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be_v well_o reward_v for_o reform_v religion_n with_o infinite_a pain_n and_o labour_n and_o to_o their_o utmost_a peril_n it_o cost_v many_o martyr_n their_o life_n and_o will_v have_v make_v the_o crown_n to_o shake_v have_v it_o not_o be_v secure_a by_o a_o omnipotent_a hand_n and_o all-seeing_a providence_n and_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v for_o nothing_o for_o we_o be_v not_o get_v out_o of_o babylon_n yet_o that_o command_n still_o lie_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o our_o ancestor_n believe_v it_o do_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 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 no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v our_o reformer_n who_o be_v so_o sincere_a and_o honest_a who_o spare_v no_o pain_n and_o fear_v no_o danger_n to_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o retain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a leaven_n as_o make_v it_o unsafe_a for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o partake_v in_o such_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o papist_n shall_v be_v such_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o rome_n and_o look_v so_o kind_o upon_o our_o new_a thorough-reformer_n but_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o point_v of_o popery_n be_v still_o retain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n o_o say_v they_o that_o be_v quick_o do_v the_o very_a office_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o relic_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o very_a first_o institution_n of_o it_o have_v be_v popish_o affect_v for_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v have_v a_o episcopal_a power_n and_o authority_n we_o find_v no_o christian_a church_n without_o bishop_n till_o the_o reformation_n that_o be_v for_o 1500_o year_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o 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antichristian_a usurpation_n but_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v popish_a i_o beseech_v you_o wherein_o as_o it_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n then_o our_o saviour_n teach_v man_n popery_n for_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n must_v be_v rank_a popery_n which_o consist_v only_o of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n compose_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o be_v there_o any_o remain_v of_o popish_a worship_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v there_o any_o prayer_n to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v our_o prayer_n conceal_v from_o we_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o we_o say_v what_o petition_n we_o put_v up_o to_o god_n do_v you_o find_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n or_o any_o relic_n of_o it_o in_o our_o liturgy_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n for_o our_o reform_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n who_o purge_v our_o worship_n from_o all_o these_o abomination_n but_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o popery_n still_o this_o i_o will_v in_o part_n grant_v but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o mass-book_n be_v not_o popery_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o creed_n ten_o commandment_n and_o lord_n prayer_n be_v part_n of_o popery_n the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o you_o must_v consider_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o true_a church_n corrupt_v and_o degenerate_v from_o its_o primitive_a institution_n for_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o inferior_a in_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o several_a age_n after_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o its_o great_a degeneracy_n it_o retain_v some_o small_a
afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n that_o be_v who_o do_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o oppose_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n answerable_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o 10._o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o reproach_v the_o ruler_n of_o 28._o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v express_o call_v do_v presumptuous_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o 5._o the_o priest_n that_o stand_v to_o minister_v before_o 12._o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o these_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o 15._o be_v go_v astray_o and_o whoever_o compare_v this_o chapter_n with_o st._n iude_n epistle_n will_v find_v that_o st._n peter_n and_o s._n jude_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n for_o their_o character_n do_v exact_o agree_v and_o of_o they_o s._n jude_n tell_v we_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o 19_o sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o man_n ever_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o gross_a heretic_n the_o several_a sect_n of_o gnostic_n of_o who_o irenaeus_n and_o epiphanius_n give_v we_o a_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o name_n heresy_n which_o proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o separation_n come_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o corrupt_v and_o heretical_a doctrine_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o we_o may_v find_v some_o remain_v of_o this_o ancient_a and_o original_a use_n of_o these_o word_n in_o after-age_n for_o though_o schism_n common_o be_v use_v in_o church-writer_n to_o signify_v separation_n from_o church-communion_n and_o heresy_n to_o signify_v false_a doctrine_n yet_o separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o be_v only_o ocasion_v upon_o a_o dispute_n about_o discipline_n without_o any_o other_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v heresy_n thus_o st._n cyprian_n i_o remember_v call_v the_o schism_n of_o novatianus_n haereticam_fw-la pravitatem_fw-la heretical_a impiety_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n of_o antonianus_n quam_fw-la haeresin_fw-la novatianus_n introduxisset_fw-la what_o heresy_n novatianus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o he_o allege_v nothing_o but_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o curious_o 52._o to_o inquire_v what_o he_o teach_v who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o whatever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o adherent_n be_v call_v haeretica_fw-la factio_fw-la a_o heretical_a 39_o faction_n though_o the_o schism_n be_v occasion_v only_o by_o a_o dispute_n of_o discipline_n concern_v the_o restore_n the_o lapse_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n without_o any_o other_o error_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v call_v heresy_n and_o though_o heresy_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v corrupt_a doctrine_n yet_o a_o mere_a error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v not_o think_v a_o complete_a formal_a heresy_n without_o such_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n as_o end_v in_o separation_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n describe_v heretic_n to_o be_v 51._o those_o who_o hold_v some_o false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o when_o they_o be_v reprove_v in_o order_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o truth_n and_o sobricty_n of_o judgement_n do_v obstinate_o resist_v and_o refuse_v to_o correct_v their_o poisonous_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o persist_v in_o defend_v they_o thus_o they_o become_v heretic_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n become_v its_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o father_n in_o that_o fame_a say_v errare_fw-la possum_fw-la hereticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la though_o he_o may_v err_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o beside_o those_o division_n among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n which_o be_v call_v schism_n by_o st._n paul_n there_o be_v formal_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o a_o much_o more_o heinous_a nature_n which_o none_o in_o those_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o such_o separation_n be_v always_o condemn_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o heresy_n and_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n though_o such_o separatist_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o fundamental_a 231._o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v not_o what_o dr._n owen_n gain_v by_o prove_v that_o separation_n be_v no_o schism_n when_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o much_o great_a evil_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v allow_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n when_o it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n in_o a_o church_n any_o one_o will_v reasonable_o think_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o much_o great_a evil_a for_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n be_v then_o come_v to_o their_o height_n and_o perfection_n when_o they_o make_v friend_n brethren_n and_o confederate_n part_n company_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o less_o quarrel_n shall_v be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o great_a quarrel_n unless_o he_o think_v it_o be_v with_o schism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o leprosy_n that_o when_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v overspread_v with_o it_o the_o leper_n be_v pronounce_v clean_o but_o the_o most_o material_a inquiry_n here_o be_v what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n for_o our_o dissenter_n meet_v as_o public_o now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o forsake_v christian_a assembly_n and_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o primitive_a christian_n meet_v very_o private_o in_o small_a number_n or_o in_o the_o night_n or_o very_o early_a in_o the_o morning_n to_o avoid_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o yet_o such_o private_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n be_v not_o real_o conventicle_n but_o public_a church-assembly_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v not_o number_n nor_o meet_v open_o and_o public_o which_o make_v a_o church-assemble_o but_o hold_v such_o assembly_n by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o union_n with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o state_n when_o a_o great_a many_o people_n meet_v together_o without_o public_a authority_n it_o be_v a_o riot_n not_o a_o legal_a assembly_n public_a place_n of_o worship_n allow_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n public_a for_o the_o 171._o primitive_a christian_n allow_v no_o separate_a assembly_n no_o congregation_n but_o what_o meet_v in_o the_o public_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v a_o express_a canon_n in_o the_o council_n of_o gangra_n that_o if_o any_o shall_v 6._o take_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n private_o to_o preach_v at_o home_n and_o make_v light_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o leave_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o bishop_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o public_a worship_n be_v that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v in_o public_a church_n or_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n in_o other_o place_n by_o the_o allowance_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o have_v no_o such_o allowance_n and_o authority_n must_v be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o separation_n for_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n lawful_a but_o what_o make_v it_o necessary_a ii_o this_o follow_a treatise_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o these_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o those_o who_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o in_o contempt_n of_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o do_v not_o go_v to_o church_n because_o they_o think_v they_o
great_a concernment_n pag._n 104_o chap._n ii_o concern_v public_a worship_n pag._n 110_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n pag._n 111_o public_a worship_n a_o great_a honour_n to_o god_n than_o private_a devotion_n pag._n 116_o external_n worship_n must_v be_v public_a pag._n 118_o god_n be_v a_o public_a benefactor_n and_o therefore_o public_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o pag._n 120_o public_a worship_n institute_v by_o god_n under_o the_o law_n pag._n 122_o and_o by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n require_v it_o pag._n 125_o this_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o sacrament_n pag._n 126_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 130_o and_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n pag._n 133_o and_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v religion_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iii_o section_n 1._o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o pag._n 138_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n pag._n 139_o 1._o whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n the_o difference_n between_o private_a opinion_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o use_n of_o this_o distinction_n ibid._n 2._o whether_o they_o consider_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n pag._n 151_o 3._o whether_o they_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 4._o how_o they_o come_v to_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 5._o whether_o they_o ever_o impartial_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n pag._n 170_o 6._o how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n pag._n 184_o section_n 2._o some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 188_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n pag._n 190_o 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 193_o 3._o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n pag._n 207_o 4._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n pag._n 208_o section_n 3._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n pag._n 215_o concern_v will-worship_n pag._n 216_o concern_v superstition_n pag._n 222_o the_o church_n of_o england_n charge_v with_o idolatry_n pag._n 235_o and_o with_o popery_n pag._n 236_o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n concern_v parochial_a communion_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n 267_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 281_o chap._n iu_o concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 289_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n 296_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o line_n 26_o read_v apollo_n p._n 9_o l._n 13._o r._n and_o that_o none_o p._n 18._o l._n 15._o r._n that_o they_o either_o p._n 50._o l._n 14._o f._n we_o r._n be_v p._n 105._o l._n 18._o r._n you_o will_v p._n 124._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o p._n 164._o l._n 9_o r._n fell_a p._n 185._o l._n 2._o r._n they_o p._n 208._o l._n 6._o r._n so_o p._n 212._o l._n 11._o f._n if_o r._n that_o p._n 219._o l._n 24._o r._n now_o though_o p._n 224._o l._n 12_o 13._o r._n difficult_a p._n 230._o l._n 5._o r._n have_v p._n 331._o l._n 18._o f._n rule_n r._n rite_n p._n 346._o l._n 28._o f._n truth_n r._n faith_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n the_o introduction_n 1._o contain_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n 2._o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n 3._o the_o seasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o discourse_n 1._o religion_n be_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o mankind_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v god_n the_o most_o excellent_a be_v for_o its_o immediate_a object_n this_o be_v the_o work_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n who_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n admire_v his_o essential_a glory_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o sing_v eternal_a hallelujah_n to_o he_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o unruly_a passion_n and_o appetite_n to_o govern_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o pity_v and_o relieve_v one_o another_o where_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a good_n indeed_o in_o this_o world_n temperance_n and_o charity_n be_v no_o christian_a virtue_n but_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o veneration_n for_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o to_o be_v charitable_a upon_o some_o mean_a consideration_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o god_n as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o serve_v ourselves_o or_o our_o friend_n or_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o we_o do_v out_o of_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o it_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o deity_n which_o may_v as_o effectual_o be_v do_v by_o action_n as_o by_o word_n verbal_a praise_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n be_v mere_a lip-labour_n and_o formal_a compliment_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o produce_v no_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o excite_v in_o we_o devout_a affection_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n but_o yet_o that_o which_o we_o more_o strict_o call_v worship_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o solemn_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n for_o god_n when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o when_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n for_o what_o sincere_a worshipper_n can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o to_o break_v his_o law_n and_o contemn_v his_o authority_n and_o despise_v his_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a semblance_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o some_o bad_a man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o flatter_v god_n be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n it_o be_v only_o a_o external_a imitation_n of_o religious_a worship_n without_o that_o powerful_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o true_o devout_a and_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n so_o public_a worship_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o indeed_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o hold_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n whereon_o all_o church-authority_n depend_v as_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o prove_v by_o a_o assembly_n learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o authority_n to_o take_v in_o and_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n the_o second_o by_o church-censure_n the_o high_a of_o which_o be_v excommunication_n which_o debar_v man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v forsake_v christian_n assembly_n either_o to_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n or_o at_o least_o a_o fair_a step_n towards_o it_o he_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o 23._o faith_n without_o waver_v that_o be_v to_o continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o give_v they_o this_o caution_n not_o
can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_n in_o their_o closet_n or_o family_n 3._o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o the_o second_o part_n be_v design_v to_o correct_v some_o great_a miscarriage_n in_o public_a worship_n which_o some_o who_o profess_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v too_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o such_o as_o these_o 1._o the_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o 2._o irreverence_n in_o worship_n 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 5._o that_o they_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n 6._o that_o either_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o very_o rare_o iii_o the_o very_o name_v these_o thing_n must_v needs_o convince_v all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n how_o seasonable_a this_o discourse_n be_v for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o it_o and_o since_o religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n the_o neglect_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n but_o have_v a_o very_a ill_a aspect_n upon_o public_a affair_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a time_n for_o any_o man_n who_o prefer_v his_o own_o ease_n and_o quiet_v before_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n to_o put_v forth_o to_o sea_n in_o such_o a_o storm_n and_o hurricane_a when_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o ferment_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o cool_a thought_n and_o impatient_a of_o the_o gentle_a reproof_n and_o opposition_n the_o most_o charitable_a design_n be_v misconstrue_v and_o nickname_v and_o whoever_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o mistake_v how_o careful_a soever_o he_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n be_v either_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o persecutor_n but_o these_o thing_n i_o thank_v god_n do_v not_o much_o affect_v i_o and_o shall_v never_o affright_v i_o from_o any_o part_n of_o my_o duty_n i_o value_v a_o good_a name_n as_o much_o as_o other_o man_n but_o be_o content_v to_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v himself_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v by_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v think_v most_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n be_v what_o concern_v the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o present_a establishment_n for_o this_o be_v now_o upon_o all_o occasion_n urge_v and_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o such_o discourse_n but_o can_v it_o be_v think_v unseasonable_a to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o forsake_v christian_a assembly_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n that_o many_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o physician_n when_o the_o patient_n be_v dangerous_o sick_a of_o a_o mortal_a distemper_n thanks_o be_v to_o our_o good_a god_n we_o still_o enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o have_v opportunity_n also_o of_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n how_o effectual_a indeed_o such_o exhortation_n may_v be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n we_o can_v tell_v success_n in_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o fit_a season_n as_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a temper_n of_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o seed_n fall_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o however_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n a_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v when_o and_o as_o it_o may_v and_o i_o think_v there_o never_o be_v great_a necessity_n for_o this_o exhortation_n than_o in_o our_o day_n but_o that_o which_o i_o perceive_v make_v some_o man_n think_v it_o so_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v because_o they_o be_v either_o in_o great_a hope_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o at_o least_o to_o open_v the_o door_n a_o little_a wide_o to_o let_v those_o in_o who_o be_v now_o exclude_v by_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v in_o our_o worship_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o soul_n that_o such_o seasonable_a exhortation_n as_o these_o may_v prove_v very_o unseasonable_a for_o their_o design_n that_o it_o may_v bring_v man_n to_o their_o wit_n and_o make_v they_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v a_o do_v when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v very_o unseasonable_a indeed_o for_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unseasonable_a and_o despicable_a piece_n of_o folly_n and_o modesty_n for_o all_o those_o who_o favour_n zion_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o say_v nothing_o while_o they_o accomplish_v their_o design_n and_o bring_v their_o wicked_a device_n to_o pass_v as_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n who_o only_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o church_n door_n a_o little_a wide_o to_o receive_v more_o honest_a and_o devout_a man_n into_o our_o communion_n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v conceive_v such_o exhortation_n unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n for_o be_v they_o afraid_a that_o such_o discourse_n shall_v so_o far_o satisfy_v all_o man_n in_o our_o communion_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o alteration_n true_o i_o have_v no_o great_a hope_n to_o see_v such_o bless_a effect_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o convince_a discourse_n and_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n ever_o shall_v be_v certain_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v trouble_v at_o it_o since_o the_o great_a end_n they_o design_v viz._n to_o see_v all_o man_n return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_o obtain_v and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o desirable_a to_o see_v man_n rectify_v their_o own_o mistake_v than_o to_o alter_v wholesome_a constitution_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o great_a danger_n and_o very_o seldom_o any_o great_a success_n witness_v the_o miserable_a confusion_n of_o the_o last_o age._n or_o do_v they_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o unjust_a imputation_n to_o wipe_v off_o that_o dirt_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o she_o by_o her_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o discover_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n without_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o every_o punctilio_n and_o oppose_v all_o reasonable_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n of_o other_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o they_o censure_v and_o revile_v man_n before_o they_o know_v they_o we_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n between_o some_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n possible_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o most_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o ready_a to_o any_o reasonable_a compliance_n whenever_o authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a we_o have_v a_o late_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o a_o excellent_a person_n than_o who_o possible_o separation_n no_o man_n ever_o write_v better_o for_o the_o church_n nor_o ever_o hint_v more_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a proposal_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o dissenter_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o dispose_v man_n mind_n to_o peace_n and_o union_n by_o good_a argument_n and_o pious_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n as_o it_o be_v for_o public_a authority_n to_o relax_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n to_o give_v ease_n to_o some_o doubt_v and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o while_o man_n have_v such_o superstitious_a conceit_n that_o god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v with_o do_v or_o not_o do_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o themselves_o consider_v with_o wear_v or_o not_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o use_v or_o not_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n when_o man_n think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o have_v express_o command_v and_o then_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v perform_v any_o one_o duty_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o may_v become_v christian_n and_o enter_v into_o our_o society_n and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v give_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n for_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o 13._o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v express_o call_v the_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o common_a table_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n 27._o of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a feast_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n partake_v for_o it_o signify_v not_o only_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o reform_a church_n universal_o condemn_v the_o private_a mass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o priest_n receive_v by_o himself_o and_o true_o private_a devotion_n when_o they_o thrust_v out_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o a_o church_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o those_o sacrament_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n may_v convince_v we_o how_o necessary_a christian_a communion_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n to_o feed_v his_o flock_n to_o pray_v for_o his_o people_n and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v for_o public_a minister_n unless_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n whether_o christian_n frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o have_v invest_v man_n with_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v of_o so_o little_a use_n especial_o since_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o know_v and_o so_o far_o spread_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v long_o since_o dead_a but_o of_o their_o successor_n who_o retain_v their_o office_n and_o power_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o apostolical_a office_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n consist_v which_o christ_n commit_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a consist_v only_o in_o let_v into_o the_o church_n or_o shut_v out_o the_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o administer_a baptism_n which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o external_a judge_n of_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o exercise_v censure_n upon_o offender_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o this_o in_o remove_v such_o man_n from_o christian_a communion_n either_o in_o part_n or_o whole_o for_o a_o time_n or_o for_o ever_o according_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n some_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o christian_a assembly_n but_o lay_v at_o the_o door_n lament_v their_o wickedness_n and_o beg_v their_o prayer_n other_o be_v admit_v to_o public_a instruction_n but_o not_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o catechuman_n those_o who_o be_v public_o instruct_v and_o catechise_v but_o not_o yet_o baptize_v be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a other_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n but_o not_o to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o all_o this_o suppose_n that_o christian_a communion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o a_o great_a privilege_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o punish_v offender_n but_o by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o assembly_n but_o what_o will_v those_o man_n value_v church-censure_n who_o make_v so_o slight_a of_o public_a worship_n as_o daily_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o certain_o these_o man_n be_v great_o mistake_v or_o else_o the_o very_a office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v so_o formidable_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o very_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n since_o man_n may_v as_o well_o worship_n god_n alone_o as_o in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v when_o excommunicate_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o we_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n which_o necessary_o include_v public_a worship_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v 33._o i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o confess_v christ_n be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o only_o in_o word_n though_o too_o many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o own_o will_v not_o confess_v before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o by_o pay_v he_o such_o public_a homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v own_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n for_o thus_o to_o confess_v christ_n signify_v with_o the_o mouth_n 13_o confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n like_o a_o city_n that_o be_v set_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o like_o a_o candle_n place_v in_o a_o candlestick_n 15._o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n but_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v visible_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o public_a and_o visible_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o must_v refer_v to_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o include_v act_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v the_o acknowledge_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o take_v care_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o encourage_v public_a worship_n correct_v public_a abuse_n and_o punish_v the_o neglect_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n religion_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o closet_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o tell_v what_o religion_n they_o be_v of_o they_o may_v be_v pagan_n mahometan_n papist_n or_o infidel_n and_o no_o man_n the_o wise_a if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o encourage_v and_o reform_v religion_n and_o yet_o nothing_o can_v fall_v within_o his_o cognizance_n or_o under_o his_o care_n but_o what_o be_v public_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o care_n of_o
public_a magistrate_n be_v the_o duty_n also_o of_o private_a christian_n possible_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a pain_n in_o prove_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o too_o be_v i_o not_o sensible_a by_o my_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v who_o have_v very_o little_a apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o come_v to_o church_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n and_o sometime_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o careless_a humour_n if_o any_o such_o read_v these_o paper_n i_o will_v desire_v and_o beg_v of_o they_o serious_o to_o consider_v this_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o by_o some_o childish_a and_o sophistical_a reason_n into_o a_o neglect_n so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n suppose_v you_o do_v real_o as_o some_o i_o fear_v only_o pretend_v spend_v your_o time_n in_o private_a prayer_n and_o read_v and_o meditation_n yet_o can_v you_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v your_o private_a prayer_n when_o they_o signify_v a_o neglect_n if_o not_o a_o contempt_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v so_o much_o more_o please_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v praise_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n where_o no_o body_n see_v nor_o hear_v we_o can_v you_o think_v your_o single_a prayer_n will_v as_o much_o prevail_v with_o god_n as_o when_o the_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n can_v you_o any_o where_o expect_v such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n while_o we_o attend_v on_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o without_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o they_o when_o there_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o our_o private_a devotion_n without_o neglect_v or_o affront_a public_a worship_n and_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n before_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o long_o and_o thirst_v after_o the_o court_n of_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n iii_o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n i._o contain_v several_a direction_n to_o such_o man_n whereby_o to_o try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o forsake_v our_o religious_a assembly_n be_v those_o who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o who_o separate_z for_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o think_v themselves_o bind_v as_o they_o honour_v god_n and_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n to_o avoid_v our_o communion_n now_o these_o man_n deserve_v our_o most_o tender_a regard_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n it_o be_v very_o great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o excellent_a book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o instruction_n for_o those_o who_o be_v honest_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v take_v another_o method_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v prove_v more_o effectual_a than_o dispute_v common_o do_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o to_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n three_o to_o remove_v some_o popular_a plea_n and_o objection_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v their_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n offer_v such_o a_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o carry_v on_o other_o design_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n that_o white_v paint_a sepulchre_n how_o glorious_a a_o profession_n soever_o he_o make_v who_o be_v thus_o rot_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v your_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n i_o shall_v desire_v every_o man_n as_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o hope_n for_o mercy_n at_o the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_n the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a question_n first_o whether_o he_o do_v indeed_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n to_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o case_n where_o he_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n when_o we_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n be_v like_o counterfeit_v the_o king_n be_v broad_a seal_n to_o justify_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n few_o man_n make_v any_o difference_n between_o their_o private_a judgement_n opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v between_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o fancy_n come_v into_o their_o head_n be_v call_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n before_o all_o the_o visible_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o last_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o man_n must_v act_v against_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v express_o forbid_v nor_o neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v command_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n whatever_o we_o suffer_v by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o a_o erroneous_a doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v improper_o call_v conscience_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o waver_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a nicety_n which_o signify_v nothing_o in_o practice_n for_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v it_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v or_o fear_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o contrary_a to_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v 23._o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n conscience_n and_o private_a opinion_n between_o their_o judgement_n direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o by_o other_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a measure_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o direct_v our_o practice_n for_o first_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o religious_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a authority_n where_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o divine_a law_n command_v or_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o we_o dare_v
not_o displease_v god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o displease_v man_n but_o to_o pretend_v a_o divine_a command_n and_o authority_n when_o we_o have_v none_o be_v like_o prophesy_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o all_o our_o dream_n and_o fancy_n it_o be_v to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o god_n never_o make_v and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n and_o new_a religion_n in_o his_o name_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o dreadful_a woe_n and_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o prophesy_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o tremble_v to_o pretend_v a_o divine_a command_n without_o divine_a authority_n this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n then_o the_o lord_n 14._o say_v unto_o i_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_n lie_v in_o my_o name_n and_o i_o send_v they_o not_o neither_o have_v i_o command_v they_o neither_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o prophesy_v to_o you_o a_o false_a vision_n and_o divination_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o and_o the_o deceit_n of_o their_o heart_n i_o have_v hear_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o 26._o prophesy_v lie_n in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o have_v dream_v i_o have_v dream_v how_o long_o shall_v this_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v lie_n yea_o they_o be_v prophet_n 31._o of_o the_o deceit_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n therefore_o behold_v i_o be_o against_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o steal_v my_o word_n every_o one_o from_o his_o neighbour_n behold_v i_o be_o against_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o use_v their_o tongue_n and_o say_v he_o sai_z behold_v i_o be_o against_o they_o that_o prophesy_v false_a dream_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v tell_v they_o and_o cause_v my_o people_n to_o err_v by_o their_o lie_n and_o by_o their_o lightness_n yet_o i_o send_v they_o not_o nor_o command_v they_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v this_o people_n at_o all_o say_v the_o lord_n now_o though_o we_o understand_v prophesy_v here_o of_o foretell_v future_a event_n in_o god_n name_n without_o any_o revelation_n or_o authority_n from_o he_o yet_o to_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v not_o a_o less_o crime_n than_o to_o prophesy_v dream_n and_o the_o deceit_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o mischief_n which_o these_o false_a prophecy_n do_v consist_v in_o that_o ill_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o man_n life_n that_o they_o hinder_v their_o repentance_n and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o licentious_a or_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o therefore_o to_o preach_v up_o new_a law_n in_o god_n name_n be_v as_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o it_o be_v to_o prophesy_v false_o in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n must_v pretend_v conscience_n any_o further_a than_o the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v be_v to_o prophesy_v false_o in_o god_n name_n when_o they_o can_v show_v no_o such_o law_n extant_a in_o the_o whole_a bible_n you_o pretend_v conscience_n it_o may_v be_v against_o hear_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v or_o be_v present_a when_o the_o minister_n use_v a_o surplice_n in_o divine_a administration_n consider_v now_o whether_o you_o do_v not_o false_o pretend_v a_o divine_a authority_n when_o you_o have_v none_o show_v i_o where_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o a_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n if_o you_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o these_o be_v not_o command_v show_v i_o but_o that_o law_n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o if_o you_o can_v do_v neither_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v then_o consider_v what_o a_o impious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o to_o make_v new_a law_n and_o bind_v they_o upon_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o man_n by_o your_o own_o private_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o much_o heavy_a imposition_n than_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o few_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n those_o who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o comply_v with_o all_o wholesome_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o their_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n do_v not_o usurp_v upon_o god_n authority_n but_o obey_v divine_a law_n as_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n as_o humane_a but_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n to_o make_v that_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o god_n never_o make_v so_o viz._n that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v though_o it_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n second_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o the_o mere_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o any_o action_n unless_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o divine_a law_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n when_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o our_o private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n there_o never_o have_v be_v worse_a action_n do_v than_o have_v be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uncharitable_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o conscientious_a pagan_n papist_n or_o mahometan_a and_o if_o to_o act_v according_a to_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v our_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v we_o at_o god_n tribunal_n this_o must_v necessary_o make_v all_o religion_n indifferent_a for_o then_o a_o honest_a pagan_n papist_n or_o turk_n who_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o persuasion_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o most_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n then_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o godly_a and_o devout_a man_n when_o in_o zeal_n for_o their_o law_n they_o crucify_a christ_n and_o persecute_v his_o apostle_n as_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o if_o we_o act_v according_a to_o our_o belief_n but_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o believe_v a_o right_n for_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a conscience_n we_o shall_v wander_v and_o go_v astray_o to_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n these_o blind_a man_n be_v such_o as_o have_v blind_a conscience_n that_o be_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n but_o yet_o may_v very_o sincere_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o very_o safe_o too_o if_o conscience_n right_a or_o wrong_n be_v a_o secure_a guide_n three_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v and_o scruple_n any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o our_o conscience_n do_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o some_o man_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o great_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o value_v 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run_v headlong_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n with_o themselves_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n lest_o tell_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v call_v bitterness_n and_o rail_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vile_a and_o lewd_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o again_o and_o think_v themselves_o slander_v if_o they_o do_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n never_o teach_v man_n to_o revile_v and_o reproach_v their_o governor_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n st._n jude_n give_v a_o great_a many_o hard_a word_n to_o some_o man_n in_o his_o day_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o apply_v to_o any_o in_o we_o who_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n yet_o 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austin_n in_o answer_n to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n whoever_o correct_v what_o he_o can_v 2._o by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n and_o shut_v out_o or_o lays_z aside_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o amendment_n as_o far_o as_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o modest_o disallow_v and_o yet_o uphold_v what_o can_v be_v part_v with_o without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a peacemaker_n sect_n ii_o contain_v some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v now_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a principle_n which_o may_v contribute_v towards_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n the_o thing_n common_o object_v to_o drive_v away_o our_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o like_a which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a and_o uncommand_v thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o we_o have_v always_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o break_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o religious_a office_n they_o can_v never_o produce_v any_o yet_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a never_o can_v and_o if_o man_n will_v abuse_v and_o scare_v themselves_o with_o some_o fanciful_a application_n of_o scripture_n and_o remote_a and_o illogical_a consequence_n there_o be_v no_o help_n that_o i_o know_v of_o since_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a work_n to_o answer_v all_o such_o cavil_n for_o man_n who_o 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our_o worship_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a worship_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n thus_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o argue_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o 24._o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o wise_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o 2._o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o brief_o to_o our_o present_a case_n can_v any_o man_n who_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o creature_n for_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanks-givings_a to_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a form_n of_o word_n can_v god_n be_v please_v with_o the_o volubility_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o quickness_n of_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o invention_n more_o than_o with_o devout_a affection_n than_o with_o a_o soul_n inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n and_o possess_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o offer_v up_o itself_o to_o he_o in_o few_o grave_n and_o considerate_a word_n will_v a_o father_n reject_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n if_o as_o often_o as_o he_o want_v require_v he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n when_o he_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n do_v a_o prince_n like_o a_o long_a extemporary_a harangue_n when_o his_o subject_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o he_o or_o a_o short_a and_o well_o compose_v petition_n the_o wise_a man_n i_o be_o sure_a tell_v we_o that_o few_o and_o become_v word_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o more_o expressive_a of_o that_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v only_o a_o external_a signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o mankind_n before_o god_n make_v any_o other_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n than_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a judge_n in_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o express_a positive_a law_n make_v about_o it_o revelation_n may_v suggest_v new_a matter_n for_o our_o prayer_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o powerful_a and_o prevail_a name_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n but_o word_n and_o posture_n and_o other_o external_a circumstance_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o express_o determine_v by_o revelation_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o humane_a prudence_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o rule_n for_o these_o matter_n before_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o alter_v this_o rule_n by_o a_o plain_a positive_a law_n it_o must_v be_v our_o rule_n still_o for_o we_o have_v no_o better_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v 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age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o all_o form_n of_o religion_n whatever_o religious_a rite_n be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n natural_a reason_n condemn_v as_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a but_o whatever_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v condemn_v that_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o the_o law_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v not_o make_v so_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o institution_n but_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n or_o to_o pay_v such_o a_o false_a worship_n to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n consist_v in_o false_a notion_n repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n and_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o use_v or_o not_o use_v very_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o by_o a_o abuse_a fancy_n and_o ill_o instruct_v conscience_n they_o imprint_v either_o a_o religious_a or_o sinful_a character_n upon_o they_o either_o think_v they_o shall_v please_v god_n or_o fear_v they_o shall_v displease_v he_o by_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a advance_v towards_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o religious_a ceremony_n which_o though_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o plain_a positive_a law_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o only_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n than_o they_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n let_v we_o all_o serious_o consider_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o to_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_n the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o that_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o sober_a liturgy_n or_o decent_a ceremony_n 2._o what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o countenance_n both_o 1._o what_o the_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v religion_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n he_o seem_v principal_o to_o design_n 1._o to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n 2._o to_o strip_v it_o of_o all_o type_n and_o shadow_n 3._o to_o deliver_v religion_n from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o superstitious_a observance_n 4._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o substance_n circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o religion_n between_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a and_o the_o instrumental_a and_o external_n part_n of_o worship_n 1._o our_o saviour_n great_a design_n be_v to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n the_o jewish_a worship_n consist_v in_o so_o many_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o wash_n purification_n sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o homage_n of_o the_o external_a man._n if_o they_o do_v but_o worship_n god_n at_o the_o right_a place_n and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o take_v little_a care_n of_o inward_a devotion_n but_o now_o our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oppose_v to_o external_a and_o bodily_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a worship_n god_n can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o to_o a_o typical_a worship_n of_o which_o more_o present_o or_o to_o such_o external_a worship_n as_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o man_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v offer_v up_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n if_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o far_o we_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o oppose_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o man_n do_v sink_v down_o into_o a_o external_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o raise_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o owe_v either_o to_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n but_o to_o a_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a mind_n extemporary_a and_o conceive_a prayer_n have_v indeed_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o for_o i_o suppose_v few_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o inspiration_n and_o though_o extemporary_a prayer_n may_v more_o heat_v the_o fancy_n there_o may_v be_v more_o serious_a devotion_n and_o piety_n in_o use_v a_o form_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n without_o set_v our_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n what_o to_o say_v a_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n and_o do_v as_o much_o confine_n and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o all_o but_o the_o speaker_n as_o a_o book-prayer_n do_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a devotion_n at_o best_a which_o owe_v its_o heat_n and_o passion_n not_o to_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o god_n but_o to_o a_o musical_a voice_n earnestness_n in_o the_o speaker_n surprise_v invention_n or_o popular_a rhetoric_n 2._o our_o saviour_n design_n be_v to_o strip_v religion_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n he_o do_v not_o indeed_o do_v this_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n because_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n be_v not_o end_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o fulfil_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o state_n till_o christ_n die_v nor_o do_v his_o apostle_n do_v it_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o in_o all_o place_n but_o yield_v to_o jewish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o indulge_v jewish_n convert_v in_o their_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o moysaicall_a rite_n tho_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o gentile_a church_n to_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o bondage_n which_o occasion_v a_o great_a many_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n but_o the_o abrogation_n of_o moysaicall_a and_o typical_a ceremony_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o prohibition_n of_o all_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o christian_a worship_n because_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v very_o different_a the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n be_v type_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o to_o retain_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n &_o use_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o when_o the_o antitype_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o use_n of_o a_o type_n but_o now_o a_o few_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v neither_o burdensome_a for_o their_o number_n to_o encumber_v religion_n and_o clog_n and_o shackle_v our_o devotion_n nor_o signify_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n &_o design_n of_o christianity_n but_o add_v to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o may_v withal_o suggest_v pious_a and_o devout_a thought_n to_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o a_o typical_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n together_o with_o the_o
mount_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v arrive_v to_o a_o full_a age_n and_o set_v at_o liberty_n by_o christ_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o 1._o therefore_o be_v not_o under_o servile_a restraint_n but_o have_v the_o government_n of_o its_o own_o action_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v at_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v which_o can_v bring_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o pastor_n while_o they_o keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n enjoy_v that_o liberty_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v not_o that_o they_o can_v institute_v and_o appoint_v change_n and_o alter_v the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n require_v so_o muâ—â—_n be_v those_o man_n mistake_v who_o argue_v from_o moses_n to_o christ_n that_o christ_n be_v as_o faithful_a at_o least_o as_o moses_n be_v and_o therefore_o since_o moses_n give_v they_o a_o exact_a platform_n of_o worship_n 5._o from_o which_o they_o must_v not_o vary_v in_o the_o least_o punctilio_fw-la therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v do_v so_o too_o though_o they_o can_v show_v where_o he_o have_v do_v it_o that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v such_o a_o exact_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n as_o perpetual_o oblige_v all_o christian_n whereas_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n form_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n but_o he_o communicate_v with_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n while_o he_o live_v and_o give_v they_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o form_v church_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o difference_n the_o apostle_n make_v between_o moses_n and_o christ_n that_o one_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n the_o other_o as_o a_o son_n now_o a_o servant_n must_v exact_o follow_v his_o rule_n and_o order_n but_o a_o son_n govern_v his_o own_o house_n with_o great_a freedom_n and_o moses_n be_v a_o servant_n signify_v also_o the_o servile_a state_n of_o that_o people_n who_o he_o govern_v that_o they_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v their_o task_n exact_o set_v they_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o son_n and_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o have_v make_v we_o son_n and_o freemen_n too_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v such_o particular_a law_n about_o every_o little_a circumstance_n but_o expect_v from_o we_o a_o more_o manly_a and_o generous_a obedience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o jewish_a worship_n shall_v be_v exact_o prescribe_v by_o god_n because_o it_o be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v draw_v by_o no_o other_o hand_n but_o that_o which_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o omniscient_a eye_n whence_o the_o apostle_n observe_v that_o moses_n be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v after_o but_o in_o other_o matter_n the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o under_o such_o confinement_n their_o synagogue-worship_n where_o they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v order_v by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o direction_n they_o order_v the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n without_o any_o command_n or_o direction_n in_o their_o law_n for_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n and_o that_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n be_v add_v to_o the_o paschal_n supper_n be_v consecrate_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o festival_n commemoration_n of_o his_o break_a body_n and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v to_o appoint_v such_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n 3._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v authorize_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o make_v disciple_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-communion_n give_v general_a rule_n for_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o enjoin_v obedience_n to_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 26._o and_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v which_o be_v even_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n now_o general_a rule_n leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n 8._o as_o to_o particular_a instance_n because_o a_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v comply_v with_o different_a way_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o his_o choice_n who_o receive_v such_o a_o rule_n thus_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v our_o spiritual_a guide_n obey_v they_o who_o 17._o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a and_o settle_a rule_n of_o government_n suppose_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n the_o natural_a inference_n from_o which_o be_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n for_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o significant_a ceremony_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o unite_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a willing_o and_o cheerful_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o while_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o gospel-worship_n 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_o he_o converse_v on_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o most_o admirable_a pattern_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v now_o i_o observe_v that_o though_o our_o saviour_n live_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a age_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o their_o priest_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n by_o those_o character_n which_o he_o himself_o give_v of_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o vile_a person_n yet_o he_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o be_v yet_o expire_v he_o form_v no_o new_a church_n but_o observe_v their_o public_a assembly_n of_o worship_n preach_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o observe_v all_o their_o religious_a festival_n as_o punctual_o as_o any_o of_o themselves_o which_o consideration_n ought_v to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o those_o man_n who_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v bad_a man_n in_o it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n conform_v to_o all_o those_o laudable_a and_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a institution_n and_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n he_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o judas_n 22._o macchabeus_n and_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v observe_v annual_o for_o eight_o day_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o temple_n from_o the_o profanation_n of_o antiochus_n 59_o and_o the_o regain_n their_o liberty_n of_o public_a worship_n this_o feast_n though_o it_o be_v of_o humane_a institution_n our_o saviour_n no_o where_o reprove_v but_o grace_n and_o countenance_n the_o solemnity_n with_o his_o own_o presence_n thus_o he_o conform_v to_o the_o synagogue-worship_n which_o be_v all_o of_o humane_a order_n and_o appointment_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o thus_o he_o who_o so_o severe_o reprove_v the_o superstitious_a abuse_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n who_o despise_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o all_o their_o external_a and_o solemn_a hypocrisy_n their_o broad_a phylactery_n and_o their_o frequent_a and_o religious_a purification_n when_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o bare_a do_v those_o thing_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v do_v both_o practice_n and_o allow_v those_o humane_a institution_n which_o serve_v a_o good_a end_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o think_v it_o such_o a_o profanation_n of_o religion_n to_o appoint_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n as_o
communion_n very_o nauseous_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o honest_a mind_n or_o very_o dangerous_a as_o to_o name_v some_o of_o the_o hard_a 1._o the_o case_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n who_o like_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v abhor_v i_o be_o in_o great_a hope_n that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o man_n be_v not_o great_a though_o one_o be_v too_o much_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o so_o great_a a_o body_n of_o man_n there_o shall_v be_v none_o let_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n triumph_n in_o this_o and_o increase_v their_o number_n while_o we_o silent_o lament_v it_o but_o when_o this_o be_v the_o case_n i_o think_v every_o good_a man_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o his_o superior_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v he_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v or_o be_v too_o long_o delay_v he_o must_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o man_n and_o his_o office_n a_o bad_a man_n but_o yet_o a_o legal_a minister_n and_o though_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o profession_n yet_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o ministry_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o personal_a qualification_n but_o on_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n the_o lewdness_n of_o eli_n son_n though_o it_o give_v great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o israelite_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n be_v a_o vile_a sort_n of_o people_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n but_o not_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o 3_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v but_o do_v not_o after_o their_o work_n for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o and_o upon_o these_o principle_n st._n austin_n dispute_v against_o the_o donatist_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o yet_o if_o in_o such_o case_n a_o serious_a christian_a with_o prudence_n and_o modesty_n and_o with_o as_o little_a noise_n and_o scandal_n as_o may_v be_v preserve_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o neighbour_a minister_n i_o shall_v not_o see_v much_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o for_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n while_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o only_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o parish_n minister_n upon_o too_o just_a a_o offence_n 2._o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a minister_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o case_n be_v not_o very_o frequent_a neither_o at_o least_o not_o such_o gross_a ignorance_n as_o shall_v make_v a_o man_n utter_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o function_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v supply_v with_o learned_a preacher_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o live_n that_o will_v hardly_o find_v bread_n for_o a_o family_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o church_n have_v make_v excellent_a provision_n in_o this_o case_n have_v take_v care_n that_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n shall_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o personal_a ability_n of_o the_o minister_n our_o liturgy_n be_v the_o same_o whatever_o the_o minister_n ability_n be_v which_o contain_v a_o very_a excellent_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o catechism_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o teach_v the_o child_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o the_o homily_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o pious_a sermon_n upon_o most_o of_o the_o material_a head_n of_o religion_n that_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v no_o great_a scholar_n if_o he_o be_v but_o honest_a and_o diligent_a in_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n his_o people_n can_v want_v sufficient_a instruction_n and_o this_o one_o instance_n show_v the_o great_a necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a liturgy_n and_o homily_n which_o secure_v the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n in_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n notwithstanding_o the_o personal_a defect_n and_o inability_n of_o the_o minister_n what_o case_n such_o poor_a parish_n be_v in_o when_o these_o provision_n be_v cry_v down_o as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a i_o can_v guess_v 3._o the_o case_n of_o a_o erroneous_a and_o heretical_a minister_n who_o mix_v poison_n with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o corrupt_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v any_o christian_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o soul_n think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o perpetual_a danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o consider_v 1._o that_o people_n be_v very_o ill_a judge_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n the_o most_o ancient_a and_o most_o useful_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n have_v sometime_o be_v think_v so_o and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o man_n intent_n and_o zealous_a to_o seduce_v our_o people_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o whisper_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v infect_v by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n some_o think_v every_o thing_n heresy_n but_o antinomianism_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o a_o good_a life_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a condition_n annex_v to_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v that_o not_o a_o idle_a and_o notional_a but_o a_o active_a and_o work_a faith_n justify_v that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n not_o as_o a_o proxy_n who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o but_o as_o a_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o mediator_n who_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o now_o powerful_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o his_o father_n and_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n in_o we_o these_o and_o such_o like_a doctrine_n be_v by_o some_o man_n reproach_v with_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n and_o upon_o their_o authority_n believe_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o and_o yet_o if_o man_n must_v withdraw_v their_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o heresy_n as_o these_o they_o must_v forsake_v the_o most_o useful_a preacher_n and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o charge_n of_o heresy_n must_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o notorious_a before_o it_o can_v justify_v our_o breach_n of_o communion_n if_o man_n deny_v any_o plain_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o intrust_v the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v at_o best_a but_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o to_o suspect_v man_n of_o heresy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v itself_o a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o some_o less_o matter_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v always_o like_a to_o differ_v about_o while_o we_o see_v in_o part_n and_o know_v only_o in_o part_n may_v exercise_v mutual_a forbearance_n but_o will_v not_o excuse_v man_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o such_o causeless_a separation_n 3._o where_o the_o presumption_n be_v very_o strong_a we_o must_v appeal_v to_o church_n governor_n to_o detect_v his_o error_n and_o heresy_n if_o he_o have_v any_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o flock_n from_o such_o apparent_a danger_n private_a reformation_n usual_o prove_v more_o fatal_a than_o the_o mischief_n which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o remedy_n and_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a minister_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o catechism_n can_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o great_a heretic_n if_o he_o observe_v his_o rule_n and_o this_o secure_v the_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n and_o as_o for_o his_o sermon_n it_o only_o concern_v man_n to_o be_v wary_a what_o doctrine_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o to_o take_v nothing_o upon_o trust_n but_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o will_v maintain_v good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o our_o faith_n 4._o when_o the_o bound_n of_o parish_n and_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v too_o large_a for_o parochial_a communion_n this_o have_v often_o be_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v separate_a meeting_n because_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v much_o great_a in_o many_o parish_n
than_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o church_n the_o complaint_n be_v too_o true_a and_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n of_o public_a authority_n to_o redress_v it_o but_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n though_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o such_o person_n who_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n church_n to_o go_v to_o other_o where_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v for_o where_o public_a authority_n have_v not_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o parochial_a communion_n man_n who_o love_v their_o soul_n must_v provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n which_o many_o profess_a christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o be_v a_o irreverent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v religious_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o all_o the_o solemn_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o will_v be_v think_v sharp_a and_o satirical_a there_o be_v but_o few_o christian_n who_o put_v on_o that_o true_a gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n as_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religious_a worship_n you_o shall_v see_v some_o gaze_n about_o they_o with_o a_o rove_a and_o wander_a eye_n as_o if_o they_o come_v only_o to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o observe_v every_o new_a face_n or_o new_a dress_n and_o garb_n and_o therefore_o too_o often_o set_v themselves_o out_o with_o that_o fantastic_a gaiety_n which_o more_o become_v a_o playhouse_n than_o a_o church_n you_o shall_v see_v other_o talk_n or_o whisper_v or_o laugh_v to_o the_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o all_o serious_a and_o devout_a mind_n other_o instead_o of_o worship_v god_n sleep_v away_o the_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n or_o both_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o either_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o for_o very_o devout_a man_n sometime_o to_o be_v surprise_v with_o sleep_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a indecency_n when_o ever_o it_o be_v so_o and_o require_v great_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o be_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n when_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o man_n as_o natural_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o a_o sleep_a posture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o come_n to_o church_n you_o shall_v see_v other_o sit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a great_a rudeness_n when_o we_o put_v up_o a_o petition_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n this_o be_v unknown_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n wherein_o for_o some_o age_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sit_v either_o while_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v or_o expound_v and_o eusebius_n relate_v a_o famous_a story_n of_o constantine_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n that_o when_o he_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o he_o in_o his_o own_o palace_n concern_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o hear_v it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v very_o long_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o sit_v down_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o consult_v our_o ease_n 33._o while_o we_o hear_v any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n to_o hear_v religious_a discourse_n stand_v and_o what_o will_v that_o religious_a emperor_n have_v think_v to_o have_v see_v christian_n in_o public_a assembly_n pray_v sit_v and_o indeed_o i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o universal_a practice_n of_o sit_v when_o we_o sing_v psalm_n for_o psalm_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v as_o much_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o equal_o require_v a_o posture_n of_o devotion_n thus_o uncover_v the_o head_n have_v at_o least_o among_o christian_n be_v always_o account_v a_o act_n of_o reverence_n as_o pull_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v among_o the_o eastern_a nation_n and_o therefore_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o undecency_n of_o such_o irreverence_n in_o worship_n and_o that_o from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o consider_v as_o public_a 2._o from_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a angel_n in_o christian_a assembly_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o consider_v as_o public_a now_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n when_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o our_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o which_o make_v we_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o great_a humility_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o profound_a admiration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n with_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o many_o and_o great_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o we_o and_o with_o soul_n devote_v to_o his_o service_n and_o obedience_n hence_o religion_n be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reverence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o where_o ever_o the_o mind_n be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o this_o religious_a fear_n it_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o action_n our_o soul_n have_v the_o government_n of_o our_o outward_a man_n and_o our_o passion_n discover_v themselves_o in_o our_o look_n and_o behaviour_n it_o require_v very_o great_a art_n either_o to_o conceal_v those_o passion_n which_o we_o have_v or_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o which_o we_o have_v not_o for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sympathy_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o they_o powerful_o affect_v each_o other_o and_o our_o wise_a maker_n so_o contrive_v our_o frame_n that_o though_o the_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o mind_n can_v be_v see_v yet_o they_o discover_v themselves_o by_o those_o external_a and_o visible_a impression_n they_o make_v on_o our_o body_n without_o which_o mankind_n can_v never_o know_v one_o another_o nor_o have_v any_o pleasure_n or_o security_n in_o mutual_a conversation_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n care_v to_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o can_v so_o artificial_o disguise_v themselves_o that_o you_o can_v never_o know_v what_o their_o inward_a resentment_n be_v which_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n a_o inward_a reverence_n for_o god_n will_v show_v itself_o in_o external_a action_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o for_o as_o god_n have_v unite_v the_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o one_o man_n so_o he_o have_v unite_v their_o motion_n and_o action_n too_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o one_o perfect_a act_n of_o religion_n or_o virtue_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v hypocrisy_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o body_n be_v either_o impossible_a because_o our_o inward_a passion_n will_v discover_v themselves_o by_o some_o external_a sign_n when_o we_o have_v no_o design_n nor_o interest_n to_o conceal_v they_o or_o be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a and_o unbecoming_a this_o state_n of_o life_n we_o must_v glorify_v god_n both_o with_o our_o body_n and_o with_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n he_o make_v they_o both_o and_o unite_v they_o for_o his_o service_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n redeem_v they_o both_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n but_o we_o shall_v better_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o public_a worship_n consist_v in_o public_a sign_n of_o honour_n no_o man_n have_v a_o window_n into_o our_o soul_n to_o discover_v the_o secret_a devotion_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o visible_a worship_n must_v be_v express_v in_o visible_a action_n in_o the_o external_a reverence_n of_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v in_o such_o action_n as_o express_v the_o great_a humility_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o great_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o meanness_n and_o worthlessness_n and_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n which_o become_v divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a approach_n to_o god_n such_o as_o will_v not_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n whatever_o inward_a devotion_n we_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v not_o external_a and_o
witness_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n word_n for_o this_o cause_n ought_v the_o woman_n to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n 10_o because_o of_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v a_o discourse_v the_o decency_n of_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v because_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v undecent_a to_o appear_v with_o her_o head_n uncover_v and_o much_o more_o so_o in_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o decency_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v those_o angel_n who_o attend_v our_o worship_n and_o careful_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v if_o we_o reverence_v man_n much_o more_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o angel_n attend_v our_o worship_n and_o that_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o all_o decency_n and_o gravity_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n hearty_o believe_v and_o serious_o consider_v that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n look_v on_o and_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o action_n and_o be_v great_o offend_v with_o a_o light_n and_o trifle_a carriage_n with_o any_o gesture_n or_o action_n which_o unbecome_v so_o great_a a_o presence_n it_o will_v compose_v they_o to_o great_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o either_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o come_v to_o church_n or_o more_o reverend_a when_o they_o do_v chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o nother_n great_a miscarriage_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v our_o communion_n be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o church_n when_o 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name_n have_v confine_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n and_o favour_n to_o such_o assembly_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n for_o he_o have_v express_o promise_v that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o 20._o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a charter_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o certain_o be_v strong_a the_o more_o universal_a the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n be_v for_o if_o christ_n will_v be_v present_a with_o two_o or_o three_o who_o assemble_v in_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o agree_v to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o god_n much_o more_o when_o so_o many_o 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public_a congregation_n baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v public_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n i_o know_v of_o whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n but_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o be_v do_v in_o private_a other_o which_o require_v some_o public_a solemnity_n and_o it_o be_v as_o undecent_a to_o do_v a_o public_a action_n i._n e._n a_o action_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n private_o as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o private_a action_n in_o public_a now_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o public_a nature_n which_o concern_v a_o who'e_n society_n and_o such_o be_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o efficacy_n indeed_o of_o baptism_n depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v right_o administer_v do_v not_o lose_v its_o virtue_n for_o want_v of_o some_o due_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o those_o who_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o give_v all_o christian_a office_n their_o due_a solemnity_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v that_o baptism_n contain_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o public_a own_n of_o his_o religion_n no_o adult_n person_n be_v ever_o admit_v to_o baptism_n without_o a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o as_o learned_a man_n think_v st._n peter_n call_v baptism_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o 21._o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v examine_v about_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o indeed_o infant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o their_o sponsor_n and_o surety_n be_v who_o undertake_v for_o their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o certain_o the_o public_a church_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a place_n for_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n to_o baptize_v our_o child_n private_o look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n than_o to_o destroy_v
into_o they_o by_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n to_o understand_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o understand_v a_o sermon_n which_o common_o suppose_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o few_o man_n understand_v sermon_n or_o get_v any_o good_a by_o they_o be_v because_o they_o never_o well_o understand_v their_o catechism_n the_o want_n of_o this_o careful_a instruction_n of_o youth_n make_v they_o so_o unstable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n this_o make_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o sect_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v turn_v aside_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v take_v with_o every_o new_a phrase_n that_o they_o fall_v into_o such_o monstrous_a error_n so_o destructive_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o house_n shall_v stand_v which_o have_v no_o foundation_n so_o that_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o child_n and_o youth_n shall_v be_v careful_o instruct_v in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n 2._o i_o can_v suppose_v neither_o that_o any_o consider_v man_n shall_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o every_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n be_v concern_v in_o to_o instruct_v those_o who_o be_v under_o their_o care_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o if_o they_o think_v their_o minister_n able_a to_o instruct_v themselves_o they_o can_v but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o desire_v his_o assistance_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n they_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o man_n expert_a and_o skilful_a in_o several_a art_n to_o teach_v they_o those_o art_n which_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o have_v some_o skill_n themselves_o in_o they_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o such_o moment_n to_o they_o and_o nothing_o it_o may_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o religion_n it_o require_v great_a skill_n and_o such_o as_o every_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v not_o master_n of_o to_o fit_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n contain_v the_o high_a and_o most_o seraphical_a speculation_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v by_o any_o philosophy_n such_o as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v now_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o invest_v with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v 11._o both_o of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n on_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_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 that_o when_o these_o earthly_a body_n shall_v die_v and_o rot_v in_o the_o grave_n they_o shall_v be_v raise_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n incorruptible_a and_o glorious_a these_o be_v great_a sublime_a stupendous_a mystery_n and_o it_o require_v no_o small_a skill_n to_o know_v how_o to_o teach_v such_o great_a and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n to_o child_n and_o youth_n that_o they_o may_v so_o by_o degree_n discover_v these_o mystery_n as_o neither_o to_o blind_a nor_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n with_o their_o brightness_n and_o lustre_n nor_o yet_o to_o remain_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o the_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o attain_v as_o some_o man_n imagine_v nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o know_v something_o himself_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o will_v earnest_o exhort_v you_o all_o to_o use_v the_o best_a skill_n you_o have_v to_o instruct_v your_o child_n and_o servant_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o public_a instruction_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v his_o religion_n think_v he_o discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o his_o private_a instruction_n of_o his_o family_n when_o he_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o public_a instruction_n 3._o for_o he_o must_v consider_v that_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n will_v permit_v they_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o his_o private_a care_n but_o to_o the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n or_o not_o to_o interpose_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v they_o submit_v to_o it_o be_v to_o withdraw_v their_o child_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o god_n no_o good_a man_n can_v with_o patience_n think_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n a_o degree_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n and_o very_o injurious_a to_o his_o child_n soul_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a blessing_n attend_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n prefer_v public_a before_o private_a worship_n and_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n than_o in_o the_o family_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o bless_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o his_o word_n before_o private_a counsel_n 4._o which_o may_v further_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o public_a catechise_v of_o child_n and_o youth_n be_v not_o needless_a whatever_o good_a instruction_n they_o may_v have_v at_o home_n for_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o god_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a bless_v public_a institution_n there_o be_v several_a advantage_n in_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v 1._o this_o will_v make_v they_o more_o careful_a to_o improve_v in_o knowledge_n when_o they_o know_v they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o such_o improvement_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n 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be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v and_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n understand_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o indeed_o the_o minister_n and_o bishop_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o private_a examination_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o congregation_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o minister_n but_o such_o young_a man_n will_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o more_o universal_a applause_n and_o sincere_a joy_n to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v such_o public_a testimony_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o another_o advantage_n be_v that_o this_o train_n up_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o a_o just_a respect_n