and_o he_o that_o minister_v rom._n twelve_o and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o every_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o these_o officer_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n join_v exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n with_o read_v in_o his_o charge_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o which_o show_v that_o they_o go_v together_o but_o whether_o indispensible_o or_o no_o do_v not_o appear_v though_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o church_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v all_o general_o exercise_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n viii_o last_o we_o find_v that_o they_o have_v a_o summary_n of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o the_o people_n and_o by_o which_o they_o order_v their_o own_o discourse_n and_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o other_o thus_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n i_o 13_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o and_o chap._n two_o vers._n 2._o and_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o among_o many_o witness_n the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v exhort_v to_o prophesy_v rom._n twelve_o 6_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o doubt_v but_o this_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n contain_v the_o main_a fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o what_o those_o be_v heb._n vi_fw-la 1_o 2._o therefore_o leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n not_o lay_v again_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n in_o all_o probability_n therefore_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o by_o he_o to_o other_o contain_v these_o six_o head_n or_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o every_o christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v and_o learn_v sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o reading_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n these_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n propose_v to_o we_o for_o our_o feed_v the_o people_n with_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o their_o hear_v it_o in_o public_a let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o and_o sure_o no_o copy_n can_v come_v near_o the_o original_a 1._o for_o first_o our_o minister_n be_v express_o oblige_v in_o their_o ordination_n diligent_o to_o read_v all_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n unto_o the_o people_n assemble_v in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o serve_v 2._o our_o church_n have_v dispose_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o certain_a order_n and_o have_v appoint_v four_o or_o more_o chapter_n to_o be_v read_v every_o day_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o the_o most_o edify_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v order_v to_o be_v read_v once_o a_o year_n and_o the_o new_a testament_n except_o the_o revelation_n thrice_o in_o the_o same_o time_n and_o some_o select_a chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v appoint_v on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o chapter_n about_o one_o ten_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n leave_v out_o of_o this_o order_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v out_o be_v either_o genealogy_n name_n of_o person_n and_o place_n historical_a repetition_n or_o some_o obscure_a and_o mystical_a prophecy_n in_o ezekiel_n which_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o a_o ordinary_a assembly_n for_o which_o reason_n some_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v also_o leave_v out_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o exclude_v though_o not_o particular_o command_v the_o general_a obligation_n on_o every_o clergyman_n in_o his_o ordination_n to_o read_v all_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n still_o allow_v he_o to_o read_v these_o and_o also_o oblige_v he_o to_o it_o when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o beside_o this_o order_n for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n on_o every_o lordsday_n and_o other_o solemn_a occasion_n there_o be_v appoint_v certain_a select_a portion_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n to_o be_v read_v which_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o occasion_n and_o contain_v some_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o other_o weighty_a matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o edification_n 4._o for_o the_o more_o solemnity_n of_o these_o reading_n our_o church_n join_v with_o each_o of_o they_o praise_n thanksgiving_n or_o confession_n according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v practise_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 5._o that_o the_o people_n may_v benefit_v and_o be_v edify_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o plain_a authentic_a and_o most_o excellent_a translation_n be_v provide_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o first_o care_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n be_v force_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o draw_v all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v from_o the_o fountain_n which_o our_o bishop_n open_v for_o they_o by_o translate_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o put_v it_o into_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v 6._o it_o be_v order_v in_o our_o church_n that_o the_o minister_n shall_v explain_v some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o lordsday_n and_o exhort_v their_o congregation_n in_o a_o sermon_n 7._o to_o inculcate_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o better_a our_o church_n have_v appoint_v certain_a solemn_a time_n wherein_o once_o in_o the_o year_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o explain_v and_o inculcate_v every_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o be_v the_o conception_n birth_n passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n last_o there_o be_v provide_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a catechism_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n this_o be_v adapt_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o be_v indeed_o sincere_a milk_n without_o school_n notion_n or_o hard_a word_n and_o all_o the_o six_o principle_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n heb._n vi_fw-la 1_o 2._o be_v brief_o explain_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o large_o enough_o to_o make_v those_o that_o attend_v to_o it_o wise_a to_o salvation_n the_o teach_v and_o explain_v these_o fundamental_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o public_a instruction_n and_o enjoin_v as_o a_o constant_a duty_n on_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o our_o solemn_a worship_n the_o minister_n in_o each_o parish_n be_v require_v diligent_o upon_o sunday_n and_o holiday_n open_o in_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v and_o examine_v so_o many_o child_n of_o his_o parish_n send_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v convenient_a in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o catechism_n and_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v and_o obedient_o to_o hear_v and_o by_o our_o twelve_o canon_n for_o the_o better_a ground_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catechism_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o part_n as_o there_o be_v sunday_n in_o the_o year_n shall_v be_v explain_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o parish_n church_n this_o be_v the_o care_n our_o church_n have_v take_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o the_o method_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o conceivable_a how_o any_o one_o who_o due_o conform_v to_o these_o order_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o effect_n be_v such_o that_o we_o may_v affirm_v without_o vanity_n or_o partiality_n that_o our_o clergy_n and_o laity_n especial_o where_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n be_v general_o much_o more_o know_v modest_a governable_a devout_a and_o charitable_a then_o perhaps_o may_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o church_n of_o which_o our_o late_a contest_v with_o the_o papist_n and_o behaviour_n under_o their_o government_n and_o since_o the_o present_a revolution_n be_v evident_a proof_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o hear_v and_o
it_o be_v that_o some_o people_n can_v endure_v our_o service_n but_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o praise_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n will_v gratify_v they_o every_o meeting_n with_o a_o new_a prayer_n without_o trouble_v they_o with_o such_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n as_o they_o think_v old_a which_o be_v incomparable_o better_a only_o the_o itch_a ear_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n foretold_v be_v please_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disgust_v the_o repetition_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v that_o of_o angel_n food_n psa._n lxxviii_o 25_o num._n xxi_o 5_o &_o xi_o 6_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n and_o the_o business_n of_o the_o true_o conscientious_a to_o check_v and_o curb_v this_o humour_n in_o the_o people_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o discouragement_n the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n instead_o of_o comply_v with_o they_o have_v constant_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n and_o levity_n where_o they_o find_v they_o guilty_a but_o as_o aaron_n to_o please_v the_o israelite_n make_v the_o golden_a calf_n so_o some_o minister_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n have_v change_v god_n institution_n to_o please_v their_o people_n and_o lest_o out_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a read_n of_o god_n word_n because_o their_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v who_o behave_v themselves_o most_o like_a the_o minister_n of_o christ_n we_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o read_n god_n word_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v hear_v or_o forbear_v or_o they_o that_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o lay_z aside_o god_n command_n to_o oblige_v and_o gain_v they_o chap._n iu._n of_o bodily_a worship_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n be_v visible_a or_o bodily_a adoration_n such_o among_o we_o be_v uncover_v the_o head_n bowing_n kneel_v and_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o open_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o express_v the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o these_o attribute_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o head_n i_o will_v keep_v myself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o consider_v first_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o three_o examine_v the_o dissenter_n practise_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o find_v a_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a worship_n in_o public_a psal._n xcv_o 6_o o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o public_a worship_n let_v we_o come_v before_o his_o presence_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o this_o bow_v or_o kneel_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v literal_o not_o figurative_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o sing_v thanksgiving_n and_o psalm_n be_v all_o literal_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o understanding_n bow_v and_o kneel_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n than_o the_o other_o ii_o the_o same_o bodily_a worship_n be_v require_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o grave_a image_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v command_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n that_o the_o negative_a commandment_n include_v in_o they_o the_o contrary_a positive_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o first_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o to_o have_v any_o other_o god_n before_o the_o lord_n it_o require_v we_o to_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o our_o only_a god_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o command_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o which_o rule_n when_o the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n xx_o 5_o forbid_v we_o in_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o it_o require_v we_o to_o practise_v the_o contrary_a duty_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n to_o bow_v down_o to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v he_o both_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n therefore_o as_o he_o that_o either_o bow_n or_o kneel_v or_o use_v any_o posture_n of_o reverence_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n break_v the_o second_o commandment_n so_o do_v he_o who_o on_o occasion_n of_o public_a worship_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o use_v some_o such_o posture_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o instance_n without_o some_o posture_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o kneel_v to_o a_o image_n without_o pray_v to_o it_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o one_o be_v idolatry_n and_o the_o other_o sacrilege_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o give_v what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o a_o image_n or_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o himself_o we_o be_v equal_o robber_n of_o god_n we_o deny_v he_o his_o honour_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sacrilege_n i_o wish_v all_o concern_v may_v serious_o consider_v and_o amend_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a iii_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n command_n and_o from_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o he_o require_v or_o approve_v in_o his_o worship_n now_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v any_o one_o sit_v at_o his_o devotion_n but_o on_o all_o occasion_n of_o worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n the_o people_n of_o god_n stand_v kneel_v bow_v or_o prostrate_v themselves_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o 2_o sam._n seven_o 8_o that_o king_n david_n then_o go_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o here_o the_o original_a word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o signification_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o remain_v stay_v or_o abode_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o according_o it_o be_v thus_o translate_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n particular_o gen._n xxii_o 5_o &_o xxiv_o 55_o &_o xxix_o 19_o 1_o king_n twelve_o 2_o this_o place_n therefore_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o that_o practice_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o holy_a man_n worship_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o mind_n iv._o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a t._n our_o saviour_n undoubted_o be_v the_o best_a example_n we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v what_o he_o do_v and_o approve_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o bow_v the_o body_n with_o kneel_v and_o prostration_n as_o well_o as_o with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n so_o mat._n xxvi_o 39_o and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v o_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o luk._n xxii_o 41_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o as_o he_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n so_o he_o accept_v the_o same_o from_o man_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n thus_o the_o wise_a man_n worship_v he_o in_o his_o cradle_n mat._n two_o 11_o when_o they_o see_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n mary_n they_o fall_v down_o etc._n etc._n thus_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o mark_v v_o 22_o when_o he_o see_v he_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o return_v he_o thanks_o luke_n xvii_o 16_o thus_o his_o belove_a mary_n come_v into_o his_o presence_n john_n xi_o 32_o and_o matth._n xxviii_o 9_o they_o
4_o or_o 3_o at_o the_o least_o communicate_v with_o the_o priest_n so_o where_o 3_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o minister_n may_v proceed_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n every_o lord's-day_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o three_o therefore_o make_v a_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o obstinacy_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o shall_v hinder_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a from_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o therefore_o our_o church_n have_v take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o by_o order_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o communion-service_n be_v read_v every_o lord's-day_n both_o with_o design_n to_o put_v all_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o accommodate_v such_o as_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o herein_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v order_v that_o in_o cathedral_n and_o collegiate_n church_n and_o college_n where_o there_o be_v many_o priest_n and_o deacon_n they_o shall_v all_o receive_v the_o communion_n every_o sunday_n at_o the_o least_o 3._o that_o every_o parishioner_n shall_v communicate_v at_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n whereof_o easter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o sure_o such_o as_o can_v fit_v themselves_o so_o often_o must_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n be_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n 4._o last_o as_o to_o our_o practice_n we_o have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o universal_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v celebrate_v thrice_o every_o year_n and_o where_o either_o our_o persuasion_n argument_n or_o entreaty_n can_v prevail_v with_o our_o people_n we_o have_v monthly_a communion_n and_o in_o city_n and_o large_a town_n by_o the_o change_a the_o monthly_a day_n in_o several_a church_n people_n that_o be_v devout_o dispose_v have_v opportunity_n of_o receive_v weekly_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o our_o church_n want_v not_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v many_o such_o 5._o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o to_o hold_v solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o communicate_v be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n and_o come_v in_o by_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n and_o slacken_v of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o root-out_a and_o reform_v this_o popish_a practice_n entire_o yet_o we_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n and_o by_o god_n blessing_n may_v say_v we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o take_v that_o for_o ordinary_a which_o have_v a_o constant_a fix_a time_n for_o its_o observation_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o our_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o i_o very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o shall_v have_v bring_v our_o people_n before_o now_o to_o the_o scripture-order_n of_o constant_a weekly_n communicate_v have_v not_o the_o ill_a example_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n encourage_v they_o in_o their_o negligence_n and_o weaken_v our_o discipline_n for_o our_o church_n order_v non-communicants_a to_o be_v present_v and_o punish_v and_o our_o minister_n do_v not_o general_o flatter_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sin_n or_o dissemble_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o point_n but_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o by_o sermon_n admonition_n and_o treatise_n purposely_o publish_v to_o this_o intent_n press_v they_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v blameless_a before_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v it_o our_o fault_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o people_n be_v not_o reform_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v accuse_v of_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o of_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n in_o this_o particular_a though_o we_o be_v yet_o too_o far_o short_a of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o institution_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n about_o frequency_n of_o communicate_v i._o i_o come_v now_o according_a to_o my_o former_a method_n to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o and_o entreat_v you_o to_o examine_v with_o i_o your_o principle_n and_o practice_n by_o these_o scripture-rule_n and_o example_n and_o here_o first_o i_o must_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o you_o have_v no_o fix_a or_o set_v time_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n on_o the_o contrary_a your_o directory_n order_n that_o the_o time_n how_o often_o this_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v may_v be_v consider_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o church-governor_n of_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v any_o ordinary_a constant_a part_n of_o god_n service_n it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o each_o congregation_n to_o determine_v as_o in_o other_o occasional_a thing_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v of_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n or_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o which_o yet_o they_o determine_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o every_o lord_n day_n have_v they_o make_v the_o same_o rule_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n they_o have_v indeed_o conform_v to_o the_o scripture-precedent_n and_o may_v have_v pretend_v to_o some_o reformation_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n altogether_o discretionary_a i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v direct_o against_o what_o we_o find_v practise_v in_o scripture_n ii_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v your_o teacher_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v this_o abuse_n and_o innovation_n have_v fall_v into_o another_o practice_n as_o unprecedent_v in_o scripture_n the_o exclude_v this_o sacrament_n entire_o from_o your_o ordinary_a solemn_a meeting_n and_o true_o in_o this_o point_n you_o seem_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o the_o papist_n order_n the_o element_n to_o be_v consecrate_v every_o lord_n day_n and_o distribute_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v it_o but_o your_o teacher_n neither_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o people_n nor_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o afford_v a_o opportunity_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v constant_a receiver_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o multiply_v the_o abuse_n introduce_v by_o popery_n instead_o of_o reform_v they_o iii_o they_o rare_o press_v their_o people_n to_o communicate_v they_o have_v few_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o many_o of_o they_o condemn_v our_o zeal_n for_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o constant_a communion_n precedent_v in_o scripture_n i_o must_v further_o make_v you_o sensible_a that_o your_o practice_n be_v yet_o worse_o than_o your_o principle_n your_o directory_n own_v that_o the_o communion_n or_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v celebrate_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o as_o with_o all_o other_o indefinite_a rule_n they_o signify_v only_o that_o people_n may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v in_o the_o case_n no_o body_n can_v certain_o tell_v what_o frequent_o many_o often_o or_o convenient_a signify_v and_o therefore_o where_o only_o these_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o rule_n it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o very_a case_n for_o when_o people_n be_v relax_v from_o the_o particular_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o our_o church_n by_o the_o first_o break_v off_o of_o those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n from_o we_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o whole_o for_o several_a year_n by_o some_o congregation_n and_o at_o last_o too_o many_o come_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o constant_a necessity_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o reckon_v a_o great_a thing_n among_o many_o of_o you_o if_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o a_o communion_n be_v celebrate_v in_o one_o of_o your_o meeting_n nay_o among_o some_o of_o
for_o their_o mutual_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n it_o be_v common_a therefore_o for_o one_o to_o sing_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o hearken_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n as_o appear_v 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 31_o for_o you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o be_v comfort_v prophesy_v here_o as_o we_o may_v find_v from_o the_o 26_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n include_v psalm_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n tongue_n revelation_n and_o interpretation_n and_o the_o praise_v god_n one_o by_o one_o or_o by_o turn_n amount_n to_o praise_v he_o by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v and_o though_o these_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o act_v in_o this_o according_a to_o the_o settle_a order_n of_o the_o church_n vers._n 33._o as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o these_o inspire_a prophet_n thus_o praise_v god_n one_o by_o one_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a precedent_n that_o god_n approve_v this_o way_n in_o his_o praise_n this_o way_n of_o praise_v god_n by_o answer_v one_o another_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a we_o find_v in_o scripture_n for_o thus_o miriam_n praise_v god_n exod._n xv_o 21_o and_o miriam_n answer_v they_o sing_v you_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v triumph_v glorious_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o last_o song_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n rev._n nineteeen_o as_o be_v before_o mention_v i_o reckon_v the_o song_n with_o which_o the_o woman_n of_o israel_n receive_v saul_n 1_o sam._n xviii_o 7_o to_o be_v religious_a and_o there_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o answer_v one_o another_o and_o chap._n xxi_o 11_o do_v they_o not_o sing_v one_o to_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o these_o song_n be_v religious_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o some_o psalm_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v sing_v in_o part_n and_o as_o much_o be_v own_v by_o the_o best_a commentator_n such_o be_v the_o xxiv_o and_o cxviii_o psalm_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n neither_o prescribe_v psalm_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n nor_o singer_n nor_o the_o way_n of_o sing_v these_o all_o therefore_o be_v part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o indeed_o ancient_a than_o the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o exod._n xv_o what_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v these_o be_v either_o from_o the_o immediate_a prescription_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o it_o be_v obvious_a that_o natural_a necessity_n will_v teach_v any_o consider_a man_n this_o way_n of_o alternate_a sing_n or_o answer_v in_o part_n for_o if_o the_o song_n be_v long_o as_o some_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v no_o one_o man_n voice_n can_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n v._o the_o holy_a scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o instrument_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n the_o psalmist_n frequent_o use_v and_o recommend_v they_o and_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v conclude_v with_o this_o advice_n psal._n cl_o 3_o praise_v he_o with_o timbrel_n praise_v he_o with_o string_a instrument_n and_o organ_n etc._n etc._n thus_o religious_a person_n be_v teach_v to_o praise_n god_n before_o the_o law_n ex._n xv_o 20_o and_o miriam_n the_o prophetess_n the_o sister_n of_o aaron_n take_v a_o timbrel_n in_o her_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o woman_n go_v after_o with_o timbrel_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n be_v represent_v praise_n god_n rev._n v._n 8_o and_o fourteen_o 2_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n recommend_v to_o we_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v the_o hymn_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o command_v we_o to_o sing_v they_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n we_o render_v sing_v jam._n v._n 13_o original_o imply_v sing_v with_o a_o instrument_n now_o if_o they_o have_v not_o approve_v the_o jewish_a way_n of_o sing_v they_o which_o be_v with_o instrument_n they_o will_v not_o have_v use_v a_o word_n that_o import_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o will_v have_v caution_v we_o against_o it_o but_o the_o use_n of_o instrument_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o the_o case_n of_o miriam_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o antecedent_n to_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o cease_v without_o some_o command_n or_o precept_n condemn_v it_o vi_o last_o the_o scripture_n require_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o praise_n we_o sing_v to_o god_n and_o this_o warrant_v our_o translate_n they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n therefore_o incumbent_a on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o procure_v the_o psalm_n to_o be_v translate_v for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o charge_n and_o they_o may_v expect_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n when_o they_o attempt_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n but_o if_o through_o human_a frailty_n any_o mistake_n not_o contrary_n to_o faith_n shall_v creep_v in_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o use_n of_o the_o translation_n since_o there_o be_v such_o mistake_v both_o in_o the_o syriac_a greek_a and_o latin_a translation_n some_o of_o which_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o be_v use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o direction_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o praise_n and_o the_o manner_n we_o find_v they_o offer_v to_o he_o by_o his_o saint_n sect._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o praising_n god_n public_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o church_n now_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o offer_v praise_n in_o our_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o praise_n glorify_v and_o confess_v to_o god_n every_o day_n in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o psalm_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o then_o in_o such_o hymn_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a and_o to_o these_o there_o be_v add_v such_o other_o hymn_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a direction_n of_o scripture_n but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v more_o explicit_o reveal_v to_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o be_v to_o those_o under_o the_o law_n therefore_o our_o church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o require_v we_o with_o every_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n to_o intermix_v glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v now_o and_o ever_o shall_v be_v to_o signify_v that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o god_n be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o by_o we_o the_o same_o god_n that_o be_v glorify_v in_o the_o psalm_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o now_o so_o that_o our_o ascribe_v this_o glory_n express_o to_o the_o three_o person_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v tax_v as_o any_o real_a addition_n to_o the_o psalm_n it_o be_v only_o use_v as_o a_o necessary_a expedient_a to_o turn_v the_o jewish_a psalm_n into_o christian_a hymn_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n now_o as_o they_o be_v before_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o practice_n i_o presume_v can_v give_v cause_n of_o exception_n to_o none_o but_o socinian_o 2._o our_o church_n order_n these_o psalm_n to_o be_v either_o sing_v or_o say_v as_o the_o people_n be_v able_a to_o offer_v they_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v a_o great_a restraint_n on_o they_o than_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v in_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v we_o have_v example_n for_o both_o these_o way_n of_o praise_v god_n 3._o they_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o prose_n without_o any_o other_o alteration_n from_o the_o original_a than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o intelligible_a in_o our_o language_n 4._o the_o people_n be_v allow_v to_o bear_v their_o part_n in_o they_o and_o either_o to_o sing_v or_o say_v they_o by_o way_n of_o answer_v this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n example_n but_o it_o be_v not_o impose_v except_o in_o very_a few_o case_n 5._o our_o church_n permit_v the_o use_n of_o some_o grave_a musical_a instrument_n to_o regulate_v the_o voice_n of_o those_o that_o sing_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o their_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o
natural_a effect_n of_o music_n and_o seem_v more_o requisite_a in_o northern_a country_n where_o general_o people_n voice_n be_v more_o harsh_a and_o untuneable_a than_o in_o other_o place_n but_o this_o be_v not_o impose_v in_o any_o congregation_n nor_o do_v any_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n require_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v at_o the_o people_n choice_n whether_o they_o will_v use_v the_o help_n of_o these_o instrument_n or_o no._n 6._o this_o then_o be_v the_o care_n our_o church_n have_v take_v for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o bring_v grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o join_v in_o they_o which_o be_v our_o part_n and_o duty_n to_o do_v who_o can_v say_v that_o god_n praise_n thus_o celebrate_v be_v not_o according_a to_o his_o command_n and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o i_o think_v it_o sufficient_o plain_a that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n for_o this_o and_o all_o other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o think_v no_o more_o necessary_a therefore_o on_o this_o head_n but_o with_o all_o earnestness_n to_o beseech_v you_o who_o be_v of_o our_o communion_n to_o consider_v how_o great_a and_o important_a a_o part_n these_o praise_n be_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o apply_v yourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n and_o holy_a zeal_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o we_o never_o come_v near_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a then_o when_o our_o heart_n and_o mouth_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o praise_n of_o our_o god_n sect._n 3_o the_o dissenter_n manner_n of_o praising_n god_n in_o public_a and_o now_o as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n who_o dissent_v from_o this_o worship_n of_o we_o give_v i_o leave_v with_o all_o calmness_n to_o examine_v how_o you_o perform_v this_o great_a work_n of_o praising_n god_n and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o compare_v your_o own_o practice_n in_o your_o public_a assembly_n with_o what_o you_o find_v in_o your_o bible_n concern_v this_o duty_n i._o your_o directory_n determine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o praise_n god_n public_o by_o sing_v of_o psalm_n together_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o sing_v psalm_n the_o voice_n be_v to_o be_v tuneable_a and_o grave_o order_v and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o the_o minister_n or_o some_o other_o fit_a person_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o the_o other_o rule_v officer_n do_v read_v the_o psalm_n line_n by_o line_n before_o the_o sing_v thereof_o and_o your_o common_a practice_n be_v to_o sing_v two_o or_o three_o verse_n of_o a_o psalm_n in_o metre_n the_o minister_n or_o clerk_n first_o read_v each_o line_n and_o the_o people_n sing_v it_o after_o ii_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o make_v any_o observation_n on_o these_o rule_n and_o practice_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n in_o metre_n as_o unlawful_a 2._o that_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v praise_n god_n in_o prose_n and_o that_o metre_n and_o rhyme_n be_v for_o aught_o appear_v pure_o of_o human_a invention_n 3._o we_o must_v consider_v that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o psalm_n as_o we_o use_v they_o in_o prose_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o exalt_v piece_n of_o poetry_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o thing_n better_o fit_v to_o raise_v in_o serious_a and_o well_o dispose_v people_n the_o most_o devout_a affection_n whereas_o if_o we_o take_v they_o as_o they_o be_v common_o use_v in_o rhyme_n the_o force_n the_o vigour_n the_o loftiness_n which_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o prose_n translation_n be_v almost_o entire_o lose_v in_o the_o verse_n and_o though_o several_a have_v attempt_v to_o translate_v they_o into_o english_a verse_n yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o any_o one_o have_v do_v justice_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o expression_n and_o hardly_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o iii_o have_v premise_v these_o thing_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v impartial_o with_o i_o how_o far_o this_o your_o practice_n agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n rule_n 1._o then_o the_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o praise_n god_n in_o psalm_n and_o undoubted_o the_o first_o christian_n use_v whole_a psalm_n at_o a_o time_n sometime_o they_o join_v together_o in_o sing_v they_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v matt._n xxvi_o 30_o sometime_o one_o only_o sing_v and_o the_o rest_n attend_v for_o their_o edification_n as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o but_o the_o aforesaid_a method_n of_o sing_v the_o metre_n psalm_n take_v up_o so_o much_o time_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o praise_n god_n in_o whole_a psalm_n after_o that_o manner_n but_o if_o we_o use_v the_o psalm_n in_o prose_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n the_o experience_n of_o good_a man_n do_v testify_v that_o we_o may_v easy_o pass_v through_o they_o in_o a_o month_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n whether_o we_o sing_v or_o read_v they_o and_o to_o well_o dispose_v mind_n no_o part_n of_o god_n service_n be_v more_o agreeable_a or_o edify_a whereas_o some_o year_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o that_o purpose_n if_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o new_a invent_a way_n of_o sing_v a_o few_o verse_n and_o i_o question_v whether_o all_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o yet_o sing_v through_o in_o one_o meeting_n place_n perhaps_o not_o in_o all_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o use_n and_o be_v profitable_a when_o thus_o use_v for_o doctrine_n reproof_n correction_n instruction_n and_o comfort_n which_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o sing_v the_o psalm_n in_o metre_n be_v not_o the_o scripture_n way_n of_o use_v they_o 2._o let_v i_o mind_n you_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a usurpation_n dr._n manton_n a_o man_n of_o considerable_a reputation_n among_o the_o dissenter_n observe_v in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n chap._n v_o vers_fw-la 13_o that_o several_a scruple_v sing_v psalm_n at_o all_o other_o object_v against_o sing_v they_o in_o verse_n this_o he_o call_v a_o vaâ—n_a cavil_n yet_o propose_v if_o the_o scruple_n continue_v that_o such_o may_v sing_v the_o read_n psalm_n as_o have_v be_v use_v in_o cathedral_n and_o vouch_v st._n austin_n and_o athanasius_n for_o it_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n from_o this_o considerable_a person_n that_o this_o way_n of_o sing_v be_v less_o liable_a to_o exception_n then_o you_o 3._o i_o know_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o psalm_n in_o verse_n for_o sing_v as_o well_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v they_o in_o prose_n for_o read_v but_o i_o have_v show_v already_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n sing_v their_o hymn_n in_o prose_n and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o vary_v from_o these_o precedent_n we_o have_v a_o command_n to_o translate_v they_o which_o suppose_v into_o prose_n because_o the_o original_a be_v so_o but_o none_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o metre_n which_o necessary_o require_v paraphrase_v change_a the_o order_n of_o the_o sentence_n sometime_o add_v and_o leave_v out_o word_n and_o on_o that_o account_n seem_v to_o give_v human_a wit_n too_o great_a a_o liberty_n of_o treat_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o man_n please_v at_o least_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o psalm_n so_o order_v partake_v of_o human_a frailty_n and_o be_v hardly_o equal_a to_o the_o best_a mere_a human_a composure_n when_o therefore_o we_o use_v such_o psalm_n we_o ought_v to_o use_v they_o as_o human_a composure_n only_o and_o not_o as_o god_n word_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v use_v by_o our_o people_n in_o our_o assembly_n not_o as_o any_o main_a substantial_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o voluntary_a entertainment_n of_o devotion_n and_o a_o refreshment_n to_o the_o people_n between_o the_o part_n of_o the_o service_n much_o less_o be_v they_o allow_v by_o we_o to_o justle_v out_o the_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n appoint_v by_o god_n 4._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o sing_v the_o psalm_n in_o metre_n at_o present_a in_o use_n both_o with_o you_o and_o we_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n or_o clerk_n read_v a_o line_n and_o the_o people_n sing_v it_o after_o it_o be_v a_o great_a interruption_n to_o the_o music_n and_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o psalm_n by_o break_v
to_o express_v our_o desire_n in_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a 7._o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o account_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v 1._o that_o no_o worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n john_n four_o 24_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o prayer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o signify_v extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o exclude_v form_n will_v appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o here_o we_o find_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v with_o it_o and_o whoever_o sing_v otherwise_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v but_o though_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n with_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v pray_v by_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n the_o most_o spiritual_a song_n consist_v of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o impose_v word_n and_o so_o may_v the_o most_o spiritual_a prayer_n pray_v therefore_o with_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n be_v so_o far_o from_o meaning_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o use_v of_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o for_o either_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o to_o sing_v to_o god_n in_o extemporary_a hymn_n or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n since_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o interpret_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o contrary_a 2._o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o further_a we_o find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o form_n so_o do_v moses_n so_o do_v david_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o on_o the_o cross_n when_o in_o his_o agony_n he_o repeat_v the_o first_o verse_n of_o psal._n xxii_o in_o syriack_n and_o as_o some_o believe_v the_o whole_a psalm_n by_o which_o act_n he_o recommend_v to_o we_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o die_a breath_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n of_o express_v our_o condition_n to_o god_n and_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n vi_fw-la 18_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o signify_v pray_v with_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pray_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o sing_v by_o a_o form_n 3._o we_o have_v a_o promise_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v assist_v we_o with_o this_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o word_n without_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o rom._n viij_o 26_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v those_o inward_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n call_v here_o groan_n be_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v and_o indeed_o only_o can_v help_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v with_o this_o grace_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n whether_o we_o use_v word_n or_o no_o and_o if_o we_o do_v use_v they_o whether_o we_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n first_o or_o pour_v they_o forth_o as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v always_o furnish_v we_o with_o fit_a word_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v furnish_v some_o with_o such_o word_n for_o we_o find_v both_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n dictate_v immediate_o by_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o zacharias_n and_o in_o the_o song_n or_o prayer_n of_o simeon_n and_o in_o act_n four_o 24_o but_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o prophecy_n and_o we_o may_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o this_o gift_n more_o than_o for_o any_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n till_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n pray_v and_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o we_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o pray_v extemporary_a prayer_n from_o any_o example_n of_o inspire_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o to_o sing_v extemporary_a hymn_n from_o the_o like_a example_n to_o which_o yet_o none_o i_o think_v pretend_v 5._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o even_o those_o who_o compose_v their_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n do_v not_o general_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n till_o they_o have_v first_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n thus_o david_n first_o pen_v his_o psalm_n and_o then_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v sing_v 1._o chron._n xuj_o 7_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o prophet_n 1._o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n a_o tongue_n a_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o have_v they_o ready_a and_o reduce_v into_o form_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v together_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o have_v a_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o place_n will_v appear_v very_o probable_a not_o only_o from_o the_o word_n which_o natural_o import_v this_o and_o can_v hardly_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v but_o likewise_o from_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o what_o these_o prophet_n have_v prepare_v and_o what_o be_v reveal_v immediate_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v together_o vers_n 30._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o show_v that_o these_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v so_o far_o be_v these_o inspire_a man_n from_o countenance_v a_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n except_o where_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o it_o and_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o scripture-proof_n be_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o tongue_n their_o necessity_n to_o god_n without_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 8._o it_o lie_v therefore_o my_o friend_n on_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v lay_v aside_o prayer_n by_o form_n command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v room_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v of_o man_n own_o invention_n but_o further_a that_o place_n eccl._n v._n 1.2_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o such_o prayer_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n or_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rashnesh_a to_o trust_v the_o express_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o such_o uncertain_a and_o unpremeditated_a word_n as_o our_o invention_n suggest_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o he_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o promise_n of_o be_v supply_v to_o we_o
and_o the_o mischief_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v or_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a that_o the_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a meat_n shall_v have_v so_o many_o ill_a effect_n as_o the_o forbid_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v have_v already_o yet_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o st._n paul_n judge_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n four_o 1_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n say_v he_o some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n forbid_v to_o marry_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n you_o see_v here_o st._n paul_n count_v it_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n to_o forbid_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o any_o sort_n of_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o criminal_a to_o teach_v any_o sort_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v unclean_a when_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o then_o sure_a to_o teach_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o god_n have_v command_v it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ill_a doctrine_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o ought_v to_o make_v those_o who_o maintain_v it_o or_o any_o such_o doctrine_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n as_o practise_v unlawful_a thing_n to_o examine_v it_o careful_o and_o impartial_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o seduce_v spirit_n the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o his_o will_n but_o when_o he_o despair_n of_o this_o his_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o share_v with_o god_n in_o our_o obedience_n and_o impose_v new_a command_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v god_n and_o so_o to_o procure_v himself_o to_o be_v obey_v this_o he_o do_v most_o successful_o by_o give_v they_o a_o appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a strictness_n thus_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n under_o colour_n of_o mortification_n he_o forbid_v meat_n and_o marriage_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v allow_v speak_v lie_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o under_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o have_v prevail_v on_o some_o under_o colour_n of_o great_a spirituality_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v enjoin_v and_o here_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o wherever_o the_o devil_n gain_v this_o point_n with_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v he_o soon_o bring_v a_o superadd_v command_v of_o his_o own_o in_o competition_n with_o some_o of_o god_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o prefer_v his_o command_n to_o god_n and_o so_o plunge_v they_o into_o direct_a disobedience_n which_o be_v his_o design_n at_o first_o thus_o when_o he_o have_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n they_o soon_o fall_v not_o only_o to_o commit_v fornication_n but_o even_o in_o some_o case_n to_o allow_v it_o rather_o than_o marriage_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a he_o have_v deprive_v they_o in_o many_o place_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o make_v they_o choose_v rather_o not_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o in_o public_a than_o with_o a_o form_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o now_o in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o worship_n god_n public_o no_o where_o but_o 3._o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o pray_v by_o form_n be_v no_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v safe_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n about_o it_o since_o it_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o puff_n they_o up_o and_o make_v they_o take_v false_a measure_n in_o judge_v of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o they_o we_o know_v that_o all_o good_a man_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v guide_v and_o influence_v by_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n but_o no_o less_o in_o forgive_a a_o injury_n or_o resist_v a_o temptation_n and_o his_o influence_n on_o a_o good_a man_n mind_n be_v rather_o great_a and_o more_o sensible_a in_o these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o prayer_n love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n v._n 22_o and_o it_o be_v principal_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v that_o spirit_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n on_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n suitable_a desire_n entitle_v every_o one_o to_o god_n spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n that_o be_v able_a to_o express_v himself_o in_o apt_a and_o fluent_a word_n though_o without_o the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o expose_v every_o one_o to_o despair_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o as_o look_v on_o himself_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n though_o otherwise_o meek_a humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o endow_v with_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v much_o wear_v certain_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v many_o delude_v by_o this_o opinion_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o or_o other_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o favour_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o endow_v with_o this_o gift_n without_o respect_n to_o other_o qualification_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o yourselves_o whether_o some_o very_a immoral_a person_n guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n have_v not_o be_v eminent_a for_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o whether_o such_o person_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o endow_v with_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o convince_v these_o person_n of_o their_o mistake_n or_o to_o comfort_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n deject_v only_o for_o want_n of_o this_o gift_n whilst_o they_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n which_o in_o the_o four_o place_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v countenance_v or_o indulge_v as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o secret_a devotion_n every_o christian_a ought_v at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v it_o without_o a_o form_n child_n and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o word_n and_o even_o other_o people_n be_v often_o not_o able_a to_o find_v they_o ready_o especial_o when_o weary_v dull_a or_o indispose_v as_o be_v sometime_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o the_o best_a christian_n this_o make_v secret_a prayer_n at_o least_o a_o constant_a regular_a course_n of_o it_o uneasy_a to_o most_o that_o be_v absolute_o against_o all_o use_n of_o form_n and_o it_o occasion_n too_o many_o to_o neglect_v it_o which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o and_o as_o for_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n among_o those_o of_o this_o persuasion_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v many_o of_o they_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n in_o secret_a to_o god_n and_o several_a of_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v aloud_o or_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o expose_v not_o only_o the_o person_n that_o use_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o duty_n to_o contempt_n it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o the_o pious_a custom_n of_o train_n up_o young_a people_n to_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o devotion_n in_o their_o morning_n and_o evening_n secret_a prayer_n be_v too_o universal_o lay_v aside_o among_o you_o as_o i_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o of_o the_o dissenter_n on_o the_o contrary_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a or_o easy_a method_n to_o revive_v and_o continue_v this_o regular_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n than_o to_o oblige_v every_o one_o to_o some_o certain_a form_n every_o morning_n and_o evening_n which_o they_o may_v not_o omit_v whatever_o other_o prayer_n they_o use_v but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v whilst_o the_o opinion_n of_o
the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o all_o good_a people_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o will_v retrieve_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v suggest_v but_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v some_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n because_o they_o will_v but_o exasperate_v and_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o perform_v extempore_o ridiculous_a which_o ill_a man_n may_v extend_v as_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v to_o expose_v devotion_n in_o general_a such_o be_v the_o indecent_a expression_n which_o sometime_o fall_v from_o person_n that_o pray_v thus_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o some_o preacher_n have_v too_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o serious_a person_n even_o among_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o print_v some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o those_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v print_v will_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v nor_o much_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a men._n but_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o ill_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o ridicule_fw-la one_o another_o devotion_n whatever_o it_o be_v v._o there_o remain_v yet_o the_o three_o opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o they_o advance_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n far_o from_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o require_v we_o rom._n xv_o 6_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n we_o produce_v this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n join_v their_o voice_n and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o condemn_v it_o or_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v charge_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o your_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n which_o be_v all_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o head_n after_o what_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o contrary_a practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v faithful_o examine_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n that_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o compare_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n way_n of_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o service_n the_o dissenter_n have_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n lay_v aside_o god_n command_n and_o desert_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o a_o immediate_a invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o entreat_v you_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o show_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o thereby_o literal_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o jew_n mark_v seven_o 7_o of_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o that_o superstition_n condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n col._n two_o 21_o which_o say_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v which_o teach_v to_o forbear_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a after_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o it_o that_o you_o may_v deliver_v your_o soul_n chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o christian_a assembly_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o examine_v this_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o consider_v first_o what_o direction_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o shall_v compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o they_o and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n first_o then_o god_n have_v positive_o command_v we_o to_o read_v his_o word_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n so_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v jos._n viij_o 35_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v which_o joshua_n read_v not_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n neither_o be_v this_o confine_v to_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o sabbath_n service_n in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n xiii_o 14_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n vers_fw-la 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n mean_v undoubted_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o st._n james_n act_n xv_o 21_o of_o moses_n his_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n ii_o this_o read_v the_o law_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n provide_v for_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o people_n immediate_o sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a reformation_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o restore_a this_o ordinance_n 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effectual_o upon_o you_o than_o those_o carnal_a and_o servile_a motive_n do_v on_o other_o let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o encourage_v and_o entreat_v you_o to_o do_v it_o more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o decline_v none_o of_o those_o art_n which_o be_v allowable_a when_o apply_v to_o gain_v the_o people_n to_o truth_n and_o holiness_n but_o very_o wicked_a when_o employ_v to_o divide_v and_o seduce_v they_o 5._o let_v i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o you_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o of_o a_o party_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o mind_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o religion_n more_o than_o those_o difference_n that_o be_v often_o of_o little_a concern_v in_o themselves_o and_o be_v insist_v on_o only_o as_o the_o occasion_n and_o badge_n of_o those_o people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o separate_v themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v up_o little_a 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turn_v they_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n to_o the_o dissent_v minister_n of_o derry_n but_o as_o to_o you_o my_o brethren_n that_o disow_v my_o communion_n and_o authority_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o what_o i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o may_v receive_v some_o prejudices_fw-la from_o my_o station_n and_o character_n with_o which_o you_o seem_v offend_v yet_o reason_n be_v reason_n from_o who_o soever_o it_o proceed_v and_o i_o only_o desire_v that_o you_o will_v weigh_v serious_o what_o i_o have_v here_o offer_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o convince_v you_o yet_o let_v i_o pray_v you_o to_o reflect_v thus_o far_o on_o the_o matter_n as_o to_o remember_v that_o all_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o make_v and_o that_o it_o become_v you_o and_o all_o good_a man_n at_o least_o to_o treat_v our_o service_n with_o respect_n since_o we_o believe_v and_o think_v we_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v clear_o found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o excuse_v scurrilous_a or_o unseemly_a reflection_n on_o it_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v for_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o be_v mistake_v as_o you_o suppose_v we_o be_v and_o therefore_o lest_o you_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n it_o will_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o be_v modest_a in_o censure_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o another_o propose_v reason_n against_o his_o opinion_n but_o to_o scoff_n at_o or_o revile_v any_o practice_n or_o opinion_n that_o another_o believe_v to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o ill_a manner_n but_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n be_v apt_a to_o breed_v bitterness_n and_o animosity_n between_o the_o party_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v in_o a_o case_n where_o the_o practice_n or_o opinion_n be_v real_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n and_o impiety_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v this_o manner_n of_o treatment_n and_o whatever_o book_n use_v it_o we_o need_v trouble_v our_o self_n no_o further_o with_o it_o for_o it_o certain_o be_v write_v only_o to_o serve_v a_o party_n and_o not_o truth_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o in_o justice_n i_o think_v i_o may_v request_v of_o you_o which_o be_v that_o in_o your_o worship_n and_o practice_n you_o will_v not_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o seem_v great_a than_o real_o it_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o a_o thing_n confess_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mere_o because_o observe_v by_o we_o be_v sure_o very_o far_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v hope_v that_o you_o will_v not_o indulge_v your_o people_n in_o such_o affect_a distance_n that_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o make_v party_n irreconcilable_a and_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n than_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o any_o christian._n and_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v my_o mind_n the_o better_a in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o few_o instance_n that_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v inoffensive_a and_o in_o which_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v your_o compliance_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o be_v own_v in_o your_o large_a catechism_n to_o be_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n as_o a_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v other_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v also_o use_v as_o a_o prayer_n and_o in_o your_o directory_n it_o be_v recommend_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o i_o be_o inform_v that_o you_o my_o brethren_n of_o this_o diocese_n who_o separate_v from_o our_o communion_n do_v universal_o neglect_v it_o and_o thereby_o confirm_v your_o hearer_n in_o a_o opinion_n too_o common_a among_o they_o that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v learn_v but_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o difference_n from_o we_o in_o practice_n where_o we_o real_o agree_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o your_o sit_v at_o public_a prayer_n may_v be_v a_o second_o instance_n in_o which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v some_o reformation_n it_o be_v a_o very_a irreverent_a thing_n in_o itself_o against_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v and_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o your_o best_a casuist_n particular_o of_o dr._n ames_n de_fw-fr conscientia_fw-la lib._n 4·_fw-la cap._n 18._o sessio_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la gestus_fw-la orandi_fw-la quia_fw-la nullam_fw-la exprimit_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o scripture_n approbatur_fw-la that_o be_v sit_v be_v not_o of_o itself_o a_o posture_n of_o prayer_n because_o it_o express_v no_o reverence_n neither_o be_v it_o approve_v in_o scripture_n yet_o i_o understand_v that_o this_o be_v the_o general_a posture_n in_o which_o your_o people_n offer_v their_o public_a prayer_n and_o either_o because_o it_o be_v for_o their_o ease_n or_o because_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o seem_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n on_o outward_a performance_n or_o last_o lest_o you_o shall_v be_v like_o we_o you_o indulge_v they_o in_o it_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o ignorant_a that_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o superstition_n in_o we_o to_o kneel_v at_o our_o prayer_n and_o be_v averse_a to_o our_o service_n among_o other_o reason_n because_o this_o be_v require_v at_o it_o which_o notion_n i_o suppose_v you_o yourselves_o do_v not_o approve_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v that_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v your_o people_n better_o and_o