gesture_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o not_o act_v upon_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o and_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n after_o he_o have_v create_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v enjoin_v he_o to_o do_v something_o that_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o say_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v in_o its_o nature_n admit_v of_o several_a gesture_n be_v to_o yield_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v for_o then_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n will_v admit_v of_o several_a too_o and_o consequent_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v only_o a_o feast-gesture_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o it_o 3._o kneel_v be_v very_o comely_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o no_o table-gesture_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o every_o honest_a and_o unbiased_a mind_n which_o impartial_o seek_v after_o truth_n by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o kneel_v be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o suitable_a gesture_n for_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o very_o apt_a to_o express_v our_o reverence_n humility_n and_o gratitude_n by_o and_o consequent_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o agreeable_a to_o its_o nature_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o at_o the_o sacrament_n we_o express_v that_o by_o action_n as_o i_o hint_v before_o which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o do_v by_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o solemn_a rite_n of_o christian_a worship_n which_o imply_v prayer_n and_o praise_n it_o include_v all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o blood_n shed_v for_o our_o sin_n we_o do_v commemorate_v represent_v and_o show_v forth_o to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o sacrifice_n which_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n make_v upon_o the_o cross_n we_o feast_v upon_o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o great_a sin-offering_a and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o god_n and_o we_o plead_v with_o he_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o son_n blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o for_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n we_o further_a humble_o entreat_v he_o to_o be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o we_o and_o to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o our_o lord_n purchase_v with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n we_o intercede_v with_o he_o too_o at_o the_o communion_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o all_o our_o fellow-christians_a and_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n may_v receive_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o his_o table_n be_v a_o visible_a and_o powerful_a prayer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a act_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o we_o let_v our_o heavenly_a father_n see_v that_o we_o retain_v a_o deep_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o unexpressible_a love_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o and_o that_o which_o enlivens_fw-la our_o faith_n and_o embolden_v our_o hope_n of_o find_v favour_n and_o acceptance_n at_o his_o hand_n at_o this_o time_n above_o other_o be_v this_o viz._n our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v not_o only_o put_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o present_v and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n over_o the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n all_o this_o our_o action_n signify_v and_o speak_v when_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n who_o understand_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n will_v gainsay_v it_o then_o kneel_v must_v be_v judge_v as_o fit_v and_o convenient_a to_o be_v use_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o signify_v our_o desire_n and_o affection_n by_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o god_n appointment_n as_o when_o we_o do_v it_o by_o word_n that_o be_v when_o we_o say_v our_o prayer_n 2._o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o good_a christian_n will_v grant_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n inward_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o tender_a and_o exceed_o great_a love_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o be_v very_o apt_a and_o meet_a to_o express_v the_o inward_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o can_v be_v think_v unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o that_o be_v a_o religious_a feast_n institute_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o solemn_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n perform_v to_o our_o crucify_a saviour_n our_o meeting_n together_o at_o this_o holy_a feast_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o tell_v of_o all_o his_o wondrous_a work_n perpetuate_v the_o fame_n of_o our_o great_a benefactor_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v throughout_o all_o age_n be_v a_o external_n mark_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o respect_n we_o bear_v towards_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v proper_o speak_v that_o which_o we_o call_v public_a worship_n since_o to_o bow_v our_o knee_n then_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o proper_a mode_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o a_o external_n sign_n of_o reverence_n why_o shall_v a_o adore_a posture_n be_v think_v unmeet_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o in_o its_o nature_n import_v worship_n and_o adoration_n 3._o no_o good_a christian_n of_o what_o party_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o to_o lift_v our_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o employ_v our_o tongue_n in_o utter_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n even_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n why_o then_o shall_v kneeling_z be_v think_v unsuitable_a which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o only_o glorify_v god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o another_o part_n of_o our_o body_n why_o shall_v the_o gesture_n be_v scruple_v at_o more_o than_o the_o voice_n or_o the_o bow_v of_o my_o knee_n be_v esteem_v incongruous_a and_o unfitting_a any_o more_o than_o move_v my_o tongue_n or_o raise_v my_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v advance_v in_o the_o heaven_n by_o god_n the_o father_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o humble_a and_o submissive_a obedience_n here_o on_o earth_n challenge_v from_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a into_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n wherefore_o god_n have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n 11._o that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n 4._o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n death_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o i_o request_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consult_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v our_o saviour_n bodily_a gesture_n or_o deportment_n in_o the_o heat_n and_o extremity_n of_o his_o passion_n wherein_o he_o present_v himself_o before_o his_o father_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n in_o the_o garden_n be_v in_o a_o agony_n he_o offer_v up_o this_o prayer_n to_o his_o father_n 44._o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v but_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o in_o what_o gesture_n of_o body_n do_v his_o perplex_a soul_n utter_v these_o earnest_a supplication_n why_o kneel_v 41._o or_o fix_v his_o knee_n upon_o the_o earth_n now_o though_o we_o may_v remember_v and_o meditate_v on_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n
the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v &_o resolve_v part_n i._n wherein_o these_o query_n be_v consider_v i._o whether_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o different_a gesture_n ii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o that_o example_n which_o our_o lord_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n iii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n and_o freeman_n collins_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o case_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n kneel_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a doubt_n which_o may_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n arise_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v at_o present_a much_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a dissenter_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o resolution_n of_o these_o follow_a query_n 1._o whether_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o some_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o different_a posture_n 2._o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o that_o example_n which_o our_o lord_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n 3._o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o altogether_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n 4._o whether_o kneel_v command_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n 5._o whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v because_o this_o gesture_n 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 1._o whether_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o a_o transgression_n against_o some_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v another_o gesture_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n our_o only_a recourse_n must_v be_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n deliver_v and_o enact_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v collect_v and_o record_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o command_n there_o extant_a concern_v the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n we_o shall_v upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o but_o before_o i_o give_v in_o my_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n whatsoever_o be_v enjoin_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v prepetual_o use_v by_o all_o christian_n throughout_o all_o age_n without_o any_o alteration_n that_o can_v never_o be_v nullify_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o earthly_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o when_o once_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v any_o way_n signify_v and_o declare_v that_o such_o and_o such_o positive_a law_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o and_o unalterable_o observe_v than_o those_o law_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v changeable_a must_v remain_v in_o full_a force_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o change_n from_o the_o law_n of_o men._n it_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o the_o most_o dare_a presumption_n for_o any_o earthly_a prince_n any_o council_n any_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o to_o oppose_v the_o know_a will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o this_o case_n nothing_o can_v take_v off_o the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o such_o law_n but_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n which_o first_o pass_v they_o into_o law_n thus_o much_o be_v grant_v and_o premise_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o question_v propose_v god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o establish_v the_o unalterable_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v that_o among_o all_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v not_o any_o express_a command_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o we_o be_v leave_v perfect_o at_o our_o liberty_n by_o god_n to_o use_v what_o comely_a gesture_n we_o please_v either_o sit_v thing_n kneel_v or_o stand_v and_o if_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n do_v not_o restrain_v our_o liberty_n we_o may_v use_v any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a gesture_n without_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o perhaps_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v very_o strange_a and_o false_a to_o many_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o judge_v charitable_o their_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n have_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v impose_v on_o themselves_o by_o the_o write_n and_o assertion_n of_o other_o man_n who_o person_n they_o have_v have_v in_o great_a admiration_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o secure_a of_o this_o truth_n that_o i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v the_o chapter_n and_o verse_n wherein_o any_o command_n be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o popish_a principle_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o swallow_v all_o for_o gospel_n which_o she_o affirm_v to_o be_v so_o though_o very_o mischievous_a in_o its_o consequence_n be_v not_o so_o popish_a that_o be_v so_o ill_o as_o to_o pin_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o sleeve_n of_o particular_a man_n and_o rely_v bare_o on_o the_o word_n and_o credit_n of_o any_o one_o man_n who_o we_o high_o esteem_v of_o what_o party_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o for_o this_o be_v to_o create_v a_o pope_n to_o ourselves_o and_o make_v every_o man_n who_o we_o fancy_n infallible_a this_o be_v to_o make_v two_o more_o than_o six_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o man_n outweigh_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o be_v nothing_o near_o so_o liable_a to_o deception_n i_o do_v desire_v therefore_o to_o be_v trust_v by_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o matter_n under_o present_a consideration_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n trust_v no_o man_n eye_n or_o judgement_n where_o you_o be_v able_a to_o use_v your_o own_o but_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o berean_o 11._o so_o high_o commend_v by_o st._n paul_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o i_o say_v and_o assert_v if_o this_o course_n be_v general_o follow_v it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o the_o compose_v those_o difference_n and_o cure_v those_o division_n that_o at_o present_a be_v on_o foot_n among_o we_o occasion_v by_o several_a tenet_n and_o opinion_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o mean_n a_o great_a many_o which_o pass_v for_o divine_a oracle_n and_o doctrine_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o whimsy_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n with_o this_o cautionary_a advice_n i_o may_v fair_o dismiss_v this_o question_n as_o be_v full_o answer_v and_o leave_v all_o my_o reader_n to_o disprove_v i_o if_o they_o can_v but_o because_o some_o may_v pretend_v they_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o other_o want_v of_o skill_n and_o other_o be_v not_o endue_v with_o patience_n enough_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v this_o matter_n thorough_o as_o it_o ought_v i_o will_v yield_v all_o the_o charitable_a assistance_n i_o be_o able_a towards_o their_o relief_n by_o do_v the_o work_n to_o their_o hand_n my_o business_n then_o at_o present_a be_v this_o to_o collect_v and_o present_v to_o your_o view_n all_o those_o place_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o and_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v any_o command_n which_o tie_v we_o up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n sit_v suppose_n or_o stand_v and_o not_o kneel_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o evangelist_n who_o give_v we_o a_o perfect_a narrative_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n
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 and_o then_o i_o leave_v this_o to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n how_o they_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n such_o as_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v before_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n how_o they_o will_v ever_o answer_v to_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n their_o live_n and_o die_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o express_a command_n of_o his_o give_v a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o mere_o because_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o authority_n be_v cross_v to_o their_o private_a will_n and_o fancy_n but_o not_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n and_o 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they_o can_v safe_o do_v plain_o own_o that_o as_o to_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n for_o we_o to_o use_v or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n give_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o principle_n this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n it_o can_v not_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v as_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o any_o one_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o who_o judgement_n and_o example_n will_v i_o presume_v sway_n much_o with_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o not_o be_v sufficient_o purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o other_o neighbour-churche_n be_v and_o who_o stand_v once_o engage_v in_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o the_o example_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n abroad_o and_o see_v whether_o she_o ought_v to_o reform_v the_o gesture_n prescribe_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west_n friesland_n they_o stand._n the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustan_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuany_n and_o the_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o augsburg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v both_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n enjoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetick_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_v gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a 1573._o for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arrian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n 1578._o who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n 1583._o and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_v moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o â—hese_fw-mi socinian_n who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o harmon_n these_o article_n be_v settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n holl._n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n 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 suppose_v or_o 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 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 administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n arbitraemur_fw-la 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 not_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_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 query_n ii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o devotion_n from_o that_o example_n which_o christ_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n for_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n i_o shall_v propound_v the_o four_o follow_v particular_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v with_o all_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n to_o make_v good_a 1._o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v so_o as_o that_o the_o conscience_n may_v sure_o build_v upon_o it_o what_o gesture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v 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 3._o that_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o 4._o that_o they_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ._n first_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n can_v never_o be_v demonstrate_v so_o as_o that_o the_o conscience_n may_v sure_o build_v upon_o it_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o two_o way_n first_o we_o have_v no_o sure_a ground_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n second_o the_o custom_n observe_v by_o the_o jew_n render_v it_o very_o incertain_a and_o disputable_a 1._o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o scripture_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o 26._o that_o as_o they_o be_v eat_v 22._o or_o as_o they_o do_v eat_v as_o the_o phrase_n be_v render_v in_o st._n mark_n jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_a it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v supp_v 25._o say_v st._n paul_n after_o supper_n as_o st._n luke_n have_v it_o and_o give_v thanks_o 20._o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o now_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a from_o this_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v that_o our_o lord_n do_v institute_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o but_o whether_o sit_v kneel_v or_o stand_v be_v no_o where_o mention_v nor_o plain_o determine_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o institute_v this_o holy_a feast_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o paschal_n feast_n for_o he_o take_v the_o bread_n as_o they_o be_v eat_v and_o the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v supp_v that_o he_o do_v celebrate_v the_o passover_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n 14._o which_o be_v in_o a_o discumb_a posture_n marg._n on_o bed_n place_v about_o the_o table_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o lie_a or_o lean_v upon_o couches_n yet_o whether_o after_o all_o the_o apostle_n receive_v or_o our_o lord_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n still_o sit_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v at_o the_o passover_n be_v not_o express_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v certain_o conclude_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o their_o argument_n who_o urge_v sit_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n example_n can_v arise_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o its_o probable_a our_o lord_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o gesture_n he_o use_v at_o the_o passover_n when_o he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n but_o who_o see_v not_o that_o a_o probability_n be_v far_o from_o a_o certainty_n a_o thing_n may_v be_v real_o false_a though_o it_o seem_v likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v speculative_o probable_a may_v when_o reduce_v to_o practise_v become_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o great_a error_n thus_o to_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n kneel_v and_o thereby_o neglect_v a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o bare_a probability_n that_o our_o lord_n sit_v which_o we_o be_v not_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o all_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o they_o appeal_v to_o a_o incertain_a example_n against_o a_o plain_a certain_a command_n viz._n to_o receive_v the_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o saviour_n die_a love_n and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o they_o therefore_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o as_o a_o plea_n against_o kneel_v will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o make_v the_o example_n appear_v and_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v sit_v before_o they_o press_v a_o conformity_n 2._o if_o we_o consult_v the_o record_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n and_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a man_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n concern_v the_o passover_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n celebrate_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o gesture_n throughout_o the_o solemnity_n for_o the_o babylon_n and_o jerusalem_n talmud_n maimonides_n and_o buxtorf_n do_v certify_v we_o that_o they_o do_v alter_v their_o posture_n at_o the_o passover_n though_o the_o lie_v or_o lean_v posture_n be_v general_o and_o most_o religious_o use_v and_o observe_v at_o this_o feast_n above_o any_o other_o and_o the_o scripture_n give_v some_o hint_n and_o intimation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o those_o eastern_a country_n at_o their_o ordinary_a feast_n and_o entertainment_n to_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o their_o foot_n 32._o and_o especial_o at_o their_o religious_a feast_n to_o wash_v their_o hand_n often_o 44._o at_o the_o passover_n they_o wash_v their_o hand_n thrice_o at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o talmudist_n and_o the_o author_n forecited_a 13._o which_o ceremony_n can_v not_o well_o nor_o be_v not_o in_o all_o likelihood_n perform_v during_o their_o lie_v or_o lean_v posture_n on_o their_o left_a side_n as_o their_o manner_n be_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o wash_v at_o all_o and_o so_o frequent_o be_v that_o no_o legal_a impurity_n or_o uncleanness_n may_v cleave_v to_o they_o and_o to_o signify_v the_o great_a care_n they_o take_v to_o keep_v this_o solemn_a feast_n holy_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o they_o be_v nice_a and_o curious_a in_o purify_n and_o wash_v themselves_o 286._o so_o in_o keep_v the_o bed_n table_n dishes_n and_o all_o other_o utensil_n necessary_a for_o this_o feast_n clean_a and_o free_a