together_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n though_o by_o their_o misbehaviour_n they_o so_o corrupt_v the_o ordinance_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v his_o supper_n if_o one_o shall_v now_o reprove_v christian_n who_o they_o observe_v to_o mis-behave_a themselves_o in_o church_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v to_o you_o for_o one_o be_v talk_v and_o another_o be_v sleep_v will_v not_o every_o body_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reprover_n the_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v aught_o to_o be_v one_o end_v of_o their_o come_n together_o and_o then_o sure_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n give_v we_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o in_o his_o opinion_n eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n ought_v to_o be_v one_o constant_a end_n of_o our_o come_n together_o which_o be_v further_o manifest_v from_o the_o advice_n he_o give_v they_o vers._n 33._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o one_o end_v therefore_o of_o their_o come_n together_o be_v as_o child_n come_v together_o in_o a_o family_n at_o meal-time_n that_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v at_o their_o father_n table_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n in_o this_o verse_n he_o call_v come_v together_o to_o eat_v intimate_v that_o a_o main_a end_n of_o their_o come_n together_o into_o one_o place_n be_v to_o eat_v 3._o when_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n come_v to_o be_v fix_v to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o break_v of_o bread_n be_v likewise_o bring_v to_o the_o same_o day_n so_o act_v xx_o 7_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o from_o which_o word_n we_o may_v conclude_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v the_o disciple_n time_n of_o public_a worship_n second_o that_o the_o break_v of_o bread_n or_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o there_o have_v be_v some_o dispute_n raise_v about_o change_a the_o day_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o last_o to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o this_o place_n be_v usual_o produce_v to_o justify_v the_o change_n and_o sure_o the_o same_o place_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n on_o that_o day_n as_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o day_n itself_o instead_o of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o wilful_o pass_v the_o lord's-day_n without_o it_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n direct_v we_o to_o do_v 4._o i_o have_v endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o use_v such_o argument_n only_o as_o the_o mean_a person_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o from_o their_o bibles_n yet_o in_o a_o controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o command_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o some_o positive_a duty_n i_o take_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o to_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n of_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o a_o state_v assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o i_o think_v there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o that_o nature_n in_o all_o antiquity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o appeal_v to_o those_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o it_o the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v still_o find_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o more_o punctual_o observe_v as_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o when_o first_o some_o who_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o go_v away_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n without_o receive_v which_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o come_v in_o about_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o so_o great_a a_o innovation_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n that_o the_o church_n decree_v whosoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v so_o particular_o the_o nine_o of_o those_o common_o call_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o second_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n thus_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v for_o many_o age_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v persuade_v constant_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n after_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o piety_n of_o man_n begin_v to_o cool_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v celebrate_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n according_a to_o the_o first_o settle_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o and_o indeed_o the_o corrupt_a practice_n of_o the_o solitary_a mass_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v count_v original_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o think_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o even_o by_o the_o papist_n themselves_z that_o those_o mass_n have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o universal_a corruption_n and_o negligence_n of_o christian_n for_o whilst_o the_o people_n have_v either_o piety_n or_o zeal_n they_o communicate_v with_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n in_o every_o assembly_n at_o least_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o they_o but_o when_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v in_o the_o corrupt_a age_n of_o the_o church_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o the_o minister_n consecrate_a the_o element_n every_o lord's-day_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o antiquity_n yet_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o few_o or_o none_o to_o receive_v with_o he_o but_o be_v often_o force_v to_o receive_v alone_o this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n and_o a_o fall_n from_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o abuse_n by_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v as_o former_o corrupt_v her_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n and_o decree_v it_o lawful_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v alone_o yet_o this_o abuse_n show_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v constant_o reckon_v the_o lord's-supper_n as_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o christian_a assembly_n on_o solemn_a day_n and_o sure_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o can_v be_v term_v no_o less_o than_o a_o invention_n of_o our_o own_o since_o we_o can_v neither_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o 1400_o year_n together_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a commentary_n on_o the_o scripture_n text_n produce_v one_o example_n of_o a_o state_v solemn_a christian_a assembly_n without_o it_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o frequent_a communion_n i._o have_v thus_o consider_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o in_o this_o point_n let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n compare_v the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o this_o pattern_n i_o will_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o come_v full_o up_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o most_o defective_a part_n of_o the_o reformation_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o on_o view_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o our_o church_n come_v near_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n then_o perhaps_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o throw_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o what_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o thâ—_n church_n and_o as_o to_o the_o present_a point_n before_o we_o our_o reformer_n find_v two_o corruption_n creep_v in_o by_o time_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o priest_n receive_v the_o lord's-supper_n alone_o without_o the_o people_n which_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o a_o communion_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o people_n think_v they_o have_v sufficient_o observe_v the_o lord's-day_n if_o they_o see_v mass_n without_o understand_v it_o or_o receive_v our_o church_n therefore_o to_o reform_v the_o first_o of_o these_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o communion_n except_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n by_o william_n lord_n bishop_n of_o derry_n print_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o diocese_n dublin_n print_v for_o the_o author_n by_o andrew_n crook_n printer_n to_o their_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n mdcxciv_o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n and_o section_n introduction_n contain_v a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n for_o examine_v the_o ordinary_a part_n of_o outward_a public_a worship_n chap._n i._o of_o praise_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v they_o page_n 6._o sect._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o praising_n god_n public_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o church_n page_n 15_o sect._n 3_o the_o dissenter_n manner_n of_o praise_v god_n in_o public_a page_n 18_o chap._n ii_o of_o prayer_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v prayer_n page_n 25_o sect._n 2._o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n p._n 41_o sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o p._n 43_o chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o page_n 68_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o read_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n page_n 77_o sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n page_n 81_o chap._n iv._o of_o bodily_a worship_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o page_n 104_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o bodily_a worship_n page_n 114_o sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n page_n 117_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v the_o frequency_n of_o celebrate_v it_o page_n 145_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o frequent_a communion_n page_n 155_o sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n page_n 159_o conclusion_n to_o the_o conform_v clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n page_n 164_o to_o the_o dissent_v minister_n in_o the_o same_o diocese_n p._n 170_o to_o the_o conform_v laity_n thereof_o page_n 179_o to_o the_o dissent_v laity_n thereof_o page_n 181_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o introduction_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o mixture_n of_o human_a invention_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o mark_v vii_o 7_o in_o vain_a say_v he_o do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n this_o oblige_v every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o concern_v for_o his_o soul_n to_o examine_v careful_o the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v institute_v lest_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v reject_v with_o that_o censure_n in_o the_o prophet_n who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n but_o more_o especial_o it_o concern_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a in_o examine_v this_o matter_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v their_o own_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n concern_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o worship_n which_o they_o practise_v themselves_o and_o recommend_v to_o other_o ii_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o his_o providence_n to_o make_v i_o a_o overseer_n over_o some_o part_n of_o his_o flock_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o use_v my_o endeavour_n to_o instruct_v those_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o charge_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o to_o warn_v such_o as_o i_o conceive_v to_o swerve_v from_o they_o of_o their_o mistake_v i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v of_o use_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o join_v with_o i_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o find_v on_o examination_n that_o what_o they_o there_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n institution_n and_o as_o to_o those_o that_o think_v otherwise_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o a_o admonition_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n can_v give_v they_o no_o just_a offence_n but_o rather_o be_v of_o use_n to_o they_o also_o by_o oblige_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o revise_v their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v correct_v their_o judgement_n if_o from_o what_o i_o offer_v they_o shall_v see_v reason_n for_o it_o iii_o in_o order_n to_o help_v those_o concern_v to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v 1_o sy_n that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n to_o give_v rule_n how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o since_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n natural_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o universal_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o time_n 2_o dly_z i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n agree_v to_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n concern_v his_o worship_n 3_o dly_z from_o these_o two_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o keep_v as_o close_o as_o we_o can_v to_o those_o direction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o his_o word_n without_o add_v to_o omit_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v there_o lay_v down_o for_o since_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o a_o certain_a direction_n for_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v displease_v to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o express_o contain_v or_o warrant_v by_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n mention_v therein_o 4_o thly_a we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v either_o inward_a or_o outward_a the_o inward_a worship_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o inward_a homage_n and_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o he_o the_o outward_a consist_v of_o such_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o serve_v to_o express_v this_o inward_a subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o that_o promote_v increase_n or_o contribute_v towards_o it_o thus_o for_o instance_n vocal_a prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o outward_a worship_n because_o it_o express_v the_o inward_a dependence_n of_o our_o soul_n on_o god_n thus_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o because_o therein_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o law_n and_o use_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o increase_v this_o subjection_n thus_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o worship_n because_o in_o they_o we_o not_o only_o express_v our_o dependence_n on_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n but_o likewise_o oblige_v and_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v in_o all_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n 5_o thly_a we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v in_o these_o outward_a act_n that_o we_o be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v as_o public_a worshipper_n for_o we_o can_v know_v the_o inward_a worship_n which_o man_n pay_v to_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o these_o outward_a act_n and_o general_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v this_o outward_a and_o concern_v it_o be_v the_o great_a dispute_n and_o difference_n among_o we_o all_o of_o we_o be_v agree_v as_o to_o the_o inward_a and_o of_o what_o sort_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v iv._o have_v premise_v these_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o i_o shall_v proceed_v direct_o to_o my_o propose_a undertake_n and_o shall_v with_o the_o great_a fairness_n and_o impartiallity_n i_o can_v examine_v and_o compare_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n as_o well_o with_o that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o church_n as_o with_o that_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o we_o v._o now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o god_n as_o prescribe_v and_o practise_v in_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o main_a substantial_a part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v these_o five_o vizt_v praise_n prayer_n hear_v bodily_a worship_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o method_n i_o shall_v take_v in_o discourse_v of_o each_o of_o these_o shall_v be_v first_o to_o show_v what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n
and_o he_o that_o minister_v rom._n twelve_o and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o every_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o these_o officer_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n join_v exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n with_o read_v in_o his_o charge_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o which_o show_v that_o they_o go_v together_o but_o whether_o indispensible_o or_o no_o do_v not_o appear_v though_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o church_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v all_o general_o exercise_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n viii_o last_o we_o find_v that_o they_o have_v a_o summary_n of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o the_o people_n and_o by_o which_o they_o order_v their_o own_o discourse_n and_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o other_o thus_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n i_o 13_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o and_o chap._n two_o vers._n 2._o and_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o among_o many_o witness_n the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v exhort_v to_o prophesy_v rom._n twelve_o 6_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o doubt_v but_o this_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n contain_v the_o main_a fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o what_o those_o be_v heb._n vi_fw-la 1_o 2._o therefore_o leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n not_o lay_v again_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n in_o all_o probability_n therefore_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a 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scripture_n in_o a_o certain_a order_n and_o have_v appoint_v four_o or_o more_o chapter_n to_o be_v read_v every_o day_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o the_o most_o edify_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v order_v to_o be_v read_v once_o a_o year_n and_o the_o new_a testament_n except_o the_o revelation_n thrice_o in_o the_o same_o time_n and_o some_o select_a chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v appoint_v on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o chapter_n about_o one_o ten_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n leave_v out_o of_o this_o order_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v out_o be_v either_o genealogy_n name_n of_o person_n and_o place_n historical_a repetition_n or_o some_o obscure_a and_o mystical_a prophecy_n in_o ezekiel_n which_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o a_o ordinary_a assembly_n for_o which_o reason_n some_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v also_o leave_v out_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o exclude_v though_o not_o particular_o command_v the_o general_a obligation_n on_o every_o clergyman_n in_o his_o ordination_n to_o read_v all_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n still_o allow_v he_o to_o read_v these_o and_o also_o oblige_v he_o to_o it_o when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o beside_o this_o order_n for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n on_o every_o lordsday_n and_o other_o solemn_a occasion_n there_o be_v appoint_v certain_a select_a portion_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n to_o be_v read_v which_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o occasion_n and_o contain_v some_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o other_o weighty_a matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o edification_n 4._o for_o the_o more_o solemnity_n of_o these_o reading_n our_o church_n join_v with_o each_o of_o they_o praise_n thanksgiving_n or_o confession_n according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v practise_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 5._o that_o the_o people_n may_v benefit_v and_o be_v edify_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o plain_a authentic_a and_o most_o excellent_a translation_n be_v provide_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o first_o care_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n be_v force_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o draw_v all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v from_o the_o fountain_n which_o our_o bishop_n open_v for_o they_o by_o translate_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o put_v it_o into_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v 6._o it_o be_v order_v in_o our_o church_n that_o the_o minister_n shall_v explain_v some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o lordsday_n and_o exhort_v their_o congregation_n in_o a_o sermon_n 7._o to_o inculcate_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o better_a our_o church_n have_v appoint_v certain_a solemn_a time_n wherein_o once_o in_o the_o year_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o explain_v and_o inculcate_v every_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o be_v the_o conception_n birth_n passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n last_o there_o be_v provide_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a catechism_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n this_o be_v adapt_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o be_v indeed_o sincere_a milk_n without_o school_n notion_n or_o hard_a word_n and_o all_o the_o six_o principle_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n heb._n vi_fw-la 1_o 2._o be_v brief_o explain_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o large_o enough_o to_o make_v those_o that_o attend_v to_o it_o wise_a to_o salvation_n the_o teach_v and_o explain_v these_o fundamental_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o public_a instruction_n and_o enjoin_v as_o a_o constant_a duty_n on_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o our_o solemn_a worship_n the_o minister_n in_o each_o parish_n be_v require_v diligent_o upon_o sunday_n and_o holiday_n open_o in_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v and_o examine_v so_o many_o child_n of_o his_o parish_n send_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v convenient_a in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o catechism_n and_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v and_o obedient_o to_o hear_v and_o by_o our_o twelve_o canon_n for_o the_o better_a ground_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catechism_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o part_n as_o there_o be_v sunday_n in_o the_o year_n shall_v be_v explain_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o parish_n church_n this_o be_v the_o care_n our_o church_n have_v take_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o the_o method_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o conceivable_a how_o any_o one_o who_o due_o conform_v to_o these_o order_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o effect_n be_v such_o that_o we_o may_v affirm_v without_o vanity_n or_o partiality_n that_o our_o clergy_n and_o laity_n especial_o where_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n be_v general_o much_o more_o know_v modest_a governable_a devout_a and_o charitable_a then_o perhaps_o may_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o church_n of_o which_o our_o late_a contest_v with_o the_o papist_n and_o behaviour_n under_o their_o government_n and_o since_o the_o present_a revolution_n be_v evident_a proof_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o hear_v and_o
pray_v to_o god_n praise_v he_o and_o instruct_v our_o family_n in_o private_a and_o yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o our_o do_v these_o private_o shall_v banish_v the_o use_n of_o they_o from_o our_o public_a assembly_n or_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v himself_o excuse_v from_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o they_o on_o account_n of_o his_o private_a diligence_n in_o they_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v for_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n 3._o god_n tell_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n vi_fw-la 6_o that_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o and_o thou_o shall_v write_v they_o on_o the_o post_n of_o thy_o house_n here_o be_v as_o much_o private_a diligence_n in_o read_v and_o teach_v the_o law_n require_v of_o the_o israelite_n as_o any_o christian_a can_v pretend_v to_o exercise_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o care_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n by_o private_a study_n and_o exercise_n do_v not_o make_v the_o read_n it_o in_o their_o synagogue_n unnecessary_a or_o prevent_v god_n from_o require_v they_o to_o use_v it_o as_o part_v of_o his_o public_a worship_n deut._n xxxi_o 11_o and_o therefore_o all_o your_o diligence_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n private_o or_o your_o teacher_n exhort_v and_o require_v you_o to_o do_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o warrant_v their_o or_o your_o dispense_n with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o appoint_v the_o read_n his_o word_n as_o part_v of_o his_o public_a service_n but_o 4._o when_o people_n be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o in_o private_a they_o may_v either_o do_v or_o not_o do_v a_o thing_n as_o they_o please_v and_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o come_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v there_o that_o neither_o can_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o in_o private_a it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o the_o people_n to_o be_v negligent_a and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o care_n in_o a_o church_n to_o leave_v so_o material_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o private_a diligence_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o where_o no_o public_a effectual_a care_n be_v take_v to_o inform_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n sensible_o decay_v and_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o be_v lose_v the_o papist_n read_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o language_n that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v and_o we_o see_v into_o what_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o be_v fall_v by_o this_o mean_n those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n general_o speak_v do_v not_o read_v they_o at_o all_o in_o your_o meeting_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o 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scripture_n in_o the_o assembly_n be_v then_o absolute_o necessary_a otherwise_o the_o generality_n must_v have_v be_v stranger_n to_o they_o but_o now_o copy_n of_o the_o bible_n by_o mean_n of_o print_v be_v become_v common_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v have_v and_o most_o family_n have_v some_o in_o they_o that_o can_v read_v and_o therefore_o the_o public_a read_v they_o be_v not_o now_o necessary_a 1._o the_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o be_v first_o that_o the_o read_v the_o scripture_n public_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o print_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o man_n have_v find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o institute_v and_o plain_o to_o lay_v aside_o his_o command_n for_o man_n own_o invention_n 2._o god_n have_v promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o religious_a assembly_n and_o have_v command_v his_o word_n to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o church_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v the_o constant_a commonness_n of_o bibles_n nor_o ability_n to_o people_n to_o read_v they_o at_o home_n to_o omit_v therefore_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n for_o teach_v his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o people_n procure_v and_o read_v copy_n of_o the_o bible_n private_o be_v to_o leave_v god_n way_n and_o presumptuous_o depend_v on_o that_o which_o have_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o it_o 3._o how_o easy_a soever_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o obtain_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o can_v read_v there_o be_v still_o many_o family_n even_o among_o protestant_n that_o can_v neither_o compass_v a_o bible_n or_o get_v any_o to_o read_v it_o if_o they_o have_v one_o and_o therefore_o this_o expedient_a be_v no_o way_n sufficient_a to_o supply_v the_o design_n of_o god_n institution_n in_o command_v it_o to_o be_v read_v public_o 4._o let_v we_o suppose_v bibles_n to_o be_v as_o common_a as_o we_o can_v desire_v and_o that_o every_o one_o can_v read_v they_o yet_o who_o will_v secure_v we_o that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o people_z whilst_o the_o first_o fervour_n of_o a_o reformation_n be_v on_o they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v diligent_a so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o novelty_n to_o they_o or_o zeal_n for_o a_o party_n inspirit_n they_o but_o when_o this_o wear_v off_o as_o it_o general_o do_v in_o a_o little_a time_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o care_n of_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o scripture_n decay_v with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n too_o many_o of_o all_o party_n that_o neither_o read_v themselves_o nor_o hear_v one_o chapter_n read_v in_o a_o whole_a year_n except_o at_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o omit_v the_o public_a read_v they_o on_o presumption_n that_o the_o people_n will_v do_v it_o themselves_o since_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o introduce_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o reduce_v we_o again_o to_o popery_n the_o most_o effectual_a bar_n against_o which_o be_v the_o bible_n in_o our_o own_o language_n 5._o people_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o come_v to_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v though_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o it_o and_o when_o they_o neglect_v they_o may_v be_v reprove_v or_o punish_v but_o this_o be_v not_o practical_a when_o the_o scripture_n be_v require_v only_o to_o be_v read_v in_o private_a family_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o method_n in_o point_n of_o efficacy_n we_o see_v in_o england_n and_o wales_n where_o public_a read_n be_v practise_v the_o people_n general_o embrace_v the_o reformation_n but_o in_o ireland_n where_o the_o same_o care_n be_v not_o take_v they_o reject_v it_o have_v god_n way_n be_v take_v and_o the_o scripture_n as_o constant_o read_v to_o the_o native_a irish_a in_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n or_o wales_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n but_o the_o reformation_n have_v succeed_v as_o universal_o here_o as_o it_o do_v there_o but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n to_o this_o day_n which_o may_v convince_v we_o how_o ineffectual_a all_o our_o contrivance_n be_v to_o enlighten_v man_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n institution_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o ever_o the_o native_a irish_a be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n it_o must_v be_v by_o have_v it_o read_v to_o they_o public_o in_o a_o language_n they_o
the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o dull_a and_o tedious_a so_o mal._n i._n 13_o you_o say_v also_o what_o a_o weariness_n be_v it_o and_o you_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appoint_v be_v always_o more_o spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n be_v own_o invention_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v so_o easy_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o men._n 4._o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o when_o people_n complain_v of_o be_v dull_a and_o unaffected_a by_o mere_a hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o true_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o wicked_a heart_n estrange_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o reason_n that_o sermon_n please_v and_o affect_v more_o than_o a_o chapter_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o novelty_n and_o outward_a ornament_n of_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o 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find_v it_o allege_v as_o a_o six_o pretence_n for_o not_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o your_o meeting_n that_o a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o and_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o then_o what_o need_v it_o take_v up_o the_o minister_n time_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o less_o his_o or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v value_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o more_o sinful_a to_o neglect_v it_o the_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v minister_n be_v not_o set_v apart_o for_o difficult_a thing_n only_o which_o other_o can_v perform_v but_o they_o be_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n that_o god_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a as_o for_o example_n god_n have_v command_v his_o minister_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o pour_v on_o water_n in_o this_o form_n be_v no_o such_o difficult_a thing_n but_o a_o child_n or_o any_o else_o may_v perform_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n office_n to_o perform_v these_o and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o delegate_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o other_o or_o omit_v they_o because_o they_o be_v easy_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o different_a sacredness_n efficacy_n and_o force_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o person_n ordain_v and_o authorize_v to_o this_o purpose_n then_o when_o perform_v by_o another_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o man_n may_v read_v they_o at_o home_n a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o in_o church_n but_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o efficacy_n and_o a_o blessing_n as_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n ordinance_n for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o experience_n as_o i_o have_v say_v of_o most_o christian_n from_o what_o they_o have_v feel_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o read_v will_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o now_o if_o you_o my_o friend_n know_v and_o own_o this_o as_o i_o hope_v the_o generality_n of_o you_o do_v you_o must_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v not_o know_v it_o you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v your_o teacher_n duty_n to_o inform_v you_o better_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v allow_v by_o their_o directory_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n we_o have_v this_o rule_n there_o in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v read_v over_o in_o order_n that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o you_o can_v show_v but_o one_o meeting_n in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o which_o this_o have_v be_v due_o perform_v we_o will_v not_o accuse_v you_o so_o general_o of_o violate_v god_n command_n in_o this_o point_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o such_o meeting_n you_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o you_o will_v excuse_v yourselves_o before_o god_n and_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o observe_v to_o you_o how_o insignificant_a general_a rule_n be_v without_o descend_v to_o a_o particular_a determination_n of_o circumstance_n here_o we_o have_v in_o your_o directory_n a_o general_a rule_n such_o as_o it_o be_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o for_o want_v of_o be_v particular_a as_o the_o calendar_n in_o our_o common-prayer-book_n be_v i_o question_v if_o it_o yet_o be_v ever_o once_o observe_v or_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v practical_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o almost_o in_o every_o other_o general_a rule_n and_o therefore_o to_o leave_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v order_v by_o such_o general_a rule_n only_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o teach_v people_n to_o neglect_v it_o v._o these_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v possible_o think_v of_o or_o have_v hear_v urge_v for_o your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o other_o may_v be_v pretend_v but_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o if_o i_o have_v i_o will_v have_v give_v they_o a_o due_a consideration_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n than_o those_o i_o have_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o excuse_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n from_o manifest_a breach_n of_o god_n command_n in_o prefer_v man_n invention_n to_o his_o institution_n after_o all_o i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o look_v on_o all_o these_o to_o be_v only_a pretence_n and_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o man_n negligence_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v give_v we_o 2_o tim._n four_o 3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v say_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n a_o itch_a ear_n here_o can_v signify_v nothing_o so_o proper_o as_o a_o ear_n that_o love_v novelty_n and_o variety_n because_o therefore_o our_o church_n give_v the_o people_n little_a that_o be_v new_a in_o her_o prayer_n or_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o retain_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o hence_o
it_o be_v that_o some_o people_n can_v endure_v our_o service_n but_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o praise_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n will_v gratify_v they_o every_o meeting_n with_o a_o new_a prayer_n without_o trouble_v they_o with_o such_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n as_o they_o think_v old_a which_o be_v incomparable_o better_a only_o the_o itch_a ear_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n foretold_v be_v please_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disgust_v the_o repetition_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v that_o of_o angel_n food_n psa._n lxxviii_o 25_o num._n xxi_o 5_o &_o xi_o 6_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n and_o the_o business_n of_o the_o true_o conscientious_a to_o check_v and_o curb_v this_o humour_n in_o the_o people_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o discouragement_n the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n instead_o of_o comply_v with_o they_o have_v constant_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n and_o levity_n where_o they_o find_v they_o guilty_a but_o as_o aaron_n to_o please_v the_o israelite_n make_v the_o golden_a calf_n so_o some_o minister_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n have_v change_v god_n institution_n to_o please_v their_o people_n and_o lest_o out_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a read_n of_o god_n word_n because_o their_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v who_o behave_v themselves_o most_o like_a the_o minister_n of_o christ_n we_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o read_n god_n word_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v hear_v or_o forbear_v or_o they_o that_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o lay_z aside_o god_n command_n to_o oblige_v and_o gain_v they_o chap._n iu._n of_o bodily_a worship_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n be_v visible_a or_o bodily_a adoration_n such_o among_o we_o be_v uncover_v the_o head_n bowing_n kneel_v and_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o open_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o express_v the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o these_o attribute_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o head_n i_o will_v keep_v myself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o consider_v first_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o three_o examine_v the_o dissenter_n practise_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o find_v a_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a worship_n in_o public_a psal._n xcv_o 6_o o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o public_a worship_n let_v we_o come_v before_o his_o presence_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o this_o bow_v or_o kneel_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v literal_o not_o figurative_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o sing_v thanksgiving_n and_o psalm_n be_v all_o literal_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o understanding_n bow_v and_o kneel_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n than_o the_o other_o ii_o the_o same_o bodily_a worship_n be_v require_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o grave_a image_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v command_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n that_o the_o negative_a commandment_n include_v in_o they_o the_o contrary_a positive_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o first_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o to_o have_v any_o other_o god_n before_o the_o lord_n it_o require_v we_o to_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o our_o only_a god_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o command_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o which_o rule_n when_o the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n xx_o 5_o forbid_v we_o in_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o it_o require_v we_o to_o practise_v the_o contrary_a duty_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n to_o bow_v down_o to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v he_o both_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n therefore_o as_o he_o that_o either_o bow_n or_o kneel_v or_o use_v any_o posture_n of_o reverence_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n break_v the_o second_o commandment_n so_o do_v he_o who_o on_o occasion_n of_o public_a worship_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o use_v some_o such_o posture_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o instance_n without_o some_o posture_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o kneel_v to_o a_o image_n without_o pray_v to_o it_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o one_o be_v idolatry_n and_o the_o other_o sacrilege_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o give_v what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o a_o image_n or_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o himself_o we_o be_v equal_o robber_n of_o god_n we_o deny_v he_o his_o honour_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sacrilege_n i_o wish_v all_o concern_v may_v serious_o consider_v and_o amend_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a iii_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n command_n and_o from_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o he_o require_v or_o approve_v in_o his_o worship_n now_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v any_o one_o sit_v at_o his_o devotion_n but_o on_o all_o occasion_n of_o worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n the_o people_n of_o god_n stand_v kneel_v bow_v or_o prostrate_v themselves_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o 2_o sam._n seven_o 8_o that_o king_n david_n then_o go_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o here_o the_o original_a word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o signification_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o remain_v stay_v or_o abode_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o according_o it_o be_v thus_o translate_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n particular_o gen._n xxii_o 5_o &_o xxiv_o 55_o &_o xxix_o 19_o 1_o king_n twelve_o 2_o this_o place_n therefore_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o that_o practice_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o holy_a man_n worship_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o mind_n iv._o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a t._n our_o saviour_n undoubted_o be_v the_o best_a example_n we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v what_o he_o do_v and_o approve_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o bow_v the_o body_n with_o kneel_v and_o prostration_n as_o well_o as_o with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n so_o mat._n xxvi_o 39_o and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v o_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o luk._n xxii_o 41_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o as_o he_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n so_o he_o accept_v the_o same_o from_o man_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n thus_o the_o wise_a man_n worship_v he_o in_o his_o cradle_n mat._n two_o 11_o when_o they_o see_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n mary_n they_o fall_v down_o etc._n etc._n thus_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o mark_v v_o 22_o when_o he_o see_v he_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o return_v he_o thanks_o luke_n xvii_o 16_o thus_o his_o belove_a mary_n come_v into_o his_o presence_n john_n xi_o 32_o and_o matth._n xxviii_o 9_o they_o
the_o man_n of_o god_n when_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o left_a to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o in_o our_o supplication_n such_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o manner_n of_o address_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v intercession_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o now_o blessing_n be_v a_o eminent_a sort_n of_o intercession_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o this_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o command_n of_o god_n numb_a vi_fw-la 23_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o earnest_a intercession_n with_o god_n for_o his_o people_n and_o the_o form_n and_o word_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o mean_a ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v only_o now_o suppose_v by_o some_o to_o need_v the_o help_n of_o form_n but_o by_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n the_o chief_a priest_n from_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n approve_v that_o manner_n of_o address_n in_o our_o blessing_n and_o intercession_n for_o one_o another_o not_o only_o from_o mean_a people_n but_o from_o the_o great_a 4._o the_o four_o part_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o petition_n for_o avert_v evil_a common_o call_v deprecation_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v several_a form_n prescribe_v by_o god_n joel_n i_o 14_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n alas_o for_o the_o day_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v god_n commandment_n for_o another_o form_n joel_n two_o 17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n in_o this_o part_n of_o prayer_n though_o common_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o such_o as_o seem_v least_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o form_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n ii_o and_o according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n though_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n use_v the_o same_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n always_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n thus_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o concern_v moses_n num._n x._o 35_o when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o moses_n say_v rise_v up_o lord_n and_o let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v and_o let_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n unto_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o one_o set_v constant_a form_n of_o word_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o long_o as_o the_o occasion_n of_o repeat_v they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v suspect_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o word_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o moses_n confine_v himself_o to_o this_o form_n i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o prayer_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o such_o pathetic_a significant_a and_o move_a word_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o furnish_v we_o with_o they_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v by_o any_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n such_o be_v the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 9_o 10_o 12_o etc._n etc._n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o constant_a service_n and_o liturgy_n perform_v in_o their_o temple_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o i_o former_o quote_v 2_o chron._n xxix_o 30._o iii_o but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v these_o command_n and_o example_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o so_o plentiful_a a_o measure_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o 1._o i_o think_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o they_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o consist_v in_o psalm_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o in_o some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o use_v in_o their_o daily_a service_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n at_o that_o scripture_n time_n now_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v frequent_o present_a at_o their_o service_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o approve_v the_o manner_n of_o addressing_z themselves_o to_o god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n 2._o but_o our_o saviour_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n with_o impartial_a man_n by_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n for_o we_o find_v his_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o by_o direct_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o find_v he_o say_v when_o you_o pray_v speak_v what_o shall_v then_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o hour_n without_o take_v think_v about_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n that_o be_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o his_o sake_n mat._n x._o 19_o but_o in_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n he_o prescribe_v they_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v it_o luke_n xi_o 2_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o use_v these_o word_n when_o they_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o express_v it_o in_o clear_a term_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o religious_a person_n among_o the_o jew_n offer_v up_o constant_o prayer_n to_o god_n we_o see_v it_o in_o david_n psal._n lv_o 17_o and_o in_o daniel_n chap._n vi_fw-la 10_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o duty_n nor_o in_o skill_n to_o perform_v it_o since_o we_o find_v that_o other_o devout_a person_n of_o their_o time_n have_v their_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n iii._o 1_o therefore_o what_o they_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v they_o absolute_o or_o in_o general_a to_o pray_v but_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n proper_a to_o his_o institution_n as_o they_o see_v the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n and_o john_n have_v proper_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o the_o lord's-prayer_n as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o main_a point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o as_o a_o constant_a badge_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v when_o ever_o you_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n your_o usual_a prayer_n which_o religious_a custom_n have_v teach_v you_o as_o jew_n and_o disciple_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o john_n whether_o in_o secret_n or_o public_a add_v this_o always_o to_o your_o other_o prayer_n for_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n to_o you_o of_o those_o duty_n privilege_n and_o qualification_n which_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o my_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n from_o your_o heavenly_a father_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o persevere_v in_o they_o the_o lords-prayer_n be_v therefore_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n impose_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o
as_o we_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n neither_o will_n say_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o in_o other_o word_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n answer_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o command_n since_o 1._o we_o be_v sure_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v put_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o most_o apposite_a and_o comprehensive_a word_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o whole_o to_o lay_v they_o aside_o for_o other_o be_v plain_o to_o decline_v the_o choice_n of_o word_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o substitute_n less_o apposite_a of_o our_o own_o to_o express_v those_o petition_n in_o 2._o the_o more_o particular_o any_o thing_n be_v command_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o may_v be_v the_o more_o confident_a that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o since_o therefore_o we_o be_v particular_o command_v when_o we_o pray_v to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n whatever_o other_o prayer_n we_o offer_v to_o god_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v 3._o in_o general_n we_o be_v command_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o desire_n to_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o offer_v this_o prayer_n these_o command_n agree_v very_o well_o together_o and_o therefore_o the_o one_o ought_v not_o to_o justle_v out_o the_o other_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o prayer_n particular_o command_v by_o christ_n for_o other_o of_o our_o own_o compose_n in_o pusuance_n of_o the_o general_a command_n be_v too_o apparent_o to_o prefer_v our_o own_o invention_n to_o god_n command_n 4._o when_o we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n we_o may_v forget_v some_o thing_n we_o may_v mix_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n in_o our_o petition_n and_o this_o too_o often_o appear_v both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o word_v of_o they_o the_o way_n therefore_o to_o supply_v these_o defect_n and_o to_o obtain_v pardon_n for_o our_o infirmity_n be_v to_o use_v our_o lord_n perfect_a prayer_n not_o only_o as_o a_o pattern_n for_o prayer_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o likewise_o as_o a_o form_n necessary_a to_o be_v use_v to_o correct_v what_o may_v be_v amiss_o or_o defective_a in_o our_o own_o prayer_n 5._o they_o who_o lie_v aside_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o lay_v aside_o some_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o also_o particular_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o for_o many_o who_o lie_v aside_o the_o lord_n prayer_n do_v neither_o in_o term_n nor_o substance_n offer_v this_o petition_n to_o god_n nay_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v this_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o pardon_n as_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o they_o public_o dispute_v against_o the_o form_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n though_o christ_n who_o foresee_v the_o objection_n which_o our_o corruption_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v have_v answer_v it_o and_o bind_v it_o upon_o we_o indispensible_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o ask_v forgiveness_n on_o these_o and_o no_o other_o term_n matth._n vi_fw-la 15_o and_o indeed_o if_o such_o a_o sentence_n have_v be_v prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v only_o repeat_v by_o christian_n once_o or_o often_o every_o day_n it_o will_v have_v seem_v but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o mind_v they_o of_o that_o peculiar_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o their_o profession_n we_o see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n think_v fit_a to_o reduce_v their_o doctrine_n or_o instruction_n into_o proverb_n or_o short_a sentence_n to_o be_v get_v by_o heart_n and_o keep_v continual_o in_o memory_n as_o of_o great_a influence_n for_o guide_a man_n life_n and_o action_n and_o such_o sentence_n must_v be_v of_o much_o great_a influence_n when_o repeat_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o these_o in_o our_o lord_n prayer_n be_v require_v to_o be_v last_o this_o prayer_n be_v give_v we_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n a_o summary_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o christian_n and_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n it_o be_v no_o more_o lawful_a to_o alter_v it_o than_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o presumption_n and_o hazard_n to_o substitute_v other_o word_n instead_o of_o christ_n in_o this_o prayer_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v always_o to_o use_v when_o we_o pray_v as_o to_o change_v the_o word_n of_o our_o creed_n or_o as_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o battle_n to_o change_v the_o word_n give_v by_o a_o general_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o retain_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n have_v require_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n we_o find_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o deliver_v by_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o syriac_a or_o vulgar_a hebrew_n and_o the_o evangelist_n write_v their_o gospel_n in_o greek_a now_o in_o the_o syriack_n one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n express_v both_o those_o different_a word_n which_o the_o evangelist_n use_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n as_o debt_n and_o trespass_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a but_o a_o seem_a difference_n between_o they_o all_o the_o different_a word_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v iv._o as_o we_o have_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n so_o we_o have_v the_o like_a example_n for_o join_v voice_n upon_o occasion_n in_o offer_v these_o word_n general_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o people_n join_v in_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n yet_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v also_o on_o some_o occasion_n their_o join_v their_o voice_n 1._o thus_o we_o find_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n judge_n xxi_o 2_o and_o the_o people_n come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o abode_n there_o till_o even_o before_o god_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o weep_v sore_o and_o say_v o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n why_o be_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o israel_n etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n which_o be_v also_o prayer_n in_o great_a part_n as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o people_n be_v general_o allow_v by_o all_o as_o be_v full_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n to_o join_v their_o voice_n so_o moses_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n exod._n xv_o 1_o 3._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o practice_n act_v four_o 24_o where_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o say_v lord_n thou_o be_v god_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o prayer_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v as_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v than_o the_o whole_a assembly_n be_v inspire_v together_o not_o only_o to_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o likewise_o to_o utter_v the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o it_o have_v attest_v the_o fitness_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n pronounce_v the_o same_o prayer_n together_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v in_o our_o christian_a assembly_n god_n will_v not_o have_v give_v we_o this_o example_n if_o the_o people_n be_v always_o to_o join_v in_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o our_o public_a prayer_n it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o here_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o have_v lead_v they_o to_o do_v a_o indecent_a thing_n or_o a_o thing_n unfit_a for_o god_n worship_n 4._o st._n paul_n and_o silas_n join_v also_o their_o voice_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xuj_o 25_o and_o at_o midnight_n paul_n and_o silas_n pray_v and_o sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o prisoner_n hear_v they_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o they_o sing_v their_o prayer_n which_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o on_o that_o account_n join_v their_o voice_n i_o confess_v the_o original_a favour_n this_o inference_n but_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o apostle_n sing_v their_o prayer_n together_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o they_o may_v likewise_o say_v they_o together_o for_o we_o find_v the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n offer_v not_o only_o their_o praise_n together_o but_o their_o prayer_n also_o so_o rev._n vi_fw-mi 10_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v how_o long_o
to_o express_v our_o desire_n in_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a 7._o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o account_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v 1._o that_o no_o worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n john_n four_o 24_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o prayer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o signify_v extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o exclude_v form_n will_v appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o here_o we_o find_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v with_o it_o and_o whoever_o sing_v otherwise_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o 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pray_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o sing_v by_o a_o form_n 3._o we_o have_v a_o promise_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v assist_v we_o with_o this_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o word_n without_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o rom._n viij_o 26_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v those_o inward_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n call_v here_o groan_n be_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v and_o indeed_o only_o can_v help_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v with_o this_o grace_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n whether_o we_o use_v word_n or_o no_o and_o if_o we_o do_v use_v they_o whether_o we_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n first_o or_o pour_v they_o forth_o as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v always_o furnish_v we_o with_o fit_a word_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v furnish_v some_o with_o such_o word_n for_o we_o find_v both_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n dictate_v immediate_o by_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o zacharias_n and_o in_o the_o song_n or_o prayer_n of_o simeon_n and_o in_o act_n four_o 24_o but_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o prophecy_n and_o we_o may_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o this_o gift_n more_o than_o for_o any_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n till_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n pray_v and_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o we_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o pray_v extemporary_a prayer_n from_o any_o example_n of_o inspire_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o to_o sing_v extemporary_a hymn_n from_o the_o like_a example_n to_o which_o yet_o none_o i_o think_v pretend_v 5._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o even_o those_o who_o compose_v their_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n do_v not_o general_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n till_o they_o have_v first_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n thus_o david_n first_o pen_v his_o psalm_n and_o then_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v sing_v 1._o chron._n xuj_o 7_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o prophet_n 1._o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n a_o tongue_n a_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o have_v they_o ready_a and_o reduce_v into_o form_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v together_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o have_v a_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o place_n will_v appear_v very_o probable_a not_o only_o from_o the_o word_n which_o natural_o import_v this_o and_o can_v hardly_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v but_o likewise_o from_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o what_o these_o prophet_n have_v prepare_v and_o what_o be_v reveal_v immediate_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v together_o vers_n 30._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o show_v that_o these_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v so_o far_o be_v these_o inspire_a man_n from_o countenance_v a_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n except_o where_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o it_o and_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o scripture-proof_n be_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o tongue_n their_o necessity_n to_o god_n without_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 8._o it_o lie_v therefore_o my_o friend_n on_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v lay_v aside_o prayer_n by_o form_n command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v room_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v of_o man_n own_o invention_n but_o further_a that_o place_n eccl._n v._n 1.2_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o such_o prayer_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n or_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rashnesh_a to_o trust_v the_o express_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o such_o uncertain_a and_o unpremeditated_a word_n as_o our_o invention_n suggest_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o he_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o promise_n of_o be_v supply_v to_o we_o
the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o all_o good_a people_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o will_v retrieve_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v suggest_v but_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v some_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n because_o they_o will_v but_o exasperate_v and_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o perform_v extempore_o ridiculous_a which_o ill_a man_n may_v extend_v as_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v to_o expose_v devotion_n in_o general_a such_o be_v the_o indecent_a expression_n which_o sometime_o fall_v from_o person_n that_o pray_v thus_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o some_o preacher_n have_v too_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o serious_a person_n even_o among_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o print_v some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o those_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v print_v will_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v nor_o much_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a men._n but_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o ill_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o ridicule_fw-la one_o another_o devotion_n whatever_o it_o be_v v._o there_o remain_v yet_o the_o three_o opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o they_o advance_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n far_o from_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o require_v we_o rom._n xv_o 6_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n we_o produce_v this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n join_v their_o voice_n and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o condemn_v it_o or_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v charge_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o your_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n which_o be_v all_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o head_n after_o what_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o contrary_a practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v faithful_o examine_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n that_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o compare_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n way_n of_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o service_n the_o dissenter_n have_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n lay_v aside_o god_n command_n and_o desert_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o a_o immediate_a invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o entreat_v you_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o show_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o thereby_o literal_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o jew_n mark_v seven_o 7_o of_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o that_o superstition_n condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n col._n two_o 21_o which_o say_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v which_o teach_v to_o forbear_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a after_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o it_o that_o you_o may_v deliver_v your_o soul_n chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o christian_a assembly_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o examine_v this_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o consider_v first_o what_o direction_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o shall_v compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o they_o and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n first_o then_o god_n have_v positive_o command_v we_o to_o read_v his_o word_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n so_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v jos._n viij_o 35_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v which_o joshua_n read_v not_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n neither_o be_v this_o confine_v to_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o sabbath_n service_n in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n xiii_o 14_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n vers_fw-la 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n mean_v undoubted_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o st._n james_n act_n xv_o 21_o of_o moses_n his_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n ii_o this_o read_v the_o law_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n provide_v for_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o people_n immediate_o sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a reformation_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o restore_a this_o ordinance_n thus_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 29_o that_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o he_o read_v in_o their_o ear_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o like_a be_v observe_v of_o ezra_n neh._n viij_o 3_o and_o he_o read_v therein_o before_o the_o street_n that_o be_v before_o the_o water-gate_n from_o morning_n until_o midday_n before_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o that_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n give_v by_o themselves_o be_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o law_n be_v constant_o read_v to_o they_o afterward_o public_o in_o their_o synagogue_n so_o powerful_o do_v god_n bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o preserve_v those_o that_o use_v they_o from_o error_n and_o sin_n iii_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o like_a order_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o read_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a elder_n as_o it_o be_v before_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v as_o well_o as_o to_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspire_v write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n col._n
four_o 16_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o also_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n since_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o christian_a law_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o read_v in_o the_o first_o christian_n assembly_n i_o may_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n iv._o this_o public_a read_v the_o law_n be_v of_o so_o great_a reputation_n that_o it_o be_v term_v preach_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xv_o 21_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n the_o word_n preach_v have_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o signify_v proper_o to_o declare_v or_o proclaim_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o herald_n or_o crier_n proclaim_v the_o law_n or_o order_n of_o a_o king_n hence_o only_a those_o that_o proclaim_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v it_o before_o or_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v preach_v be_v distinguish_v from_o teach_v and_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n though_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v call_v preach_v yet_o interpret_n they_o apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o people_n from_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a be_v never_o call_v by_o that_o name_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o disciple_n act_n xx_o 7_o when_o he_o only_o in_o probability_n make_v a_o sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n as_o be_v usual_a now_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o original_a of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o translate_v preach_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v here_o but_o discourse_v dispute_v speak_v or_o reason_v so_o it_o be_v translate_v in_o act_n xvii_o 2_o 17._o xviii_o 19_o nineteeen_o 8_o 9_o heb._n twelve_o 5_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o original_a word_n which_o proper_o signify_v preach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v proper_o preach_v the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o it_o before_o and_o the_o second_o be_v when_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o peodle_n as_o a_o crier_n do_v a_o proclamation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o word_n himself_o but_o read_v it_o in_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o in_o short_a the_o scripture_n be_v sermon_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n be_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o read_n of_o which_o to_o the_o people_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n of_o god_n and_o where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v due_o observe_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o makâ—_n they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o hear_v they_o with_o humility_n and_o attention_n be_v a_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o tim._n three_o 16_o 17._o v._o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o great_a solemnity_n it_o be_v observe_v nehem._n viij_o 5_o when_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n with_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o i_o find_v it_o general_o agree_v that_o both_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n stand_v up_o whilst_o the_o law_n be_v read_v though_o not_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v read_v or_o teach_v hence_o it_o be_v observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o that_o our_o saviour_n stand_v up_o for_o to_o read_v and_o vers._n 20._o after_o close_v the_o book_n that_o he_o sit_v down_o to_o teach_v hence_o rev._n v_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o highpriest_n with_o a_o book_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o lamb_n as_o his_o minister_n take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o declare_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o vers._n 8._o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n the_o angel_n join_v with_o they_o vers._n 11._o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n verse_n 13._o from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n with_o adoration_n and_o praise_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o read_n the_o law_n confession_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v intermix_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o neh._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o day_n and_o another_o four_o part_n they_o confess_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n vi_o we_o find_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n understand_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o people_n be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n their_o language_n be_v change_v and_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o least_o universal_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v first_o write_v therefore_o when_o ezra_n read_v in_o the_o law_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o ezra_n read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n neh._n viij_o 7_o and_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n and_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o their_o place_n so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o this_o custom_n continue_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n first_o the_o hebrew_a text_n be_v read_v and_o then_o a_o translation_n or_o paraphrase_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n for_o read_v the_o original_n in_o public_a assembly_n such_o a_o custom_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o people_n without_o a_o translation_n therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o the_o church_n but_o order_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 27_o let_v one_o interpret_v but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o we_o find_v that_o after_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o enlargement_n or_o comment_n on_o some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v constant_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v rather_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o have_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a provision_n for_o such_o enlargement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o exhortation_n from_o it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xiii_o 15_o to_o send_v to_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n that_o message_n we_o find_v there_o you_o man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o st._n paul_n suppose_v he_o who_o teach_v and_o he_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v distinct_a from_o he_o that_o rule_v
read_v the_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v with_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_v from_o we_o how_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perform_v in_o your_o assembly_n and_o to_o compare_v your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n with_o the_o scripture_n rule_v and_o example_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o integrity_n that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o observe_v i._o and_o here_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o your_o teacher_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v very_o little_a regard_n either_o to_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n in_o frame_v this_o part_n of_o your_o worship_n have_v lay_v aside_o all_o those_o method_n of_o instruction_n that_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o except_o it_o be_v that_o of_o exposition_n and_o exhortation_n which_o among_o you_o be_v call_v preach_v in_o so_o much_o that_o though_o a_o man_n frequent_v your_o meeting_n all_o his_o life_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o security_n or_o hardly_o possibility_n of_o learning_n from_o your_o public_a teach_n all_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n or_o the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o his_o faith_n 1._o for_o first_o your_o preacher_n be_v entire_o leave_v to_o their_o choice_n what_o place_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v explain_v or_o what_o subject_n they_o will_v handle_v and_o hence_o it_o happen_v that_o hardly_o any_o one_o man_n in_o his_o life_n ever_o go_v through_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o practice_n in_o his_o public_a sermon_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o yourselves_o 2._o you_o have_v no_o summary_n of_o principle_n enjoin_v to_o be_v either_o read_v or_o teach_v in_o your_o public_a assembly_n a_o catechism_n you_o have_v but_o neither_o your_o directory_n nor_o practice_n make_v it_o any_o part_n of_o your_o lords-day-service_n and_o beside_o your_o catechism_n be_v such_o that_o it_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o 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they_o have_v a_o plainness_n force_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o which_o no_o humane_a eloquence_n can_v improve_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o they_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v little_a efficacy_n except_o a_o minister_n apply_v they_o 3._o suppose_v one_o verse_n well_o apply_v to_o be_v better_a than_o many_o chapter_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o omission_n of_o read_v they_o public_o for_o no_o application_n can_v be_v so_o well_o make_v of_o they_o whilst_o people_n be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o they_o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v our_o first_o care_n to_o read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n often_o and_o solemn_o that_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o and_o then_o one_o word_n of_o application_n may_v do_v more_o good_a than_o many_o sermon_n to_o people_n not_o so_o prepare_v with_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o they_o the_o literal_a 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own_v this_o pretence_n since_o it_o be_v so_o horrid_a a_o reflection_n and_o affront_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v however_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o character_n of_o themselves_o very_o different_a from_o this_o they_o represent_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o quick_a and_o powerful_a as_o able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n as_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a as_o convert_v the_o soul_n with_o many_o other_o expression_n to_o denote_v the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o word_n as_o dull_a and_o formal_a as_o a_o mere_a dead_a letter_n that_o can_v engage_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o hearer_n or_o reach_v their_o heart_n be_v too_o near_a blasphemy_n 2._o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o immediate_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o 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2_o chron._n xxix_o 26_o neh._n x._o 40_o and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a act_n but_o impose_v on_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v from_o neh._n ix_o 5_o then_o the_o levite_n say_v stand_v up_o and_o bless_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o thus_o praise_v god_n rev._n seven_o 9_o they_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n and_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v salvation_n etc._n etc._n at_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o reader_n and_o people_n use_v the_o same_o posture_n as_o appear_v from_o neh._n viij_o 4_o 5._o and_o ezra_n the_o scribe_n stand_v on_o a_o pulpit_n of_o wood_n and_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o chap._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n which_o our_o saviour_n likewise_o observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o last_o they_o offer_v their_o sacrifice_n with_o bodily_a adoration_n 2_o chron._n xxix_o 27_o and_o when_o the_o burn_a offering_n begin_v the_o song_n of_o the_o lord_n begin_v also_o and_o all_o the_o congregation_n worship_v and_o the_o singer_n sing_v and_o the_o trumpet_n sound_v and_o all_o this_o continue_a until_o the_o burn_a offer_v be_v finish_v the_o word_n as_o be_v observe_v here_o render_v worship_v signify_v literal_o they_o bow_v themselves_o down_o and_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o continue_v prostrate_a or_o kneel_v whilst_o the_o burn_a offer_v be_v offer_v thus_o in_o every_o religious_a performance_n the_o scripture_n have_v take_v particular_a notice_n and_o record_v to_o we_o with_o what_o act_n of_o bodily_a worship_n it_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o bodily_a worship_n let_v we_o in_o next_o place_n compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o this_o representation_n and_o see_v how_o we_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o visible_a worship_n in_o our_o church_n i._n first_o then_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o public_a assembly_n we_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o come_v into_o christ_n presence_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v mat._n xviii_o 21_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v our_o custom_n to_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o bow_v our_o body_n before_o he_o this_o bow_v our_o body_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o for_o his_o service_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o any_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v general_o practise_v by_o good_a people_n as_o very_o decent_a in_o itself_o and_o edify_v to_o other_o our_o bow_v our_o body_n therefore_o at_o our_o come_n into_o a_o christian_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v only_o to_o pay_v that_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o when_o we_o come_v into_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n which_o presence_n he_o have_v promise_v in_o such_o assembly_n some_o indeed_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o term_v our_o thus_o worship_v god_n a_o bow_v to_o the_o altar_n whereas_o our_o church_n express_o declare_v against_o any_o adoration_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n do_v much_o deelare_v against_o do_v it_o to_o the_o altar_n ii_o uncover_v the_o head_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o respect_n among_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o continue_v uncover_v whilst_o the_o assembly_n last_v that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n presence_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n be_v to_o uncover_v their_o foot_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n so_o moses_n and_o joshua_n be_v command_v to_o do_v to_o which_o solomon_n allude_v eccles._n v._n 1_o this_o be_v easy_o practise_v with_o they_o because_o they_o wear_v nothing_o on_o their_o foot_n but_o loose_a shoe_n and_o sandal_n which_o be_v ready_o slip_v off_o and_o this_o continue_a till_o our_o saviour_n time_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o wash_v their_o foot_n when_o they_o come_v into_o house_n luke_n seven_o 44_o uncover_v the_o head_n be_v the_o same_o common_a mark_n of_o respect_n with_o we_o now_o as_o uncover_v the_o foot_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o time_n and_o this_o uncover_v the_o foot_n be_v neither_o practicable_a with_o we_o nor_o any_o note_n of_o respect_n among_o we_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a our_o church_n have_v require_v we_o instead_o of_o it_o to_o uncover_v our_o head_n can._n seven_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o this_o practice_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o digress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o explain_v one_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v his_o head_n uncover_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n not_o as_o a_o note_n of_o respect_n but_o of_o privilege_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 7_o for_o a_o man_n indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o cover_v his_o head_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o woman_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o man._n which_o passage_n do_v not_o primary_o relate_v to_o the_o cover_n the_o head_n but_o the_o face_n by_o a_o veil_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o this_o cover_n the_o face_n be_v a_o note_n of_o respect_n as_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o note_n of_o privilege_n so_o we_o find_v that_o when_o rebecca_n be_v to_o appear_v before_o her_o husband_n gen._n xxiv_o 65_o she_o take_v a_o veil_n and_o cover_v herself_o so_o exod._n iii._o 6_o moses_n hide_v his_o face_n for_o he_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v upon_o god_n and_o elijah_n wrap_v his_o face_n in_o his_o mantle_n when_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v god_n 1_o king_n nineteeen_o 13_o on_o the_o same_o account_v the_o seraphin_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n is._n vi_fw-la 2_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o favour_n to_o be_v allow_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n uncover_v and_o it_o be_v reckon_v as_o such_o 2_o cor._n three_o 18_o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o favour_n may_v not_o appear_v bare-faced_n before_o their_o prince_n but_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v as_o haman_n be_v when_o the_o king_n signify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o he_o ester_n seven_o 8_o now_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o before_o cite_v place_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o man_n be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v allow_v to_o take_v this_o confidence_n before_o god_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o woman_n for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v man_n his_o image_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o this_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v cover_v before_o he_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o man_n glory_n which_o be_v woman_n shall_v be_v cover_v before_o god_n this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o uncover_v the_o of_o head_n in_o use_n with_o we_o now_o which_o be_v only_o a_o mark_n of_o civil_a respect_n and_o that_o peculiar_a to_o man_n and_o not_o to_o woman_n but_o however_o be_v a_o honour_n pay_v to_o man_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n general_a injunction_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o order_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v to_o determine_v what_o particular_a thing_n come_v under_o the_o apostle_n general_a word_n of_o decency_n 3._o we_o stand_v up_o at_o our_o praising_n thanksgiving_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a scripture_n 4._o at_o our_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o at_o our_o prayer_n we_o present_v ourselves_o before_o god_n on_o our_o knee_n by_o order_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n iii_o we_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o worship_a posture_n i_o know_v that_o many_o except_v against_o this_o it_o will_v engage_v i_o in_o a_o long_a discourse_n to_o examine_v it_o full_o perhaps_o god_n may_v hereafter_o give_v i_o a_o opportunity_n to_o discuss_v it_o at_o large_a at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o hint_n at_o the_o scripture-ground_n we_o have_v for_o it_o by_o
it_o be_v certain_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o sit_v but_o lie_v at_o table_n when_o he_o do_v eat_v his_o usual_a meal_n suppose_v then_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o his_o posture_n of_o eat_v we_o ought_v to_o lie_v as_o he_o do_v but_o none_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o do_v so_o or_o practice_v this_o way_n since_o then_o all_o party_n change_v it_o sure_o we_o do_v better_a that_o change_v it_o into_o the_o religious_a way_n of_o eat_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n with_o adoration_n than_o other_o that_o change_v our_o saviour_n way_n into_o sit_v the_o common_a way_n of_o our_o eat_v 3._o we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v for_o our_o practice_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o at_o a_o common_a supper_n when_o he_o institute_v this_o sacrament_n but_o at_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v a_o sacramental_a eat_v and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a posture_n prescribe_v for_o it_o ex._n twelve_o 11_o and_o though_o some_o think_v but_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o observe_v this_o yet_o it_o be_v own_v they_o observe_v another_o which_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v and_o be_v reckon_v religious_a however_o it_o be_v speak_v that_o our_o saviour_n perform_v this_o eat_v with_o several_a religious_a ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n such_o be_v that_o we_o find_v luke_n xxii_o 17_o and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o say_v take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o this_o cup_n be_v different_a from_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n which_o be_v institute_v vers_fw-la 20._o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v christ_n we_o ought_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o way_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o different_a from_o our_o common_a meal_n 4_o but_o four_a the_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o go_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v which_o no_o wise_a appear_v in_o scripture_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o any_o thing_n say_v or_o intimate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o st._n paul_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v true_a whilst_o the_o disciple_n be_v eat_v he_o take_v bread_n but_o after_o that_o he_o give_v thanks_o and_o bless_v it_o and_o then_o he_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n continue_v eat_v whilst_o our_o saviour_n be_v give_v thanks_o and_o blessing_n that_o be_v pray_v our_o saviour_n therefore_o or_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o eat_v but_o give_v thanks_o and_o pray_v whilst_o this_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o probability_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o thanksgiving_n and_o pray_v posture_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o change_n of_o posture_n since_o the_o change_n of_o the_o action_n from_o eat_v to_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n sufficient_o signify_v and_o infer_v it_o there_o be_v no_o notice_n take_v of_o our_o saviour_n rise_v at_o all_o from_o the_o table_n by_o any_o of_o the_o three_o evangelist_n that_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o john_n xiii_o 4_o that_o he_o do_v rise_v from_o that_o supper_n and_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n and_o sit_v down_o again_o vers._n 12._o and_o so_o he_o may_v rise_v to_o bless_v and_o distribute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o common_a table-posture_n rather_o the_o contrary_n seem_v probable_a so_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o reason_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o as_o fit_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o like_a case_n last_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n severe_o reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o their_o irreverence_n in_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o damnation_n for_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v for_o receive_v it_o as_o their_o common_a food_n without_o distinguish_v between_o they_o by_o a_o reverend_n and_o religious_a receive_v it_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o a_o due_a distinction_n between_o it_o and_o our_o common_a food_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n with_o as_o much_o reverence_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o altar_n at_o which_o they_o never_o sit_v down_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o sacred_a action_n as_o to_o bodily_a worship_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v and_o ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v as_o unjust_a to_o suspect_v or_o accuse_v we_o of_o worship_v the_o lord_n table_n or_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n because_o we_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o it_o be_v to_o accuse_v the_o jew_n of_o worship_v their_o altar_n or_o sacrifice_n because_o they_o worship_v before_o they_o as_o god_n command_v they_o to_o do_v 2_o king_n xviii_o 22_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o give_v we_o true_a submission_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o these_o inward_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o our_o church_n have_v appoint_v by_o bodily_a worship_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o god_n have_v approve_v and_o holy_a man_n have_v practise_v in_o scripture_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o bodily_a worship_n i._o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o you_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o to_o compare_v your_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o first_o as_o to_o your_o principle_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o allow_v bodily_a adoration_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o you_o can_v but_o discern_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o make_v it_o the_o most_o proper_a peculiar_a act_n thereof_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o chap._n iu._n sect._n 1._o n_o o._n 1.2.3_o in_o your_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 21._o prayer_n reading_n scripture_n etc._n etc._n sing_v psalm_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v reckon_v up_o as_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o not_o a_o word_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n your_o directory_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v it_o out_o but_o exclude_v it_o by_o require_v all_o to_o enter_v the_o assembly_n and_o to_o take_v their_o seat_n and_o place_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v themselves_o towards_o one_o place_n or_o other_o that_o be_v without_o bow_v themselves_o at_o all_o a_o rule_n direct_o opposite_a to_o natural_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v christ_n peculiar_o present_a in_o their_o assembly_n which_o yet_o the_o author_n of_o your_o directory_n profess_v to_o do_v in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o they_o forbid_v all_o adoration_n let_v we_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o compare_v their_o rule_n with_o god_n word_n you_o have_v the_o bible_n in_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v your_o privilege_n to_o use_v it_o the_o scripture_n say_v o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n let_v we_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n your_o directory_n say_v let_v we_o enter_v the_o assembly_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v where_o notwithstanding_o it_o allow_v that_o we_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n appear_v in_o god_n presence_n sure_o you_o can_v but_o see_v this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v aside_o but_o to_o contradict_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n ii_o your_o practice_n be_v conformable_a to_o your_o principle_n for_o 1._o at_o your_o thanksgiving_n or_o praise_n you_o neither_o bow_v nor_o stand_v up_o 2._o whereas_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v use_v to_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o faith_n you_o have_v cast_v out_o of_o your_o religious_a assembly_n not_o only_o this_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n themselves_o so_o material_a a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v
it_o to_o god_n for_o to_o do_v so_o must_v natural_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o awe_n and_o sense_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n in_o our_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o proceed_v too_o often_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o awe_n 6._o to_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o language_n of_o gesture_n rather_o more_o significant_a and_o move_a than_o that_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o he_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a make_v of_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o more_o awaken_v and_o affect_v by_o see_v a_o whole_a congregation_n on_o their_o knee_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n than_o to_o see_v they_o sit_v or_o lean_v whilst_o their_o petition_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n word_n therefore_o and_o gesture_n be_v only_o different_a part_n of_o the_o language_n whereby_o we_o express_v and_o communicate_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o one_o another_o and_o both_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o nature_n and_o command_v by_o scripture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o who_o lay_v aside_o gesture_n do_v sin_n against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o lay_v aside_o word_n i_o hearty_o wish_v you_o and_o all_o dissenter_n will_v consider_v this_o which_o if_o you_o do_v i_o assure_v myself_o you_o will_v perceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o moment_n and_o neither_o condemn_v our_o bodily_a adoration_n nor_o continue_v your_o own_o what_o i_o must_v call_v irreverence_n 3._o but_o three_o some_o allege_v for_o their_o omit_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v bodily_a adoration_n in_o his_o service_n but_o that_o to_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v in_o the_o congregation_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o they_o that_o they_o judge_v they_o be_v better_o omit_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o these_o person_n do_v 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follower_n say_v he_o of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ._n st._n paul_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o sure_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v his_o except_o we_o think_v ourselves_o grow_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v or_o prefer_v our_o ease_n to_o our_o duty_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o be_v that_o your_o neglect_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o most_o solemn_a of_o all_o christian_a ordinance_n the_o lord_n supper_n do_v harden_v you_o against_o reverence_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o if_o reverence_n be_v not_o think_v necessary_a in_o that_o duty_n it_o may_v well_o seem_v unnecessary_a in_o any_o other_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o lord's-supper_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v the_o frequency_n of_o celebrate_v it_o i._o the_o five_o main_n and_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v treat_v concern_v the_o preparation_n requisite_a in_o the_o receiver_n or_o any_o of_o those_o other_o circumstance_n which_o be_v general_o agree_v on_o as_o necessary_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o concern_v which_o so_o many_o excellent_a treatise_n be_v extant_a i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o one_o point_n and_o that_o be_v the_o frequency_n of_o it_o as_o a_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o examine_v first_o what_o the_o institution_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n teach_v we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a second_o compare_v our_o practice_n therewith_o and_o three_o the_o practice_n
4_o or_o 3_o at_o the_o least_o communicate_v with_o the_o priest_n so_o where_o 3_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o minister_n may_v proceed_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n every_o lord's-day_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o three_o therefore_o make_v a_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o obstinacy_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o shall_v hinder_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a from_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o therefore_o our_o church_n have_v take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o by_o order_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o communion-service_n be_v read_v every_o lord's-day_n both_o with_o design_n to_o put_v all_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o accommodate_v such_o as_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o herein_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v order_v that_o in_o cathedral_n and_o collegiate_n church_n and_o college_n where_o there_o be_v many_o priest_n and_o deacon_n they_o shall_v all_o receive_v the_o communion_n every_o sunday_n at_o the_o least_o 3._o that_o every_o parishioner_n shall_v communicate_v at_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n whereof_o easter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o sure_o such_o as_o can_v fit_v themselves_o so_o often_o must_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n be_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n 4._o last_o as_o to_o our_o practice_n we_o have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o universal_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v celebrate_v thrice_o every_o year_n and_o where_o either_o our_o persuasion_n argument_n or_o entreaty_n can_v prevail_v with_o our_o people_n we_o have_v monthly_a communion_n and_o in_o city_n and_o large_a town_n by_o the_o 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service_n of_o god_n and_o i_o very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o shall_v have_v bring_v our_o people_n before_o now_o to_o the_o scripture-order_n of_o constant_a weekly_n communicate_v have_v not_o the_o ill_a example_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n encourage_v they_o in_o their_o negligence_n and_o weaken_v our_o discipline_n for_o our_o church_n order_v non-communicants_a to_o be_v present_v and_o punish_v and_o our_o minister_n do_v not_o general_o flatter_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sin_n or_o dissemble_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o point_n but_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o by_o sermon_n admonition_n and_o treatise_n purposely_o publish_v to_o this_o intent_n press_v they_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v blameless_a before_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v it_o our_o fault_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o people_n be_v not_o reform_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v accuse_v of_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o of_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n in_o this_o particular_a though_o we_o be_v yet_o too_o far_o short_a of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o institution_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n about_o frequency_n of_o communicate_v i._o i_o come_v now_o according_a to_o my_o former_a method_n to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o and_o entreat_v you_o to_o examine_v with_o i_o your_o principle_n and_o practice_n by_o these_o scripture-rule_n and_o example_n and_o here_o first_o i_o must_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o you_o have_v no_o fix_a or_o set_v time_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n on_o the_o contrary_a your_o directory_n order_n that_o the_o time_n how_o often_o this_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v may_v be_v consider_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o church-governor_n of_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v any_o ordinary_a constant_a part_n of_o god_n service_n it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o each_o congregation_n to_o determine_v as_o in_o other_o occasional_a thing_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v of_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n or_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o which_o yet_o they_o determine_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o every_o lord_n day_n have_v they_o make_v the_o same_o rule_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n they_o have_v indeed_o conform_v to_o the_o 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but_o your_o teacher_n neither_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o people_n nor_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o afford_v a_o opportunity_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v constant_a receiver_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o multiply_v the_o abuse_n introduce_v by_o popery_n instead_o of_o reform_v they_o iii_o they_o rare_o press_v their_o people_n to_o communicate_v they_o have_v few_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o many_o of_o they_o condemn_v our_o zeal_n for_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o constant_a communion_n precedent_v in_o scripture_n i_o must_v further_o make_v you_o sensible_a that_o your_o practice_n be_v yet_o worse_o than_o your_o principle_n your_o directory_n own_v that_o the_o communion_n or_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v celebrate_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o as_o with_o all_o other_o indefinite_a rule_n they_o signify_v only_o that_o people_n may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v in_o the_o case_n no_o body_n can_v certain_o tell_v what_o frequent_o many_o often_o or_o convenient_a signify_v and_o therefore_o where_o only_o these_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o rule_n it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o very_a case_n for_o when_o people_n be_v relax_v from_o the_o particular_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o our_o church_n by_o the_o first_o break_v off_o of_o those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n from_o we_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o whole_o for_o several_a year_n by_o some_o congregation_n and_o at_o last_o too_o many_o come_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o constant_a necessity_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o reckon_v a_o great_a thing_n among_o many_o of_o you_o if_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o a_o communion_n be_v celebrate_v in_o one_o of_o your_o meeting_n nay_o among_o some_o of_o