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religion_n christian_a church_n world_n 5,052 5 4.5521 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59850 A practical discourse of religious assemblies by Will. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1681 (1681) Wing S3322; ESTC R27485 148,095 402

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age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o all_o form_n of_o religion_n whatever_o religious_a rite_n be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n natural_a reason_n condemn_v as_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a but_o whatever_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v condemn_v that_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o the_o law_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v not_o make_v so_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o institution_n but_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n or_o to_o pay_v such_o a_o false_a worship_n to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n consist_v in_o false_a notion_n repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n and_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o use_v or_o not_o use_v very_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o by_o a_o abuse_a fancy_n and_o ill_o instruct_v conscience_n they_o imprint_v either_o a_o religious_a or_o sinful_a character_n upon_o they_o either_o think_v they_o shall_v please_v god_n or_o fear_v they_o shall_v displease_v he_o by_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a advance_v towards_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o religious_a ceremony_n which_o though_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o plain_a positive_a law_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o only_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n than_o they_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n let_v we_o all_o serious_o consider_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o to_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_n the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o that_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o sober_a liturgy_n or_o decent_a ceremony_n 2._o what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o countenance_n both_o 1._o what_o the_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v religion_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n he_o seem_v principal_o to_o design_n 1._o to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n 2._o to_o strip_v it_o of_o all_o type_n and_o shadow_n 3._o to_o deliver_v religion_n from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o superstitious_a observance_n 4._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o substance_n circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o religion_n between_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a and_o the_o instrumental_a 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worship_n god_n can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o to_o a_o typical_a worship_n of_o which_o more_o present_o or_o to_o such_o external_a worship_n as_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o man_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v offer_v up_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n if_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o far_o we_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o oppose_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o man_n do_v sink_v down_o into_o a_o external_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o raise_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o owe_v either_o to_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n but_o to_o a_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a mind_n extemporary_a and_o conceive_a prayer_n have_v indeed_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n 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visible_a worship_n because_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v not_o content_v themselves_o mere_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o devout_a thought_n and_o passion_n but_o with_o such_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o either_o a_o divine_a institution_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v external_a sign_n of_o honour_n such_o as_o uncover_v the_o head_n or_o put_v off_o their_o shoe_n or_o bow_v the_o body_n or_o kneel_v or_o prostration_n or_o lift_v up_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o heaven_n where_o god_n dwell_v for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o ancient_a patriarch_n the_o jewish_a church_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n for_o our_o example_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o 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god_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v any_o show_n of_o worship_n how_o exact_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o their_o posture_n or_o response_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a profaneness_n they_o be_v thus_o far_o fanatical_a in_o their_o principle_n that_o they_o must_v believe_v if_o they_o consider_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n do_v not_o much_o regard_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o do_v they_o believe_v he_o do_v they_o will_v be_v more_o careful_a to_o pay_v it_o he_o for_o the_o bare_a do_v any_o thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n such_o as_o kneel_v at_o prayer_n or_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o hymn_n and_o creed_n and_o the_o like_a do_v not_o make_v it_o so_o much_o as_o a_o external_a sign_n of_o worship_n unless_o it_o be_v perform_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o all_o religious_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o believe_v that_o though_o god_n do_v expect_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n he_o matter_n not_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n nor_o how_o careless_o external_a worship_n be_v perform_v so_o it_o be_v do_v this_o be_v so_o wild_a a_o principle_n that_o it_o outdo_v all_o the_o fanatic_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v arrant_a hypocrite_n and_o yet_o very_o punctual_a in_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n be_v withal_o very_o solemn_a and_o demure_a in_o those_o external_a superstition_n and_o those_o who_o reject_v external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n yet_o pretend_v to_o great_a devotion_n of_o mind_n and_o rapturous_a ardour_n and_o transport_n of_o spirit_n but_o these_o man_n be_v for_o a_o external_a bodily_a worship_n without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o visible_a appearance_n of_o external_a devotion_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o these_o man_n will_v make_v a_o sect_n by_o themselves_o too_o and_o not_o 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as_o he_o use_v to_o appear_v to_o moses_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n every_o time_n we_o meet_v to_o worship_v he_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v we_o shall_v all_o express_v great_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o but_o will_v pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v present_a in_o your_o assembly_n and_o that_o he_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a notice_n of_o your_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n when_o you_o meet_v to_o worship_v he_o than_o he_o do_v at_o other_o time_n that_o be_v that_o he_o expect_v now_o that_o you_o shall_v take_v a_o more_o particular_a notice_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o behave_v yourselves_o with_o a_o suitable_a reverence_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v present_a in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n though_o you_o do_v not_o see_v he_o under_o the_o law_n god_n dwell_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n which_o be_v his_o house_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v finish_v god_n fill_v it_o with_o his_o presence_n and_o glory_n there_o be_v the_o mercy-seat_n cover_v with_o cherubim_n which_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o attendance_n of_o angel_n and_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a opinion_n among_o the_o heathen_n that_o their_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o image_n consecrate_v to_o their_o worship_n and_o though_o they_o be_v ridiculous_o foolish_a in_o think_v to_o charm_v their_o god_n by_o some_o magical_a rite_n and_o mystery_n and_o confine_v they_o to_o certain_a place_n yet_o the_o original_n of_o this_o be_v only_o a_o traditional_a belief_n that_o god_n be_v always_o peculiar_o present_a in_o all_o place_n of_o his_o worship_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v believe_v that_o angel_n who_o be_v god_n retinue_n and_o minister_n do_v attend_v christian_a assembly_n and_o be_v
great_a concernment_n pag._n 104_o chap._n ii_o concern_v public_a worship_n pag._n 110_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n pag._n 111_o public_a worship_n a_o great_a honour_n to_o god_n than_o private_a devotion_n pag._n 116_o external_n worship_n must_v be_v public_a pag._n 118_o god_n be_v a_o public_a benefactor_n and_o therefore_o public_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o pag._n 120_o public_a worship_n institute_v by_o god_n under_o the_o law_n pag._n 122_o and_o by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n require_v it_o pag._n 125_o this_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o sacrament_n pag._n 126_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 130_o and_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n pag._n 133_o and_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v religion_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iii_o section_n 1._o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o pag._n 138_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n pag._n 139_o 1._o whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n the_o difference_n between_o private_a opinion_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o use_n of_o this_o distinction_n ibid._n 2._o whether_o they_o consider_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n pag._n 151_o 3._o whether_o they_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 4._o how_o they_o come_v to_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 5._o whether_o they_o ever_o impartial_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n pag._n 170_o 6._o how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n pag._n 184_o section_n 2._o some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 188_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n pag._n 190_o 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 193_o 3._o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n pag._n 207_o 4._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n pag._n 208_o section_n 3._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n pag._n 215_o concern_v will-worship_n pag._n 216_o concern_v superstition_n pag._n 222_o the_o church_n of_o england_n charge_v with_o idolatry_n pag._n 235_o and_o with_o popery_n pag._n 236_o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n concern_v parochial_a communion_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n 267_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 281_o chap._n iu_o concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 289_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n 296_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o line_n 26_o read_v apollo_n p._n 9_o l._n 13._o r._n and_o that_o none_o p._n 18._o l._n 15._o r._n that_o they_o either_o p._n 50._o l._n 14._o f._n we_o r._n be_v p._n 105._o l._n 18._o r._n you_o will_v p._n 124._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o p._n 164._o l._n 9_o r._n fell_a p._n 185._o l._n 2._o r._n they_o p._n 208._o l._n 6._o r._n so_o p._n 212._o l._n 11._o f._n if_o r._n that_o p._n 219._o l._n 24._o r._n now_o though_o p._n 224._o l._n 12_o 13._o r._n difficult_a p._n 230._o l._n 5._o r._n have_v p._n 331._o l._n 18._o f._n rule_n r._n rite_n p._n 346._o l._n 28._o f._n truth_n r._n faith_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n the_o introduction_n 1._o contain_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n 2._o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n 3._o the_o seasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o discourse_n 1._o religion_n be_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o mankind_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v god_n the_o most_o excellent_a be_v for_o its_o immediate_a object_n this_o be_v the_o work_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n who_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n admire_v his_o essential_a glory_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o sing_v eternal_a hallelujah_n to_o he_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o unruly_a passion_n and_o appetite_n to_o govern_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o pity_v and_o relieve_v one_o another_o where_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a good_n indeed_o in_o this_o world_n temperance_n and_o charity_n be_v no_o christian_a virtue_n but_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o veneration_n for_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o to_o be_v charitable_a upon_o some_o mean_a consideration_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o god_n as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o serve_v ourselves_o or_o our_o friend_n or_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o we_o do_v out_o of_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o it_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o deity_n which_o may_v as_o effectual_o be_v do_v by_o action_n as_o by_o word_n verbal_a praise_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n be_v mere_a lip-labour_n and_o formal_a compliment_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o produce_v no_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o excite_v in_o we_o devout_a affection_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n but_o yet_o that_o which_o we_o more_o strict_o call_v worship_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o solemn_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n for_o god_n when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o when_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n for_o what_o sincere_a worshipper_n can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o to_o break_v his_o law_n and_o contemn_v his_o authority_n and_o despise_v his_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a semblance_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o some_o bad_a man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o flatter_v god_n be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n it_o be_v only_o a_o external_a imitation_n of_o religious_a worship_n without_o that_o powerful_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o true_o devout_a and_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n so_o public_a worship_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o indeed_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o hold_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n whereon_o all_o church-authority_n depend_v as_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o prove_v by_o a_o assembly_n learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o authority_n to_o take_v in_o and_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n the_o second_o by_o church-censure_n the_o high_a of_o which_o be_v excommunication_n which_o debar_v man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v forsake_v christian_n assembly_n either_o to_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n or_o at_o least_o a_o fair_a step_n towards_o it_o he_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o 23._o faith_n without_o waver_v that_o be_v to_o continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o give_v they_o this_o caution_n not_o
escape_v better_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n than_o capernaum_n and_o capernaum_n i_o doubt_v will_v escape_v much_o better_a than_o the_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n and_o profane_a despiser_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o day_n because_o they_o labour_v under_o old_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la which_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v remove_v but_o require_v time_n and_o patience_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o free_a and_o impartial_a reason_n to_o wear_v they_o off_o but_o now_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o many_o age_n when_o man_n be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o first_o and_o early_a instruction_n on_o the_o right_a side_n when_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o cast_v off_o their_o reverence_n for_o god_n and_o to_o silence_n and_o stupify_v their_o clamorous_a conscience_n for_o man_n to_o use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o industry_n to_o turn_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o profane_a scoffer_n at_o religion_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n but_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o will_v receive_v the_o sore_a punishment_n and_o a_o sentence_n as_o amaze_a and_o astonish_v as_o the_o sin_n be_v thus_o i_o have_v represent_v the_o evil_a and_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o if_o these_o man_n do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o they_o profess_v to_o do_v will_v they_o give_v themselves_o time_o serious_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v imagine_v but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o can_v any_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n if_o he_o ever_o consider_v such_o matter_n endure_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o put_v such_o a_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o religious_a worship_n do_v natural_o signify_v he_o know_v what_o a_o sharp_a resentment_n he_o himself_o have_v of_o a_o slight_a or_o neglect_v how_o ill_o he_o take_v it_o if_o man_n industrious_o avoid_v his_o company_n if_o they_o do_v but_o talk_v and_o seem_v to_o mind_v something_o else_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v a_o story_n if_o his_o friend_n neglect_v to_o visit_v he_o and_o turn_v their_o head_n another_o way_n when_o they_o pass_v by_o his_o door_n and_o he_o know_v how_o sensible_a superior_n especial_o be_v of_o such_o neglect_v from_o their_o inferior_n for_o a_o prince_n to_o be_v slight_v by_o his_o subject_n or_o a_o father_n by_o his_o child_n or_o a_o master_n by_o his_o servant_n be_v think_v so_o unsufferable_a a_o rudeness_n as_o can_v be_v too_o severe_o punish_v and_o therefore_o consider_v that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n he_o may_v easy_o conclude_v how_o ill_a god_n take_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v the_o great_a slight_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o he_o and_o argue_v very_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thought_n of_o he_o if_o such_o man_n do_v think_v of_o he_o at_o all_o and_o when_o he_o consider_v also_o how_o many_o obligation_n he_o lie_v under_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o can_v but_o blush_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a injustice_n not_o to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v he_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v about_o he_o he_o think_v it_o great_a injustice_n to_o detract_v from_o the_o praise_n of_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a man_n or_o to_o conceal_v they_o what_o be_v it_o than_o not_o to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o work_n which_o be_v proclaim_v by_o all_o the_o world_n not_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v our_o maker_n who_o make_v we_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n do_v god_n give_v i_o eye_n may_n such_o a_o man_n say_v to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n and_o a_o understanding_n to_o search_v out_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o who_o the_o praise_n of_o all_o be_v due_a that_o when_o i_o have_v find_v he_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o neither_o confess_v his_o power_n nor_o admire_v his_o wisdom_n nor_o praise_v his_o goodness_n do_v he_o give_v i_o a_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o every_o trifle_n and_o never_o to_o be_v silent_a but_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o vocal_a in_o the_o praise_n of_o my_o maker_n how_o ill_o shall_v i_o take_v it_o can_v i_o make_v any_o be_v that_o can_v understand_v or_o speak_v shall_v it_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o owe_v its_o be_v consider_v my_o soul_n how_o thou_o shall_v resent_v the_o neglect_n of_o a_o son_n of_o a_o client_n of_o a_o redeem_a captive_n or_o of_o any_o one_o who_o thou_o have_v oblige_v and_o by_o thy_o bounty_n raise_v from_o a_o low_a to_o a_o splendid_a fortune_n who_o owe_v his_o be_v his_o fortune_n his_o liberty_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o life_n to_o thou_o and_o be_v it_o nothing_o then_o to_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a parent_n lord_n and_o benefactor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v redeem_v thou_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o design_v a_o more_o glorious_a happiness_n for_o thou_o if_o thy_o unjust_a and_o ungrateful_a neglect_n of_o he_o do_v not_o render_v thou_o uncapable_a of_o his_o favour_n but_o how_o unpardonable_a be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v false_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o covenant_n such_o person_n be_v not_o think_v fit_a for_o humane_a conversation_n who_o break_v the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v trust_v but_o yet_o no_o man_n ever_o break_v his_o word_n much_o less_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n but_o when_o he_o expect_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v i_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o god_n a_o covenant_n to_o which_o i_o owe_v all_o my_o hope_n of_o happiness_n all_o the_o good_a i_o now_o enjoy_v and_o all_o that_o i_o expect_v if_o i_o forfeit_v my_o interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n i_o must_v be_v miserable_a and_o perish_v like_o a_o fool_n and_o since_o i_o can_v forfeit_v my_o interest_n without_o break_v my_o covenant_n i_o must_v perish_v like_o a_o apostate_n a_o runagate_n a_o traitor_n or_o like_a one_o who_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v the_o worst_a thing_n but_o deserve_v no_o pity_n and_o be_v it_o so_o grievous_a a_o thing_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v unjust_a to_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o be_v perfidious_a to_o god_n to_o forfeit_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o to_o incur_v his_o hot_a displeasure_n than_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o owe_v all_o to_o he_o that_o i_o have_v and_o that_o i_o expect_v all_o from_o he_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o with_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o these_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n second_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n in_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v wrought_v on_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o justice_n or_o gratitude_n may_v yet_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o more_o brutish_a principle_n of_o fear_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o respect_v both_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o 1._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n now_o whoever_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o govern_v all_o humane_a affair_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o dispose_v of_o our_o several_a fortune_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n must_v needs_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v miserable_a here_o while_o he_o neglect_v to_o adore_v and_o reverence_v the_o sovereign_a and_o unaccountable_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o promise_v even_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o deliverance_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n by_o their_o servant_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n this_o be_v the_o course_n all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v take_v and_o find_v the_o bless_a success_n 15._o of_o it_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o 7._o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o give_v ear_n o_o lord_n unto_o my_o prayer_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o will_v call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o he_o shall_v
help_v they_o but_o on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o church-alteration_n come_v on_o and_o the_o parliament_n think_v it_o be_v better_o have_v no_o bishop_n than_o such_o as_o do_v prevail_v against_o they_o this_o be_v fair_a warning_n and_o let_v the_o church_n and_o churchman_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o oppose_v rebellion_n any_o more_o 4._o every_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o clergy_n or_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v think_v a_o miscarriage_n though_o it_o be_v none_o be_v present_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o separation_n as_o if_o so_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o any_o church_n be_v ever_o the_o worse_a because_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o neglect_v their_o duty_n abuse_v their_o power_n or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o please_v every_o man_n humour_n as_o if_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v sometime_o happen_v under_o the_o best_a government_n in_o the_o world_n will_v justify_v man_n in_o pull_v down_o a_o apostolical_a church_n model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o primitive_a government_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o see_v man_n forsake_v the_o church_n and_o run_v to_o conventicle_n if_o their_o minister_n do_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n comply_v with_o their_o desire_n if_o he_o be_v so_o ill-bred_a as_o to_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n or_o so_o stiff_a as_o not_o to_o make_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n yield_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o humour_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o such_o person_n separate_v out_o of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n who_o date_n their_o separation_n from_o some_o little_a pet_n quarrel_n or_o peevish_a fit_n nor_o five_o be_v those_o very_a conscientious_a man_n who_o separate_z from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o interest_n and_o the_o persuasion_n and_o importunity_n of_o some_o dissent_v friend_n who_o forsake_v the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o good_a trade_n or_o a_o rich_a wife_n or_o in_o hope_n of_o some_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n to_o make_v gain_n godliness_n not_o to_o serve_v christ_n but_o our_o own_o belly_n i_o do_v but_o just_a mention_n these_o thing_n which_o though_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v great_a truth_n and_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o consider_v who_o will_v try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o separation_n yet_o i_o fear_v the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o will_v be_v very_o offensive_a to_o guilty_a person_n who_o when_o they_o feel_v their_o conscience_n smart_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o revenge_v themselves_o upon_o their_o kind_n and_o faithful_a monitor_n five_o i_o will_v desire_v those_o person_n who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o consider_v whether_o ever_o they_o impartial_o and_o thorough_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n we_o must_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o such_o a_o church_n before_o separation_n from_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n as_o it_o be_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o a_o corrupt_a church_n and_o a_o true_o honest_a man_n be_v equal_o careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n now_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o few_o there_o be_v that_o do_v this_o and_o how_o much_o few_o there_o be_v that_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a a_o argument_n that_o most_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n without_o know_v any_o just_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o as_o to_o explain_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a more_o at_o large_a first_o how_o few_o be_v those_o who_o do_v examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o some_o popular_a talk_n against_o the_o bishop_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n be_v very_o different_a from_o be_v able_a to_o make_v some_o slight_a objection_n which_o have_v be_v answer_v a_o hundred_o time_n for_o to_o examine_v thing_n be_v impartial_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v both_o part_n of_o the_o question_n to_o avoid_v no_o difficulty_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o and_o against_o separation_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o equal_a that_o interest_n and_o affection_n do_v not_o turn_v the_o scale_n instead_o of_o reason_n now_o there_o be_v two_o great_a fault_n which_o man_n be_v common_o guilty_a of_o in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o careful_o examine_v both_o part_n of_o the_o question_n possible_o they_o read_v such_o book_n as_o be_v write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o justify_v a_o separation_n but_o do_v not_o with_o the_o same_o care_n read_v those_o book_n which_o prove_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o separation_n and_o justify_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o have_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n only_o at_o second_o hand_n from_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v they_o but_o never_o look_v into_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o this_o rate_n of_o examine_v that_o man_n continue_v separatist_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o for_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o one_o argument_n against_o separation_n or_o for_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n fair_o represent_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v it_o who_o common_o pick_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v least_o material_a or_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o main_a controversy_n and_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o flourish_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v something_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o silent_o pass_v over_o what_o they_o know_v they_o can_v answer_v now_o whoever_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o thorough_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o be_v though_o his_o separation_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o schism_n because_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o separation_n yet_o this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o know_v he_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n for_o he_o separate_v without_o cause_n who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o separation_n and_o he_o can_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o who_o separate_v before_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n as_o we_o all_o reckon_v that_o man_n perjure_v who_o swear_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a but_o without_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a second_o another_o great_a fault_n be_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v common_o bias_v by_o some_o interest_n and_o affection_n which_o weigh_v much_o more_o than_o any_o contrary_a reason_n can_v do_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o they_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o then_o set_v their_o wit_n on_o work_n to_o defend_v it_o and_o those_o must_v be_v mighty_a evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n which_o can_v force_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n common_a to_o both_o side_n there_o be_v few_o man_n which_o side_n soever_o they_o be_v of_o but_o be_v great_o incline_v to_o favour_v it_o and_o to_o help_v out_o a_o weak_a argument_n which_o be_v too_o light_a with_o some_o grain_n of_o allowance_n i_o answer_v possible_o with_o most_o man_n it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o in_o many_o case_n it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v both_o innocent_a and_o useful_a and_o a_o argument_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v when_o the_o bias_n stand_v the_o wrong_a way_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o good_a man_n be_v as_o strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v one_o as_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o to_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v none_o here_o be_v inclination_n and_o prejudices_fw-la on_o both_o side_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o a_o bad_a man_n because_o the_o one_o be_v a_o natural_a byass_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o virtue_n the_o other_o
of_o external_a worship_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n how_o we_o can_v pray_v either_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n since_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o no_o one_o duty_n be_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o say_v while_o man_n have_v such_o wild_a unpracticable_a notion_n in_o their_o head_n which_o when_o they_o be_v pursue_v to_o their_o last_o issue_n overthrow_v all_o manner_n of_o external_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o end_n in_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o quakerism_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o comprehension_n and_o concession_n and_o while_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o think_v it_o as_o innocent_a a_o thing_n to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n as_o to_o go_v from_o one_o parish-church_n to_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o sense_n what_o a_o necessary_a duty_n christian_a communion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o damn_v sin_n schism_n be_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o do_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o desire_v to_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n must_v earnest_o exhort_v persuade_v and_o convince_v as_o well_o as_o yield_v and_o comply_v the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v all_o in_o from_o the_o grow_a power_n and_o secret_a conspiracy_n of_o the_o popish_a faction_n make_v all_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o call_v aloud_o for_o union_n our_o dissenter_n who_o never_o do_v nor_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o unite_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o cry_n against_o popery_n and_o their_o design_n of_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v this_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o accomplish_v their_o end_n and_o have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o libel_v church_n and_o churchman_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o state_n this_o have_v put_v many_o worthy_a son_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v impatient_a to_o hear_v their_o mother_n revile_v and_o slander_v upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n from_o their_o rude_a calumny_n and_o yet_o to_o express_v their_o readiness_n to_o comply_v and_o unite_v upon_o such_o term_n when_o ever_o public_a authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a as_o will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v our_o constitution_n the_o first_o they_o have_v do_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o sober_a reply_n and_o how_o fruitless_a their_o charity_n be_v in_o attempt_v the_o second_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o will_v convince_v all_o man_n who_o can_v patient_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o term_n of_o concord_n but_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o not_o ambitious_a to_o thrust_v myself_o into_o this_o scuffle_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o disputant_n but_o make_v a_o close_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o i_o hope_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n be_v a_o little_a over_o may_v prove_v a_o more_o powerful_a conviction_n to_o all_o well-meaning_a man_n than_o the_o best_a and_o most_o unanswerable_a reason_n have_v hitherto_o do_v part_n i._o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o address_n and_o exhortation_n to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n sect_n i._o some_o proposal_n make_v to_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n 1._o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n 4._o that_o they_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n first_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o christian_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o any_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n first_o the_o speculative_a second_o the_o practical_a atheist_n first_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n despise_v his_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o fear_v or_o religious_a adoration_n those_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v in_o prudence_n conceal_v their_o atheism_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o perform_v all_o the_o external_n act_v of_o worship_n but_o yet_o few_o atheist_n have_v so_o much_o wit_n or_o good_a breed_n as_o not_o to_o affront_v the_o universal_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a dispute_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n nor_o attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o not_o worship_v god_n by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v this_o require_v a_o large_a discourse_n than_o my_o present_a design_n will_v allow_v and_o have_v be_v already_o do_v more_o than_o once_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n by_o much_o better_a pen_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v three_o or_o four_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a proposal_n to_o they_o first_o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o serious_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o argue_v now_o from_o natural_a notion_n and_o anticipation_n or_o those_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o mankind_n because_o the_o atheist_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v only_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o education_n and_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v have_v such_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n in_o our_o head_n if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v they_o though_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o these_o principle_n shall_v first_o come_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n who_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o man_n and_o how_o he_o come_v so_o ready_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o so_o careful_o to_o propagate_v they_o to_o posterity_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a how_o mankind_n shall_v so_o universal_o assent_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n etc._n etc._n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o agreeable_a to_o the_o make_v and_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o not_o to_o be_v natural_a notion_n but_o i_o say_v to_o let_v pass_v this_o now_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v these_o man_n to_o consult_v a_o little_a with_o the_o inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o natural_a impression_n the_o necessary_a effort_n impetus_fw-la and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n as_o a_o stone_n natural_o fall_v downward_o and_o the_o fire_n as_o natural_o ascend_v now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o education_n shall_v put_v new_a inclination_n or_o new_a passion_n into_o our_o mind_n education_n may_v direct_v our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n to_o unnatural_a object_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o make_v new_a inclination_n and_o passion_n than_o it_o can_v make_v a_o new_a soul_n now_o among_o all_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o strong_a and_o invincible_a than_o the_o inclination_n to_o religion_n to_o worship_v something_o or_o other_o as_o a_o god_n though_o the_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o some_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o river_n and_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o god_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o universal_a inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o this_o universal_a consent_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o impulse_n and_o tendency_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n than_o to_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o reason_n always_o join_v the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n together_o but_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o blind_a and_o confuse_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o thrust_v forward_o to_o such_o a_o act_n without_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o its_o object_n just_a as_o the_o appetite_n
god_n open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o make_v they_o and_o cure_v their_o soul_n of_o that_o most_o fatal_a and_o mortal_a disease_n which_o make_v they_o beast_n here_o and_o devil_n hereafter_o second_o another_o proposal_n i_o will_v make_v to_o these_o man_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o impudent_o attempt_v to_o laugh_v god_n and_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v sport_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n account_v sacred_a that_o they_o will_v not_o profane_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o turn_v they_o into_o ridicule_n or_o obscene_a and_o impious_a burlesque_fw-la this_o possible_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a odd_a proposal_n to_o these_o man_n who_o think_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o justify_v their_o atheism_n by_o make_v religion_n look_v ridiculous_o but_o yet_o have_v i_o to_o deal_v with_o reasonable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v atheist_n i_o will_v not_o despair_v of_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o proposal_n for_o first_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a manner_n require_v from_o they_o no_o well-bred_a man_n will_v choose_v to_o put_v a_o public_a affront_n upon_o his_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n though_o he_o see_v they_o daily_o guilty_a of_o great_a folly_n and_o indiscretion_n the_o law_n of_o conversation_n require_v we_o to_o treat_v all_o man_n with_o just_a respect_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v of_o different_a make_v and_o size_n and_o their_o fortune_n and_o way_n of_o life_n very_o different_a from_o our_o own_o much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o modest_a man_n endure_v the_o thought_n of_o affront_a mankind_n or_o laugh_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v or_o establish_v by_o a_o universal_a consent_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v as_o very_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n as_o the_o tale_n of_o faries_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a reverence_n due_a to_o humane_a nature_n at_o least_o from_o man_n and_o since_o all_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n except_v some_o few_o wise_a and_o cautious_a atheist_n have_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o have_v honour_v he_o with_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o be_v of_o god_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o nay_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o public_a government_n in_o all_o nation_n one_o religion_n or_o other_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n so_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o only_o laugh_v at_o the_o dream_n and_o dotage_n of_o single_a man_n but_o at_o the_o unite_a counsel_n and_o most_o mature_a resolve_n of_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a boldness_n but_o of_o very_o little_a wit_n or_o manner_n a_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v his_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n when_o he_o find_v himself_o oppose_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o world_n but_o if_o this_o do_v not_o make_v he_o of_o the_o common_a opinion_n yet_o at_o least_o he_o will_v not_o rude_o contradict_v it_o but_o not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n be_v affront_v by_o these_o man_n when_o they_o laugh_v at_o such_o public_a constitution_n at_o religion_n consider_v as_o establish_v by_o law_n so_o much_o do_v such_o man_n recede_v from_o the_o hobbs_n principle_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o though_o he_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o religion_n in_o itself_o yet_o think_v it_o something_o considerable_a when_o it_o become_v the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n nor_o authority_n of_o law_n can_v command_v respect_n from_o some_o man_n without_o a_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v soon_o teach_v they_o better_a manner_n than_o ever_o they_o will_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n of_o atheism_n nay_o to_o laugh_v at_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o at_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o to_o affront_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o government_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o sage_a philosopher_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a man_n of_o all_o age_n among_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n no_o man_n express_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o epicurus_n indeed_o deny_v his_o providence_n which_o be_v only_o a_o more_o civil_a way_n of_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n though_o he_o pretend_v to_o worship_v he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o infinite_a but_o idle_a and_o unactive_a perfection_n socrates_n die_v a_o martyr_n for_o religion_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n do_v both_o acknowledge_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o late_a philosopher_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o question_v but_o there_o be_v one_o so_o that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o the_o mistake_n mere_o of_o a_o few_o ignorant_a unphilosophical_a head_n but_o have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v such_o learned_a patron_n as_o at_o least_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v laugh_v at_o by_o man_n of_o the_o least_o modesty_n and_o good_a breed_n second_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n to_o consider_v how_o little_a they_o consult_v their_o own_o reputation_n in_o laugh_v at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a thing_n for_o some_o few_o man_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a to_o think_v to_o out-laugh_v all_o the_o world_n the_o loud_a laughter_n will_v always_o be_v on_o that_o side_n right_a or_o wrong_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a number_n though_o indeed_o all_o man_n have_v such_o a_o veneration_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o such_o abuse_n and_o affront_v of_o religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o provoke_v man_n to_o laughter_n as_o to_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o indignation_n no_o man_n can_v endure_v with_o patience_n to_o hear_v that_o expose_v to_o contempt_n which_o he_o admire_v and_o adore_v such_o atheistical_a scoffer_n be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n all_o man_n but_o such_o like_o themselves_o abhor_v and_o scorn_v they_o fly_v their_o company_n hate_v their_o very_a name_n as_o traitor_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o great_a pest_n of_o humane_a conversation_n and_o the_o reproach_n and_o shame_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v any_o wise_a man_n let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o they_o will_v who_o design_n to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n as_o methinks_v those_o above_o all_o other_o shall_v desire_v who_o expect_v nothing_o hereafter_o think_v this_o the_o best_a way_n to_o happiness_n to_o forfeit_v the_o love_n and_o friendship_n of_o all_o man_n who_o love_n and_o worship_n god_n or_o make_v any_o show_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n that_o he_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n banish_v himself_o from_o humane_a conversation_n or_o render_v it_o very_o unpleasant_a and_o uneasy_a i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o expect_v to_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o very_o cunning_a man_n by_o unsettle_v foundation_n and_o break_v a_o merry_a jest_n upon_o religion_n but_o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v judge_n of_o these_o matter_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o look_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o that_o man_n infallible_o forfeit_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o understanding_n who_o set_v up_o for_o atheism_n atheist_n may_v make_v a_o scene_n and_o theatre_n for_o themselves_o and_o admire_v and_o applaud_v one_o another_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n despise_v they_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a depth_n and_o subtlety_n to_o raise_v objection_n and_o start_v difficulty_n which_o a_o man_n of_o very_o mean_a part_n may_v do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trial_n of_o judgement_n to_o answer_v they_o which_o the_o atheist_n it_o seem_v can_v do_v when_o man_n be_v so_o over-subtil_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v these_o plain_a and_o obvious_a demonstration_n which_o convince_v all_o mankind_n and_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o ploughman_n such_o subtlety_n be_v never_o admire_v but_o despise_v and_o as_o for_o wit_n it_o be_v so_o very_o undecent_a to_o jest_v with_o grave_n and_o serious_a matter_n that_o though_o it_o have_v never_o so_o much_o salt_n it_o be_v nauseous_a and_o offensive_a to_o sober_a mind_n no_o man_n admire_v his_o wit_n who_o abuse_v his_o prince_n his_o father_n or_o his_o friend_n profane_a wit_n be_v the_o easy_a of_o all_o as_o
consist_v in_o such_o bold_a allusion_n as_o any_o man_n may_v make_v who_o have_v neither_o modesty_n nor_o grace_n and_o those_o man_n who_o have_v no_o way_n to_o show_v their_o wit_n but_o by_o abuse_v their_o maker_n have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o the_o very_a scum_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o wit._n three_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v what_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v to_o public_a society_n by_o laugh_v at_o religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o firm_a bond_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o if_o once_o man_n shall_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nothing_o but_o external_a fear_n and_o power_n can_v restrain_v and_o govern_v they_o atheism_n be_v a_o secret_a which_o he_o who_o have_v it_o aught_o in_o prudence_n and_o interest_n to_o keep_v to_o himself_o for_o a_o atheist_n can_v never_o mend_v his_o condition_n but_o may_v great_o injure_v himself_o by_o propagate_a atheism_n all_o the_o end_v he_o can_v serve_v by_o atheism_n he_o enjoy_v in_o great_a perfection_n while_o no_o man_n understand_v the_o secret_a but_o himself_o for_o the_o only_a end_n he_o can_v propose_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n to_o have_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o his_o sensual_a enjoyment_n but_o what_o caution_n and_o interest_n suggest_v that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v his_o lust_n by_o any_o mean_n so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v secure_v himself_o from_o present_a danger_n now_o when_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n alone_o he_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o unequal_a a_o match_n as_o to_o fight_v with_o a_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v tie_v when_o your_o own_o be_v free_a but_o now_o if_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o wit_n and_o learning_n proselyte_n a_o whole_a nation_n to_o atheism_n hell_n will_v break_v loose_a upon_o earth_n and_o he_o may_v soon_o find_v himself_o expose_v to_o all_o those_o violence_n and_o injury_n which_o he_o now_o secure_o practice_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v any_o wickedness_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o but_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o humane_a power_n this_o world_n will_v quick_o prove_v a_o very_a miserable_a state_n and_o scene_z of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n of_o rape_n and_o adultery_n of_o violence_n and_o rapine_n of_o blood_n and_o murder_n especial_o if_o the_o great_a leviathan_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sovereign_a power_n understand_v his_o own_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o atheistical_a subject_n do_v they_o so_o that_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v think_v it_o his_o interest_n to_o promote_v atheism_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v his_o interest_n to_o deride_v religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n four_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v at_o least_o be_v modest_a atheist_n be_v for_o fear_v that_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o god_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o to_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v none_o though_o they_o think_v they_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o man_n prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a they_o pretend_v to_o though_o they_o know_v how_o to_o make_v a_o world_n without_o god_n and_o can_v laugh_v at_o the_o silly_a cheat_n which_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o mankind_n by_o some_o cunning_a statesman_n who_o invent_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v their_o government_n more_o easy_a and_o secure_a yet_o after_o all_o they_o dare_v not_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o till_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o can_v never_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o lest_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n they_o shall_v offer_v as_o few_o affront_v to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v here_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v when_o he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o so_o many_o way_n of_o know_v he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a affront_n without_o any_o other_o additional_a aggravation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a incurable_a ignorance_n which_o make_v man_n atheist_n the_o fault_n be_v much_o less_o than_o when_o they_o express_v so_o much_o scorn_v and_o contempt_n of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o this_o look_n like_o a_o profess_a enmity_n to_o the_o deity_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o he_o for_o want_n of_o sufficient_a evidence_n but_o that_o they_o hate_v and_o despise_v the_o least_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n call_v god_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o separate_v the_o disbelief_n of_o a_o god_n from_o a_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o as_o certain_o it_o may_v be_v be_v man_n atheist_n mere_o for_o want_n of_o evidence_n it_o will_v concern_v such_o man_n though_o they_o enjoy_v the_o other_o liberty_n which_o atheism_n allow_v yet_o to_o be_v very_o modest_a and_o civil_a even_o to_o the_o fanciful_a idea_n and_o imagination_n of_o a_o god_n for_o five_o whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o argue_v great_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o laugh_v at_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n all_o religion_n indeed_o be_v a_o mistake_n but_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a mistake_n when_o there_o be_v such_o evidence_n for_o it_o as_o convince_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n even_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o inquisitive_a man_n and_o what_o we_o call_v religion_n be_v so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o high_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a all_o mankind_n have_v reason_n to_o wish_v it_o be_v true_a what_o more_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a be_v can_v there_o possible_o be_v than_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a holy_a and_o just_a be_v who_o make_v and_o who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o a_o parent_n and_o take_v care_n not_o only_o of_o the_o great_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n but_o of_o every_o particular_a creature_n how_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o appear_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n what_o man_n who_o love_v himself_o can_v forbear_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v one_o on_o who_o he_o may_v secure_o trust_v and_o depend_v in_o all_o event_n and_o what_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n than_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v so_o perfect_a and_o glorious_a a_o be_v to_o pay_v our_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o our_o great_a maker_n and_o constant_a benefactor_n which_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o love_v reverence_n and_o obey_v the_o most_o lovely_a excellent_a powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o noble_a than_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o live_v happy_o a_o few_o year_n in_o this_o world_n but_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o a_o thing_n so_o agreeable_a to_o those_o vehement_a desire_n of_o immortality_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o nature_n and_o do_v so_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a enjoyment_n of_o sense_n that_o it_o make_v a_o truly-religious_a man_n almost_o as_o much_o differ_v from_o earthly_a man_n and_o sottish_a atheist_n as_o a_o man_n differ_v from_o a_o beast_n here_o certain_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v contemptible_a nothing_o but_o what_o deserve_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o though_o the_o atheist_n may_v think_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o all_o this_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o foolish_a choice_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o second_o proposal_n to_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v public_a affront_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n three_o if_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v can_v persuade_v these_o man_n to_o treat_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n with_o some_o external_a modesty_n and_o respect_n my_o next_o proposal_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o indeed_o they_o can_v do_v this_o unless_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o atheism_n and_o open_o profess_v it_o or_o at_o least_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o
all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o natural_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o very_o often_o end_v in_o downright_a atheism_n man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n have_v no_o other_o restraint_n from_o the_o great_a villainy_n but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n their_o own_o natural_a temper_n their_o education_n and_o converse_n and_o suchlike_a consideration_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o can_v keep_v very_o few_o man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n within_o any_o tolerable_a bound_n and_o thus_o man_n run_v into_o the_o wild_a excess_n and_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o stain_v their_o reputation_n till_o they_o grow_v hopeless_a desperate_a and_o impudent_a sinner_n man_n who_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o prayer_n nor_o absent_v themselves_o whole_o from_o christian_a assembly_n do_v what_o they_o can_v find_v great_a check_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o great_a many_o sober_a interval_n they_o can_v say_v their_o prayer_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n but_o their_o conscience_n will_v reproach_v they_o and_o put_v they_o at_o least_o upon_o some_o imperfect_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o when_o they_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o often_o be_v so_o startle_v and_o scare_v and_o labour_n under_o such_o strong_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v any_o long_o and_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o forsake_v those_o man_n who_o attend_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o grace_n but_o sometime_o work_v such_o miraculous_a cure_n as_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o a_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n can_v never_o be_v so_o desperate_a and_o hopeless_a as_o they_o be_v who_o take_v care_n to_o think_v of_o he_o as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o public_a instruction_n that_o they_o may_v sin_v on_o without_o disturbance_n till_o they_o drop_v into_o hell_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a the_o practical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o think_v himself_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a level_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v they_o fool_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o speculative_a but_o of_o the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o though_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o yet_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o he_o that_o be_v wisdom_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 10._o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 10._o the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n now_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n prove_v also_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o that_o which_o contradict_v the_o best_a reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o worship_n god_n found_v on_o the_o high_a wisdom_n what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o to_o undermine_v our_o own_o interest_n to_o lay_v train_n of_o misery_n for_o ourselves_o and_o to_o forfeit_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n that_o be_v curse_v contemptible_a wit_n which_o will_v droll_n away_o a_o man_n life_n and_o his_o soul_n together_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o transform_v a_o man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o then_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v all_o the_o wild_a conceit_n of_o ape_n and_o monkey_n and_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o a_o fox_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man._n he_o may_v have_v a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o wit_n and_o may_v be_v reckon_v the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o be_v fall_v vast_o below_o the_o attainment_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o brute_n creature_n have_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o reason_n fit_v to_o the_o low_a attainment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o they_o common_o reason_n more_o wise_o and_o true_o in_o their_o own_o concern_v than_o irreligious_a man_n do_v in_o they_o but_o they_o can_v know_v god_n nor_o worship_v he_o they_o can_v see_v nor_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n their_o reason_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o be_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o be_v be_v a_o irreligious_a man_n who_o reason_n indeed_o be_v capable_a of_o high_a and_o noble_a flight_n but_o be_v pinion_v down_o and_o confine_v to_o present_v and_o sensible_a object_n and_o serve_v only_o 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worship_n god_n out_o of_o a_o careless_a trifle_a humour_n they_o never_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o he_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n what_o the_o danger_n and_o punishment_n of_o irreligion_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o to_o use_v the_o wise_a thought_n and_o best_a consideration_n we_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n than_o irreligion_n be_v folly_n other_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o it_o disturb_v they_o in_o the_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o put_v a_o great_a many_o black_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n into_o their_o head_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a as_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n and_o run_v down_o a_o precipice_n because_o it_o make_v we_o melancholy_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o see_v our_o danger_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v how_o to_o avoid_v it_o other_o take_v offence_n at_o 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worthy_a communicant_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o more_o firm_o unite_v they_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o actuate_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o very_o unmindful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o god_n in_o great_a goodness_n have_v appoint_v a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v and_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o attend_v their_o instruction_n and_o though_o i_o hope_v in_o such_o a_o age_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o christian_n so_o know_v that_o they_o need_v not_o be_v teach_v their_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o consider_v how_o many_o very_a ignorant_a professor_n there_o be_v that_o want_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o warm_a zealous_a and_o frequent_a exhortation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o most_o know_a christian_n and_o though_o a_o great_a many_o who_o have_v little_a other_o religion_n be_v forward_o enough_o to_o hear_v sermon_n yet_o it_o grieve_v i_o to_o think_v how_o many_o there_o be_v who_o will_v live_v die_v and_o perish_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o ignorance_n because_o they_o refuse_v instruction_n who_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o attend_v either_o sermon_n or_o catechise_v or_o so_o much_o as_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o these_o very_a man_n can_v be_v content_v to_o hear_v a_o large_a discourse_n of_o news_n or_o trade_n or_o merchandise_n or_o how_o they_o may_v order_v their_o affair_n to_o better_a advantage_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v tell_v of_o any_o mistake_n or_o error_n which_o may_v have_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o they_o in_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n they_o be_v in_o very_o good_a earnest_n to_o get_v this_o world_n but_o be_v very_o indifferent_a and_o unconcerned_a about_o the_o next_o so_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o be_v expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n for_o god_n so_o they_o immediate_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o virtue_n of_o they_o be_v see_v in_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o make_v we_o holy_a here_o and_o eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n let_v we_o constant_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o love_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o great_a concernment_n in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o for_o to_o love_v our_o soul_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o man_n the_o body_n be_v only_o the_o organ_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o state_n of_o its_o pilgrimage_n but_o it_o be_v our_o soul_n only_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n or_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a so_o be_v the_o man_n and_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v happy_a this_o they_o seek_v with_o unwearied_a endeavour_n this_o make_v all_o that_o bustle_n and_o stir_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o man_n be_v a_o catch_n after_o happiness_n and_o scramble_n for_o it_o why_o then_o you_o say_v what_o be_v the_o dispute_n and_o difficulty_n since_o all_o man_n do_v love_v their_o soul_n that_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o soul_n that_o relish_v happiness_n or_o be_v the_o subject_a wherein_o happiness_n dwell_v this_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o very_a few_o man_n love_v their_o soul_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o twofold_a happiness_n one_o as_o it_o live_v in_o this_o gross_a body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n another_o as_o it_o live_v without_o it_o in_o a_o separate_a state_n or_o receive_v it_o again_o refine_a and_o purge_v make_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a body_n now_o as_o the_o soul_n dwell_v in_o these_o earthly_a body_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v mighty_o please_v with_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o such_o object_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o happiness_n which_o most_o man_n be_v fond_a of_o in_o this_o world_n which_o tempt_v they_o to_o all_o those_o sensual_a lust_n which_o st._n john_n comprise_v under_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o dwell_v in_o this_o body_n be_v not_o its_o most_o perfect_a state_n it_o be_v to_o dwell_v but_o a_o little_a while_n in_o this_o body_n and_o then_o can_v enjoy_v these_o bodily_a pleasure_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o that_o be_v call_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o life_n and_o commensurate_a to_o a_o eternal_a duration_n so_o that_o the_o controversy_n in_o short_a be_v this_o whether_o we_o will_v prefer_v a_o imperfect_a unsatisfactory_a momentary_a happiness_n or_o such_o a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o big_a our_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v last_v to_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o this_o choice_n for_o can_v a_o immortal_a be_v who_o be_v to_o live_v eternal_a age_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o perish_a joy_n as_o wax_v old_a and_o expire_v in_o half_a a_o age_n it_o will_v be_v think_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o immortal_a creature_n shall_v grow_v weary_a of_o life_n and_o be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o after_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o much_o more_o reasonable_a desire_n than_o to_o choose_v such_o a_o happiness_n as_o will_v last_v but_o sixty_o or_o eighty_o year_n when_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n be_v much_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o a_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a worldling_n every_o one_o contemn_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o prodigal_n who_o spend_v a_o fair_a estate_n in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o waste_v away_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n in_o poverty_n and_o beggary_n and_o yet_o three_o or_o four_o year_n pleasure_n bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n but_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n have_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o eternity_n be_v there_o no_o other_o punishment_n of_o such_o folly_n but_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n to_o find_v no_o suitable_a object_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n but_o to_o languish_v perpetual_o with_o pine_v and_o unsatisfy_a desire_n yet_o this_o be_v like_o the_o pain_n of_o perpetual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n somewhat_o worse_o than_o the_o delay_n of_o hope_n even_o the_o torment_n of_o despair_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_o still_o than_o this_o for_o such_o man_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n will_v be_v convince_v what_o happiness_n it_o be_v they_o have_v lose_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o shut_v out_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v victorious_a saint_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n all_o the_o smile_n flattery_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n clothe_v with_o body_n of_o pure_a light_n and_o reward_v with_o immarcessible_a crown_n of_o glory_n sing_v eternal_a halelujah_n to_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o when_o all_o the_o toy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v go_v and_o pass_v and_o nothing_o be_v present_a but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o it_o will_v infinite_o more_o afflict_v they_o to_o think_v they_o have_v miss_v of_o heaven_n than_o it_o will_v do_v now_o to_o lose_v their_o estate_n and_o honour_n and_o let_v slip_v any_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o make_v themselves_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o
name_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n divide_v the_o several_a duty_n of_o religion_n into_o three_o part_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o and_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v to_o honour_v he_o all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o worship_n honour_n god_n as_o they_o signify_v our_o great_a sense_n and_o devout_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v power_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n our_o dependence_n on_o he_o submission_n to_o he_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o such_o as_o be_v great_a and_o venerable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o the_o like_a now_o every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o honour_n be_v always_o the_o great_a the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o have_v great_a and_o admire_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v this_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n honour_v god_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o he_o who_o keep_v these_o thought_n to_o himself_o and_o praise_v god_n so_o private_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o but_o himself_o the_o prophet_n david_n resolve_v to_o make_v his_o praise_n of_o god_n as_o public_a as_o he_o can_v i_o will_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o 22._o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o and_o exhort_v other_o to_o exalt_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o 1._o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o upright_a and_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o worship_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o consist_v in_o honour_v god_n with_o devout_a and_o pious_a affection_n in_o bow_v our_o soul_n before_o he_o and_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a expression_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o honour_n which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a worship_n such_o as_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n fall_v down_o on_o the_o ground_n kneeling_z uncover_v the_o head_n and_o those_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n which_o signify_v the_o humble_a and_o devout_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o though_o these_o external_a sign_n of_o honour_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v in_o private_a and_o closet_n devotion_n so_o it_o be_v with_o due_a caution_n not_o to_o make_v they_o public_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n yet_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o they_o be_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o testify_v our_o concurrence_n and_o agreement_n with_o other_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o god_n know_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o desire_n by_o clothing_n they_o with_o word_n he_o hear_v the_o most_o silent_a breathe_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o he_o in_o a_o audible_a voice_n he_o see_v the_o bend_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o most_o humble_a submission_n and_o prostration_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v of_o this_o by_o bend_v or_o bow_v our_o body_n to_o he_o but_o man_n can_v see_v this_o but_o by_o external_a sign_n nor_o join_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n and_o praise_n without_o word_n so_o audible_o pronounce_v that_o all_o present_a may_v hear_v they_o and_o therefore_o those_o scripture_n which_o require_v these_o external_a sign_n of_o worship_n suppose_v that_o this_o worship_n must_v be_v public_a too_o that_o we_o must_v meet_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v pen_v for_o public_a worship_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o master_n of_o music_n to_o be_v sing_v as_o public_a hymn_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o worship_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o obligation_n much_o more_o strong_a to_o public_a than_o to_o private_a worship_n though_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o especial_o when_o we_o want_v such_o public_a opportunity_n the_o natural_a reason_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a parent_n and_o benefactor_n and_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o become_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v he_o who_o be_v our_o maker_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o feed_v and_o clothes_v we_o who_o defend_v we_o from_o evil_a who_o encompass_v we_o with_o his_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o most_o of_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o more_o cogent_a reason_n for_o public_a than_o for_o private_a worship_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v those_o particular_a favour_n and_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o private_a worship_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v consider_v a_o private_a as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n as_o a_o universal_a parent_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v worship_v as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n that_o be_v with_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v public_a and_o since_o all_o mankind_n be_v god_n creature_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o bind_v to_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n natural_a reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o give_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o solemnity_n to_o it_o for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o man_n be_v make_v a_o sociable_a creature_n for_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o only_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v his_o high_a end_n and_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n unite_v themselves_o into_o society_n for_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n it_o be_v as_o high_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v unite_v for_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o body_n politic_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o old_a maxim_n of_o government_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a bond_n and_o cement_n of_o civil_a society_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a blessing_n we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o in_o common_a with_o other_o or_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n deliverance_n from_o enemy_n the_o advantage_n of_o good_a government_n and_o all_o other_o national_a mercy_n and_o above_o all_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o god_n be_v defraud_v of_o his_o glory_n if_o our_o acknowledgement_n be_v not_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blessing_n be_v for_o private_a praise_n be_v not_o just_o return_v nor_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o public_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o psalmist_n celebrate_v the_o public_a mercy_n of_o god_n he_o invite_v all_o israel_n to_o join_v in_o his_o praise_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o a_o new_a song_n and_o his_o praise_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n let_v israel_n rejoice_v in_o he_o that_o make_v he_o let_v the_o child_n of_o zion_n be_v joyful_a in_o their_o king_n and_o all_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o mankind_n who_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n and_o nature_n of_o their_o worship_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o make_v their_o worship_n public_a and_o solemn_a and_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n himself_o institute_v and_o ordain_v and_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o be_v typical_a also_o of_o the_o christian._n now_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o god_n command_v by_o moses_n be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o public_a manner_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o may_v become_v christian_n and_o enter_v into_o our_o society_n and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v give_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n for_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o 13._o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v express_o call_v the_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o common_a table_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n 27._o of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a feast_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n partake_v for_o it_o signify_v not_o only_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o reform_a church_n universal_o condemn_v the_o private_a mass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o priest_n receive_v by_o himself_o and_o true_o private_a devotion_n when_o they_o thrust_v out_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o a_o church_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o those_o sacrament_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n may_v convince_v we_o how_o necessary_a christian_a communion_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n to_o feed_v his_o flock_n to_o pray_v for_o his_o people_n and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v for_o public_a minister_n unless_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n whether_o christian_n frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o have_v invest_v man_n with_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v of_o so_o little_a use_n especial_o since_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o know_v and_o so_o far_o spread_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v long_o since_o dead_a but_o of_o their_o successor_n who_o retain_v their_o office_n and_o power_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o apostolical_a office_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n consist_v which_o christ_n commit_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a consist_v only_o in_o let_v into_o the_o church_n or_o shut_v out_o the_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o administer_a baptism_n which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o external_a judge_n of_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o exercise_v censure_n upon_o offender_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o this_o in_o remove_v such_o man_n from_o christian_a communion_n either_o in_o part_n or_o whole_o for_o a_o time_n or_o for_o ever_o according_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n some_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o christian_a assembly_n but_o lay_v at_o the_o door_n lament_v their_o wickedness_n and_o beg_v their_o prayer_n other_o be_v admit_v to_o public_a instruction_n but_o not_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o catechuman_n those_o who_o be_v public_o instruct_v and_o catechise_v but_o not_o yet_o baptize_v be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a other_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n but_o not_o to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o all_o this_o suppose_n that_o christian_a communion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o a_o great_a privilege_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o punish_v offender_n but_o by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o assembly_n but_o what_o will_v those_o man_n value_v church-censure_n who_o make_v so_o slight_a of_o public_a worship_n as_o daily_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o certain_o these_o man_n be_v great_o mistake_v or_o else_o the_o very_a office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v so_o formidable_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o very_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n since_o man_n may_v as_o well_o worship_n god_n alone_o as_o in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v when_o excommunicate_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o we_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n which_o necessary_o include_v public_a worship_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v 33._o i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o confess_v christ_n be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o only_o in_o word_n though_o too_o many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o own_o will_v not_o confess_v before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o by_o pay_v he_o such_o public_a homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v own_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n for_o thus_o to_o confess_v christ_n signify_v with_o the_o mouth_n 13_o confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n like_o a_o city_n that_o be_v set_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o like_o a_o candle_n place_v in_o a_o candlestick_n 15._o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n but_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v visible_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o public_a and_o visible_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o must_v refer_v to_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o include_v act_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v the_o acknowledge_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o take_v care_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o encourage_v public_a worship_n correct_v public_a abuse_n and_o punish_v the_o neglect_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n religion_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o closet_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o tell_v what_o religion_n they_o be_v of_o they_o may_v be_v pagan_n mahometan_n papist_n or_o infidel_n and_o no_o man_n the_o wise_a if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o encourage_v and_o reform_v religion_n and_o yet_o nothing_o can_v fall_v within_o his_o cognizance_n or_o under_o his_o care_n but_o what_o be_v public_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o care_n of_o
public_a magistrate_n be_v the_o duty_n also_o of_o private_a christian_n possible_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a pain_n in_o prove_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o too_o be_v i_o not_o sensible_a by_o my_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v who_o have_v very_o little_a apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o come_v to_o church_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n and_o sometime_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o careless_a humour_n if_o any_o such_o read_v these_o paper_n i_o will_v desire_v and_o beg_v of_o they_o serious_o to_o consider_v this_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o by_o some_o childish_a and_o sophistical_a reason_n into_o a_o neglect_n so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n suppose_v you_o do_v real_o as_o some_o i_o fear_v only_o pretend_v spend_v your_o time_n in_o private_a prayer_n and_o read_v and_o meditation_n yet_o can_v you_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v your_o private_a prayer_n when_o they_o signify_v a_o neglect_n if_o not_o a_o contempt_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v so_o much_o more_o please_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v praise_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n where_o no_o body_n see_v nor_o hear_v we_o can_v you_o think_v your_o single_a prayer_n will_v as_o much_o prevail_v with_o god_n as_o when_o the_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n can_v you_o any_o where_o expect_v such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n while_o we_o attend_v on_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o without_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o they_o when_o there_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o our_o private_a devotion_n without_o neglect_v or_o affront_a public_a worship_n and_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n before_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o long_o and_o thirst_v after_o the_o court_n of_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n iii_o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n i._o contain_v several_a direction_n to_o such_o man_n whereby_o to_o try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o forsake_v our_o religious_a assembly_n be_v those_o who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o who_o separate_z for_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o think_v themselves_o bind_v as_o they_o honour_v god_n and_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n to_o avoid_v our_o communion_n now_o these_o man_n deserve_v our_o most_o tender_a regard_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n it_o be_v very_o great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o excellent_a book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o instruction_n for_o those_o who_o be_v honest_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v take_v another_o method_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v prove_v more_o effectual_a than_o dispute_v common_o do_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o to_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n three_o to_o remove_v some_o popular_a plea_n and_o objection_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v their_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n offer_v such_o a_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o carry_v on_o other_o design_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n that_o white_v paint_a sepulchre_n how_o glorious_a a_o profession_n soever_o he_o make_v who_o be_v thus_o rot_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v your_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n i_o shall_v desire_v every_o man_n as_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o hope_n for_o mercy_n at_o the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_n the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a question_n first_o whether_o he_o do_v indeed_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n to_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o case_n where_o he_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n when_o we_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n be_v like_o counterfeit_v the_o king_n be_v broad_a seal_n to_o justify_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n few_o man_n make_v any_o difference_n between_o their_o private_a judgement_n opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v between_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o fancy_n come_v into_o their_o head_n be_v call_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n before_o all_o the_o visible_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o last_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o man_n must_v act_v against_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v express_o forbid_v nor_o neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v command_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n whatever_o we_o suffer_v by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o a_o erroneous_a doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v improper_o call_v conscience_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o waver_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a nicety_n which_o signify_v nothing_o in_o practice_n for_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v it_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v or_o fear_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o contrary_a to_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v 23._o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n conscience_n and_o private_a opinion_n between_o their_o judgement_n direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o by_o other_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a measure_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o direct_v our_o practice_n for_o first_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o religious_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a authority_n where_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o divine_a law_n command_v or_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o we_o dare_v
truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o 16_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o house_n and_o building_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o this_o house_n and_o building_n be_v not_o raise_v with_o loose_a and_o incoherent_a stone_n but_o all_o the_o building_n fit_o frame_v together_o 21._o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n all_o those_o expression_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n signify_v one_o communion_n as_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o and_o for_o all_o those_o who_o in_o after_o age_n shall_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o 21._o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n which_o may_v be_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n how_o frequent_a be_v the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n fulfil_v you_o my_o 2._o joy_n that_o you_o be_v likeminded_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n this_o be_v that_o new_a commandment_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o badge_n of_o their_o discipleship_n a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o 35._o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o hereby_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o and_o wherein_o this_o mutual_a love_n express_v itself_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o first_o pattern_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a 42._o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o of_o prayer_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o christian_a communion_n this_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a love_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o same_o body_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o all_o firm_o unite_v by_o the_o common_a bond_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o in_o st._n john_n time_n those_o heretic_n who_o separate_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a conventicle_n be_v say_v to_o go_v out_o from_o among_o they_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o 13._o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o that_o be_v in_o our_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o now_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v good_a it_o necessary_o infer_v that_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n who_o will_v be_v own_v for_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o the_o unity_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o christian_a union_n but_o this_o union_n be_v make_v external_a and_o visible_a by_o christian_a communion_n and_o our_o daily_a experience_n tell_v we_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o love_v like_o brethren_n like_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o divide_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a &_o separate_a church_n under_o different_a law_n government_n and_o discipline_n now_o if_o christian_n love_n and_o 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be_v against_o nature_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o vice_n thus_o it_o be_v here_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o so_o strict_o require_v christian_n love_n and_o unity_n as_o a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n and_o essential_a to_o the_o christian_a profession_n clap_v a_o bias_n upon_o true_a christian_n mind_n which_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n where_o they_o can_v preserve_v it_o without_o a_o apparent_a injury_n to_o common_a christianity_n and_o therefore_o this_o make_v they_o put_v favourable_a and_o candid_a construction_n upon_o every_o thing_n and_o not_o make_v a_o breach_n without_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v mistake_v here_o it_o be_v a_o error_n on_o the_o right_a side_n but_o a_o inclination_n to_o separation_n be_v a_o false_a byass_n contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o incline_v man_n to_o peace_n and_o 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baal_n priest_n and_o our_o common_a prayer_n the_o mass-book_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n idolatry_n and_o the_o surplice_n a_o rag_n of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o rhetorical_a figure_n which_o signify_v nothing_o but_o to_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o scare_v ignorant_a people_n these_o man_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n without_o know_v any_o just_a reason_n for_o their_o separation_n i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v answer_v to_o this_o first_o that_o though_o they_o be_v ignorant_a themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n second_o that_o this_o objection_n do_v as_o well_o lie_v against_o those_o ignorant_a people_n who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o against_o those_o who_o separate_v for_o they_o both_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n alike_o and_o three_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rate_n of_o argue_v such_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o choose_v any_o religion_n but_o must_v take_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n as_o they_o find_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v paganism_n popery_n or_o mahometism_n as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o though_o they_o be_v ignorant_a themselves_o they_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v ask_v they_o this_o question_n who_o make_v these_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n their_o guide_n and_o how_o do_v they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v any_o reason_n themselves_o for_o what_o they_o do_v especial_o since_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n say_v that_o they_o have_v none_o and_o such_o person_n be_v as_o unable_a to_o know_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o they_o be_v to_o discern_v the_o controversy_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n determine_v the_o controversy_n by_o choose_v separatist_n for_o their_o guide_n and_o reject_v those_o who_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v their_o guide_n it_o be_v plain_a such_o man_n as_o these_o want_n guide_v to_o direct_v they_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o controversy_n as_o these_o know_v no_o more_o who_o to_o choose_v for_o their_o guide_n than_o which_o side_n to_o take_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o safe_a for_o they_o because_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o best_a excuse_n if_o they_o shall_v err_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o those_o guide_n who_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v provide_v they_o for_o if_o they_o choose_v guide_n of_o their_o own_o and_o heap_n to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o thereby_o miscarry_v they_o must_v blame_v themselves_o but_o will_v have_v no_o defence_n and_o apology_n to_o make_v at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n as_o for_o the_o second_o that_o this_o objection_n equal_o lie_v against_o those_o ignorant_a people_n in_o our_o communion_n as_o against_o those_o who_o separate_v for_o they_o both_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n alike_o the_o answer_n be_v very_o plain_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n require_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o be_v baptize_v and_o educate_v as_o there_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o separation_n condemn_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n from_o which_o we_o separate_v as_o unlawful_a and_o sinful_a it_o divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o when_o it_o be_v causeless_a be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o therefore_o before_o man_n venture_v to_o separate_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v sinful_a which_o they_o can_v do_v without_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o condemn_v as_o sinful_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v always_o the_o sure_a side_n when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o notorious_a corruption_n as_o the_o mean_a man_n who_o be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a may_v understand_v for_o christian_a communion_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o every_o trifle_n and_o when_o the_o justification_n of_o separation_n be_v spin_v out_o into_o such_o a_o thin_a and_o airy_a controversy_n as_o require_v a_o very_a metaphysical_a brain_n to_o understand_v it_o honest_a plain_a man_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o such_o subtlety_n shall_v leave_v learned_a man_n to_o wrangle_v among_o themselves_o and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o such_o reason_n against_o it_o as_o all_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o but_o this_o will_v be_v better_o understand_v by_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o three_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rate_n of_o argue_v such_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o choose_v any_o religion_n but_o must_v take_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n as_o they_o find_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v paganism_n popery_n or_o mahometism_n but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o the_o difference_n between_o paganism_n and_o christianity_n between_o popery_n and_o reform_a christianity_n be_v much_o more_o plain_a and_o discernible_a and_o more_o easy_o understand_v by_o the_o most_o illiterate_a people_n than_o the_o dispute_n about_o ceremony_n church-government_n and_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o judge_v in_o these_o matter_n may_v yet_o be_v able_a to_o choose_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o reject_v both_o paganism_n and_o popery_n the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o some_o nice_a
run_v headlong_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n with_o themselves_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n lest_o tell_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v call_v bitterness_n and_o rail_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vile_a and_o lewd_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o again_o and_o think_v themselves_o slander_v if_o they_o do_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n never_o teach_v man_n to_o revile_v and_o reproach_v their_o governor_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n st._n jude_n give_v a_o great_a many_o hard_a word_n to_o some_o man_n in_o his_o day_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o apply_v to_o any_o in_o we_o who_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o but_o these_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o woe_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o have_v go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o cain_n and_o run_v greedy_o after_o the_o error_n of_o balaam_n for_o reward_n and_o perish_v in_o the_o gainsaying_n of_o core_n these_o be_v spot_n in_o your_o feast_n of_o charity_n when_o they_o feast_v with_o you_o feed_v themselves_o without_o fear_n cloud_n be_v they_o without_o water_n carry_v about_o of_o wind_n tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n rage_v wave_n of_o the_o sea_n foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n wander_v star_n to_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o that_o admirable_a rule_n of_o st._n austin_n in_o answer_n to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n whoever_o correct_v what_o he_o can_v 2._o by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n and_o shut_v out_o or_o lays_z aside_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o amendment_n as_o far_o as_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o modest_o disallow_v and_o yet_o uphold_v what_o can_v be_v part_v with_o without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a peacemaker_n sect_n ii_o contain_v some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v now_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a principle_n which_o may_v contribute_v towards_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n the_o thing_n common_o object_v to_o drive_v away_o our_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o like_a which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a and_o uncommand_v thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o we_o have_v always_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o break_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o religious_a office_n they_o can_v never_o produce_v any_o yet_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a never_o can_v and_o if_o man_n will_v abuse_v and_o scare_v themselves_o with_o some_o fanciful_a application_n of_o scripture_n and_o remote_a and_o illogical_a consequence_n there_o be_v no_o help_n that_o i_o know_v of_o since_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a work_n to_o answer_v all_o such_o cavil_n for_o man_n who_o can_v make_v objection_n without_o any_o just_a reason_n may_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n return_n answer_v too_o without_o end_n therefore_o the_o best_a and_o short_a way_n i_o can_v think_v of_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v satisfy_v all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o raise_v objection_n against_o any_o thing_n yet_o those_o objection_n must_v prove_v fallacious_a which_o contradict_v other_o great_a and_o apparent_a truth_n and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o these_o four_o general_a head_n first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n three_o the_o example_n of_o christ._n four_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a worship_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n thus_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o argue_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o 24._o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o wise_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o 2._o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o brief_o to_o our_o present_a case_n can_v any_o man_n who_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o creature_n for_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanks-givings_a to_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a form_n of_o word_n can_v god_n be_v please_v with_o the_o volubility_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o quickness_n of_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o invention_n more_o than_o with_o devout_a affection_n than_o with_o a_o soul_n inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n and_o possess_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o offer_v up_o itself_o to_o he_o in_o few_o grave_n and_o considerate_a word_n will_v a_o father_n reject_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n if_o as_o often_o as_o he_o want_v require_v he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n when_o he_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n do_v a_o prince_n like_o a_o long_a extemporary_a harangue_n when_o his_o subject_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o he_o or_o a_o short_a and_o well_o compose_v petition_n the_o wise_a man_n i_o be_o sure_a tell_v we_o that_o few_o and_o become_v word_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o more_o expressive_a of_o that_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v only_o a_o external_a signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o mankind_n before_o god_n make_v any_o other_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n than_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a judge_n in_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o express_a positive_a law_n make_v about_o it_o revelation_n may_v suggest_v new_a matter_n for_o our_o prayer_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o powerful_a and_o prevail_a name_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n but_o word_n and_o posture_n and_o other_o external_a circumstance_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o express_o determine_v by_o revelation_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o humane_a prudence_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o rule_n for_o these_o matter_n before_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o alter_v this_o rule_n by_o a_o plain_a positive_a law_n it_o must_v be_v our_o rule_n still_o for_o we_o have_v no_o better_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v our_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o discover_v his_o will_n to_o we_o partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o partly_o by_o revelation_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o his_o creature_n for_o follow_v the_o best_a reason_n they_o have_v nay_o for_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o public_a reason_n and_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n whoever_o only_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n must_v certain_o judge_v it_o fit_a to_o meditate_v before_o hand_n and_o to_o take_v word_n with_o we_o when_o we_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n than_o to_o venture_v say_v any_o thing_n which_o come_v next_o and_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n condemn_v any_o external_a ceremony_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o a_o useful_a signification_n but_o have_v teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o use_v they_o in_o all_o
law_n of_o moses_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n do_v use_v a_o great_a many_o moysaicall_a rite_n only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o typical_a nature_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o circumcise_v timothy_n not_o in_o token_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n but_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n worship_v in_o the_o temple_n keep_v their_o religious_a festival_n and_o 22_o observe_v their_o law_n but_o no_o christian_n can_v do_v this_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o they_o observe_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o believe_v jew_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v lawful_o observe_v those_o jewish_a custom_n when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o their_o typical_a signification_n it_o can_v be_v a_o fault_n to_o use_v some_o such_o innocent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n as_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o jewish_a ceremony_n innocent_a which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o original_a institution_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n as_o signify_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v how_o much_o more_o innocent_a be_v it_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o bend_v our_o knee_n to_o our_o lord_n at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v and_o to_o sign_v our_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o honour_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n and_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o suffer_a religion_n 3._o our_o saviour_n reject_v all_o superstitious_a observance_n which_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a sacredness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o such_o as_o he_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o wash_a cup_n platter_n and_o hand_n before_o dinner_n thus_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v 21._o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o their_o abstain_v from_o certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n fling_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o custom_n they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o merit_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v great_a number_n of_o they_o such_o as_o pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o custom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v that_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o sorry_a thing_n as_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n but_o christ_n expect_v from_o we_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o superstitious_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o hope_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n by_o profess_v poverty_n celibacy_n and_o blind_a obedience_n by_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n in_o lent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o vain_a superstition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o our_o knee_n as_o a_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n not_o as_o meritorious_a superstition_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v often_o declaim_v against_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o st._n paul_n mean_v any_o thing_n like_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o circumstance_n or_o appendage_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o arbitrary_a superstition_n as_o they_o turn_v into_o formal_a act_n of_o religion_n the_o four_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v our_o present_a argument_n the_o difference_n christ_n put_v between_o the_o substantial_a and_o the_o instrumental_a part_n of_o worship_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o any_o ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o decent_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o nothing_o that_o be_v mere_o external_a but_o on_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n express_v in_o such_o become_a word_n and_o behaviour_n as_o may_v make_v it_o visible_a and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o such_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n will_v please_v god_n without_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o she_o own_v no_o such_o principle_n but_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n better_o and_o methinks_v this_o shall_v be_v no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o establish_a worship_n of_o our_o church_n have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v they_o can_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o forsake_v it_o for_o nothing_o but_o a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o sin_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o separation_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v how_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o pray_v always_o by_o a_o form_n or_o to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v such_o practice_n as_o brief_o to_o point_v to_o some_o few_o thing_n 1._o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o use_v it_o it_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o forbid_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o a_o form_n as_o a_o form_n can_v be_v unlawful_a 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o no_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o oft_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o what_o place_n in_o what_o posture_n in_o what_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o word_n in_o baptism_n but_o not_o any_o one_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v some_o circumstance_n for_o every_o action_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a performance_n and_o great_a solemnity_n of_o such_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n leave_v all_o such_o to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o law_n the_o church_n 2._o be_v in_o a_o infant_n state_n like_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n which_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o that_o typical_a temple-worship_n be_v exact_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o
when_o the_o case_n be_v beyond_o their_o private_a redress_n may_v call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o by_o his_o wise_a counsel_n and_o seasonable_a exhortation_n and_o reproof_n and_o pious_a and_o ardent_a prayer_n may_v convince_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v and_o restore_v they_o by_o repentance_n and_o obtain_v their_o pardon_n or_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v assault_v by_o temptation_n and_o procure_v fresh_a supply_n of_o grace_n for_o they_o we_o see_v indeed_o very_o little_a of_o this_o now_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o few_o man_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o be_v too_o much_o unconcern_v what_o become_v of_o their_o brother_n soul_n they_o think_v every_o man_n must_v look_v to_o himself_o but_o do_v not_o feel_v that_o sympathy_n compassion_n and_o care_n which_o one_o member_n have_v for_o another_o that_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o but_o be_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o mutual_a care_n of_o each_o other_o soul_n it_o can_v never_o be_v better_o discharge_v than_o among_o neighbour_n who_o live_v under_o each_o other_o eye_n and_o be_v man_n faithful_a in_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n from_o the_o infection_n of_o putrid_a and_o corrupt_a member_n than_o particular_a church-associations_a and_o all_o the_o test_n they_o can_v use_v or_o invent_v of_o real_a saintship_n in_o admit_v church-member_n the_o great_a exception_n against_o parochial_a communion_n which_o have_v former_o be_v and_o be_v still_o manage_v by_o the_o independent_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o bad_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n that_o discipline_n be_v not_o due_o exercise_v among_o we_o to_o remove_v those_o from_o christian_a communion_n who_o have_v 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communion_n very_o nauseous_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o honest_a mind_n or_o very_o dangerous_a as_o to_o name_v some_o of_o the_o hard_a 1._o the_o case_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n who_o like_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v abhor_v i_o be_o in_o great_a hope_n that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o man_n be_v not_o great_a though_o one_o be_v too_o much_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o so_o great_a a_o body_n of_o man_n there_o shall_v be_v none_o let_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n triumph_n in_o this_o and_o increase_v their_o number_n while_o we_o silent_o lament_v it_o but_o when_o this_o be_v the_o case_n i_o think_v every_o good_a man_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o his_o superior_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v he_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v or_o be_v too_o long_o delay_v he_o must_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o man_n and_o his_o office_n a_o bad_a man_n but_o yet_o a_o 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of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o consider_v 1._o that_o people_n be_v very_o ill_a judge_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n the_o most_o ancient_a and_o most_o useful_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n have_v sometime_o be_v think_v so_o and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o man_n intent_n and_o zealous_a to_o seduce_v our_o people_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o whisper_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v infect_v by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n some_o think_v every_o thing_n heresy_n but_o antinomianism_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o a_o good_a life_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a condition_n annex_v to_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v that_o not_o a_o idle_a and_o notional_a but_o a_o active_a and_o work_a faith_n justify_v that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n not_o as_o a_o proxy_n who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o but_o as_o a_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o mediator_n who_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o now_o powerful_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o his_o father_n and_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n in_o we_o these_o and_o such_o like_a doctrine_n be_v by_o some_o man_n reproach_v with_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n and_o upon_o their_o authority_n believe_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o and_o yet_o if_o man_n must_v withdraw_v their_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o heresy_n as_o these_o they_o must_v forsake_v the_o most_o useful_a preacher_n and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o charge_n of_o heresy_n must_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o notorious_a before_o it_o can_v justify_v our_o breach_n of_o communion_n if_o man_n deny_v any_o plain_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o intrust_v the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v at_o best_a but_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o to_o suspect_v man_n of_o heresy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v itself_o a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o some_o less_o matter_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v always_o like_a to_o differ_v about_o while_o we_o see_v in_o part_n and_o know_v only_o in_o part_n may_v exercise_v mutual_a forbearance_n but_o will_v not_o excuse_v man_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o such_o causeless_a separation_n 3._o where_o the_o presumption_n be_v very_o strong_a we_o must_v appeal_v to_o church_n governor_n to_o detect_v his_o error_n and_o heresy_n if_o he_o have_v any_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o flock_n from_o such_o apparent_a danger_n private_a reformation_n usual_o prove_v more_o fatal_a than_o the_o mischief_n which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o remedy_n and_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a minister_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o catechism_n can_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o great_a heretic_n if_o he_o observe_v his_o rule_n and_o this_o secure_v the_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n and_o as_o for_o his_o sermon_n it_o only_o concern_v man_n to_o be_v wary_a what_o doctrine_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o to_o take_v nothing_o upon_o trust_n but_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o will_v maintain_v good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o our_o faith_n 4._o when_o the_o bound_n of_o parish_n and_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v too_o large_a for_o parochial_a communion_n this_o have_v often_o be_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v separate_a meeting_n because_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v much_o great_a in_o many_o parish_n
name_n have_v confine_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n and_o favour_n to_o such_o assembly_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n for_o he_o have_v express_o promise_v that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o 20._o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a charter_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o certain_o be_v strong_a the_o more_o universal_a the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n be_v for_o if_o christ_n will_v be_v present_a with_o two_o or_o three_o who_o assemble_v in_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o agree_v to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o god_n much_o more_o when_o so_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v confederated_a in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n in_o the_o same_o word_n how_o powerful_a will_v the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o a_o whole_a national_a church_n be_v to_o procure_v those_o blessing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o want_v for_o if_o unity_n and_o consent_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o please_v to_o god_n the_o great_a this_o consent_n be_v the_o more_o please_a it_o must_v be_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o private_a christian_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v confederated_a by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o public_a worship_n have_v the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a order_n and_o government_n if_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o particular_a minister_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o prevalent_a how_o much_o more_o those_o prayer_n which_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o church_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n even_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o single_a minister_n which_o can_v so_o well_o be_v say_v of_o any_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o to_o observe_v good_a order_n in_o our_o religious_a worship_n do_v man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v soon_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o such_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o prefer_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n before_o any_o prayer_n of_o a_o private_a composition_n or_o any_o sudden_a extempore_o effusion_n for_o public_a prayer_n prescribe_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o offer_v up_o by_o a_o public_a minister_n be_v always_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o virtual_o contain_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n public_a baptism_n be_v now_o very_o much_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n most_o people_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a needless_a and_o troublesome_a ceremony_n to_o carry_v their_o child_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o to_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o private_a chamber_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v with_o little_a company_n and_o with_o little_a noise_n as_o prevail_v as_o this_o custom_n now_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o very_a late_a date_n even_o in_o this_o church_n it_o seem_v to_o owe_v its_o original_n to_o the_o dispute_v about_o ceremony_n for_o when_o some_o man_n scruple_v godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o avoid_v this_o they_o baptize_v their_o child_n private_o at_o home_n without_o either_o when_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o conscientious_a conformist_n as_o can_v dispense_v with_o his_o rule_n and_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n forbid_v those_o who_o still_o retain_v their_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o partake_v in_o a_o prevail_a schism_n be_v force_v to_o retire_v into_o private_a too_o and_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n at_o home_n and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o break_v a_o custom_n upon_o what_o occasion_n soever_o it_o be_v at_o first_o begin_v that_o which_o necessity_n occasion_v be_v continue_v by_o some_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o state_n by_o other_o to_o save_v charge_n and_o trouble_v which_o may_v be_v much_o better_o save_v by_o public_a baptism_n by_o other_o out_o of_o softness_n and_o tenderness_n a_o kind_n and_o indulgent_a mother_n dare_v not_o expose_v a_o young_a infant_n to_o the_o cold_a air_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o send_v it_o to_o nurse_n i_o can_v never_o hear_v any_o thing_n plead_v for_o this_o practice_n that_o deserve_v a_o answer_n that_o which_o make_v this_o custom_n prevail_v be_v that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o great_a decency_n and_o fitness_n and_o the_o many_o advantage_n of_o public_a baptism_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o brief_o represent_v by_o public_a baptism_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o fitness_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v our_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v public_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n i_o know_v of_o whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n but_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o be_v do_v in_o private_a other_o which_o require_v some_o public_a solemnity_n and_o it_o be_v as_o undecent_a to_o do_v a_o public_a action_n i._n e._n a_o action_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n private_o as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o private_a action_n in_o public_a now_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o public_a nature_n which_o concern_v a_o who'e_n society_n and_o such_o be_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o efficacy_n indeed_o of_o baptism_n depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v right_o administer_v do_v not_o lose_v its_o virtue_n for_o want_v of_o some_o due_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o those_o who_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o give_v all_o christian_a office_n their_o due_a solemnity_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v that_o baptism_n contain_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o public_a own_n of_o his_o religion_n no_o adult_n person_n be_v ever_o admit_v to_o baptism_n without_o a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o as_o learned_a man_n think_v st._n peter_n call_v baptism_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o 21._o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v examine_v about_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o indeed_o infant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o their_o sponsor_n and_o surety_n be_v who_o undertake_v for_o their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o certain_o the_o public_a church_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a place_n for_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n to_o baptize_v our_o child_n private_o look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n than_o to_o destroy_v
all_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n 4._o public_a baptism_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o mind_n christian_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v it_o put_v good_a thought_n into_o they_o when_o they_o see_v what_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n to_o review_v their_o past_a life_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v keep_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n it_o mind_v child_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v seldom_o at_o private_a baptism_n and_o be_v many_o time_n more_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n than_o with_o the_o best_a counsel_n it_o mind_v those_o who_o have_v be_v godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n what_o charge_v they_o have_v undertake_v which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o compliment_n to_o a_o friend_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n even_o a_o trust_n and_o a_o trust_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n a_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n of_o such_o child_n which_o may_v convince_v all_o consider_a man_n of_o what_o great_a use_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o all_o the_o awful_a and_o public_a solemnity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v huddle_v over_o in_o private_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o 5._o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o always_o administer_v baptism_n in_o public_a place_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o first_o indeed_o they_o baptize_v in_o river_n or_o pond_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v in_o jordan_n where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v baptize_v which_o make_v many_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v there_o also_o as_o eusebius_n report_v of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o it_o afterward_o they_o build_v font_n near_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o church-porch_n and_o at_o last_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o never_o allow_v of_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o to_o make_v the_o action_n more_o solemn_a they_o have_v public_a time_n for_o baptism_n which_o in_o most_o church_n be_v easter_n and_o whitsunday_n when_o all_o their_o catechuman_n who_o desire_v baptism_n and_o be_v judge_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o thus_o it_o continue_v in_o follow_v age_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rubric_n of_o our_o church_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n though_o it_o be_v not_o now_o confine_v to_o such_o certain_a time_n which_o allow_v of_o no_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n chap._n v._n concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n be_v that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a and_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n of_o what_o mighty_a concernment_n the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o youth_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o for_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o depend_v on_o it_o when_o child_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o atheism_n and_o debauchery_n in_o their_o ripe_a year_n unless_o they_o be_v t●ught_v to_o know_v and_o to_o fear_v god_n betimes_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n and_o wickedness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o atheism_n and_o lewdness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n have_v be_v as_o much_o owe_v to_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o parent_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n as_o to_o any_o one_o cause_n beside_o how_o many_o child_n have_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o other_o catechism_n than_o some_o flatter_a compliment_n modish_a oath_n and_o obscene_a talk_n how_o many_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o profane_a and_o impious_a jest_n and_o all_o the_o topic_n of_o irreligious_a wit_n and_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a proficient_n who_o be_v wicked_a above_o their_o age_n and_o can_v as_o pert_o and_o confident_o laugh_v down_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o study_a atheist_n other_o be_v not_o so_o industrious_a to_o corrupt_v youth_n but_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o better_o to_o possess_v their_o tender_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a if_o the_o ground_n been_v till_v and_o cultivate_v you_o can_v expect_v no_o good_a fruit_n but_o weed_n will_v grow_v of_o themselves_o other_o possible_o do_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o i_o only_o wish_v there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o these_o man_n we_o may_v then_o hope_v in_o time_n to_o see_v the_o world_n reform_v and_o religion_n grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o credit_v again_o at_o least_o the_o next_o generation_n may_v see_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v sow_v now_o but_o there_o be_v one_o great_a neglect_n of_o very_o mischievous_a consequence_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o great_a good_a till_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a catechise_v which_o may_v be_v sometime_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o be_v often_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o people_n who_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n nor_o to_o give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o presence_n and_o attendance_n that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o yet_o i_o can_v make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o for_o 1._o no_o man_n certain_o can_v think_v it_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n whether_o his_o child_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n must_v be_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n do_v amiss_o who_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o allurement_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n be_v conquer_v who_o understand_v not_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spiritual_a armour_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n without_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o which_o they_o can_v conquer_v such_o as_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o everlasting_a life_n after_o death_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v over_o these_o word_n without_o some_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v not_o work_v like_o spell_n or_o charm_n by_o the_o magical_a power_n or_o sound_v of_o word_n but_o as_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v as_o they_o convey_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o his_o faith_n who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o though_o hear_v sermon_n may_v help_v somewhat_o towards_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v so_o effectual_a as_o catechise_v for_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o instill_a
into_o they_o by_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n to_o understand_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o understand_v a_o sermon_n which_o common_o suppose_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o few_o man_n understand_v sermon_n or_o get_v any_o good_a by_o they_o be_v because_o they_o never_o well_o understand_v their_o catechism_n the_o want_n of_o this_o careful_a instruction_n of_o youth_n make_v they_o so_o unstable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n this_o make_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o sect_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v turn_v aside_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v take_v with_o every_o new_a phrase_n that_o they_o fall_v into_o such_o monstrous_a error_n so_o 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assistance_n of_o man_n expert_a and_o skilful_a in_o several_a art_n to_o teach_v they_o those_o art_n which_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o have_v some_o skill_n themselves_o in_o they_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o such_o moment_n to_o they_o and_o nothing_o it_o may_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o religion_n it_o require_v great_a skill_n and_o such_o as_o every_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v not_o master_n of_o to_o fit_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n contain_v the_o high_a and_o most_o seraphical_a speculation_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v by_o any_o philosophy_n such_o as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o rise_v 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these_o mystery_n as_o neither_o to_o blind_a nor_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n with_o their_o brightness_n and_o lustre_n nor_o yet_o to_o remain_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o the_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o attain_v as_o some_o man_n imagine_v nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o know_v something_o himself_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o will_v earnest_o exhort_v you_o all_o to_o use_v the_o best_a skill_n you_o have_v to_o instruct_v your_o child_n and_o servant_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o public_a instruction_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v his_o religion_n think_v he_o discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o his_o private_a instruction_n of_o his_o family_n when_o he_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o public_a instruction_n 3._o for_o he_o must_v consider_v that_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n will_v permit_v they_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o his_o private_a care_n but_o to_o the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n or_o not_o to_o interpose_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v they_o submit_v to_o it_o be_v to_o withdraw_v their_o child_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o god_n no_o good_a man_n can_v with_o patience_n think_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n a_o degree_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n and_o very_o injurious_a to_o his_o child_n soul_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a blessing_n attend_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n prefer_v public_a before_o private_a worship_n and_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n than_o in_o the_o family_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o bless_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o his_o word_n before_o private_a counsel_n 4._o which_o may_v further_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o public_a catechise_v of_o child_n and_o youth_n be_v not_o needless_a whatever_o good_a instruction_n they_o may_v have_v at_o home_n for_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o god_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a bless_v public_a institution_n there_o be_v several_a advantage_n in_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v 1._o this_o will_v make_v they_o more_o careful_a to_o improve_v in_o knowledge_n when_o they_o know_v they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o such_o improvement_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o will_v be_v a_o emulation_n between_o youth_n who_o shall_v give_v the_o most_o manly_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o continue_v child_n in_o understanding_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n and_o emulation_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o when_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o such_o admirable_a advantage_n in_o this_o case_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o desire_v the_o improvement_n and_o increase_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o youth_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o regular_a admission_n to_o high_a act_n of_o communion_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v child_n ought_v not_o regular_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v and_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n understand_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o indeed_o the_o minister_n and_o bishop_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o private_a examination_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o congregation_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o minister_n but_o such_o young_a man_n will_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o more_o universal_a applause_n and_o sincere_a joy_n to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v such_o public_a testimony_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o another_o advantage_n be_v that_o this_o train_n up_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o a_o just_a respect_n
sober_a christian_n can_v withstand_v their_o conviction_n i_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v what_o be_v the_o most_o common_a occasion_n of_o or_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v of_o a_o great_a many_o i_o shall_v but_o mention_v two_o very_o brief_o as_o be_v i_o think_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n it_o shall_v have_v so_o ill_a a_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n either_o they_o can_v never_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n or_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o look_v like_o pride_n and_o folly_n to_o think_v that_o we_o must_v be_v worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o must_v all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v above_o our_o desert_n how_o come_v mankind_n to_o be_v worthy_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v die_v for_o they_o and_o have_v god_n advise_v with_o such_o modest_a sinner_n they_o may_v have_v complemented_a away_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o now_o they_o do_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o his_o holy_a supper_n how_o great_a a_o saint_n soever_o thou_o be_v thou_o can_v never_o merit_v such_o favour_n and_o privilege_n as_o these_o for_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n to_o merit_v for_o thou_o and_o how_o great_a a_o sinner_n soever_o thou_o be_v by_o comply_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v quick_o make_v thyself_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o hearty_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o reform_v thy_o life_n and_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n with_o assurance_n to_o receive_v those_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v enable_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o great_a the_o better_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n plain_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o it_o require_v much_o great_a preparation_n of_o mind_n than_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n this_o holy_a supper_n be_v a_o sacred_a mysterious_a rite_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o make_v they_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n be_v you_o then_o when_o you_o come_v to_o church_n fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o if_o not_o you_o must_v neglect_v your_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o be_v fit_a to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n to_o give_v virtue_n and_o prevalency_n to_o your_o prayer_n this_o holy_a supper_n convey_v to_o we_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n now_o if_o you_o be_v true_o penitent_a you_o be_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n where_o it_o be_v dispense_v if_o you_o earnest_o desire_v the_o divine_a grace_n you_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o come_v but_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o want_n and_o with_o such_o desire_n as_o a_o hungry_a man_n have_v of_o meat_n and_o here_o you_o shall_v be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o without_o such_o preparation_n as_o these_o we_o can_v neither_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n nor_o to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o yet_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n shall_v be_v unfit_a to_o approach_v his_o table_n 2._o other_o think_v that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a danger_n in_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o than_o in_o a_o unworthy_a performance_n of_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o think_v so_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v no_o more_o it_o be_v as_o unpardonable_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o christ_n name_n without_o true_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n and_o serious_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o praise_n god_n without_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n differ_v not_o at_o all_o from_o feast_v at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o his_o die_a love_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o give_v encouragement_n by_o this_o discourse_n to_o wicked_a man_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o sacred_a mystery_n when_o they_o be_v discover_v but_o the_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o those_o man_n who_o have_v such_o clear_a innocent_a conscience_n that_o they_o dare_v pray_v to_o god_n need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o case_n they_o be_v in_o they_o defile_v every_o holy_a duty_n they_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n they_o can_v ask_v his_o pardon_n but_o they_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o man_n prayer_n be_v only_o to_o beg_v a_o long_a liberty_n and_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o encouragement_n to_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o and_o so_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n for_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n very_o right_a but_o not_o to_o dispute_v the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n be_v not_o this_o true_a also_o of_o he_o that_o hear_v or_o pray_v unworthy_o do_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a degree_n of_o worthiness_n require_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o there_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o either_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v our_o right_n to_o immortality_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o make_v they_o unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o immortal_a life_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o deplorable_a condition_n that_o they_o shall_v neglect_v that_o holy_a feast_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a institute_v mean_n of_o convey_v all_o these_o blessing_n to_o they_o finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v by_o richard_n chiswel_o lord_n bacon_n remain_n octavo_fw-la dr._n puller_n discourse_n of_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n octavo_fw-la dr._n edw._n bagshaw_n discourse_n upon_o select_a text_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_n octavo_fw-la mr._n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n the_o second_o volume_n folio_n his_o large_a and_o 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history_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o two_o vol._n folio_n bishop_n sanderson_n sermon_n with_o his_o life_n folio_n fowlis_n his_o history_n of_o romish_a conspiracy_n treason_n and_o usurpation_n folio_n markham_n perfect_a horseman_n octavo_fw-la the_o history_n of_o the_o powder-treason_n with_o a_o vindication_n thereof_o against_o the_o author_n of_o the_o catholic_n apology_n and_o other_o to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o parallel_n betwixt_o that_o and_o the_o present_a plot_n quarto_fw-la dr._n parker_n demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a religion_n quarto_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n octavo_fw-la dr._n outram_n sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n octavo_fw-la now_o in_o the_o press_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la mr._n thorndyke_n right_a of_o christian_a assembly_n heb._n 10._o v_o 23._o vers._n 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 4._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 6_o 7_o 8._o 1_o john_n 2._o 18_o 19_o act_n 24._o 14._o &_o 28._o 22._o &_o 24._o 5._o &_o 5._o 17._o &_o 15._o 5._o act_n 21._o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 18_o 19_o gal._n 5._o 20._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o v_o 4_o 5_o 6._o v_o 10._o exod._n 22._o 28._o act_n 23._o 4_o 5._o deut._n 17._o 12._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 15._o judas_n v_o 19_o scias_n nos_fw-la primo_fw-la in_o loco_fw-la nec_fw-la curiosos_fw-la esse_fw-la debere_fw-la quid_fw-la ille_fw-la doceat_fw-la cum_fw-la foris_fw-la doceat_fw-la quisquis_fw-la ille_fw-la est_fw-la &_o qualiscunque_fw-la est_fw-la christianus_n non_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o christi_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la cypr._n ad_fw-la anton._n epist._n 52._o cyp._n ep._n 39_o qui_fw-la ergo_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la christi_fw-la morbidum_fw-la aliquid_fw-la pravumque_fw-la sapiunt_fw-la si_fw-la correpti_fw-la ut_fw-la sanum_fw-la rectumque_fw-la sapiant_fw-la resistunt_fw-la contumaciter_fw-la suaque_fw-la pestifera_fw-la &_o mortifera_fw-la dogmata_fw-la emendare_fw-la nolunt_fw-la sed_fw-la defensare_fw-la persistunt_fw-la haeretici_fw-la fiunt_fw-la &_o foras_fw-la exeuntes_fw-la habentur_fw-la in_o exercentibus_fw-la inimicis_fw-la etc._n etc._n aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 18._o cap._n 51._o see_v the_o inquiry_n into_o the_o original_n of_o evangelical_n church_n chap._n 11._o pag._n 231._o dr._n cave_n primit_fw-la christianity_n par_fw-fr 1_o ch_z 7._o p._n 171._o council_n gang._n can._n 6._o dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n mr._n hobbs_n psal._n 95._o 6._o psal._n 100_o 3_o 4._o mal._n 1._o 6._o psal._n 50._o 15._o &_o 86._o 5_o 6_o 7._o psal._n 91._o 15._o psal_n 145._o 18_o 19_o 20._o psal._n 65._o 2._o prov._n 10._o 22._o jam._n 4._o 2._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o job_n 28._o 28._o psal._n 111._o 10._o prov._n 9_o 10._o tit._n 2._o 12._o psal_n 22._o 22._o psal._n 107._o 32._o psal._n 111._o 1._o psal._n 149._o 1_o 2._o isa._n 1._o 13._o ephes._n 4._o 4._o act_n 2._o 42._o vers._n 46._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 3_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 26._o 27._o mat._n 10._o 32_o 33._o rom._n 14._o 10_o 13_o mat._n 5._o 14_o 15._o rom._n 14._o 23._o jer._n 14._o 14._o jer._n 23._o 25_o 26._o vers._n 30_o 31._o ephes._n 4._o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 16._o 17._o ephes._n 4._o 15_o 16_o ephes._n 2._o 21._o joh._n 17._o 20_o 21._o phil._n 2._o 2._o joh._n 13._o 34_o 35._o act_n 2._o 42._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 13._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 4._o 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o heb._n 12._o 22_o 23_o 24._o baxter_n search_n for_o the_o english_a schismat_n p._n 12._o caeterum_fw-la etsi_fw-la vix_fw-la ulla_fw-la harum_fw-la legum_fw-la executio_fw-la esset_fw-la donatistae_fw-la tamen_fw-la invidiosê_fw-la odioseque_fw-la clamabant_fw-la seize_v injustè_fw-fr vexati_fw-la &_o causam_fw-la tuam_fw-la non_fw-la jure_fw-la agi_fw-la sed_fw-la vi_fw-la opprimi_fw-la delibatio_fw-la hist._n afric_n apud_fw-la optatum_fw-la quisquis_fw-la vel_fw-la quod_fw-la potest_fw-la arguendo_fw-la corrigit_fw-la vel_fw-la quod_fw-la corrigere_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la salvo_fw-la pacis_fw-la vinculo_fw-la excludit_fw-la vel_fw-la quod_fw-la salvo_fw-la pacis_fw-la vinculo_fw-la excludere_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la aequitate_fw-la improbat_fw-la firmitate_fw-la supportat_fw-la hic_fw-la est_fw-la pacificus_fw-la st._n aug_n contra_fw-la epist._n parmen_fw-la l._n 2._o joh._n 4._o 24._o eccles._n 5._o 2._o act_n 21._o 21_o 22_o col._n 2._o 21._o rom._n 14._o 17._o gal._n 4._o 1_o 2._o gal._n 5._o 1._o heb._n 3._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o heb._n 13._o 17._o john_n 10._o 22._o 1_o macab_n 4._o 59_o luke_n 22._o 25._o fox_n and_o firebrand_n ep._n ad_fw-la januar._n col._n 2._o 23._o leu._n 22._o 17._o act_n 17._o 22._o dr._n ham._n of_o super_v isa._n 1._o 11._o dr._n owen_n enquiry_n into_o the_o original_a of_o church_n p._n 14._o john_n 13._o 35._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o 6_o 7._o matth._n 23._o 2_o 3_o de_fw-fr vita_fw-la const._n l._n 4._o c._n 33._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 10_o matth._n 18._o 19_o 20._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o phil._n 2._o 9_o 10_o 11._o matth._n 26._o 26_o 27_o 28._o mark_v 14._o 22_o 23_o 24._o luke_n 22._o 19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 24_o 25._o act_n 2._o 46._o apost_n can._n 9_o council_n antioch_n can._n 2._o john_n 3._o 16._o act_n 9_o 39_o ezra_n 9_o 5._o psal._n 141._o 2._o heb._n 9_o 12._o act_n 2._o 46._o rev._n 5._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 15._o heb._n 10._o 28_o 29._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 18._o v._o 21._o gen._n 31._o 46._o v._o 54._o heb._n 9_o 18_o 19_o 21._o psalm_n 50._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 17._o joh._n 6._o 53_o 54_o 56_o 57_o v._o 51._o hebr._n 13._o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o heb._n 13._o 15._o joh._n 6._o 56._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 8._o eph._n 5._o 30._o joh._n 6._o 54_o 57_o 58._o rom._n 8._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o rom._n 6._o 3_o 4_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 16_o 17._o
world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o this_o too_o for_o such_o man_n will_v not_o only_o miss_v of_o heaven_n but_o sink_v into_o hell_n a_o place_n of_o endless_a torment_n where_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o no_o hope_n so_o well_o may_v our_o saviour_n ask_v that_o question_n what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v more_o of_o our_o care_n and_o industry_n than_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o sincere_a and_o devout_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n those_o person_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v god_n friend_n and_o favourite_n who_o do_v not_o worship_v he_o and_o those_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o can_v relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o who_o forsake_v christian-assembly_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n several_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o discipline_n other_o there_o be_v who_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n but_o they_o think_v they_o can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_o as_o at_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o place_n which_o make_v their_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o effectual_a but_o god_n 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and_o reverence_n for_o their_o spirial_a guide_n this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o only_o a_o word_n by_o the_o by_o for_o my_o own_o profession_n but_o let_v it_o be_v for_o who_o it_o will_v religion_n never_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v like_a to_o flourish_v when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v when_o their_o counsel_n be_v slight_v and_o contemn_v their_o office_n be_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o soul_n and_o unless_o man_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o it_o render_v their_o office_n useless_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o reverence_v their_o counsel_n reproof_n and_o censure_n and_o to_o apply_v to_o they_o in_o all_o case_n which_o concern_v their_o soul_n now_o when_o man_n have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o 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understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o and_o make_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n at_o least_o with_o a_o little_a help_n and_o instruction_n we_o live_v now_o in_o a_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v think_v a_o reproach_n for_o those_o to_o be_v catechize_v who_o be_v get_v out_o of_o their_o hanging-sleeve_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o learn_v a_o trade_n they_o think_v themselves_o too_o old_a to_o learn_v their_o religion_n but_o be_v religion_n then_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o youth_n of_o sixteen_o or_o seventeen_o be_v past_o his_o catechism_n be_v it_o a_o great_a reproach_n at_o such_o a_o age_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v to_o learn_v arithmetic_n and_o merchant_n account_n i_o ready_o grant_v such_o young_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v treat_v like_o child_n to_o be_v make_v repeat_v only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o catechism_n as_o schoolboy_n do_v their_o lesson_n but_o there_o be_v a_o manly_a way_n of_o instruction_n which_o will_v not_o unbecome_v their_o year_n but_o much_o contribute_v to_o their_o increase_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n can_v this_o point_n be_v once_o gain_v to_o persuade_v parent_n and_o master_n to_o send_v such_o to_o be_v catechize_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o instruction_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o see_v very_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o so_o much_o despise_v and_o neglect_a duty_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o last_o miscarriage_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o general_a neglect_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n this_o practice_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n restore_v among_o we_o and_o we_o now_o with_o joy_n observe_v more_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a communion_n than_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n last_o pass_v yet_o this_o hold_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o those_o great_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n who_o neglect_v it_o whole_o or_o communicate_v very_o seldom_o thus_o to_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o christianity_n and_o infinite_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o the_o most_o beneficial_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o indeed_o one_o will_v think_v that_o there_o need_v nothing_o else_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o so_o advantageous_a a_o duty_n but_o true_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o my_o present_a design_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o large_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v bring_v what_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v and_o 1._o show_v you_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o 2._o examine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n or_o occasion_n which_o tempt_v man_n to_o such_o a_o neglect_n 1._o the_o great_a evil_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o 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be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o same_o account_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n 25._o give_v of_o it_o and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n so_o do_v st._n paul_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o revelation_n from_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o those_o man_n at_o least_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n who_o never_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n if_o it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o sin_n to_o break_v a_o plain_a express_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o very_o great_a number_n there_o be_v of_o such_o man_n in_o our_o church_n if_o at_o least_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o call_v christ_n lord_n and_o master_n but_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o there_o be_v two_o very_a considerable_a aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v his_o last_o and_o die_a command_n which_o usual_o have_v great_a sacredness_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o though_o it_o be_v but_o the_o command_n nay_o but_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o friend_n this_o command_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o night_n wherein_o he_o be_v betray_v when_o he_o be_v just_a about_o to_o offer_v his_o soul_n in_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v to_o encounter_v with_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n with_o rage_n and_o malice_n with_o the_o shame_n and_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a requital_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n that_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o die_a command_n 2._o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o numerous_a troublesome_a expensive_a ceremony_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n