the_o man_n of_o god_n when_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o left_a to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o in_o our_o supplication_n such_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o manner_n of_o address_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v intercession_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o now_o blessing_n be_v a_o eminent_a sort_n of_o intercession_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o this_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o command_n of_o god_n numb_a vi_fw-la 23_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o earnest_a intercession_n with_o god_n for_o his_o people_n and_o the_o form_n and_o word_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o mean_a ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v only_o now_o suppose_v by_o some_o to_o need_v the_o help_n of_o form_n but_o by_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n the_o chief_a priest_n from_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n approve_v that_o manner_n of_o address_n in_o our_o blessing_n and_o intercession_n for_o one_o another_o not_o only_o from_o mean_a people_n but_o from_o the_o great_a 4._o the_o four_o part_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o petition_n for_o avert_v evil_a common_o call_v deprecation_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v several_a form_n prescribe_v by_o god_n joel_n i_o 14_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n alas_o for_o the_o day_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v god_n commandment_n for_o another_o form_n joel_n two_o 17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n in_o this_o part_n of_o prayer_n though_o common_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o such_o as_o seem_v least_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o form_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n ii_o and_o according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n though_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n use_v the_o same_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n always_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n thus_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o concern_v moses_n num._n x._o 35_o when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o moses_n say_v rise_v up_o lord_n and_o let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v and_o let_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n unto_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o one_o set_v constant_a form_n of_o word_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o long_o as_o the_o occasion_n of_o repeat_v they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v suspect_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o word_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o moses_n confine_v himself_o to_o this_o form_n i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o prayer_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o such_o pathetic_a significant_a and_o move_a word_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o furnish_v we_o with_o they_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v by_o any_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n such_o be_v the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 9_o 10_o 12_o etc._n etc._n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o constant_a service_n and_o liturgy_n perform_v in_o their_o temple_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o i_o former_o quote_v 2_o chron._n xxix_o 30._o iii_o but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v these_o command_n and_o example_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o so_o plentiful_a a_o measure_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o 1._o i_o think_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o they_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o consist_v in_o psalm_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o in_o some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o use_v in_o their_o daily_a service_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n at_o that_o scripture_n time_n now_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v frequent_o present_a at_o their_o service_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o approve_v the_o manner_n of_o addressing_z themselves_o to_o god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n 2._o but_o our_o saviour_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n with_o impartial_a man_n by_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n for_o we_o find_v his_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o by_o direct_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o find_v he_o say_v when_o you_o pray_v speak_v what_o shall_v then_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o hour_n without_o take_v think_v about_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n that_o be_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o his_o sake_n mat._n x._o 19_o but_o in_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n he_o prescribe_v they_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v it_o luke_n xi_o 2_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o use_v these_o word_n when_o they_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o express_v it_o in_o clear_a term_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o religious_a person_n among_o the_o jew_n offer_v up_o constant_o prayer_n to_o god_n we_o see_v it_o in_o david_n psal._n lv_o 17_o and_o in_o daniel_n chap._n vi_fw-la 10_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o duty_n nor_o in_o skill_n to_o perform_v it_o since_o we_o find_v that_o other_o devout_a person_n of_o their_o time_n have_v their_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n iii._o 1_o therefore_o what_o they_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v they_o absolute_o or_o in_o general_a to_o pray_v but_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n proper_a to_o his_o institution_n as_o they_o see_v the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n and_o john_n have_v proper_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o the_o lord's-prayer_n as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o main_a point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o as_o a_o constant_a badge_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v when_o ever_o you_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n your_o usual_a prayer_n which_o religious_a custom_n have_v teach_v you_o as_o jew_n and_o disciple_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o john_n whether_o in_o secret_n or_o public_a add_v this_o always_o to_o your_o other_o prayer_n for_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n to_o you_o of_o those_o duty_n privilege_n and_o qualification_n which_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o my_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n from_o your_o heavenly_a father_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o persevere_v in_o they_o the_o lords-prayer_n be_v therefore_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n impose_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o
the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n very_o inconvenient_a and_o be_v likewise_o a_o late_a invention_n of_o our_o own_o never_o use_v by_o any_o foreign_a church_n either_o popish_a or_o reform_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v be_v take_v up_o to_o supply_v the_o negligence_n and_o laziness_n of_o people_n who_o will_v not_o now_o as_o former_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o get_v psalm_n by_o heart_n or_o so_o much_o as_o procure_v book_n or_o learn_v to_o read_v they_o 5._o notwithstanding_o your_o directory_n require_v the_o voice_n in_o sing_v psalm_n to_o be_v tuneable_a and_o grave_o order_v yet_o you_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n which_o be_v a_o natural_a mean_n to_o help_v the_o voice_n and_o make_v it_o tuneable_a and_o be_v use_v by_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n but_o have_v also_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o press_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o these_o part_n where_o so_o many_o for_o want_v of_o be_v use_v to_o they_o have_v entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o and_o some_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v affect_v by_o they_o yet_o the_o make_v they_o unlawful_a be_v against_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o be_v on_o that_o account_n a_o dangerous_a superstition_n and_o encroachment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 6._o the_o same_o superstition_n and_o encroachment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v to_o praise_n god_n in_o sing_v or_o say_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v such_o noble_a precedent_n out_o of_o scripture_n but_o even_o to_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a last_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o appear_v you_o have_v altogether_o lay_v aside_o the_o psalm_n in_o prose_n and_o the_o other_o scripture_n hymn_n that_o be_v of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o saint_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v no_o where_o use_v by_o you_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n but_o in_o their_o stead_n you_o have_v substitute_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v a_o few_o verse_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o human_a composure_n without_o scripture-example_n or_o precedent_n and_o sing_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o ancient_a practice_n much_o less_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o be_v pure_o and_o immediate_o a_o invention_n of_o men._n iv._o the_o case_n then_o between_o our_o church_n and_o you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o think_v impartial_o stand_v thus_o our_o church_n praise_v god_n every_o day_n with_o five_o or_o six_o psalm_n beside_o other_o hymn_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n and_o method_n and_o yet_o be_v desert_v and_o condemn_v by_o you_o in_o this_o very_a point_n as_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n whereas_o you_o who_o only_o praise_v he_o in_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o a_o few_o verse_n and_o in_o a_o method_n of_o your_o own_o find_v out_o persuade_v yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a from_o human_a invention_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n serious_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o for_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v what_o all_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o god_n will_v judge_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o you_o in_o earnest_n lie_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o reflect_v on_o they_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o they_o will_v at_o least_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o be_v modest_a in_o your_o censure_n of_o we_o your_o brethren_n and_o prevent_v your_o judge_n much_o less_o condemn_v we_o or_o our_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n as_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o chap._n ii_o of_o prayer_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o main_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o christian_n which_o i_o observe_v be_v prayer_n or_o supplication_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o rule_n direction_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o judge_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n distinct_o by_o themselves_o such_o as_o confession_n supplication_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n 1._o confession_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o aggravate_v it_o be_v common_o look_v on_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n and_o proper_a to_o introduce_v our_o supplication_n now_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v express_a command_n to_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o confession_n so_o deuteron_n xxvi_o 3_o thou_o shall_v go_v unto_o the_o priest_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o profess_v this_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o i_o be_o come_v unto_o the_o country_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o our_o forefather_n to_z give_v we_o and_o then_o the_o offerer_n be_v to_o make_v his_o confession_n vers_n 5_o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v and_o say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v my_o father_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n of_o the_o person_n vnworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n together_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o set_n &_o prepare_a word_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o solomon_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n for_o the_o penitent_a israelite_n 1_o king_n viij_o 47_o which_o word_n we_o find_v according_o apply_v in_o psal._n cvi_fw-la 6_o and_o make_v part_n of_o a_o large_a form_n of_o confession_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o captivity_n as_o solomon_n design_v they_o which_o appear_v from_o the_o 47th_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o psalm_n take_v from_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 1_o chro._n xuj_o 35_o and_o daniel_n in_o his_o form_n of_o confession_n in_o captivity_n chap._n ix_o vers_fw-la 5._o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v arbitrary_o to_o choice_n or_o discretion_n though_o other_o word_n may_v be_v join_v with_o they_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o enlarge_v or_o vary_v the_o form_n many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o be_v use_v and_o daily_o repeat_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n psal._n li._n be_v the_o form_n of_o confession_n david_n prepare_v and_o use_v for_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o he_o not_o only_o use_v it_o himself_o but_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o master_n of_o his_o choir_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o it_o psal._n lxxviii_o be_v a_o general_a confession_n for_o the_o whole_a people_n set_v forth_o at_o large_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o ingratitude_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n and_o this_o not_o as_o a_o pattern_n but_o as_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a service_n all_o which_o show_v we_o that_o address_n to_o god_n in_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v a_o warrant_n to_o we_o that_o he_o approve_v that_o our_o confession_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n 2._o the_o second_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v supplication_n for_o good_a thing_n and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o a_o form_n of_o word_n deut._n xxvi_o 13_o 15._o then_o thou_o shall_v say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n look_v down_o from_o thy_o holy_a habitation_n from_o heaven_n and_o bless_v thy_o people_n israel_n and_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o as_o thou_o swear_v unto_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n so_o hos._n fourteen_o 2_o take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n moses_n in_o the_o wilderness_n use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o psal._n xc_o which_o have_v this_o title_n a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n
the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o all_o good_a people_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o will_v retrieve_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v suggest_v but_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v some_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n because_o they_o will_v but_o exasperate_v and_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o perform_v extempore_o ridiculous_a which_o ill_a man_n may_v extend_v as_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v to_o expose_v devotion_n in_o general_a such_o be_v the_o indecent_a expression_n which_o sometime_o fall_v from_o person_n that_o pray_v thus_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o some_o preacher_n have_v too_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o serious_a person_n even_o among_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o print_v some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o those_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v print_v will_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v nor_o much_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a men._n but_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o ill_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o ridicule_fw-la one_o another_o devotion_n whatever_o it_o be_v v._o there_o remain_v yet_o the_o three_o opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o they_o advance_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n far_o from_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o require_v we_o rom._n xv_o 6_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n we_o produce_v this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n join_v their_o voice_n and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o condemn_v it_o or_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v charge_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o your_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n which_o be_v all_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o head_n after_o what_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o contrary_a practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v faithful_o examine_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n that_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o compare_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n way_n of_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o service_n the_o dissenter_n have_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n lay_v aside_o god_n command_n and_o desert_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o a_o immediate_a invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o entreat_v you_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o show_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o thereby_o literal_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o jew_n mark_v seven_o 7_o of_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o that_o superstition_n condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n col._n two_o 21_o which_o say_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v which_o teach_v to_o forbear_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a after_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o it_o that_o you_o may_v deliver_v your_o soul_n chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o christian_a assembly_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o examine_v this_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o consider_v first_o what_o direction_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o shall_v compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o they_o and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n first_o then_o god_n have_v positive_o command_v we_o to_o read_v his_o word_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n so_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v jos._n viij_o 35_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v which_o joshua_n read_v not_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n neither_o be_v this_o confine_v to_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o sabbath_n service_n in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n xiii_o 14_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n vers_fw-la 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n mean_v undoubted_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o st._n james_n act_n xv_o 21_o of_o moses_n his_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n ii_o this_o read_v the_o law_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n provide_v for_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o people_n immediate_o sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a reformation_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o restore_a this_o ordinance_n thus_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 29_o that_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o he_o read_v in_o their_o ear_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o like_a be_v observe_v of_o ezra_n neh._n viij_o 3_o and_o he_o read_v therein_o before_o the_o street_n that_o be_v before_o the_o water-gate_n from_o morning_n until_o midday_n before_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o that_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n give_v by_o themselves_o be_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o law_n be_v constant_o read_v to_o they_o afterward_o public_o in_o their_o synagogue_n so_o powerful_o do_v god_n bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o preserve_v those_o that_o use_v they_o from_o error_n and_o sin_n iii_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o like_a order_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o read_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a elder_n as_o it_o be_v before_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v as_o well_o as_o to_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspire_v write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n col._n
four_o 16_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o also_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n since_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o christian_a law_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o read_v in_o the_o first_o christian_n assembly_n i_o may_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n iv._o this_o public_a read_v the_o law_n be_v of_o so_o great_a reputation_n that_o it_o be_v term_v preach_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xv_o 21_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n the_o word_n preach_v have_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o signify_v proper_o to_o declare_v or_o proclaim_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o herald_n or_o crier_n proclaim_v the_o law_n or_o order_n of_o a_o king_n hence_o only_a those_o that_o proclaim_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v it_o before_o or_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v preach_v be_v distinguish_v from_o teach_v and_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n though_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v call_v preach_v yet_o interpret_n they_o apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o people_n from_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a be_v never_o call_v by_o that_o name_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o disciple_n act_n xx_o 7_o when_o he_o only_o in_o probability_n make_v a_o sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n as_o be_v usual_a now_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o original_a of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o translate_v preach_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v here_o but_o discourse_v dispute_v speak_v or_o reason_v so_o it_o be_v translate_v in_o act_n xvii_o 2_o 17._o xviii_o 19_o nineteeen_o 8_o 9_o heb._n twelve_o 5_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o original_a word_n which_o proper_o signify_v preach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v proper_o preach_v the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o it_o before_o and_o the_o second_o be_v when_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o peodle_n as_o a_o crier_n do_v a_o proclamation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o word_n himself_o but_o read_v it_o in_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o in_o short_a the_o scripture_n be_v sermon_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n be_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o read_n of_o which_o to_o the_o people_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n of_o god_n and_o where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v due_o observe_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o makâ—_n they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o hear_v they_o with_o humility_n and_o attention_n be_v a_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o tim._n three_o 16_o 17._o v._o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o great_a solemnity_n it_o be_v observe_v nehem._n viij_o 5_o when_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n with_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o i_o find_v it_o general_o agree_v that_o both_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n stand_v up_o whilst_o the_o law_n be_v read_v though_o not_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v read_v or_o teach_v hence_o it_o be_v observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o that_o our_o saviour_n stand_v up_o for_o to_o read_v and_o vers._n 20._o after_o close_v the_o book_n that_o he_o sit_v down_o to_o teach_v hence_o rev._n v_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o highpriest_n with_o a_o book_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o lamb_n as_o his_o minister_n take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o declare_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o vers._n 8._o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n the_o angel_n join_v with_o they_o vers._n 11._o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n verse_n 13._o from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n with_o adoration_n and_o praise_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o read_n the_o law_n confession_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v intermix_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o neh._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o day_n and_o another_o four_o part_n they_o confess_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n vi_o we_o find_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n understand_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o people_n be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n their_o language_n be_v change_v and_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o least_o universal_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v first_o write_v therefore_o when_o ezra_n read_v in_o the_o law_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o ezra_n read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n neh._n viij_o 7_o and_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n and_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o their_o place_n so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o this_o custom_n continue_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n first_o the_o hebrew_a text_n be_v read_v and_o then_o a_o translation_n or_o paraphrase_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n for_o read_v the_o original_n in_o public_a assembly_n such_o a_o custom_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o people_n without_o a_o translation_n therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o the_o church_n but_o order_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 27_o let_v one_o interpret_v but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o we_o find_v that_o after_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o enlargement_n or_o comment_n on_o some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v constant_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v rather_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o have_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a provision_n for_o such_o enlargement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o exhortation_n from_o it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xiii_o 15_o to_o send_v to_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n that_o message_n we_o find_v there_o you_o man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o st._n paul_n suppose_v he_o who_o teach_v and_o he_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v distinct_a from_o he_o that_o rule_v
the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o dull_a and_o tedious_a so_o mal._n i._n 13_o you_o say_v also_o what_o a_o weariness_n be_v it_o and_o you_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appoint_v be_v always_o more_o spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n be_v own_o invention_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v so_o easy_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o men._n 4._o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o when_o people_n complain_v of_o be_v dull_a and_o unaffected_a by_o mere_a hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o true_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o wicked_a heart_n estrange_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o reason_n that_o sermon_n please_v and_o affect_v more_o than_o a_o chapter_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o novelty_n and_o outward_a ornament_n of_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o spiritualness_n of_o the_o discourse_n we_o be_v sure_a st._n paul_n suppose_v such_o as_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mere_a natural_a or_o carnal_a man_n 1_o cor._n two_o 13_o where_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o speak_v not_o in_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v he_o add_v but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v because_o they_o be_v mere_a natural_a man_n and_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whoever_o therefore_o be_v more_o affect_v or_o delight_n more_o in_o a_o sermon_n then_o in_o a_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v reason_n to_o look_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n those_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o have_v that_o spirit_n delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o thing_n they_o meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o their_o public_a assembly_n that_o the_o hear_v it_o read_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n whoever_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o this_o practice_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o want_v that_o temper_n and_o spirit_n with_o which_o those_o holy_a man_n be_v inspire_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a spiritualness_n and_o reformation_n be_v little_o advance_v above_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o receive_v or_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n at_o least_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v i_o find_v it_o allege_v as_o a_o six_o pretence_n for_o not_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o your_o meeting_n that_o a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o and_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o then_o what_o need_v it_o take_v up_o the_o minister_n time_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o less_o his_o or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v value_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o more_o sinful_a to_o neglect_v it_o the_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v minister_n be_v not_o set_v apart_o for_o difficult_a thing_n only_o which_o other_o can_v perform_v but_o they_o be_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n that_o god_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a as_o for_o example_n god_n have_v command_v his_o minister_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o pour_v on_o water_n in_o this_o form_n be_v no_o such_o difficult_a thing_n but_o a_o child_n or_o any_o else_o may_v perform_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n office_n to_o perform_v these_o and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o delegate_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o other_o or_o omit_v they_o because_o they_o be_v easy_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o different_a sacredness_n efficacy_n and_o force_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o person_n ordain_v and_o authorize_v to_o this_o purpose_n then_o when_o perform_v by_o another_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o man_n may_v read_v they_o at_o home_n a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o in_o church_n but_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o efficacy_n and_o a_o blessing_n as_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n ordinance_n for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o experience_n as_o i_o have_v say_v of_o most_o christian_n from_o what_o they_o have_v feel_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o read_v will_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o now_o if_o you_o my_o friend_n know_v and_o own_o this_o as_o i_o hope_v the_o generality_n of_o you_o do_v you_o must_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v not_o know_v it_o you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v your_o teacher_n duty_n to_o inform_v you_o better_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v allow_v by_o their_o directory_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n we_o have_v this_o rule_n there_o in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v read_v over_o in_o order_n that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o you_o can_v show_v but_o one_o meeting_n in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o which_o this_o have_v be_v due_o perform_v we_o will_v not_o accuse_v you_o so_o general_o of_o violate_v god_n command_n in_o this_o point_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o such_o meeting_n you_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o you_o will_v excuse_v yourselves_o before_o god_n and_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o observe_v to_o you_o how_o insignificant_a general_a rule_n be_v without_o descend_v to_o a_o particular_a determination_n of_o circumstance_n here_o we_o have_v in_o your_o directory_n a_o general_a rule_n such_o as_o it_o be_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o for_o want_v of_o be_v particular_a as_o the_o calendar_n in_o our_o common-prayer-book_n be_v i_o question_v if_o it_o yet_o be_v ever_o once_o observe_v or_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v practical_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o almost_o in_o every_o other_o general_a rule_n and_o therefore_o to_o leave_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v order_v by_o such_o general_a rule_n only_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o teach_v people_n to_o neglect_v it_o v._o these_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v possible_o think_v of_o or_o have_v hear_v urge_v for_o your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o other_o may_v be_v pretend_v but_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o if_o i_o have_v i_o will_v have_v give_v they_o a_o due_a consideration_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n than_o those_o i_o have_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o excuse_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n from_o manifest_a breach_n of_o god_n command_n in_o prefer_v man_n invention_n to_o his_o institution_n after_o all_o i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o look_v on_o all_o these_o to_o be_v only_a pretence_n and_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o man_n negligence_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v give_v we_o 2_o tim._n four_o 3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v say_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n a_o itch_a ear_n here_o can_v signify_v nothing_o so_o proper_o as_o a_o ear_n that_o love_v novelty_n and_o variety_n because_o therefore_o our_o church_n give_v the_o people_n little_a that_o be_v new_a in_o her_o prayer_n or_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o retain_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o hence_o
2_o chron._n xxix_o 26_o neh._n x._o 40_o and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a act_n but_o impose_v on_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v from_o neh._n ix_o 5_o then_o the_o levite_n say_v stand_v up_o and_o bless_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o thus_o praise_v god_n rev._n seven_o 9_o they_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n and_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v salvation_n etc._n etc._n at_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o reader_n and_o people_n use_v the_o same_o posture_n as_o appear_v from_o neh._n viij_o 4_o 5._o and_o ezra_n the_o scribe_n stand_v on_o a_o pulpit_n of_o wood_n and_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o chap._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n which_o our_o saviour_n likewise_o observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o last_o they_o offer_v their_o sacrifice_n with_o bodily_a adoration_n 2_o chron._n xxix_o 27_o and_o when_o the_o burn_a offering_n begin_v the_o song_n of_o the_o lord_n begin_v also_o and_o all_o the_o congregation_n worship_v and_o the_o singer_n sing_v and_o the_o trumpet_n sound_v and_o all_o this_o continue_a until_o the_o burn_a offer_v be_v finish_v the_o word_n as_o be_v observe_v here_o render_v worship_v signify_v literal_o they_o bow_v themselves_o down_o and_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o continue_v prostrate_a or_o kneel_v whilst_o the_o burn_a offer_v be_v offer_v thus_o in_o every_o religious_a performance_n the_o scripture_n have_v take_v particular_a notice_n and_o record_v to_o we_o with_o what_o act_n of_o bodily_a worship_n it_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o bodily_a worship_n let_v we_o in_o next_o place_n compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o this_o representation_n and_o see_v how_o we_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o visible_a worship_n in_o our_o church_n i._n first_o then_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o public_a assembly_n we_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o come_v into_o christ_n presence_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v mat._n xviii_o 21_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v our_o custom_n to_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o bow_v our_o body_n before_o he_o this_o bow_v our_o body_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o for_o his_o service_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o any_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v general_o practise_v by_o good_a people_n as_o very_o decent_a in_o itself_o and_o edify_v to_o other_o our_o bow_v our_o body_n therefore_o at_o our_o come_n into_o a_o christian_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v only_o to_o pay_v that_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o when_o we_o come_v into_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n which_o presence_n he_o have_v promise_v in_o such_o assembly_n some_o indeed_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o term_v our_o thus_o worship_v god_n a_o bow_v to_o the_o altar_n whereas_o our_o church_n express_o declare_v against_o any_o adoration_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n do_v much_o deelare_v against_o do_v it_o to_o the_o altar_n ii_o uncover_v the_o head_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o respect_n among_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o continue_v uncover_v whilst_o the_o assembly_n last_v that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n presence_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n be_v to_o uncover_v their_o foot_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n so_o moses_n and_o joshua_n be_v command_v to_o do_v to_o which_o solomon_n allude_v eccles._n v._n 1_o this_o be_v easy_o practise_v with_o they_o because_o they_o wear_v nothing_o on_o their_o foot_n but_o loose_a shoe_n and_o sandal_n which_o be_v ready_o slip_v off_o and_o this_o continue_a till_o our_o saviour_n time_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o wash_v their_o foot_n when_o they_o come_v into_o house_n luke_n seven_o 44_o uncover_v the_o head_n be_v the_o same_o common_a mark_n of_o respect_n with_o we_o now_o as_o uncover_v the_o foot_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o time_n and_o this_o uncover_v the_o foot_n be_v neither_o practicable_a with_o we_o nor_o any_o note_n of_o respect_n among_o we_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a our_o church_n have_v require_v we_o instead_o of_o it_o to_o uncover_v our_o head_n can._n seven_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o this_o practice_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o digress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o explain_v one_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v his_o head_n uncover_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n not_o as_o a_o note_n of_o respect_n but_o of_o privilege_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 7_o for_o a_o man_n indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o cover_v his_o head_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o woman_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o man._n which_o passage_n do_v not_o primary_o relate_v to_o the_o cover_n the_o head_n but_o the_o face_n by_o a_o veil_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o this_o cover_n the_o face_n be_v a_o note_n of_o respect_n as_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o note_n of_o privilege_n so_o we_o find_v that_o when_o rebecca_n be_v to_o appear_v before_o her_o husband_n gen._n xxiv_o 65_o she_o take_v a_o veil_n and_o cover_v herself_o so_o exod._n iii._o 6_o moses_n hide_v his_o face_n for_o he_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v upon_o god_n and_o elijah_n wrap_v his_o face_n in_o his_o mantle_n when_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v god_n 1_o king_n nineteeen_o 13_o on_o the_o same_o account_v the_o seraphin_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n is._n vi_fw-la 2_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o favour_n to_o be_v allow_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n uncover_v and_o it_o be_v reckon_v as_o such_o 2_o cor._n three_o 18_o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o favour_n may_v not_o appear_v bare-faced_n before_o their_o prince_n but_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v as_o haman_n be_v when_o the_o king_n signify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o he_o ester_n seven_o 8_o now_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o before_o cite_v place_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o man_n be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v allow_v to_o take_v this_o confidence_n before_o god_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o woman_n for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v man_n his_o image_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o this_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v cover_v before_o he_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o man_n glory_n which_o be_v woman_n shall_v be_v cover_v before_o god_n this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o uncover_v the_o of_o head_n in_o use_n with_o we_o now_o which_o be_v only_o a_o mark_n of_o civil_a respect_n and_o that_o peculiar_a to_o man_n and_o not_o to_o woman_n but_o however_o be_v a_o honour_n pay_v to_o man_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n general_a injunction_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o order_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v to_o determine_v what_o particular_a thing_n come_v under_o the_o apostle_n general_a word_n of_o decency_n 3._o we_o stand_v up_o at_o our_o praising_n thanksgiving_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a scripture_n 4._o at_o our_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o at_o our_o prayer_n we_o present_v ourselves_o before_o god_n on_o our_o knee_n by_o order_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n iii_o we_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o worship_a posture_n i_o know_v that_o many_o except_v against_o this_o it_o will_v engage_v i_o in_o a_o long_a discourse_n to_o examine_v it_o full_o perhaps_o god_n may_v hereafter_o give_v i_o a_o opportunity_n to_o discuss_v it_o at_o large_a at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o hint_n at_o the_o scripture-ground_n we_o have_v for_o it_o by_o