law_n of_o moses_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n do_v use_v a_o great_a many_o moysaicall_a rite_n only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o typical_a nature_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o circumcise_v timothy_n not_o in_o token_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n but_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n worship_v in_o the_o temple_n keep_v their_o religious_a festival_n and_o 22_o observe_v their_o law_n but_o no_o christian_n can_v do_v this_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o they_o observe_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o believe_v jew_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v lawful_o observe_v those_o 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be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a sacredness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o such_o as_o he_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o wash_a cup_n platter_n and_o hand_n before_o dinner_n thus_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v 21._o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o their_o abstain_v from_o certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n fling_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o custom_n they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o merit_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v great_a number_n of_o they_o such_o as_o pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o custom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v that_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o sorry_a thing_n as_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n but_o christ_n expect_v from_o we_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o superstitious_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o hope_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n by_o profess_v poverty_n celibacy_n and_o blind_a obedience_n by_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n in_o lent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o vain_a superstition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o our_o knee_n as_o a_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n not_o as_o meritorious_a superstition_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v often_o declaim_v against_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o st._n paul_n mean_v any_o thing_n like_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o circumstance_n or_o appendage_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o arbitrary_a superstition_n as_o they_o turn_v into_o formal_a act_n of_o religion_n the_o four_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v our_o present_a argument_n the_o difference_n christ_n put_v between_o the_o substantial_a and_o the_o instrumental_a part_n of_o worship_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o any_o ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o decent_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o nothing_o that_o be_v mere_o external_a but_o on_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n express_v in_o such_o become_a word_n and_o behaviour_n as_o may_v make_v it_o visible_a and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o such_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n will_v please_v god_n without_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o she_o own_v no_o such_o principle_n but_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n better_o and_o methinks_v this_o shall_v be_v no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o establish_a worship_n of_o our_o church_n have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v they_o can_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o forsake_v it_o for_o nothing_o but_o a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o sin_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o separation_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v how_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o pray_v always_o by_o a_o form_n or_o to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v such_o practice_n as_o brief_o to_o point_v to_o some_o few_o thing_n 1._o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o use_v it_o it_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o forbid_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o a_o form_n as_o a_o form_n can_v be_v unlawful_a 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o no_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o oft_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o what_o place_n in_o what_o posture_n in_o what_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o word_n in_o baptism_n but_o not_o any_o one_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v some_o circumstance_n for_o every_o action_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a performance_n and_o great_a solemnity_n of_o such_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n leave_v all_o such_o to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o law_n the_o church_n 2._o be_v in_o a_o infant_n state_n like_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n which_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o that_o typical_a temple-worship_n be_v exact_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o
name_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n divide_v the_o several_a duty_n of_o religion_n into_o three_o part_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o and_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v to_o honour_v he_o all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o worship_n honour_n god_n as_o they_o signify_v our_o great_a sense_n and_o devout_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v power_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n our_o dependence_n on_o he_o submission_n to_o he_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o such_o as_o be_v great_a and_o venerable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o the_o like_a now_o every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o honour_n be_v always_o the_o great_a the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o have_v great_a and_o admire_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v this_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n honour_v god_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o he_o who_o keep_v these_o thought_n to_o himself_o and_o praise_v god_n so_o private_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o but_o himself_o the_o prophet_n david_n resolve_v to_o make_v his_o praise_n of_o god_n as_o public_a as_o he_o can_v i_o will_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o 22._o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o and_o exhort_v other_o to_o exalt_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o 1._o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o upright_a and_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o worship_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o consist_v in_o honour_v god_n with_o devout_a and_o pious_a affection_n in_o bow_v our_o soul_n before_o he_o and_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a expression_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o honour_n which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a worship_n such_o as_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n fall_v down_o on_o the_o ground_n kneeling_z uncover_v the_o head_n and_o those_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n which_o signify_v the_o humble_a and_o devout_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o though_o these_o external_a sign_n of_o honour_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v in_o private_a and_o closet_n devotion_n so_o it_o be_v with_o due_a caution_n not_o to_o make_v they_o public_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n yet_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o they_o be_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o testify_v our_o concurrence_n and_o agreement_n with_o other_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o god_n know_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o desire_n by_o clothing_n they_o with_o word_n he_o hear_v the_o most_o silent_a breathe_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o he_o in_o a_o audible_a voice_n he_o see_v the_o bend_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o most_o humble_a submission_n and_o prostration_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v of_o this_o by_o bend_v or_o bow_v our_o body_n to_o he_o but_o man_n can_v see_v this_o but_o by_o external_a sign_n nor_o join_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n and_o praise_n without_o word_n so_o audible_o pronounce_v that_o all_o present_a may_v hear_v they_o and_o therefore_o those_o scripture_n which_o require_v these_o external_a sign_n of_o worship_n suppose_v that_o this_o worship_n must_v be_v public_a too_o that_o we_o must_v meet_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v pen_v for_o public_a worship_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o master_n of_o music_n to_o be_v sing_v as_o public_a hymn_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o worship_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o obligation_n much_o more_o strong_a to_o public_a than_o to_o private_a worship_n though_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o especial_o when_o we_o want_v such_o public_a opportunity_n the_o natural_a reason_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a parent_n and_o benefactor_n and_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o become_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v he_o who_o be_v our_o maker_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o feed_v and_o clothes_v we_o who_o defend_v we_o from_o evil_a who_o encompass_v we_o with_o his_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o most_o of_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o more_o cogent_a reason_n for_o public_a than_o for_o private_a worship_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v those_o particular_a favour_n and_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o private_a worship_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v consider_v a_o private_a as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n as_o a_o universal_a parent_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v worship_v as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n that_o be_v with_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v public_a and_o since_o all_o mankind_n be_v god_n creature_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o bind_v to_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n natural_a reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o give_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o solemnity_n to_o it_o for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o man_n be_v make_v a_o sociable_a creature_n for_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o only_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v his_o high_a end_n and_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n unite_v themselves_o into_o society_n for_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n it_o be_v as_o high_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v unite_v for_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o body_n politic_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o old_a maxim_n of_o government_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a bond_n and_o cement_n of_o civil_a society_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a blessing_n we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o in_o common_a with_o other_o or_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n deliverance_n from_o enemy_n the_o advantage_n of_o good_a government_n and_o all_o other_o national_a mercy_n and_o above_o all_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o god_n be_v defraud_v of_o his_o glory_n if_o our_o acknowledgement_n be_v not_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blessing_n be_v for_o private_a praise_n be_v not_o just_o return_v nor_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o public_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o psalmist_n celebrate_v the_o public_a mercy_n of_o god_n he_o invite_v all_o israel_n to_o join_v in_o his_o praise_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o a_o new_a song_n and_o his_o praise_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n let_v israel_n rejoice_v in_o he_o that_o make_v he_o let_v the_o child_n of_o zion_n be_v joyful_a in_o their_o king_n and_o all_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o mankind_n who_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n and_o nature_n of_o their_o worship_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o make_v their_o worship_n public_a and_o solemn_a and_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n himself_o institute_v and_o ordain_v and_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o be_v typical_a also_o of_o the_o christian._n now_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o god_n command_v by_o moses_n be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o public_a manner_n
the_o church_n and_o involve_v ourselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n upon_o this_o pretence_n but_o yet_o that_o be_v a_o suspicious_a argument_n which_o tend_v towards_o schism_n which_o in_o its_o great_a innocency_n break_v good_a order_n and_o wholesome_a constitution_n and_o when_o it_o be_v full_o pursue_v may_v lead_v giddy_a and_o unstable_a mind_n into_o separation_n 2._o there_o be_v so_o much_o unaccountable_a fancy_n and_o humour_n to_o be_v see_v in_o those_o different_a judgement_n man_n make_v of_o preacher_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o the_o peace_n order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n different_a fancy_n some_o be_v take_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o solid_a other_o with_o a_o florid_n and_o polite_a preacher_n some_o be_v please_v with_o a_o tone_n other_o with_o earnestness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o action_n and_o voice_n how_o often_o do_v many_o man_n vary_v in_o their_o opinion_n of_o 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their_o pain_n and_o labour_n despise_v and_o slight_v especial_o in_o this_o case_n which_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o do_v that_o service_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o their_o office_n require_v and_o which_o they_o so_o passionate_o desire_v man_n who_o be_v above_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o great_a auditory_a be_v yet_o desirous_a to_o preach_v to_o those_o who_o they_o be_v concern_v to_o instruct_v and_o be_v grieve_v to_o see_v they_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o they_o you_o may_v many_o time_n have_v better_a sermon_n do_v you_o not_o discourage_v your_o preacher_n by_o such_o neglect_v 4._o consider_v far_o that_o you_o be_v particular_o accountable_a for_o the_o improvement_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o you_o do_v or_o may_v have_v enjoy_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o your_o parish_n church_n god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o require_v we_o to_o keep_v our_o station_n and_o when_o the_o 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from_o such_o instruction_n certain_o those_o man_n act_v more_o safe_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o future_a account_n who_o make_v the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v of_o such_o instruction_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n provide_v for_o they_o than_o those_o who_o leave_v their_o rank_n and_o order_n to_o choose_v better_o for_o themselves_o 5._o we_o may_v also_o reasonable_o expect_v the_o great_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o preserve_v good_a order_n which_o will_v tend_v more_o to_o our_o spiritual_a increase_n and_o growth_n than_o the_o best_a external_a mean_n of_o edification_n the_o success_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o gift_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o upon_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n who_o then_o be_v 7._o paul_n and_o who_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v even_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o every_o man_n i_o have_v plant_v apollo_n water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n so_o then_o 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be_v to_o observe_v good_a order_n for_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o external_a ministry_n which_o we_o conscientious_o submit_v to_o and_o diligent_o attend_v to_o preserve_v good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o constant_a attendance_n on_o a_o mean_a ministry_n be_v much_o more_o for_o our_o edification_n than_o a_o occasional_a hear_v much_o better_a sermon_n it_o be_v too_o much_o the_o humour_n of_o many_o man_n who_o forsake_v their_o own_o church_n to_o be_v constant_a to_o none_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v hear_v a_o great_a many_o excellent_a sermon_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n whereas_o every_o minister_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o instruct_v his_o people_n commit_v to_o he_o will_v take_v care_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o teach_v they_o all_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o take_v and_o popular_a be_v yet_o more_o useful_a than_o some_o general_a discourse_n and_o press_v and_o vehement_a exhortation_n without_o a_o particular_a explication_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o show_v the_o advantage_n of_o attend_v a_o constant_a ministry_n especial_o if_o man_n will_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o their_o minister_n whereby_o he_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v how_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o their_o particular_a case_n to_o fit_v his_o instruction_n to_o their_o capacity_n and_o his_o counsel_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n to_o their_o spiritual_a want_n this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o they_o be_v only_o some_o hard_a case_n which_o make_v parochial_a
public_a magistrate_n be_v the_o duty_n also_o of_o private_a christian_n possible_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a pain_n in_o prove_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o too_o be_v i_o not_o sensible_a by_o my_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v who_o have_v very_o little_a apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o come_v to_o church_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n and_o sometime_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o careless_a humour_n if_o any_o such_o read_v these_o paper_n i_o will_v desire_v and_o beg_v of_o they_o serious_o to_o consider_v this_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o by_o some_o childish_a and_o sophistical_a reason_n into_o a_o neglect_n so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n suppose_v you_o do_v real_o as_o some_o i_o fear_v only_o pretend_v spend_v your_o time_n in_o private_a prayer_n and_o read_v and_o meditation_n yet_o can_v you_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v your_o private_a prayer_n when_o they_o signify_v a_o neglect_n if_o not_o a_o contempt_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v so_o much_o more_o please_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v praise_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n where_o no_o body_n see_v nor_o hear_v we_o can_v you_o think_v your_o single_a prayer_n will_v as_o much_o prevail_v with_o god_n as_o when_o the_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n can_v you_o any_o where_o expect_v such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n while_o we_o attend_v on_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o without_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o they_o when_o there_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o our_o private_a devotion_n without_o neglect_v or_o affront_a public_a worship_n and_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n before_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o long_o and_o thirst_v after_o the_o court_n of_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n iii_o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n i._o contain_v several_a direction_n to_o such_o man_n whereby_o to_o try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o forsake_v our_o religious_a assembly_n be_v those_o who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o who_o separate_z for_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o think_v themselves_o bind_v as_o they_o honour_v god_n and_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n to_o avoid_v our_o communion_n now_o these_o man_n deserve_v our_o most_o tender_a regard_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n it_o be_v very_o great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o excellent_a book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o instruction_n for_o those_o who_o be_v honest_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v take_v another_o method_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v prove_v more_o effectual_a than_o dispute_v common_o do_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o to_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n three_o to_o remove_v some_o popular_a plea_n and_o objection_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v their_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n offer_v such_o a_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o carry_v on_o other_o design_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n that_o white_v paint_a sepulchre_n how_o glorious_a a_o profession_n soever_o he_o make_v who_o be_v thus_o rot_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v your_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n i_o shall_v desire_v every_o man_n as_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o hope_n for_o mercy_n at_o the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_n the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a question_n first_o whether_o he_o do_v indeed_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n to_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o case_n where_o he_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n when_o we_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n be_v like_o counterfeit_v the_o king_n be_v broad_a seal_n to_o justify_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n few_o man_n make_v any_o difference_n between_o their_o private_a judgement_n opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v between_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o fancy_n come_v into_o their_o head_n be_v call_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n before_o all_o the_o visible_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o last_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o man_n must_v act_v against_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v express_o forbid_v nor_o neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v command_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n whatever_o we_o suffer_v by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o a_o erroneous_a doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v improper_o call_v conscience_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o waver_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a nicety_n which_o signify_v nothing_o in_o practice_n for_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v it_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v or_o fear_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o contrary_a to_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v 23._o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n conscience_n and_o private_a opinion_n between_o their_o judgement_n direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o by_o other_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a measure_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o direct_v our_o practice_n for_o first_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o religious_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a authority_n where_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o divine_a law_n command_v or_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o we_o dare_v
run_v headlong_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n with_o themselves_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n lest_o tell_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v call_v bitterness_n and_o rail_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vile_a and_o lewd_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o again_o and_o think_v themselves_o slander_v if_o they_o do_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n never_o teach_v man_n to_o revile_v and_o reproach_v their_o governor_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n st._n jude_n give_v a_o great_a many_o hard_a word_n to_o some_o man_n in_o his_o day_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o apply_v to_o any_o in_o we_o who_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n yet_o 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austin_n in_o answer_n to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n whoever_o correct_v what_o he_o can_v 2._o by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n and_o shut_v out_o or_o lays_z aside_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o amendment_n as_o far_o as_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o modest_o disallow_v and_o yet_o uphold_v what_o can_v be_v part_v with_o without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a peacemaker_n sect_n ii_o contain_v some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v now_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a principle_n which_o may_v contribute_v towards_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n the_o thing_n common_o object_v to_o drive_v away_o our_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o like_a which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a and_o uncommand_v thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o we_o have_v always_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o break_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o religious_a office_n they_o can_v never_o produce_v any_o yet_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a never_o can_v and_o if_o man_n will_v abuse_v and_o scare_v themselves_o with_o some_o fanciful_a application_n of_o scripture_n and_o remote_a and_o illogical_a consequence_n there_o be_v no_o help_n that_o i_o know_v of_o since_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a work_n to_o answer_v all_o such_o cavil_n for_o man_n who_o 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our_o worship_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a worship_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n thus_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o argue_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o 24._o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o wise_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o 2._o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o brief_o to_o our_o present_a case_n can_v any_o man_n who_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o creature_n for_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanks-givings_a to_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a form_n of_o word_n can_v god_n be_v please_v with_o the_o volubility_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o quickness_n of_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o invention_n more_o than_o with_o devout_a affection_n than_o with_o a_o soul_n inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n and_o possess_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o offer_v up_o itself_o to_o he_o in_o few_o grave_n and_o considerate_a word_n will_v a_o father_n reject_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n if_o as_o often_o as_o he_o want_v require_v he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n when_o he_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n do_v a_o prince_n like_o a_o long_a extemporary_a harangue_n when_o his_o subject_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o he_o or_o a_o short_a and_o well_o compose_v petition_n the_o wise_a man_n i_o be_o sure_a tell_v we_o that_o few_o and_o become_v word_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o more_o expressive_a of_o that_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v only_o a_o external_a signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o mankind_n 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age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o all_o form_n of_o religion_n whatever_o religious_a rite_n be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n natural_a reason_n condemn_v as_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a but_o whatever_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v condemn_v that_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o the_o law_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v not_o make_v so_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o institution_n but_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n or_o to_o pay_v such_o a_o false_a worship_n to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n consist_v in_o false_a notion_n repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n and_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o use_v or_o not_o use_v very_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o by_o a_o abuse_a fancy_n and_o ill_o instruct_v conscience_n they_o imprint_v either_o a_o religious_a or_o sinful_a character_n upon_o they_o either_o think_v they_o shall_v please_v god_n or_o fear_v they_o shall_v displease_v he_o by_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a advance_v towards_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o religious_a ceremony_n which_o though_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o plain_a positive_a law_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o only_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n than_o they_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n let_v we_o all_o serious_o consider_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o to_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_n the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o that_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o sober_a liturgy_n or_o decent_a ceremony_n 2._o what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o countenance_n both_o 1._o what_o the_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v religion_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n he_o seem_v principal_o to_o design_n 1._o to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n 2._o to_o strip_v it_o of_o all_o type_n and_o shadow_n 3._o to_o deliver_v religion_n from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o superstitious_a observance_n 4._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o substance_n circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o religion_n between_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a and_o the_o instrumental_a and_o external_n part_n of_o worship_n 1._o our_o saviour_n great_a design_n be_v to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n the_o jewish_a worship_n consist_v in_o so_o many_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o wash_n purification_n sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o homage_n of_o the_o external_a man._n if_o they_o do_v but_o worship_n god_n at_o the_o right_a place_n and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o take_v little_a care_n of_o inward_a devotion_n but_o now_o our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oppose_v to_o external_a and_o bodily_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a worship_n god_n can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o to_o a_o typical_a worship_n of_o which_o more_o present_o or_o to_o such_o external_a worship_n as_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o man_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v offer_v up_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n if_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o far_o we_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o oppose_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o man_n do_v sink_v down_o into_o a_o external_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o raise_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o owe_v either_o to_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n but_o to_o a_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a mind_n extemporary_a and_o conceive_a prayer_n have_v indeed_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o for_o i_o suppose_v few_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o inspiration_n and_o though_o extemporary_a prayer_n may_v more_o heat_v the_o fancy_n there_o may_v be_v more_o serious_a devotion_n and_o piety_n in_o use_v a_o form_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n without_o set_v our_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n what_o to_o say_v a_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n and_o do_v as_o much_o confine_n and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o all_o but_o the_o speaker_n as_o a_o book-prayer_n do_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a devotion_n at_o best_a which_o owe_v its_o heat_n and_o passion_n not_o to_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o god_n but_o to_o a_o musical_a voice_n earnestness_n in_o the_o speaker_n surprise_v invention_n or_o popular_a rhetoric_n 2._o our_o saviour_n design_n be_v to_o strip_v religion_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n he_o do_v not_o indeed_o do_v this_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n because_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n be_v not_o end_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o fulfil_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o state_n till_o christ_n die_v nor_o do_v his_o apostle_n do_v it_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o in_o all_o place_n but_o yield_v to_o jewish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o indulge_v jewish_n convert_v in_o their_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o moysaicall_a rite_n tho_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o gentile_a church_n to_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o bondage_n which_o occasion_v a_o great_a many_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n but_o the_o abrogation_n of_o moysaicall_a and_o typical_a ceremony_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o prohibition_n of_o all_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o christian_a worship_n because_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v very_o different_a the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n be_v type_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o to_o retain_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n &_o use_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o when_o the_o antitype_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o use_n of_o a_o type_n but_o now_o a_o few_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v neither_o burdensome_a for_o their_o number_n to_o encumber_v religion_n and_o clog_n and_o shackle_v our_o devotion_n nor_o signify_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n &_o design_n of_o christianity_n but_o add_v to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o may_v withal_o suggest_v pious_a and_o devout_a thought_n to_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o a_o typical_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n together_o with_o the_o
than_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o church_n the_o complaint_n be_v too_o true_a and_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n of_o public_a authority_n to_o redress_v it_o but_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n though_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o such_o person_n who_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n church_n to_o go_v to_o other_o where_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v for_o where_o public_a authority_n have_v not_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o parochial_a communion_n man_n who_o love_v their_o soul_n must_v provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n which_o many_o profess_a christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o be_v a_o irreverent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v religious_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o all_o the_o solemn_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o will_v be_v think_v sharp_a and_o satirical_a there_o be_v but_o few_o christian_n who_o put_v on_o that_o true_a gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n as_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religious_a worship_n you_o shall_v see_v some_o gaze_n about_o they_o with_o a_o rove_a and_o wander_a eye_n as_o if_o they_o come_v only_o to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o observe_v every_o new_a face_n or_o new_a dress_n and_o garb_n and_o therefore_o too_o often_o set_v themselves_o out_o with_o that_o fantastic_a gaiety_n which_o more_o become_v a_o playhouse_n than_o a_o church_n you_o shall_v see_v other_o talk_n or_o whisper_v or_o laugh_v to_o the_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o all_o serious_a and_o devout_a mind_n other_o instead_o of_o worship_v god_n sleep_v away_o the_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n or_o both_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o either_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o for_o very_o devout_a man_n sometime_o to_o be_v surprise_v with_o sleep_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a indecency_n when_o ever_o it_o be_v so_o and_o require_v great_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o be_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n when_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o man_n as_o natural_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o a_o sleep_a posture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o come_n to_o church_n you_o shall_v see_v other_o sit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a great_a rudeness_n when_o we_o put_v up_o a_o petition_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n this_o be_v unknown_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n wherein_o for_o some_o age_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sit_v either_o while_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v or_o expound_v and_o eusebius_n relate_v a_o famous_a story_n of_o constantine_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n that_o when_o he_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o he_o in_o his_o own_o palace_n concern_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o hear_v it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v very_o long_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o sit_v down_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o consult_v our_o ease_n 33._o while_o we_o hear_v any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n to_o hear_v religious_a discourse_n stand_v and_o what_o will_v that_o religious_a emperor_n have_v think_v to_o have_v see_v christian_n in_o public_a assembly_n pray_v sit_v and_o indeed_o i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o universal_a practice_n of_o sit_v when_o we_o sing_v psalm_n for_o psalm_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v as_o much_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o equal_o require_v a_o posture_n of_o devotion_n thus_o uncover_v the_o head_n have_v at_o least_o among_o christian_n be_v always_o account_v a_o act_n of_o reverence_n as_o pull_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v among_o the_o eastern_a nation_n and_o therefore_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o undecency_n of_o such_o irreverence_n in_o worship_n and_o that_o from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o consider_v as_o public_a 2._o from_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a angel_n in_o christian_a assembly_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o consider_v as_o public_a now_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n when_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o our_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o which_o make_v we_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o great_a humility_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o profound_a admiration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n with_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o many_o and_o great_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o we_o and_o with_o soul_n devote_v to_o his_o service_n and_o obedience_n hence_o religion_n be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reverence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o where_o ever_o the_o mind_n be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o this_o religious_a fear_n it_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o action_n our_o soul_n have_v the_o government_n of_o our_o outward_a man_n and_o our_o passion_n discover_v themselves_o in_o our_o look_n and_o behaviour_n it_o require_v very_o great_a art_n either_o to_o conceal_v those_o passion_n which_o we_o have_v or_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o which_o we_o have_v not_o for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sympathy_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o they_o powerful_o affect_v each_o other_o and_o our_o wise_a maker_n so_o contrive_v our_o frame_n that_o though_o the_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o mind_n can_v be_v see_v yet_o they_o discover_v themselves_o by_o those_o external_a and_o visible_a impression_n they_o make_v on_o our_o body_n without_o which_o mankind_n can_v never_o know_v one_o another_o nor_o have_v any_o pleasure_n or_o security_n in_o mutual_a conversation_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n care_v to_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o can_v so_o artificial_o disguise_v themselves_o that_o you_o can_v never_o know_v what_o their_o inward_a resentment_n be_v which_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n a_o inward_a reverence_n for_o god_n will_v show_v itself_o in_o external_a action_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o for_o as_o god_n have_v unite_v the_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o one_o man_n so_o he_o have_v unite_v their_o motion_n and_o action_n too_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o one_o perfect_a act_n of_o religion_n or_o virtue_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v hypocrisy_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o body_n be_v either_o impossible_a because_o our_o inward_a passion_n will_v discover_v themselves_o by_o some_o external_a sign_n when_o we_o have_v no_o design_n nor_o interest_n to_o conceal_v they_o or_o be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a and_o unbecoming_a this_o state_n of_o life_n we_o must_v glorify_v god_n both_o with_o our_o body_n and_o with_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n he_o make_v they_o both_o and_o unite_v they_o for_o his_o service_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n redeem_v they_o both_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n but_o we_o shall_v better_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o public_a worship_n consist_v in_o public_a sign_n of_o honour_n no_o man_n have_v a_o window_n into_o our_o soul_n to_o discover_v the_o secret_a devotion_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o visible_a worship_n must_v be_v express_v in_o visible_a action_n in_o the_o external_a reverence_n of_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v in_o such_o action_n as_o express_v the_o great_a humility_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o great_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o meanness_n and_o worthlessness_n and_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n which_o become_v divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a approach_n to_o god_n such_o as_o will_v not_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n whatever_o inward_a devotion_n we_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v not_o external_a and_o
witness_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n word_n for_o this_o cause_n ought_v the_o woman_n to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n 10_o because_o of_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v a_o discourse_v the_o decency_n of_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v because_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v undecent_a to_o appear_v with_o her_o head_n uncover_v and_o much_o more_o so_o in_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o decency_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v those_o angel_n who_o attend_v our_o worship_n and_o careful_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v if_o we_o reverence_v man_n much_o more_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o angel_n attend_v our_o worship_n and_o that_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o all_o decency_n and_o gravity_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n hearty_o believe_v and_o serious_o consider_v that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n look_v on_o and_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o action_n and_o be_v great_o offend_v with_o a_o light_n and_o trifle_a carriage_n with_o any_o gesture_n or_o action_n which_o unbecome_v so_o great_a a_o presence_n it_o will_v compose_v they_o to_o great_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o either_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o come_v to_o church_n or_o more_o reverend_a when_o they_o do_v chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o nother_n great_a miscarriage_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v our_o communion_n be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o church_n when_o the_o service_n be_v half_o read_v other_o when_o it_o be_v near_o a_o conclusion_n and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o it_o neither_o if_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o sermon_n at_o other_o time_n when_o there_o be_v only_o the_o divine_a service_n read_v without_o a_o sermon_n few_o person_n think_v it_o worth_a their_o attendance_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o the_o minister_n laugh_v at_o for_o read_v to_o bare_a wall_n and_o empty_a seat_n these_o thing_n i_o grant_v may_v happen_v sometime_o where_o there_o be_v no_o design_a neglect_n the_o mistake_n of_o time_n may_v occasion_v some_o person_n come_v late_o who_o want_v certain_a notice_n and_o on_o the_o weekday_n necessary_a business_n may_v hinder_v other_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o the_o opportunity_n they_o can_v get_v of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o reasonable_a excuse_n the_o fault_n be_v very_o great_a though_o few_o people_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o my_o business_n at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o neglect_n 1._o if_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n to_o prove_v such_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n for_o they_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n there_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o receive_v a_o ministerial_a absolution_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n there_o we_o praise_v he_o in_o divine_a hymn_n and_o anthem_n and_o put_v up_o our_o joint_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o divine_a worship_n because_o it_o be_v our_o address_n to_o god_n in_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v or_o preach_v be_v so_o far_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n too_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o our_o desire_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o secondary_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o consist_v in_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o either_o immediate_o in_o his_o inspire_a word_n or_o mediate_o by_o those_o man_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o consist_v in_o our_o offer_v something_o to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v high_o please_v to_o he_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o mediator_n jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o those_o who_o neglect_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n neglect_v public_a worship_n and_o those_o who_o slight_a the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a prayer_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sermon_n to_o invite_v their_o presence_n plain_o discover_v that_o they_o prefer_v please_v their_o curiosity_n with_o hear_v some_o new_a discourse_n before_o the_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o they_o hear_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o the_o end_n of_o hear_v be_v practice_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o practical_a religion_n be_v the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o because_o some_o man_n think_v they_o worship_v god_n sufficient_o if_o they_o come_v time_n enough_o to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o church_n communion_n principal_o consist_v in_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v think_v nor_o do_v they_o intend_v to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o effect_n do_v so_o while_o they_o neglect_v its_o public_a worship_n for_o church_n communion_n consist_v in_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n before_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o express_o provide_v for_o by_o our_o rubric_n though_o it_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o canon_n make_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o be_v now_o useful_o introduce_v by_o long_a custom_n with_o the_o connivance_n if_o not_o the_o express_a allowance_n of_o our_o governor_n but_o the_o liturgy_n be_v the_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n there_o the_o church_n offer_v up_o more_o especial_o her_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n this_o be_v the_o great_a bond_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o to_o neglect_v or_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o this_o worship_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o 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these_o mystery_n as_o neither_o to_o blind_a nor_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n with_o their_o brightness_n and_o lustre_n nor_o yet_o to_o remain_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o the_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o attain_v as_o some_o man_n imagine_v nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o know_v something_o himself_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o will_v earnest_o exhort_v you_o all_o to_o use_v the_o best_a skill_n you_o have_v to_o instruct_v your_o child_n and_o servant_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o public_a instruction_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v his_o religion_n think_v he_o discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o his_o private_a instruction_n of_o his_o family_n when_o he_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o public_a instruction_n 3._o for_o he_o must_v consider_v that_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n will_v permit_v they_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o his_o private_a care_n but_o to_o the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n or_o not_o to_o interpose_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v they_o submit_v to_o it_o be_v to_o withdraw_v their_o child_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o god_n no_o good_a man_n can_v with_o patience_n think_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n a_o degree_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n and_o very_o injurious_a to_o his_o child_n soul_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o 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there_o will_v be_v a_o emulation_n between_o youth_n who_o shall_v give_v the_o most_o manly_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o continue_v child_n in_o understanding_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n and_o emulation_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o when_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o such_o admirable_a advantage_n in_o this_o case_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o desire_v the_o improvement_n and_o increase_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o youth_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o regular_a admission_n to_o high_a act_n of_o communion_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v child_n ought_v not_o regular_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v and_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n understand_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o indeed_o the_o minister_n and_o bishop_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o private_a examination_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o congregation_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o minister_n but_o such_o young_a man_n will_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o more_o universal_a applause_n and_o sincere_a joy_n to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v such_o public_a testimony_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o another_o advantage_n be_v that_o this_o train_n up_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o a_o just_a respect_n