of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o though_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o man_n conveniency_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a part_n or_o congregation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n so_o that_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a corporation_n but_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o corporation_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o corporation_n forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n thus_o have_v god_n grant_v a_o charter_n or_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o one_o church_n we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o ii_o by_o church-communion_n i_o mean_v church-society_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church-member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church-privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n it_o be_v true_a this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o but_o strict_o speak_v those_o office_n be_v not_o communion_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o communion_n church-communion_n be_v church-union_n for_o as_o a_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v the_o natural_a action_n of_o a_o member_n so_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o pray_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o in_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v perform_v those_o office_n yet_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o intruder_n such_o office_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n if_o perform_v by_o church-member_n but_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o be_v a_o member_n a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o church-society_n viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n join_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o act_v otherwise_o renounce_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o observe_v 1._o that_o church-communion_n principal_o respect_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o universal_a church_n 2._o that_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n such_o as_o pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n though_o it_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o christian_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v we_o as_o fellow-member_n pray_v to_o god_n the_o common_a father_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a saviour_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n thus_o also_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_a communion_n 3._o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o i_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a that_o i_o may_v lawful_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n 4._o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n because_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v but_o one_o all_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o separate_a society_n be_v to_o renounce_v its_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v its_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o body_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o we_o distinct_a church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v so_o that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n it_o be_v true_a a_o nation_n may_v permit_v those_o foreigner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o to_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o bare_a variety_n of_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o now_o every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o each_o church_n have_v a_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v foreigner_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v separate_a communion_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v so_o that_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o they_o think_v it_o unsafe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o two_o church_n may_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o church_n which_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n shall_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a society_n sound_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o
3._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o whoever_o make_v two_o family_n of_o it_o be_v a_o schismatic_n if_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n hold_v separate_a assembly_n under_o distinct_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o different_a governor_n and_o condemn_v each_o other_o constitution_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o member_n from_o each_o other_o they_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o church_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o several_a sort_n of_o government_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o distinct_a governor_n distinct_a subject_n and_o distinct_a law_n that_o be_v always_o at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o each_o other_o be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o congregation_n be_v but_o one_o church_n iii_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n by_o fix_a communion_n the_o dissenter_n understand_v a_o actual_a and_o constant_a communicate_v with_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_v member_n of_o it_o by_o occasional_a communion_n they_o mean_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o some_o other_o church_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o curiosity_n or_o to_o serve_v some_o secular_a end_n or_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n now_o fix_v communion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a notion_n of_o communion_n for_o occasional_a communion_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n can_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o a_o occasional_a membership_n since_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v equal_o fix_a and_o constant_a or_o equal_o occasional_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v true_a in_o one_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v we_o may_v live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n in_o a_o particular_a national_a church_n but_o yet_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n perform_v in_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abode_n be_v may_v be_v call_v fix_o communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o we_o be_v accidental_o present_a may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n because_o all_o these_o church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v sometime_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o separate_a congregation_n because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a for_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n congregation_n be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o but_z separate_z church_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o three_o forego_v particular_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a business_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o english_a man_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v first_o that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n second_o that_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n from_o whence_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v three_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i._o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o communion_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n to_o communicate_v in_o religious_a office_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v offer_v five_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 1._o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o since_o all_o society_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n therefore_o some_o duty_n and_o office_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n as_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.11_o which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o ministry_n authorise_a for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 2.42_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a prayer_n of_o church-member_n be_v acceptable_a yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n offer_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n nay_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v celebrate_v but_o in_o actual_a communion_n 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n which_o consist_v in_o admit_v man_n to_o or_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n suppose_v that_o church-member_n be_v oblige_v to_o visible_a communion_n 5._o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n as_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n according_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n before_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v yet_o we_o can_v preserve_v our_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n which_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n be_v worth_a nothing_o because_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o but_o then_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n now_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n as_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o division_n excuse_v from_o actual_a
communion_n with_o the_o church_n than_o church-communion_n never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o establish_v church_n if_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n and_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v both_o disobedience_n and_o schism_n but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suspending_a communion_n these_o man_n will_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a never_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o public_a assembly_n during_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o division_n they_o may_v refuse_v to_o enter_v themselves_o fix_v and_o settle_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o they_o all_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o absurd_a this_o distinction_n of_o fix_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v and_o that_o whoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o not_o a_o occasional_a member_n and_o that_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o fix_a communion_n so_o that_o when_o man_n communicate_v occasional_o as_o they_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o different_a party_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o divide_a church_n they_o either_o communicate_v with_o none_o or_o with_o all_o of_o they_o if_o with_o none_o than_o they_o maintain_v communion_n with_o no_o church_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o if_o they_o communicate_v with_o all_o than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o separate_a and_o opposite_a party_n that_o be_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v schismatic_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n that_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a every_o true_a christian_a be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o be_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v constant_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v so_o that_o he_o can_v without_o sin_n communicate_v only_o occasional_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o communicate_v constant_o as_o be_v constant_o present_a there_o there_o can_v be_v two_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n one_o for_o constant_a and_o another_o for_o occasional_a communion_n without_o schism_n and_o therefore_o where_o my_o constant_a abode_n be_v there_o my_o constant_a communion_n must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o that_o place_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o for_o instance_n sometime_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sometime_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o because_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o church-communion_n for_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a and_o opposite_a church_n be_v to_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o ourselves_o as_o those_o separate_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o and_o whoever_o communicate_v with_o both_o those_o church_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n so_o that_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o will_v damn_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o adultery_n or_o murder_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v unlawful_a and_o dangerous_a to_o communicate_v with_o schismatic_n nothing_o less_o than_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o division_n but_o man_n may_v new_a model_n church_n as_o often_o as_o their_o fancy_n alter_v that_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o communion_n otherwise_o no_o church_n can_v be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n now_o that_o man_n that_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o since_o therefore_o those_o who_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n do_v thereby_o own_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o since_o he_o who_o separate_v from_o that_o establish_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n therefore_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o iii_o now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v so_o plain_o prove_v than_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n for_o since_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a to_o join_v occasional_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o english_a man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n because_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o it_o occasional_o but_o if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n that_o he_o be_v great_o mistake_v it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pastor_n of_o dissent_v congregation_n ought_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o article_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o that_o matter_n may_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o yet_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o my_o purpose_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o satisfy_v lay-dissenters_a and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o our_o church_n because_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o constant_o and_o certain_o if_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n be_v true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o averse_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o parish-church_n than_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n who_o have_v often_o join_v with_o we_o and_o as_o the_o minister_n by_o bring_v their_o case_n to_o the_o people_n may_v see_v communion_n then_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n so_o the_o people_n by_o perceive_v their_o case_n not_o to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o minister_n but_o wide_o different_a from_o it_o will_v be_v induce_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v therefore_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o if_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n than_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o it_o and_o that_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n even_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v full_o prove_v for_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o with_o who_o i_o be_o to_o treat_v have_v join_v in_o our_o solemn_a office_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o can_v not_o lawful_o do_v if_o our_o church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o that_o personal_a argument_n because_o i_o design_v to_o descend_v to_o particular_n and_o to_o show_v first_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o second_o that_o those_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v use_v of_o to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a first_o then_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n appear_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a 24._o sober_a bayly_n dissuasive_a c._n 2._o p._n 21._o corbet_n discourse_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n p._n 33._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 13._o see_v ball_n be_v friendly_a trial_n c._n 13._o p._n 306._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n to_o minister_n in_o new_a england_n p._n 24._o nonconformist_n nay_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o 57_o to_o a_o grave_a and_o sober_a confut._n
of_o grace_n and_o receive_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o baptism_n by_o the_o uncovenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o less_o regardful_a of_o his_o sure_a ordinary_a and_o covenant_v mercy_n and_o the_o appoint_a mean_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v nay_o infant_n do_v by_o baptism_n acquire_v a_o present_a right_n unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n which_o they_o shall_v certain_o receive_v as_o soon_o and_o as_o fast_o as_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n remove_v now_o since_o these_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o since_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v they_o by_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n or_o stay_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v it_o better_o for_o a_o child_n that_o have_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v touch_v for_o it_o while_o he_o be_v a_o child_n or_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a age_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n or_o be_v it_o best_o for_o a_o traitor_n be_v child_n to_o be_v present_o restore_v to_o his_o blood_n and_o estate_n and_o his_o prince_n favour_n or_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o mere_a capacity_n of_o be_v restore_v till_o he_o be_v a_o man_n i_o must_v add_v that_o baptism_n lay_v such_o a_o early_a pre-engagement_n upon_o child_n as_o without_o the_o high_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n they_o can_v afterward_o retract_v for_o there_o be_v no_o person_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n honour_n or_o conscience_n but_o will_v think_v himself_o bind_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o contract_v in_o his_o infancy_n when_o he_o be_v so_o gracious_o admit_v to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n before_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o good_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n himself_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v high_o to_o be_v applaud_v for_o bring_v they_o under_o such_o a_o beneficial_a pre-engagement_n and_o not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n at_o such_o year_n when_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o find_v out_o so_o many_o shift_n and_o excuse_n and_o make_v they_o regret_n to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o infant-baptism_n be_v very_o expedient_a because_o it_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o wellbeing_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v those_o scandalous_a and_o shameful_a delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o grow_v person_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v in_o these_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n since_o therefore_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o command_v by_o the_o church_n but_o most_o expedient_a in_o itself_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v that_o there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n as_o there_o do_v upon_o grow_v person_n to_o desire_v it_o for_o themselves_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o exact_v any_o thing_n concern_v child_n or_o person_n under_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n lay_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v for_o if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o general_a contagion_n the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v command_v that_o all_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n shall_v every_o morning_n take_v such_o a_o antidote_n that_o command_n will_v oblige_v parent_n to_o give_v it_o to_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v it_o themselves_o just_o so_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v intend_v for_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n it_o must_v needs_o oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v about_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n concern_v all_o guardian_n etc._n etc._n to_o who_o care_n child_n be_v commit_v and_o if_o any_o ask_v at_o what_o time_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o baptism_n i_o answer_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o gospel_n indulge_v a_o discretional_a latitude_n but_o forbid_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n and_o all_o unreasonable_a and_o needless_a delay_n thereof_o v._o as_o to_o communion_n with_o believer_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a and_o have_v ever_o be_v think_v so_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a sin_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o because_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disow_a those_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n who_o he_o own_v to_o be_v such_o nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o take_v off_o two_o objection_n first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o infant-communion_n may_v be_v practise_v as_o well_o as_o infant-baptism_n but_o i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a evidence_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n because_o st._n cyprian_n be_v the_o first_o author_n which_o they_o can_v produce_v for_o it_o and_o then_o the_o author_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n mention_v it_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o st._n austin_n in_o the_o five_o whereas_o for_o infant-baptism_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n cyprian_a and_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o father_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v of_o origen_n tertullian_n irenaeus_n st._n jerom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n 2._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n but_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n institute_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o equal_a concurrence_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o infant-communion_n it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o john_n 6.53_o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o now_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o institute_v but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o nay_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o infant-communion_n be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n full_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o still_o indies_n still_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o valid_a and_o lawful_a as_o that_o of_o grow_v person_n second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o child_n who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n can_v know_v what_o a_o covenant_n mean_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v though_o st._n peter_n say_v the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o against_o infant-baptism_n 2._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o circumcise_a infant_n upon_o a_o implicit_a and_o imputative_a
sin_n but_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o due_a care_n and_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v not_o pollute_v by_o any_o sinful_a act_n and_o compliance_n of_o your_o own_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o 5._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o church-communion_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o every_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a and_o therefore_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n be_v schismatic_n in_o do_v so_o and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n because_o though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v it_o be_v true_a good_a man_n must_v frequent_o exhort_v and_o advise_v corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n they_o must_v reprove_v they_o with_o prudence_n affection_n and_o calmness_n they_o must_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o their_o reformation_n they_o must_v as_o much_o and_o as_o convenient_o as_o may_v be_v avoid_v their_o company_n especial_o all_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o if_o repeat_v admonition_n either_o private_a or_o before_o one_o or_o two_o more_o will_v not_o do_v then_o they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o by_o it_o be_v more_o public_a reproof_n the_o scandalous_a member_n may_v be_v reclaim_v or_o by_o its_o just_a censure_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n these_o thing_n the_o holy_a scripture_n command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v according_o but_o if_o after_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a christian_n some_o scandalous_a member_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n they_o can_v injure_v those_o person_n that_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n for_o no_o sin_n pollute_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v choose_v by_o he_o noah_n and_o lot_n be_v good_a even_o among_o the_o wicked_a nor_o do_v judas_n defile_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o passover_n the_o good_a and_o bad_a communicate_v together_o not_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o their_o common_a duty_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o sin_n be_v sin_n but_o to_o communicate_v with_o a_o sinner_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o sinful_a can_v be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n but_o this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n and_o show_v only_o that_o sin_n like_o leaven_n be_v of_o a_o very_a spread_a nature_n the_o people_n be_v as_o a_o lump_n and_o a_o wicked_a person_n be_v as_o leaven_n among_o they_o but_o though_o the_o leaven_n be_v apt_a to_o convey_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a lump_n yet_o only_o those_o part_n be_v actual_o leaven_v with_o it_o that_o take_v the_o leaven_n and_o so_o though_o the_o sinner_n by_o his_o bad_a example_n be_v apt_a to_o infect_v other_o yet_o those_o only_o be_v actual_o infect_v who_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o sin_n beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o leave_v their_o assembly_n but_o to_o beware_v that_o they_o take_v no_o leaven_n of_o they_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o you_o be_v unleavened_a 1_o cor._n 5.7_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n be_v as_o sovereign_a a_o antidote_n against_o the_o infection_n as_o the_o bare_a company_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o power_n to_o convey_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v never_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a have_v obtain_v pardon_n for_o the_o wicked_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a uncleaness_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v be_v make_v unclean_a i_o answer_v that_o those_o legal_a pollution_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o whole_a communion_n but_o only_o those_o who_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o any_o such_o pollution_n as_o come_v upon_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o few_o 2._o though_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v the_o priest_n for_o not_o separate_v the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 22.26_o yet_o they_o never_o teach_v that_o the_o whole_a communion_n be_v pollute_v because_o the_o unclean_a come_v into_o the_o congregation_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o priest_n duty_n as_o those_o that_o touch_v the_o unclean_a person_n be_v unclean_a so_o those_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n be_v pollute_v 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o unclean_a person_n that_o do_v not_o purify_v himself_o defile_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pollute_v the_o sanctuary_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v so_o to_o himself_o but_o not_o to_o other_o so_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o but_o not_o of_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n go_v up_o as_o a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o the_o person_n that_o come_v unworthy_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n come_v better_o prepare_v may_v do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v tit._n 1.15_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n but_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o my_o assertion_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o exhortation_n for_o the_o christian_a corinthian_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o heathen_n by_o who_o they_o be_v often_o invite_v to_o their_o idol-feast_n at_o which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n but_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o go_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n who_o ignorance_n may_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o their_o example_n to_o go_v and_o eat_v at_o they_o even_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o honour_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o must_v be_v think_v to_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n because_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a country_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o idol-feast_n at_o all_o 2._o that_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o be_v to_o separate_v be_v no_o better_a than_o unbeliever_n and_o idolater_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n by_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n because_o some_o who_o while_o they_o profess_v christ_n do_v not_o live_v like_o christian_n be_v present_a at_o they_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o a_o pagan_a or_o a_o infidel_n that_o deny_v christ_n and_o worship_n devil_n and_o a_o immoral_a christian_a who_o outward_o own_v christ_n and_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n 3._o that_o the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v be_v the_o abominable_a practice_n use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v
with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o we_o 16._o we_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o rom._n 14.19_o 1_o thess_n 5.11_o eph._n 4.12_o 16._o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o whatever_o may_v be_v urge_v the_o apostle_n conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v and_o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o in_o a_o word_n what_o st._n austin_n and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o epist_n 118_o &_o 86._o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n must_v oblige_v a_o good_a man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o distraction_n it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n for_o instance_n what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v a_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5.1_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a person_n plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n by_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v a_o man_n liberty_n more_o damage_v when_o restrain_v by_o superior_n than_o when_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o superiour_n command_n restrain_v it_o perpetual_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v his_o own_o liberty_n suppose_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v damnify_v though_o it_o be_v restrain_v for_o his_o whole_a life_n for_o say_v he_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 1_o cor._n 8.13_o and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consistent_a with_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o christian_n liberty_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o freedom_n from_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o jewish_a law_n lay_v upon_o man_n this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o i_o think_v that_o in_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o judaisme_n but_o we_o must_v note_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v not_o in_o our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o act_n of_o observe_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v so_o not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a convert_v and_o if_o they_o can_v observe_v some_o judaical_a rite_n without_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n certain_o we_o may_v safe_o use_v a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o establish_v church_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v those_o person_n who_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o a_o few_o harmless_a imposition_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n from_o she_o but_o because_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a objection_n against_o some_o particular_a thing_n impose_v by_o she_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o general_a but_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n which_o relate_v to_o single_a instance_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o next_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o dissenter_n judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o by_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o 3._o by_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o require_v we_o to_o produce_v some_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v needless_a because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n however_o for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v command_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o extempore_o prayer_n i._o then_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n command_v we_o to_o use_v none_o but_o form_n
to_o be_v baptise_a but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v doubtful_a in_o the_o case_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o harmonious_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o undivided_a consent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n be_v not_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o they_o let_v any_o modest_a person_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o famous_a saint_n and_o martyr_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n shall_v conspire_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mock-baptism_n and_o of_o make_v so_o many_o million_o of_o mock-christians_a or_o that_o a_o little_a sect_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n the_o brevity_n which_o i_o design_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o recite_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o cassander_n and_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptism_n disp_n 14._o only_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o dangerous_a practice_n as_o our_o adversary_n think_v infant-baptism_n to_o be_v which_o will_v in_o time_n unchurch_n it_o and_o that_o even_o while_o miracle_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o those_o day_n do_v assure_v rigalt_n assure_v see_v irenaeus_n adu._n haer._n l._n 2._o c._n 56_o 57_o tertull._n apol._n and_o ad_fw-la scapul_n origen_n adv_o celsum_fw-la camb._n p._n 34_o 62_o 80_o 124_o 127_o 334_o 376._o cyprian_a ad_fw-la donat._n and_o ad_fw-la magn._n and_o ad_fw-la demetrian_n p._n 202._o edit_fw-la rigalt_n we_o that_o miracle_n be_v then_o not_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n 2._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v the_o 687._o the_o see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n lib._n 2._o p._n 2._o id._n de_fw-fr baptis_n disp_n 13._o thes_n 18._o and_o disp_a 14._o â—hes_n 4._o cassand_n praef._n ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n p._n 670._o and_o teâ—â—im_n vet_z de_fw-fr bapt._n parv_v p._n 687._o pelagian_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o innovation_n when_o the_o orthodox_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o infant_n be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o they_o practise_v it_o themselves_o and_o own_a it_o as_o necessary_a for_o child_n obtain_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n 3._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v all_o church_n bapt._n church_n see_v brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 20.23_o cassand_n expos_fw-la de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt_n inf._n p._n 692._o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman._n cit_fw-la a_o voss_n disp_n 14._o de_fw-fr bapt._n whatsoever_o though_o they_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n but_o be_v original_a plantation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o practice_v it_o one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o harmless_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 4._o will_v not_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v exclude_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n as_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o refuse_v to_o initiate_v they_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o have_v always_o be_v under_o the_o old_a wherefore_o since_o among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jewish_a custom_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n being_n exclude_v from_o baptism_n we_o may_v better_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v they_o iii_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant-baptism_n now_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o command_v it_o because_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a also_o for_o purgation_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n seem_v equal_o necessary_a because_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.5_o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v declare_v capable_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 10.14_o nay_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o child_n be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a whole_a household_n act_n 16.15_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o for_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o believer_n child_n make_v they_o candidate_n for_o baptism_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o it_o because_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v other_o text_n psal_n 5.5_o rom._n 3.23_o 24._o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 15.21_o 22._o and_o 5.14_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o ancient_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n necessary_a to_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a sin_n which_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o eternal_a death_n see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n p._n 1._o thes_n 6._o p._n 2._o l._n 2._o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o these_o text_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v requisite_a but_o then_o these_o text_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v requisite_a because_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n practise_v infant-baptism_n as_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o a_o child_n die_v unbaptise_v through_o the_o carelessness_n or_o superstition_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o through_o their_o mistake_a belief_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v infallible_o damn_v but_o i_o affirm_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o so_o high_o requisite_a as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o injoin_v it_o iv_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v proceed_v as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_a since_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n nor_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n nay_o since_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o christ_n at_o least_o allow_v they_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n therefore_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v high_o expedient_a also_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o infant_n who_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n the_o church_n beside_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n be_v by_o baptism_n make_v the_o child_n
sort_n of_o stipulation_n which_o at_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o because_o if_o they_o renounce_v it_o the_o covenant_n be_v as_o void_a as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o a_o implicit_a stipulation_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v likely_a have_v not_o respect_n to_o all_o baptism_n or_o baptism_n in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o adult_n proselyte_n who_o the_o minister_n use_v to_o interrogate_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o interrogate_v adult_a proselyte_n now_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o tertullian_n 18._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr baptism_n cap._n 18._o make_v mention_n of_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n for_o child_n at_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n make_v parent_n etc._n etc._n stipulate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o 3._o their_o see_v selden_n de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o minor_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o child_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o matth._n 18.6_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n may_v also_o probable_o allude_v to_o all_o baptism_n because_o child_n may_v be_v answer_v for_o by_o other_o person_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n i._o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o baptise_a infant_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v of_o which_o some_o think_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a but_o since_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o and_o consequent_o be_v new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o since_o i_o say_v they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o and_o since_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3.5_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o our_o church_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v unless_o the_o ordinance_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v of_o none_o effect_v towards_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v object_v that_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o covenant_n or_o act_n in_o their_o name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o surety_n be_v procure_v by_o the_o parent_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o parent_n may_v act_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant_n the_o surety_n have_v all_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o parent_n can_v give_v they_o 2._o the_o church_n do_v hereby_o take_v great_a security_n that_o the_o infant_n shall_v be_v religious_o bring_v up_o inasmuch_o as_o beside_o their_o parent_n a_o obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o other_o also_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o if_o the_o parent_n shall_v die_v or_o be_v negligent_a the_o surety_n be_v engage_v to_o admonish_v the_o child_n and_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o better_a advantage_n of_o do_v so_o than_o other_o person_n and_o in_o this_o age_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a reproof_n be_v so_o general_o omit_v it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o defect_n be_v this_o way_n a_o little_a supply_v but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a that_o the_o opportunity_n thereof_o and_o obligation_n thereto_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v seldom_o practise_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v keep_v and_o not_o where_o it_o be_v break_v and_o if_o the_o dissenter_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o that_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o may_v remove_v this_o objection_n themselves_o by_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o observe_v it_o thus_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o example_n as_o for_o the_o interrogatory_n put_v to_o the_o surety_n and_o their_o answer_n they_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o what_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o that_o infant_n do_v stand_v engage_v to_o perform_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n this_o be_v the_o know_a meaning_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o misunderstanding_n iii_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dislike_v be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n against_o which_o it_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o our_o retain_v of_o it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o that_o it_o seem_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o christ_n right_a who_o alone_o may_v institute_v sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o first_o pretence_n though_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v our_o retain_v of_o it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o we_o consider_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v common_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o those_o corruption_n for_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n tertullian_n mil._n tertullian_n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o practice_n which_o tradition_n have_v introduce_v custom_n have_v confirm_v and_o the_o believer_n faith_n have_v observe_v and_o maintain_v which_o word_n together_o with_o his_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a mention_n of_o it_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o montanist_n forty_o year_n after_o he_o and_o about_o 200_o after_o christ_n origen_n 38._o origen_n hom._n 2._o in_o psal_n 38._o mention_n those_o who_o at_o their_o baptism_n be_v sign_v with_o this_o sign_n and_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o st._n basil_n 27._o basil_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o give_v this_o usage_n the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o fix_v law_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v prevail_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v before_o st._n basil_n and_o very_o near_o if_o not_o contemporary_a with_o tertullian_n himself_o not_o only_o speak_v very_o familiar_o of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n but_o have_v some_o expression_n that_o will_v now_o seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unwarrantable_a and_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o father_n have_v save_v he_o from_o be_v question_v about_o it_o he_o 175._o he_o see_v cyprian_n de_fw-fr lap_n p._n 169._o adv_n demet._n p._n 203._o de_fw-la unit._fw-la p._n 175._o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o baptism_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o it_o complete_v every_o sacrament_n the_o great_a the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o usage_n be_v manifest_a nay_o the_o father_n frequent_o use_v be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n for_o be_v baptise_a i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o st._n cyril_n st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n austin_n who_o sprinkle_v their_o writing_n with_o the_o common_a mention_n of_o this_o ceremony_n and_o oftentimes_o frame_v argument_n for_o a_o good_a life_n from_o this_o very_a sign_n upon_o their_o forehead_n only_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o remark_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a have_v his_o direction_n probable_o from_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o sign_n the_o great_a banner_n in_o his_o war_n with_o this_o encouragement_n that_o by_o this_o he_o shall_v overcome_v that_o this_o dream_n or_o vision_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a reality_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o success_n of_o that_o prince_n army_n under_o it_o and_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n will_v by_o so_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n countenance_n such_o a_o rite_n as_o this_o already_o use_v in_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v resent_v it_o before_o as_o superstitious_a or_o any_o way_n unwarrantable_a i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o petulant_a against_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v sometime_o signalise_v by_o very_o renown_v miracle_n as_o
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
son_n of_o god_n will_v strike_v a_o man_n almost_o natural_o into_o the_o humble_a posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o if_o any_o reverence_n be_v due_a at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_o sure_a sit_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a posture_n to_o express_v it_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o gesture_n best_o answer_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n do_v best_a suit_n it_o be_v nature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v best_a esteem_v of_o if_o we_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o kneel_v do_v best_a answer_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o think_v i_o have_v full_o prove_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o the_o dissenter_n maintain_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o name_n table_n in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n for_o they_o call_v the_o place_n on_o which_o the_o consecrate_a element_n stand_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o eucharist_n they_o call_v a_o oblation_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o what_o connexion_n i_o pray_v be_v there_o between_o a_o altar_n or_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o table-gesture_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o etc._n indeed_o dispute_v against_o kneel_v arg_v 1._o p._n 6._o â—6_n etc._n etc._n say_v that_o kneel_v or_o a_o adoring-gesture_n be_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o guest_n and_o debar_v we_o the_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o social_a admittance_n and_o social_a entertainment_n that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o purpose_n of_o christ_n who_o intention_n be_v to_o dignify_v we_o by_o set_v we_o at_o his_o table_n and_o much_o more_o of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o father_n think_v otherwise_o as_o the_o phrase_n they_o use_v and_o the_o title_n they_o give_v the_o sacrament_n plain_o demonstrate_v they_o call_v it_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o kingly_a royal_a and_o most_o divine_a supper_n which_o import_n deference_n distance_n and_o respect_n on_o our_o part_n the_o dreadful_a sacrifice_n the_o venerable_a and_o unbloody_a sacrifice_n the_o wonderful_a and_o terrible_a mystery_n the_o royal_a spiritual_n holy_a formidable_a tremendous_a table_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n be_v in_o their_o language_n call_v the_o most_o mysterious_a most_o holy_a food_n and_o nutriment_n the_o most_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o place_n where_o the_o table_n stand_v the_o most_o holy_a part_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o allusion_n to_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n the_o bread_n in_o particular_a they_o style_v the_o bread_n of_o god_n the_o cup_n the_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a the_o royal_a and_o dreadful_a cup._n they_o advise_v the_o communicant_n to_o reverence_n these_o holy_a mystery_n to_o come_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v with_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n with_o silence_n and_o downcast_a eye_n to_o keep_v their_o joy_n within_o and_o to_o approach_v the_o table_n with_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o humility_n imaginable_a how_o can_v these_o speech_n consist_v with_o that_o social_n familiar_a carriage_n at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o patron_n of_o the_o table-gesture_n contend_v for_o as_o the_o privilege_n of_o guest_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n four_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o prove_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o our_o custom_n at_o present_a be_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o use_v a_o adore_v posture_n first_o then_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o gesture_n be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o contend_v for_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n and_o particular_o sit_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v sit_v to_o be_v a_o very_a irreverent_a posture_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o laodicean_n synod_n find_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o lord_n supper_n forbid_v the_o say_v feast_n and_o the_o lie_v upon_o couch_n in_o the_o church_n as_o their_o manner_n be_v at_o those_o feast_n the_o same_o practice_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n c._n 28._o and_o the_o decree_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o six_o trullian_n council_n c._n 74._o and_o that_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n now_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v forbid_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v from_o the_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n the_o animosity_n and_o excess_n that_o accompany_v those_o feast_n justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n say_v we_o rise_v up_o together_o and_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n apol._n 2._o from_o whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v but_o in_o most_o other_o place_n they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o lesson_n or_o in_o sermon-time_n as_o appear_v plain_o from_o what_o philostorgius_n 29._o philostorgius_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 3._o p._n 29._o observe_v of_o theophilus_n a_o indian_a bishop_n that_o among_o several_a irregularity_n which_o he_o correct_v in_o those_o church_n he_o particular_o reform_v this_o that_o the_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v when_o the_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v unto_o they_o and_o sozomen_n 19_o sozomen_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 7._o c._n 19_o note_n it_o as_o a_o very_a unusual_a thing_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rise_v up_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v optatus_n bishop_n of_o milevis_n optat._n milevis_n de_fw-fr schism_n donat._n l._n 4._o see_v also_o albaspin_n not_o in_o optat._n cite_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o 50._o psalm_n and_o apply_v it_o home_o to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n after_o this_o manner_n thou_o sit_v and_o speak_v against_o thy_o brother_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o place_n god_n reprove_v he_o that_o sit_v and_o defame_v his_o brother_n and_o therefore_o such_o evil_a teacher_n as_o you_o say_v he_o be_v more_o particular_o point_v at_o in_o the_o text_n for_o the_o people_n be_v not_o license_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n now_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n to_o stand_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o particular_o at_o the_o lesson_n and_o sermon_n parmenianus_n may_v easy_o have_v retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o optatus_n as_o conclude_v nothing_o against_o he_o in_o particular_a but_o what_o may_v be_v charge_v in_o common_a upon_o all_o private_a christian_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o 12._o he_o de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 12._o tertullian_n reprove_v it_o as_o a_o ill_a custom_n that_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n and_o a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o have_v these_o word_n add_v thereunto_o the_o sin_n of_o irreverence_n which_o the_o very_a heathen_a if_o they_o do_v perceive_v well_o and_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v will_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o if_o it_o be_v irreverent_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o and_o to_o confront_v one_o who_o you_o have_v a_o high_a respect_n and_o veneration_n for_o how_o much_o more_o irreligious_a be_v this_o gesture_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o angel_n of_o prayer_n yet_o stand_v by_o unless_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o upbraid_v god_n that_o prayer_n have_v tire_v we_o eusebius_n also_o 4._o also_o de_fw-fr vit._n constant_n l._n 4._o commend_v constantine_n because_o when_o he_o be_v present_a at_o a_o long_a panegyric_n concern_v christ_n sepulchre_n and_o be_v solicit_v to_o sit_v down_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o say_v it_o be_v unfit_a to_o attend_v upon_o any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n with_o ease_n and_o softness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o consonant_a to_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o discourse_n about_o divine_a thing_n shall_v be_v hear_v stand_v thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o sit_v or_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o fit_v to_o be_v use_v in_o divine_a service_n except_o at_o
the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o sermon_n which_o too_o be_v only_o practise_v in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o other_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n which_o custom_n be_v still_o observe_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n at_o this_o day_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o seat_n erect_v or_o allow_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o people_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o establish_v sit_v not_o only_o as_o convenient_a but_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a 1._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a revolt_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o so_o many_o church_n in_o distant_a country_n be_v perfect_o free_a and_o independent_a one_o upon_o another_o shall_v unanimous_o conspire_v together_o to_o introduce_v a_o novel-custom_n contrary_n to_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o order_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o 3._o they_o shall_v censure_v the_o practice_n and_o injunction_n of_o inspire_a man_n as_o indecent_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n or_o complain_v or_o oppose_v either_o then_o or_o in_o the_o succeed_a generation_n as_o for_o stand_v in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n both_o at_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v use_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o as_o for_o kneel_v it_o be_v plain_a the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v that_o gesture_n also_o for_o though_o on_o sunday_n and_o the_o fifty_o day_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n they_o observe_v stand_v yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o use_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v at_o their_o public_a devotion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o authority_n cite_v at_o the_o 3._o the_o conc._n 1._o nic._n c._n 20._o resp_n quest_n inter_fw-la opera_fw-la just_o mart._n p._n 468._o tertull._n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n c._n 3._o epiphan_n expos_fw-la fid_fw-we cath._n p._n 1105._o edit_fw-la par._n st._n jer._n prol._n come_v in_o epist_n ad_fw-la eph._n st._n aust_n epist_n 119._o ad_fw-la jan._n c._n 15._o tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 3._o bottom_n now_o since_o they_o be_v wont_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n every_o day_n and_o since_o 35._o since_o see_v tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o p._n 47._o st._n aust_n epist_n 118._o const_n apol._n l._n 2._o c._n 57_o st._n chrysost_o hom._n 1._o in_o c._n 2._o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la tim._n st._n ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n l._n 4._o c._n 5._o cave_n prim._n christ_n c._n 11._o st._n cyril_n catech._n mist_n 5._o st._n aust_n resp_n ad_fw-la oros_n quest_n 49._o tom._n 4._o p._n 691._o basil_n 1541._o euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 6._o c._n 35._o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o receive_v with_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o on_o those_o day_n when_o they_o constant_o pray_v kneel_v and_o since_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o praying-posture_n of_o the_o day_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v upon_o those_o day_n on_o which_o they_o pray_v kneel_v for_o since_o sit_v be_v general_o condemn_v as_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a gesture_n by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o since_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v say_v that_o prostration_n or_o lie_v flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v so_o therefore_o the_o posture_n of_o receive_v must_v be_v either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v and_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o on_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a reason_n to_o invite_v or_o oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o use_v kneel_v that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a posture_n they_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n viz._n stand_v both_o at_o their_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o fifty_o day_n after_o easter_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v usual_a at_o other_o time_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v they_o do_v not_o observe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n at_o all_o other_o time_n viz._n that_o as_o at_o such_o time_n they_o do_v constant_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n so_o they_o do_v also_o constant_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v and_o receive_v in_o a_o prayer_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o premise_n i_o may_v promise_v myself_o thus_o much_o success_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v careful_o weigh_v and_o peruse_v they_o with_o a_o teachable_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n shall_v find_v himself_o much_o more_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o primitive_a church_n use_v at_o some_o time_n to_o kneel_v as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n than_o that_o they_o never_o do_v kneel_v at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o posture_n be_v never_o use_v or_o hear_v of_o but_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n as_o some_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v have_v confident_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n but_o second_o suppose_v they_o never_o do_v kneel_v as_o we_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o adore_a posture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o present_a practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o numerous_a testimony_n both_o of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n may_v be_v allege_v but_o i_o will_v content_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n too_o with_o a_o few_o of_o each_o sort_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v that_o he_o who_o will_v except_v against_o they_o will_v also_o with_o the_o same_o face_n and_o assurance_n except_v against_o the_o whiteness_n of_o snow_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o first_o for_o the_o greek_a father_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o 244._o of_o st._n cyril_n hierosol_n mystag_n catech._n 5._o versus_fw-la finem_fw-la paris_n edit_fw-la p._n 244._o st._n cyril_n be_v hear_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o express_v to_o our_o purpose_n this_o holy_a father_n in_o a_o place_n before_o cite_v give_v instruction_n to_o communicant_n how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o when_o they_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v both_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o cup_n he_o advise_v thus_o approach_v say_v he_o not_o rude_o stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n but_o bow_v thyself_o and_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n paris_n purpose_n 24_o hom._n ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n p._n 538._o to._n 9_o paris_n st._n chrysostom_n speak_v in_o his_o fourteen_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o he_o provoke_v and_o excite_v the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n to_o a_o awful_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n at_o the_o holy_a communion_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n after_o this_o manner_n this_o body_n the_o wise_a man_n revereneed_a even_o when_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o manger_n and_o approach_v thereunto_o worship_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o great_a tremble_n let_v we_o therefore_o who_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n imitate_v at_o least_o these_o barbarian_n but_o thou_o see_v this_o body_n not_o in_o a_o manger_n but_o on_o the_o altar_n not_o hold_v by_o a_o woman_n but_o by_o the_o priest_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a and_o manifest_v a_o much_o great_a reverence_n than_o those_o barbarian_n lest_o come_v light_o and_o at_o a_o venture_n we_o heap_v fire_n on_o our_o head_n the_o same_o father_n in_o another_o place_n express_o bid_v they_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o communicate_v when_o the_o table_n be_v make_v ready_a and_o the_o king_n himself_o there_o and_o in_o order_n to_o beget_v in_o their_o mind_n great_a and_o awful_a thought_n concern_v that_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a feast_n he_o further_o exhort_v they_o 1151._o they_o st._n chrys_n hom._n 3._o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n in_o moral_n p._n 1151._o that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o chancel_n door_n open_a than_o they_o shall_v suppose_v heaven_n itself_o be_v unfold_v from_o above_o and_o that_o the_o angel_n
also_o to_o kneel_v before_o any_o creature_n as_o a_o memorative_n object_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v no_o intention_n of_o give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o that_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n now_o if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o the_o altar_n upon_o their_o first_o approach_n to_o it_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v or_o immediate_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o if_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o body_n after_o a_o lowly_a manner_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o if_o they_o receive_v it_o stand_v upright_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o holy_a table_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n then_o they_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o we_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o scotch_a casuist_n and_o by_o consequence_n kneel_v at_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n for_o all_o those_o posture_n before_o mention_v be_v posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o use_v as_o such_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n especial_o stand_v which_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o 93._o the_o gillesp_n disp_n against_o e._n po._n câ—r_n p._n 101._o disp_n of_o kneel_v p._n 93._o patron_n of_o sit_v to_o be_v ancient_o and_o general_o use_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v to_o conclude_v all_o with_o a_o instance_n in_o their_o own_o case_n about_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o some_o place_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n sit_v or_o lie_v along_o upon_o bed_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n in_o those_o eastern_a country_n at_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a table_n let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o in_o other_o place_n they_o sit_v cross-legged_a on_o carpet_n at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o persian_n and_o turk_n eat_v at_o this_o day_n or_o that_o they_o receive_v stand_v in_o other_o place_n after_o the_o common_a mode_n of_o feast_v which_o we_o will_v suppose_v only_o at_o present_a can_v any_o man_n now_o object_n with_o reason_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o sit_v upright_o at_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o form_n or_o chair_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o england_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n who_o never_o sit_v at_o all_o no_o certain_o for_o though_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o ancient_n as_o to_o the_o site_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o receive_v yet_o they_o all_o consent_n in_o this_o that_o they_o receive_v in_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n they_o all_o observe_v the_o same_o gesture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o constant_o observe_v at_o their_o civil_a feast_n and_o ordinary_a entertainment_n in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o their_o abode_n and_o so_o say_v i_o in_o the_o present_a case_n what_o though_o the_o primitive_a christian_n stand_v upright_o some_o of_o they_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v and_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o use_v kneel_v yet_o they_o and_o we_o do_v very_o well_o agree_v for_o all_o that_o because_o we_o all_o receive_v in_o a_o adore_a or_o worship_v posture_n it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v according_a to_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o different_a country_n five_o and_o last_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v first_o introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v bring_v in_o by_o idolater_n as_o be_v pretend_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v or_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n i._o then_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v bring_v in_o by_o idolater_n i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v and_o i_o hope_v our_o dissenter_n will_v not_o charge_v they_o with_o idolatry_n i_o know_v that_o they_o pretend_v the_o kneeling-posture_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o honorius_n the_o three_o but_o that_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o be_v a_o reverend_a bow_n to_o the_o sacrament_n when_o the_o priest_n elevate_v the_o patten_n or_o chalice_n or_o when_o the_o host_n be_v carry_v to_o any_o sick_a person_n and_o not_o any_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v for_o these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o decree_n 10._o decree_n decret_n greg._n l._n 3._o tit_n 41._o c._n 10._o that_o the_o priest_n shall_v frequent_o instruct_v their_o people_n to_o bow_n themselves_o reverent_o at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n when_o mass_n be_v celebrate_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o priest_n carry_v it_o abroad_o to_o the_o sick_n nay_o as_o bishop_n still_v fleet_n 15._o fleet_n unreasonab_n of_o separate_a p._n 15._o say_v though_o kneel_v at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n be_v strict_o require_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n oâ—_n receive_v it_o be_v not_o as_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o pope_n manner_n of_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o kneel_v but_o either_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v in_o bonaventure_n be_v time_n or_o after_o the_o fashion_n oâ—_n sit_v or_o a_o little_a lean_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o he_o do_v at_o this_o day_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v when_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v come_v in_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v certain_o tell_v but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o ancient_a and_o universal_a use_n of_o it_o novel-custom_n be_v easy_o trace_v to_o their_o original_n but_o general_o we_o can_v tell_v from_o whence_o the_o most_o ancient_a usage_n of_o any_o country_n be_v derive_v however_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v as_o our_o dissenter_n do_v that_o kneel_v owe_v its_o birth_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n that_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o kneel_v or_o adore_v posture_n use_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v do_v very_o much_o among_o other_o thing_n conduce_v to_o beget_v and_o nurse_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o superstitious_a and_o fanciful_a man_n a_o conceit_n that_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o corporal_o present_a at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o notion_n by_o subtle_a and_o inquisitive_a head_n be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n improve_v and_o explain_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o after_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v consecrate_v they_o be_v thereby_o change_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n natural_a body_n and_o blood_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o the_o patron_n of_o transubstantiation_n do_v very_o early_o make_v use_n of_o this_o very_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o teach_v and_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o christian_n do_v for_o what_o else_o can_v they_o intend_v or_o mean_v say_v they_o by_o that_o extraordinary_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o they_o manifest_v when_o they_o receive_v the_o dreadful_a mystery_n as_o they_o call_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n if_o they_o be_v bare_a and_o empty_a sign_n only_o and_o not_o change_v into_o the_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o very_a argument_n use_v by_o 3._o by_o alger_n de_fw-fr sacramentis_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 3._o algerus_n a_o stout_a champion_n for_o transubstantiation_n and_o 1590._o and_o costor_n enchirid._n p._n 353._o edit_fw-la 1590._o costor_n another_o popish_a writer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v even_o after_o transubstantiation_n take_v place_n that_o the_o pope_n introduce_v it_o that_o he_o resolve_v it_o into_o a_o ancient_a custom_n continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o ii_o suppose_v it_o be_v otherwise_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v or_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v at_o present_a that_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n because_o that_o gesture_n have_v be_v and_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n then_o sit_v be_v also_o sinful_a which_o be_v contend_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o pope_n himself_o fit_v in_o
better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o first_o what_o pure_a ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n but_o he_o who_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o he_o like_v best_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_n the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n second_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v separation_n for_o this_o edification_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o particular_a christian_n now_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o text_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 8.1_o and_o 14.5_o 12._o eph._n 2.21_o and_o 4.12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o matth._n 21.42_o act_n 4.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 12_o 19_o and_o 13.10_o now_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o as_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v also_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v edification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v particular_a christian_n one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o firm_a close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4.4_o than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n st._n judas_n v._o 19_o seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o separate_v but_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o pretence_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o particular_a christian_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o think_v he_o can_v edify_v better_o among_o the_o dissenter_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o because_o better_a edification_n can_v be_v have_v in_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o our_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o fit_a our_o constitution_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n second_o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n first_o then_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v fit_a to_o edify_v soul_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o our_o creed_n contain_v all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o nice_a and_o obscure_a matter_n in_o they_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n think_v needful_a that_o be_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o this_o faith_n will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n the_o church_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n when_o firm_o believe_v do_v plain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a she_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o show_v unless_o obedience_n follow_v such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n as_o produce_v excellent_a virtue_n and_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n her_o festival_n commemorate_v the_o virtue_n and_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o excellent_a men._n her_o ceremony_n be_v decent_a her_o prayer_n be_v for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o force_v and_o her_o homily_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o piety_n which_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o she_o tell_v sinner_n plain_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v and_o say_v that_o plain_a virtue_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n so_o exact_o 3._o she_o be_v fit_o constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n because_o she_o give_v we_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o describe_v his_o attribute_n and_o our_o want_n her_o prayer_n be_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o due_a length_n and_o she_o have_v proper_a prayer_n for_o most_o particular_a occasion_n she_o have_v office_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o confirm_v our_o obedience_n the_o office_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n and_o burial_n be_v extreme_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o all_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v such_o that_o she_o make_v religion_n neither_o slovenly_a nor_o too_o gay_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v judge_v all_o her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o they_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o fit_a to_o make_v our_o service_n comely_a and_o true_o whilst_o we_o have_v body_n these_o outward_a help_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a her_o government_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v that_o her_o member_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a and_o if_o all_o vice_n be_v not_o chastise_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o unnecessary_a division_n have_v stop_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a none_o of_o her_o part_n or_o office_n give_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o she_o but_o consider_v all_o thing_n she_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o 14.3_o therefore_o heb._n 6.1_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n second_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n but_o strict_o command_v under_o great_a temporal_a penalty_n to_o direct_v their_o flock_n to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o our_o pastor_n for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o true_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v uncharitable_a our_o protestant_a neighbour_n have_v commend_v our_o government_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v our_o pastor_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o our_o man_n work_n to_o edify_v their_o people_n dissenter_n
which_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o action_n be_v this_o measure_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v no_o far_o safe_a than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n now_o this_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o that_o thing_n only_o be_v indifferent_a which_o his_o law_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o mean_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n whether_o declare_v by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v natural_o convince_v of_o some_o thing_n be_v eternal_o good_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n other_o be_v eternal_o evil_a and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n have_v this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o revelation_n too_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o declare_v its_o precept_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o before_o by_o this_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o add_v some_o positive_a law_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o than_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o conscience_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a head_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o these_o head_n and_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n but_o also_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o those_o command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n command_v or_o forbid_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o yet_o by_o inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n iii_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o must_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o four_o proposition_n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n law_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o all_o society_n be_v found_v in_o this_o principal_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n otherwise_o no_o state_n city_n or_o family_n can_v subsist_v happy_o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n command_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v human_a law_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n second_o human_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v we_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n to_o obey_v our_o superior_n conscience_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v man_n because_o therein_o we_o obey_v god_n three_o human_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o they_o four_o though_o human_a law_n general_o speak_v bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o human_a law_n though_o consistent_a with_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o for_o than_o who_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o first_o where_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n or_o second_o where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o argue_v contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n there_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o human_a law_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o in_o other_o case_n so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v transgress_v a_o pure_o human_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n provide_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o ill_a example_n in_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o this_o i_o insist_v upon_o that_o god_n law_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v that_o authority_n be_v hold_v sacred_a and_o therefore_o when_o governor_n insist_v upon_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v trifle_v or_o inconvenient_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o even_o seem_v to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o public_a than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iv_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n and_o here_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v human_a law_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v obey_v in_o church-matter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o make_v law_n about_o religion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o far_o i_o earnest_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o dissenter_n that_o we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n those_o therefore_o who_o think_v they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o come_v to_o church_n than_o to_o obey_v any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v great_o mistake_v because_o they_o break_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v human_a institution_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o human_a law_n a_o divine_a law_n clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n than_o a_o law_n that_o command_v a_o thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v obey_v because_o it_o be_v
in_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o 5._o church-membership_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o church-communion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n due_o preach_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n join_v with_o those_o of_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n nay_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_n administration_n and_o therefore_o 4.4_o therefore_o act_n 2.47_o eph._n 5.23_o and_o 4.4_o since_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n since_o his_o ordinary_a method_n of_o save_a man_n be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n since_o chriâ—â—_n suffer_v for_o we_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v â—e_v say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o such_o man_n can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v unworthy_a receiver_n but_o 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o for_o we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o such_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n who_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o receiver_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o confirm_v ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n '_o tâ—s_v true_a that_o none_o but_o convert_v or_o baptise_a person_n must_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v those_o who_o be_v already_o baptise_a to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o holiness_n than_o this_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n for_o what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o the_o sacrament_n represent_v to_o we_o wherein_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o three_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n who_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n in_o sin_v that_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o 24._o in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.39_o and_o 19.18_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o 7_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v grow_v very_o scandalous_a yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n and_o hypocrite_n devour_v widow_n house_n and_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n matth._n 15.6_o 7_o 8._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v a_o separation_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v seat_n say_v he_o all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n 23.2_o 3._o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 11.18_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o and_o 3.3_o and_o 5.1_o and_o 11.18_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o 11.28_o but_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v what_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz._n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strise_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brethren_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridle_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o