to_o obstruct_v the_o small_a beginning_n in_o that_o as_o man_n do_v to_o repair_v the_o least_o breach_n in_o those_o bank_n which_o keep_v in_o the_o water_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o nor_o fourthly_a do_v i_o think_v i_o have_v any_o pertinent_a occasion_n here_o to_o assert_v the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o to_o dispute_v whether_o they_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v undetermined_a we_o need_v but_o consult_v scripture_n for_o this_o which_o will_v be_v plain_a so_o long_o as_o the_o 13_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o
show_v both_o what_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o their_o crime_n be_v their_o irreverent_a and_o disorderly_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o their_o punishment_n be_v those_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o this_o be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a we_o be_v proportionable_o to_o understand_v the_o precept_n of_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o that_o be_v consider_v well_o with_o himself_o what_o a_o sacred_a action_n he_o be_v go_v about_o and_o what_o behaviour_n become_v he_o when_o he_o be_v celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o memorial_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o if_o heretofore_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o tax_v they_o withal_o let_v he_o censure_v and_o judge_v himself_o for_o it_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o sorry_a for_o his_o fault_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o future_a and_o have_v thus_o examine_v himself_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n and_o that_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o can_v well_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n but_o some_o will_v say_v be_v this_o all_o the_o preparation_n that_o be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o we_o take_v care_v not_o to_o come_v drink_v to_o it_o nor_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o irreverence_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a this_o be_v the_o particular_a unworthiness_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n tax_v the_o corinthian_n and_o which_o he_o warn_v they_o to_o amend_v as_o they_o desire_v to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n such_o as_o they_o have_v already_o feel_v for_o this_o irreverent_a carriage_n of_o they_o so_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n he_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n with_o they_o at_o present_a in_o this_o matter_n though_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o irreverence_n will_v proportionable_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o like_a punishment_n he_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o their_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n answerable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o we_o may_v suppose_v he_o take_v for_o grant_v however_o it_o concern_v the_o sacrament_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v prayer_n or_o any_o other_o religious_a duty_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o none_o but_o those_o who_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o communicate_v in_o this_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n very_o much_o to_o be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o christian_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n to_o examine_v themselves_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v i_o mean_v to_o examine_v our_o past_a life_n and_o the_o action_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o all_o our_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o fix_v we_o in_o the_o steady_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n particular_o when_o we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n seal_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v lay_v aside_o all_o enmity_n and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n and_o hearty_o forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o this_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v earnest_o exhort_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o communion_n by_o way_n of_o due_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n for_o it_o to_o repent_v we_o true_o of_o our_o sin_n past_a to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o to_o be_v in_o perfect_a charity_n with_o all_o man_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o those_o holy_a mystery_n and_o because_o this_o work_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o of_o exercise_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n be_v incumbent_n upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o can_v never_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n more_o seasonable_o and_o with_o great_a advantage_n than_o when_o we_o be_v meditate_v of_o this_o sacrament_n therefore_o beside_o our_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o repentance_n and_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o be_v a_o very_a pious_a and_o commendable_a custom_n in_o christian_n before_o their_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n for_o this_o work_n of_o examination_n but_o how_o much_o time_n every_o person_n shall_v allot_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o as_o it_o need_v not_o so_o neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v precise_o determine_v some_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o spend_v more_o time_n upon_o this_o work_n than_o other_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o account_n be_v heavy_a because_o they_o have_v long_o run_v upon_o the_o score_n and_o neglect_a themselves_o and_o some_o also_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o easy_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o be_v oblige_v to_o allow_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o time_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o general_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v a_o work_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n slight_o and_o perfunctory_o and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o action_n the_o end_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v now_o the_o end_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o be_v to_o understand_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o reform_v whatever_o we_o find_v amiss_o in_o ourselves_o and_o provide_v this_o end_n be_v obtain_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v less_o considerable_a whether_o more_a or_o less_o time_n be_v allow_v to_o this_o work_n it_o matter_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v sure_a that_o the_o work_n be_v thorough_o do_v and_o i_o do_v on_o purpose_n speak_v thus_o cautious_o in_o this_o matter_n because_o some_o pious_a person_n do_v perhaps_o err_v on_o the_o strict_a hand_n and_o be_v a_o little_a superstitious_a on_o that_o side_n insomuch_o that_o unless_o they_o can_v gain_v so_o much_o time_n to_o set_v apart_o for_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n they_o will_v refrain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n at_o that_o time_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a mind_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v i_o praise_v they_o in_o this_o i_o praise_v they_o not_o for_o provide_v there_o be_v no_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o due_a preparation_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o come_v so_o prepare_v as_o we_o can_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v rather_o than_o to_o abstain_v upon_o this_o punctilio_fw-la for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o general_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o prepare_v may_v receive_v at_o any_o time_n when_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v though_o he_o have_v no_o particular_a foresight_n of_o that_o opportunity_n and_o i_o think_v in_o that_o case_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v do_v much_o better_a to_o receive_v than_o to_o refrain_v because_o he_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n though_o he_o have_v no_o time_n to_o make_v such_o actual_a preparation_n as_o he_o desire_v and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o allowable_a how_o can_v minister_n communicate_v with_o sick_a person_n at_o all_o time_n or_o persuade_v other_o to_o do_v it_o many_o time_n upon_o very_o short_a and_o sudden_a warning_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o frequent_o that_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n they_o judge_v it_o as_o essential_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o even_o as_o their_o hymn_n and_o prayer_n and_o read_v and_o interpret_n the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v we_o can_v well_o conceive_v how_o they_o who_o celebrate_v it_o so_o constant_o
subject_n more_o love_v command_v equal_o bowel_n and_o affection_n and_o duty_n and_o honour_n master_n and_o servant_n husband_n and_o wife_n and_o all_o relation_n be_v keep_v in_o their_o just_a bound_n and_o privilege_n with_o other_o church_n we_o make_v good_a work_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o think_v ourselves_o more_o modest_a and_o secure_a in_o take_v away_o arrogance_n and_o merit_n and_o advance_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n with_o other_o man_n we_o cry_v up_o faith_n but_o not_o a_o hungry_a and_o a_o starve_a one_o but_o what_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o have_v all_o that_o other_o contend_v for_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o security_n 3._o how_o fit_o this_o church_n be_v constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n when_o we_o make_v our_o address_n unto_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v worthy_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n a_o true_a sense_n and_o plain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n for_o which_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v supply_v all_o which_o our_o church_n to_o help_v our_o devotion_n plain_o set_v down_o describe_v god_n by_o all_o his_o attribute_n of_o just_a wise_a and_o lay_v forth_o the_o vice_n and_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o none_o else_o but_o god_n can_v cure_v our_o need_n when_o her_o son_n be_v to_o pray_v the_o matter_n of_o her_o petition_n be_v not_o nice_a and_o controvert_v trivial_a or_o word_n of_o a_o party_n but_o plain_a and_o substantial_a wherein_o all_o agree_v her_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v neither_o rustic_a nor_o gay_a the_o whole_a composure_n neither_o too_o tedious_a nor_o too_o short_a decent_o order_v to_o help_v our_o memory_n and_o wander_a thought_n responsal_n and_o short_a collect_v in_o public_a devotion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v her_o fault_n that_o they_o be_v her_o beauty_n and_o prudence_n there_o be_v few_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n whether_o of_o a_o civil_a or_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o have_v not_o their_o proper_a prayer_n and_o particular_a petition_n for_o they_o at_o least_o as_o be_v proper_a for_o public_a devotion_n when_o we_o return_v our_o thanks_o we_o have_v proper_a office_n to_o inflame_v our_o passion_n to_o quicken_v our_o resentment_n to_o excite_v our_o love_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o future_a obedience_n the_o best_a instance_n of_o gratitude_n when_o we_o commemorate_v the_o passion_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o service_n fit_a to_o move_v our_o affection_n to_o assist_v our_o faith_n to_o enlarge_v our_o charity_n to_o show_v forth_o and_o exhibit_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o bloody_a suffering_n every_o way_n to_o qualify_v we_o to_o discharge_v that_o great_a duty_n she_o have_v indeed_o nothing_o to_o kindle_v a_o enthusiastic_a heat_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o savour_v of_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n which_o common_o flow_v from_o temper_n or_o fraud_n but_o that_o which_o make_v we_o manly_a devout_a our_o judgement_n still_o guide_v our_o affection_n when_o we_o enter_v first_o into_o religion_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o have_v two_o proper_a office_n baptism_n and_o burial_n full_a of_o devotion_n to_o attend_v those_o purpose_n so_o that_o if_o any_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o communicate_v and_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o service_n to_o promote_v these_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o hungry_a beggarly_a and_o mean_a but_o their_o own_o mind_n be_v not_o fit_o qualify_v before_o they_o use_v they_o bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n to_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n sober_a and_o good_a purpose_n and_o affection_n well_o dispose_v that_o which_o be_v plain_a will_v prove_v seraphical_a improve_v our_o judgement_n heighten_v our_o passion_n and_o make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n without_o which_o good_a disposition_n our_o devotion_n be_v but_o constitution_n or_o melancholy_a peevishness_n sullenness_n or_o devotion_n to_o a_o party_n a_o sacrifice_n that_o god_n will_v not_o acccept_v 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n such_o be_v the_o capacity_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n not_o to_o be_v teach_v only_o by_o naked_a virtue_n a_o natural_a judgement_n or_o a_o immediate_a teach_v of_o god_n but_o by_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n decent_a ceremony_n and_o constitution_n and_o other_o external_a method_n these_o be_v the_o outward_a pale_n and_o guard_n the_o supply_n and_o help_v for_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n our_o church_n have_v fit_v and_o order_v these_o so_o well_o as_o neither_o to_o want_v or_o to_o abound_v not_o to_o make_v religion_n too_o gay_a nor_o leave_v her_o slove_z neither_o rude_a nor_o fantastic_a but_o be_v clothe_v in_o dress_n proper_a to_o a_o manly_a religion_n not_o to_o please_v or_o gratify_v our_o sense_n so_o as_o to_o fix_v there_o but_o to_o serve_v the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v none_o of_o our_o ceremony_n which_o good_a man_n and_o wise_a man_n have_v not_o judge_v decent_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o none_o of_o they_o but_o derive_v themselves_o from_o a_o very_a ancient_a family_n be_v use_v in_o most_o age_n and_o most_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v decency_n antiquity_n and_o usefulness_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o to_o help_v our_o memory_n to_o excite_v our_o affection_n to_o render_v our_o service_n orderly_a and_o comely_a be_v we_o indeed_o all_o soul_n and_o such_o seraphical_a saint_n and_o grow_v man_n as_o we_o make_v ourselves_o we_o may_v then_o plead_v against_o such_o external_a help_n but_o when_o we_o have_v nature_n of_o weakness_n and_o passion_n these_o outward_a help_n may_v be_v call_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o general_o necessary_a and_o as_o our_o nature_n be_v mix_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o must_v always_o our_o devotion_n be_v here_o and_o such_o god_n expect_v and_o be_v please_v with_o our_o church_n be_v neither_o defective_a in_o power_n and_o discipline_n have_v she_o her_o just_a due_n and_o other_o will_v do_v well_o to_o join_v with_o she_o in_o her_o wish_n that_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v which_o will_v turn_v all_o into_o confusion_n nor_o yet_o tyrannical_a want_v of_o authority_n breed_v as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o misery_n than_o tyranny_n or_o too_o much_o power_n both_o of_o they_o severe_a curse_n of_o a_o nation_n but_o her_o government_n like_o her_o clime_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v together_o that_o the_o member_n of_o this_o christian_a society_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a or_o rude_a with_o she_o nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a be_v constitute_v in_o the_o church_n with_o their_o different_a name_n and_o title_n not_o for_o lustre_n and_o greatness_n and_o secular_a purpose_n but_o for_o suppression_n of_o vice_n the_o maintain_n of_o faith_n peace_n order_n and_o all_o virtue_n the_o true_a edification_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o if_o those_o vice_n be_v not_o reprove_v and_o chastise_v which_o fall_v under_o her_o cognizance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o her_o power_n but_o because_o by_o other_o way_n ill_o restrain_v unnecessary_a division_n from_o she_o hinder_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n and_o so_o they_o hinder_v that_o edification_n which_o thy_o contend_v for_o this_o government_n be_v not_o modern_a particular_a or_o pure_o humane_a but_o apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a to_o time_n as_o well_o as_o place_n till_o some_o private_a person_n for_o number_n learning_n or_o piety_n not_o to_o be_v equal_v to_o the_o good_a man_n of_o old_a who_o defend_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o out_o of_o some_o mistake_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o passion_n or_o bear_v down_o with_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n begin_v to_o change_v it_o and_o declaim_v against_o it_o though_o so_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o promote_v christianity_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o general_a account_n of_o that_o edification_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v a_o more_o particular_a one_o will_v be_v too_o long_o for_o this_o discourse_n but_o thus_o much_o must_v be_v say_v that_o examine_v all_o her_o particular_a part_n and_o office_n you_o will_v find_v none_o of_o they_o light_n or_o superstitious_a novel_a or_o too_o numerous_a ill_o dispose_v or_o uncouth_a improper_a or_o burdensome_a no_o just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o her_o communion_n but_o consider_v the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o man_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n 3._o heb._n 6._o 1._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o rom._n 15._o 2._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 3._o 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
assembly_n and_o the_o corruption_n there_o though_o great_a yet_o be_v not_o such_o as_o make_v the_o worship_n cease_v to_o be_v god_n worship_n nor_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v swallow_v down_o if_o one_o will_v communicate_v in_o that_o worship_n while_o any_o christian_a that_o be_v watchful_a over_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o carriage_n as_o all_o aught_o ever_o to_o be_v may_v partake_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v active_a in_o or_o approve_v the_o other_o there_o god_n be_v yet_o present_a there_o he_o may_v be_v spiritual_o worship_v serve_v acceptable_o and_o real_o enjoy_v 3._o they_o grant_v that_o the_o be_v present_a at_o divine_a worship_n be_v no_o consent_n to_o the_o corruption_n in_o it_o thus_o mr._n robinson_n he_o that_o partake_v 23._o lawfulness_n of_o heaâ—ing_n etc._n etc._n p._n 19_o 23._o with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o uphold_v any_o evil_a have_v his_o part_n in_o the_o evil_a also_o but_o i_o deny_v as_o a_o most_o vain_a imagination_n that_o every_o one_o that_o partake_v with_o a_o church_n in_o thing_n lawful_a join_v with_o it_o in_o uphold_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o christ_n our_o lord_n join_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o yet_o uphold_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o it_o so_o mr._n nye_n 96._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 16_o 18._o cure_n dir_fw-mi 35._o p_o 196_o etc._n etc._n defence_n p._n 96._o approbation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o show_v until_o it_o be_v express_v outward_o by_o my_o word_n and_o gesture_n this_o mr._n baxter_n undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n as_o that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n take_v that_o for_o my_o profession_n which_o i_o never_o make_v by_o word_n or_o deed._n that_o the_o profession_n make_v by_o church-communion_n be_v total_o distinct_a from_o this_o that_o this_o opinion_n will_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o any_o pastor_n or_o church_n on_o earth_n since_o every_o one_o mix_v sin_n with_o their_o prayer_n 4._o they_o say_v that_o corruption_n though_o foreknown_a do_v not_o yet_o make_v those_o that_o be_v present_a guilty_a of_o they_o thus_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n declare_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o people_n 16._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old-england_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o new-england_n p._n 12_o 13_o 16._o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v personal_a as_o some_o distinguish_v or_o otherwise_o know_v beforehand_o or_o not_o know_v for_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v whether_o it_o be_v know_v beforehand_o or_o not_o all_o presence_n be_v faulty_a and_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v not_o our_o presence_n be_v not_o condemn_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n know_v whereof_o we_o stand_v not_o guilty_a if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v tolerate_v and_o i_o be_o call_v to_o be_v present_a by_o such_o fault_n i_o be_o not_o defile_v though_o know_v before_o mr._n baxter_n reply_v to_o those_o of_o a_o 200._o curâ—_n p._n 200._o contrary_a opinion_n after_o this_o manner_n take_v heed_n that_o thus_o by_o affirm_v that_o foreknowing_a fault_n in_o worship_n make_v they_o we_o you_o make_v not_o god_n the_o great_a sinner_n and_o the_o worst_a be_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o god_n foreknoweth_a all_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v present_a when_o they_o commit_v they_o and_o he_o have_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o world_n what_o fault_n soever_o be_v in_o the_o word_n or_o form_n he_o do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o any_o such_o fail_n will_v you_o say_v therefore_o that_o god_n approve_v or_o consent_v to_o all_o these_o sin_n i_o know_v beforehand_o that_o every_o man_n will_v sin_v that_o pray_v by_o defect_n of_o desire_n etc._n etc._n but_o how_o do_v all_o this_o make_v it_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o otherwhere_o add_v it_o be_v another_o man_n 748_o christian_n diâ—ect_a p._n 748_o fault_n or_o error_n that_o you_o foreknow_v and_o not_o your_o own_o 5._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o another_o in_o the_o ministration_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v none_o of_o we_o nor_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o absent_v from_o it_o or_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o it_o thus_o mr._n baxter_n the_o 34._o cure_n p._n 197._o v._o jerubbaal_n justify_v p_o 16_o etc._n etc._n 22_o 34._o word_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o pastor_n work_n and_o none_o of_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o why_o shall_v any_o hold_v i_o guilty_a of_o another_o man_n fault_n which_o i_o neither_o can_v help_v nor_o belong_v to_o any_o office_n of_o i_o to_o help_v any_o far_a than_o to_o admonish_v he_o and_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o he_o that_o minister_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o debar_v ourselves_o of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n mr._n nye_n affirm_v and_o prove_v by_o this_o argument_n 10._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 10._o if_o i_o may_v not_o omit_v a_o duty_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n mix_v with_o it_o which_o be_v my_o own_o much_o less_o may_v i_o thus_o leave_v a_o ordinance_n for_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v another_o man_n no_o way_n i_o or_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o this_o be_v to_o make_v another_o man_n sin_n or_o infirmity_n more_o mine_n than_o my_o own_o thus_o be_v the_o case_n resolve_v 65._o of_o scandal_n a_o discourse_n p._n 65._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n i_o may_v not_o only_o say_v one_o do_v that_o which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a but_o suffer_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a rather_o than_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o necessary_a ordinance_n e._n g._n if_o either_o i_o must_v have_v my_o child_n baptize_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o not_o baptize_v at_o all_o i_o must_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o way_n though_o i_o judge_v it_o a_o unlawful_a addition_n because_o the_o manner_n concern_v he_o that_o do_v it_o not_o i_o at_o least_o not_o so_o much_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v all_o the_o essence_n he_o must_v be_v responsible_a for_o every_o irregularity_n not_o i_o thus_o jacob_n take_v laban_n oath_n though_o by_o his_o idol_n etc._n etc._n 24._o v._o crofton_n reformat_fw-la no_o separate_a p._n 24._o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v mr._n baxter_n resolâ—â—_n the_o case_n in_o his_o christian_a directory_n pag._n 49._o seven_o they_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o join_v arg._n 7_o with_o a_o defective_a and_o faulty_a worship_n where_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o thus_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n at_o the_o savoy_n 13._o savoy_n savoy_n savoy_n confer_v at_o the_o savoy_n p._n 3_o 12_o 13._o a_o inconvenient_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o imposer_n and_o in_o the_o chooser_n and_o voluntary_a user_n that_o may_v offer_v god_n better_o and_o will_v not_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v lawful_a but_o a_o duty_n to_o he_o that_o by_o violence_n be_v necessitate_v to_o offer_v up_o that_o or_o none_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o a_o author_n that_o be_v far_o from_o be_v favourable_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o 64._o separate_a yet_o no_o schism_n p._n 64._o where_o hear_v or_o communion_n in_o sacrament_n no_o where_n enjoy_v but_o only_o in_o such_o church_n that_o be_v so_o corrupt_a as_o you_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_a yea_o and_o a_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o you_o so_o far_o as_o possible_o christian_n can_v without_o sin_n according_o mr._n baxter_n declare_v that_o 78._o def._n of_o cure_n part_n 1._o p._n 78._o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n constant_o with_o any_o of_o the_o parish_n church_n among_o we_o that_o have_v honest_a competent_a pastor_n when_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o and_o profess_v for_o his_o own_o part_n be_v i_o say_v he_o in_o armenia_n 6._o part_n 2._o p._n 176._o and_o cure_n p._n 265._o q._n 6._o abassia_n or_o among_o the_o greek_n i_o will_v join_v in_o a_o much_o more_o defective_a form_n than_o our_o liturgy_n rather_o than_o none_o and_o he_o add_v that_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o new-england_n minister_n to_o join_v with_o the_o english_a liturgy_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o church-worship_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o conjecture_v from_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o synod_n etc._n etc._n 5._o defence_n of_o synod_n pref._n p._n 4_o 5._o def._n of_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 78._o n._n 6._o p._n 96._o n._n 5._o now_o in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o he_o show_v 1._o when_o it_o be_v so_o by_o a_o necessity_n arise_v
be_v his_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n most_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v use_v all_o those_o prudent_a mean_n that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v viz._n that_o he_o can_v join_v in_o our_o worship_n without_o sin_n what_o will_v we_o say_v to_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o will_v we_o still_o say_v that_o this_o man_n must_v either_o conform_v though_o against_o his_o conscience_n or_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a before_o god_n 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 in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o or_o of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o our_o communion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v i_o do_v very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o will_v present_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o those_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v schism_n and_o division_n which_o do_v now_o give_v so_o much_o scandal_n to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o this_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v so_o long_o labour_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o furious_a attacques_n that_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o she_o by_o enemy_n without_o and_o enemy_n within_o her_o own_o bowel_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v perfect_o set_v free_a from_o all_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n at_o the_o least_o from_o the_o one_o sort_n of_o her_o adversary_n if_o all_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n will_v most_o serious_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o in_o thing_n where_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v will_v religious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n for_o direction_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o prudent_a mean_n for_o satisfaction_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o face_n of_o thing_n will_v present_o be_v change_v among_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v near_o no_o more_o of_o any_o division_n or_o schism_n in_o our_o nation_n that_o be_v either_o dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o man_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o but_o alas_o we_o fear_v we_o have_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n even_o those_o of_o they_o that_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v their_o mind_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n in_o those_o point_n which_o they_o stick_v at_o if_o they_o have_v one_o will_v think_v that_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n 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 of_o scripture_n for_o the_o prove_v it_o so_o either_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v they_o do_v indeed_o produce_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v do_v make_v for_o they_o but_o real_o they_o be_v such_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o supine_o take_v up_o their_o meaning_n upon_o trust_n but_o will_v have_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o careful_o examine_v they_o and_o use_v such_o help_n as_o they_o have_v every_o where_o at_o hand_n for_o the_o understanding_n they_o it_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o have_v expound_v those_o text_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o will_v infer_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o further_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o condemn_v our_o communion_n as_o unlawful_a have_v ever_o anxious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o consider_v the_o point_n or_o gain_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o because_o they_o 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 and_o much_o less_o those_o of_o our_o way_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v have_v be_v dispose_v to_o think_v better_o of_o our_o communion_n than_o they_o do_v for_o not_o to_o mention_v what_o the_o churchman_n do_v teach_v &_o press_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a thus_o far_o to_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o our_o communion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o but_o what_o a_o lay-person_n may_v honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n incovenient_a and_o which_o they_o wish_v be_v amend_v nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o afford_v we_o their_o company_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n but_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v a_o invidious_a one_o all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v that_o we_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o too_o apparent_a by_o many_o evidence_n that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o church_n constitution_n that_o they_o have_v do_v little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o it_o but_o have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o much_o think_n or_o inquire_v and_o have_v once_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n they_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o scarce_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n that_o may_v with_o reason_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o point_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n give_v we_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v no_o end_n no_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o his_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o who_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o have_v the_o indifference_n of_o a_o traveller_n to_o who_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o his_o way_n light_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o concern_v himself_o as_o little_a as_o you_o please_v in_o the_o speculative_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o therefore_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n or_o trouble_n that_o may_v give_v he_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o that_o give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a heat_n and_o division_n and_o different_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o modest_a and_o humble_a and_o docible_a that_o believe_v he_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o that_o his_o private_a friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v too_o and_o have_v such_o a_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o to_o admit_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o may_v see_v far_o into_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o religion_n than_o he_o do_v and_o that_o therefore_o every_o tenent_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v inbibe_v in_o his_o education_n that_o be_v infuse_v by_o private_a man_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n or_o that_o be_v espouse_v upon_o a_o very_a few_o thought_n and_o little_a consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o stiff_o maintain_v as_o to_o control_v or_o to_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a establishment_n of_o authority_n last_o give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o where_o the_o public_a law_n do_v run_v counter_a to_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o reconcile_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o present_o upon_o this_o set_v up_o a_o flag_n of_o defiance_n to_o authority_n but_o rather_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o the_o indifference_n and_o honesty_n he_o can_v to_o get_v a_o true_a information_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n continual_o for_o his_o assistance_n he_o call_v in_o the_o best_a help_n and_o consult_v the_o best_a guide_n he_o can_v his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o what_o both_o side_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o and_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o read_v a_o book_n which_o be_v write_v against_o his_o opinion_n as_o one_o that_o defend_v
case_n and_o we_o have_v a_o easy_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n before_o we_o viz._n that_o since_o a_o great_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v before_o a_o less_o when_o a_o man_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v his_o unworthiness_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v customary_o and_o habitual_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v this_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a well_o but_o some_o say_v how_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o st._n paul_n doctrine_n who_o express_o affirm_v that_o whoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v 29._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 29._o damnation_n to_o himself_o can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o dreadful_a sin_n than_o that_o which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v actual_o damn_v he_o certain_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o that_o a_o man_n run_v a_o much_o less_o hazard_n in_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o than_o in_o venture_v to_o receive_v while_o he_o have_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o he_o receive_v unworthithy_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o brief_o answer_v such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o all_o along_o suppose_v in_o our_o case_n be_v in_o no_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o receive_v unworthy_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o st._n paul_n use_v this_o term._n for_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n that_o he_o so_o severe_o censure_v in_o the_o corinthian_n be_v their_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o so_o little_a a_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v about_o that_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o common_a food_n 22._o ibid._n v._o 29._o v._n 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o meeting_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o use_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o eat_v or_o tipple_a house_n some_o of_o they_o revel_v it_o there_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o go_v away_o drink_v from_o these_o religious_a assembly_n all_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o text._n but_o i_o hope_v none_o among_o we_o especial_o none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o doubtful_a about_o their_o be_v due_o qualify_v do_v profane_a the_o sacrament_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o further_a perhaps_o the_o damnation_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o denounce_v be_v not_o so_o frightful_a as_o be_v common_o apprehend_v for_o all_o that_o he_o say_v if_o either_o the_o original_a or_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o english_a bibles_n be_v consult_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o mean_v hereby_o in_o all_o probability_n that_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o affront_v our_o lord_n instistution_n by_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a meat_n do_v by_o this_o his_o profaneness_n draw_v severe_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o himself_o for_o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o many_o be_v weak_a and_o 30._o ver._n 30._o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o be_v fall_v asleep_o but_o here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n much_o less_o of_o any_o man_n be_v put_v into_o that_o state_n by_o thus_o receive_v unworthy_o unless_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v visit_v with_o god_n judgement_n in_o this_o world_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n as_o to_o the_o next_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o very_a place_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a viz._n in_o the_o 32._o verse_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o judge_v in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n i._n e._n with_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o life_n but_o further_a admit_v st._n paul_n in_o these_o word_n to_o mean_a damnation_n in_o the_o usual_a sense_n yet_o still_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v come_v to_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o whosoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v thus_o unworthy_o as_o the_o corinthian_n do_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o case_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o that_o pray_v or_o hear_v unworthy_o he_o that_o fast_n or_o give_v alm_n unworthy_o in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o in_o any_o instance_n perform_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unworthy_o i_o say_v such_o a_o man_n according_a to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o his_o own_o damnation_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o damnation_n that_o communicate_v unworthy_o in_o the_o sacrament_n though_o indeed_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n damnable_a and_o may_v prove_v actual_o so_o to_o he_o unless_o either_o by_o a_o particular_a or_o general_a repentance_n he_o obtain_v god_n pardon_n for_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o man_n will_v for_o these_o reason_n think_v it_o adviseable_a to_o leave_v off_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o the_o only_a consequence_n he_o will_v draw_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o perform_v they_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v the_o sin_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v as_o great_a and_o as_o damnable_a as_o we_o reasonable_o can_v suppose_v it_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o we_o contend_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o total_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o damnable_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o unworthy_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o that_o partake_v not_o at_o all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v much_o increase_n that_o damnation_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v full_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o speak_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o much_o great_a sin_n of_o transgress_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n than_o of_o observe_v that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v though_o with_o much_o unworthiness_n i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o further_a with_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o encourage_v any_o to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o due_a qualification_n or_o from_o extenuate_v any_o man_n sin_n that_o come_v unworthy_o unworthy_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o melancholy_a scrupulous_a person_n yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o live_v in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o a_o renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n and_o withal_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o even_o the_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n voluntary_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o partake_n in_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v for_o all_o that_o think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n from_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o too_o much_o consider_v how_o often_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o with_o our_o case_n in_o the_o three_o place_n therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v give_v to_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o
surplice_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v scare_v by_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o ghost_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o observe_v to_o you_o some_o few_o general_a thing_n concern_v this_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a sickly_a crazy_a temper_n of_o mind_n a_o great_a indisposition_n a_o state_n of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n it_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n our_o religion_n from_o undue_a timerousness_n or_o unsetledness_n of_o mind_n from_o melancholy_a or_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n such_o scrupulous_a person_n be_v like_o fearful_a woman_n that_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a who_o see_v nothing_o to_o affright_v they_o yet_o fancy_v many_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o tremble_v every_o step_n they_o take_v or_o like_o those_o who_o see_v only_o by_o a_o uncertain_a glimmer_a twilight_n their_o imagination_n once_o abuse_v and_o prepossess_v transform_v every_o object_n into_o a_o monster_n or_o giant_n thus_o this_o scrupulous_a be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o in_o other_o word_n some_o call_v a_o tender_a conscience_n so_o tender_a that_o every_o thing_n hurt_v and_o wound_v it_o like_o a_o tender_a eye_n which_o the_o least_o dust_n or_o smoke_n grevious_o offend_v or_o a_o tender_a constitution_n of_o body_n which_o the_o least_o air_n or_o wind_n mighty_o disorder_n and_o discompose_v now_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o virtue_n or_o commendation_n in_o we_o this_o be_v no_o desirable_a qualification_n nor_o a_o matter_n of_o ambition_n to_o be_v think_v man_n of_o such_o tender_a conscience_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n reputation_n to_o be_v sickly_a and_o often_o indispose_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a well_o settle_v and_o resolve_v and_o such_o needless_a scruple_n about_o thing_n lawful_a be_v at_o the_o best_a a_o sign_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a fancy_n and_o a_o weak_a judgement_n as_o the_o niceness_n and_o squeamishness_n of_o a_o man_n stomach_n that_o distaste_v wholesome_a food_n be_v a_o symptom_n of_o a_o unsound_a and_o unhealthy_a body_n this_o do_v not_o argue_v any_o extraordinary_a holiness_n or_o purity_n above_o other_o as_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi conceit_v of_o himself_o stand_v off_o come_v not_o nigh_o i_o touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o because_o he_o wash_v himself_o so_o often_o no_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o childish_a state_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v fright_v with_o such_o bugbear_n and_o phantasm_n we_o have_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o the_o understanding_n or_o resolution_n of_o a_o man._n 2._o this_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n may_v be_v and_o be_v often_o a_o sign_n of_o hypocrisy_n i_o take_v not_o upon_o myself_o to_o judge_v any_o person_n let_v every_o man_n look_v to_o himself_o but_o thus_o certain_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o old_a they_o strain_v at_o every_o gnat_n stumble_v at_o every_o straw_n will_v starve_v soon_o than_o eat_v their_o meat_n with_o defile_a hand_n will_v not_o for_o the_o world_n wrong_v a_o man_n of_o a_o cummin-seed_n or_o a_o spear_n of_o mint_n and_o by_o this_o wonderful_a exactness_n and_o strictness_n in_o some_o instance_n they_o easy_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o great_a saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v a_o ordinary_a proverb_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o but_o two_o person_n in_o the_o world_n go_v to_o heaven_n one_o of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o scribe_n the_o other_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi yet_o for_o all_o this_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o saviour_n account_n of_o they_o they_o make_v nothing_o of_o swallow_a camel_n live_v in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o know_a wickedness_n alas_o their_o conscience_n will_v not_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o governors_n hall_n to_o go_v among_o the_o heathen_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v pollute_v by_o they_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o stick_v not_o at_o suborn_v false_a witness_n against_o the_o best_a and_o most_o innocent_a person_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o blame_v the_o disciple_n for_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n as_o if_o they_o poor_a tender-hearted_a man_n be_v offend_v and_o grieve_v to_o the_o soul_n at_o such_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v it_o nothing_o to_o deny_v relief_n and_o succour_n to_o their_o own_o parent_n when_o in_o want_n or_o distress_n they_o make_v no_o bone_n of_o rapine_n and_o extortion_n oppress_v the_o poor_a or_o devour_a widow_n house_n by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_o hope_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o their_o gross_a transgression_n in_o other_o case_n of_o far_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n since_o they_o deny_v themselves_o many_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v they_o they_o hope_v he_o will_v ready_o forgive_v they_o though_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n they_o take_v a_o great_a liberty_n than_o he_o have_v permit_v they_o have_v any_o of_o we_o be_v present_a when_o mary_n st._n john_n 12._o 3._o take_v the_o ointment_n of_o spikenard_n very_o costly_a and_o anoint_v the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n and_o have_v hear_v judas_n rebuke_n why_o be_v not_o this_o ointment_n sell_v for_o three_o hundred_o penny_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a he_o scruple_v such_o a_o profuse_a expense_n though_o about_o our_o saviour_n himself_o he_o think_v it_o may_v have_v be_v better_o employ_v to_o more_o useful_a purpose_n shall_v we_o not_o from_o this_o have_v straight_o conclude_v he_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o conscientious_a of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o yet_o this_o overgreat_a care_n for_o the_o poor_a be_v only_o a_o pretence_n and_o cover_n for_o his_o thievish_a intention_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_n of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o dread_a of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o bye_n end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v such_o a_o person_n and_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o punctual_a and_o critical_a in_o his_o conformity_n to_o all_o the_o appoint_a ceremony_n and_o usage_n in_o our_o church_n let_v he_o constant_o attend_v god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o behave_v himself_o most_o reverent_o and_o decent_o at_o the_o public_a prayer_n yet_o if_o this_o man_n be_v profane_a and_o intemperate_a a_o derider_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n if_o he_o live_v loose_o and_o at_o random_n all_o his_o regular_a devotion_n all_o his_o bow_n and_o kneel_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n all_o his_o niceness_n about_o his_o worship_n to_o perform_v it_o in_o the_o most_o orderly_a manner_n all_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o church_n shall_v avail_v he_o nothing_o he_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi wash_v the_o outside_n whilst_o he_o be_v within_o full_a of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o
or_o leave_v out_o of_o it_o till_o all_o party_n among_o we_o be_v satisfy_v which_o indeed_o can_v never_o be_v effect_v as_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o our_o become_a more_o true_o christian_n in_o our_o life_n and_o temper_n they_o be_v our_o vicious_a disposition_n more_o than_o our_o different_a apprehension_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n let_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o same_o quarrelsome_a mind_n and_o industrious_o seek_v for_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n before_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o their_o governor_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a it_o be_v plain_a our_o division_n and_o animosity_n will_v not_o can_v cease_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o design_v to_o discourse_v of_o which_o be_v to_o propound_v to_o you_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n may_v get_v rid_v of_o and_o ease_v their_o mind_n of_o such_o scruple_n where_o i_o shall_v especial_o consider_v those_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o communicate_v with_o our_o parish-church_n you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o and_o answer_v the_o particular_a exception_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o constant_a communion_n with_o we_o but_o only_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o advise_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o remove_v those_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o yet_o detain_v so_o many_o in_o a_o state_n of_o utter_a separation_n from_o we_o or_o at_o least_o discourage_v their_o total_a and_o hearty_a join_v with_o we_o which_o charitable_a design_n and_o attempt_v however_o unsuccessful_a i_o may_v be_v in_o it_o yet_o can_v i_o hope_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o any_o who_o conscience_n be_v pester_v with_o such_o scruple_n since_o i_o endeavour_v only_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_v which_o beside_o the_o disservice_n they_o do_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o protestant_a interest_n do_v also_o expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v and_o danger_n from_o the_o public_a law_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o many_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v insist_v only_o on_o these_o follow_v 1._o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n to_o beget_v and_o cherish_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o high_a and_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n almighty_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o as_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v be_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_v to_o he_o as_o also_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v most_o offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o can_v that_o man_n have_v become_v and_o excellent_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o imagine_v that_o god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n habit_n and_o posture_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o service_n and_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n of_o our_o religious_a action_n when_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o true_a devotion_n of_o heart_n a_o sincere_a christian_a prostrate_v himself_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o affection_n beg_v those_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n shall_v refuse_v and_o reject_v his_o petition_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o certain_a prescribe_a form_n of_o word_n shall_v his_o importunate_a renew_a request_n fail_v of_o success_n because_o he_o still_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n and_o read_v his_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n be_v god_n please_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n or_o the_o copiousness_n of_o our_o invention_n or_o the_o elegancy_n of_o our_o phrase_n and_o style_n be_v it_o not_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o god_n principal_o respect_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n or_o can_v we_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v shut_v his_o ear_n against_o the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n because_o offend_v at_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o garment_n in_o which_o the_o minister_n officiate_n suppose_v two_o person_n both_o with_o equal_a preparation_n with_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n one_o of_o they_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a blessing_n and_o out_o of_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n therein_o confer_v upon_o he_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o his_o knee_n in_o the_o humble_a posture_n the_o other_o sit_v or_o stand_v can_v you_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v effectual_a or_o beneficial_a or_o that_o god_n bless_v it_o only_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v or_o that_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o advantage_n to_o he_o if_o he_o also_o have_v receive_v it_o kneel_v to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_n god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursome_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o child_n though_o in_o all_o respect_n most_o dutiful_a to_o he_o and_o every_o way_n deserve_v his_o great_a kindness_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n under_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v exact_o describe_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n at_o all_o to_o vary_v from_o they_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o because_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v typical_a of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o and_o those_o many_o nice_a observance_n that_o be_v appoint_v be_v not_o command_v for_o themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o excellency_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v all_o now_o do_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o everlasting_a righteousness_n the_o only_a thing_n always_o please_v to_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a rational_a service_n god_n now_o expect_v from_o we_o and_o delight_n in_o and_o he_o must_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o very_a fond_a and_o captious_a be_v who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o we_o be_v most_o hearty_a and_o devout_a in_o they_o yet_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o he_o only_o because_o of_o some_o particular_a habit_n or_o gesture_n we_o use_v which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o religious_a performance_n such_o mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_n forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o lay_v out_o your_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v you_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n our_o fierce_a dispute_n and_o debate_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o circumstance_n be_v apt_a to_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n mind_v those_o thing_n most_o in_o
may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n that_o i_o may_v be_v partaker_n thereof_o with_o you_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o these_o compliance_n and_o civility_n to_o win_v many_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n by_o these_o wise_a art_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o make_v his_o way_n he_o then_o teach_v they_o another_o lesson_n and_o behave_v himself_o after_o a_o far_o different_a manner_n 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 have_v his_o office_n and_o be_v to_o propagate_v any_o religion_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n like_o a_o master_n that_o deal_v not_o so_o sharp_o with_o his_o scholar_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o school_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v afterward_o but_o the_o direction_n st._n paul_n give_v and_o according_a to_o which_o himself_o practise_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v become_v the_o national_a religion_n countenance_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o general_o profess_v by_o every_o one_o among_o we_o that_o we_o hardly_o know_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o when_o we_o be_v of_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o child_n and_o lead_v they_o by_o string_n and_o remove_v every_o straw_n and_o rub_v out_o of_o their_o 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 man_n none_o of_o we_o labour_n under_o those_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o christian_n do_v who_o forsake_v a_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v and_o long_o live_v and_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n have_v leave_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n command_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o many_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n deliver_v to_o they_o from_o their_o father_n by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_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_n tongue_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n carry_v themselves_o towards_o these_o new_a convert_v as_o god_n almighty_n do_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o first_o out_o of_o egypt_n he_o for_o a_o while_o lead_v they_o by_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o a_o cloud_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o rain_v down_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n this_o he_o do_v for_o they_o while_o in_o their_o passage_n thus_o extraordinary_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o in_o some_o case_n even_o humour_v that_o people_n lest_o upon_o every_o little_a pretence_n they_o shall_v return_v back_o to_o the_o garlic_n and_o onion_n of_o egypt_n but_o after_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n he_o then_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o ordinary_a common_a mean_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o he_o do_v not_o show_v the_o same_o indulgence_n to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_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._o 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 dissent_v brethren_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 thus_o it_o be_v usual_o observe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v quite_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o the_o galatian_n though_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n among_o who_o he_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v he_o pity_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o weak_a christian_n charge_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v despise_v or_o cast_v off_o that_o no_o cause_n of_o offence_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o but_o to_o the_o galatian_n a_o people_n that_o have_v be_v full_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n among_o who_o himself_o have_v plant_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v be_v present_a in_o person_n and_o so_o know_v that_o they_o understand_v better_o when_o some_o of_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n think_v circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n necessary_a to_o christian_n he_o chide_v they_o sharp_o and_o rebuke_n they_o more_o severe_o who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n he_o who_o will_v condescend_v to_o the_o ignorant_a novice_n among_o the_o roman_n will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o comply_v with_o the_o galatian_n that_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o light_n and_o afterward_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o forbearance_n cease_v when_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gentile_a world_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n contain_v therein_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v tolerate_v in_o those_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o through_o mistake_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o whatever_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o st._n paul_n discourse_n about_o weak_a brethren_n by_o way_n of_o analogy_n or_o similitude_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n yet_o 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 i_o will_v desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v by_o what_o pretence_n they_o can_v challenge_v any_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o weak_a christian_n when_o according_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n further_a off_o from_o be_v such_o in_o any_o sense_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n worth_a a_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la shall_v sue_v in_o formâ_fw-la pauperis_fw-la 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 uninstructed_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 babe_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v real_o better_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v leader_n and_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o and_o do_v prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o they_o call_v their_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o weak_a person_n turn_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primer_z advise_v they_o to_o learn_v their_o catechism_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o high_o wrong_v and_o injure_v if_o the_o several_a dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a waver_a half_a christian_n do_v they_o think_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o weakness_n they_o will_v be_v either_o more_o careful_a to_o hide_v it_o or_o will_v more_o diligent_o seek_v out_o for_o remedy_n
we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o in_o and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n
and_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n to_o wound_v and_o destroy_v their_o precious_a soul_n and_o to_o provide_v matter_n for_o eternal_a torment_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o discourage_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o render_v it_o more_o perplex_v and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o may_v be_v just_o call_v a_o offence_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o easy_o understand_v how_o this_o kind_n of_o offence_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v any_o other_o but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o way_n now_o let_v our_o debate_n be_v determine_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o let_v the_o issue_n be_v whether_o conformity_n can_v be_v grieve_v other_o upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a be_v say_v or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n be_v offer_v that_o we_o offend_v man_n hereby_o because_o we_o either_o do_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o to_o his_o holy_a religion_n by_o it_o it_o be_v much_o true_a that_o we_o bring_v honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o both_o by_o it_o to_o god_n by_o take_v the_o best_a course_n we_o can_v pitch_v upon_o to_o secure_v the_o solemnity_n and_o decency_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o to_o religion_n by_o take_v care_n that_o all_o the_o great_a service_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v decent_o and_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o profane_v by_o the_o ignorance_n or_o temerity_n of_o every_o bold_a and_o unskilful_a undertaker_n 2._o nor_o second_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o hereby_o we_o let_v man_n be_v spectator_n of_o our_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o so_o grieve_v and_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n while_o they_o see_v we_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o our_o eye_n i_o have_v that_o charity_n for_o the_o modesty_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o they_o will_v not_o call_v our_o worship_n idolatry_n and_o the_o service_n of_o baal_n any_o long_o though_o it_o can_v be_v dissemble_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o less-discerning_a rabble_n have_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o so_o to_o account_v and_o think_v of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o have_v be_v mislead_v into_o such_o a_o opinion_n i_o will_v beg_v they_o to_o come_v and_o behold_v our_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o their_o better_a conviction_n 3._o no_o nor_o three_o do_v i_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o offence_n upon_o its_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a or_o difficult_a to_o other_o than_o it_o will_v be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o any_o to_o show_v where_o he_o be_v hinder_v from_o be_v good_a by_o see_v other_o conformable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o what_o obstruction_n that_o cast_v in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n and_o advantage_n to_o he_o and_o a_o furtherance_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n but_o let_v or_o hindrance_n it_o can_v be_v none_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o by_o this_o we_o make_v religion_n cumbersome_a and_o clog_v that_o with_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a thing_n i_o grant_v the_o objection_n be_v reasonable_a and_o the_o charge_n of_o give_v offence_n undeniable_a be_v it_o either_o so_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o old_a in_o st._n augustin_n time_n or_o be_v at_o present_a in_o the_o roman-church_n clog_v with_o so_o many_o antic_a and_o garish_a ceremony_n that_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o study_n to_o be_v a_o exact_a ritualist_n and_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n hard_a to_o remember_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o any_o service_n and_o office_n in_o religion_n than_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n a_o hundred_o time_n over_o but_o let_v i_o beg_v man_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v just_a against_o a_o church_n and_o its_o liturgy_n which_o enjoin_v but_o three_o ceremony_n against_o which_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v object_v and_o these_o too_o not_o in_o the_o same_o but_o so_o many_o distinct_a service_n and_o which_o be_v little_o more_o than_o bare_o determine_v those_o circumstance_n of_o habit_n and_o gesture_n which_o be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o our_o action_n if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v think_v to_o make_v the_o practice_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n burdensome_a than_o any_o of_o the_o posture_n in_o which_o our_o brethren_n perform_v their_o worship_n will_v make_v that_o so_o too_o and_o then_o the_o directory_n will_v be_v as_o chargeable_a and_o faulty_a in_o this_o as_o the_o liturgy_n these_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o this_o first_o way_n that_o i_o propose_v to_o show_v that_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o any_o thing_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o this_o place_n nor_o can_v come_v under_o his_o notion_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o which_o he_o speak_v against_o in_o it_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v offend_v and_o trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o much_o some_o man_n be_v trouble_v to_o see_v a_o church_n constitute_v among_o we_o to_o behold_v it_o protect_v by_o law_n and_o power_n and_o to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o deference_n and_o respect_n pay_v unto_o it_o and_o its_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v at_o present_a by_o multitude_n both_o of_o great_a and_o good_a man_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v great_o malign_v and_o envy_v by_o man_n and_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o continual_a trouble_n and_o grief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o private_a interest_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v so_o their_o design_n and_o aim_n will_v never_o be_v effect_v but_o so_o ill_a man_n be_v trouble_v at_o a_o good_a government_n and_o thief_n and_o robber_n may_v be_v vex_v that_o honest_a man_n be_v secure_v from_o they_o and_o these_o may_v as_o well_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o government_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o as_o other_o may_v that_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o church_n and_o conformity_n sure_o we_o know_v thing_n better_o than_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o scandal_n that_o any_o man_n be_v vex_v or_o trouble_v at_o if_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o offence_n or_o forbear_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n that_o every_o ill_n design_v man_n be_v please_v to_o take_v exception_n against_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a we_o must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o venture_v to_o undertake_v any_o thing_n till_o we_o see_v whether_o all_o person_n will_v be_v please_v with_o it_o or_o not_o we_o must_v not_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o offence_n that_o please_v not_o the_o humour_n of_o every_o man_n for_o than_o nothing_o can_v avoid_v that_o character_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o will_v serve_v we_o much_o further_o not_o only_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o from_o this_o imputation_n but_o to_o reflect_v it_o back_o upon_o those_o that_o charge_v we_o for_o when_o we_o have_v well_o consider_v thing_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o scandal_n will_v fall_v upon_o our_o accuser_n and_o not_o conformity_n but_o separation_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o give_a offence_n and_o that_o in_o both_o the_o notion_n of_o give_v it_o that_o have_v be_v name_v separation_n be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n as_o be_v both_o a_o evil_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o betray_v other_o into_o many_o evil_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o schism_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o donatist_n or_o any_o that_o be_v ever_o make_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v a_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v on_o our_o behalf_n that_o the_o present_a separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v real_o a_o schism_n and_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n and_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o best_a successor_n yea_o and_o few_o sin_n great_a than_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v separation_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a notion_n of_o scandal_n too_o and_o we_o sad_o see_v what_o great_a mischief_n it_o be_v introductive_a of_o what_o uncharitableness_n and_o rail_n what_o pride_n and_o censoriousness_n it_o betray_v man_n into_o schism_n be_v scarce_o ever_o content_a to_o be_v alone_o man_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o go_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n by_o
will_v suggest_v enough_o to_o he_o neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o much_o endanger_v by_o private_a offence_n as_o by_o those_o against_o the_o public_a church_n man_n guilt_n be_v high_a and_o more_o injurious_a to_o themselves_o and_o the_o effect_n be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a to_o other_o which_o be_v another_o good_a consideration_n to_o sway_v man_n in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v weigh_v the_o probable_a effect_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o where_o a_o honest_a and_o uninstruct_v man_n be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o may_v do_v or_o forbear_v such_o thing_n and_o after_o his_o enquiry_n remain_v scrupulous_a and_o unresolved_a it_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o determine_v himself_o by_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v what_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o what_o he_o be_v go_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v be_v and_o that_o which_o he_o see_v attend_v with_o a_o train_n of_o the_o worse_o and_o more_o mischievous_a consequence_n disargue_v itself_o and_o pronounce_v its_o own_o condemnation_n and_o by_o these_o effect_n he_o may_v make_v as_o true_a a_o difference_n as_o if_o the_o plain_a essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v naked_a unto_o his_o view_n 3._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v offend_v those_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v more_o duty_n than_o we_o do_v unto_o any_o private_a party_n whatsoever_o i_o confess_v charity_n and_o respect_n and_o all_o the_o possible_a ininstance_n of_o it_o we_o owe_v to_o every_o private_a person_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v any_o way_n relate_v and_o god_n have_v make_v all_o this_o matter_n of_o plain_a duty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o owe_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o whole_a church_n even_o as_o much_o more_o as_o we_o owe_v of_o deference_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o a_o father_n and_o a_o governor_n and_o those_o that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v above_o we_o above_o that_o common_a charity_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v to_o owe_v to_o one_o that_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v our_o equal_a the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n consider_v we_o under_o great_a obligation_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o to_o our_o country_n than_o to_o any_o single_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o make_v injure_v of_o a_o father_n or_o our_o prince_n more_o heinous_a than_o do_v the_o same_o to_o a_o common_a person_n upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o we_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n too_o consider_v we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o call_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n let_v we_o know_v what_o great_a duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o and_o of_o how_o much_o great_a guilt_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o offend_v they_o than_o our_o fellow-christian_n or_o any_o party_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v engage_v there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n in_o the_o one_o when_o there_o be_v but_o the_o breach_n of_o common_a charity_n in_o the_o other_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o man_n may_v join_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o party_n and_o make_v another_o man_n their_o guide_n and_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o he_o and_o thereby_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o more_o duty_n than_o they_o owe_v to_o other_o but_o this_o be_v duty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o the_o failure_n in_o it_o a_o sin_n of_o their_o own_o cause_v and_o do_v no_o more_o supercede_v their_o original_n and_o primer_n obligation_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v lay_v on_o they_o than_o the_o be_v faithful_a to_o a_o company_n of_o banditi_n will_v excuse_v disloyalty_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o country_n or_o than_o give_v a_o gift_n to_o the_o corban_n among_o the_o jew_n will_v atone_v undutifulness_n to_o a_o want_a parent_n however_o man_n may_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o providence_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v they_o member_n and_o enter_v themselves_o into_o separate_a faction_n yet_o they_o must_v remember_v that_o they_o owe_v duty_n to_o it_o still_o that_o no_o voluntary_a and_o second_o compact_n of_o their_o own_o can_v dissolve_v their_o primitive_a obligation_n or_o their_o care_n to_o continue_v faithful_a to_o the_o one_o expiate_v their_o regardless_o offend_v of_o the_o other_o for_o they_o do_v owe_v more_o duty_n to_o the_o one_o than_o to_o the_o other_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o owe_v to_o one_o be_v contract_v by_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o other_o be_v bind_v on_o they_o by_o the_o sacred_a and_o strong_a tie_n of_o religion_n and_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v another_o good_a argument_n to_o determine_v a_o scrupulous_a person_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n which_o he_o have_v best_a to_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o own_o private_a party_n and_o know_v not_o by_o what_o consideration_n to_o determine_v his_o resolution_n let_v he_o in_o god_n name_n consider_v to_o which_o he_o owe_v most_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v his_o duty_n to_o the_o one_o more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o and_o then_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a and_o single-eyed_n he_o will_v soon_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v his_o scruple_n and_o know_v what_o choice_n he_o ought_v to_o make_v 4._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v true_o a_o grievous_a scandal_n and_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o true_a gospel-notion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o offend_a particular_a person_n may_v possible_o not_o be_v so_o that_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v not_o take_v offence_n but_o upon_o just_a reason_n but_o other_o man_n may_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n to_o they_o which_o real_o be_v not_o if_o we_o do_v that_o which_o grieve_v and_o injure_v the_o whole_a church_n than_o we_o do_v proper_o offend_v and_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o only_o offend_v some_o private_a person_n of_o our_o own_o party_n they_o may_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o every_o grieve_n and_o offend_v of_o another_o in_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o a_o formal_a scandal_n as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o have_v be_v since_o this_o make_v clear_a by_o a_o better_a pen._n and_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a matter_n in_o debate_n this_o be_v real_o so_o in_o our_o case_n of_o conformity_n the_o refusal_n of_o it_o and_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v true_o that_o give_v of_o offence_n which_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v it_o be_v lay_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o man_n entrap_a they_o into_o that_o damnable_a sin_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v a_o obstruct_v the_o effect_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o direct_a hindrance_n of_o that_o concord_n and_o love_n that_o unanimity_n and_o peace_n that_o it_o so_o strict_o call_v for_o among_o christian_n and_o design_n to_o render_v the_o world_n happy_a by_o but_o you_o may_v challenge_v any_o dissent_v person_n to_o show_v how_o anger_v some_o private_a person_n and_o a_o single_a party_n of_o schismatic_n can_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o or_o to_o name_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v temptation_n to_o they_o to_o commit_v and_o to_o instance_n that_o prejudice_n or_o disservice_n that_o it_o do_v to_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v possible_a i_o must_v confess_v that_o grief_n and_o anger_n at_o such_o a_o person_n conformity_n may_v irritate_fw-la and_o provoke_v man_n to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a but_o then_o i_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o they_o that_o be_v angry_a and_o not_o he_o with_o who_o they_o be_v causeless_o offend_v it_o may_v be_v take_v a_o offence_n on_o their_o part_n but_o not_o give_v it_o by_o he_o for_o if_o we_o must_v call_v every_o thing_n a_o offence_n that_o any_o man_n do_v pervert_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o evil_n there_o will_v scarce_o any_o no_o not_o the_o best_a action_n of_o man_n escape_v that_o denomination_n this_o methinks_v be_v a_o very_a material_a consideration_n and_o aught_o always_o to_o sway_v with_o man_n in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o man_n can_v not_o determine_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o other_o reason_n yet_o they_o may_v by_o this_o they_o shall_v consider_v which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o judge_v true_a what_o be_v scandal_n and_o what_o be_v not_o and_o when_o both_o side_n say_v they_o be_v offend_v
blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_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 savour_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 put_v in_o its_o claim_n against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o govern_v themselves_o in_o these_o temperate_a and_o unbyast_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 in_o this_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n 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 debate_n and_o mature_a consideration_n second_o the_o other_o head_n of_o objection_n against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v that_o it_o seem_v the_o introduce_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o warranty_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a offensive_a invasion_n of_o his_o right_n who_o royal_a prerogative_n alone_o it_o be_v to_o institute_v what_o sacrament_n he_o please_v in_o his_o church_n this_o objection_n seem_v to_o point_v at_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o with_o respect_n in_o common_a to_o all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n which_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o antecedent_o prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o to_o do_v this_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v general_o affirm_v it_o a_o bold_a and_o unwarrantable_a intrusion_n upon_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n that_o be_v in_o prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n all_o their_o mode_n and_o usage_n in_o worship_n from_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vary_v or_o deviate_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v in_o any_o one_o circumstance_n this_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o further_o notice_n of_o than_o as_o it_o may_v necessary_o intermix_v itself_o with_o the_o question_n particular_o in_o hand_n about_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n partly_o because_o i_o will_v keep_v as_o strict_o as_o may_v be_v to_o this_o distinct_a case_n and_o especial_o because_o this_o case_n of_o do_v nothing_o in_o or_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o in_o his_o word_n have_v be_v another_o province_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n itself_o which_o our_o brethren_n will_v make_v their_o main_a instance_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v make_v direct_o against_o it_o they_o do_v unquestionable_o take_v up_o some_o usage_n wherein_o moses_n have_v give_v no_o antecedent_n direction_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v not_o unlawful_a upon_o that_o account_n because_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v not_o only_o not_o blame_v or_o accuse_v they_o of_o encroachment_n or_o superstition_n but_o himself_o practise_v &_o comply_v with_o they_o this_o among_o many_o other_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v up_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o their_o synagogue_n worship_n and_o upon_o another_o occasion_n may_v be_v further_o insist_v on_o by_o and_o by_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o be_v no_o rule_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o add_v the_o inexpediency_n and_o unfitness_n of_o this_o rule_n to_o the_o very_a oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v to_o diffuse_v itself_o among_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o people_n who_o do_v so_o infinite_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o both_o in_o their_o custom_n and_o in_o the_o signification_n of_o those_o custom_n too_o that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v a_o vast_a and_o bulky_a digest_v of_o law_n indeed_o that_o must_v have_v suit_v all_o country_n be_v every_o circumstance_n and_o punctilio_n in_o divine_a worship_n to_o have_v be_v antecedent_o prescribe_v all_o this_o have_v be_v with_o so_o much_o clearness_n make_v out_o by_o several_a hand_n that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v at_o this_o time_n of_o the_o day_n our_o brethren_n do_v not_o expect_v or_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o further_a conviction_n in_o this_o point_n and_o seem_v in_o some_o measure_n agree_v that_o this_o position_n of_o they_o will_v not_o hold_v water_n it_o be_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n therefore_o that_o will_v fall_v more_o direct_o under_o our_o consideration_n at_o this_o present_a and_o that_o be_v that_o our_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n do_v seem_v to_o run_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o mean_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a invisible_a grace_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o redeemer_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dedicate_a mean_n to_o consecrate_v we_o to_o god_n that_o it_o signify_v our_o covenant_a engagement_n and_o be_v as_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o represent_v christ_n die_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o signify_v our_o be_v list_v under_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o baptism_n that_o it_o add_v another_o sacrament_n to_o baptism_n and_o that_o it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o engage_v sign_n in_o our_o first_o and_o solemn_a covenant_v with_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v real_o oblige_v by_o baptism_n be_v more_o express_o affix_v to_o that_o airy_a sign_n than_o to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o many_o other_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o we_o may_v find_v intersperse_v in_o the_o several_a writing_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n where_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o dispute_v this_o ceremony_n this_o of_o the_o cross_n have_v at_o least_o the_o semblance_n of_o a_o sacrament_n be_v indeed_o the_o only_a objection_n the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n insist_v upon_o in_o their_o exception_n against_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o present_a liturgy_n as_o to_o this_o therefore_o first_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v that_o the_o word_n sacrament_n itself_o have_v be_v so_o well_o agree_v upon_o among_o we_o the_o father_n have_v use_v it_o so_o much_o at_o large_a in_o their_o writing_n that_o it_o will_v sometime_o be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o our_o brethren_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n by_o which_o several_a other_o exception_n have_v be_v make_v may_v have_v disallow_v and_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o word_n by_o no_o mean_n scriptural_a but_o pagan_a and_o heathenish_a however_o since_o by_o a_o long_a reception_n of_o the_o word_n into_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v agree_v on_o all_o side_n what_o the_o sense_n and_o acceptation_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n will_v be_v to_o show_v 1._o what_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n and_o then_o 2._o to_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o as_o our_o church_n never_o do_v design_n or_o intend_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n to_o make_v a_o new_a sacrament_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o have_v not_o any_o semblance_n of_o a_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n that_o both_o side_n be_v agree_v in_o first_o as_o to_o our_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n i_o must_v presume_v our_o church_n in_o her_o public_a catechism_n have_v give_v that_o definition_n of_o it_o which_o no_o reform_v church_n but_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o that_o be_v
shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 27._o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v eat_v 29._o ver._n 29._o and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o four_o what_o preparation_n of_o ourselves_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n which_o will_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o explain_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o those_o word_n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o 28._o ver._n 28._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 i._o for_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o this_o institution_n employ_v in_o those_o word_n for_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v or_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v imperative_o and_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n show_v you_o forth_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n immediate_o before_o the_o apostle_n particular_o declare_v the_o institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n with_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o not_o only_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o word_n seem_v rather_o to_o intimate_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o our_o lord_n himself_o ver_fw-la 23._o for_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o also_o deliver_v unto_o you_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o same_o night_n that_o he_o be_v betray_v take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o and_o say_v take_v eat_z this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n also_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v sup_v say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n this_o do_v as_o often_o as_o you_o shall_v drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o so_o that_o the_o institution_n be_v in_o these_o word_n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o in_o which_o word_n our_o lord_n command_v his_o disciple_n after_o his_o death_n to_o repeat_v these_o action_n of_o take_v and_o break_v and_o eat_v the_o bread_n and_o of_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n by_o way_n of_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o he_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o once_o only_o or_o often_o and_o whether_o by_o the_o disciple_n only_o during_o their_o life_n or_o by_o all_o christian_n afterward_o in_o all_o successive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a mere_o from_o the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o but_o what_o the_o apostle_n add_v put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v intend_v for_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v that_o be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o his_o second_o come_v which_o will_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o stand_a commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n till_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a and_o shall_v never_o cease_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a conceit_n and_o more_o dream_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n concern_v the_o seculum_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la the_o age_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o as_o they_o suppose_v all_o humane_a teach_v shall_v cease_v and_o all_o external_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n in_o religion_n shall_v vanish_v and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o far_o use_v of_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o prayer_n and_o outward_a teach_v and_o the_o use_v of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v intend_v to_o continue_v among_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n as_o for_o prayer_n beside_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n if_o there_o be_v not_o reveal_v religion_n we_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n particular_o exhort_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o this_o will_n always_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o christian_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n because_o it_o be_v prescribe_v as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n of_o preparation_n for_o it_o that_o outward_a teach_v likewise_o and_o baptism_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v perpetual_a be_v no_o less_o plain_a because_o christ_n have_v express_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ordinance_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o go_v and_o disciple_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 and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o particular_a age_n but_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n age_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o age_n as_o the_o phrase_n clear_o import_v and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a from_o this_o text_n that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v intend_v for_o a_o perpetual_a institution_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n viz._n his_o come_n to_o judgement_n because_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o these_o sacramental_a sign_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a till_o he_o come_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o for_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o this_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n during_o his_o absence_n from_o we_o that_o be_v till_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n than_o this_o sacrament_n will_v never_o be_v out_o of_o date_n till_o the_o second_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v mighty_o strengthen_v and_o encourage_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o often_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o this_o sacrament_n since_o our_o lord_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o memorial_n of_o himself_o till_o he_o come_v to_o translate_v his_o church_n into_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o sure_a pledge_n that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o invest_v we_o in_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o be_v now_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v for_o we_o so_o that_o as_o often_o as_o we_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v comfort_v ourselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o bless_a time_n when_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o great_a feast_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o to_o eternal_a communion_n with_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o with_o our_o bless_a and_o glorify_a redeemer_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o the_o same_o consideration_n shall_v likewise_o make_v we_o afraid_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n unworthy_o without_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o and_o without_o worthy_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n because_o of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n which_o at_o the_o second_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o those_o who_o by_o the_o profanation_n of_o this_o solemn_a institution_n trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o contemn_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v ratify_v with_o mankind_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o this_o indeed_o be_v speak_v of_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o suppose_v that_o if_o these_o temporal_a judgement_n have_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n but_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o the_o profanation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n they_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v
danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v better_a whole_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o very_a many_o place_n this_o great_a and_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o quite_o forget_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n even_o lose_v among_o christian_n so_o that_o many_o congregation_n in_o england_n may_v just_o have_v take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o woman_n at_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n they_o have_v take_v away_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o but_o sure_o man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v nor_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v when_o they_o do_v so_o earnest_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v great_a but_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v not_o that_o man_n shall_v upon_o this_o consideration_n be_v deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o habitual_a indisposition_n and_o unworthiness_n st._n paul_n indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o true_o represent_v and_o very_o much_o aggravate_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o he_o do_v not_o deter_v the_o corinthian_n from_o it_o because_o they_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o it_o without_o due_a reverence_n but_o exhort_v they_o to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o and_o to_o come_v better_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o after_o that_o terrible_a declaration_n in_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o add_v therefore_o let_v christian_n take_v heed_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o let_v they_o come_v prepare_v and_o with_o due_a reverence_n not_o as_o to_o a_o common_a meal_n but_o to_o a_o solemn_a participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_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_n of_o that_o cup._n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o fear_v of_o perform_v so_o sacred_a a_o action_n in_o a_o undue_a manner_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v over_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n of_o prayer_n of_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o proportionable_a danger_n in_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unprofitable_a use_n of_o any_o of_o these_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o one_o that_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o same_o caution_n concern_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o reform_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n that_o be_v deadly_a and_o damnable_a to_o such_o person_n but_o now_o will_v any_o man_n from_o hence_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n not_o to_o pray_v not_o to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v endanger_v and_o aggravate_v his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n from_o this_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o give_v over_o pray_v and_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n as_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a that_o he_o that_o pray_v unworthy_o and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o by_o his_o indevout_a prayer_n and_o unfruitful_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n do_v further_a and_o aggravate_v his_o own_o damnation_n i_o say_v this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a as_o that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o high_a contempt_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a perform_v this_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o he_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n he_o that_o unworthy_o use_v or_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n but_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n plunge_v himself_o into_o a_o most_o desperate_a state_n and_o do_v certain_o damn_v himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n because_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n throw_v off_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o better_a state_n i_o can_v more_o fit_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n than_o by_o this_o plain_a similitude_n he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v intemperate_o endanger_v his_o health_n and_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n will_v not_o eat_v at_o all_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o will_v certain_o become_v of_o he_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n there_o be_v some_o conscientious_a person_n who_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v commit_v afterward_o be_v unpardonable_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v man_n except_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v those_o great_a miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o work_v and_o which_o he_o real_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n indeed_o to_o sin_n deliberate_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o such_o as_o to_o make_v it_o unpardonable_a but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v these_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o constant_a receive_n of_o it_o with_o the_o best_a preparation_n we_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o obtain_v the_o assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o we_o may_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n for_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a and_o affect_a manner_n exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o so_o frequent_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v never_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n undoubted_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v that_o such_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n shall_v because_v of_o their_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o our_o lord_n institution_n unavoidable_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n such_o groundless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n as_o these_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a meaning_n but_o they_o be_v certain_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n for_o if_o we_o stand_v upon_o these_o scruple_n no_o man_n perhaps_o be_v ever_o so_o worthy_o prepare_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v still_o some_o defect_n or_o other_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o preparation_n but_o if_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v this_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v and_o for_o our_o fear_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n be_v not_o prevent_v by_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n but_o increase_v because_o a_o powerful_a and_o probable_a mean_n of_o preserve_a man_n from_o sin_n be_v neglect_v and_o why_o shall_v
incapable_a of_o so_o perform_v the_o one_o as_o to_o receive_v the_o other_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o we_o will_v not_o do_v our_o duty_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o then_o plead_v that_o we_o be_v unfit_a and_o unworthy_a to_o do_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o sacrament_n 3._o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o a_o total_a want_n of_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o receive_v it_o but_o immediate_o to_o set_v about_o the_o work_n of_o preparation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o they_o who_o be_v absolute_o unprepared_a ought_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n nor_o can_v do_v it_o with_o any_o benefit_n nay_o by_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n render_v their_o condition_n much_o worse_o this_o be_v a_o most_o forcible_a argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n there_o be_v nothing_o reasonable_a in_o this_o case_n but_o immediate_o to_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a course_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o those_o holy_a mystery_n and_o may_v no_o long_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n against_o we_o by_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o we_o do_v wilful_o neglect_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v wilful_o refuse_v to_o fit_v and_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o the_o due_a and_o worthy_a performance_n of_o it_o let_v we_o view_v the_o thing_n in_o a_o like_a case_n a_o pardon_n be_v gracious_o offer_v to_o a_o rebel_n he_o decline_v to_o accept_v it_o and_o modest_o excuse_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o and_o why_o be_v he_o not_o worthy_a because_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v a_o rebel_n and_o then_o his_o pardon_n will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a but_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o his_o crime_n very_o true_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o a_o aggravation_n that_o he_o refuse_v it_o for_o such_o a_o reason_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o modesty_n do_v the_o impudent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v just_a the_o case_n and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v himself_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v and_o thankful_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o accept_v of_o the_o benefit_n offer_v because_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o nor_o fit_n for_o it_o nor_o ever_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o be_v happy_a because_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a so_o that_o whether_o our_o want_n of_o preparation_n be_v total_a or_o only_o to_o some_o degree_n it_o be_v every_o way_n unreasonable_a if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o degree_n only_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n if_o it_o be_v total_a it_o ought_v to_o put_v we_o immediate_o upon_o remove_v the_o impediment_n by_o make_v such_o preparation_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a and_o worthy_a receive_n of_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o iv_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v viz._n what_o preparation_n of_o ourselves_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o will_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o explain_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o text_n but_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_n of_o that_o cup._n i_o think_v it_o very_o clear_a from_o the_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o examination_n of_o our_o state_n whether_o we_o be_v christian_n or_o not_o and_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o our_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o the_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n this_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v and_o persevere_v in_o their_o christian_a profession_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o their_o actual_a fitness_n and_o worthiness_n at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o come_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o give_v occasion_n to_o this_o discourse_n at_o the_o 20_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o irreverent_a and_o unsuitable_a carriage_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o come_v to_o it_o very_o disorderly_a one_o before_o another_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o christian_n to_o meet_v at_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n in_o which_o they_o do_v communicate_v with_o great_a sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o when_o that_o be_v end_v they_o celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o among_o the_o corinthian_n this_o order_n be_v break_v the_o rich_a meet_v and_o exclude_v the_o poor_a from_o this_o common_a feast_n and_o after_o a_o irregular_a feast_n one_o before_o another_o eat_v his_o own_o supper_n as_o he_o come_v they_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o great_a disorder_n one_o be_v hungry_a have_v eat_v nothing_o at_o all_o other_o be_v drink_v have_v eat_v intemperate_o and_o the_o poor_a be_v despise_v and_o neglect_v this_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v as_o a_o great_a profanation_n of_o that_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n at_o the_o participation_n whereof_o they_o behave_v themselves_o with_o as_o little_a reverence_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v meet_v at_o a_o common_a supper_n or_o feast_n and_o this_o he_o call_v not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n make_v no_o difference_n in_o their_o behaviour_n between_o the_o sacrament_n and_o a_o common_a meal_n which_o irreverent_a and_o contemptuous_a carriage_n of_o they_o he_o call_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o for_o which_o he_o pronounce_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a in_o their_o eat_n of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n by_o which_o irreverent_a and_o contemptuous_a usage_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o do_v incur_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o he_o call_v eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o judgement_n for_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o transslatour_n render_v damnation_n do_v not_o here_o signify_v eternal_a condemnation_n but_o a_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o chastisement_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prevention_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n that_o be_v for_o this_o irreverence_n of_o they_o god_n have_v send_v among_o they_o several_a disease_n of_o which_o many_o have_v dye_v and_o then_o he_o add_v for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o whether_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o public_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o our_o private_a censure_v of_o ourselves_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a amendment_n and_o reformation_n be_v not_o certain_a if_o of_o the_o latter_a which_o i_o think_v most_o probable_a then_o judge_v here_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o examine_v ourselves_o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o then_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v that_o if_o we_o will_v censure_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o these_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o when_o we_o be_v judge_v we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n but_o when_o we_o be_v judge_v that_o be_v when_o by_o neglect_v thus_o to_o judge_v ourselves_o we_o provoke_v god_n to_o judge_v we_o we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n that_o be_v he_o inflict_v these_o temporal_a judgement_n upon_o we_o to_o prevent_v our_o eternal_a condemnation_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o judgement_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v for_o one_o another_o and_o if_o any_o man_n hunger_n let_v he_o eat_v at_o home_n that_o you_o come_v not_o together_o unto_o judgement_n where_o the_o apostle_n plain_o
be_v with_o his_o method_n his_o style_n his_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o accustom_v to_o his_o voice_n which_o you_o can_v be_v in_o a_o instant_n or_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o the_o best_a of_o we_o in_o abundance_n of_o place_n till_o by_o conversation_n with_o they_o we_o grow_v acquaint_v with_o their_o phrase_n manner_n of_o speak_v argue_v and_o connexion_n and_o if_o god_n word_n have_v be_v general_o use_v as_o some_o among_o we_o have_v treat_v his_o minister_n reject_v they_o i_o mean_v because_o they_o do_v not_o present_o apprehend_v they_o it_o have_v be_v throw_v out_o of_o all_o man_n hand_n long_o ago_o as_o a_o unprofitable_a piece_n 3._o quest_n i_o desire_v such_o further_o to_o examine_v serious_o and_o recollect_v themselves_o whether_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v they_o first_o forsake_v our_o ministry_n as_o unprofitable_a be_v not_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o church_n the_o preacher_n happen_v to_o treat_v on_o some_o subject_a cross_n to_o their_o opinion_n which_o hasty_a person_n who_o consider_v not_o what_o different_a apprehension_n man_n may_v have_v in_o many_o matter_n and_o yet_o agree_v well_o enough_o together_o can_v brook_v but_o present_o fling_v away_o from_o those_o that_o contradict_v they_o as_o if_o they_o contradict_v god_n himself_o whereas_o if_o they_o will_v have_v have_v patience_n they_o may_v have_v profit_v even_o by_o such_o discourse_n either_o by_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n or_o more_o confirm_v in_o that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o truth_n be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o argument_n bring_v against_o it_o 4._o quest_n but_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o this_o the_o minister_n be_v perhaps_o upon_o some_o distasteful_a subject_n when_o you_o chance_v to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o happen_v to_o treat_v of_o such_o matter_n as_o you_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o though_o more_o necessary_a it_o may_v be_v than_o many_o other_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o because_o of_o their_o ungratefulness_n they_o be_v seldom_o handle_v will_v you_o not_o be_v angry_a nor_o lay_v aside_o this_o paper_n and_o read_v no_o further_o if_o i_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o which_o i_o mention_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o i_o know_v some_o have_v take_v offence_n as_o they_o call_v it_o at_o such_o doctrine_n and_o aught_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v better_o teach_v be_v he_o not_o preach_v i_o mean_v about_o schism_n or_o disobedience_n to_o governor_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v such_o sin_n which_o be_v very_o heinous_a and_o dangerous_a every_o way_n and_o therefore_o no_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n balk_v the_o treat_v of_o they_o some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o suppose_v he_o that_o treat_v of_o they_o when_o you_o be_v at_o church_n extend_v the_o duty_n of_o unity_n and_o of_o obedience_n further_o than_o you_o desire_v may_v not_o you_o for_o all_o that_o have_v profit_v very_o much_o by_o what_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o subject_n i_o believe_v sober_a man_n among_o you_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o your_o own_o minister_n speak_v hard_a word_n of_o conformity_n and_o conformist_n than_o you_o will_v have_v have_v they_o and_o yet_o you_o do_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n leave_v they_o but_o still_o fancy_v you_o can_v profit_v by_o they_o even_o by_o what_o they_o say_v on_o that_o subject_a of_o conformity_n and_o therefore_o you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o search_v and_o try_v what_o account_v you_o can_v give_v of_o take_v such_o distaste_n at_o the_o establish_a ministry_n as_o to_o forsake_v it_o upon_o their_o press_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o certain_o christian_a duty_n with_o great_a strictness_n than_o agree_v with_o your_o present_a inclination_n and_o i_o the_o rather_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o because_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n to_o hear_v man_n and_o woman_n of_o your_o way_n to_o complain_v of_o their_o vnprofitableness_n under_o ordinance_n of_o the_o deadness_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o duty_n and_o their_o barrenness_n under_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n which_o arise_v perhaps_o in_o those_o mind_n that_o be_v well_o incline_v mere_o from_o a_o natural_a dullness_n or_o indisposition_n which_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o attend_v or_o to_o remember_v and_o keep_v in_o mind_n as_o they_o desire_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o therefore_o moral_a indisposition_n such_o as_o prejudice_n passion_n disaffection_n to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o to_o any_o christian_a doctrine_n will_v much_o more_o make_v man_n unapt_a to_o receive_v any_o impression_n from_o what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o though_o in_o itself_o never_o so_o good_a and_o fit_v powerful_o to_o affect_v the_o heart_n be_v it_o but_o entertain_v with_o a_o honest_a mind_n so_o that_o if_o you_o complain_v of_o deadness_n and_o unprofitableness_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o of_o you_o do_v of_o the_o like_a barrenness_n under_o your_o own_o but_o proceed_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o a_o worse_a cause_n of_o which_o in_o reason_n you_o shall_v suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a rather_o than_o conclude_v so_o sudden_o as_o you_o do_v our_o ministry_n to_o be_v unedifying_a v._o the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o who_o fancy_n that_o though_o they_o can_v profit_v something_o by_o our_o ministry_n yet_o they_o can_v profit_v more_o by_o other_o they_o ought_v in_o conscience_n to_o examine_v whence_o this_o conceit_n arise_v whether_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o prejudice_n from_o disaffection_n from_o disgust_n at_o some_o doctrine_n which_o they_o love_v not_o shall_v be_v touch_v from_o their_o seldom_o attendance_n upon_o the_o establish_a ministry_n from_o their_o careless_a hear_n when_o they_o be_v there_o or_o from_o the_o hasty_a sentence_n they_o pronounce_v against_o it_o before_o a_o sufficient_a trial_n and_o withal_o they_o shall_v consider_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o profit_v whether_o real_o and_o true_o they_o be_v not_o more_o earnest_o press_v in_o our_o congregation_n to_o be_v thorough_o good_a and_o virtuous_a to_o take_v a_o strict_a care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o dred_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o where_o they_o imagine_v they_o profit_v more_o because_o they_o be_v entertain_v there_o perchance_o with_o more_o please_a subject_n than_o this_o of_o their_o whole_a christian_a duty_n i_o only_o suggest_v this_o as_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v most_o deep_o ponder_v and_o do_v not_o accuse_v you_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o falseness_n to_o your_o own_o soul_n but_o this_o i_o must_v say_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o grow_v more_o holy_a harmless_a and_o unreprovable_a in_o your_o common_a conversation_n if_o your_o passion_n be_v not_o better_o govern_v if_o your_o tongue_n be_v not_o more_o strict_o bridle_v if_o you_o grow_v not_o more_o humble_a less_o conceit_v of_o yourselves_o less_o confident_a of_o your_o own_o understanding_n more_o fearful_a to_o offend_v god_n by_o censure_v rash_a judge_v disrespectful_a behaviour_n to_o your_o better_n and_o superior_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n you_o do_v but_o deceive_v yourselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o profit_v more_o by_o the_o nonconforming_a ministry_n than_o by_o we_o upon_o which_o if_o you_o will_v attend_v with_o a_o mind_n to_o improve_v in_o these_o great_a thing_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v your_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o yourselves_o who_o may_v be_v convince_v in_o a_o little_a time_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o go_v any_o whither_o else_o for_o such_o edification_n and_o if_o you_o go_v for_o any_o other_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o seek_v still_o for_o better_a entertainment_n of_o your_o fancy_n and_o itch_a ear_n which_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v gratify_v with_o infinite_a variety_n the_o mischief_n of_o which_o they_o of_o your_o own_o way_n have_v feel_v and_o complain_v of_o as_o much_o as_o we_o and_o the_o better_a any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a have_v they_o appear_v in_o give_v caution_n against_o this_o wanton_a humour_n though_o pretend_v never_o so_o much_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o growth_n in_o grace_n or_o soulsaving_a knowledge_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o forefather_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o who_o can_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o dangerous_a principle_n that_o man_n must_v go_v where_o they_o can_v profit_v most_o and_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a person_n high_o esteem_v by_o
among_o nonconformist_n and_o beget_v so_o much_o sobriety_n in_o you_o all_o as_o to_o make_v you_o think_v what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v now_o of_o how_o you_o come_v to_o differ_v so_o much_o from_o the_o best_a of_o your_o own_o way_n in_o former_a day_n this_o be_v worth_a your_o serious_a study_n that_o you_o may_v not_o offend_v as_o many_o hearer_n do_v in_o a_o partial_a and_o factious_a estimation_n they_o have_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o they_o be_v his_o word_n again_o in_o another_o place_n lecture_n lxvi_o where_o he_o observe_v this_o partiality_n arise_v from_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v among_o we_o in_o small_a matter_n which_o make_v they_o affect_v such_o only_a as_o be_v of_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o every_o thing_n with_o the_o dislike_n of_o all_o other_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n and_o second_o from_o the_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o the_o difference_n of_o gift_n which_o be_v among_o preacher_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o which_o move_v they_o to_o admire_v some_o who_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v of_o excellent_a gift_n though_o alas_o their_o judgement_n be_v very_o small_a but_o to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v all_o other_o and_o he_o have_v there_o these_o two_o remarkable_a reflection_n upon_o this_o humour_n which_o i_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o observe_v and_o remember_v first_o that_o this_o factious_a disposition_n of_o the_o hearer_n of_o god_n word_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o great_o hinder_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n note_v here_o this_o way_n which_o you_o be_v in_o be_v not_o the_o mean_n of_o profit_v in_o religion_n but_o of_o hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o it_o the_o second_o be_v that_o whereas_o they_o in_o who_o this_o humour_n reign_v be_v wont_a to_o glory_n as_o if_o they_o have_v more_o judgement_n and_o can_v discern_v better_o of_o gift_n than_o other_o man_n say_v alas_o poor_a people_z who_o esteem_v so_o high_o of_o such_o a_o man_n gift_n if_o they_o have_v any_o judgement_n or_o understanding_n they_o will_v count_v he_o no_o body_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a and_o that_o this_o argue_v rather_o they_o have_v very_o little_a judgement_n or_o grace_n in_o they_o yea_o this_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o o_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heart_n in_o you_o to_o ponder_v such_o profitable_a instruction_n as_o these_o which_o be_v say_v on_o purpose_n to_o check_v that_o evil_a disposition_n which_o begin_v then_o to_o appear_v among_o people_n inclinable_a to_o nonconformity_n and_o be_v since_o grow_v the_o prevail_a humour_n insomuch_o that_o some_o can_v settle_v no_o where_o but_o ramble_v from_o one_o preacher_n to_o another_o as_o their_o uncertain_a fancy_n guide_v they_o without_o become_v one_o whit_n the_o better_a for_o any_o yes_o will_v some_o say_v we_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o come_v and_o hear_v your_o preacher_n and_o hear_v they_o constant_o but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o it_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n you_o can_v never_o justify_v to_o which_o so_o much_o have_v be_v answer_v by_o other_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o tell_v you_o what_o that_o good_a man_n before_o name_n say_v to_o it_o in_o one_o of_o those_o lecture_n which_o be_v preach_v in_o parliament-time_n may_v 8._o 1610._o where_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o pray_v earnest_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o realm_n then_o assemble_v that_o their_o principal_a care_n may_v be_v to_o take_v order_n about_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o a_o able_a and_o conscionable_a ministry_n may_v be_v place_v every_o where_o and_o second_o that_o all_o people_n may_v be_v compel_v to_o hear_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a say_v he_o upon_o this_o second_o head_n that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o good_a ministry_n establish_v the_o magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o compel_v all_z subject_n to_o come_v and_o hear_v notwithstanding_o all_o pretence_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_n vii_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o then_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o business_n be_v please_v to_o consider_v what_o make_v a_o sermon_n profitable_a and_o what_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n to_o profit_v by_o the_o sermon_n a_o sermon_n be_v then_o profitable_a when_o it_o inform_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n aright_o in_o divine_a truth_n when_o it_o instruct_v you_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a duty_n when_o it_o tend_v to_o strengthen_v or_o awaken_v your_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v more_o steadfast_o adhere_v and_o earnest_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o what_o you_o know_v and_o believe_v certain_o to_o be_v god_n mind_n and_o will_n when_o it_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n to_o submit_v entire_o to_o god_n will_v that_o you_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n when_o it_o correct_v any_o of_o your_o error_n stir_v up_o your_o sloth_n incourage_v you_o to_o diligence_n cheerfulness_n and_o perseverance_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n but_o the_o best_a contrive_a sermon_n in_o the_o world_n for_o all_o these_o end_n though_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o will_v have_v no_o efficacy_n at_o all_o in_o it_o if_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o it_o and_o attend_v without_o prejudice_n without_o passion_n without_o partiality_n without_o rash_a and_o hasty_a judgement_n without_o pride_n and_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o righteousness_n that_o be_v unless_o they_o consider_v and_o weigh_v what_o be_v deliver_v though_o contrary_a to_o their_o present_a sense_n unless_o they_o will_v impartial_o give_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o mind_n a_o due_a regard_n and_o allot_v some_o time_n for_o its_o further_a consideration_n when_o it_o be_v not_o to_o their_o like_n etc._n etc._n for_o want_v of_o which_o multitude_n do_v not_o profit_n by_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n but_o be_v rather_o more_o exasperate_v by_o they_o and_o at_o last_o final_o harden_v against_o he_o and_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o it_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o convince_v they_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o be_v ready_a enough_o then_o to_o lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o his_o sermon_n which_o press_v they_o to_o many_o thing_n unto_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n be_v against_o their_o interest_n or_o against_o some_o opinion_n or_o affection_n to_o which_o they_o be_v deep_o engage_v so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o profit_n by_o they_o but_o for_o all_o this_o you_o believe_v the_o fault_n be_v whole_o in_o themselves_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v come_v better_o prepare_v with_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o consider_v in_o your_o present_a case_n that_o since_o the_o most_o profitable_a sermon_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v can_v do_v no_o good_a unless_o man_n be_v dispose_v to_o profit_n by_o they_o whether_o the_o unprofitableness_n you_o complain_v of_o under_o our_o ministry_n do_v not_o arise_v rather_o for_o want_v of_o what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o make_v the_o most_o excellent_a sermon_n profitable_a then_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o their_o ministry_n judge_n now_o i_o say_v upon_o the_o whole_a if_o you_o can_v profit_v by_o the_o public_a ministry_n where_o be_v it_o most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o unprofitableness_n lie_v whether_o to_o suspect_v the_o cause_n may_v lie_v in_o yourselves_o or_o to_o impute_v it_o to_o their_o sermon_n and_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v unedyfy_a pronounce_v i_o beseech_v you_o righteous_a judgement_n after_o you_o have_v well_o weigh_v the_o matter_n and_o give_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v here_o lay_v before_o you_o a_o just_a and_o deliberate_a consideration_n so_o as_o hereafter_o to_o resolve_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o to_o be_v perfect_o free_a to_o hear_v with_o patience_n and_o candour_n what_o can_v be_v say_v by_o any_o body_n though_o against_o your_o present_a persuasion_n let_v not_o your_o passion_n rise_v at_o it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v immediate_o suppress_v they_o and_o require_v they_o not_o to_o meddle_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o to_o sumbit_fw-la unto_o what_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v reason_n after_o you_o have_v weigh_v the_o matter_n impartial_o if_o you_o can_v do_v this_o you_o ought_v to_o think_v that_o you_o have_v not_o profit_v much_o by_o all_o the_o sermon_n you_o have_v hear_v and_o consequent_o suspect_v you_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o grow_v wise_a and_o better_a and_o after_o you_o
truth_n that_o we_o hear_v but_o not_o always_o so_o when_o man_n preach_v for_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n which_o by_o the_o way_n show_v the_o great_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n of_o this_o age_n wherein_o man_n make_v nothing_o of_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n but_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o discourse_n and_o chat_v all_o the_o time_n while_o the_o first_o and_o second_o lesson_n be_v read_v to_o they_o and_o second_o the_o word_n that_o be_v read_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o sermon_n and_o the_o very_a touchstone_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v to_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v read_v simple_a and_o absolute_a obedience_n be_v due_a without_o any_o question_n make_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o that_o which_o we_o hear_v preach_v far_o than_o we_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o write_a word_n for_o they_o of_o beraea_n be_v commend_v for_o examine_v by_o this_o even_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v preach_v ix_o but_o i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o and_o shall_v only_o crave_v leave_n with_o some_o earnestness_n to_o desire_v two_o thing_n of_o every_o one_o who_o say_v he_o can_v profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o will_v examine_v himself_o strict_o upon_o this_o question_n whether_o he_o think_v he_o can_v profit_v by_o such_o a_o sermon_n as_o this_o do_v he_o hear_v it_o preach_v by_o one_o of_o your_o minister_n search_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v till_o you_o feel_v how_o they_o stand_v affect_v and_o how_o they_o will_v receive_v a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o subject_n shall_v you_o come_v occasional_o as_o you_o now_o speak_v into_o one_o of_o our_o church_n and_o there_o find_v the_o preacher_n press_v these_o thing_n upon_o the_o people_n conscience_n especial_o if_o you_o hear_v he_o add_v to_o these_o rule_n that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o he_o shall_v call_v this_o place_n a_o temple_n and_o affirm_v that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v not_o where_o so_o well_o perform_v as_o in_o this_o temple_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n do_v to_o god_n worship_n that_o parishioner_n either_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o chrage_n to_o maintain_v such_o as_o may_v keep_v the_o church_n decent_o or_o be_v altogether_o careless_a to_o see_v it_o do_v and_o that_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o now_o adays_o man_n will_v be_v at_o no_o cost_n with_o god_n house_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o irreligiousness_n which_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n to_o every_o godly_a man_n etc._n etc._n reflect_v i_o say_v upon_o yourselves_o and_o resolve_v what_o you_o real_o think_v you_o will_v judge_v of_o such_o a_o sermon_n how_o will_v it_o be_v accept_v by_o you_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o altogether_o unprofitable_a or_o at_o least_o as_o needless_a discourse_n which_o may_v as_o well_o nay_o better_o be_v spare_v than_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n if_o this_o be_v your_o mind_n then_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o why_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v relish_v well_o enough_o or_o go_v down_o without_o disgust_n which_o come_v out_o of_o another_o you_o present_o dislike_v be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o you_o be_v partial_a and_o disaffect_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n you_o can_v profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o from_o our_o minister_n then_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v you_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v in_o this_o business_n of_o profitable_a sermon_n when_o you_o imagine_v such_o discourse_n as_o these_o to_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o superfluous_a which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n be_v not_o only_o very_o useful_a but_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v teach_v the_o people_n that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o such_o thing_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o lose_v their_o religion_n for_o as_o that_o good_a man_n say_v long_o ago_o and_o i_o doubt_v we_o be_v much_o improve_v in_o such_o impiety_n since_o that_o time_n as_o superstition_n make_v the_o papist_n too_o careful_a and_o too_o bountiful_a so_o profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 2._o but_o if_o you_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v count_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a than_o i_o desire_v you_o second_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o forego_n rule_v due_o and_o careful_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v they_o your_o study_n and_o to_o think_v how_o to_o bring_v your_o heart_n into_o conformity_n with_o they_o do_v you_o for_o instance_n reverence_n god_n sanctuary_n and_o when_o you_o come_v into_o it_o and_o while_o you_o be_v there_o give_v open_a signification_n of_o it_o do_v you_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o divine_a service_n or_o only_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n or_o the_o sermon_n only_o do_v you_o stand_v up_o and_o do_v you_o kneel_v when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v etc._n etc._n if_o you_o can_v say_v that_o you_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_n as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v by_o they_o then_o in_o reason_n you_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o fault_n be_v some_o where_o else_o and_o not_o in_o our_o sermon_n if_o you_o can_v profit_v by_o they_o for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v very_o mean_o of_o himself_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o poor_a proficient_a in_o religion_n who_o be_v not_o advance_v thus_o far_o in_o his_o regard_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o if_o be_v admonish_v of_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o humble_v himself_o nay_o become_v vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n for_o have_v thus_o long_o entertain_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o himself_o though_o so_o deficient_a in_o the_o very_a rudiment_n and_o beginning_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v much_o the_o better_a for_o any_o sermon_n whatsoever_o because_o he_o will_v relish_v none_o but_o those_o only_a which_o feed_v his_o vain_a conceit_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o high_a attainment_n and_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n while_o he_o have_v not_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o they_o nor_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n by_o they_o x._o but_o i_o hope_v these_o short_a admonition_n may_v put_v better_a inclination_n into_o those_o man_n mind_n who_o will_v serious_o think_v of_o they_o and_o particular_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o great_a regard_n than_o be_v usual_o give_v to_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n read_v in_o our_o church_n which_o will_v dispose_v ever_o one_o to_o profit_v better_o by_o all_o sermon_n which_o be_v but_o the_o interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o that_o word_n especial_o if_o with_o due_a devotion_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v join_v in_o the_o whole_a service_n forego_v by_o which_o they_o may_v profit_v i_o have_v show_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o as_o by_o sermon_n if_o they_o be_v religious_o dispose_v and_o will_v come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o with_o all_o humble_a reverence_n attend_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n for_o as_o he_o that_o be_v away_o from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n say_v the_o same_o person_n again_o shall_v profit_v the_o less_o by_o that_o which_o he_o do_v hear_v so_o he_o that_o be_v away_o from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a service_n get_v the_o less_o good_a by_o that_o at_o which_o he_o be_v present_a for_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n service_n not_o the_o confession_n not_o the_o prayer_n not_o the_o psalm_n not_o the_o blessing_n but_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o and_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v edification_n by_o it_o and_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o benefit_n he_o may_v have_v have_v if_o he_o absent_v himself_o from_o it_o a_o thing_n in_o which_o it_o seem_v many_o of_o they_o who_o have_v most_o knowledge_n and_o be_v the_o forward_a professor_n in_o those_o day_n