the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o sermon_n which_o too_o be_v only_o practise_v in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o other_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n which_o custom_n be_v still_o observe_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n at_o this_o day_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o seat_n erect_v or_o allow_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o people_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o establish_v sit_v not_o only_o as_o convenient_a but_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a 1._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a revolt_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o so_o many_o church_n in_o distant_a country_n be_v perfect_o free_a and_o independent_a one_o upon_o another_o shall_v unanimous_o conspire_v together_o to_o introduce_v a_o novel-custom_n contrary_n to_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o order_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o 3._o they_o shall_v censure_v the_o practice_n and_o injunction_n of_o inspire_a man_n as_o indecent_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n or_o complain_v or_o oppose_v either_o then_o or_o in_o the_o succeed_a generation_n as_o for_o stand_v in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n both_o at_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v use_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o as_o for_o kneel_v it_o be_v plain_a the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v that_o gesture_n also_o for_o though_o on_o sunday_n and_o the_o fifty_o day_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n they_o observe_v stand_v yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o use_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v at_o their_o public_a devotion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o authority_n cite_v at_o the_o 3._o the_o conc._n 1._o nic._n c._n 20._o resp_n quest_n inter_fw-la opera_fw-la just_o mart._n p._n 468._o tertull._n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n c._n 3._o epiphan_n expos_fw-la fid_fw-we cath._n p._n 1105._o edit_fw-la par._n st._n jer._n prol._n come_v in_o epist_n ad_fw-la eph._n st._n aust_n epist_n 119._o ad_fw-la jan._n c._n 15._o tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 3._o bottom_n now_o since_o they_o be_v wont_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n every_o day_n and_o since_o 35._o since_o see_v tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o p._n 47._o st._n aust_n epist_n 118._o const_n apol._n l._n 2._o c._n 57_o st._n chrysost_o hom._n 1._o in_o c._n 2._o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la tim._n st._n ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n l._n 4._o c._n 5._o cave_n prim._n christ_n c._n 11._o st._n cyril_n catech._n mist_n 5._o st._n aust_n resp_n ad_fw-la oros_n quest_n 49._o tom._n 4._o p._n 691._o basil_n 1541._o euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 6._o c._n 35._o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o receive_v with_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o on_o those_o day_n when_o they_o constant_o pray_v kneel_v and_o since_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o praying-posture_n of_o the_o day_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v upon_o those_o day_n on_o which_o they_o pray_v kneel_v for_o since_o sit_v be_v general_o condemn_v as_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a gesture_n by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o since_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v say_v that_o prostration_n or_o lie_v flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v so_o therefore_o the_o posture_n of_o receive_v must_v be_v either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v and_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o on_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a reason_n to_o invite_v or_o oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o use_v kneel_v that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a posture_n they_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n viz._n stand_v both_o at_o their_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o fifty_o day_n after_o easter_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v usual_a at_o other_o time_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v they_o do_v not_o observe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n at_o all_o other_o time_n viz._n that_o as_o at_o such_o time_n they_o do_v constant_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n so_o they_o do_v also_o constant_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v and_o receive_v in_o a_o prayer_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o premise_n i_o may_v promise_v myself_o thus_o much_o success_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v careful_o weigh_v and_o peruse_v they_o with_o a_o teachable_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n shall_v find_v himself_o much_o more_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o primitive_a church_n use_v at_o some_o time_n to_o kneel_v as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n than_o that_o they_o never_o do_v kneel_v at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o posture_n be_v never_o use_v or_o hear_v of_o but_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n as_o some_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v have_v confident_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n but_o second_o suppose_v they_o never_o do_v kneel_v as_o we_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o adore_a posture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o present_a practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o numerous_a testimony_n both_o of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n may_v be_v allege_v but_o i_o will_v content_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n too_o with_o a_o few_o of_o each_o sort_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v that_o he_o who_o will_v except_v against_o they_o will_v also_o with_o the_o same_o face_n and_o assurance_n except_v against_o the_o whiteness_n of_o snow_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o first_o for_o the_o greek_a father_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o 244._o of_o st._n cyril_n hierosol_n mystag_n catech._n 5._o versus_fw-la finem_fw-la paris_n edit_fw-la p._n 244._o st._n cyril_n be_v hear_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o express_v to_o our_o purpose_n this_o holy_a father_n in_o a_o place_n before_o cite_v give_v instruction_n to_o communicant_n how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o when_o they_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v both_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o cup_n he_o advise_v thus_o approach_v say_v he_o not_o rude_o stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n but_o bow_v thyself_o and_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n paris_n purpose_n 24_o hom._n ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n p._n 538._o to._n 9_o paris_n st._n chrysostom_n speak_v in_o his_o fourteen_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o he_o provoke_v and_o excite_v the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n to_o a_o awful_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n at_o the_o holy_a communion_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n after_o this_o manner_n this_o body_n the_o wise_a man_n revereneed_a even_o when_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o manger_n and_o approach_v thereunto_o worship_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o great_a tremble_n let_v we_o therefore_o who_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n imitate_v at_o least_o these_o barbarian_n but_o thou_o see_v this_o body_n not_o in_o a_o manger_n but_o on_o the_o altar_n not_o hold_v by_o a_o woman_n but_o by_o the_o priest_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a and_o manifest_v a_o much_o great_a reverence_n than_o those_o barbarian_n lest_o come_v light_o and_o at_o a_o venture_n we_o heap_v fire_n on_o our_o head_n the_o same_o father_n in_o another_o place_n express_o bid_v they_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o communicate_v when_o the_o table_n be_v make_v ready_a and_o the_o king_n himself_o there_o and_o in_o order_n to_o beget_v in_o their_o mind_n great_a and_o awful_a thought_n concern_v that_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a feast_n he_o further_o exhort_v they_o 1151._o they_o st._n chrys_n hom._n 3._o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n in_o moral_n p._n 1151._o that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o chancel_n door_n open_a than_o they_o shall_v suppose_v heaven_n itself_o be_v unfold_v from_o above_o and_o that_o the_o angel_n
and_o advancement_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n four_o the_o establish_n of_o contrary_a party_n by_o a_o toleration_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o perfect_a religion_n any_o more_o than_o the_o suffering_n of_o divers_a error_n will_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o reform_v they_o one_o principle_n only_o can_v be_v true_a and_o a_o mixture_n of_o sacred_a and_o profane_a be_v the_o great_a impurity_n five_o many_o dissenter_n be_v not_o like_a to_o improve_v christianity_n because_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o rule_n of_o discretion_n and_o rely_v not_o on_o god_n assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o good_a mean_n but_o depend_v whole_o upon_o immediate_a illumination_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o prudence_n six_o our_o church_n have_v already_o better_a mean_n to_o promote_v pure_a religion_n than_o any_o the_o dissenter_n have_v propose_v any_o church_n may_v be_v improve_v in_o small_a matter_n but_o it_o be_v very_o imprudent_a to_o change_v the_o present_a model_n for_o any_o that_o have_v yet_o be_v offer_v we_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n primitive_a discipline_n decency_n and_o order_n be_v preserve_v we_o have_v as_o many_o true_o pious_a member_n as_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o such_o excellent_a writer_n and_o preacher_n as_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o whereas_o among_o the_o party_n the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n of_o preacher_n be_v deliver_v solemn_o as_o the_o dictate_v of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n i_o may_v add_v also_o that_o the_o dissenter_n doctrine_n of_o god_n secret_a decree_n their_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n without_o a_o bishop_n their_o long_a unstudy_v effusion_n their_o leave_v the_o creed_n out_o of_o the_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n their_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o sometime_o with_o the_o hat_n on_o their_o alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a element_n and_o their_o forbid_v the_o observation_n of_o festival_n be_v not_o so_o conducive_a to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o late_a time_n illegal_o remove_v by_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o alter_v a_o constitution_n but_o it_o be_v extreme_a difficult_a to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o last_a improvement_n to_o conclude_v since_o it_o appear_v that_o dissenter_n be_v not_o like_a to_o obtain_v their_o end_n of_o establish_v themselves_o of_o root_a out_o popery_n and_o promote_a pure_a religion_n by_o overthrow_v the_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o they_o ought_v both_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o endeavour_v after_o union_n with_o it_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a before_o i_o proceed_v to_o explain_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church-communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasinal_a communion_n i._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n in_o opposition_n to_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n for_o though_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o particular_a man_n yet_o those_o man_n be_v consider_v not_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_a into_o a_o regular_a society_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a end_n the_o jewish_a church_n have_v exact_a order_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o union_n and_o order_n of_o its_o part_n be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o body_n but_o a_o spiritual_a building_n holy_a temple_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o church_n be_v one_o body_n in_o opposition_n to_o many_o body_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a which_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a be_v but_o one._n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v but_o one_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n christ_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n joh._n 10.16_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o have_v the_o same_o foundation_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o promise_n the_o same_o privilege_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o separate_a body_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o certain_o where_o everything_o be_v common_a there_o be_v one_o community_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a man_n though_o of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n have_v distinct_a essence_n and_o this_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n but_o where_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o body_n or_o society_n consist_v in_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o if_o no_o christian_a have_v any_o peculiar_a privilege_n then_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n i_o add_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n christian_n be_v call_v the_o choose_a or_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a faith_n law_n rite_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v also_o a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n and_o the_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v one_o society_n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o the_o union_n be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n thus_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o god_n only_o can_v make_v a_o church_n and_o that_o the_o only_a visible_a way_n he_o have_v of_o form_v a_o church_n be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v and_o by_o authorise_v some_o person_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n by_o such_o a_o form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o shall_v institute_v which_o form_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n so_o that_o to_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o visible_o admit_v into_o god_n covenant_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o a_o church-state_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o every_o profess_a christian_a who_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v a_o church-member_n 3._o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_a baptism_n which_o give_v we_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o that_o no_o church-state_n can_v depend_v upon_o human_a contract_n and_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church-covenant_n because_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o only_a covenant_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v and_o why_o then_o do_v the_o independent_o exact_v such_o a_o covenant_n of_o baptise_a person_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o their_o communion_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n which_o already_o consist_v of_o baptise_a person_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o this_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o by_o baptism_n if_o therefore_o a_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v necessary_a than_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v of_o no_o value_n till_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n 6._o that_o if_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o one_o covenant_n than_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o for_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v member_n
with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o we_o 16._o we_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o rom._n 14.19_o 1_o thess_n 5.11_o eph._n 4.12_o 16._o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o whatever_o may_v be_v urge_v the_o apostle_n conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v and_o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o in_o a_o word_n what_o st._n austin_n and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o epist_n 118_o &_o 86._o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n must_v oblige_v a_o good_a man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o distraction_n it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n for_o instance_n what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v a_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5.1_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a person_n plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n by_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v a_o man_n liberty_n more_o damage_v when_o restrain_v by_o superior_n than_o when_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o superiour_n command_n restrain_v it_o perpetual_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v his_o own_o liberty_n suppose_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v damnify_v though_o it_o be_v restrain_v for_o his_o whole_a life_n for_o say_v he_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 1_o cor._n 8.13_o and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consistent_a with_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o christian_n liberty_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o freedom_n from_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o jewish_a law_n lay_v upon_o man_n this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o i_o think_v that_o in_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o judaisme_n but_o we_o must_v note_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v not_o in_o our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o act_n of_o observe_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v so_o not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a convert_v and_o if_o they_o can_v observe_v some_o judaical_a rite_n without_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n certain_o we_o may_v safe_o use_v a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o establish_v church_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v those_o person_n who_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o a_o few_o harmless_a imposition_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n from_o she_o but_o because_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a objection_n against_o some_o particular_a thing_n impose_v by_o she_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o general_a but_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n which_o relate_v to_o single_a instance_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o next_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o dissenter_n judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o by_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o 3._o by_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o require_v we_o to_o produce_v some_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v needless_a because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n however_o for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v command_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o extempore_o prayer_n i._o then_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n command_v we_o to_o use_v none_o but_o form_n
circumstance_n and_o may_v be_v different_a according_a to_o those_o circumstance_n that_o thing_n may_v tend_v to_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n in_o one_o country_n or_o age_n which_o in_o another_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o be_v cover_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o love-feast_n etc._n etc._n be_v once_o think_v decent_a but_o afterward_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n alter_v so_o that_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n be_v changeable_a thing_n as_o circumstance_n vary_v only_o general_a rule_n can_v be_v prescribe_v but_o the_o particular_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o authority_n to_o determine_v 2._o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v use_v indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o divine_a worship_n thus_o he_o join_v in_o the_o synagogal_a worship_n john_n 18.20_o etc._n etc._n though_o if_o the_o place_n itself_o be_v at_o all_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o that_o service_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hint_v at_o thus_o he_o use_v the_o cup_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o passover_n though_o it_o be_v not_o institute_v luke_o 22.16_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n be_v a_o human_a institution_n yet_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o nay_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o very_a posture_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o they_o change_v to_o sit_v though_o god_n have_v prescribe_v stand_v the_o apostle_n also_o observe_v the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o human_a institution_n act_v 3.1_o now_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v thus_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v so_o exact_a in_o prescribe_v outward_a ceremony_n certain_o we_o may_v do_v the_o same_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n not_o only_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v not_o forbid_v but_o also_o have_v some_o ritual_a observation_n take_v up_o by_o themselves_o thus_o they_o 1._o they_o 1_o tim._n 5.10_o ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 1._o wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o 14._o and_o tertull_n de_fw-fr orat._n cap._n 14._o use_v love-feast_n till_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o lay_v they_o aside_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o prescription_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o rite_n lawful_a it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v civil_a observance_n and_o use_v as_o well_o out_o of_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o what_o there_o need_v no_o institution_n for_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v without_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o justify_v most_o of_o our_o usage_n for_o a_o white_a garment_n be_v use_v in_o civil_a case_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o royalty_n and_o dignity_n etc._n etc._n 2._o a_o civil_a observance_n when_o use_v in_o religious_a worship_n either_o remain_v civil_a when_o so_o apply_v or_o be_v religious_a when_o so_o apply_v if_o it_o be_v civil_a then_o kneel_v in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o religious_a because_o it_o be_v a_o posture_n use_v in_o civil_a matter_n if_o it_o be_v religious_a than_o a_o rite_n that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v use_v in_o worship_n to_o a_o religious_a end_n 3._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o caen._n that_o buxtorf_n exere_fw-la hist_o sâ—c_fw-la caen._n neither_o the_o wash_n of_o foot_n nor_o the_o holy_a kiss_n be_v use_v as_o civil_a rite_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v call_v by_o the_o father_n the_o seal_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o reconciliation_n 4._o if_o a_o rite_n be_v civil_a make_v it_o lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n than_o any_o civil_a rite_n may_v be_v use_v in_o worship_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o ridiculous_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v be_v warrantable_a 5._o if_o a_o rite_n be_v civil_a make_v it_o lawful_a in_o worship_n then_o how_o can_v our_o adversary_n say_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o worship_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n except_o the_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n for_o there_o be_v many_o civil_a rite_n which_o be_v not_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n feast_v and_o salutation_n be_v civil_a usage_n but_o divine_a worship_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v ancient_o use_v in_o worship_n than_o we_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o introduce_v such_o custom_n 3._o if_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v in_o god_n worship_n than_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o all_o church_n do_v in_o some_o instance_n or_o other_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o use_v what_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o require_v thus_o the_o 1._o the_o vid._n august_n epist_n 118_o 119._o basil_n de_fw-fr sp._n s._n cap._n 27._o ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7._o &_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 1._o ancient_n observe_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passion_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n stand_v in_o their_o devotion_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o act_v against_o a_o universal_a practice_n beside_o some_o church_n have_v peculiar_a custom_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n fast_v on_o saturday_n other_o indifferent_o on_o any_o day_n that_o of_o milan_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o that_o of_o rome_n do_v not_o thus_o in_o our_o day_n some_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v other_o standing_z etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o we_o must_v have_v a_o institution_n for_o every_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o must_v join_v in_o nothing_o which_o have_v it_o not_o than_o we_o can_v be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o indeed_o can_v i_o learn_v how_o a_o christian_a can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n perform_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o this_o principle_n be_v admit_v for_o true_a for_o habit_n and_o gesture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o god_n worship_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v unlawful_a for_o not_o be_v command_v than_o a_o man_n must_v sin_v every_o time_n he_o pray_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n nay_o those_o that_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o command_v do_v in_o their_o practice_n confute_v their_o opinion_n for_o where_o i_o pray_v be_v they_o command_v to_o sprinkle_v the_o child_n that_o be_v baptise_a or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n sit_v or_o to_o use_v conceive_v prayer_n or_o to_o touch_v and_o kiss_v the_o book_n in_o swear_v or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n nay_o where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v or_o that_o what_o be_v not_o command_v be_v forbid_v where_o be_v we_o tell_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v allow_v that_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n may_v be_v prescribe_v by_o authority_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o necessary_a circumstance_n such_o as_o gesture_n and_o habit_n be_v thus_o determine_v though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v certain_o the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a power_n do_v not_o make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v lawful_a before_o they_o say_v indeed_o that_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n sin_v because_o they_o offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o command_v they_o not_o etc._n etc._n leu._n 10.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o command_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o phrase_n not_o command_v be_v constant_o apply_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v the_o fire_n also_o be_v call_v strange_a which_o phrase_n when_o apply_v to_o matter_n of_o worship_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o forbid_v thus_o strange_a incense_n exod._n 30.9_o 24._o be_v such_o as_o be_v forbid_v because_o it_o be_v not_o right_o make_v strange_a vanity_n be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o strange_a god_n jer._n 8.19_o and_o thus_o the_o fire_n of_o these_o man_n be_v strange_a that_o be_v forbid_v fire_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o which_o more_o be_v say_v than_o of_o the_o fire_n burn_v upon_o it_o leu._n 9.24_o &_o 6.12_o &_o 16.12_o it_o be_v light_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v to_o be_v always_o burn_a when_o atonement_n be_v to_o be_v
appoint_v he_o in_o perform_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o mediator_n and_o discover_v to_o mankind_n in_o scripture_n the_o method_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n appear_v in_o its_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o that_o end_n and_o it_o be_v put_v man_n into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o will_v render_v they_o capable_a of_o attain_v to_o it_o iii_o i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v brief_o that_o in_o thing_n forbid_v by_o human_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v require_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o thing_n require_v by_o human_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o because_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v unlawful_a in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o thing_n be_v call_v indifferent_a from_o their_o general_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o unlawful_a for_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o apply_v 2._o a_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v require_v or_o forbid_v by_o one_o law_n which_o be_v by_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v indifferent_a in_o one_o state_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a we_o must_v consider_v the_o case_n and_o law_n which_o it_o respect_v thus_o to_o discourse_v about_o common_a affair_n be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o it_o be_v unlawful_a when_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o religious_a solemnity_n 3._o as_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n which_o we_o be_v to_o respect_v in_o common_a conversation_n and_o which_o even_o in_o that_o case_n ought_v to_o tie_v we_o up_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n otherwise_o indifferent_a so_o there_o be_v some_o rule_n which_o we_o must_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o as_o in_o common_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o action_n the_o end_n in_o conversation_n the_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v viz._n time_n place_n person_n as_o when_o where_o before_o who_o we_o be_v cover_v and_o uncover_v etc._n etc._n so_o in_o sacred_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o worship_n the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n glory_n and_o security_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v respect_v by_o these_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n in_o god_n service_n but_o because_o these_o rule_n be_v general_a and_o decency_n edification_n and_o order_n be_v variable_a according_a as_o circumstance_n alter_v and_o because_o different_a man_n have_v different_a opinion_n of_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v more_o particular_a direction_n 1._o some_o thing_n be_v so_o notorious_o agreeable_a or_o opposite_a to_o decency_n edification_n and_o order_n that_o common_a reason_n will_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o tumultuous_a speak_n of_o many_o together_o be_v less_o for_o edification_n and_o have_v more_o of_o confusion_n than_o the_o orderly_o speak_v of_o one_o by_o one_o and_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n do_v less_o conduce_v to_o edification_n than_o when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o language_n common_o understand_v but_o 2._o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a and_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o they_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n depend_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o must_v not_o be_v consider_v asunder_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o throw_v down_o the_o bound_n of_o public_a order_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o edification_n or_o because_o we_o think_v any_o matter_n indecent_a what_o be_v against_o public_a order_n and_o practice_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n indecent_a be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o make_v it_o so_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o of_o either_o of_o these_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o they_o together_o and_o as_o order_n alone_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n decent_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o indecent_a so_o decency_n or_o particular_a edification_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o recommend_v that_o which_o can_v be_v introduce_v without_o the_o disturbance_n of_o public_a order_n 2._o that_o when_o the_o case_n be_v not_o apparent_a we_o shall_v rather_o judge_v by_o what_o be_v contrary_a than_o by_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o rule_n we_o know_v better_o what_o thing_n be_v not_o than_o what_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o since_o we_o better_o know_v what_o be_v indecent_a than_o decent_a disorderly_a than_o orderly_a against_o edification_n than_o for_o it_o it_o be_v best_o to_o take_v this_o course_n in_o judge_v about_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n if_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o decency_n of_o the_o posture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o edification_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o it_o it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o great_a decency_n and_o edification_n of_o kneel_v or_o sit_v but_o if_o he_o find_v that_o the_o posture_n enjoin_v be_v not_o indecent_a or_o destructive_a of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v he_o be_v therewith_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o if_o say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o what_o be_v enjoin_v be_v not_o against_o faith_n or_o good_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v indifferent_a and_o i_o may_v add_v if_o it_o be_v not_o indecent_a disorderly_a and_o destructive_a of_o piety_n it_o be_v lawful_a 3._o that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o we_o can_v easy_o find_v out_o how_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v be_v decent_a etc._n etc._n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v cautious_a how_o we_o condemn_v a_o action_n which_o those_o man_n practise_v who_o for_o other_o thing_n we_o can_v condemn_v when_o we_o find_v that_o they_o argue_v and_o produce_v experience_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o we_o have_v a_o whole_a church_n against_o our_o opinion_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v the_o fault_n may_v be_v in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o understanding_n and_o insight_n for_o want_v of_o use_n and_o trial_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o thus_o differ_v in_o our_o judgement_n from_o they_o we_o see_v what_o little_a thing_n do_v determine_v man_n ordinary_o in_o these_o matter_n how_o addict_v they_o be_v to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o custom_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v think_v again_o so_o may_v we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o rite_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o be_v to_o the_o custom_n and_o habit_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v as_o indecent_a as_o the_o ceremony_n of_o a_o church_n can_v do_v in_o short_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n when_o we_o presume_v to_o set_v our_o judgement_n reason_n and_o experience_n against_o the_o judgement_n reason_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n iv_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v in_o the_o last_o place_n how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n 1._o then_o as_o particular_a person_n solitary_a and_o alone_a we_o may_v forbear_v to_o use_v what_o be_v indifferent_a when_o no_o law_n of_o man_n require_v it_o and_o we_o may_v free_o use_v it_o when_o no_o law_n of_o man_n forbid_v it_o 2._o in_o our_o conversation_n with_o other_o we_o must_v so_o use_v our_o liberty_n as_o shall_v be_v less_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o more_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o we_o converse_v with_o we_o may_v act_v or_o forbear_v in_o compliance_n with_o person_n of_o weak_a judgement_n but_o 3._o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n we_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o not_o grieve_v a_o brother_n or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n oblige_v we_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n much_o more_o do_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o let_v every_o one_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n rom._n 15.2_o that_o be_v to_o his_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n grace_n or_o piety_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o concord_n and_o charity_n now_o edification_n be_v chief_o so_o
sort_n of_o stipulation_n which_o at_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o because_o if_o they_o renounce_v it_o the_o covenant_n be_v as_o void_a as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o a_o implicit_a stipulation_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v likely_a have_v not_o respect_n to_o all_o baptism_n or_o baptism_n in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o adult_n proselyte_n who_o the_o minister_n use_v to_o interrogate_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o interrogate_v adult_a proselyte_n now_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o tertullian_n 18._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr baptism_n cap._n 18._o make_v mention_n of_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n for_o child_n at_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n make_v parent_n etc._n etc._n stipulate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o 3._o their_o see_v selden_n de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o minor_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o child_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o matth._n 18.6_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n may_v also_o probable_o allude_v to_o all_o baptism_n because_o child_n may_v be_v answer_v for_o by_o other_o person_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n i._o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o baptise_a infant_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v of_o which_o some_o think_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a but_o since_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o and_o consequent_o be_v new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o since_o i_o say_v they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o and_o since_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3.5_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o our_o church_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v unless_o the_o ordinance_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v of_o none_o effect_v towards_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v object_v that_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o covenant_n or_o act_n in_o their_o name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o surety_n be_v procure_v by_o the_o parent_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o parent_n may_v act_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant_n the_o surety_n have_v all_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o parent_n can_v give_v they_o 2._o the_o church_n do_v hereby_o take_v great_a security_n that_o the_o infant_n shall_v be_v religious_o bring_v up_o inasmuch_o as_o beside_o their_o parent_n a_o obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o other_o also_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o if_o the_o parent_n shall_v die_v or_o be_v negligent_a the_o surety_n be_v engage_v to_o admonish_v the_o child_n and_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o better_a advantage_n of_o do_v so_o than_o other_o person_n and_o in_o this_o age_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a reproof_n be_v so_o general_o omit_v it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o defect_n be_v this_o way_n a_o little_a supply_v but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a that_o the_o opportunity_n thereof_o and_o obligation_n thereto_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v seldom_o practise_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v keep_v and_o not_o where_o it_o be_v break_v and_o if_o the_o dissenter_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o that_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o may_v remove_v this_o objection_n themselves_o by_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o observe_v it_o thus_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o example_n as_o for_o the_o interrogatory_n put_v to_o the_o surety_n and_o their_o answer_n they_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o what_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o that_o infant_n do_v stand_v engage_v to_o perform_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n this_o be_v the_o know_a meaning_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o misunderstanding_n iii_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dislike_v be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n against_o which_o it_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o our_o retain_v of_o it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o that_o it_o seem_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o christ_n right_a who_o alone_o may_v institute_v sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o first_o pretence_n though_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v our_o retain_v of_o it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o we_o consider_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v common_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o those_o corruption_n for_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n tertullian_n mil._n tertullian_n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o practice_n which_o tradition_n have_v introduce_v custom_n have_v confirm_v and_o the_o believer_n faith_n have_v observe_v and_o maintain_v which_o word_n together_o with_o his_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a mention_n of_o it_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o montanist_n forty_o year_n after_o he_o and_o about_o 200_o after_o christ_n origen_n 38._o origen_n hom._n 2._o in_o psal_n 38._o mention_n those_o who_o at_o their_o baptism_n be_v sign_v with_o this_o sign_n and_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o st._n basil_n 27._o basil_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o give_v this_o usage_n the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o fix_v law_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v prevail_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v before_o st._n basil_n and_o very_o near_o if_o not_o contemporary_a with_o tertullian_n himself_o not_o only_o speak_v very_o familiar_o of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n but_o have_v some_o expression_n that_o will_v now_o seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unwarrantable_a and_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o father_n have_v save_v he_o from_o be_v question_v about_o it_o he_o 175._o he_o see_v cyprian_n de_fw-fr lap_n p._n 169._o adv_n demet._n p._n 203._o de_fw-la unit._fw-la p._n 175._o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o baptism_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o it_o complete_v every_o sacrament_n the_o great_a the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o usage_n be_v manifest_a nay_o the_o father_n frequent_o use_v be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n for_o be_v baptise_a i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o st._n cyril_n st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n austin_n who_o sprinkle_v their_o writing_n with_o the_o common_a mention_n of_o this_o ceremony_n and_o oftentimes_o frame_v argument_n for_o a_o good_a life_n from_o this_o very_a sign_n upon_o their_o forehead_n only_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o remark_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a have_v his_o direction_n probable_o from_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o sign_n the_o great_a banner_n in_o his_o war_n with_o this_o encouragement_n that_o by_o this_o he_o shall_v overcome_v that_o this_o dream_n or_o vision_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a reality_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o success_n of_o that_o prince_n army_n under_o it_o and_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n will_v by_o so_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n countenance_n such_o a_o rite_n as_o this_o already_o use_v in_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v resent_v it_o before_o as_o superstitious_a or_o any_o way_n unwarrantable_a i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o petulant_a against_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v sometime_o signalise_v by_o very_o renown_v miracle_n as_o
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o be_v before_o note_v and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n say_v a_o 4._o a_o alex._n hales_n de_fw-fr missâ—_n p._n 2._o quest_n 10._o p._n 4._o popish_a author_n which_o our_o dissenter_n urge_v for_o sit_v viz._n because_o the_o apostle_n sit_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o every_o priest_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o partake_v stand_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o kneel_v there_o nay_o if_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o we_o must_v never_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o we_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o convenient_a posture_n such_o as_o kneel_v sit_v discumb_a stand_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o heathen_n and_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unjust_a to_o say_v that_o our_o kneel_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o outward_a element_n when_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n mr._n tomb_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o whatever_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o theod._n p._n 168._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o mr._n bains_n christian_n lett._n 24._o and_o mr._n bayly_n disswas_n c._n 2_o 6._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o make_v sit_v necessary_a or_o forbid_v kneel_v and_z mr._n bains_n ibid._n grant_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o idolatrous_a and_o mr._n cartwright_n who_o think_v it_o inconvenient_a yet_o do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a harmon_n on_o luke_n 22.14_o last_o mr._n baxter_n christian_n dir._n part_n 2._o p._n 111._o quest_n 3._o sect_n 40._o say_v for_o kneel_v i_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n yet_o to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o any_o gesture_n nor_o against_o any_o christ_n be_v example_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_v not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v but_o to_o minister_n and_o but_o to_o a_o family_n to_o twelve_o and_o after_o supper_n and_o on_o a_o thursday_n night_n and_o in_o a_o upper-room_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o and_o 2._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o the_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_v pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n upon_o our_o knee_n chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o agreement_n between_o your_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o can_v think_v communion_n with_o your_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o first_o reformer_n be_v indeed_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v very_o commendable_a and_o a_o good_a beginning_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o age_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o complete_a reformation_n they_o leave_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o popish_a trash_n in_o the_o church_n hope_v by_o degree_n to_o reconcile_v the_o papist_n to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n too_o wide_o and_o too_o much_o prejudice_n or_o estrange_v they_o from_o it_o but_o we_o now_o live_v under_o better_a mean_n have_v great_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o a_o further_o and_o more_o perfect_a amendment_n be_v now_o necessary_a now_o i_o can_v but_o inward_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o love_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n who_o in_o their_o first_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v not_o nice_a or_o scrupulous_a beyond_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o thing_n doubtless_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n enough_o as_o to_o all_o true_a zeal_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n when_o they_o seal_v the_o well-grounded_n offence_n they_o take_v at_o they_o with_o their_o warm_a blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n signalise_v their_o profession_n with_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v intermix_v with_o rome_n in_o any_o usage_n of_o worship_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v the_o least_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n superstition_n or_o false_a religion_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reform_v whole_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_o jealous_a of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o be_v of_o superstition_n will_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o those_o fantastic_a antipathy_n as_o to_o abolish_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n mere_o because_o it_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o papist_n if_o some_o other_o very_o substantial_a reason_n do_v not_o plead_v against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o always_o use_v these_o temperate_a and_o unbiased_a method_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v justify_v themselves_o to_o their_o adversary_n or_o the_o world_n or_o have_v make_v it_o so_o evident_a as_o by_o their_o wise_a management_n they_o do_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v from_o the_o mere_a urgency_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o wantonness_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o where_o any_o mean_v honest_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o those_o do_v that_o dissent_n from_o we_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o reason_n very_o well_o awake_v that_o the_o mere_a charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o any_o dispute_v point_n may_v not_o so_o prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o thing_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o mature_a consideration_n however_o that_o i_o may_v full_o answer_v this_o objection_n draw_v from_o our_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n 2._o that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v 3._o that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o church_n have_v renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o rome_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n power_n but_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o show_v the_o vast_a distance_n between_o they_o first_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deprive_v her_o member_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n and_o miserable_o enslave_v they_o for_o 1._o she_o deny_v they_o all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bind_v they_o all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v her_o infallible_a but_o our_o church_n permit_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a she_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o own_v herself_o to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v a_o most_o slavish_a drudgery_n in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o vain_a and_o childish_a odd_a and_o uncouth_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o a_o man_n will_v wonder_v how_o they_o can_v invent_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o their_o cruel_a penance_n in_o impose_v of_o which_o the_o priest_n be_v arbitrary_a but_o our_o rite_n be_v exceed_v few_o plain_a easy_a grave_a and_o manly_a found_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n long_o before_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n our_o sacrament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o consequent_o we_o be_v not_o burden_v with_o the_o superstitious_a foppery_n of_o the_o other_o five_o popish_a one_o in_o short_a our_o rite_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o
edification_n nor_o do_v our_o church_n impose_v they_o like_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a and_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o changeable_a thing_n as_o for_o our_o penance_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o cruel_a like_o those_o of_o rome_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n subject_n her_o member_n by_o several_a of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o enslave_v passion_n for_o instance_n purgatory_n subject_n they_o to_o fear_n and_o auricular_a confession_n to_o shame_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n expose_v they_o to_o great_a anxiety_n but_o our_o church_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o man_n but_o when_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o make_v satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 4._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v licentious_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o our_o adversary_n can_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v just_o charge_v with_o plain_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n our_o church_n reject_v and_o utter_o abhor_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o image-worship_n invocation_n of_o saint_n transubstantiation_n pardon_n indulgence_n sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n deny_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o vulgar_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n rob_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n prohibit_v marriage_n to_o priest_n merit_n supererogation_n make_v simple_a fornication_n a_o mere_a venial_a sin_n damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o communion_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o church_n that_o more_o severe_o condemn_v all_o instance_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o immorality_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v three_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n to_o show_v this_o in_o all_o particular_n will_v be_v a_o tedious_a task_n therefore_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o office_n of_o infant-baptism_n by_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n before_o they_o go_v into_o the_o church_n after_o many_o preparatory_a prescription_n the_o priest_n be_v dress_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o purple_a robe_n call_v the_o infant_n say_v what_o ask_v thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o godfather_n answer_v faith_n p._n what_o shall_v thou_o get_v by_o faith_n g._n eternal_a life_n p._n if_o thou_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n then_o the_o priest_n blow_v three_o gentle_a puff_n upon_o the_o infant_n be_v face_n and_o say_v go_v out_o of_o he_o o_o unclean_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n then_o cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n and_o breast_n he_o say_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v always_o etc._n etc._n and_o after_o a_o long_a prayer_n the_o priest_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n come_v the_o idle_a and_o profane_a form_n of_o the_o benediction_n of_o salt_n viz._n i_o conjure_v thou_o o_o creature_n of_o salt_n in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o cross_n then_o he_o put_v a_o little_a salt_n into_o the_o infant_n be_v mouth_n say_v take_v thou_o the_o salt_n of_o wisdom_n and_o add_v most_o impious_o be_v it_o thy_o propitiation_n unto_o eternal_a life_n after_o the_o pax_n tecum_fw-la he_o pray_v that_o this_o infant_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o most_o woeful_o be-called_a then_o the_o priest_n cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n say_v and_o this_o sign_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n and_o put_v up_o a_o very_a good_a prayer_n then_o he_o put_v part_n of_o his_o robe_n upon_o the_o infant_n and_o bring_v he_o within_o the_o church_n say_v enter_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o follow_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o the_o paternoster_n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o the_o priest_n take_v spittle_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o therewith_o touch_v the_o infant_n be_v ear_n and_o nostril_n say_v etc._n etc._n then_o he_o conjure_v the_o devil_n again_o say_v be_v pack_v o_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o ask_v the_o infant_n whether_o he_o renounce_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o holy_a oil_n and_o anoint_v the_o infant_n with_o it_o in_o his_o breast_n and_o betwixt_o his_o shoulder_n he_o say_v i_o anoint_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v off_o his_o purple_a robe_n and_o put_v on_o another_o of_o white_a colour_n and_o have_v ask_v four_o more_o question_n and_o receive_v the_o answer_n he_o pour_v water_n thrice_o upon_o the_o child_n head_n as_o he_o recite_v over_o it_o our_o saviour_n form_n of_o baptism_n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o the_o chrism_n or_o holy_a ointment_n he_o anoint_v the_o infant_n upon_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o head_n in_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o cross_n and_o pray_v o_o god_n omnipotent_a etc._n etc._n afterward_o he_o take_v a_o white_a linen_n cloth_n and_o put_v it_o on_o the_o child_n head_n say_v take_v the_o white_a garment_n etc._n etc._n last_o he_o put_v into_o the_o child_n or_o his_o godfather_n hand_n a_o light_a candle_n say_v receive_v the_o burn_a lamp_n etc._n etc._n beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o common_a ritual_a there_o be_v divers_a other_o add_v in_o the_o pastoral_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v and_o now_o if_o any_o man_n will_v read_v our_o office_n of_o baptism_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o unlike_a than_o these_o two_o office_n be_v our_o litany_n indeed_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o dissenter_n as_o savour_v of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a if_o a_o man_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o popish_a one_o the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o consist_v in_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o the_o brevity_n i_o be_o confine_v to_o in_o this_o discourse_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o abide_v any_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n four_o in_o the_o book_n they_o receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v all_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n take_v only_o those_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o all_o protestant_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v true_a she_o read_v some_o part_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o she_o do_v not_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n by_o they_o five_o and_o last_o in_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o find_v their_o whole_a religion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n find_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o her_o own_o infallibility_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o of_o her_o own_o doctrine_n on_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o her_o council_n which_o she_o will_v have_v to_o be_v no_o less_o inspire_v than_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n build_v her_o whole_a religion_n upon_o scripture_n which_o be_v her_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n she_o reverence_n ancient_a general_a council_n but_o do_v not_o think_v they_o infallible_a and_o as_o for_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o church_n claim_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n by_o require_v subscription_n to_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o she_o mean_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o to_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o outward_a submission_n when_o her_o decision_n do_v not_o contradict_v any_o essential_o of_o faith_n or_o manner_n but_o not_o a_o authority_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o infallible_o true_a and_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n it_o be_v true_a she_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o she_o require_v subscription_n as_o a_o test_n of_o this_o belief_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o person_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o undoubted_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o creed_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o as_o to_o the_o motive_n which_o our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v they_o
reproof_n not_o on_o thing_n that_o be_v justifiable_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v defend_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o those_o part_n of_o it_o only_o but_o not_o for_o these_o last_o our_o symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n for_o we_o be_v scarce_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o she_o nor_o be_v we_o impose_v as_o necessary_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n severe_o condemn_v the_o jewish_a tradition_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o condemn_v only_o those_o by_o which_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o in_o which_o they_o place_v special_a holiness_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n 1._o the_o surplice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v solemn_o hallow_a etc._n etc._n but_o we_o use_v it_o only_o for_o distinction_n and_o uniformity_n and_o place_n no_o more_o holiness_n in_o it_o than_o in_o the_o hood_n which_o denote_v degree_n beside_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n minister_n do_v officiate_v in_o white_a garment_n and_o beza_n and_o calvin_n be_v bull._n be_v cont._n westph_n vol._n 1._o p._n 55._o epist_n ad_fw-la bull._n against_o contend_v about_o the_o surplice_n and_o i_o pray_v why_o be_v a_o minister_n be_v linen_n garment_n more_o popish_a than_o a_o lawyer_n be_v gown_n or_o a_o judge_n robe_n our_o famous_a hooker_n 5.228_o hooker_n eccles_n pol._n book_n 5.228_o say_v to_o solemn_a action_n of_o royalty_n and_o justice_n there_o suitable_a ornament_n be_v a_o beauty_n be_v they_o only_o in_o religion_n a_o stain_n 2._o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o use_v by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n she_o enjoin_v numberless_a cross_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o that_o sacrament_n but_o we_o retain_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n and_o have_v abolish_v all_o superstitious_a abuse_n of_o it_o 3._o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v require_v by_o we_o only_o as_o a_o reverend_a gesture_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o this_o kneel_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v perfect_o remove_v the_o papist_n indeed_o kneel_v to_o their_o host_n as_o to_o their_o god_n but_o we_o do_v nothing_o like_o they_o for_o we_o kneel_v not_o to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o at_o our_o receive_v of_o they_o now_o what_o they_o do_v on_o no_o reason_n why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v on_o the_o best_a especial_o when_o our_o church_n declare_v that_o adoration_n of_o the_o of_o the_o element_n be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o disuse_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n because_o the_o papist_n have_v make_v it_o a_o idol_n so_o we_o may_v continue_v our_o reverence_n though_o they_o have_v pay_v it_o adoration_n 4._o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n be_v most_o notorious_o abuse_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o office_n but_o we_o practise_v no_o superstition_n about_o it_o and_o use_v it_o not_o as_o a_o sacramental_a sign_n but_o as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o marriage_n vow_n last_o the_o feast_n and_o fast_n of_o our_o church_n can_v be_v just_o account_v popish_a for_o the_o time_n of_o assemble_v be_v a_o circumstance_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o can_v be_v leave_v to_o particular_a choice_n but_o must_v be_v determine_v in_o common_a and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n must_v be_v determine_v too_o in_o a_o ordinary_a orderly_a assembly_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n when_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o festival_n and_o when_o a_o fast_a as_o to_o the_o keep_v of_o the_o lord's-day_n our_o church_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n unless_o she_o will_v have_v rash_o depart_v from_o apostolical_a observation_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n as_o for_o the_o keep_v of_o easter_n she_o be_v under_o the_o like_a obligation_n the_o annual_a feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n the_o great_a lord's-day_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o weekly_a and_o as_o to_o the_o fast_a of_o good_a friday_n it_o be_v nigh_o as_o early_o as_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n they_o lament_v their_o sin_n our_o saviour_n die_v for_o on_o the_o friday_n before_o as_o constant_o as_o they_o commemorate_a his_o rising_n again_o for_o our_o salvation_n the_o sunday_n after_o and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o those_o two_o great_a day_n with_o more_o devotion_n there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o church_n some_o time_n beforehand_o set_v apart_o for_o better_a recollection_n and_o great_a preparation_n the_o number_n of_o day_n be_v in_o some_o place_n more_o in_o some_o less_o that_o of_o forty_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o western_a country_n and_o therefore_o be_v still_o keep_v and_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v as_o religious_o observe_v as_o it_o be_v pious_o appoint_v whitsunday_n too_o the_o day_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v be_v observe_v always_o and_o universal_o by_o the_o ancient_a church_n only_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o latter_a remembrance_n but_o yet_o before_o popery_n come_v in_o it_o be_v first_o observe_v in_o the_o western_a church_n and_o afterward_o take_v up_o by_o the_o eastern_a in_o st._n chrysostom_n time_n as_o it_o stand_v recommend_v by_o he_o to_o the_o people_n of_o antioch_n other_o time_n beside_o these_o have_v be_v appoint_v for_o our_o religious_a assembly_n in_o which_o beside_o the_o general_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o martyr_n be_v grateful_o remember_v and_o pious_o propose_v those_o day_n be_v call_v common_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n then_o particular_o commemorate_a not_o that_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o the_o saint_n or_o that_o the_o day_n be_v employ_v in_o his_o honour_n but_o because_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o memory_n or_o martyrdom_n we_o come_v together_o as_o to_o pay_v our_o other_o duty_n to_o our_o god_n so_o to_o thank_v he_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o example_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n heretofore_o when_o god_n have_v be_v bountiful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o saint_n increase_v in_o some_o proportion_n the_o day_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v that_o popery_n have_v both_o acknowledge_v saint_n to_o god_n which_o he_o may_v not_o own_v and_o give_v the_o true_a saint_n a_o honour_n which_o they_o must_v disclaim_v but_o with_o we_o the_o number_n of_o those_o day_n be_v not_o great_a than_o what_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n may_v well_o comply_v with_o and_o as_o the_o number_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o large_a so_o their_o sanctity_n sure_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o then_o on_o those_o day_n we_o neither_o beseech_v by_o their_o merit_n nor_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o their_o intercession_n you_o see_v then_o how_o unreasonable_a the_o objection_n of_o popery_n be_v here_o too_o but_o see_v to_o what_o absurdity_n it_o go_v on_o first_o it_o be_v suppose_v popery_n to_o keep_v a_o day_n in_o the_o memory_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o than_o it_o be_v think_v as_o popish_a to_o call_v he_o a_o saint_n a_o great_a person_n at_o geneva_n it_o seem_v presume_v it_o somewhat_o popish_a to_o observe_v sunday_n itself_o and_o consider_v about_o change_v the_o day_n nay_o some_o be_v so_o perverse_o superstitious_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o that_o that_o day_n on_o which_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n remember_v our_o saviour_n bitter_a passion_n have_v seem_v to_o they_o the_o fit_a for_o a_o feast_n and_o the_o time_n universal_o now_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o joyful_a memory_n of_o his_o bless_a nativity_n the_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o fast_a this_o indeed_o be_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n no_o it_o be_v like_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a to_o conclude_v by_o popery_n nothing_o can_v be_v mean_v but_o the_o corruption_n and_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o that_o church_n be_v once_o as_o fair_a speak_v of_o as_o its_o error_n be_v now_o and_o have_v she_o continue_v in_o that_o purity_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v of_o her_o communion_n and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o she_o no_o otherwise_o than_o she_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o herself_o and_o to_o have_v corrupt_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n as_o we_o must_v not_o receive_v the_o evil_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o good_a so_o we_o must_v not_o reject_v the_o
in_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o 5._o church-membership_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o church-communion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n due_o preach_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n join_v with_o those_o of_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n nay_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_n administration_n and_o therefore_o 4.4_o therefore_o act_n 2.47_o eph._n 5.23_o and_o 4.4_o since_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n since_o his_o ordinary_a method_n of_o save_a man_n be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n since_o chriâ—â—_n suffer_v for_o we_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v â—e_v say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o such_o man_n can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v unworthy_a receiver_n but_o 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o for_o we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o such_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n who_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o receiver_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o confirm_v ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n '_o tâ—s_v true_a that_o none_o but_o convert_v or_o baptise_a person_n must_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v those_o who_o be_v already_o baptise_a to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o holiness_n than_o this_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n for_o what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o the_o sacrament_n represent_v to_o we_o wherein_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o three_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n who_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n in_o sin_v that_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o 24._o in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.39_o and_o 19.18_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o 7_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v grow_v very_o scandalous_a yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n and_o hypocrite_n devour_v widow_n house_n and_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n matth._n 15.6_o 7_o 8._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v a_o separation_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v seat_n say_v he_o all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n 23.2_o 3._o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 11.18_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o and_o 3.3_o and_o 5.1_o and_o 11.18_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o 11.28_o but_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v what_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz._n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strise_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brethren_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridle_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o
better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o first_o what_o pure_a ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n but_o he_o who_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o he_o like_v best_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_n the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n second_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v separation_n for_o this_o edification_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o particular_a christian_n now_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o text_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 8.1_o and_o 14.5_o 12._o eph._n 2.21_o and_o 4.12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o matth._n 21.42_o act_n 4.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 12_o 19_o and_o 13.10_o now_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o as_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v also_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v edification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v particular_a christian_n one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o firm_a close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4.4_o than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n st._n judas_n v._o 19_o seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o separate_v but_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o pretence_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o particular_a christian_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o think_v he_o can_v edify_v better_o among_o the_o dissenter_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o because_o better_a edification_n can_v be_v have_v in_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o our_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o fit_a our_o constitution_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n second_o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n first_o then_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v fit_a to_o edify_v soul_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o our_o creed_n contain_v all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o nice_a and_o obscure_a matter_n in_o they_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n think_v needful_a that_o be_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o this_o faith_n will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n the_o church_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n when_o firm_o believe_v do_v plain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a she_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o show_v unless_o obedience_n follow_v such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n as_o produce_v excellent_a virtue_n and_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n her_o festival_n commemorate_v the_o virtue_n and_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o excellent_a men._n her_o ceremony_n be_v decent_a her_o prayer_n be_v for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o force_v and_o her_o homily_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o piety_n which_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o she_o tell_v sinner_n plain_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v and_o say_v that_o plain_a virtue_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n so_o exact_o 3._o she_o be_v fit_o constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n because_o she_o give_v we_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o describe_v his_o attribute_n and_o our_o want_n her_o prayer_n be_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o due_a length_n and_o she_o have_v proper_a prayer_n for_o most_o particular_a occasion_n she_o have_v office_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o confirm_v our_o obedience_n the_o office_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n and_o burial_n be_v extreme_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o all_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v such_o that_o she_o make_v religion_n neither_o slovenly_a nor_o too_o gay_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v judge_v all_o her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o they_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o fit_a to_o make_v our_o service_n comely_a and_o true_o whilst_o we_o have_v body_n these_o outward_a help_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a her_o government_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v that_o her_o member_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a and_o if_o all_o vice_n be_v not_o chastise_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o unnecessary_a division_n have_v stop_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a none_o of_o her_o part_n or_o office_n give_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o she_o but_o consider_v all_o thing_n she_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o 14.3_o therefore_o heb._n 6.1_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n second_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n but_o strict_o command_v under_o great_a temporal_a penalty_n to_o direct_v their_o flock_n to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o our_o pastor_n for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o true_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v uncharitable_a our_o protestant_a neighbour_n have_v commend_v our_o government_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v our_o pastor_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o our_o man_n work_n to_o edify_v their_o people_n dissenter_n
by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_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 and_o 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_v 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 a_o dread_n of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v he_o and_o that_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 3._o it_o be_v excessive_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a it_o rob_v a_o man_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a 4._o it_o be_v scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o scrupulous_a man_n go_v on_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o scruple_n every_o thing_n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o for_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n 5._o this_o needless_a scruple_v have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o chief_o respect_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o three_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 1._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o 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_a or_o most_o offensive_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o pray_v do_v not_o god_n principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n or_o will_v he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v we_o because_o he_o dislike_v the_o garment_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n or_o habit_n which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religious_a performance_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursom_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o dutiful_a child_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 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_o 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 we_o shall_v lay_v out_o our_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o idifferent_a and_o inferior_a nature_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_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_v 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 for_o say_v st._n paul_n ver_fw-la 18._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_v of_o
best_a policy_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a that_o can_v be_v establish_v will_v have_v some_o flaw_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v bear_v and_o tolerate_v some_o inconvenience_n will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n arise_v that_o never_o can_v be_v foresee_v or_o provide_v against_o and_o to_o make_v alteration_n upon_o every_o emergent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v often_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o pretend_v to_o cure_v by_o it_o let_v the_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o government_n discipline_n public_a worship_n be_v most_o exact_a and_o blameless_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v fault_n in_o governor_n and_o minister_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o men._n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o this_o world_n a_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n that_o consist_v only_o of_o saint_n in_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v amiss_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o advantage_n against_o it_o man_n must_v be_v willing_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o put_v candid_a construction_n and_o favourable_a interpretation_n upon_o thing_n and_o not_o strain_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o they_o 6._o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v not_o conquer_v a_o man_n scruple_n then_o let_v he_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o act_n against_o they_o but_o here_o i_o easy_o imagine_v some_o ready_a present_o to_o ask_v i_o do_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o such_o scrupulous_a person_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a thing_n and_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n will_v be_v altogether_o unpracticable_a if_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o suspend_v join_v himself_o to_o it_o till_o he_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o expediency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v or_o be_v in_o use_n in_o that_o church_n for_o indeed_o private_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o convenient_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-goverment_n discipline_n or_o public_a worship_n any_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n of_o state_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n belong_v to_o superior_n and_o if_o they_o appoint_v what_o be_v indecent_a or_o inconvenient_a they_o only_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o inferior_n who_o join_v with_o such_o worship_n or_o yield_v to_o such_o injunction_n not_o plain_o sinful_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o encourage_v man_n to_o venture_v blindfold_a on_o sin_n or_o to_o neglect_v any_o reasonable_a care_n of_o their_o action_n but_o if_o people_n raise_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n they_o can_v start_v before_o they_o proceed_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o manifest_a impiety_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v plain_o nor_o by_o any_o easy_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o can_v but_o occasion_v infinite_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_v to_o man_n mind_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a conscience_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o persuade_v that_o what_o be_v require_v be_v forbid_v by_o god_n because_o by_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o light_n and_o doubtful_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v 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