and_o lay_v they_o aside_o again_o when_o they_o please_v but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n that_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v never_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o either_o express_o forbid_v by_o god_n or_o by_o such_o evident_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n may_v discern_v without_o use_v any_o great_a skill_n and_o subtlety_n while_o man_n do_v not_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o by_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o their_o own_o invent_v or_o by_o fancy_n and_o humour_n prejudice_n or_o interest_n they_o may_v like_v or_o dislike_v just_a what_o they_o please_v and_o call_v it_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v do_v but_o the_o observe_v this_o one_o rule_n will_v soon_o cure_v all_o fanaticism_n and_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o perfect_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o prove_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o of_o all_o external_a circumstance_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n when_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o such_o entire_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o division_n and_o fill_v people_n head_n with_o endless_a and_o infinite_a scruple_n but_o to_o make_v the_o command_v and_o prohibition_n of_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o certain_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o unlawful_a so_o as_o neither_o to_o condemn_v nor_o scruple_n what_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n will_v infallible_o heal_v our_o breach_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o peace_n with_o ourselves_o and_o with_o one_o another_o four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o 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only_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o thing_n command_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o superior_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v sin_v in_o obey_v because_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o what_o they_o command_v be_v sinful_a and_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v sin_v in_o disobey_v they_o if_o their_o command_n be_v lawful_a and_o be_v withal_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v one_o or_o tother_o whether_o he_o ought_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o take_v the_o sure_a side_n that_o be_v to_o wave_v his_o scruple_n and_o obey_v his_o prince_n i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o observe_v this_o one_o thing_n without_o draw_v any_o peremptory_a conclusion_n from_o it_o that_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n and_o so_o the_o proper_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o our_o prince_n command_v we_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o as_o plain_a and_o express_v a_o law_n as_o that_o be_v which_o command_v our_o obedience_n we_o seem_v to_o oppose_v our_o private_a and_o uncertain_a opinion_n against_o the_o express_a authority_n of_o god_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n than_o where_o they_o be_v no_o humane_a authority_n must_v be_v set_v up_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o a_o divine_a authority_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a rule_n than_o private_a opinion_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n act_n out_o of_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o he_o who_o keep_v his_o eye_n fix_v upon_o his_o rule_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v his_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n other_o man_n live_v by_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o fancy_n be_v turn_v aside_o by_o every_o novel_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o conscience_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n if_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n conscience_n will_v never_o justify_v we_o but_o when_o we_o obey_v and_o observe_v our_o rule_n second_o another_o question_n i_o will_v propose_v to_o these_o man_n be_v whether_o they_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o schism_n now_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o ask_v this_o question_n if_o we_o observe_v with_o what_o little_a consideration_n most_o man_n engage_v themselves_o in_o it_o how_o wanton_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o come_v to_o church_n or_o go_v to_o a_o conventicle_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o leave_v their_o own_o parish_n church_n and_o go_v to_o another_o where_o there_o be_v a_o preacher_n who_o they_o like_v better_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o never_o understand_v what_o christian_a unity_n be_v nor_o ever_o consider_v what_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o act_v honest_o and_o sincere_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o one_o body_n unite_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n this_o st._n paul_n make_v a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o unity_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n 4._o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o what_o do_v this_o bond_n of_o peace_n signify_v but_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o christian_n live_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v by_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n for_o christian_n be_v call_v one_o body_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o external_a communion_n which_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o their_o eat_n of_o one_o bread_n as_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o 17._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 so_o that_o we_o become_v one_o body_n by_o external_a &_o visible_a communion_n by_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o religious_a society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o our_o mutual_a edification_n but_o speak_v the_o
that_o all_o external_a thing_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o their_o end_n and_o use._n those_o be_v innocent_a and_o laudable_a custom_n which_o serve_v a_o good_a end_n either_o help_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n or_o make_v the_o worship_n more_o grave_a and_o solemn_a provide_v it_o be_v not_o in_o forbid_a instance_n 4._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n be_v a_o great_a vindication_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o we_o have_v not_o a_o plain_a and_o express_a rule_n example_n which_o be_v great_a and_o good_a one_o have_v the_o authority_n and_o face_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o will_v desire_v any_o better_a example_n than_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n some_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n and_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n which_o they_o say_v be_v express_o forbid_v by_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v lordship_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o be_v call_v benefactor_n but_o 25._o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o be_v chief_a as_o he_o that_o do_v serve_v in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n forbid_v such_o kind_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o as_o the_o gentile_a prince_n exercise_n over_o their_o subject_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v forbid_v all_o kind_n of_o superiority_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o example_n even_o of_o the_o apostolic_a age._n the_o apostle_n indeed_o be_v all_o equal_a have_v no_o superiority_n of_o order_n or_o power_n over_o one_o another_o and_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o exercise_v superiority_n over_o each_o other_o for_o there_o be_v a_o strife_n among_o they_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v great_a but_o by_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v superior_a to_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n be_v supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o first_o record_v we_o have_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n bishop_n be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n in_o their_o power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o superiority_n over_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o so_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n till_o the_o reformation_n when_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o aversion_n some_o man_n have_v against_o popish_a tyrannical_a bishop_n persuade_v some_o reformer_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o order_n which_o have_v be_v make_v the_o most_o specious_a argument_n against_o the_o reformation_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o if_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristianism_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v antichristian_a for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a order_n i_o know_v not_o what_o authority_n any_o man_n have_v to_o alter_v it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n think_v that_o communion_n safe_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n other_o except_z against_o form_n of_o prayer_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o old_a in_o use_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n i_o be_o much_o of_o s._n chrysostoms_n opinion_n that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o age_n of_o miracle_n extraordinary_a &_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o there_o be_v of_o healing_n and_o prophesy_v and_o work_a miracle_n not_o that_o every_o christian_a have_v these_o gift_n any_o more_o than_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o inspire_a prayer_n for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v it_o needless_a in_o that_o age_n to_o have_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o when_o i_o see_v that_o age_n of_o miracle_n return_v again_o i_o will_v glad_o renounce_v liturgy_n to_o join_v in_o inspire_a prayer_n but_o as_o miracle_n cease_v so_o do_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o then_o as_o the_o same_o father_n observe_v the_o church_n worship_v god_n in_o allow_a form_n to_o be_v sure_a so_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o and_o if_o we_o can_v trace_v it_o to_o its_o first_o original_a for_o want_v of_o early_a record_n in_o those_o matter_n yet_o i_o think_v he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a scrupulous_a man_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o constantine_n day_n who_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o his_o soldier_n which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a he_o will_v have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n use_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v till_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o reformation_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o it_o for_o the_o lutheran_n and_o bohemian_a church_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n and_o holland_n have_v their_o liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o if_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v by_o mr._n calvin_n himself_o till_o some_o jesuit_n in_o masquerade_n first_o set_v up_o that_o way_n of_o conceive_a and_o extemporary_a prayer_n on_o purpose_n to_o break_v good_a order_n in_o our_o church_n as_o we_o well_o be_v assure_v by_o very_o firebrand_n credible_a testimony_n other_o scruple_n significant_a ceremony_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n we_o find_v such_o in_o use_n which_o be_v now_o disuse_v as_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n much_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o censure_v than_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o yet_o be_v retain_v for_o several_a age_n in_o the_o church_n in_o tertullian_n and_o st._n cyprian_n time_n we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o symbolical_a and_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o they_o they_o frequent_o cross_v themselves_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o baptize_v person_n be_v clothe_v in_o white_a and_o thence_o whitsunday_n receive_v its_o name_n because_o that_o be_v a_o solemn_a time_n for_o baptism_n when_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v clothe_v with_o white_a garment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v you_o abundance_n of_o such_o instance_n which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v they_o in_o st._n augustine_n time_n ceremony_n be_v grow_v so_o numerous_a that_o he_o very_o much_o complain_v not_o of_o the_o significancy_n and_o symbolicalness_n but_o of_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o but_o never_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n himself_o januar._n but_o advise_v other_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n of_o any_o church_n where_o they_o come_v though_o different_a from_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v there_o never_o be_v any_o schism_n occasion_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o significant_a ceremony_n till_o of_o late_a among_o we_o and_o it_o will_v a_o little_a startle_v a_o modest_a man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o must_v have_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a from_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o this_o day_n these_o thing_n careful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v must_v needs_o tend_v to_o compose_v man_n mind_n and_o reduce_v those_o who_o be_v go_v astray_o into_o the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v rather_o venture_v err_v with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o present_a age_n than_o break_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a communion_n to_o follow_v some_o upstart_n new_a light_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v lead_v i_o right_n sect_n iii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v some_o popular_a cavil_n and_o exception_n which_o too_o often_o
god_n or_o not_o when_o they_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o the_o bare_a external_a performance_n of_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v external_a in_o religion_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n with_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o hope_v to_o flatter_v he_o and_o to_o compound_v with_o he_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o inward_a vital_a principle_n of_o religion_n by_o external_a hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a 1._o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n who_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n and_o obtain_v his_o favour_n only_o by_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a who_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o image_n and_o to_o frame_v his_o conversation_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n he_o neither_o fear_n nor_o flatter_v the_o deity_n as_o the_o superstitious_a man_n do_v but_o be_v the_o son_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o external_a expression_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o a_o universal_a holiness_n 2._o that_o can_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v not_o make_v or_o judge_v a_o acceptable_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o superstition_n can_v be_v only_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n and_o this_o effectual_o justify_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o external_n rite_n of_o worship_n which_o she_o declare_v to_o be_v no_o part_n nor_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o such_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n as_o make_v the_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n decent_a and_o solemn_a and_o be_v useful_a to_o edification_n to_o help_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n better_o not_o to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o external_a rite_n the_o three_o accusation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v idolatry_n a_o terrible_a and_o yet_o a_o ridiculous_a charge_n but_o idolatry_n be_v a_o odious_a name_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o if_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o say_v it_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v some_o of_o their_o proselyte_n ignorant_a enough_o to_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v but_o call_v the_o common-prayer_n book_n and_o ceremony_n idol_n and_o then_o they_o be_v plain_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o be_v there_o indeed_o no_o difference_n between_o worship_v god_n in_o a_o sober_a and_o pious_a form_n of_o word_n and_o worship_v a_o grave_v image_n no_o difference_n between_o wear_v a_o surplice_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o a_o stock_n or_o stone_n no_o difference_n between_o sign_v child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o a_o idol_n or_o false_a god_n whither_o do_v a_o blind_a zeal_n transport_v these_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v much_o more_o like_a blasphemy_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v like_a idolatry_n but_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v answer_v nor_o such_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v reason_v with_o those_o who_o can_v abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o such_o formidable_a nothing_o stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o physic_n than_o a_o sober_a confutation_n 4._o another_o accusation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v that_o it_o be_v popery_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o much_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o thus_o our_o religious_a prince_n and_o godly_a bishop_n 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 never_o think_v popery_n can_v have_v plead_v such_o antiquity_n and_o early_a prescription_n that_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n challenge_v over_o all_o other_o bishop_n and_o secular_a prince_n nay_o that_o uncontrollable_a authority_n he_o challenge_v over_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o change_v and_o alter_v they_o by_o his_o infallible_a decree_n when_o he_o please_v his_o absolute_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v no_o doubt_n the_o perfection_n of_o that_o apostasy_n which_o be_v foretell_v shall_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o if_o our_o bishop_n challenge_v any_o such_o power_n to_o themselves_o i_o will_v own_v they_o to_o be_v antichristian_a and_o popish_a but_o we_o may_v see_v what_o admirable_a reformer_n those_o be_v like_a to_o make_v who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o apostolical_a office_n and_o 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
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
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world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o this_o too_o for_o such_o man_n will_v not_o only_o miss_v of_o heaven_n but_o sink_v into_o hell_n a_o place_n of_o endless_a torment_n where_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o no_o hope_n so_o well_o may_v our_o saviour_n ask_v that_o question_n what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v more_o of_o our_o care_n and_o industry_n than_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o sincere_a and_o devout_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n those_o person_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v god_n friend_n and_o favourite_n who_o do_v not_o worship_v he_o and_o those_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o can_v relish_v 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brethren_n though_o they_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o with_o undutifulness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o private_a acknowledgement_n from_o those_o who_o refuse_v the_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a address_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v acceptance_n from_o god_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n how_o devout_a soever_o we_o be_v alone_o nay_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o private_a devotion_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o public_a suppose_v they_o be_v perform_v with_o equal_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o mind_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n public_a worship_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n good_a company_n in_o all_o case_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v we_o great_a briskness_n and_o vigour_n of_o mind_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o devout_a soul_n who_o breath_n forth_o their_o ardent_a desire_n to_o god_n be_v enough_o to_o fire_v our_o cold_a and_o chill_a spirit_n and_o good_a man_n receive_v warmth_n and_o quickness_n from_o each_o other_o and_o grow_v into_o great_a ardour_n and_o transport_n hypocrite_n have_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o devotion_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o good_a company_n but_o good_a man_n themselves_o who_o have_v a_o true_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n many_o time_n experience_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o this_o respect_n between_o their_o private_a retirement_n and_o the_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o though_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o express_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n yet_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o prevail_v with_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n not_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o indeed_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v that_o a_o true_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n do_v private_a devotion_n may_v be_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o these_o man_n own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v never_o the_o true_a cause_n for_o man_n who_o do_v hearty_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n will_v choose_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o solemn_a manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o this_o very_a pretence_n from_o they_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v our_o obligation_n to_o public_a worship_n 1._o and_o first_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o it_o now_o worship_n signify_v all_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o immediate_o respect_v god_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n and_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_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 themselves_o more_o by_o their_o scruple_n than_o other_o man_n do_v by_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o scruple_n and_o use_v great_a art_n and_o industry_n to_o ensnare_v and_o entangle_v themselves_o but_o i_o confess_v i_o shall_v never_o envy_v any_o man_n this_o attainment_n no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v a_o purblind_a eye_n which_o see_v very_o imperfect_o and_o therefore_o grope_v for_o its_o way_n with_o great_a caution_n and_o fear_n now_o all_o man_n agree_v that_o when_o we_o have_v any_o unnecessary_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n though_o we_o must_v not_o act_v with_o such_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v our_o scruple_n aside_o but_o then_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o man_n can_v have_v scruple_n
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