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religion_n prove_v sense_n true_a 4,551 5 6.4241 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59850 A practical discourse of religious assemblies by Will. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1681 (1681) Wing S3322; ESTC R27485 148,095 402

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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
afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n that_o be_v who_o do_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o oppose_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n answerable_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o 10._o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o reproach_v the_o ruler_n of_o 28._o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v express_o call_v do_v presumptuous_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o 5._o the_o priest_n that_o stand_v to_o minister_v before_o 12._o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o these_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o 15._o be_v go_v astray_o and_o whoever_o compare_v this_o chapter_n with_o st._n iude_n epistle_n will_v find_v that_o st._n peter_n and_o s._n jude_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n for_o their_o character_n do_v exact_o agree_v and_o of_o they_o s._n jude_n tell_v we_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o 19_o sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o man_n ever_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o gross_a heretic_n the_o several_a sect_n of_o gnostic_n of_o who_o irenaeus_n and_o epiphanius_n give_v we_o a_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o name_n heresy_n which_o proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o separation_n come_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o corrupt_v and_o heretical_a doctrine_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o we_o may_v find_v some_o remain_v of_o this_o ancient_a and_o original_a use_n of_o these_o word_n in_o after-age_n for_o though_o schism_n common_o be_v use_v in_o church-writer_n to_o signify_v separation_n from_o church-communion_n and_o heresy_n to_o signify_v false_a doctrine_n yet_o separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o be_v only_o ocasion_v upon_o a_o dispute_n about_o discipline_n without_o any_o other_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v heresy_n thus_o st._n cyprian_n i_o remember_v call_v the_o schism_n of_o novatianus_n haereticam_fw-la pravitatem_fw-la heretical_a impiety_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n of_o antonianus_n quam_fw-la haeresin_fw-la novatianus_n introduxisset_fw-la what_o heresy_n novatianus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o he_o allege_v nothing_o but_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o curious_o 52._o to_o inquire_v what_o he_o teach_v who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o whatever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o adherent_n be_v call_v haeretica_fw-la factio_fw-la a_o heretical_a 39_o faction_n though_o the_o schism_n be_v occasion_v only_o by_o a_o dispute_n of_o discipline_n concern_v the_o restore_n the_o lapse_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n without_o any_o other_o error_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v call_v heresy_n and_o though_o heresy_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v corrupt_a doctrine_n yet_o a_o mere_a error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v not_o think_v a_o complete_a formal_a heresy_n without_o such_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n as_o end_v in_o separation_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n describe_v heretic_n to_o be_v 51._o those_o who_o hold_v some_o false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o when_o they_o be_v reprove_v in_o order_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o truth_n and_o sobricty_n of_o judgement_n do_v obstinate_o resist_v and_o refuse_v to_o correct_v their_o poisonous_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o persist_v in_o defend_v they_o thus_o they_o become_v heretic_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n become_v its_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o father_n in_o that_o fame_a say_v errare_fw-la possum_fw-la hereticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la though_o he_o may_v err_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o beside_o those_o division_n among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n which_o be_v call_v schism_n by_o st._n paul_n there_o be_v formal_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o a_o much_o more_o heinous_a nature_n which_o none_o in_o those_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o such_o separation_n be_v always_o condemn_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o heresy_n and_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n though_o such_o separatist_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o fundamental_a 231._o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v not_o what_o dr._n owen_n gain_v by_o prove_v that_o separation_n be_v no_o schism_n when_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o much_o great_a evil_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v allow_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n when_o it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n in_o a_o church_n any_o one_o will_v reasonable_o think_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o much_o great_a evil_a for_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n be_v then_o come_v to_o their_o height_n and_o perfection_n when_o they_o make_v friend_n brethren_n and_o confederate_n part_n company_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o less_o quarrel_n shall_v be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o great_a quarrel_n unless_o he_o think_v it_o be_v with_o schism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o leprosy_n that_o when_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v overspread_v with_o it_o the_o leper_n be_v pronounce_v clean_o but_o the_o most_o material_a inquiry_n here_o be_v what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n for_o our_o dissenter_n meet_v as_o public_o now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o forsake_v christian_a assembly_n and_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o primitive_a christian_n meet_v very_o private_o in_o small_a number_n or_o in_o the_o night_n or_o very_o early_a in_o the_o morning_n to_o avoid_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o yet_o such_o private_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n be_v not_o real_o conventicle_n but_o public_a church-assembly_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v not_o number_n nor_o meet_v open_o and_o public_o which_o make_v a_o church-assemble_o but_o hold_v such_o assembly_n by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o union_n with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o state_n when_o a_o great_a many_o people_n meet_v together_o without_o public_a authority_n it_o be_v a_o riot_n not_o a_o legal_a assembly_n public_a place_n of_o worship_n allow_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n public_a for_o the_o 171._o primitive_a christian_n allow_v no_o separate_a assembly_n no_o congregation_n but_o what_o meet_v in_o the_o public_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v a_o express_a canon_n in_o the_o council_n of_o gangra_n that_o if_o any_o shall_v 6._o take_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n private_o to_o preach_v at_o home_n and_o make_v light_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o leave_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o bishop_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o public_a worship_n be_v that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v in_o public_a church_n or_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n in_o other_o place_n by_o the_o allowance_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o have_v no_o such_o allowance_n and_o authority_n must_v be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o separation_n for_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n lawful_a but_o what_o make_v it_o necessary_a ii_o this_o follow_a treatise_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o these_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o those_o who_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o in_o contempt_n of_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o do_v not_o go_v to_o church_n because_o they_o think_v they_o
of_o external_a worship_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n how_o we_o can_v pray_v either_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n since_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o no_o one_o duty_n be_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o say_v while_o man_n have_v such_o wild_a unpracticable_a notion_n in_o their_o head_n which_o when_o they_o be_v pursue_v to_o their_o last_o issue_n overthrow_v all_o manner_n of_o external_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o end_n in_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o quakerism_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o comprehension_n and_o concession_n and_o while_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o think_v it_o as_o innocent_a a_o thing_n to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n as_o to_o go_v from_o one_o parish-church_n to_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o sense_n what_o a_o necessary_a duty_n christian_a communion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o damn_v sin_n schism_n be_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o do_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o desire_v to_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n must_v earnest_o exhort_v persuade_v and_o convince_v as_o well_o as_o yield_v and_o comply_v the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v all_o in_o from_o the_o grow_a power_n and_o secret_a conspiracy_n of_o the_o popish_a faction_n make_v all_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o call_v aloud_o for_o union_n our_o dissenter_n who_o never_o do_v nor_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o unite_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o cry_n against_o popery_n and_o their_o design_n of_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v this_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o accomplish_v their_o end_n and_o have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o libel_v church_n and_o churchman_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o state_n this_o have_v put_v many_o worthy_a son_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v impatient_a to_o hear_v their_o mother_n revile_v and_o slander_v upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n from_o their_o rude_a calumny_n and_o yet_o to_o express_v their_o readiness_n to_o comply_v and_o unite_v upon_o such_o term_n when_o ever_o public_a authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a as_o will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v our_o constitution_n the_o first_o they_o have_v do_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o sober_a reply_n and_o how_o fruitless_a their_o charity_n be_v in_o attempt_v the_o second_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o will_v convince_v all_o man_n who_o can_v patient_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o term_n of_o concord_n but_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o not_o ambitious_a to_o thrust_v myself_o into_o this_o scuffle_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o disputant_n but_o make_v a_o close_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o i_o hope_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n be_v a_o little_a over_o may_v prove_v a_o more_o powerful_a conviction_n to_o all_o well-meaning_a man_n than_o the_o best_a and_o most_o unanswerable_a reason_n have_v hitherto_o do_v part_n i._o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o address_n and_o exhortation_n to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n sect_n i._o some_o proposal_n make_v to_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n 1._o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n 4._o that_o they_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n first_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o christian_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o any_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n first_o the_o speculative_a second_o the_o practical_a atheist_n first_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n despise_v his_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o fear_v or_o religious_a adoration_n those_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v in_o prudence_n conceal_v their_o atheism_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o perform_v all_o the_o external_n act_v of_o worship_n but_o yet_o few_o atheist_n have_v so_o much_o wit_n or_o good_a breed_n as_o not_o to_o affront_v the_o universal_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a dispute_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n nor_o attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o not_o worship_v god_n by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v this_o require_v a_o large_a discourse_n than_o my_o present_a design_n will_v allow_v and_o have_v be_v already_o do_v more_o than_o once_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n by_o much_o better_a pen_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v three_o or_o four_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a proposal_n to_o they_o first_o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o serious_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o argue_v now_o from_o natural_a notion_n and_o anticipation_n or_o those_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o mankind_n because_o the_o atheist_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v only_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o education_n and_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v have_v such_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n in_o our_o head_n if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v they_o though_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o these_o principle_n shall_v first_o come_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n who_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o man_n and_o how_o he_o come_v so_o ready_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o so_o careful_o to_o propagate_v they_o to_o posterity_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a how_o mankind_n shall_v so_o universal_o assent_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n etc._n etc._n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o agreeable_a to_o the_o make_v and_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o not_o to_o be_v natural_a notion_n but_o i_o say_v to_o let_v pass_v this_o now_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v these_o man_n to_o consult_v a_o little_a with_o the_o inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o natural_a impression_n the_o necessary_a effort_n impetus_fw-la and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n as_o a_o stone_n natural_o fall_v downward_o and_o the_o fire_n as_o natural_o ascend_v now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o education_n shall_v put_v new_a inclination_n or_o new_a passion_n into_o our_o mind_n education_n may_v direct_v our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n to_o unnatural_a object_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o make_v new_a inclination_n and_o passion_n than_o it_o can_v make_v a_o new_a soul_n now_o among_o all_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o strong_a and_o invincible_a than_o the_o inclination_n to_o religion_n to_o worship_v something_o or_o other_o as_o a_o god_n though_o the_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o some_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o river_n and_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o god_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o universal_a inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o this_o universal_a consent_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o impulse_n and_o tendency_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n than_o to_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o reason_n always_o join_v the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n together_o but_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o blind_a and_o confuse_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o thrust_v forward_o to_o such_o a_o act_n without_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o its_o object_n just_a as_o the_o appetite_n
consist_v in_o such_o bold_a allusion_n as_o any_o man_n may_v make_v who_o have_v neither_o modesty_n nor_o grace_n and_o those_o man_n who_o have_v no_o way_n to_o show_v their_o wit_n but_o by_o abuse_v their_o maker_n have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o the_o very_a scum_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o wit._n three_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v what_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v to_o public_a society_n by_o laugh_v at_o religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o firm_a bond_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o if_o once_o man_n shall_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nothing_o but_o external_a fear_n and_o power_n can_v restrain_v and_o govern_v they_o atheism_n be_v a_o secret_a which_o he_o who_o have_v it_o aught_o in_o prudence_n and_o interest_n to_o keep_v to_o himself_o for_o a_o atheist_n can_v never_o mend_v his_o condition_n but_o may_v great_o injure_v himself_o by_o propagate_a atheism_n all_o the_o end_v he_o can_v serve_v by_o atheism_n he_o enjoy_v in_o great_a perfection_n while_o no_o man_n understand_v the_o secret_a but_o himself_o for_o the_o only_a end_n he_o can_v propose_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n to_o have_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o his_o sensual_a enjoyment_n but_o what_o caution_n and_o interest_n suggest_v that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v his_o lust_n by_o any_o mean_n so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v secure_v himself_o from_o present_a danger_n now_o when_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n alone_o he_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o unequal_a a_o match_n as_o to_o fight_v with_o a_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v tie_v when_o your_o own_o be_v free_a but_o now_o if_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o wit_n and_o learning_n proselyte_n a_o whole_a nation_n to_o atheism_n hell_n will_v break_v loose_a upon_o earth_n and_o he_o may_v soon_o find_v himself_o expose_v to_o all_o those_o violence_n and_o injury_n which_o he_o now_o secure_o practice_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v any_o wickedness_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o but_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o humane_a power_n this_o world_n will_v quick_o prove_v a_o very_a miserable_a state_n and_o scene_z of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n of_o rape_n and_o adultery_n of_o violence_n and_o rapine_n of_o blood_n and_o murder_n especial_o if_o the_o great_a leviathan_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sovereign_a power_n understand_v his_o own_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o atheistical_a subject_n do_v they_o so_o that_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v think_v it_o his_o interest_n to_o promote_v atheism_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v his_o interest_n to_o deride_v religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n four_o another_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v at_o least_o be_v modest_a atheist_n be_v for_o fear_v that_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o god_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o to_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v none_o though_o they_o think_v they_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o man_n prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a they_o pretend_v to_o though_o they_o know_v how_o to_o make_v a_o world_n without_o god_n and_o can_v laugh_v at_o the_o silly_a cheat_n which_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o mankind_n by_o some_o cunning_a statesman_n who_o invent_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v their_o government_n more_o easy_a and_o secure_a yet_o after_o all_o they_o dare_v not_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o till_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o can_v never_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o lest_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n they_o shall_v offer_v as_o few_o affront_v to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v here_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v when_o he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o so_o many_o way_n of_o know_v he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a affront_n without_o any_o other_o additional_a aggravation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a incurable_a ignorance_n which_o make_v man_n atheist_n the_o fault_n be_v much_o less_o than_o when_o they_o express_v so_o much_o scorn_v and_o contempt_n of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o this_o look_n like_o a_o profess_a enmity_n to_o the_o deity_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o he_o for_o want_n of_o sufficient_a evidence_n but_o that_o they_o hate_v and_o despise_v the_o least_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n call_v god_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o separate_v the_o disbelief_n of_o a_o god_n from_o a_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o as_o certain_o it_o may_v be_v be_v man_n atheist_n mere_o for_o want_n of_o evidence_n it_o will_v concern_v such_o man_n though_o they_o enjoy_v the_o other_o liberty_n which_o atheism_n allow_v yet_o to_o be_v very_o modest_a and_o civil_a even_o to_o the_o fanciful_a idea_n and_o imagination_n of_o a_o god_n for_o five_o whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o argue_v great_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o laugh_v at_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n all_o religion_n indeed_o be_v a_o mistake_n but_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a mistake_n when_o there_o be_v such_o evidence_n for_o it_o as_o convince_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n even_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o inquisitive_a man_n and_o what_o we_o call_v religion_n be_v so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o high_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a all_o mankind_n have_v reason_n to_o wish_v it_o be_v true_a what_o more_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a be_v can_v there_o possible_o be_v than_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a holy_a and_o just_a be_v who_o make_v and_o who_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o a_o parent_n and_o take_v care_n not_o only_o of_o the_o great_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n but_o of_o every_o particular_a creature_n how_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o appear_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n what_o man_n who_o love_v himself_o can_v forbear_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v one_o on_o who_o he_o may_v secure_o trust_v and_o depend_v in_o all_o event_n and_o what_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n than_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v so_o perfect_a and_o glorious_a a_o be_v to_o pay_v our_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o our_o great_a maker_n and_o constant_a benefactor_n which_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o love_v reverence_n and_o obey_v the_o most_o lovely_a excellent_a powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o noble_a than_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o live_v happy_o a_o few_o year_n in_o this_o world_n but_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o a_o thing_n so_o agreeable_a to_o those_o vehement_a desire_n of_o immortality_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o nature_n and_o do_v so_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a enjoyment_n of_o sense_n that_o it_o make_v a_o truly-religious_a man_n almost_o as_o much_o differ_v from_o earthly_a man_n and_o sottish_a atheist_n as_o a_o man_n differ_v from_o a_o beast_n here_o certain_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v contemptible_a nothing_o but_o what_o deserve_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o though_o the_o atheist_n may_v think_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o all_o this_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o foolish_a choice_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o second_o proposal_n to_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v public_a affront_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n three_o if_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v can_v persuade_v these_o man_n to_o treat_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n with_o some_o external_a modesty_n and_o respect_n my_o next_o proposal_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o indeed_o they_o can_v do_v this_o unless_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o atheism_n and_o open_o profess_v it_o or_o at_o least_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o
law_n of_o moses_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n do_v use_v a_o great_a many_o moysaicall_a rite_n only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o typical_a nature_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o circumcise_v timothy_n not_o in_o token_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n but_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n worship_v in_o the_o temple_n keep_v their_o religious_a festival_n and_o 22_o observe_v their_o law_n but_o no_o christian_n can_v do_v this_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o they_o observe_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o believe_v jew_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v lawful_o observe_v those_o 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be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a sacredness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o such_o as_o he_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o wash_a cup_n platter_n and_o hand_n before_o dinner_n thus_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v 21._o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o their_o abstain_v from_o certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n fling_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o custom_n they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o merit_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v great_a number_n of_o they_o such_o as_o pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o custom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v that_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o sorry_a thing_n as_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n but_o christ_n expect_v from_o we_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o superstitious_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o hope_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n by_o profess_v poverty_n celibacy_n and_o blind_a obedience_n by_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n in_o lent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o vain_a superstition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o our_o knee_n as_o a_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n not_o as_o meritorious_a superstition_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v often_o declaim_v against_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o st._n paul_n mean_v any_o thing_n like_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o circumstance_n or_o appendage_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o arbitrary_a superstition_n as_o they_o turn_v into_o formal_a act_n of_o religion_n the_o four_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v our_o present_a argument_n the_o difference_n christ_n put_v between_o the_o substantial_a and_o the_o instrumental_a part_n of_o worship_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o any_o ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o decent_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v 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be_v very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o forsake_v it_o for_o nothing_o but_o a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o sin_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o separation_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v how_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o pray_v always_o by_o a_o form_n or_o to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v such_o practice_n as_o brief_o to_o point_v to_o some_o few_o thing_n 1._o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o use_v it_o it_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o forbid_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o a_o form_n as_o a_o form_n can_v be_v unlawful_a 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o no_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o oft_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o what_o place_n in_o what_o posture_n in_o what_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o word_n in_o baptism_n but_o not_o any_o one_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v some_o circumstance_n for_o every_o action_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a performance_n and_o great_a solemnity_n of_o such_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n leave_v all_o such_o to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o law_n the_o church_n 2._o be_v in_o a_o infant_n state_n like_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n which_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o that_o typical_a temple-worship_n be_v exact_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o
a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n london_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxi_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o belove_a parishioner_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n and_o st._n botolph-billingsgate_n grace_n peace_n and_o truth_n be_v multiply_v my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n i_o hope_v we_o be_v all_o sensible_a of_o that_o great_a account_n we_o must_v short_o give_v to_o god_n of_o all_o our_o action_n which_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n both_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o neither_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o interest_n prejudice_n and_o partiality_n in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o many_o dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o any_o impetuous_a lust_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o it_o that_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o to_o you_o make_v i_o concern_v as_o i_o love_v my_o own_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n of_o you_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n fit_v with_o great_a ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o office_n yet_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o can_v charge_v myself_o with_o any_o wilful_a neglect_n either_o in_o inform_v myself_o or_o instruct_v you_o i_o be_o as_o careful_a as_o i_o can_v not_o to_o mistake_v myself_o and_o resolve_o honest_a not_o to_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n from_o you_o though_o in_o this_o age_n plain_a and_o free_a deal_n meet_v with_o no_o great_a encouragement_n the_o great_a hindrance_n i_o have_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o ministry_n among_o you_o be_v that_o many_o of_o you_o who_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o attend_v my_o instruction_n as_o i_o be_o to_o instruct_v you_o and_o must_v as_o certain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o neglect_n as_o i_o must_v of_o i_o do_v yet_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n withdraw_v your_o self_n from_o your_o parish_n church_n and_o make_v it_o in_o that_o way_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o my_o duty_n to_o you_o i_o have_v send_v this_o little_a book_n to_o wait_v on_o you_o at_o your_o house_n and_o to_o invite_v you_o to_o our_o communion_n to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o have_v keep_v you_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o since_o some_o of_o you_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v my_o ministry_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o other_o neglect_v which_o be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o have_v here_o admonish_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a consideration_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o i_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n which_o be_v design_v for_o your_o instruction_n as_o general_o useful_a as_o may_v be_v and_o take_v a_o large_a scope_n than_o i_o hope_v have_v be_v necessary_a have_v it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o your_o private_a use_n since_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o nor_o the_o world_n think_v that_o i_o charge_v you_o with_o all_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o i_o there_o reprove_v but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n guilty_a of_o they_o all_o and_o possible_o this_o book_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o such_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o pray_v god_n they_o may_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o plain_a but_o seasonable_a instruction_n but_o whatever_o other_o man_n do_v i_o think_v i_o may_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n expect_v from_o you_o that_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v and_o consider_v this_o discourse_n i_o have_v contrive_v it_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o fear_v some_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v fit_v to_o every_o capacity_n for_o as_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n among_o man_n so_o i_o do_v not_o scrupulous_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o low_a be_v as_o st._n paul_n speak_v a_o debtor_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o of_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n above_o your_o reach_n do_v not_o present_o fling_v the_o book_n away_o for_o you_o will_v find_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a concernment_n fit_v to_o very_o ordinary_a understanding_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o may_v think_v sharp_a or_o severe_a god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o anger_v any_o man_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a severity_n but_o there_o be_v some_o severe_a truth_n which_o yet_o must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v speak_v if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o good_a and_o those_o patient_n who_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o cure_n must_v perish_v under_o more_o gentle_a remedy_n i_o only_o beg_v this_o requital_n of_o my_o pain_n and_o care_n of_o you_o that_o if_o you_o have_v any_o objection_n against_o what_o be_v offer_v if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n you_o do_v not_o understand_v you_o will_v consult_v i_o in_o it_o if_o you_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o thing_n let_v i_o know_v it_o first_o before_o you_o publish_v it_o to_o other_o and_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v have_v a_o care_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n but_o comply_v with_o your_o duty_n and_o rejoice_v that_o you_o be_v deliver_v from_o any_o mistake_v i_o beseech_v god_n give_v you_o a_o good_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o heart_n obedient_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o preserve_v you_o blameless_a until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n w._n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n page_z 1_o what_o religious_a worship_n be_v page_z 3_o of_o public_a worship_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o forsake_v public_a assembly_n page_z 4_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o church_n page_z 7_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n page_z 9_o what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n page_z 15_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n page_n 17_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n page_n 18_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v page_n 20_o part_v 1_n chapter_n 1._o section_n 1._o concern_v speculative_a atheist_n pag._n 28_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 29_o what_o natural_a inclination_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o education_n pag._n 30_o inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n natural_a and_o yet_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n pag._n 32_o how_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n prove_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n imprint_v on_o man_n mind_n pag._n 35_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n be_v contrary_n to_o good_a manner_n a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n pag._n 40_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n expose_v such_o scoffer_n to_o contempt_n pag._n 42_o to_o deride_v religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o man_n interest_n as_o be_v injurious_a to_o public_a society_n pag._n 45_o to_o affront_n god_n more_o dangerous_a than_o mere_a atheism_n pag._n 46_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n pag._n 48_o atheist_n shall_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n pag._n 50_o non_n intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n pag._n 52_o section_n 2._o concern_v the_o practical_a atheist_n pag._n 53_o irreligion_n as_o great_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n as_o atheism_n pag._n 54_o not_o to_o worship_n be_v great_a injustice_n pag._n 56_o irreligion_n the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n pag._n 65_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n a_o obligation_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 73_o section_n 3._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o pag._n 82_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n pag._n 91_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 98_o every_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n fit_v to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 99_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o
of_o hunger_n which_o do_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o particular_a sort_n of_o food_n but_o only_o to_o eat_v for_o these_o natural_a inclination_n be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n with_o our_o natural_a passion_n which_o be_v not_o design_v to_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o wise_a consideration_n but_o to_o excite_v we_o more_o vigorous_o to_o action_n by_o a_o natural_a kind_n of_o thirst_n and_o appetite_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n act_v very_o foolish_o who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o their_o passion_n without_o expect_v the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o reason_n so_o do_v those_o man_n who_o follow_v their_o natural_a inclination_n without_o direct_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n how_o the_o inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n may_v be_v natural_a and_o yet_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o worship_v those_o thing_n for_o god_n which_o be_v no_o god_n and_o in_o worship_v a_o great_a many_o false_a god_n instead_o of_o one_o true_a god_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o what_o we_o call_v idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o when_o we_o prove_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o worship_v some_o god_n or_o other_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n they_o present_o reply_v that_o this_o argument_n will_v prove_v idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n also_o to_o be_v natural_a since_o mankind_n be_v not_o more_o universal_o agree_v in_o worship_v a_o god_n than_o they_o be_v in_o worship_v many_o false_a go_n now_o though_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o world_n be_v never_o without_o some_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o most_o prevail_a time_n of_o paganism_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n a_o great_a potent_a and_o flourish_a people_n be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o there_o be_v several_a very_o good_a answer_n return_v to_o this_o objection_n by_o learned_a man_n yet_o i_o confess_v none_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o clear_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o hint_v the_o difference_n between_o natural_a inclination_n and_o natural_a reason_n natural_a inclination_n work_v more_o necessary_o and_o to_o this_o we_o owe_v the_o universal_a consent_n in_o religious_a worship_n but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n mankind_n be_v to_o receive_v their_o direction_n concern_v the_o object_n and_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o natural_a reason_n which_o will_v discover_v the_o true_a god_n to_o they_o if_o they_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o exercise_v their_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a god_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o heathen_n do_v not_o for_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a rom._n 1._o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n and_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a superstition_n which_o show_v how_o the_o consent_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o natural_a inclination_n prove_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n when_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o great_a many_o false_a god_n can_v prove_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o neglect_v the_o direction_n of_o natural_a reason_n or_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o when_o man_n so_o vast_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o so_o universal_o agree_v in_o pay_v divine_a honour_n to_o some_o be_v or_o other_o this_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o mere_a custom_n or_o education_n or_o natural_a reason_n for_o then_o they_o will_v agree_v as_o well_o in_o the_o object_n and_o nature_n as_o in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n not_o govern_v and_o conduct_v by_o right_a reason_n and_o i_o shall_v observe_v further_o that_o natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n be_v only_o according_a to_o the_o original_a design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o our_o wise-maker_n subservient_fw-fr to_o right_a reason_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o necessary_a spring_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n when_o mere_a dry_a reason_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n will_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a quickness_n and_o vigour_n in_o pursue_v its_o command_n hence_o i_o say_v these_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o visible_a in_o all_o mankind_n do_v plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n imprint_v upon_o man_n mind_n for_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o natural_a inclination_n be_v there_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v they_o no_o more_o than_o there_o will_v be_v of_o our_o natural_a passion_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o desire_v and_o love_n be_v there_o no_o natural_a object_n proportion_v to_o such_o passion_n and_o therefore_o such_o natural_a inclination_n plain_o prove_v that_o those_o notion_n mankind_n always_o have_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o mere_a education_n but_o of_o nature_n for_o if_o one_o be_v natural_a both_o must_v be_v so_o natural_a inclination_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o no_o better_o than_o a_o blind_a impetus_fw-la must_v have_v some_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o guide_v they_o for_o what_o the_o atheist_n say_v that_o we_o owe_v the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n only_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o parent_n and_o tutor_n when_o we_o be_v child_n and_o that_o this_o belief_n take_v so_o early_o a_o possession_n of_o our_o mind_n grow_v up_o into_o such_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o mistake_v it_o for_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o that_o our_o inclination_n to_o religion_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o this_o belief_n be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o say_v that_o our_o natural_a passion_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o desire_v be_v not_o implant_v in_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v only_o owe_v to_o the_o impression_n of_o external_n object_n and_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v light_n and_o external_n object_n to_o be_v see_v a_o man_n will_v see_v without_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v hear_v without_o ear_n for_o what_o our_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o inclination_n and_o passion_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o external_n impression_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o quick_a perception_n of_o they_o no_o belief_n or_o opinion_n whatsoever_o can_v put_v any_o new_a inclination_n into_o our_o mind_n to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a inclination_n to_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o excite_v some_o inclination_n which_o lay_v dormant_a in_o we_o and_o which_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o before_o but_o to_o put_v new_a inclination_n into_o we_o be_v to_o create_v new_a power_n and_o faculty_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o since_o this_o inclination_n to_o religion_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o so_o universal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o can_v result_v from_o any_o notion_n and_o opinion_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n from_o without_o nor_o do_v at_o all_o depend_v on_o they_o for_o some_o man_n can_v baffle_v their_o reason_n and_o think_v they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v all_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n when_o they_o can_v silence_v and_o conquer_v their_o inclination_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o this_o the_o atheist_n feel_v and_o endeavour_n to_o laugh_v away_o as_o a_o mere_a childish_a superstition_n whereas_o be_v this_o inclination_n owe_v to_o opinion_n and_o prejudice_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v more_o strong_a and_o more_o last_a than_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o our_o modern_a atheist_n who_o pretend_v such_o a_o intimate_a knowledge_n and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o nature_n will_v be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n if_o they_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n and_o interpretation_n of_o those_o strong_a impression_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o feel_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o
all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o natural_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o very_o often_o end_v in_o downright_a atheism_n man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n have_v no_o other_o restraint_n from_o the_o great_a villainy_n but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n their_o own_o natural_a temper_n their_o education_n and_o converse_n and_o suchlike_a consideration_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o can_v keep_v very_o few_o man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n within_o any_o tolerable_a bound_n and_o thus_o man_n run_v into_o the_o wild_a excess_n and_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o stain_v their_o reputation_n till_o they_o grow_v hopeless_a desperate_a and_o impudent_a sinner_n man_n who_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o prayer_n nor_o absent_v themselves_o whole_o from_o christian_a assembly_n do_v what_o they_o can_v find_v great_a check_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o great_a many_o sober_a interval_n they_o can_v say_v their_o prayer_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n but_o their_o conscience_n will_v reproach_v they_o and_o put_v they_o at_o least_o upon_o some_o imperfect_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o when_o they_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o often_o be_v so_o startle_v and_o scare_v and_o labour_n under_o such_o strong_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v any_o long_o and_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o forsake_v those_o man_n who_o attend_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o grace_n but_o sometime_o work_v such_o miraculous_a cure_n as_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o a_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n can_v never_o be_v so_o desperate_a and_o hopeless_a as_o they_o be_v who_o take_v care_n to_o think_v of_o he_o as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o public_a instruction_n that_o they_o may_v sin_v on_o without_o disturbance_n till_o they_o drop_v into_o hell_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a the_o practical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o think_v himself_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a level_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v they_o fool_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o speculative_a but_o of_o the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o though_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o yet_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o he_o that_o be_v wisdom_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 10._o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 10._o the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n now_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n prove_v also_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o that_o which_o contradict_v the_o best_a reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o worship_n god_n found_v on_o the_o high_a wisdom_n what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o to_o undermine_v our_o own_o interest_n to_o lay_v train_n of_o misery_n for_o ourselves_o and_o to_o forfeit_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n that_o be_v curse_v contemptible_a wit_n which_o will_v droll_n away_o a_o man_n life_n and_o his_o soul_n together_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o transform_v a_o man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o then_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v all_o the_o wild_a conceit_n of_o ape_n and_o monkey_n and_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o a_o fox_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man._n he_o may_v have_v a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o wit_n and_o may_v be_v reckon_v the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o be_v fall_v vast_o below_o the_o attainment_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o brute_n creature_n have_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o reason_n fit_v to_o the_o low_a attainment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o they_o common_o reason_n more_o wise_o and_o true_o in_o their_o own_o concern_v than_o irreligious_a man_n do_v in_o they_o but_o they_o can_v know_v god_n nor_o worship_v he_o they_o can_v see_v nor_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n their_o reason_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o be_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o be_v be_v a_o irreligious_a man_n who_o reason_n indeed_o be_v capable_a of_o high_a and_o noble_a flight_n but_o be_v pinion_v down_o and_o confine_v to_o present_v and_o sensible_a object_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n into_o a_o brutish_a state_n now_o if_o that_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o a_o man_n which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o inferior_a creature_n than_o religion_n as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o must_v be_v his_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o wit_n irreligious_a man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o below_o the_o attainment_n nay_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o may_v set_v they_o a_o degree_n above_o the_o wit_n of_o a_o beast_n but_o be_v no_o better_a than_o folly_n in_o a_o man._n 2._o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o folly_n than_o for_o man_n to_o act_v foolish_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o vast_a concernment_n and_o this_o consideration_n impeache_n the_o irreligious_a man_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a folly_n as_o to_o give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o some_o neglect_n to_o worship_n god_n out_o of_o a_o careless_a trifle_a humour_n they_o never_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o he_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n what_o the_o danger_n and_o punishment_n of_o irreligion_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o to_o use_v the_o wise_a thought_n and_o best_a consideration_n we_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n than_o irreligion_n be_v folly_n other_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o it_o disturb_v they_o in_o the_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o put_v a_o great_a many_o black_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n into_o their_o head_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a as_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n and_o run_v down_o a_o precipice_n because_o it_o make_v we_o melancholy_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o see_v our_o danger_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v how_o to_o avoid_v it_o other_o take_v offence_n at_o religion_n because_o they_o see_v a_o great_a many_o hypocrite_n zealous_a pretender_n to_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a never_o mind_n religion_n as_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o mind_v religion_n because_o hypocrite_n pretend_v to_o religion_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o can_v they_o be_v sincere_o religious_a though_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a many_o religious_a man_n who_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o better_a reason_n to_o be_v religious_a without_o hypocrisy_n than_o to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n to_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v not_o hypocrite_n other_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o as_o light_a to_o darkness_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o
purpose_n to_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o any_o form_n of_o religion_n for_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v after_o all_o and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a be_v of_o no_o religion_n as_o not_o of_o the_o right_n but_o if_o these_o man_n do_v but_o wise_o consider_v of_o what_o infinite_a concernment_n true_a religion_n be_v they_o will_v conclude_v quite_o otherwise_o that_o see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o will_v use_v the_o great_a diligence_n and_o honesty_n to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v those_o mistake_v which_o be_v mere_o the_o error_n of_o their_o understanding_n when_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o bias_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o false_a religion_n upon_o a_o design_n will_v be_v accept_v for_o his_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a father_n and_o very_o ready_a to_o pardon_v all_o invincible_a mistake_v when_o they_o be_v not_o make_v invincible_a by_o our_o own_o fault_n but_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o find_v the_o right_a be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o traveller_n when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o cross_a way_n shall_v resolve_v to_o go_v no_o far_o for_o fear_v he_o shall_v mistake_v the_o right_a road_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o get_v home_o if_o he_o go_v no_o far_o other_o be_v so_o tire_v with_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o hard_a labour_n all_o the_o week_n that_o true_o they_o must_v make_v sunday_n a_o holy_a day_n not_o for_o devotion_n but_o for_o rest_n and_o pastime_n as_o a_o holy_a day_n common_o now_o signify_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v go_v to_o church_n which_o will_v tire_v they_o more_o than_o all_o their_o week_n work_v do_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o feel_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o their_o body_n and_o must_v take_v care_n of_o they_o but_o their_o soul_n must_v shift_v for_o themselves_o they_o can_v bear_v hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n but_o never_o consider_v who_o can_v dwell_v with_o devour_a fire_n who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n but_o more_o of_o this_o present_o such_o kind_n of_o foolish_a reason_n as_o these_o make_v man_n neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v any_o man_n act_n or_o reason_n so_o weak_o in_o his_o worldly_a affair_n he_o will_v be_v beg_v for_o a_o fool_n if_o he_o be_v worth_a the_o keep_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v these_o man_n of_o the_o evil_a danger_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n 2._o let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o exhort_v all_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v sottish_o unconcern_v what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o soul_n after_o death_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o all_o man_n who_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o their_o life_n to_o get_v heaven_n who_o be_v impatient_o desirous_a to_o see_v god_n and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o who_o be_v afraid_a of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o of_o be_v banish_v from_o his_o presence_n i_o say_v these_o man_n be_v serious_a and_o hearty_a in_o their_o religion_n they_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o though_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o natural_a debt_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n yet_o god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v so_o order_v all_o the_o part_n of_o worship_n that_o we_o may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o act_n worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o serve_v and_o supply_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o worship_n of_o innocent_a creature_n consist_v principal_o in_o praise_v that_o great_a wise_a and_o bountiful_a maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n be_v fit_v to_o a_o lapse_v state_n to_o heal_v and_o recover_v our_o soul_n restore_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o new_a and_o glorious_a reward_n since_o we_o be_v sinner_n god_n have_v make_v it_o one_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o give_v we_o great_a encouragement_n to_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o they_o and_o can_v any_o man_n who_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v careless_a in_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n must_v thou_o die_v eternal_o sinner_n unless_o thou_o obtain_v thy_o pardon_n from_o god_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o reserve_v this_o work_n for_o thy_o last_o breath_n when_o thou_o be_v so_o hasty_a to_o procure_v a_o pardon_n from_o thy_o prince_n when_o thou_o have_v only_o forfeit_v a_o perish_a estate_n or_o a_o mortal_a life_n i_o think_v i_o shall_v see_v thou_o run_v with_o all_o speed_n to_o church_n for_o fear_v thou_o shall_v come_v too_o late_o to_o offer_v up_o thy_o confession_n and_o prayer_n with_o the_o congregation_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o thou_o and_o to_o receive_v that_o revive_a absolution_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o humble_a penitent_n confess_v and_o pray_v sinner_n and_o since_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n our_o manifold_a and_o great_a sin_n may_v just_o discourage_v we_o from_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o god_n god_n have_v in_o infinite_a mercy_n provide_v a_o great_a highpriest_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o have_v command_v we_o to_o come_v to_o he_o in_o his_o name_n and_o shall_v we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o our_o saviour_n intercession_n by_o neglect_v to_o beg_v pardon_n in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o great_a highpriest_n be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n incense_a and_o perfume_v with_o his_o own_o merit_n but_o this_o suppose_n that_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n have_v no_o part_n nor_o interest_n in_o his_o intercession_n he_o be_v a_o advocate_n for_o none_o but_o those_o who_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o since_o our_o nature_n be_v great_o corrupt_v and_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o unable_a to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o beg_v the_o supply_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o who_o ask_v he_o and_o when_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n how_o liable_a we_o be_v to_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n and_o how_o easy_o we_o be_v conquer_v by_o they_o and_o know_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v ever_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n unless_o we_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v any_o man_n who_o love_v his_o soul_n expose_v himself_o naked_a and_o unarm_v to_o a_o tempt_a world_n and_o devil_n without_o so_o much_o as_o beg_v the_o auxiliary_a force_n and_o divine_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v but_o shall_v never_o have_v without_o you_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o promote_v your_o secular_a interest_n when_o a_o city_n be_v besiege_v by_o powerful_a and_o numerous_a enemy_n they_o send_v ambassador_n to_o their_o ally_n and_o confederate_n and_o will_v never_o want_v help_n for_o want_n of_o ask_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o become_v the_o triumph_n and_o the_o scorn_n and_o a_o prey_n to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_v of_o cry_v to_o god_n to_o save_v we_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v the_o holy_a feast_n of_o his_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n as_o a_o conveyance_n of_o new_a life_n and_o grace_n to_o we_o and_o have_v those_o man_n any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o any_o honour_n for_o their_o crucify_a lord_n who_o deny_v themselves_o so_o inestimable_a a_o privilege_n of_o feast_v on_o the_o symbol_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n which_o seal_v to_o all_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 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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
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 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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 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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
run_v headlong_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n with_o themselves_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n lest_o tell_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v call_v bitterness_n and_o rail_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vile_a and_o lewd_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o again_o and_o think_v themselves_o slander_v if_o they_o do_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n never_o teach_v man_n to_o revile_v and_o reproach_v their_o governor_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n st._n jude_n give_v a_o great_a many_o hard_a word_n to_o some_o man_n in_o his_o day_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o apply_v to_o any_o in_o we_o who_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o but_o these_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o woe_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o have_v go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o cain_n and_o run_v greedy_o after_o the_o error_n of_o balaam_n for_o reward_n and_o perish_v in_o the_o gainsaying_n of_o core_n these_o be_v spot_n in_o your_o feast_n of_o charity_n when_o they_o feast_v with_o you_o feed_v themselves_o without_o fear_n cloud_n be_v they_o without_o water_n carry_v about_o of_o wind_n tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n rage_v wave_n of_o the_o sea_n foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n wander_v star_n to_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o that_o admirable_a rule_n of_o st._n austin_n in_o answer_n to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n whoever_o correct_v what_o he_o can_v 2._o by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n and_o shut_v out_o or_o lays_z aside_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o amendment_n as_o far_o as_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o modest_o disallow_v and_o yet_o uphold_v what_o can_v be_v part_v with_o without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a peacemaker_n sect_n ii_o contain_v some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v now_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a principle_n which_o may_v contribute_v towards_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n the_o thing_n common_o object_v to_o drive_v away_o our_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o like_a which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a and_o uncommand_v thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o we_o have_v always_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o break_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o religious_a office_n they_o can_v never_o produce_v any_o yet_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a never_o can_v and_o if_o man_n will_v abuse_v and_o scare_v themselves_o with_o some_o fanciful_a application_n of_o scripture_n and_o remote_a and_o illogical_a consequence_n there_o be_v no_o help_n that_o i_o know_v of_o since_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a work_n to_o answer_v all_o such_o cavil_n for_o man_n who_o can_v make_v objection_n without_o any_o just_a reason_n may_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n return_n answer_v too_o without_o end_n therefore_o the_o best_a and_o short_a way_n i_o can_v think_v of_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v satisfy_v all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o raise_v objection_n against_o any_o thing_n yet_o those_o objection_n must_v prove_v fallacious_a which_o contradict_v other_o great_a and_o apparent_a truth_n and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o these_o four_o general_a head_n first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n three_o the_o example_n of_o christ._n four_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a worship_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n thus_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o argue_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o 24._o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o wise_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o 2._o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o brief_o to_o our_o present_a case_n can_v any_o man_n who_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o creature_n for_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanks-givings_a to_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a form_n of_o word_n can_v god_n be_v please_v with_o the_o volubility_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o quickness_n of_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o invention_n more_o than_o with_o devout_a affection_n than_o with_o a_o soul_n inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n and_o possess_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o 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a_o offend_a and_o angry_a deity_n as_o a_o slave_n will_v do_v to_o pacify_v his_o lord_n and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o that_o which_o we_o call_v superstitious_a worship_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o superstitious_a man_n pay_v to_o god_n to_o appease_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o flatter_v he_o into_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o for_o superstition_n be_v proper_o seat_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o religion_n be_v and_o that_o be_v a_o superstitious_a worship_n which_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o superstition_n as_o that_o be_v true_a religious_a worship_n which_o express_v the_o sincere_a devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o those_o numerous_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o heathen_n at_o least_o they_o be_v abuse_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o superstitious_a mind_n to_o appease_v their_o angry_a god_n by_o the_o blood_n 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institute_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n in_o which_o so_o many_o ancient_a christian_n suffer_v martyrdom_n or_o frequent_a wash_n and_o purification_n or_o external_a severity_n to_o their_o body_n as_o whip_n and_o cut_v themselves_o till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o as_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n do_v or_o by_o prostitute_v their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n and_o defile_v themselves_o in_o honour_n of_o their_o wanton_a deity_n or_o by_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n and_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o severe_a and_o troublesome_a method_n in_o these_o and_o suchlike_a thing_n consist_v that_o superstitious_a worship_n which_o the_o heathen_n pay_v to_o their_o god_n in_o such_o external_a rite_n as_o be_v expensive_a costly_a or_o troublesome_a which_o they_o think_v apt_a and_o proper_a to_o atone_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o flatter_v their_o angry_a god_n into_o a_o good_a like_n of_o they_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n their_o worship_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o real_a and_o substantial_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o design_v and_o have_v no_o tendency_n in_o they_o to_o make_v they_o more_o like_a to_o god_n or_o to_o do_v any_o real_a honour_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n but_o be_v a_o external_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n like_o the_o crouching_n and_o fawn_n of_o slave_n to_o their_o imperious_a lord_n and_o thus_o a_o superstitious_a mind_n may_v turn_v even_o divine_a institution_n into_o a_o superstitious_a worship_n as_o the_o hypocritical_a jew_n do_v who_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o signification_n of_o those_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n appoint_v but_o dote_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o think_v to_o please_v god_n with_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o they_o they_o glory_v in_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o make_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o descend_v from_o abraham_n by_o carnal_a generation_n but_o take_v no_o care_n to_o imitate_v the_o faith_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n they_o boast_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a symbol_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o and_o residence_n among_o they_o though_o they_o make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n they_o punctual_o observe_v their_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o solemn_a assembly_n though_o they_o defile_v themselves_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n insomuch_o that_o god_n abhor_v his_o own_o worship_n as_o much_o as_o the_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o though_o he_o institute_v it_o himself_o yet_o deny_v that_o he_o require_v it_o from_o they_o when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v 11._o require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n and_o thus_o profess_a christian_n may_v and_o do_v turn_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n into_o the_o gross_a superstition_n when_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n that_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o hear_v sermon_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o which_o be_v to_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n to_o purify_v their_o mind_n from_o all_o earthliness_n and_o sensuality_n and_o thereby_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o spiritual_a world_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o superstition_n be_v not_o proper_o in_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o mind_n divine_a institution_n may_v be_v abuse_v to_o superstitious_a purpose_n and_o humane_a institution_n which_o be_v mere_a matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n may_v be_v use_v without_o superstition_n the_o superstition_n of_o heathen_n jew_n and_o christian_n differ_v in_o their_o act_n but_o agree_v in_o their_o principle_n too_o great_a a_o fear_n and_o flattery_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v we_o may_v collect_v some_o plain_a rule_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v superstitious_a and_o what_o not_o and_o when_o we_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o superstition_n and_o when_o not_o for_o 1._o then_o man_n be_v certain_o superstitious_a when_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v please_v or_o displease_v god_n mere_o by_o do_v or_o not_o do_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n by_o any_o arbitrary_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o think_v that_o god_n may_v be_v flatter_v by_o external_a and_o insignificant_a compliment_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v displease_v with_o we_o for_o do_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v argue_v a_o superstitious_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o he_o so_o that_o we_o dare_v not_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o restrain_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v to_o forbid_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v or_o at_o least_o not_o forbid_v be_v more_o certain_o a_o act_n of_o superstition_n than_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v for_o man_n may_v do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v without_o any_o superstitious_a conceit_n about_o it_o but_o they_o can_v forbid_v do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v without_o place_v religion_n in_o not_o do_v it_o and_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n with_o it_o which_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v certain_o superstitious_a 2._o then_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v institute_v by_o
than_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o church_n the_o complaint_n be_v too_o true_a and_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n of_o public_a authority_n to_o redress_v it_o but_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n though_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o such_o person_n who_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n church_n to_o go_v to_o other_o where_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v for_o where_o public_a authority_n have_v not_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o parochial_a communion_n man_n who_o love_v their_o soul_n must_v provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n which_o many_o profess_a christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o be_v a_o irreverent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v religious_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o all_o the_o solemn_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o will_v be_v think_v sharp_a and_o satirical_a there_o be_v but_o few_o christian_n who_o put_v on_o that_o true_a gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n as_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religious_a worship_n you_o shall_v see_v some_o gaze_n about_o they_o with_o a_o rove_a and_o wander_a eye_n as_o if_o they_o come_v only_o to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o observe_v every_o new_a face_n or_o new_a dress_n and_o garb_n and_o therefore_o too_o often_o set_v themselves_o out_o with_o that_o fantastic_a gaiety_n which_o more_o become_v a_o playhouse_n than_o a_o church_n you_o shall_v see_v other_o talk_n or_o whisper_v or_o laugh_v to_o the_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o all_o serious_a and_o devout_a mind_n other_o instead_o of_o worship_v god_n sleep_v away_o the_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n or_o both_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o either_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o for_o very_o devout_a man_n sometime_o to_o be_v surprise_v with_o sleep_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a indecency_n when_o ever_o it_o be_v so_o and_o require_v great_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o be_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n when_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o man_n as_o natural_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o a_o sleep_a posture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o come_n to_o church_n you_o shall_v see_v other_o sit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a great_a rudeness_n when_o we_o put_v up_o a_o petition_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n this_o be_v unknown_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n wherein_o for_o some_o age_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sit_v either_o while_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v or_o expound_v and_o eusebius_n relate_v a_o famous_a story_n of_o constantine_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n that_o when_o he_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o he_o in_o his_o own_o palace_n concern_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o hear_v it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v very_o long_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o sit_v down_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o consult_v our_o ease_n 33._o while_o we_o hear_v any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n to_o hear_v religious_a discourse_n stand_v and_o what_o will_v that_o religious_a emperor_n have_v think_v to_o have_v see_v christian_n in_o public_a assembly_n pray_v sit_v and_o indeed_o i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o universal_a practice_n of_o sit_v when_o we_o sing_v psalm_n for_o psalm_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v as_o much_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o equal_o require_v a_o posture_n of_o devotion_n thus_o uncover_v the_o head_n have_v at_o least_o among_o christian_n be_v always_o 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passion_n which_o we_o have_v or_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o which_o we_o have_v not_o for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sympathy_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o they_o powerful_o affect_v each_o other_o and_o our_o wise_a maker_n so_o contrive_v our_o frame_n that_o though_o the_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o mind_n can_v be_v see_v yet_o they_o discover_v themselves_o by_o those_o external_a and_o visible_a impression_n they_o make_v on_o our_o body_n without_o which_o mankind_n can_v never_o know_v one_o another_o nor_o have_v any_o pleasure_n or_o security_n in_o mutual_a conversation_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n care_v to_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o can_v so_o artificial_o disguise_v themselves_o that_o you_o can_v never_o know_v what_o their_o inward_a resentment_n be_v which_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n a_o inward_a reverence_n for_o god_n will_v show_v itself_o in_o external_a action_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o 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this_o by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o public_a worship_n consist_v in_o public_a sign_n of_o honour_n no_o man_n have_v a_o window_n into_o our_o soul_n to_o discover_v the_o secret_a devotion_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o visible_a worship_n must_v be_v express_v in_o visible_a action_n in_o the_o external_a reverence_n of_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v in_o such_o action_n as_o express_v the_o great_a humility_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o great_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o meanness_n and_o worthlessness_n and_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n which_o become_v divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a approach_n to_o god_n such_o as_o will_v not_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n whatever_o inward_a devotion_n we_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v not_o external_a and_o
all_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n 4._o public_a baptism_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o mind_n christian_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v it_o put_v good_a thought_n into_o they_o when_o they_o see_v what_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n to_o review_v their_o past_a life_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v keep_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n it_o mind_v child_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v seldom_o at_o private_a baptism_n and_o be_v many_o time_n more_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n than_o with_o the_o best_a counsel_n it_o mind_v those_o who_o have_v be_v godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n what_o charge_v they_o have_v undertake_v which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o compliment_n to_o a_o friend_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n even_o a_o trust_n and_o a_o trust_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n a_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n of_o such_o child_n which_o may_v convince_v all_o consider_a man_n of_o what_o great_a use_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o all_o the_o awful_a and_o public_a solemnity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v huddle_v over_o in_o private_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o 5._o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o always_o administer_v baptism_n in_o public_a place_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o first_o indeed_o they_o baptize_v in_o river_n or_o pond_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v in_o jordan_n where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v baptize_v which_o make_v many_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v there_o also_o as_o eusebius_n report_v of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o it_o afterward_o they_o build_v font_n near_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o church-porch_n and_o at_o last_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o never_o allow_v of_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o to_o make_v the_o action_n more_o solemn_a they_o have_v public_a time_n for_o baptism_n which_o in_o most_o church_n be_v easter_n and_o whitsunday_n when_o all_o their_o catechuman_n who_o desire_v baptism_n and_o be_v judge_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o thus_o it_o continue_v in_o follow_v age_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rubric_n of_o our_o church_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n though_o it_o be_v not_o now_o confine_v to_o such_o certain_a time_n which_o allow_v of_o no_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n chap._n v._n concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n be_v that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a and_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n of_o what_o mighty_a concernment_n the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o youth_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o for_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o depend_v on_o it_o when_o child_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o atheism_n and_o debauchery_n in_o their_o ripe_a year_n unless_o they_o be_v t●ught_v to_o know_v and_o to_o fear_v god_n betimes_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n and_o wickedness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o atheism_n and_o lewdness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n have_v be_v as_o much_o owe_v to_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o parent_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n as_o to_o any_o one_o cause_n beside_o how_o many_o child_n have_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o other_o catechism_n than_o some_o flatter_a compliment_n modish_a oath_n and_o obscene_a talk_n how_o many_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o profane_a and_o impious_a jest_n and_o all_o the_o topic_n of_o irreligious_a wit_n and_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a proficient_n who_o be_v wicked_a above_o their_o age_n and_o can_v as_o pert_o and_o confident_o laugh_v down_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o study_a atheist_n other_o be_v not_o so_o industrious_a to_o corrupt_v youth_n but_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o better_o to_o possess_v their_o tender_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a if_o the_o ground_n been_v till_v and_o cultivate_v you_o can_v expect_v no_o good_a fruit_n but_o weed_n will_v grow_v of_o themselves_o other_o possible_o do_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o i_o only_o wish_v there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o these_o man_n we_o may_v then_o hope_v in_o time_n to_o see_v the_o world_n reform_v and_o religion_n grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o credit_v again_o at_o least_o the_o next_o generation_n may_v see_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v sow_v now_o but_o there_o be_v one_o great_a neglect_n of_o very_o mischievous_a consequence_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o great_a good_a till_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a catechise_v which_o may_v be_v sometime_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o be_v often_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o people_n who_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n nor_o to_o give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o presence_n and_o attendance_n that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o yet_o i_o can_v make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o for_o 1._o no_o man_n certain_o can_v think_v it_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n whether_o his_o child_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n must_v be_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n do_v amiss_o who_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o allurement_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n be_v conquer_v who_o understand_v not_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spiritual_a armour_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n without_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o which_o they_o can_v conquer_v such_o as_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o everlasting_a life_n after_o death_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v over_o these_o word_n without_o some_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v not_o work_v like_o spell_n or_o charm_n by_o the_o magical_a power_n or_o sound_v of_o word_n but_o as_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v as_o they_o convey_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o his_o faith_n who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o though_o hear_v sermon_n may_v help_v somewhat_o towards_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v so_o effectual_a as_o catechise_v for_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o instill_a
sober_a christian_n can_v withstand_v their_o conviction_n i_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v what_o be_v the_o most_o common_a occasion_n of_o or_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v of_o a_o great_a many_o i_o shall_v but_o mention_v two_o very_o brief_o as_o be_v i_o think_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n it_o shall_v have_v so_o ill_a a_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n either_o they_o can_v never_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n or_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o look_v like_o pride_n and_o folly_n to_o think_v that_o we_o must_v be_v worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o must_v all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v above_o our_o desert_n how_o come_v mankind_n to_o be_v worthy_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v die_v for_o they_o and_o have_v god_n advise_v with_o such_o modest_a sinner_n they_o may_v have_v complemented_a away_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o now_o they_o do_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o his_o holy_a supper_n how_o great_a a_o saint_n soever_o thou_o be_v thou_o can_v never_o merit_v such_o favour_n and_o privilege_n as_o these_o for_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n to_o merit_v for_o thou_o and_o how_o great_a a_o sinner_n soever_o thou_o be_v by_o comply_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v quick_o make_v thyself_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o hearty_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o reform_v thy_o life_n and_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n with_o assurance_n to_o receive_v those_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v enable_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o great_a the_o better_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n plain_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o it_o require_v much_o great_a preparation_n of_o mind_n than_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n this_o holy_a supper_n be_v a_o sacred_a mysterious_a rite_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o make_v they_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n be_v you_o then_o when_o you_o come_v to_o church_n fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o if_o not_o you_o must_v neglect_v your_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o be_v fit_a to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n to_o give_v virtue_n and_o prevalency_n to_o your_o prayer_n this_o holy_a supper_n convey_v to_o we_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n now_o if_o you_o be_v true_o penitent_a you_o be_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n where_o it_o be_v dispense_v if_o you_o earnest_o desire_v the_o divine_a grace_n you_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o come_v but_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o want_n and_o with_o such_o desire_n as_o a_o hungry_a man_n have_v of_o meat_n and_o here_o you_o shall_v be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o without_o such_o preparation_n as_o these_o we_o can_v neither_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n nor_o to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o yet_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n shall_v be_v unfit_a to_o approach_v his_o table_n 2._o other_o think_v that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a danger_n in_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o than_o in_o a_o unworthy_a performance_n of_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o think_v so_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v no_o more_o it_o be_v as_o unpardonable_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o christ_n name_n without_o true_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n and_o serious_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o praise_n god_n without_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n differ_v not_o at_o all_o from_o feast_v at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o his_o die_a love_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o give_v encouragement_n by_o this_o discourse_n to_o wicked_a man_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o sacred_a mystery_n when_o they_o be_v discover_v but_o the_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o those_o man_n who_o have_v such_o clear_a innocent_a conscience_n that_o they_o dare_v pray_v to_o god_n need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o case_n they_o be_v in_o they_o defile_v every_o holy_a duty_n they_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n they_o can_v ask_v his_o pardon_n but_o they_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o man_n prayer_n be_v only_o to_o beg_v a_o long_a liberty_n and_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o encouragement_n to_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o and_o so_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n for_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n very_o right_a but_o not_o to_o dispute_v the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n be_v not_o this_o true_a also_o of_o he_o that_o hear_v or_o pray_v unworthy_o do_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a degree_n of_o worthiness_n require_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o there_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o either_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v our_o right_n to_o immortality_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o make_v they_o unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o immortal_a life_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o deplorable_a condition_n that_o they_o shall_v neglect_v that_o holy_a feast_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a institute_v mean_n of_o convey_v all_o these_o blessing_n to_o they_o finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v by_o richard_n chiswel_o lord_n bacon_n remain_n octavo_fw-la dr._n puller_n discourse_n of_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n octavo_fw-la dr._n edw._n bagshaw_n discourse_n upon_o select_a text_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_n octavo_fw-la mr._n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n the_o second_o volume_n folio_n his_o large_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n folio_n remark_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o 3_o first_o century_n wherein_o be_v intersperse_v animadversion_n on_o a_o book_n call_v a_o view_n of_o antiquity_n by_o i._o h._n write_a by_o a._n s._n speculum_fw-la baxterianum_n or_o baxter_n against_o baxter_n quarto_fw-la the_o countryman_n physician_n octavo_fw-la dr._n burlace_n history_n of_o the_o irish_a rebellion_n folio_n a_o apology_n for_o a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n write_v by_o ma._n clifford_n esq_n twelve_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n concern_v jesuit_n etc._n etc._n explain_v by_o divers_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o judge_n with_o other_o observation_n thereupon_o by_o william_n cawley_n esq_n folio_n dr._n burnet_n