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 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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
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
public_a magistrate_n be_v the_o duty_n also_o of_o private_a christian_n possible_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a pain_n in_o prove_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o too_o be_v i_o not_o sensible_a by_o my_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v who_o have_v very_o little_a apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o come_v to_o church_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n and_o sometime_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o careless_a humour_n if_o any_o such_o read_v these_o paper_n i_o will_v desire_v and_o beg_v of_o they_o serious_o to_o consider_v this_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o by_o some_o childish_a and_o sophistical_a reason_n into_o a_o neglect_n so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n suppose_v you_o do_v real_o as_o some_o i_o fear_v only_o pretend_v spend_v your_o time_n in_o private_a prayer_n and_o read_v and_o meditation_n yet_o can_v you_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v your_o private_a prayer_n when_o they_o signify_v a_o neglect_n if_o not_o a_o contempt_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v so_o much_o more_o please_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v praise_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n where_o no_o body_n see_v nor_o hear_v we_o can_v you_o think_v your_o single_a prayer_n will_v as_o much_o prevail_v with_o god_n as_o when_o the_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n can_v you_o any_o where_o expect_v such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n while_o we_o attend_v on_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o without_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o they_o when_o there_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o our_o private_a devotion_n without_o neglect_v or_o affront_a public_a worship_n and_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n before_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o long_o and_o thirst_v after_o the_o court_n of_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n iii_o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n i._o contain_v several_a direction_n to_o such_o man_n whereby_o to_o try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o forsake_v our_o religious_a assembly_n be_v those_o who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o who_o separate_z for_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o think_v themselves_o bind_v as_o they_o honour_v god_n and_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n to_o avoid_v our_o communion_n now_o these_o man_n deserve_v our_o most_o tender_a regard_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n it_o be_v very_o great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o excellent_a book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o instruction_n for_o those_o who_o be_v honest_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v take_v another_o method_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v prove_v more_o effectual_a than_o dispute_v common_o do_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o to_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n three_o to_o remove_v some_o popular_a plea_n and_o objection_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v their_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n offer_v such_o a_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o carry_v on_o other_o design_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n that_o white_v paint_a sepulchre_n how_o glorious_a a_o profession_n soever_o he_o make_v who_o be_v thus_o rot_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v your_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n i_o shall_v desire_v every_o man_n as_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o hope_n for_o mercy_n at_o the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_n the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a question_n first_o whether_o he_o do_v indeed_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n to_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o case_n where_o he_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n when_o we_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n be_v like_o counterfeit_v the_o king_n be_v broad_a seal_n to_o justify_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n few_o man_n make_v any_o difference_n between_o their_o private_a judgement_n opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v between_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o fancy_n come_v into_o their_o head_n be_v call_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n before_o all_o the_o visible_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o last_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o man_n must_v act_v against_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v express_o forbid_v nor_o neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v command_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n whatever_o we_o suffer_v by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o a_o erroneous_a doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v improper_o call_v conscience_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o waver_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a nicety_n which_o signify_v nothing_o in_o practice_n for_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v it_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v or_o fear_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o contrary_a to_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v 23._o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n conscience_n and_o private_a opinion_n between_o their_o judgement_n direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o by_o other_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a measure_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o direct_v our_o practice_n for_o first_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o religious_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a authority_n where_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o divine_a law_n command_v or_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o we_o dare_v
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