the_o very_a case_n the_o apostle_n mention_n for_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v either_o the_o worship_a angel_n ver_fw-la 18._o which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o humility_n that_o such_o mean_a and_o guilty_a creature_n dare_v not_o immediate_o approach_v to_o god_n without_o the_o intercession_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n or_o those_o ordinance_n and_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o 20_o 21._o which_o he_o call_v the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n ver_fw-la 22._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v either_o the_o jewish_a law_n of_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o pythagorean_n abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o woman_n or_o from_o eat_v any_o live_a creature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a both_o of_o they_o these_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n but_o indeed_o be_v not_o true_a wisdom_n nor_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n such_o as_o their_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n their_o fast_n penance_n and_o pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v make_v substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n be_v never_o reckon_v among_o they_o till_o now_o by_o any_o ancient_a or_o modern_a expositor_n now_o though_o will-worship_n be_v in_o this_o place_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o these_o thing_n condemn_v as_o part_n of_o will-worship_n yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o as_o have_v nothing_o in_o her_o worship_n like_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v not_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o will-worship_n any_o far_a than_o the_o apostle_n have_v apply_v it_o or_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v analogous_a to_o what_o he_o condem_n for_o will-worship_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o have_v the_o least_o ill_a character_n affix_v to_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o accusation_n be_v superstition_n a_o name_n which_o be_v at_o all_o adventure_n give_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o man_n dislike_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o name_n of_o reproach_n serve_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o argument_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o at_o hand_n thus_o to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v all_o superstitious_a ceremony_n and_o so_o they_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v who_o most_o frequent_o use_v this_o word_n without_o understand_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o no_o man_n need_v be_v at_o any_o great_a trouble_n to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n than_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o will_v soon_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n in_o apply_v it_o now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o tully_n be_v render_v superstitio_fw-la be_v by_o st._n austin_n call_v demonum_fw-la cultus_fw-la the_o worship_n of_o demon_n that_o be_v of_o angel_n or_o dead_a man_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n at_o athens_n when_o he_o observe_v the_o inscription_n of_o 22._o their_o altar_n to_o a_o unknown_a god_n say_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v more_o superstitious_a than_o other_o i._n e._n that_o they_o worship_v more_o god_n or_o demon_n than_o other_o heathen_a nation_n and_o possible_o with_o more_o devotion_n and_o religious_a observance_n but_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o great_a dread_n and_o fear_n of_o their_o demon_n and_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v make_v equivalent_a to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dread_n or_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v super_v this_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o consequent_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o for_o which_o reason_n epicurus_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n yet_o he_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v maker_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o humane_a affair_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n he_o reject_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d superstitious_a fearer_n of_o the_o deity_n hence_o he_o represent_v the_o design_n of_o his_o philosophy_n to_o be_v to_o deliver_v man_n from_o superstition_n that_o they_o may_v live_v without_o fear_n of_o any_o invisible_a power_n or_o infernal_a judge_n of_o who_o their_o poet_n especial_o tell_v such_o frightful_a and_o tragical_a story_n and_o therefore_o in_o other_o place_n superstition_n be_v make_v by_o he_o equivalent_a to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n after_o death_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n superstition_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o nickname_n for_o religion_n or_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n but_o this_o be_v so_o troublesome_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o atheistical_a philosopher_n that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v himself_o and_o mankind_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o future_a account_n as_o in_o our_o age_n for_o the_o fame_n reason_n too_o many_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o laugh_v and_o droll_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n that_o they_o may_v live_v secure_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o though_o every_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o few_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n stick_v close_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o different_a for_o they_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v as_o to_o despise_v his_o power_n and_o therefore_o they_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a dread_n of_o god_n as_o a_o observer_n of_o their_o action_n and_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o he_o but_o as_o of_o a_o powerful_a domineer_a imperious_a tyrant_n and_o therefore_o maximus_n tyrius_n make_v this_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o religious_a and_o superstitious_a man_n that_o a_o religious_a man_n go_v to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o servile_a fear_n and_o horror_n which_o we_o now_o common_o oppose_v to_o a_o filial_a fear_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o love_n and_o reverence_n as_o a_o son_n love_v and_o honour_n his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o superstitious_a man_n be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o god_n as_o a_o powerful_a tyrant_n hence_o plutarch_n observe_v that_o a_o atheist_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o superstitious_a man_n wish_v there_o be_v none_o and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o superstition_n make_v man_n fear_n god_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o flatter_v he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a temper_n of_o fear_n to_o fawn_v and_o crouch_v and_o by_o the_o base_a and_o most_o servile_a submission_n to_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o imperious_a lord_n and_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o those_o who_o be_v proud_a severe_a and_o imperious_a to_o love_v to_o be_v flatter_v and_o therefore_o those_o man_n who_o look_v on_o god_n only_o as_o almighty_a power_n which_o be_v soon_o provoke_v and_o can_v be_v resist_v hope_v to_o appease_v so_o angry_a a_o be_v by_o some_o servile_a and_o flatter_a submission_n whence_o it_o be_v maximus_n tyrius_n represent_v a_o true_o pious_a man_n as_o god_n friend_n and_o a_o superstitious_a man_n as_o his_o flatterer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o superstitious_a man_n be_v this_o that_o a_o true_o religious_a man_n be_v one_o who_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o this_o servile_a fear_n of_o god_n he_o love_v he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a be_v and_o secure_o hope_v in_o he_o as_o the_o most_o kind_a father_n and_o bountiful_a benefactor_n and_o delight_n to_o pay_v he_o such_o homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n but_o a_o superstitious_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v in_o love_n with_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o which_o he_o fear_v god_n will_v punish_v he_o for_o but_o can_v and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o fear_v god_n and_o flatter_v he_o and_o invent_v such_o art_n to_o appease_v
and_o curious_a speculation_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o sensible_a a_o argument_n that_o the_o mean_a people_n understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o our_o day_n do_v as_o certain_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v as_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n speak_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v whatever_o he_o have_v reveal_v though_o we_o can_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v christianity_n we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v express_o forbid_v in_o those_o write_n every_o man_n without_o any_o great_a skill_n in_o controversy_n know_v to_o be_v unlawful_a as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o plain_a countryman_n may_v understand_v the_o difference_n between_o popery_n and_o reform_a christianity_n the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n than_o worship_v image_n pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o half_a communion_n where_o the_o priest_n drink_v the_o wine_n by_o himself_o and_o give_v nothing_o but_o a_o wafer_n to_o the_o people_n these_o thing_n require_v indeed_o great_a subtlety_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o defend_v they_o but_o may_v be_v understand_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o plain_a man_n who_o be_v no_o master_n of_o subtlety_n but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a in_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n we_o desire_v no_o more_o from_o they_o but_o to_o show_v we_o where_o any_o one_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v express_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n or_o by_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o easy_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n though_o no_o schoolman_n nor_o philosopher_n may_v understand_v it_o where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a which_o have_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o successor_n they_o be_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o ancient_a father_n where_o do_v they_o read_v that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a when_o christ_n himself_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a when_o they_o can_v produce_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o be_v forbid_v unless_o they_o think_v that_o because_o god_n have_v forbid_v worship_v image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n therefore_o he_o have_v forbid_v all_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n institute_v for_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o be_v so_o subtle_a a_o consequence_n as_o will_v make_v a_o very_a metaphysical_a head_n ache_v to_o discover_v it_o now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n but_o man_n argue_v whole_o from_o some_o uncertain_a and_o far-fetched_a consequence_n how_o shall_v the_o common_a people_n who_o understand_v none_o of_o the_o artificial_a law_n of_o reason_v judge_v of_o such_o argument_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o to_o make_v some_o terrible_a impression_n upon_o their_o fancy_n by_o great_a confidence_n and_o a_o uncouth_a sound_n of_o word_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o as_o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v symbolical_a that_o they_o be_v new_a sacrament_n not_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o part_n of_o worship_n now_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o our_o separatist_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o talk_n how_o long_a time_n will_v they_o take_v to_o teach_v a_o countryman_n who_o be_v not_o book-learned_a what_o a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n be_v or_o to_o understand_v how_o our_o ceremony_n be_v transform_v into_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o whoever_o separate_v upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o without_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o terrible_a objection_n be_v most_o certain_o a_o schismatic_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o to_o be_v know_v before_o man_n can_v justify_v their_o separation_n for_o suppose_v they_o shall_v discover_v some_o fault_n in_o our_o constitution_n they_o must_v further_o inquire_v whether_o these_o be_v only_o some_o tolerable_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v sin_n whether_o they_o pollute_v the_o communicant_n and_o make_v communion_n unlawful_a whether_o they_o be_v only_o active_a or_o passive_a in_o it_o whether_o suppose_v the_o wear_n of_o a_o surplice_n be_v superstitious_a all_o that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n who_o disown_n such_o superstition_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o it_o and_o must_v separate_v to_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n and_o to_o declare_v their_o abomination_n of_o such_o superstition_n whether_o the_o child_n who_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n at_o baptism_n be_v ever_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o or_o whether_o the_o parent_n who_o dislike_v such_o a_o ceremony_n sin_n in_o submit_v their_o child_n to_o it_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n or_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v they_o who_o enjoin_v it_o these_o be_v matter_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n to_o determine_v and_o therefore_o though_o separation_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a very_o few_o man_n can_v separate_v lawful_o 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o these_o man_n honesty_n whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o be_v by_o consider_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n the_o conscience_n of_o any_o honest_a man_n especial_o when_o it_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n be_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n such_o man_n think_v it_o very_o well_o if_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o dissent_v and_o quiet_o withdraw_v though_o they_o have_v not_o leave_v to_o vilify_v the_o establish_a religion_n nor_o undermine_v public_a constitution_n and_o though_o they_o can_v obtain_v thus_o much_o favour_n but_o be_v persecute_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o they_o suffer_v patient_o after_o the_o example_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o who_o judge_v righteous_o but_o a_o schismatic_a who_o conscience_n serve_v a_o interest_n must_v miss_v of_o his_o end_n if_o he_o suffer_v patient_o such_o be_v indeed_o as_o little_a in_o love_n with_o suffering_n as_o other_o man_n but_o yet_o they_o love_v to_o have_v some_o pretence_n or_o other_o to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n about_o their_o suffering_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o schismatical_a donatist_n that_o there_o be_v several_a law_n make_v against_o that_o by_o optatum_fw-la theodosius_n the_o emperor_n and_o though_o none_o of_o those_o law_n be_v scarce_o ever_o execute_v yet_o they_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n aggravate_v every_o little_a matter_n to_o cast_v a_o odium_fw-la upon_o the_o government_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v injurious_o handle_v that_o their_o cause_n be_v never_o fair_o hear_v and_o determine_v by_o its_o intrinsic_a merit_n but_o oppress_v with_o force_n and_o power_n and_o how_o parallel_n this_o story_n be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o these_o day_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o godly_a party_n who_o take_v as_o little_a care_n to_o govern_v their_o tongue_n or_o pen_n tho_o st._n james_n make_v this_o the_o character_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n as_o any_o schsmaticks_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v who_o neither_o express_v any_o regard_n to_o prince_n nor_o to_o truth_n and_o honesty_n if_o they_o can_v but_o serve_v their_o cause_n by_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o government_n or_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtuous_a and_o peaceable_a man_n who_o will_v not_o
mount_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v arrive_v to_o a_o full_a age_n and_o set_v at_o liberty_n by_o christ_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o 1._o therefore_o be_v not_o under_o servile_a restraint_n but_o have_v the_o government_n of_o its_o own_o action_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v at_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v which_o can_v bring_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o pastor_n while_o they_o keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n enjoy_v that_o liberty_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v not_o that_o they_o can_v institute_v and_o appoint_v change_n and_o alter_v the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n require_v so_o muâ—â—_n be_v those_o man_n mistake_v who_o argue_v from_o moses_n to_o christ_n that_o christ_n be_v as_o faithful_a at_o least_o as_o moses_n be_v and_o therefore_o since_o moses_n give_v they_o a_o exact_a platform_n of_o worship_n 5._o from_o which_o they_o must_v not_o vary_v in_o the_o least_o punctilio_fw-la therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v do_v so_o too_o though_o they_o can_v show_v where_o he_o have_v do_v it_o that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v such_o a_o exact_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n as_o perpetual_o oblige_v all_o christian_n whereas_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n form_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n but_o he_o communicate_v with_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n while_o he_o live_v and_o give_v they_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o form_v church_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o difference_n the_o apostle_n make_v between_o moses_n and_o christ_n that_o one_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n the_o other_o as_o a_o son_n now_o a_o servant_n must_v exact_o follow_v his_o rule_n and_o order_n but_o a_o son_n govern_v his_o own_o house_n with_o great_a freedom_n and_o moses_n be_v a_o servant_n signify_v also_o the_o servile_a state_n of_o that_o people_n who_o he_o govern_v that_o they_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v their_o task_n exact_o set_v they_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o son_n and_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o have_v make_v we_o son_n and_o freemen_n too_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v such_o particular_a law_n about_o every_o little_a circumstance_n but_o expect_v from_o we_o a_o more_o manly_a and_o generous_a obedience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o jewish_a worship_n shall_v be_v exact_o prescribe_v by_o god_n because_o it_o be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v draw_v by_o no_o other_o hand_n but_o that_o which_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o omniscient_a eye_n whence_o the_o apostle_n observe_v that_o moses_n be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v after_o but_o in_o other_o matter_n the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o under_o such_o confinement_n their_o synagogue-worship_n where_o they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v order_v by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o direction_n they_o order_v the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n without_o any_o command_n or_o direction_n in_o their_o law_n for_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n and_o that_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n be_v add_v to_o the_o paschal_n supper_n be_v consecrate_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o festival_n commemoration_n of_o his_o break_a body_n and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v to_o appoint_v such_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n 3._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v authorize_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o make_v disciple_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-communion_n give_v general_a rule_n for_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o enjoin_v obedience_n to_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 26._o and_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v which_o be_v even_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n now_o general_a rule_n leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n 8._o as_o to_o particular_a instance_n because_o a_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v comply_v with_o different_a way_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o his_o choice_n who_o receive_v such_o a_o rule_n thus_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v our_o spiritual_a guide_n obey_v they_o who_o 17._o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a and_o settle_a rule_n of_o government_n suppose_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n the_o natural_a inference_n from_o which_o be_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n for_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o significant_a ceremony_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o unite_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a willing_o and_o cheerful_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o while_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o gospel-worship_n 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_o he_o converse_v on_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o most_o admirable_a pattern_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v now_o i_o observe_v that_o though_o our_o saviour_n live_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a age_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o their_o priest_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n by_o those_o character_n which_o he_o himself_o give_v of_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o vile_a person_n yet_o he_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o be_v yet_o expire_v he_o form_v no_o new_a church_n but_o observe_v their_o public_a assembly_n of_o worship_n preach_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o observe_v all_o their_o religious_a festival_n as_o punctual_o as_o any_o of_o themselves_o which_o consideration_n ought_v to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o those_o man_n who_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v bad_a man_n in_o it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n conform_v to_o all_o those_o laudable_a and_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a institution_n and_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n he_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o judas_n 22._o macchabeus_n and_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v observe_v annual_o for_o eight_o day_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o temple_n from_o the_o profanation_n of_o antiochus_n 59_o and_o the_o regain_n their_o liberty_n of_o public_a worship_n this_o feast_n though_o it_o be_v of_o humane_a institution_n our_o saviour_n no_o where_o reprove_v but_o grace_n and_o countenance_n the_o solemnity_n with_o his_o own_o presence_n thus_o he_o conform_v to_o the_o synagogue-worship_n which_o be_v all_o of_o humane_a order_n and_o appointment_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o thus_o he_o who_o so_o severe_o reprove_v the_o superstitious_a abuse_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n who_o despise_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o all_o their_o external_a and_o solemn_a hypocrisy_n their_o broad_a phylactery_n and_o their_o frequent_a and_o religious_a purification_n when_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o bare_a do_v those_o thing_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v do_v both_o practice_n and_o allow_v those_o humane_a institution_n which_o serve_v a_o good_a end_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o think_v it_o such_o a_o profanation_n of_o religion_n to_o appoint_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n as_o
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 pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n but_o take_v great_a care_n of_o the_o external_a solemnity_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n i_o know_v of_o no_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o very_o late_o wherein_o those_o man_n will_v have_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o admit_v to_o christian_a communion_n who_o shall_v have_v betray_v such_o slight_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o a_o rude_a and_o slovenly_a worship_n as_o too_o many_o among_o ourselves_o be_v now_o guilty_a of_o and_o indeed_o this_o have_v insensible_o creep_v upon_o we_o ever_o since_o those_o hot_a dispute_n about_o ceremony_n and_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n have_v trouble_v the_o church_n for_o when_o man_n begin_v to_o dispute_v down_o all_o good_a order_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n they_o soon_o dispute_v away_o all_o external_a worship_n and_o many_o who_o still_o pretend_v no_o great_a dislike_n to_o public_a constitution_n be_v so_o far_o infect_v with_o this_o disease_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o careful_a of_o the_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o some_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o fanaticism_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o look_v solemn_o nor_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o heaven_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v think_v fanatic_n or_o hypocrite_n thus_o while_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o groundless_a fear_n of_o superstition_n strip_v religion_n of_o all_o useful_a and_o decent_a ceremony_n and_o other_o out_o of_o as_o wild_a a_o suspicion_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v afraid_a to_o appear_v grave_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o religion_n the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v either_o leave_v to_o every_o man_n fancy_n or_o perform_v in_o so_o careless_a and_o trifle_a a_o manner_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v dishonour_v and_o his_o worship_n profane_v and_o scorn_v but_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v with_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n and_o possible_o it_o may_v do_v they_o some_o good_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o who_o appear_v so_o zealous_a against_o fanaticism_n and_o be_v yet_o so_o trifle_v in_o their_o worship_n be_v much_o the_o worst_a fanatic_n of_o the_o two_o for_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n though_o they_o reject_v the_o use_n of_o our_o ceremony_n and_o neglect_v that_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n which_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o however_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o great_a seriousness_n in_o their_o worship_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o look_n like_o worship_n though_o it_o want_v some_o external_a solemnity_n which_o may_v be_v think_v needful_a but_o when_o man_n stare_v and_o gaze_v about_o they_o laugh_v or_o whisper_v at_o their_o prayer_n and_o betray_v great_a vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o mind_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o instead_o of_o a_o awful_a sense_n and_o reverence_n of_o 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 reproach_v the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n which_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a scandal_n upon_o our_o worship_n than_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o cavil_n of_o dissenter_n though_o the_o better_a way_n will_v be_v and_o that_o which_o i_o hearty_o beg_v of_o god_n and_o do_v earnest_o beg_v all_o man_n to_o correct_v this_o fault_n and_o to_o wipe_v off_o that_o reproach_n of_o a_o cold_a formal_a worship_n by_o express_v that_o grave_n and_o serious_a and_o ardent_a devotion_n which_o so_o much_o become_v all_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o religious_a worship_n and_o so_o interweave_v with_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a piety_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v now_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a angel_n in_o religious_a assembly_n do_v we_o see_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a glory_n 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
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 hear_v we_o wherever_o we_o pray_v and_o be_v always_o please_v even_o with_o the_o single_a and_o private_a devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o world_n be_v now_o so_o well_o store_v with_o good_a book_n that_o they_o can_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o read_v at_o home_n to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o if_o they_o go_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o i_o need_v not_o observe_v how_o many_o there_o be_v who_o act_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n i._n e._n who_o seldom_o or_o never_o come_v to_o church_n though_o how_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n at_o home_n i_o know_v not_o but_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o with_o too_o many_o a_o warm_a bed_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o a_o bottle_n of_o wine_n in_o the_o afternoon_n serve_v instead_o even_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o a_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_v this_o be_v i_o shall_v brief_o expostulate_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v as_o they_o say_v that_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n very_o acceptable_o at_o home_n without_o attend_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n suppose_v the_o case_n to_o be_v equal_a in_o itself_o consider_v yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o why_o shall_v you_o prefer_v your_o own_o private_a before_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n can_v you_o serve_v god_n at_o least_o as_o well_o at_o church_n as_o you_o do_v at_o home_o and_o public_a worship_n have_v be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o religion_n do_v it_o become_v a_o modest_a man_n to_o affront_v so_o general_a a_o custom_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n yet_o at_o least_o have_v no_o hurt_n in_o it_o and_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v not_o only_o consent_v in_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o have_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o pay_v their_o join_a and_o public_a acknowledgement_n to_o their_o universal_a lord_n and_o father_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v these_o man_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n who_o deny_v or_o neglect_v it_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o religious_a man_n to_o oppose_v so_o universal_a a_o belief_n and_o to_o incur_v the_o public_a censure_n of_o insidelity_n and_o irreligion_n especial_o since_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o to_o neglect_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o though_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a make_v public_a assembly_n a_o duty_n and_o private_a devotion_n when_o we_o ought_v and_o may_v attend_v on_o public_a assembly_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v take_v it_o well_o of_o any_o man_n how_o devout_a soever_o he_o be_v in_o private_a who_o will_v rather_o affront_v the_o universal_a practice_n found_v upon_o as_o universal_a a_o consent_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o be_v think_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o insidel_n will_v rather_o trample_v upon_o all_o humame_n authority_n than_o join_v with_o his_o fellow-creature_n and_o subject_n and_o neighbour_n in_o the_o public_a act_n of_o his_o worship_n put_v the_o case_n any_o of_o you_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o very_a numerous_a offspring_n and_o that_o without_o any_o express_a command_n from_o you_o most_o of_o your_o child_n shall_v agree_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n to_o visit_v you_o together_o once_o a_o week_n to_o ask_v your_o blessing_n and_o pay_v their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o your_o great_a care_n of_o they_o in_o their_o education_n and_o in_o that_o liberal_a provision_n you_o have_v make_v for_o they_o but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o your_o child_n shall_v choose_v to_o come_v alone_o to_o you_o in_o private_a when_o no_o body_n see_v they_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o come_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o they_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o with_o undutifulness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o private_a acknowledgement_n from_o those_o who_o refuse_v the_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a address_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v acceptance_n from_o god_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n how_o devout_a soever_o we_o be_v alone_o nay_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o private_a devotion_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o public_a suppose_v they_o be_v perform_v with_o equal_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o mind_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n public_a worship_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n good_a company_n in_o all_o case_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v we_o great_a briskness_n and_o vigour_n of_o mind_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o devout_a soul_n who_o breath_n forth_o their_o ardent_a desire_n to_o god_n be_v enough_o to_o fire_v our_o cold_a and_o chill_a spirit_n and_o good_a man_n receive_v warmth_n and_o quickness_n from_o each_o other_o and_o grow_v into_o great_a ardour_n and_o transport_n hypocrite_n have_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o devotion_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o good_a company_n but_o good_a man_n themselves_o who_o have_v a_o true_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n many_o time_n experience_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o this_o respect_n between_o their_o private_a retirement_n and_o the_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o though_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o express_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n yet_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o prevail_v with_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n not_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o indeed_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v that_o a_o true_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n do_v private_a devotion_n may_v be_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o these_o man_n own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v never_o the_o true_a cause_n for_o man_n who_o do_v hearty_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n will_v choose_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o solemn_a manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o this_o very_a pretence_n from_o they_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v our_o obligation_n to_o public_a worship_n 1._o and_o first_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o it_o now_o worship_n signify_v all_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o immediate_o respect_v god_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n and_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o
〈◊〉_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
not_o displease_v god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o displease_v man_n but_o to_o pretend_v a_o divine_a command_n and_o authority_n when_o we_o have_v none_o be_v like_o prophesy_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o all_o our_o dream_n and_o fancy_n it_o be_v to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o god_n never_o make_v and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n and_o new_a religion_n in_o his_o name_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o dreadful_a woe_n and_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o prophesy_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o tremble_v to_o pretend_v a_o divine_a command_n without_o divine_a authority_n this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n then_o the_o lord_n 14._o say_v unto_o i_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_n lie_v in_o my_o name_n and_o i_o send_v they_o not_o neither_o have_v i_o command_v they_o neither_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o prophesy_v to_o you_o a_o false_a vision_n and_o divination_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o and_o the_o deceit_n of_o their_o heart_n i_o have_v hear_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o 26._o prophesy_v lie_n in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o have_v dream_v i_o have_v dream_v how_o long_o shall_v this_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v lie_n yea_o they_o be_v prophet_n 31._o of_o the_o deceit_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n therefore_o behold_v i_o be_o against_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o steal_v my_o word_n every_o one_o from_o his_o neighbour_n behold_v i_o be_o against_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o use_v their_o tongue_n and_o say_v he_o sai_z behold_v i_o be_o against_o they_o that_o prophesy_v false_a dream_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v tell_v they_o and_o cause_v my_o people_n to_o err_v by_o their_o lie_n and_o by_o their_o lightness_n yet_o i_o send_v they_o not_o nor_o command_v they_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v this_o people_n at_o all_o say_v the_o lord_n now_o though_o we_o understand_v prophesy_v here_o of_o foretell_v future_a event_n in_o god_n name_n without_o any_o revelation_n or_o authority_n from_o he_o yet_o to_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v not_o a_o less_o crime_n than_o to_o prophesy_v dream_n and_o the_o deceit_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o mischief_n which_o these_o false_a prophecy_n do_v consist_v in_o that_o ill_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o man_n life_n that_o they_o hinder_v their_o repentance_n and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o licentious_a or_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o therefore_o to_o preach_v up_o new_a law_n in_o god_n name_n be_v as_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o it_o be_v to_o prophesy_v false_o in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n must_v pretend_v conscience_n any_o further_a than_o the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v be_v to_o prophesy_v false_o in_o god_n name_n when_o they_o can_v show_v no_o such_o law_n extant_a in_o the_o whole_a bible_n you_o pretend_v conscience_n it_o may_v be_v against_o hear_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v or_o be_v present_a when_o the_o minister_n use_v a_o surplice_n in_o divine_a administration_n consider_v now_o whether_o you_o do_v not_o false_o pretend_v a_o divine_a authority_n when_o you_o have_v none_o show_v i_o where_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o a_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n if_o you_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o these_o be_v not_o command_v show_v i_o but_o that_o law_n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o if_o you_o can_v do_v neither_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v then_o consider_v what_o a_o impious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o to_o make_v new_a law_n and_o bind_v they_o upon_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o man_n by_o your_o own_o private_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o much_o heavy_a imposition_n than_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o few_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n those_o who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o comply_v with_o all_o wholesome_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o their_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n do_v not_o usurp_v upon_o god_n authority_n but_o obey_v divine_a law_n as_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n as_o humane_a but_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n to_o make_v that_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o god_n never_o make_v so_o viz._n that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v though_o it_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n second_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o the_o mere_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o any_o action_n unless_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o divine_a law_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n when_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o our_o private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n there_o never_o have_v be_v worse_a action_n do_v than_o have_v be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uncharitable_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o conscientious_a pagan_n papist_n or_o mahometan_a and_o if_o to_o act_v according_a to_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v our_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v we_o at_o god_n tribunal_n this_o must_v necessary_o make_v all_o religion_n indifferent_a for_o then_o a_o honest_a pagan_n papist_n or_o turk_n who_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o persuasion_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o most_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n then_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o godly_a and_o devout_a man_n when_o in_o zeal_n for_o their_o law_n they_o crucify_a christ_n and_o persecute_v his_o apostle_n as_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o if_o we_o act_v according_a to_o our_o belief_n but_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o believe_v a_o right_n for_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a conscience_n we_o shall_v wander_v and_o go_v astray_o to_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n these_o blind_a man_n be_v such_o as_o have_v blind_a conscience_n that_o be_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n but_o yet_o may_v very_o sincere_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o very_o safe_o too_o if_o conscience_n right_a or_o wrong_n be_v a_o secure_a guide_n three_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v and_o scruple_n any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o our_o conscience_n do_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o some_o man_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o great_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o value_v themselves_o more_o by_o their_o scruple_n than_o other_o man_n do_v by_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o scruple_n and_o use_v great_a art_n and_o industry_n to_o ensnare_v and_o entangle_v themselves_o but_o i_o confess_v i_o shall_v never_o envy_v any_o man_n this_o attainment_n no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v a_o purblind_a eye_n which_o see_v very_o imperfect_o and_o therefore_o grope_v for_o its_o way_n with_o great_a caution_n and_o fear_n now_o all_o man_n agree_v that_o when_o we_o have_v any_o unnecessary_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n though_o we_o must_v not_o act_v with_o such_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v our_o scruple_n aside_o but_o then_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o man_n can_v have_v scruple_n
reasonable_a exception_n against_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o new_a discovery_n to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o all_o know_v when_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o part_n with_o such_o doctrine_n custom_n usage_n religion_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o many_o generation_n than_o to_o part_v with_o some_o novel_a invention_n who_o very_a novelty_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o strong_a and_o last_a prejudice_n thus_o we_o know_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n which_o plead_v the_o prescription_n of_o unknown_a age_n make_v it_o extreme_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o that_o objection_n of_o novelty_n though_o it_o be_v false_a be_v yet_o a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o alleadg_n to_o show_v that_o a_o long_a and_o immemorial_n prescription_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a prejudice_n than_o some_o few_o year_n education_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v a_o much_o better_a justification_n of_o pagan_n and_o papist_n in_o foreign_a country_n for_o 2_o it_o may_v cause_v a_o reasonable_a suspicion_n in_o honest_a dissenter_n sufficient_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o new_a search_n and_o enquiry_n when_o they_o remember_v that_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n fall_v together_o that_o those_o who_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n pull_v down_o monarchy_n and_o transform_v themselves_o into_o as_o many_o different_a shape_n and_o form_n in_o the_o state_n as_o they_o set_v up_o new_a model_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o most_o infallible_a man_n nor_o act_v by_o the_o best_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o establish_v by_o law_n have_v have_v possession_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o a_o few_o year_n interruption_n in_o a_o time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o great_a confusion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o dispossess_v it_o and_o therefore_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o loyalty_n to_o their_o prince_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v some_o better_a reason_n against_o it_o than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n which_o can_v be_v no_o just_a excuse_n at_o this_o day_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o shall_v desire_v any_o more_o than_o twenty_o year_n to_o wear_v off_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o twenty_o year_n education_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n ever_o have_v a_o legal_a possession_n of_o this_o nation_n during_o this_o anarchy_n and_o interregnum_fw-la of_o church_n and_o state_n neither_o presbytery_n independency_n nor_o anabaptism_n be_v settle_v by_o law_n but_o they_o shuffle_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o use_v their_o utmost_a skill_n to_o establish_v themselves_o by_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o their_o several_a party_n and_o sometime_o one_o pravile_v and_o sometime_o another_o and_o instead_o of_o one_o national_a church_n we_o have_v twenty_o national_a schism_n but_o no_o church_n which_o 4thly_a plain_o show_v that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n can_v be_v no_o good_a plea_n in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o invincible_a where_o there_o be_v no_o one_o fix_a church_n nor_o one_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o nation_n but_o several_a church_n quarrel_v and_o contend_v with_o each_o other_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o country_n where_o the_o people_n never_o hear_v but_o of_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o spain_n or_o at_o least_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o but_o under_o such_o dismal_a frightful_a character_n as_o may_v raise_v their_o indignation_n and_o their_o hatred_n of_o such_o monster_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v if_o such_o man_n prejudices_fw-la be_v very_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a but_o when_o man_n see_v religion_n in_o so_o many_o shape_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o monster_n but_o man_n like_o themselves_o this_o rather_o incline_v they_o to_o uncertainty_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o any_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a prejudices_fw-la for_o or_o against_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n how_o man_n make_v their_o advance_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o quakerism_n the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o confusion_n as_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o all_o good_a order_n now_o when_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o wander_a state_n like_a traveller_n who_o have_v no_o certain_a abide_v but_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o country_n into_o another_o visit_v all_o and_o stay_v no_o where_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a injudicious_a people_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o plead_v prejudice_n in_o their_o justification_n 2._o other_o engage_v themselves_o in_o schism_n out_o of_o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v no_o fix_a and_o stable_a principle_n and_o can_v never_o like_o one_o thing_n long_o together_o or_o they_o run_v into_o conventicle_n out_o of_o a_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v take_v with_o any_o thing_n or_o with_o nothing_o as_o it_o happen_v and_o thus_o by_o degree_n contract_n prejudices_fw-la against_o that_o church_n who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v without_o any_o reason_n and_o then_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a without_o any_o the_o zeal_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o those_o hard_a word_n they_o give_v the_o church_n and_o churchman_n make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n for_o it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o they_o learn_v by_o rote_n some_o popular_a objection_n and_o cavil_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o engage_v lie_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o further_a consideration_n or_o a_o timely_a retreat_n when_o man_n first_o begin_v to_o separate_v and_o then_o learn_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o in_o time_n improve_v those_o doubt_n into_o last_a principle_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a honesty_n for_o a_o honest_a man_n must_v first_o have_v very_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a before_o he_o can_v entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o a_o separation_n and_o do_v man_n take_v this_o course_n the_o schism_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n 3._o other_o take_v distaste_n at_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o church_n this_o seem_v strange_a that_o whatever_o be_v do_v amiss_o in_o the_o state_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o state_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o civil_a governor_n have_v to_o correct_v and_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o exorbitance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o some_o person_n observe_v that_o close_a union_n which_o be_v between_o church_n and_o state_n think_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o crown_n till_o they_o have_v first_o pull_v down_o a_o legal_a church_n but_o though_o these_o man_n may_v talk_v very_o much_o against_o church-imposition_n and_o seem_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a it_o be_v plain_a religion_n be_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n they_o love_v schism_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o rebellion_n and_o look_v upon_o schismatical_a conventicle_n as_o admirable_a nursery_n for_o the_o camp_n though_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n in_o our_o late_a trouble_n we_o have_v be_v late_o tell_v in_o print_n by_o one_o who_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o i_o wonder_v so_o grave_a and_o wise_a a_o man_n shall_v thus_o open_o betray_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o party_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v by_o churchman_n who_o have_v no_o design_n at_o first_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n the_o auxiliary_n of_o the_o 12._o parliament_n the_o scot_n will_v not_o
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
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 union_n and_o be_v usual_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o vicious_a indisposition_n of_o mind_n and_o if_o man_n reason_n and_o judgement_n be_v pervert_v by_o such_o a_o unchristian_a inclination_n it_o will_v aggravate_v their_o gild_n and_o crime_n and_o therefore_o it_o great_o concern_v all_o man_n who_o love_v their_o soul_n and_o will_v avoid_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n not_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o separation_n which_o will_v so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o discover_v how_o sinful_a and_o causeless_a it_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o it_o with_o all_o their_o read_n and_o study_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a suspicion_n that_o man_n be_v in_o love_n with_o separation_n when_o they_o be_v so_o industrious_a to_o hunt_v for_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o little_o cavil_v objection_n which_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n at_o the_o first_o proposal_n see_v the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n of_o while_o such_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v hold_v fast_o in_o the_o cobweb_n of_o their_o own_o spin_v second_o as_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o man_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n without_o a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o inquiry_n and_o yet_o they_o separate_v also_o at_o all_o adventure_n as_o other_o do_v a_o great_a many_o such_o man_n there_o be_v who_o live_v by_o their_o labour_n and_o have_v not_o time_n for_o such_o study_n or_o it_o may_v be_v can_v read_v or_o however_o be_v never_o use_v to_o the_o art_n of_o think_v and_o reason_v and_o therefore_o may_v be_v easy_o mistake_v in_o such_o matter_n while_o they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n that_o unless_o we_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o justify_v such_o man_n that_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o call_v the_o bishop_n antichristian_a and_o our_o minister_n 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
god_n or_o not_o when_o they_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o the_o bare_a external_a performance_n of_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v external_a in_o religion_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n with_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o hope_v to_o flatter_v he_o and_o to_o compound_v with_o he_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o inward_a vital_a principle_n of_o religion_n by_o external_a hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a 1._o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n who_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n and_o obtain_v his_o favour_n only_o by_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a who_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o image_n and_o to_o frame_v his_o conversation_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n he_o neither_o fear_n nor_o flatter_v the_o deity_n as_o the_o superstitious_a man_n do_v but_o be_v the_o son_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o external_a expression_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o a_o universal_a holiness_n 2._o that_o can_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v not_o make_v or_o judge_v a_o acceptable_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o superstition_n can_v be_v only_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n and_o this_o effectual_o justify_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o external_n rite_n of_o worship_n which_o she_o declare_v to_o be_v no_o part_n nor_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o such_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n as_o make_v the_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n decent_a and_o solemn_a and_o be_v useful_a to_o edification_n to_o help_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n better_o not_o to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o external_a rite_n the_o three_o accusation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v idolatry_n a_o terrible_a and_o yet_o a_o ridiculous_a charge_n but_o idolatry_n be_v a_o odious_a name_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o if_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o say_v it_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v some_o of_o their_o proselyte_n ignorant_a enough_o to_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v but_o call_v the_o common-prayer_n book_n and_o ceremony_n idol_n and_o then_o they_o be_v plain_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o be_v there_o indeed_o no_o difference_n between_o worship_v god_n in_o a_o sober_a and_o pious_a form_n of_o word_n and_o worship_v a_o grave_v image_n no_o difference_n between_o wear_v a_o surplice_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o a_o stock_n or_o stone_n no_o difference_n between_o sign_v child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o a_o idol_n or_o false_a god_n whither_o do_v a_o blind_a zeal_n transport_v these_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v much_o more_o like_a blasphemy_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v like_a idolatry_n but_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v answer_v nor_o such_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v reason_v with_o those_o who_o can_v abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o such_o formidable_a nothing_o stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o physic_n than_o a_o sober_a confutation_n 4._o another_o accusation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v that_o it_o be_v popery_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o much_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o thus_o our_o religious_a prince_n and_o godly_a bishop_n be_v well_o reward_v for_o reform_v religion_n with_o infinite_a pain_n and_o labour_n and_o to_o their_o utmost_a peril_n it_o cost_v many_o martyr_n their_o life_n and_o will_v have_v make_v the_o crown_n to_o shake_v have_v it_o not_o be_v secure_a by_o a_o omnipotent_a hand_n and_o all-seeing_a providence_n and_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v for_o nothing_o for_o we_o be_v not_o get_v out_o of_o babylon_n yet_o that_o command_n still_o lie_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o our_o ancestor_n believe_v it_o do_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v our_o reformer_n who_o be_v so_o sincere_a and_o honest_a who_o spare_v no_o pain_n and_o fear_v no_o danger_n to_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o retain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a leaven_n as_o make_v it_o unsafe_a for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o partake_v in_o such_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o papist_n shall_v be_v such_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o rome_n and_o look_v so_o kind_o upon_o our_o new_a thorough-reformer_n but_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o point_v of_o popery_n be_v still_o retain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n o_o say_v they_o that_o be_v quick_o do_v the_o very_a office_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o relic_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o very_a first_o institution_n of_o it_o have_v be_v popish_o affect_v for_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v have_v a_o episcopal_a power_n and_o authority_n we_o find_v no_o christian_a church_n without_o bishop_n till_o the_o reformation_n that_o be_v for_o 1500_o year_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o never_o think_v popery_n can_v have_v plead_v such_o antiquity_n and_o early_a prescription_n that_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n challenge_v over_o all_o other_o bishop_n and_o secular_a prince_n nay_o that_o uncontrollable_a authority_n he_o challenge_v over_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o change_v and_o alter_v they_o by_o his_o infallible_a decree_n when_o he_o please_v his_o absolute_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v no_o doubt_n the_o perfection_n of_o that_o apostasy_n which_o be_v foretell_v shall_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o if_o our_o bishop_n challenge_v any_o such_o power_n to_o themselves_o i_o will_v own_v they_o to_o be_v antichristian_a and_o popish_a but_o we_o may_v see_v what_o admirable_a reformer_n those_o be_v like_a to_o make_v who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o apostolical_a office_n and_o antichristian_a usurpation_n but_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v popish_a i_o beseech_v you_o wherein_o as_o it_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n then_o our_o saviour_n teach_v man_n popery_n for_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n must_v be_v rank_a popery_n which_o consist_v only_o of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n compose_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o be_v there_o any_o remain_v of_o popish_a worship_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v there_o any_o prayer_n to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v our_o prayer_n conceal_v from_o we_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o we_o say_v what_o petition_n we_o put_v up_o to_o god_n do_v you_o find_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n or_o any_o relic_n of_o it_o in_o our_o liturgy_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n for_o our_o reform_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n who_o purge_v our_o worship_n from_o all_o these_o abomination_n but_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o popery_n still_o this_o i_o will_v in_o part_n grant_v but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o mass-book_n be_v not_o popery_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o creed_n ten_o commandment_n and_o lord_n prayer_n be_v part_n of_o popery_n the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o you_o must_v consider_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o true_a church_n corrupt_v and_o degenerate_v from_o its_o primitive_a institution_n for_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o inferior_a in_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o several_a age_n after_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o its_o great_a degeneracy_n it_o retain_v some_o small_a
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
he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n legal_a wash_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o like_a and_o have_v only_o institute_v baptism_n as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n which_o can_v be_v think_v grievous_a and_o troublesome_a when_o it_o be_v administer_v but_o once_o to_o a_o man_n for_o his_o life_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o a_o stand_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o deny_v obedience_n to_o one_o easy_a command_n when_o our_o lord_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o such_o a_o grievous_a and_o unsupportable_a yoke_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o as_o much_o as_o man_n talk_v of_o christian_a liberty_n they_o little_o value_v that_o love_n which_o purchase_v it_o it_o at_o so_o dear_a rate_n other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v not_o whole_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o yet_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o communicate_v often_o so_o they_o do_v it_o some_o time_n though_o very_o seldom_o they_o comply_v with_o our_o saviour_n institution_n who_o have_v command_v we_o indeed_o to_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o have_v not_o appoint_v how_o often_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o fix_a and_o settle_a time_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o plain_a argument_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v this_o supper_n as_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n if_o he_o have_v intend_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v receive_v these_o mystery_n only_o on_o some_o set_n and_o solemn_a time_n he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o have_v appoint_v no_o time_n for_o it_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o expect_v from_o christian_n in_o all_o their_o public_a religious_a assembly_n when_o ever_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o thus_o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o never_o meet_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n but_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v part_n and_o always_o account_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n this_o be_v do_v every_o day_n as_o be_v general_o conclude_v from_o that_o short_a history_n we_o have_v of_o their_o daily_a conversation_n which_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n 46._o in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o eucharistical_a feast_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o custom_n of_o receive_v every_o day_n continue_v some_o age_n after_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n in_o st._n hierom_n time_n and_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n 2._o and_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n denounce_v excommunication_n against_o those_o christian_n who_o come_v to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o other_o religious_a office_n but_o go_v away_o without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n afterward_o as_o man_n zeal_n in_o religion_n decay_v so_o they_o abate_v in_o the_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n and_o from_o every_o day_n it_o come_v to_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o week_n or_o every_o lord_n day_n till_o it_o grow_v so_o dis-used_n that_o the_o church_n be_v force_v to_o make_v provision_n by_o her_o public_a canon_n that_o every_o christian_n shall_v at_o least_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n three_o time_n a_o year_n on_o the_o three_o great_a feast_n of_o the_o church_n christmas_n easter_n and_o whitsunday_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n confine_v it_o to_o no_o time_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o expound_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o understand_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n that_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o a_o excuse_n for_o communicate_v seldom_o that_o i_o want_v a_o fair_a apology_n to_o make_v for_o ourselves_o for_o communicate_v so_o seldom_o as_o once_o a_o month_n unless_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o age_n the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o that_o little_a sense_n man_n have_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v think_v a_o good_a apology_n 2._o for_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o as_o christ_n have_v institute_v this_o holy_a supper_n so_o he_o have_v institute_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o 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the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n you_o can_v more_v effectual_o praise_v any_o man_n than_o to_o show_v the_o visible_a remains_o and_o monument_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o charity_n as_o the_o widow_n weep_v show_v the_o coat_n and_o garment_n 39_o which_o dorcas_n make_v while_o she_o be_v with_o they_o thus_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o speak_v such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o behold_v lord_n here_o be_v the_o token_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o we_o thy_o own_o son_n bleed_v and_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n thy_o eternal_a son_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o who_o thy_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v die_v upon_o the_o cross_n a_o shameful_a accurse_a linger_a torment_a death_n scorn_v and_o reproach_v of_o man_n and_o forsake_v of_o god_n who_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o struggle_v with_o the_o fear_n 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