help_v they_o but_o on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o church-alteration_n come_v on_o and_o the_o parliament_n think_v it_o be_v better_o have_v no_o bishop_n than_o such_o as_o do_v prevail_v against_o they_o this_o be_v fair_a warning_n and_o let_v the_o church_n and_o churchman_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o oppose_v rebellion_n any_o more_o 4._o every_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o clergy_n or_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v think_v a_o miscarriage_n though_o it_o be_v none_o be_v present_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o separation_n as_o if_o so_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o any_o church_n be_v ever_o the_o worse_a because_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o neglect_v their_o duty_n abuse_v their_o power_n or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o please_v every_o man_n humour_n as_o if_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v sometime_o happen_v under_o the_o best_a government_n in_o the_o world_n will_v justify_v man_n in_o pull_v down_o a_o apostolical_a church_n model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o primitive_a government_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o see_v man_n forsake_v the_o church_n and_o run_v to_o conventicle_n if_o their_o minister_n do_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n comply_v with_o their_o desire_n if_o he_o be_v so_o ill-bred_a as_o to_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n or_o so_o stiff_a as_o not_o to_o make_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n yield_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o humour_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o such_o person_n separate_v out_o of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n who_o date_n their_o separation_n from_o some_o little_a pet_n quarrel_n or_o peevish_a fit_n nor_o five_o be_v those_o very_a conscientious_a man_n who_o separate_z from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o interest_n and_o the_o persuasion_n and_o importunity_n of_o some_o dissent_v friend_n who_o forsake_v the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o good_a trade_n or_o a_o rich_a wife_n or_o in_o hope_n of_o some_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n to_o make_v gain_n godliness_n not_o to_o serve_v christ_n but_o our_o own_o belly_n i_o do_v but_o just_a mention_n these_o thing_n which_o though_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v great_a truth_n and_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o consider_v who_o will_v try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o separation_n yet_o i_o fear_v the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o will_v be_v very_o offensive_a to_o guilty_a person_n who_o when_o they_o feel_v their_o conscience_n smart_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o revenge_v themselves_o upon_o their_o kind_n and_o faithful_a monitor_n five_o i_o will_v desire_v those_o person_n who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o consider_v whether_o ever_o they_o impartial_o and_o thorough_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n we_o must_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o such_o a_o church_n before_o separation_n from_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n as_o it_o be_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o a_o corrupt_a church_n and_o a_o true_o honest_a man_n be_v equal_o careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n now_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o few_o there_o be_v that_o do_v this_o and_o how_o much_o few_o there_o be_v that_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a a_o argument_n that_o most_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n without_o know_v any_o just_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o as_o to_o explain_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a more_o at_o large_a first_o how_o few_o be_v those_o who_o do_v examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o some_o popular_a talk_n against_o the_o bishop_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n be_v very_o different_a from_o be_v able_a to_o make_v some_o slight_a objection_n which_o have_v be_v answer_v a_o hundred_o time_n for_o to_o examine_v thing_n be_v impartial_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v both_o part_n of_o the_o question_n to_o avoid_v no_o difficulty_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o and_o against_o separation_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o equal_a that_o interest_n and_o affection_n do_v not_o turn_v the_o scale_n instead_o of_o reason_n now_o there_o be_v two_o great_a fault_n which_o man_n be_v common_o guilty_a of_o in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o careful_o examine_v both_o part_n of_o the_o question_n possible_o they_o read_v such_o book_n as_o be_v write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o justify_v a_o separation_n but_o do_v not_o with_o the_o same_o care_n read_v those_o book_n which_o prove_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o separation_n and_o justify_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o have_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n only_o at_o second_o hand_n from_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v they_o but_o never_o look_v into_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o this_o rate_n of_o examine_v that_o man_n continue_v separatist_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o for_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o one_o argument_n against_o separation_n or_o for_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n fair_o represent_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v it_o who_o common_o pick_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v least_o material_a or_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o main_a controversy_n and_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o flourish_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v something_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o silent_o pass_v over_o what_o they_o know_v they_o can_v answer_v now_o whoever_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o thorough_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o be_v though_o his_o separation_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o schism_n because_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o separation_n yet_o this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o know_v he_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n for_o he_o separate_v without_o cause_n who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o separation_n and_o he_o can_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o who_o separate_v before_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n as_o we_o all_o reckon_v that_o man_n perjure_v who_o swear_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a but_o without_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a second_o another_o great_a fault_n be_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v common_o bias_v by_o some_o interest_n and_o affection_n which_o weigh_v much_o more_o than_o any_o contrary_a reason_n can_v do_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o they_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o then_o set_v their_o wit_n on_o work_n to_o defend_v it_o and_o those_o must_v be_v mighty_a evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n which_o can_v force_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n common_a to_o both_o side_n there_o be_v few_o man_n which_o side_n soever_o they_o be_v of_o but_o be_v great_o incline_v to_o favour_v it_o and_o to_o help_v out_o a_o weak_a argument_n which_o be_v too_o light_a with_o some_o grain_n of_o allowance_n i_o answer_v possible_o with_o most_o man_n it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o in_o many_o case_n it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v both_o innocent_a and_o useful_a and_o a_o argument_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v when_o the_o bias_n stand_v the_o wrong_a way_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o good_a man_n be_v as_o strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v one_o as_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o to_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v none_o here_o be_v inclination_n and_o prejudices_fw-la on_o both_o side_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o a_o bad_a man_n because_o the_o one_o be_v a_o natural_a byass_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o virtue_n the_o other_o
a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n london_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxi_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o belove_a parishioner_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n and_o st._n botolph-billingsgate_n grace_n peace_n and_o truth_n be_v multiply_v my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n i_o hope_v we_o be_v all_o sensible_a of_o that_o great_a account_n we_o must_v short_o give_v to_o god_n of_o all_o our_o action_n which_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n both_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o neither_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o interest_n prejudice_n and_o partiality_n in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o many_o dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o any_o impetuous_a lust_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o it_o that_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o to_o you_o make_v i_o concern_v as_o i_o love_v my_o own_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n of_o you_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n fit_v with_o great_a ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o office_n yet_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o can_v charge_v myself_o with_o any_o wilful_a neglect_n either_o in_o inform_v myself_o or_o instruct_v you_o i_o be_o as_o careful_a as_o i_o can_v not_o to_o mistake_v myself_o and_o resolve_o honest_a not_o to_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n from_o you_o though_o in_o this_o age_n plain_a and_o free_a deal_n meet_v with_o no_o great_a encouragement_n the_o great_a hindrance_n i_o have_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o ministry_n among_o you_o be_v that_o many_o of_o you_o who_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o attend_v my_o instruction_n as_o i_o be_o to_o instruct_v you_o and_o must_v as_o certain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o neglect_n as_o i_o must_v of_o i_o do_v yet_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n withdraw_v your_o self_n from_o your_o parish_n church_n and_o make_v it_o in_o that_o way_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o my_o duty_n to_o you_o i_o have_v send_v this_o little_a book_n to_o wait_v on_o you_o at_o your_o house_n and_o to_o invite_v you_o to_o our_o communion_n to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o have_v keep_v you_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o since_o some_o of_o you_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v my_o ministry_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o other_o neglect_v which_o be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o have_v here_o admonish_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a consideration_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o i_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n which_o be_v design_v for_o your_o instruction_n as_o general_o useful_a as_o may_v be_v and_o take_v a_o large_a scope_n than_o i_o hope_v have_v be_v necessary_a have_v it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o your_o private_a use_n since_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o nor_o the_o world_n think_v that_o i_o charge_v you_o with_o all_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o i_o there_o reprove_v but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n guilty_a of_o they_o all_o and_o possible_o this_o book_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o such_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o pray_v god_n they_o may_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o plain_a but_o seasonable_a instruction_n but_o whatever_o other_o man_n do_v i_o think_v i_o may_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n expect_v from_o you_o that_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v and_o consider_v this_o discourse_n i_o have_v contrive_v it_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o fear_v some_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v fit_v to_o every_o capacity_n for_o as_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n among_o man_n so_o i_o do_v not_o scrupulous_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o low_a be_v as_o st._n paul_n speak_v a_o debtor_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o of_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n above_o your_o reach_n do_v not_o present_o fling_v the_o book_n away_o for_o you_o will_v find_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a concernment_n fit_v to_o very_o ordinary_a understanding_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o may_v think_v sharp_a or_o severe_a god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o anger_v any_o man_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a severity_n but_o there_o be_v some_o severe_a truth_n which_o yet_o must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v speak_v if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o good_a and_o those_o patient_n who_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o cure_n must_v perish_v under_o more_o gentle_a remedy_n i_o only_o beg_v this_o requital_n of_o my_o pain_n and_o care_n of_o you_o that_o if_o you_o have_v any_o objection_n against_o what_o be_v offer_v if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n you_o do_v not_o understand_v you_o will_v consult_v i_o in_o it_o if_o you_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o thing_n let_v i_o know_v it_o first_o before_o you_o publish_v it_o to_o other_o and_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v have_v a_o care_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n but_o comply_v with_o your_o duty_n and_o rejoice_v that_o you_o be_v deliver_v from_o any_o mistake_v i_o beseech_v god_n give_v you_o a_o good_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o heart_n obedient_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o preserve_v you_o blameless_a until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n w._n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n page_z 1_o what_o religious_a worship_n be_v page_z 3_o of_o public_a worship_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o forsake_v public_a assembly_n page_z 4_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o church_n page_z 7_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n page_z 9_o what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n page_z 15_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n page_n 17_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n page_n 18_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v page_n 20_o part_v 1_n chapter_n 1._o section_n 1._o concern_v speculative_a atheist_n pag._n 28_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 29_o what_o natural_a inclination_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o education_n pag._n 30_o inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n natural_a and_o yet_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n pag._n 32_o how_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n prove_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n imprint_v on_o man_n mind_n pag._n 35_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n be_v contrary_n to_o good_a manner_n a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n pag._n 40_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n expose_v such_o scoffer_n to_o contempt_n pag._n 42_o to_o deride_v religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o man_n interest_n as_o be_v injurious_a to_o public_a society_n pag._n 45_o to_o affront_n god_n more_o dangerous_a than_o mere_a atheism_n pag._n 46_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n pag._n 48_o atheist_n shall_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n pag._n 50_o non_n intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n pag._n 52_o section_n 2._o concern_v the_o practical_a atheist_n pag._n 53_o irreligion_n as_o great_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n as_o atheism_n pag._n 54_o not_o to_o worship_n be_v great_a injustice_n pag._n 56_o irreligion_n the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n pag._n 65_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n a_o obligation_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 73_o section_n 3._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o pag._n 82_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n pag._n 91_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 98_o every_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n fit_v to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 99_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o
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 the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o who_o forsake_v christian-assembly_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n several_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o discipline_n other_o there_o be_v who_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n but_o they_o think_v they_o can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_o as_o at_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o place_n which_o make_v their_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o effectual_a but_o god_n hear_v we_o wherever_o we_o pray_v and_o be_v always_o please_v even_o with_o the_o single_a and_o private_a devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o world_n be_v now_o so_o well_o store_v with_o good_a book_n that_o they_o can_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o read_v at_o home_n to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o if_o they_o go_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o i_o need_v not_o observe_v how_o many_o there_o be_v who_o act_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n i._n e._n who_o seldom_o or_o never_o come_v to_o church_n though_o how_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n at_o home_n i_o know_v not_o but_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o with_o too_o many_o a_o warm_a bed_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o a_o bottle_n of_o wine_n in_o the_o afternoon_n serve_v instead_o even_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o a_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_v this_o be_v i_o shall_v brief_o expostulate_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v as_o they_o say_v that_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n very_o acceptable_o at_o home_n without_o attend_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n suppose_v the_o case_n to_o be_v equal_a in_o itself_o consider_v yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o why_o shall_v you_o prefer_v your_o own_o private_a before_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n can_v you_o serve_v god_n at_o least_o as_o well_o at_o church_n as_o you_o do_v at_o home_o and_o public_a worship_n have_v be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o religion_n do_v it_o become_v a_o modest_a man_n to_o affront_v so_o general_a a_o custom_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n yet_o at_o least_o have_v no_o hurt_n in_o it_o and_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v not_o only_o consent_v in_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o have_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o pay_v their_o join_a and_o public_a acknowledgement_n to_o their_o universal_a lord_n and_o father_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v these_o man_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n who_o deny_v or_o neglect_v it_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o religious_a man_n to_o oppose_v so_o universal_a a_o belief_n and_o to_o incur_v the_o public_a censure_n of_o insidelity_n and_o irreligion_n especial_o since_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o to_o neglect_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o though_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a make_v public_a assembly_n a_o duty_n and_o private_a devotion_n when_o we_o ought_v and_o may_v attend_v on_o public_a assembly_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v take_v it_o well_o of_o any_o man_n how_o devout_a soever_o he_o be_v in_o private_a who_o will_v rather_o affront_v the_o universal_a practice_n found_v upon_o as_o universal_a a_o consent_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o be_v think_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o insidel_n will_v rather_o trample_v upon_o all_o humame_n authority_n than_o join_v with_o his_o fellow-creature_n and_o subject_n and_o neighbour_n in_o the_o public_a act_n of_o his_o worship_n put_v the_o case_n any_o of_o you_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o very_a numerous_a offspring_n and_o that_o without_o any_o express_a command_n from_o you_o most_o of_o your_o child_n shall_v agree_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n to_o visit_v you_o together_o once_o a_o week_n to_o ask_v your_o blessing_n and_o pay_v their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o your_o great_a care_n of_o they_o in_o their_o education_n and_o in_o that_o liberal_a provision_n you_o have_v make_v for_o they_o but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o your_o child_n shall_v choose_v to_o come_v alone_o to_o you_o in_o private_a when_o no_o body_n see_v they_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o come_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o 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
and_o curious_a speculation_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o sensible_a a_o argument_n that_o the_o mean_a people_n understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o our_o day_n do_v as_o certain_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v as_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n speak_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v whatever_o he_o have_v reveal_v though_o we_o can_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v christianity_n we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v express_o forbid_v in_o those_o write_n every_o man_n without_o any_o great_a skill_n in_o controversy_n know_v to_o be_v unlawful_a as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o plain_a countryman_n may_v understand_v the_o difference_n between_o popery_n and_o reform_a christianity_n the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n than_o worship_v image_n pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o half_a communion_n where_o the_o priest_n drink_v the_o wine_n by_o himself_o and_o give_v nothing_o but_o a_o wafer_n to_o the_o people_n these_o thing_n require_v indeed_o great_a subtlety_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o defend_v they_o but_o may_v be_v understand_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o plain_a man_n who_o be_v no_o master_n of_o subtlety_n but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a in_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n we_o desire_v no_o more_o from_o they_o but_o to_o show_v we_o where_o any_o one_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v express_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n or_o by_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o easy_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n though_o no_o schoolman_n nor_o philosopher_n may_v understand_v it_o where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a which_o have_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o successor_n they_o be_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o ancient_a father_n where_o do_v they_o read_v that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a when_o christ_n himself_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a when_o they_o can_v produce_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o be_v forbid_v unless_o they_o think_v that_o because_o god_n have_v forbid_v worship_v image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n therefore_o he_o have_v forbid_v all_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n institute_v for_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o be_v so_o subtle_a a_o consequence_n as_o will_v make_v a_o very_a metaphysical_a head_n ache_v to_o discover_v it_o now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n but_o man_n argue_v whole_o from_o some_o uncertain_a and_o far-fetched_a consequence_n how_o shall_v the_o common_a people_n who_o understand_v none_o of_o the_o artificial_a law_n of_o reason_v judge_v of_o such_o argument_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o to_o make_v some_o terrible_a impression_n upon_o their_o fancy_n by_o great_a confidence_n and_o a_o uncouth_a sound_n of_o word_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o as_o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v symbolical_a that_o they_o be_v new_a sacrament_n not_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o part_n of_o worship_n now_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o our_o separatist_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o talk_n how_o long_a time_n will_v they_o take_v to_o teach_v a_o countryman_n who_o be_v not_o book-learned_a what_o a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n be_v or_o to_o understand_v how_o our_o ceremony_n be_v transform_v into_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o whoever_o separate_v upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o without_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o terrible_a objection_n be_v most_o certain_o a_o schismatic_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o to_o be_v know_v before_o man_n can_v justify_v their_o separation_n for_o suppose_v they_o shall_v discover_v some_o fault_n in_o our_o constitution_n they_o must_v further_o inquire_v whether_o these_o be_v only_o some_o tolerable_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v sin_n whether_o they_o pollute_v the_o communicant_n and_o make_v communion_n unlawful_a whether_o they_o be_v only_o active_a or_o passive_a in_o it_o whether_o suppose_v the_o wear_n of_o a_o surplice_n be_v superstitious_a all_o that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n who_o disown_n such_o superstition_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o it_o and_o must_v separate_v to_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n and_o to_o declare_v their_o abomination_n of_o such_o superstition_n whether_o the_o child_n who_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n at_o baptism_n be_v ever_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o or_o whether_o the_o parent_n who_o dislike_v such_o a_o ceremony_n sin_n in_o submit_v their_o child_n to_o it_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n or_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v they_o who_o enjoin_v it_o these_o be_v matter_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n to_o determine_v and_o therefore_o though_o separation_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a very_o few_o man_n can_v separate_v lawful_o 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o these_o man_n honesty_n whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o be_v by_o consider_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n the_o conscience_n of_o any_o honest_a man_n especial_o when_o it_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n be_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n such_o man_n think_v it_o very_o well_o if_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o dissent_v and_o quiet_o withdraw_v though_o they_o have_v not_o leave_v to_o vilify_v the_o establish_a religion_n nor_o undermine_v public_a constitution_n and_o though_o they_o can_v obtain_v thus_o much_o favour_n but_o be_v persecute_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o they_o suffer_v patient_o after_o the_o example_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o who_o judge_v righteous_o but_o a_o schismatic_a who_o conscience_n serve_v a_o interest_n must_v miss_v of_o his_o end_n if_o he_o suffer_v patient_o such_o be_v indeed_o as_o little_a in_o love_n with_o suffering_n as_o other_o man_n but_o yet_o they_o love_v to_o have_v some_o pretence_n or_o other_o to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n about_o their_o suffering_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o schismatical_a donatist_n that_o there_o be_v several_a law_n make_v against_o that_o by_o optatum_fw-la theodosius_n the_o emperor_n and_o though_o none_o of_o those_o law_n be_v scarce_o ever_o execute_v yet_o they_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n aggravate_v every_o little_a matter_n to_o cast_v a_o odium_fw-la upon_o the_o government_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v injurious_o handle_v that_o their_o cause_n be_v never_o fair_o hear_v and_o determine_v by_o its_o intrinsic_a merit_n but_o oppress_v with_o force_n and_o power_n and_o how_o parallel_n this_o story_n be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o these_o day_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o godly_a party_n who_o take_v as_o little_a care_n to_o govern_v their_o tongue_n or_o pen_n tho_o st._n james_n make_v this_o the_o character_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n as_o any_o schsmaticks_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v who_o neither_o express_v any_o regard_n to_o prince_n nor_o to_o truth_n and_o honesty_n if_o they_o can_v but_o serve_v their_o cause_n by_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o government_n or_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtuous_a and_o peaceable_a man_n who_o will_v not_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
sober_a christian_n can_v withstand_v their_o conviction_n i_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v what_o be_v the_o most_o common_a occasion_n of_o or_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v of_o a_o great_a many_o i_o shall_v but_o mention_v two_o very_o brief_o as_o be_v i_o think_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n it_o shall_v have_v so_o ill_a a_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n either_o they_o can_v never_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n or_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o look_v like_o pride_n and_o folly_n to_o think_v that_o we_o must_v be_v worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o must_v all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v above_o our_o desert_n how_o come_v mankind_n to_o be_v worthy_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v die_v for_o they_o and_o have_v god_n advise_v with_o such_o modest_a sinner_n they_o may_v have_v complemented_a away_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o now_o they_o do_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o his_o holy_a supper_n how_o great_a a_o saint_n soever_o thou_o be_v thou_o can_v never_o merit_v such_o favour_n and_o privilege_n as_o these_o for_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n to_o merit_v for_o thou_o and_o how_o great_a a_o sinner_n soever_o thou_o be_v by_o comply_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v quick_o make_v thyself_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o hearty_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o reform_v thy_o life_n and_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n with_o assurance_n to_o receive_v those_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v enable_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o great_a the_o better_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n plain_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o it_o require_v much_o great_a preparation_n of_o mind_n than_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n this_o holy_a supper_n be_v a_o sacred_a mysterious_a rite_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o make_v they_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n be_v you_o then_o when_o you_o come_v to_o church_n fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o if_o not_o you_o must_v neglect_v your_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o be_v fit_a to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n to_o give_v virtue_n and_o prevalency_n to_o your_o prayer_n this_o holy_a supper_n convey_v to_o we_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n now_o if_o you_o be_v true_o penitent_a you_o be_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n where_o it_o be_v dispense_v if_o you_o earnest_o desire_v the_o divine_a grace_n you_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o come_v but_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o want_n and_o with_o such_o desire_n as_o a_o hungry_a man_n have_v of_o meat_n and_o here_o you_o shall_v be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o without_o such_o preparation_n as_o these_o we_o can_v neither_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n nor_o to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o yet_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n shall_v be_v unfit_a to_o approach_v his_o table_n 2._o other_o think_v that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a danger_n in_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o than_o in_o a_o unworthy_a performance_n of_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o think_v so_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v no_o more_o it_o be_v as_o unpardonable_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o christ_n name_n without_o true_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n and_o serious_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o praise_n god_n without_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n differ_v not_o at_o all_o from_o feast_v at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o his_o die_a love_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o give_v encouragement_n by_o this_o discourse_n to_o wicked_a man_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o sacred_a mystery_n when_o they_o be_v discover_v but_o the_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o those_o man_n who_o have_v such_o clear_a innocent_a conscience_n that_o they_o dare_v pray_v to_o god_n need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o case_n they_o be_v in_o they_o defile_v every_o holy_a duty_n they_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n they_o can_v ask_v his_o pardon_n but_o they_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o man_n prayer_n be_v only_o to_o beg_v a_o long_a liberty_n and_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o encouragement_n to_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o and_o so_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n for_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n very_o right_a but_o not_o to_o dispute_v the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n be_v not_o this_o true_a also_o of_o he_o that_o hear_v or_o pray_v unworthy_o do_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a degree_n of_o worthiness_n require_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o there_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o either_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v our_o right_n to_o immortality_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o make_v they_o unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o immortal_a life_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o deplorable_a condition_n that_o they_o shall_v neglect_v that_o holy_a feast_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a institute_v mean_n of_o convey_v all_o these_o blessing_n to_o they_o finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v by_o richard_n chiswel_o lord_n bacon_n remain_n octavo_fw-la dr._n puller_n discourse_n of_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n octavo_fw-la dr._n edw._n bagshaw_n discourse_n upon_o select_a text_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_n octavo_fw-la mr._n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n the_o second_o volume_n folio_n his_o large_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n folio_n remark_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o 3_o first_o century_n wherein_o be_v intersperse_v animadversion_n on_o a_o book_n call_v a_o view_n of_o antiquity_n by_o i._o h._n write_a by_o a._n s._n speculum_fw-la baxterianum_n or_o baxter_n against_o baxter_n quarto_fw-la the_o countryman_n physician_n octavo_fw-la dr._n burlace_n history_n of_o the_o irish_a rebellion_n folio_n a_o apology_n for_o a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n write_v by_o ma._n clifford_n esq_n twelve_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n concern_v jesuit_n etc._n etc._n explain_v by_o divers_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o judge_n with_o other_o observation_n thereupon_o by_o william_n cawley_n esq_n folio_n dr._n burnet_n