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book_n answer_v scripture_n word_n 1,678 5 4.1153 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92933 A Serious answer to a late book stiled, A reply to Mr. Robert Steed's epistle concerning singing wherein the chief scriptures and arguments are examined, and the weakness thereof shewed : together with an answer to the several reflections, and false charges, against both churches and persons, recommended to the elders, ministers, and members of baptized churches. Kiffin, William, 1616-1701.; Steed, Robert, of Dartmouth.; Barrett, George.; E. M. (Edward Man) 1692 (1692) Wing S2607; ESTC R42860 36,728 64

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reflection_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v enable_v we_o to_o manifest_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o main_a pillar_n of_o their_o assertion_n concern_v the_o sing_v before_o mention_v for_o we_o shall_v not_o spend_v our_o time_n to_o answer_v every_o particular_a in_o that_o treatise_n the_o weakness_n whereof_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o will_v but_o take_v any_o serious_a notice_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v very_o tiresome_a and_o altogether_o needless_a first_o then_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whether_o sing_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v or_o be_v only_o mean_v of_o declare_v those_o praise_n by_o a_o musical_a melodious_a tuneable_a voice_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o sing_v or_o utter_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v convertible_a term_n according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o for_o instance_n cant._n 2.12_o the_o time_n of_o the_o sing_n of_o bird_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n that_o as_o able_a interpreter_n tell_v we_o be_v mean_v that_o a_o rejoice_v or_o praising-time_n be_v come_v deut._n 32.44_o and_o moses_n speak_v all_o the_o word_n of_o that_o song_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o in_o v._o 43._o it_o be_v say_v rejoice_v o_o you_o nation_n with_o his_o people_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v sing_v and_o sometime_o shout_v doubtless_o there_o be_v never_o a_o great_a song_n of_o praise_n utter_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o luk._n 19.37_o 38._o when_o the_o disciple_n rejoice_v and_o praise_v god_n for_o all_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o they_o have_v see_v say_v not_o sing_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n peace_n in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o high_a that_o music_n utter_v by_o they_o with_o their_o voice_n make_v more_o melody_n than_o any_o compose_a song_n that_o can_v be_v sing_v in_o metre_n and_o as_o mr._n 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a_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n quote_v from_o psal_n 22.22_o for_o the_o open_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v repeat_v the_o exposition_n that_o the_o excellent_a person_n dr._n owen_n give_v of_o it_o as_o follow_v first_o what_o christ_n will_v moreover_o do_v he_o will_v sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n and_o second_o where_o he_o will_v do_v it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n the_o expression_n of_o both_o these_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n name_n and_o and_o praise_v of_o he_o in_o the_o temple_n the_o sing_n of_o hymn_n of_o praise_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n be_v then_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o first_o expression_n two_o thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o what_o christ_n undertake_v to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o praise_v god_n now_o this_o be_v only_o exegetical_a of_o what_o go_v before_o he_o will_v praise_v god_n by_o declare_v his_o name_n there_o be_v no_o way_n whereby_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n may_v be_v celebrate_v like_o that_o of_o declare_v his_o grace_n goodness_n and_o love_n unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o work_n he_o will_v do_v it_o as_o with_o joy_n and_o singing_n with_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n as_o be_v require_v in_o they_o who_o be_v to_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a assembly_n in_o the_o temple_n 3._o where_o will_v he_o do_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n the_o great_a congregation_n as_o he_o call_v it_o v._o 25._o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o elect_a under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o apostle_n and_o his_o word_n by_o all_o his_o messenger_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 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fruit_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n which_o some_o have_v fall_v upon_o that_o god_n be_v not_o praise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v by_o word_n and_o hymn_n particular_o express_v it_o all_o pray_v all_o preach_a all_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n all_o our_o faith_n all_o our_o obedience_n if_o order_v aright_o be_v nothing_o but_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o a_o due_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o our_o design_n in_o all_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o what_o we_o perform_v in_o the_o church_n to_o set_v forth_o his_o praise_n to_o
that_o print_a book_n of_o they_o but_o shall_v chief_o insist_v on_o the_o main_a pillar_n of_o their_o pretend_a reason_n for_o that_o sort_n of_o sing_v which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o church_n to_o entertain_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o if_o the_o foundation_n fail_v the_o building_n can_v stand_v and_o we_o shall_v return_v a_o reply_n to_o some_o of_o the_o most_o gross_a most_o false_a and_o grievous_a accusation_n and_o reflection_n that_o be_v therein_o so_o bold_o vent_v and_o shall_v leave_v it_o with_o you_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n diligent_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v you_o into_o this_o as_o well_o as_o into_o all_o other_o truth_n that_o either_o concern_v your_o most_o holy_a faith_n or_o practice_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o turn_v aside_o to_o those_o humane_a tradition_n from_o which_o you_o have_v be_v 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to_o manifest_v the_o weakness_n of_o mr._n keach_n argument_n for_o common_a sing_v which_o he_o public_o deliver_v in_o his_o meetinghouse_n not_o on_o a_o lord_n day_n but_o on_o a_o select_a leisure-time_n when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o have_v the_o company_n of_o many_o person_n of_o several_a church_n a_o time_n set_v apart_o yearly_a by_o he_o to_o preach_v up_o that_o with_o other_o doctrine_n on_o purpose_n contrive_v to_o influence_n all_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o city_n with_o that_o will-worship_n or_o practice_n o_o what_o a_o clamour_n and_o exclamation_n be_v there_o make_v against_o mr._n m._n for_o it_o by_o he_o and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o he_o so_o that_o it_o plain_o appear_v they_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o be_v silent_a as_o mr._n wh._n false_o suggest_v they_o have_v but_o to_o publish_v all_o they_o can_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o way_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o this_o opinion_n and_o to_o control_v all_o with_o a_o high_a 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to_o what_o mr._n keach_n have_v public_o preach_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o at_o the_o time_n aforesaid_a forthwith_o four_o or_o five_o of_o they_o appear_v in_o print_n against_o he_o with_o great_a vehemency_n and_o zeal_n though_o with_o very_o weak_a argument_n and_o some_o of_o they_o with_o many_o bitter_a and_o untoward_a reflection_n mr._n keach_n fall_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o public_a house_n with_o great_a passion_n without_o any_o provocation_n give_v he_o by_o mr._n marlowe_n except_o his_o answer_v his_o argument_n for_o common_a sing_v one_o sheet_n among_o the_o rest_n be_v print_v and_o publish_v by_o person_n that_o will_v not_o or_o be_v ashamed_a to_o write_v their_o name_n at_o length_n which_o be_v a_o piece_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o of_o raillery_n where_o there_o be_v little_a else_o but_o the_o uncivil_a abuse_v of_o mr._n m._n which_o to_o render_v he_o the_o more_o infamous_a be_v public_o tender_v to_o person_n in_o some_o of_o the_o baptise_a church_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n which_o if_o mr._n k._n be_v not_o the_o instigator_n and_o contriver_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o he_o do_v promote_v the_o publish_v of_o it_o but_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o book_n print_v in_o answer_n to_o mr._n steed_n sure_o it_o lay_v upon_o they_o no_o necessity_n to_o answer_v it_o as_o mr._n wh._n will_v suggest_v for_o he_o write_v it_o for_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v they_o can_v say_v he_o calumniate_v or_o reflect_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o or_o meddle_v with_o any_o of_o their_o book_n and_o the_o less_o need_n have_v they_o to_o write_v if_o it_o be_v true_a or_o that_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v pag._n 3._o of_o their_o reply_n that_o all_o his_o argument_n be_v full_o answer_v in_o their_o former_a book_n before_o that_o epistle_n be_v print_v why_o then_o if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o need_v but_o to_o refer_v he_o and_o other_o to_o those_o book_n 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church_n so_o we_o do_v as_o bold_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n declare_v that_o the_o way_n of_o common_a sing_v which_o they_o contend_v for_o be_v after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o not_o after_o christ_n it_o be_v their_o lawless_a liberty_n they_o take_v thus_o to_o accuse_v and_o represent_v we_o without_o cause_n in_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o like_a that_o have_v necessitate_v we_o for_o truth_n be_v sake_n that_o 〈◊〉_d may_v not_o suffer_v by_o such_o false_a report_n to_o declare_v ●uch_o thing_n concern_v some_o of_o they_o which_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v have_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o scandalous_o represent_v by_o mr._n wh._n in_o the_o epistle_n that_o do_v not_o give_v a_o sufficient_a vent_n to_o their_o indignation_n when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o book_n where_o we_o may_v expect_v nothing_o but_o answer_n to_o his_o argument_n 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contemptible_a viz._n that_o they_o be_v corrupt_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o deny_v subjection_n to_o magistrate_n that_o they_o hold_v that_o to_o maintain_v minister_n be_v antichristian_a etc._n etc._n they_o to_o clear_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v off_o those_o false_a charge_n do_v think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o publish_v to_o the_o nation_n a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o when_o draw_v up_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n be_v then_o seven_o in_o number_n and_o consent_v to_o by_o all_o the_o member_n not_o one_o dissent_v and_o subscribe_v by_o two_o of_o each_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n which_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v five_o time_n print_v in_o that_o year_n 1644_o and_o from_o that_o to_o the_o year_n 1651_o without_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o any_o one_o article_n of_o what_o be_v first_o print_v which_o confession_n give_v such_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o most_o christian_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o differ_v persuasion_n from_o we_o that_o it_o take_v off_o from_o many_o that_o prejudice_n and_o offence_n that_o be_v former_o take_v by_o they_o against_o our_o profession_n what_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o church_n 〈◊〉_d their_o first_o constitution_n be_v concern_v the_o maintenance_n of_o minister_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 38th_o article_n in_o these_o word_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o du●_n maintenance_n of_o minister_n shall_v be_v the_o free_a and_o voluntary_a communication_n of_o the_o church_n that_o according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n they_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v on_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o accord_o they_o do_v then_o and_o we_o have_v ever_o since_o make_v it_o our_o practice_n as_o a_o duty_n require_v of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v true_a it_o ●s_v that_o our_o church_n since_o the_o first_o have_v not_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o this_o we_o can_v say_v with_o comfort_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o lord_n herein_o that_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n we_o have_v give_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o our_o minister_n nor_o have_v any_o have_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v to_o the_o contrary_n that_o we_o know_v of_o although_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v our_o trouble_n that_o we_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v so_o great_a a_o provision_n for_o they_o as_o we_o desire_v herein_o we_o will_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o that_o we_o now_o assert_v concern_v the_o church_n that_o we_o mean_v principal_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o we_o do_v find_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n that_o which_o be_v then_o false_o charge_v upon_o we_o by_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v we_o be_v now_o as_o false_o with_o a_o far_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n charge_v upon_o we_o by_o some_o of_o we_o who_o may_v have_v satisfy_v themselves_o have_v they_o peruse_v our_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o either_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a or_o negligent_a in_o inquire_v but_o resolve_v to_o calumniate_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 9th_o page_n of_o the_o say_a book_n they_o charge_v we_o with_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o say_v baptise_a church_n in_o those_o time_n do_v not_o as_o unanimous_o conclude_v and_o declare_v too_o that_o for_o a_o gospel-ministry_n to_o have_v a_o yearly_a allowance_n or_o a_o competent_a maintenance_n be_v a_o humane_a invention_n or_o anti-christian_n we_o speak_v say_v they_o in_o part_n upon_o our_o own_o knowledge_n and_o by_o good_a information_n we_o have_v have_v from_o other_o to_o this_o charge_n we_o answer_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_o assert_v or_o more_o slanderous_o utter_v for_o if_o this_o their_o charge_n have_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n against_o the_o baptise_a 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that_o book_n as_o a_o sober_a discourse_n ●●●●out_v any_o limitation_n or_o exception_n against_o 〈◊〉_d gross_a and_o fulsome_a slander_n which_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n be_v deliver_v whatever_o their_o judgement_n be_v concern_v the_o controversy_n about_o sing_v moreover_o we_o hope_v the_o baptise_a church_n their_o elder_n minister_n and_o member_n do_v hereby_o at_o least_o see_v great_a cause_n to_o suspect_v and_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a in_o believe_v that_o spirit_n that_o will_v persuade_v they_o to_o the_o way_n of_o common_a or_o popular_a sing_v which_o will_v make_v way_n for_o its_o entertainment_n by_o such_o notorious_a falsehood_n and_o abominable_a slander_n which_o be_v certain_o devise_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n thereby_o to_o offend_v or_o stumble_v the_o weak_a though_o otherwise_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a have_v now_o answer_v to_o some_o of_o their_o unrighteous_a and_o scandalous_a
ordinance_n will_v not_o be_v question_v and_o then_o without_o doubt_n it_o will_v have_v be_v attend_v with_o as_o plain_a direction_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n obj._n last_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o say_v the_o hymn_n may_v intend_v a_o general_a rule_n for_o give_v of_o thanks_o yet_o to_o question_n whether_o the_o hymn_n be_v bind_v to_o we_o answ_n to_o which_o we_o say_v it_o can_v be_v no_o incongruity_n to_o affirm_v that_o if_o by_o the_o hymn_n be_v mean_v a_o compose_a song_n read_v and_o sing_v by_o all_o the_o company_n it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o we_o it_o then_o plain_o appear_v to_o our_o apprehension_n on_o the_o ground_n former_o mention_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o passover_n and_o not_o to_o the_o supper_n but_o if_o it_o mean_v only_o a_o give_v of_o thanks_o wherein_o one_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n it_o may_v be_v only_o a_o general_a rule_n for_o a_o direction_n for_o the_o church_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o such_o case_n final_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o conclusive_a argument_n to_o we_o that_o the_o hymn_n do_v not_o appertain_v to_o or_o that_o it_o be_v no_o adjunct_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o to_o the_o 26_o ●hen_o he_o there_o declare_v that_o what_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n touch_v that_o administration_n he_o deliver_v to_o they_o but_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o hymn_n obj._n to_o this_o clear_a instance_n they_o have_v this_o evasion_n or_o rather_o utter_v this_o most_o false_a assertion_n against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v out_o another_o part_n of_o the_o solemnity_n he_o do_v not_o mention_n say_v they_o that_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n give_v thanks_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o hymn_n answ_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v mention_v that_o solemnity_n about_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o we_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v he_o do_v not_o for_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o that_o scripture_n v._o 24._o he_o take_v the_o bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o v._o 25._o after_o the_o same_o manner_n also_o he_o take_v the_o cup._n now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a mention_v of_o give_v of_o thanks_o at_o the_o take_n of_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mean_a or_o weak_a among_o man_n how_o else_o can_v he_o say_v in_o truth_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n also_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n that_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o assert_v the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o such_o clear_a evidence_n deliver_v with_o such_o plainness_n be_v matter_n of_o great_a lamentation_n obj._n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o praise_v of_o god_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o that_o place_n no_o more_o than_o sing_v therefore_o neither_o be_v praise_v of_o god_n there_o require_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o ordinance_n answ_n we_o answer_v that_o every_o mercy_n receive_v by_o we_o from_o god_n impli_v a_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o as_o our_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 4.4_o that_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n and_o we_o be_v command_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o give_v thanks_o therefore_o the_o great_a the_o mercy_n be_v that_o we_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o more_o enlarge_a aught_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v in_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n from_o who_o we_o do_v receive_v it_o neither_o do_v this_o imply_v as_o they_o cavil_v that_o then_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o wisdom_n to_o teach_v we_o in_o that_o matter_n since_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n what_o to_o do_v in_o all_o such_o case_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o afford_v to_o we_o or_o to_o privilege_v we_o with_o such_o choice_n and_o singular_a mercy_n have_v thus_o we_o hope_v plain_o make_v manifest_a how_o little_a that_o hymn_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o his_o disciple_n either_o affirm_v or_o confirm_v their_o popular_a way_n of_o sing_v we_o shall_v now_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v enable_v we_o examine_v that_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v quote_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o their_o practice_n which_o be_v act_n 16.25_o the_o text_n say_v paul_n and_o silas_n at_o midnight_n pray_v and_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n and_o the_o prisoner_n hear_v they_o to_o which_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o we_o may_v take_v their_o pray_v and_o praise_v to_o be_v one_o entire_a solemn_a act_n though_o two_o part_n of_o it_o be_v several_o note_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o inconvenience_n in_o so_o understand_v it_o which_o seem_v the_o more_o likely_a for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o first_o enquiry_n nor_o do_v the_o greek_a word_n translate_v sing_v praise_n restrain_v we_o from_o such_o a_o apprehension_n but_o rather_o confirm_v it_o 2._o suppose_v their_o sing_n of_o praise_n be_v with_o a_o melodious_a voice_n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o sing_v in_o consort_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n together_o we_o may_v as_o well_o from_o the_o text_n suppose_v they_o pray_v in_o consort_n with_o their_o voice_n for_o the_o scripture_n imply_v that_o the_o prisoner_n hear_v both_o their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n what_o they_o answer_v to_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a voice_n of_o mankind_n that_o many_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v together_o when_o one_o be_v their_o mouth_n but_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o sing_v praise_n together_o unless_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n in_o consort_n which_o be_v still_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o to_o bring_v nothing_o for_o proof_n but_o the_o common_a vogue_n or_o custom_n which_o be_v most_o common_o great_o differ_v from_o the_o language_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n declare_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n 3._o but_o suppose_v they_o do_v then_o express_v the_o joy_n of_o their_o heart_n by_o a_o melodious_a sing_n in_o consort_n together_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o prove_v a_o state_v gospel-ordinance_n a_o stand_a institution_n of_o solemn_a worship_n in_o the_o new-testament-church_n the_o use_n of_o civil_a or_o devout_a singing_n be_v not_o deny_v either_o single_a or_o in_o consort_n to_o person_n in_o their_o private_a conversation_n as_o we_o say_v before_o either_o to_o refresh_v the_o tire_a spirit_n of_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o refresh_v thereby_o or_o to_o express_v their_o inward_a joy_n who_o think_v it_o a_o proper_a expedient_a and_o the_o more_o religious_o it_o be_v perform_v the_o better_a it_o be_v but_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v from_o thence_o presume_v to_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o church_n without_o a_o divine_a warrant_n they_o may_v be_v find_v intrude_a transgressor_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o have_v we_o hope_v evident_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v their_o practice_n of_o common_a and_o popular_a sing_v and_o answer_v their_o chief_a objection_n which_o they_o have_v make_v against_o what_o be_v present_v in_o that_o epistle_n which_o they_o pretend_v sober_o to_o answer_v we_o shall_v only_o add_v some_o few_o remark_n upon_o some_o passage_n in_o that_o book_n of_o they_o pag._n 42._o they_o ask_v this_o question_n why_o we_o do_v not_o answer_v what_o renown_a mr._n cotton_n dr._n roberts_n mr._n sydenham_n mr._n caryl_n mr._n wells_n mr._n jesse_n m●_n knowles_n mr._n keach_n dr._n wright_n mr._n whinnel_n a●●_n mr._n ford_n have_v say_v on_o this_o subject_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o desire_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o what_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o although_o we_o own_o most_o of_o they_o in_o their_o catalogue_n to_o be_v man_n of_o renown_n both_o for_o part_n and_o godliness_n yet_o what_o they_o write_v upon_o that_o subject_a do_v no_o more_o satisfy_v we_o than_o what_o they_o write_v for_o the_o proof_n 〈◊〉_d infant-baptism_n do_v satisfy_v they_o that_o ask_v th●●_n question_v of_o we_o and_o what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o they_o do_v as_o little_o satisfy_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o write_v at_o all_o further_o we_o do_v not_o question_v but_o in_o answer_v mr._n keach_n in_o this_o treatise_n we_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o argument_n
on_o this_o subject_a he_o be_v very_o dextrous_a to_o take_v gold_n or_o dross_n out_o of_o other_o man_n write_n and_o present_v they_o as_o his_o own_o neither_o have_v they_o any_o more_o specious_a pillar_n to_o uphold_v this_o common_a way_n of_o sing_v than_o those_o that_o be_v plead_v for_o in_o this_o treatise_n of_o they_o which_o we_o have_v now_o answer_v but_o last_o we_o do_v much_o wonder_n that_o mr._n keach_n and_o mr._n whinnel_n shall_v give_v themselves_o the_o style_n of_o be_v renown_v they_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n in_o which_o they_o give_v this_o encomium_n of_o their_o be_v man_n of_o renown_n it_o be_v but_o their_o own_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o not_o it_o may_v be_v of_o other_o that_o know_v they_o however_o modesty_n will_v have_v cause_v they_o if_o they_o have_v exercise_v any_o to_o have_v forbear_v to_o have_v spread_v their_o own_o praise_n but_o sure_o mr._n whinnel_n and_o mr._n k._n forget_v the_o wise_a man_n saying_n prov._n 25.27_o for_o man_n to_o search_v their_o own_o glory_n be_v not_o glory_n and_o prov._n 27.2_o let_v another_o man_n praise_v thou_o and_o not_o thy_o own_o mouth_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o same_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o some_o man_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n than_o seven_o man_n that_o ●●n_fw-la render_v a_o reason_n they_o again_o inquire_v how_o we_o dare_v say_v that_o sing_v of_o psalm_n with_o voice_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o ask_v they_o again_o how_o they_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o meeter_n with_o a_o tuneable_a voice_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o a_o mix_a multitude_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n when_o not_o one_o word_n of_o all_o they_o have_v write_v do_v prove_v it_o it_o have_v be_v already_o grant_v that_o sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o the_o temple-worship_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o song_n and_o psalm_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o undoubted_a unerring_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o consolation_n wherein_o be_v contain_v many_o excellent_a experience_n of_o god_n gracious_a deal_n with_o his_o people_n and_o many_o bless_a promise_n and_o prophecy_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o we_o say_v the_o sing_v of_o those_o psalm_n as_o they_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o temple-worship_n with_o their_o musical_a sing_v and_o instrument_n with_o the_o person_n assign_v for_o that_o kind_n of_o exercise_n be_v all_o at_o a_o end_n you_o will_v find_v 55_o of_o they_o direct_v to_o the_o master_n of_o music_n and_o 15_o of_o they_o call_v each_o a_o song_n of_o degree_n and_o most_o of_o they_o direct_v to_o the_o son_n of_o korah_n and_o by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o renown_a man_n of_o our_o age_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o those_o ordinance_n be_v end_v by_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o city_n and_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n to_o cease_v it_o remain_v now_o that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o that_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o ourselves_o teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o that_o manner_n of_o worship_n under_o the_o law_n be_v cease_v as_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a that_o it_o be_v then_o can_v it_o not_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o administration_n in_o any_o respect_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o type_n and_o the_o anti-type_n be_v all_o one_o but_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o anti-type_n of_o those_o type_n than_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o as_o they_o be_v outward_a in_o their_o melody_n and_o music_n so_o the_o melody_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v inward_a or_o spiritual_a that_o be_v the_o joyful_a voice_n signify_v the_o melody_n and_o joy_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n express_v in_o praising_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v more_o of_o his_o grace_n by_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o spirit_n may_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o learned_a dr._n owen_n say_v in_o his_o exposition_n on_o heb._n 2.13_o before_o cite_v and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o they_o utter_o deny_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o low_a sort_n of_o worship_n than_o sing_v we_o answer_v that_o if_o they_o mean_v sing_v in_o their_o sense_n we_o agree_v with_o they_o but_o if_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v affirm_v that_o praise_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o song_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o prayer_n for_o 1._o the_o praise_v of_o god_n be_v that_o duty_n which_o saint_n and_o angel_n will_v be_v employ_v in_o for_o ever_o but_o prayer_n cease_v on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o charity_n be_v the_o great_a because_o it_o always_o abide_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o praise_n be_v give_v to_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n receive_v but_o prayer_n be_v the_o beg_n from_o god_n the_o mercy_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o follow_v they_o in_o all_o their_o mistake_v and_o impertinency_n they_o also_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v against_o the_o compose_n ●●sing_v and_o impose_v set-form_n of_o prayer_n but_o will_v they_o but_o make_v know_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v against_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v have_v answer_v themselves_o in_o all_o they_o can_v substantial_o allege_v for_o their_o set-form_n sing_v and_o have_v save_v we_o the_o labour_n but_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o this_o we_o find_v that_o those_o very_a argument_n those_o very_a scornful_a reflection_n that_o those_o that_o be_v for_o set-form_n prayer_n do_v use_v against_o they_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o that_o formal_a will-worship_n do_v these_o use_n to_o they_o that_o be_v against_o their_o set-form_n sing_v or_o praise_v of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n do_v the_o one_o call_v in_o scorn_n pray_v by_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la pray_v in_o a_o confuse_a manner_n so_o do_v these_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n spenk_v of_o praise_v or_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n without_o a_o set-form_n pag._n 39_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n as_o the_o one_o say_v if_o you_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n your_o prayer_n will_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n to_o canonical_a scripture_n so_o do_v these_o concern_v sing_a praise_n without_o a_o set-form_n pag._n 36._o do_v the_o one_o say_v in_o derision_n that_o those_o that_o be_v against_o set-form_n prayer_n be_v enthusiast_n or_o setter_n up_o of_o enthusiasm_n so_o do_v these_o in_o their_o pretend_a 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grace_n far_o deliver_v from_o it_o than_o many_o other_o and_o therefore_o their_o turn_a back_n will_v be_v the_o more_o grievous_a and_o provoke_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o our_o gracious_a lord_n be_v please_v to_o deal_v very_o gentle_o with_o his_o people_n in_o all_o their_o weakness_n or_o mistake_v while_o a_o perverse_a spirit_n be_v not_o find_v among_o they_o wherefore_o we_o declare_v we_o have_v no_o disgust_n against_o nor_o will_v we_o maintain_v any_o distance_n or_o difference_n with_o those_o brethren_n who_o apprehension_n may_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n about_o sing_v who_o carry_v it_o not_o only_o pious_o but_o peaceable_o in_o their_o station_n and_o among_o the_o church_n some_o of_o who_o name_n be_v set_v to_o the_o recommendation_n of_o this_o book_n which_o we_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o have_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v though_o without_o their_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n for_o we_o believe_v 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more_o of_o that_o matter_n only_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o book_n itself_o 1._o whereas_o in_o the_o title_n of_o it_o it_o be_v recommend_v by_o divers_a elder_n and_o minister_n of_o baptise_a church_n mention_v the_o name_n of_o several_a some_o of_o they_o affirm_v they_o never_o set_v their_o hand_n to_o it_o say_v they_o know_v not_o how_o their_o hand_n come_v there_o and_o that_o the_o epistle_n itself_o to_o which_o their_o name_n be_v set_v they_o never_o see_v until_o they_o see_v it_o print_v and_o where●●_n in_o the_o title_n it_o be_v far_o say_v it_o be_v recommend_v by_o divers_a elder_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o baptise_a church_n we_o know_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o minister_n nor_o elder_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o member_n in_o communion_n with_o any_o baptise_a church_n as_o we_o know_v of_o 2._o he_o have_v very_o unjust_o charge_v the_o church_n which_o be_v first_o gather_v that_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n and_o do_v unanimous_o declare_v that_o 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thing_n and_o what_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o it_o by_o such_o as_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o men._n final_o we_o earnest_o entreat_v the_o baptise_a church_n their_o elder_n minister_n and_o member_n to_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o question_n about_o sing_v and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o any_o of_o they_o rash_o or_o hasty_o upon_o any_o plausible_a pretence_n be_v persuade_v to_o set_v up_o that_o way_n of_o set-form_n sing_v which_o those_o church_n in_o time_n past_a do_v on_o matur●_n deliberation_n from_o the_o light_n afford_v reject_v together_o with_o set-form_n prayer_n but_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o we_o all_o may_v be_v press_v after_o more_o purity_n b●th_v in_o the_o form_n and_o spirit_n of_o holy-worship_n n●t_o decline_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o love_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v of_o differ_v apprehension_n in_o those_o or_o other_o matter_n that_o be_v of_o ●_o low_a concernment_n not_o be_v desirous_a of_o vain_a ●lory_n provoke_v one_o another_o study_v and_o earnest_o labour_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o maintain_v peace_n a●●_n holiness_n in_o our_o soul_n in_o our_o family_n and_o in_o th●_n church_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v conclude_v with_o that_o word_n heb._n 1●_n 20_o now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n we_o subscribe_v ourselves_o your_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n william_n kiffin_n george_n barrett_n robert_n steed_n edward_n man._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 16._o l._n 11._o for_o we_o r._n some_o p._n 23._o l._n 16._o r._n in_o they_o do_v they_o advertisement_n there_o be_v now_o come_v forth_o a_o book_n entitle_v truth_n sober_o defend_v in_o a_o serious_a reply_n to_o mr._n b._n keach_n book_n call_v the_o breach_n repair_v in_o god_n worship_n or_o sing_v of_o psalm_n hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o also_o a_o vindication_n of_o a_o book_n entitle_v prelimited_a form_n of_o praising_n god_n vocal_o sing_v by_o all_o the_o church_n together_o prove_v to_o be_v no_o gospel_n ordinance_n with_o a_o postscript_n in_o answer_n far_o to_o a_o book_n entitle_v folly_n detect_v publish_v by_o m._n joseph_n wright_n and_o 〈◊〉_d a_o paper_n call_v a_o appendix_n or_o a_o brief_a answer_n to_o mr._n marlowe_n notion_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o sing_v by_o t.w._n and_o to_o a_o paper_n call_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o brief_a discourse_n concern_v ●●nging_n by_o h._n k._n whereunto_o be_v add_v a_o brief_a narative_n of_o the_o ●ise_v occasion_n and_o management_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n of_o ●●nging_v between_o i._o m._n and_o mr._n b._n k._n with_o some_o reflection_n on_o book_n call_v truth_n vindicated_n or_o mr._n keach_n sober_a appeal_n answer_v wherein_o also_o his_o abuse_n etc._n etc._n be_v detect_v under_o the_o ●nds_n of_o several_a worthy_a pastor_n of_o church_n by_o isaac_n marlowe_n price_n bind_v together_o 1_o s._n there_o be_v also_o publish_v a_o book_n title_v a_o treatise_n of_o the_o holy_a yrin-unity_n in_o two_o part_n the_o first_o ●●serteth_v the_o deity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o ●●ty_n of_o essence_n with_o god_n the_o father_n the_o second_o in_o defence_n the_o former_a answer_v the_o chief_a objection_n make_v against_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n by_o isaac_n marlowe_n price_n bind_v 10_o d._n
a_o serious_a answer_n to_o a_o late_a book_n style_v a_o reply_n to_o mr._n robert_n steed_n epistle_n concern_v singing_n wherein_o the_o chief_a scripture_n and_o argument_n be_v examine_v and_o the_o weakness_n thereof_o show_v together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o several_a reflection_n and_o false_a charge_n against_o both_o church_n and_o person_n recommend_v to_o the_o elder_n minister_n and_o member_n of_o the_o baptise_a church_n joh._n 4.24_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 truth_n jer._n 20.10_o i_o hear_v the_o defame_n of_o many_o report_n say_v they_o and_o we_o will_v report_v london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1692._o to_o the_o elder_n minister_n and_o member_n of_o the_o baptise_a church_n throughout_o england_n and_o wales_n belove_a in_o our_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o his_o appointment_n so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n under_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v intrude_v upon_o we_o but_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o professor_n except_o by_o grace_n prevent_v to_o turn_v aside_o from_o this_o holy_a rule_n either_o through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o deception_n or_o infection_n which_o through_o temptation_n they_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n whereof_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v continual_o sad_a experience_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o to_o present_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n in_o time_n past_a to_o inlighten_v some_o gracious_a holy_a person_n in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o practise_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o to_o cast_v off_o infant_n sprinkle_v which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o as_o a_o humane_a invention_n they_o be_v then_o also_o on_o scripture-ground_n well_o weigh_v and_o serious_o consider_v convince_v that_o the_o common_a way_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o praise_v of_o god_n in_o what_o manner_n soever_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o compose_a form_n as_o usual_o then_o be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o many_o protestant_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o according_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n lay_v aside_o by_o the_o baptise_a church_n who_o the_o lord_n then_o gracious_o and_o eminent_o own_v by_o many_o signal_n token_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o but_o now_o to_o our_o great_a grief_n some_o who_o duty_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o have_v settle_v and_o further_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o that_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v decline_v from_o it_o assert_v with_o heat_n and_o confidence_n that_o to_o sing_v by_o a_o compose_a form_n with_o a_o whole_a multitude_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n together_o the_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a the_o unbeliever_n or_o unconvert_v with_o the_o church-member_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n which_o they_o practise_v and_o with_o vehement_a earnestness_n be_v contend_v for_o whereby_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v and_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o many_o gracious_a soul_n perplex_v and_o entangle_v by_o this_o they_o be_v not_o only_a build_n again_o what_o have_v be_v destroy_v but_o thereby_o also_o there_o be_v plain_a introduction_n unto_o a_o far_o decline_v in_o prayer_n and_o other_o of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o lawgiver_n this_o common_a or_o popular_a way_n of_o sing_v they_o also_o with_o great_a endeavour_n be_v labour_v to_o promote_v in_o all_o the_o church_n by_o their_o public_a plead_n for_o it_o by_o preach_v and_o print_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o therein_o they_o not_o only_o vehement_o contradict_v and_o oppose_v whatever_o be_v present_v by_o any_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o deliver_v they_o or_o other_o from_o that_o humane_a invention_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n aforesaid_a but_o they_o also_o take_v a_o licentious_a liberty_n to_o reflect_v upon_o they_o that_o will_v hinder_v their_o design_n in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o most_o false_o asperse_v they_o but_o also_o utter_v a_o most_o false_a accusation_n and_o slander_n against_o the_o baptise_a church_n in_o their_o first_o gather_v lay_v that_o to_o their_o charge_n as_o a_o receive_a principle_n own_v by_o they_o which_o they_o have_v open_o declare_v against_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o those_o day_n print_v and_o publish_v whereby_o they_o stigmatize_v or_o brand_v they_o with_o the_o deep_a hypocrisy_n that_o deprave_a mortal_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a lamentation_n be_v either_o evident_o insinuate_v or_o plain_o declare_v in_o a_o late_a print_a tract_n concern_v singing_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o small_a sheet_n publish_v by_o mr._n r._n steed_n which_o be_v intend_v chief_o for_o and_o therefore_o write_v by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v relate_v which_o by_o some_o friend_n that_o have_v peruse_v it_o be_v give_v also_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n wherein_o he_o only_o give_v his_o understanding_n of_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v concern_v that_o subject_a without_o mention_v or_o reflect_v on_o any_o other_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n but_o mr._n keach_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a promoter_n of_o this_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o heighten_v it_o to_o a_o contention_n say_v it_o must_v be_v answer_v and_o that_o he_o will_v answer_v it_o and_o we_o do_v not_o question_v on_o good_a ground_n but_o that_o he_o and_o mr._n whinnel_n by_o his_o instigation_n join_v together_o to_o contrive_v that_o answer_n which_o they_o have_v print_v though_o mr._n keach_n as_o we_o be_v inform_v do_v say_v to_o some_o that_o mr._n wh._n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a but_o mr._n k._n expect_v to_o have_v the_o great_a honour_n in_o due_a time_n of_o that_o enterprise_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a contriver_n of_o it_o but_o that_o their_o book_n may_v pass_v with_o the_o great_a applause_n and_o credit_n it_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o recommend_v by_o a_o epistle_n as_o a_o very_a sober_a answer_n subscribe_v with_o several_a name_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o some_o of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n be_v there_o subscribe_v be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o be_v such_o as_o be_v call_v 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