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if_o his_o personal_a schism_n shall_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o every_o abuse_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v schismatical_a when_o the_o bishop_n be_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n who_o bishop_n be_v a_o schismatic_a without_o communicate_v in_o the_o schism_n and_o therefore_o though_o victor_n have_v schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n the_o christian_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n for_o though_o a_o particular_a church-society_n consist_v in_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n may_v violate_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o communion_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o a_o church_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a fault_n which_o can_v affect_v the_o whole_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a where_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v constitution_n in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o oblige_v the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o people_n for_o shall_v any_o english_a bishop_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_v law_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n or_o shall_v exercise_v any_o authority_n in_o censure_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v not_o allow_v he_o by_o those_o canon_n this_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o bind_v
to_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o and_o though_o such_o a_o bishop_n shall_v do_v any_o schismatical_a act_n the_o church_n be_v not_o schismatical_a because_o he_o do_v not_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o gratify_v his_o own_o humour_n and_o passion_n if_o the_o church_n indeed_o unite_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n as_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v whatever_o the_o bishop_n do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v schismatic_n the_o church_n be_v so_o too_o but_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o schismatical_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o personal_a schism_n of_o bishop_n can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a and_o though_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o empire_n turn_v christian_n have_v not_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o legal_a constitution_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o have_v yet_o a_o constitution_n they_o have_v which_o consist_v either_o of_o apostolical_a rule_n hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o confirm_v by_o long_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o the_o canon_n of_o particular_a council_n which_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v stand_v law_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n provide_v for_o new_a emergent_a difficulty_n and_o antecedent_o to_o all_o these_o positive_a constitution_n they_o be_v all_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o great_a law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v never_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o bishop_n breast_n that_o what_o he_o do_v shall_v be_v think_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o comply_v with_o those_o law_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o those_o day_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v observe_v easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o asian_a church_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n may_v require_v all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o observe_v easter_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o may_v regular_o inflict_v church-censure_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a and_o this_o will_v be_v account_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o canon_n nor_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o foreign_a church_n who_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nay_o there_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o former_a time_n against_o it_o for_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n receive_v polycarp_n a_o asian_a bishop_n to_o communion_n though_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o when_o victor_n schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o this_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a act_n not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v no_o such_o law_n and_o own_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o therefore_o though_o this_o may_v make_v pope_n victor_n a_o schismatic_a it_o can_v not_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n schismatical_a the_o guilt_n go_v no_o far_a than_o victor_n person_n unless_o other_o person_n voluntary_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a by_o abet_v and_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o have_v victor_n persist_v in_o his_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n none_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o approve_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o have_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o have_v be_v innocent_a and_o therefore_o any_o catholic_n peaceable_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n of_o particular_a bishop_n which_o have_v sometime_o end_v in_o formal_a schism_n and_o denounce_v excommunication_n against_o each_o other_o which_o can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a any_o further_a than_o they_o take_v part_n with_o their_o respective_a bishop_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o personal_a schism_n and_o separation_n than_o a_o church_n schism_n neither_o of_o they_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o they_o separate_a from_o each_o other_o communion_n upon_o some_o personal_a quarrel_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v catholic_n bishop_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o yet_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n as_o all_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v but_o have_v not_o the_o evil_a and_o destructive_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n schism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n without_o communicate_v with_o its_o bishop_n or_o can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n when_o schism_n be_v his_o personal_a fault_n our_o communion_n with_o he_o make_v we_o no_o more_o guilty_a of_o it_o than_o of_o any_o other_o personal_a fault_n our_o bishop_n be_v guilty_a of_o while_o we_o take_v care_n to_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o no_o schismatical_a act_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o his_o bishop_n so_o that_o the_o roman_a christian_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n notwithstanding_o pope_n victor_n schismatical_a excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o now_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o remain_v be_v whether_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o asiatic_a church_n notwithstanding_o victor_n have_v excommunicate_v they_o for_o if_o they_o can_v not_o than_o they_o must_v inevitable_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n if_o his_o sentence_n oblige_v they_o to_o deny_v communion_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v 2._o that_o those_o who_o condemn_v the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n do_v in_o so_o do_v own_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v one_o way_n and_o the_o principal_a way_n of_o maintain_v communion_n between_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n who_o can_v actual_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o 3._o that_o victor_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n if_o any_o person_n of_o the_o asian_a communion_n have_v come_v to_o rome_n private_a christian_n can_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o actual_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o own_v their_o communion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o their_o fault_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o church_n and_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a that_o the_o asian_o that_o be_v among_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o communion_n but_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o they_o for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o asian_a christian_n but_o be_v only_o a_o force_a suspension_n of_o communion_n 4._o if_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n shall_v travel_v into_o asia_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v very_o lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o asian_a church_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o the_o sentence_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o and_o the_o roman_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o asia_n be_v not_o under_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o forbear_v
who_o it_o be_v they_o join_v with_o and_o who_o cause_n they_o advance_v while_o they_o thus_o decry_v our_o liturgy_n and_o advance_v their_o own_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o they_o will_v at_o last_o see_v cause_n to_o retract_v a_o mistake_n which_o none_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v cause_n to_o thank_v they_o for_o case_n vi_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o use_n of_o public_a form_n s_o when_o they_o be_v impose_v in_o answer_n to_o which_o a_o very_a few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o use_n of_o public_a form_n be_v universal_o lawful_a there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o forbid_v it_o but_o a_o great_a deal_n in_o both_o that_o approve_v and_o warrant_v it_o so_o that_o now_o the_o question_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o whether_o a_o lawful_a thing_n when_o impose_v may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o the_o affirmative_a of_o which_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o imposition_n of_o pray_v in_o public_a by_o form_n though_o lawful_a in_o itself_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o than_o neither_o may_v the_o imposition_n of_o pray_v extempore_o and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o must_v act_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v command_v by_o authority_n and_o pray_v by_o form_n when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v extempore_o as_o well_o as_o extempore_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v by_o form_n and_o if_o in_o lawful_a thing_n authority_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o by_o command_v the_o contrary_a our_o liberty_n will_v be_v altogether_o as_o liable_a to_o restraint_n this_o way_n as_o the_o other_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o much_o oblige_v this_o way_n to_o forbear_v a_o lawful_a thing_n as_o we_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o the_o other_o and_o if_o all_o man_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o no_o lawful_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v comply_v with_o when_o it_o be_v command_v authority_n may_v as_o effectual_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o it_o will_v have_v by_o command_v the_o quite_o contrary_a as_o it_o can_v now_o by_o command_v the_o thing_n it_o will_v have_v but_o this_o be_v quite_o beside_o the_o province_n i_o have_v undertake_v i_o shall_v insist_v no_o far_o upon_o it_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n in_o two_o part_n 11._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 12._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 13._o a_o argument_n to_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 14._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 16._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n 17._o the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v and_o reflect_v back_o upon_o separation_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 3._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine-service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o believe_v all_o consider_v person_n be_v by_o this_o time_n sensible_a what_o advantage_n the_o papist_n make_v of_o the_o separation_n of_o some_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o the_o worse_a which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v be_v so_o very_o discernible_a that_o it_o may_v now_o be_v hope_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o will_v something_o abate_v those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o dissenter_n against_o we_o which_o we_o think_v have_v hitherto_o hinder_v the_o prevail_a of_o our_o reason_n though_o prejudice_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v remove_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a several_a ingenuous_a person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n have_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o our_o communion_n when_o the_o mischief_n of_o these_o division_n be_v not_o so_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v now_o i_o trust_v therefore_o that_o at_o this_o time_n many_o more_o will_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n that_o all_o of_o they_o may_v serious_o and_o impartial_o look_v over_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v keep_v up_o the_o separation_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o their_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n â—s_a to_o justify_v their_o forsake_v it_o and_o that_o themselves_o will_v discern_v it_o if_o they_o will_v consider_v our_o answer_n with_o the_o same_o meekness_n and_o charity_n wherewith_o we_o offer_v they_o i_o have_v with_o great_a pleasure_n read_v some_o short_a discourse_n late_o publish_v that_o tend_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o good_a spirit_n where_o with_o they_o be_v write_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a likely_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o argument_n with_o all_o its_o advantage_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v they_o and_o though_o i_o think_v that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v already_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v judicious_a man_n yet_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o some_o friend_n i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o answer_v those_o particular_a objection_n against_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n by_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n which_o the_o dissenter_n be_v say_v to_o insist_v most_o upon_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v always_o think_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o a_o true_o evangelical_n form_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o have_v invite_v protestant_n to_o our_o communion_n than_o keep_v they_o from_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v if_o the_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o read_v over_o that_o sermon_n of_o dr._n beverege_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n they_o will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o i_o hope_v many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o except_v only_o as_o to_o those_o particular_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o so_o well_o satisfy_v and_o therefore_o i_o
face_n at_o our_o devotion_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a rule_n they_o may_v then_o with_o a_o better_a grace_n though_o with_o little_a reason_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o conformity_n as_o offensive_a to_o they_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v exasperate_v or_o provoke_v any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o satisfaction_n i_o design_v i_o very_o well_o know_v their_o weakness_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n however_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n profess_v religion_n and_o godliness_n that_o have_v do_v such_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n dissenter_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_v particular_n 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o so_o to_o order_v their_o return_n to_o the_o church_n as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o those_o who_o they_o forsake_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o conform_v with_o a_o willing_a mind_n be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o not_o mere_o to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n or_o to_o save_v their_o purse_n or_o to_o get_v into_o a_o office_n or_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o vote_n or_o the_o like_a for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o conformity_n as_o some_o practice_n and_o call_v occasional_a communion_n which_o be_v come_v to_o church_n and_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n be_v true_o scandalous_a to_o all_o good_a man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n etc._n etc._n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o second_o part._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v and_o reflect_v back_o upon_o separation_n and_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o that_o have_v be_v so_o usual_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n in_o this_o case_n assert_v to_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o vindicate_v from_o favour_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o have_v beed_o quote_v by_o they_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o to_o the_o christian-reader_n thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a i_o suppose_v that_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o a_o far_o better_a pen_n a_o author_n that_o do_v every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v with_o that_o accuracy_n of_o judgement_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n that_o become_v a_o person_n of_o his_o character_n and_o therefore_o may_v wonder_v what_o so_o mean_v a_o scribe_n have_v to_o do_v after_o he_o i_o have_v but_o this_o answer_n only_o to_o give_v thou_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o affectation_n nor_o conceit_n of_o this_o paper_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n this_o discourse_n be_v show_v to_o some_o person_n both_o friend_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o author_n who_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a that_o the_o subject_n be_v undertake_v by_o another_o and_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v stay_v till_o it_o be_v see_v what_o that_o discourse_n expect_v then_o will_v be_v with_o a_o design_n to_o suppress_v it_o whole_o have_v the_o method_n or_o the_o management_n be_v near_o alike_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o and_o because_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o hit_v one_o fancy_n may_v not_o do_v so_o to_o another_o or_o not_o to_o all_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o venture_v this_o to_o the_o public_a also_o which_o the_o author_n do_v with_o prayer_n for_o and_o true_a charity_n unto_o all_o that_o need_v such_o discourse_n beseech_v god_n that_o they_o may_v honest_o and_o impartial_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o of_o late_a to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o most_o material_a scruple_n and_o objection_n and_o that_o they_o may_v find_v a_o suitable_a effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o more_o trouble_n and_o distract_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n than_o how_o to_o govern_v themselves_o and_o order_v their_o action_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v indifferent_a in_o thing_n that_o be_v essential_o good_a or_o evil_n or_o be_v make_v so_o by_o some_o plain_a command_n or_o prohibition_n of_o our_o great_a law_n giver_n all_o party_n be_v soon_o agree_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o question_n or_o dispute_v between_o they_o in_o these_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a and_o suppose_v man_n honest_a there_o can_v be_v any_o great_a mistake_n about_o they_o but_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v whole_o undetermined_a by_o god_n and_o neither_o direct_o nor_o by_o just_a and_o natural_a consequence_n either_o enjoin_v or_o prohibit_v by_o any_o law_n of_o he_o there_o man_n sail_v not_o by_o so_o plain_a a_o compass_n but_o have_v a_o large_a scope_n and_o may_v more_o easy_o mistake_v their_o course_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v less_o than_o a_o good_a service_n to_o man_n to_o direct_v they_o safe_o in_o this_o unbeaten_a tract_n and_o to_o prescribe_v to_o they_o such_o rule_n to_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o attend_v they_o can_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a error_n this_o be_v our_o apostle_n charitable_a design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o respect_n in_o manage_v this_o present_a argument_n viz._n 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o by_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hit_v those_o great_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v indeed_o but_o of_o one_o particular_a instance_n of_o these_o i_o e._n the_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v thing_n that_o have_v
leen_n offer_v in_o sacrifice_n by_o the_o gentile_n to_o their_o daemon_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v at_o large_a hereafter_o to_o you_o but_o it_o be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a indifferent_a nature_n and_o there_o be_v two_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o there_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n v._o 31._o whatsoever_o therefore_o you_o do_v whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n whatever_o you_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a you_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o violate_v none_o of_o the_o divine_a commandment_n either_o by_o what_o you_o do_v or_o what_o you_o refuse_v to_o do_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o meaning_n of_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n keep_v we_o close_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o for_o then_o god_n be_v most_o true_o glorify_v by_o we_o when_o we_o express_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o law_n in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v charity_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o we_o converse_v with_o and_o live_v among_o that_o we_o neither_o grieve_v nor_o injure_v they_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n so_o often_o quote_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o consider_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v some_o contest_v with_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n about_o it_o there_o have_v be_v great_a talk_n about_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n by_o conformty_n and_o compliance_n with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o among_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n and_o pretence_n against_o it_o this_o have_v be_v press_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o cause_n either_o to_o add_v some_o real_a weight_n to_o the_o rest_n or_o at_o least_o to_o add_v to_o their_o number_n though_o to_o tell_v you_o plain_o i_o think_v it_o be_v only_o to_o make_v a_o show_n and_o to_o render_v the_o bulk_n of_o their_o exception_n the_o big_a that_o this_o be_v summon_v to_o the_o muster_n and_o not_o for_o any_o real_a weight_n that_o there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o serve_v the_o cause_n however_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o great_a noise_n be_v make_v with_o it_o and_o as_o a_o mighty_a noise_n have_v be_v make_v about_o scandal_n and_o great_a pain_n use_v to_o wrest_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o to_o serve_v man_n purpose_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o great_a art_n have_v be_v employ_v to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n and_o to_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o from_o comply_v with_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v so_o very_o great_a a_o scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o weak_a conscience_n two_o great_a and_o popular_a plea_n against_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o ceremony_n retain_v by_o it_o have_v be_v these_o tenderness_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n in_o some_o and_o fear_v of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n to_o such_o in_o other_o some_o man_n have_v plead_v their_o own_o scruple_n and_o want_v of_o sufficient_a conviction_n and_o information_n and_o excuse_v their_o omission_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 14._o 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o some_o have_v allege_v their_o fear_n of_o scandal_n and_o offend_a other_o and_o plead_v that_o in_o bar_n of_o their_o compliance_n from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n give_v none_o offence_n etc._n etc._n how_o much_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o place_n be_v mistake_v and_o how_o false_a the_o consequence_n that_o be_v make_v from_o it_o be_v i_o be_o not_o now_o oblige_v to_o show_v my_o province_n at_o this_o time_n be_v about_o the_o second_o this_o place_n that_o i_o have_v now_o quote_v in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a question_n nor_o will_v serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o church_n allege_v it_o for_o 2._o that_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v conclude_v against_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o present_a case_n betwixt_o we_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a case_n nor_o pertinent_o urge_v by_o our_o brethren_n against_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a rite_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o may_v do_v from_o two_o thing_n mistake_v great_o in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o text._n 1._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n here_o mention_v 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v which_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o man_n scruple_n or_o forbear_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o a_o large_a discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o general_n or_o a_o remove_n and_o rectify_v those_o many_o common_a mistake_n in_o the_o world_n about_o it_o but_o only_o to_o observe_v so_o much_o as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n 1._o then_o i_o observe_v that_o as_o there_o be_v only_o two_o notion_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o there_o be_v only_o two_o case_n in_o which_o man_n be_v proper_o and_o primary_o capable_a of_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o give_v it_o to_o other_o 1._o the_o first_o notion_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o snare_n or_o a_o gin_n by_o which_o man_n be_v entrap_v and_o draw_v into_o some_o plain_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o place_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o famous_a speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 18._o 6._o to_o 10._o and_o man_n do_v then_o give_v offence_n or_o scandalize_v other_o when_o they_o do_v that_o which_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o induce_v other_o either_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o be_v a_o plain_a duty_n both_o which_o man_n may_v do_v several_a way_n which_o it_o be_v not_o now_o so_o very_o needful_a to_o reckon_v up_o single_o 2._o the_o second_o notion_n of_o scandalâ—is_n that_o it_o be_v some_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n or_o trouble_n to_o other_o in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o that_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o walk_v in_o it_o with_o that_o cheerfulness_n and_o security_n that_o they_o otherwise_o will_v according_a to_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v render_v offence_n in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n some_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n of_o trouble_n or_o grief_n give_v to_o another_o by_o something_o that_o he_o see_v we_o either_o omit_v or_o do_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o direct_a occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n but_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n so_o it_o be_v use_v particular_o joh._n 16._o 1._o and_o rom._n 14._o 15._o it_o be_v express_v by_o grieve_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n man_n give_v offence_n to_o other_o when_o either_o by_o do_v or_o neglect_v something_o themselves_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n or_o grief_n to_o other_o and_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o occasion_n to_o they_o some_o trouble_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v free_a from_o 2._o have_v observe_v this_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o notion_n of_o scandal_n can_v be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o present_a case_n nor_o can_v
we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o in_o and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n
lord_n jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o you_o be_v now_o call_v through_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n amen_n i_o receive_v yesternight_o from_o you_o dear_a brother_n s._n and_o fellow-prisoner_n for_o the_o truth_n for_o christ_n gospel_n a_o letter_n wherein_o you_o gentle_o require_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n thereof_o and_o before_o i_o do_v show_v you_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o his_o true_a infallible_a church_n touch_v the_o same_o i_o think_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o declare_v what_o vision_n i_o have_v the_o same_o night_n whilst_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n i_o fall_v asleep_a know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o without_o cause_n reveal_v to_o his_o people_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n fix_v on_o he_o special_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n to_o their_o comfort_n as_o a_o taste_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o kingdom_n to_o come_v which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v comprehend_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sweet_a rest_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o see_v a_o great_a beautiful_a city_n all_o of_o the_o colour_n of_o azure_a and_o white_a four_o square_n in_o a_o marvellous_a beautiful_a composition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sky_n the_o sight_n whereof_o so_o inward_o comfort_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o consolation_n i_o have_v thereof_o yea_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o cause_v my_o heart_n as_o yet_o to_o leap_v for_o joy_n and_o as_o charity_n be_v no_o churl_n but_o will_v have_v other_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o delight_n some_o thought_n i_o call_v to_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v who_o and_o whilst_o they_o come_v and_o we_o together_o behold_v the_o same_o by_z and_z by_z to_o my_o great_a grief_n it_o vade_v away_o this_o dream_n i_o think_v not_o to_o have_v come_v of_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o sense_n because_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o so_o much_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o contentation_n of_o your_o request_n as_o he_o wrought_v in_o peter_n to_o satisfy_v cornelius_n therefore_o i_o interpret_v this_o beautiful_a city_n to_o be_v the_o glorious_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sky_n signify_v the_o heavenly_a state_n thereof_o who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n man_n ought_v to_o measure_n and_o judge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o in_o earth_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a hill_n and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o the_o marvellous_a quadrature_n of_o the_o same_o i_o take_v to_o signify_v the_o universal_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n here_o militant_a aught_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n throughout_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophet_n affirm_v say_v god_n make_v we_o to_o dwell_v after_o one_o manner_n in_o one_o house_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v so_o wonderful_a joy_n at_o the_o contemplation_n thereof_o i_o understand_v the_o unspeakable_a joy_n which_o they_o have_v that_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o christ_n primitive_a church_n for_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o psalm_n as_o of_o joyful_a person_n be_v the_o dwell_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o that_o i_o call_v other_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o to_o behold_v this_o wonderful_a city_n i_o construe_v it_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o vision_n to_o have_v come_v upon_o i_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o under_o this_o figure_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o move_v you_o with_o many_o other_o to_o behold_v the_o primitive_a church_n in_o all_o your_o opinion_n concern_v faith_n and_o to_o conform_v yourself_o in_o all_o point_n to_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o teach_v the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o have_v with_o a_o great_a fullness_n than_o we_o have_v now_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v declare_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o all_o verity_n even_o as_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v they_o another_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o truth_n and_o since_o all_o truth_n be_v teach_v and_o reveal_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v our_o mother_n let_v we_o all_o that_o be_v obedient_a child_n of_o god_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o doubtful_a sentence_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v in_o we_o by_o follow_v any_o private_a man_n interpretation_n upon_o the_o word_n another_o spirit_n than_o they_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v lest_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o himself_o neither_o otherwise_o now_o teach_v we_o than_o he_o do_v they_o therefore_o let_v we_o believe_v as_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o they_o according_a as_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n assure_o will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o all_o our_o worldly_a trouble_n and_o misery_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o bliss_n through_o our_o obedience_n to_o faith_n with_o they_o therefore_o god_n command_v we_o in_o job_n to_o ask_v of_o the_o elder_a generation_n and_o to_o search_v diligent_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o father_n for_o we_o be_v but_o yesterday_n children_n and_o be_v 8._o job_n 8._o ignorant_a and_o our_o day_n be_v like_o a_o shadow_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o thou_o and_o shall_v utter_v word_n from_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o solomon_n we_o be_v 6._o prov._n 6._o command_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o mother_n the_o lord_n grant_v you_o to_o direct_v your_o step_n in_o all_o thing_n after_o she_o and_o to_o abhor_v contention_n with_o she_o for_o as_o st._n paul_n write_v if_o any_o man_n be_v contentious_a neither_o we_o neither_o the_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 11._o church_n of_o god_n have_v any_o such_o custom_n hitherto_o i_o have_v show_v you_o good_a brother_n s._n my_o judgement_n general_o of_o that_o you_o stand_v in_o doubt_n and_o dissent_v from_o other_o to_o the_o which_o i_o wish_v you_o as_o i_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v comformable_a and_o then_o doubtless_o you_o can_v err_v but_o bold_o may_v be_v glad_a in_o your_o trouble_n and_o triumph_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n and_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o thus_o much_o have_v i_o write_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o vision_n before_o god_n unfeigned_a but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o satisfy_v you_o with_o uncertain_a vision_n only_o and_o not_o after_o god_n word_n i_o will_v take_v the_o ground_n of_o your_o letter_n and_o special_o answer_v to_o the_o same_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o infallible_a reason_n deduce_v out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n to_o be_v lawful_a commendable_a and_o necessary_a whereof_o you_o seem_v to_o stand_v in_o doubt_n indeed_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o papistical_a synagogue_n only_o which_o have_v corrupt_v god_n word_n by_o false_a interpretation_n and_o have_v pervert_v the_o true_a use_n of_o christ_n sacrament_n you_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v good_a handfast_a of_o your_o opinion_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o antiquity_n and_o have_v his_o beginning_n from_o god_n word_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o must_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o abuse_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v neglect_v or_o think_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v use_v in_o christ_n church_n auxentius_n one_o of_o the_o arrian_n sect_n with_o his_o adherent_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o child_n and_o next_o after_o he_o pelagius_n the_o heretic_n and_o some_o other_o there_o be_v in_o st._n bernard_n time_n as_o it_o do_v appear_v by_o his_o write_n and_o in_o our_o day_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o inordinate_a kind_n of_o man_n stir_v up_o
sacrament_n to_o they_o for_o who_o they_o be_v institute_v as_o for_o a_o example_n we_o may_v behold_v joshua_n who_o most_o diligent_o procure_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o 2._o jos_n 2._o be_v circumcise_a before_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o since_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o very_a faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o may_v hereafter_o doubt_v that_o they_o baptise_a infant_n since_o baptism_n be_v in_o place_n of_o circumcision_n item_n the_o apostle_n do_v attemperate_a all_o their_o do_n to_o the_o shadow_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o do_v attemperate_a baptism_n according_o to_o circumcision_n and_o baptise_a child_n because_o they_o be_v under_o the_o figure_n of_o baptism_n for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n with_o their_o child_n and_o although_o the_o child_n be_v not_o always_o express_v neither_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v comprehend_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o same_o also_o the_o scripture_n evident_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v whole_a family_n or_o household_n but_o the_o child_n be_v comprehend_v in_o a_o family_n or_o household_n as_o the_o chief_a and_o dear_a part_n thereof_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptise_v infant_n or_o child_n and_o not_o only_a man_n of_o lawful_a age_n and_o that_o the_o house_n or_o household_n be_v take_v for_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o 17._o of_o genesis_n and_o also_o in_o that_o joseph_n do_v call_v jacob_n with_o all_o his_o house_n to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n final_o i_o can_v declare_v out_o of_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o we_o neither_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o any_o counsel_n neither_o of_o the_o pope_n nor_o of_o other_o man_n but_o commend_v from_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o origen_n upon_o the_o declaration_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n expound_v the_o 6._o chapter_n say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n receive_v the_o baptism_n from_o the_o very_a apostle_n st._n hierome_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o 3._o book_n against_o the_o pelagian_o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o leta_fw-la st._n augustine_n recite_v 11._o heb._n 11._o for_o this_o purpose_n a_o place_n out_o of_o john_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n in_o his_o 1._o book_n against_o julian_n chap._n 2._o and_o he_o again_o write_v to_o st._n hierome_n epist_n 28._o say_v that_o st._n cyprian_n not_o make_v any_o new_a decree_n but_o firm_o observe_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n judge_v with_o his_o fellow_n bishop_n that_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o be_v bear_v he_o may_v be_v lawful_o baptise_a the_o place_n of_o cyprian_a be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o fidus._n also_o st._n augustine_n in_o write_v against_o the_o donatist_n in_o the_o 4._o book_n chap._n 23._o &_o 24._o say_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o counsel_n but_o from_o the_o tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n cyril_n upon_o leviticus_n chap._n 8._o approve_v the_o baptism_n of_o child_n and_o condemn_v the_o iteration_n of_o baptism_n these_o authority_n of_o man_n i_o do_v allege_v not_o to_o tie_v the_o baptism_n of_o child_n unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n but_o to_o show_v how_o man_n testimony_n do_v agree_v with_o god_n word_n and_o that_o the_o verity_n of_o antiquity_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o that_o the_o anabaptist_n have_v nothing_o but_o lie_n for_o they_o and_o new_a imagination_n which_o feign_v the_o baptism_n of_o child_n to_o be_v the_o pope_n commandment_n after_o this_o will_v i_o answer_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o your_o argument_n for_o the_o contrary_n the_o first_o which_o include_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v it_o be_v write_v go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o nothing_o be_v add_v to_o god_n word_n by_o baptism_n of_o child_n as_o you_o pretend_v but_o that_o be_v do_v which_o the_o same_o word_n do_v require_v for_o that_o child_n be_v account_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o number_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v as_o it_o appear_v by_o these_o word_n he_o that_o offend_v 18._o matth._n 18._o one_o of_o these_o little_a babe_n which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o to_o have_v a_o millstone_n tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n where_o plain_o christ_n call_v such_o as_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confess_v their_o faith_n believer_n because_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n he_o repute_v they_o for_o believer_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n so_o to_o be_v take_v since_o god_n impute_v faith_n for_o righteousness_n unto_o man_n that_o be_v of_o ripe_a age_n for_o both_o in_o man_n and_o child_n righteousness_n acceptation_n or_o sanctification_n be_v of_o mere_a grace_n and_o by_o imputation_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v praise_v and_o that_o the_o child_n of_o faithful_a parent_n be_v sanctify_v and_o among_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 7._o and_o whereas_o you_o do_v gather_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o say_a commandment_n of_o christ_n that_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v teach_v before_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o to_o this_o end_n you_o allege_v many_o place_n out_o of_o the_o act_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o confess_v their_o faith_n first_o be_v baptise_a after_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o order_n of_o word_n may_v weigh_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o cause_n we_o have_v the_o scripture_n that_o make_v as_o well_o for_o we_o st._n mark_v we_o read_v that_o john_n do_v baptise_v in_o the_o desert_n 1_o mark_v 1_o preach_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n in_o the_o which_o place_n we_o see_v baptise_v go_v before_o and_o preach_v to_o follow_v after_o and_o also_o i_o will_v declare_v this_o place_n of_o matthew_n exact_o consider_v to_o make_v for_o the_o use_n of_o baptism_n in_o child_n for_o st._n matthew_n have_v it_o write_v in_o this_o wise_a all_o power_n be_v 28._o matth._n 28._o give_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n therefore_o go_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v disciple_n you_o as_o i_o may_v express_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v make_v or_o gather_v to_o i_o disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o follow_v he_o declare_v the_o way_n how_o they_o shall_v gather_v to_o he_o disciple_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o and_o teach_v by_o baptise_v and_o teach_v you_o shall_v procure_v a_o church_n to_o i_o and_o both_o these_o apt_o and_o brief_o several_o he_o set_v forth_o say_v baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o now_o then_o baptism_n go_v before_o doctrine_n but_o hereby_o i_o do_v not_o gather_v that_o the_o gentile_n which_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n before_o of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n aught_o to_o be_v baptise_a neither_o they_o will_v permit_v themselves_o to_o be_v baptise_a before_o they_o know_v to_o what_o end_n but_o this_o i_o have_v declare_v to_o show_v you_o upon_o how_o feeble_a foundation_n the_o anabaptist_n be_v ground_v and_o plain_o it_o be_v not_o true_a which_o they_o imagine_v of_o this_o text_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v only_o command_v such_o to_o be_v baptise_a who_o the_o apostle_n have_v first_o of_o all_o teach_v neither_o here_o very_o be_v signify_v who_o only_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a but_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o perfect_a age_n and_o of_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v plant_v among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a of_o religion_n such_o as_o be_v of_o age_n may_v hear_v believe_v and_o confess_v that_o which_o be_v preach_v and_o teach_v but_o so_o can_v infant_n therefore_o we_o may_v just_o collect_v that_o he_o speak_v here_o nothing_o of_o infant_n or_o child_n but_o for_o all_o this_o
our_o saviour_n the_o great_a friend_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n a_o command_n so_o reasonable_a so_o easy_a so_o full_a of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o faithful_a observer_n of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v so_o plain_a a_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v of_o those_o great_a and_o manifold_a blessing_n which_o all_o christian_n believe_v to_o be_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a to_o the_o frequent_a and_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o this_o sacrament_n where_o then_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o backwardness_n which_o we_o see_v in_o man_n to_o so_o plain_a so_o necessary_a and_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n the_o truth_n be_v man_n have_v be_v great_o discourage_v from_o this_o sacrament_n by_o the_o unwary_a press_v and_o inculcate_v of_o two_o great_a truth_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o iii_o third_z particular_a i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o many_o devout_a and_o sincere_a christian_n to_o their_o great_a discouragement_n from_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o these_o objection_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v chief_o ground_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o the_o 27_o verse_n wherefore_o whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 29._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 upon_o the_o mistake_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o text_n have_v be_v ground_v two_o objection_n of_o great_a force_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o this_o sacrament_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v to_o remove_v first_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o second_o that_o so_o much_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o devout_a christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n 1._o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o obj._n 1_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n whole_o to_o refrain_v from_o this_o sacrament_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v evident_o of_o no_o force_n if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a danger_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v avoid_v by_o not_o receive_v yet_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v a_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o thereby_o avoid_v sure_o they_o in_o the_o parable_n that_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o make_v light_n of_o that_o gracious_a invitation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o faulty_a as_o he_o who_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o as_o he_o be_v severe_o punish_v for_o his_o disrespect_n so_o they_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o disobedience_n nay_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v the_o great_a sign_n of_o contempt_n whole_o to_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o without_o some_o due_a qualification_n the_o great_a indisposition_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v one_o being_n a_o bad_a man_n and_o he_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a and_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o continue_v so_o who_o wilful_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n than_o he_o that_o come_v to_o it_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n and_o preparation_n though_o much_o less_o than_o he_o ought_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o man_n to_o come_v to_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n without_o some_o kind_n of_o religious_a awe_n upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o without_o some_o good_a thought_n and_o resolution_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o know_a wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v before_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n set_v himself_o serious_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n against_o they_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o these_o good_a resolution_n though_o after_o a_o while_o he_o may_v possible_o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o this_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n to_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o these_o good_a mood_n and_o fit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v much_o better_a than_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o sin_n even_o this_o righteousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o so_o soon_o pass_v away_o be_v better_a than_o none_o and_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o man_n can_v think_v of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o will_v by_o this_o consideration_n be_v excite_v to_o some_o good_a purpose_n and_o put_v upon_o some_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v his_o life_n and_o though_o he_o be_v very_o much_o under_o the_o bondage_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n if_o he_o do_v with_o any_o competent_a degree_n of_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o excellent_a mean_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o mortify_n and_o subdue_a of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n so_o to_o abate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o to_o imprint_v such_o consideration_n upon_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v at_o last_o break_v off_o his_o wicked_a course_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o to_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o the_o great_a enormity_n of_o life_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o they_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n nothing_o but_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n which_o man_n may_v avoid_v and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a enough_o heretofore_o man_n use_v to_o be_v restrain_v from_o great_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n by_o shame_n and_o fear_n of_o disgrace_n and_o will_v abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o man_n but_o man_n have_v harden_v their_o face_n in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n and_o those_o gentle_a restraint_n of_o modesty_n which_o govern_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o order_n heretofore_o signify_v nothing_o now_o adays_o blush_v be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o shame_n be_v cease_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacrament_n do_v always_o use_v to_o lay_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n upon_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o reform_v they_o it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o a_o time_n if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v man_n good_a yet_o it_o will_v make_v they_o resolve_v to_o be_v so_o and_o leave_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o discourage_v man_n so_o much_o from_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o way_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n and_o that_o many_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o kind_n of_o check_n before_o since_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v away_o from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v quite_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o and_o prostitute_a themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n and_o among_o the_o many_o ill_a effect_n of_o our_o past_a confusion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o in_o many_o congregation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n christian_n be_v general_o disuse_v and_o deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o be_v so_o they_o must_v necessary_o incur_v the_o
question_n propose_v for_o the_o resolution_n whereof_o i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o so_o we_o may_v true_o understand_v what_o gesture_n be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o it_o 2._o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o absolute_o require_v and_o necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v 3._o that_o kneel_v be_v very_o comely_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o no_o table-gesture_n 4._o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o ancient_a father_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o be_v maintain_v and_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v it_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n first_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o and_o banquet_n by_o the_o ancient_a greek_a father_n because_o of_o that_o provision_n and_o entertainment_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v for_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n it_o be_v style_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n either_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n at_o suppertime_n at_o night_n or_o because_o it_o represent_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o a_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a supper_n and_o feast_n though_o it_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n between_o this_o holy_a feast_n and_o civil_a feast_n and_o the_o show_v wherein_o it_o lie_v will_v in_o part_n explain_v its_o nature_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o feast_n and_o include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o plenty_n good_a company_n and_o mirth_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o the_o sacrament_n be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n proper_o a_o banquet_n a_o feast_n but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a one_o consist_v of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o benefit_n communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o all_o true_a believer_n signify_v by_o and_o tender_v under_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o even_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o consider_v as_o a_o feast_n and_o be_v necessary_a ingredient_n into_o all_o feast_n whatsoever_o it_o very_o much_o differ_v from_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n for_o though_o there_o be_v plenty_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o dish_n to_o gratify_v our_o palate_n or_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n as_o other_o feast_n do_v and_o particular_o the_o passover_n do_v where_o the_o body_n be_v fill_v and_o feast_v as_o well_o as_o the_o mind_n the_o provision_n wherewith_o our_o lord_n have_v furnish_v out_o his_o table_n be_v not_o of_o a_o earthly_a and_o perish_a but_o of_o a_o heavenly_a and_o immortal_a nature_n even_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o spiritual_o feast_v upon_o alas_o if_o we_o only_o fix_v our_o eye_n and_o thought_n upon_o what_o be_v place_v on_o the_o table_n and_o those_o small_a portion_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n allot_v we_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v without_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n as_o 3._o as_o as_o as_o so_o st._n cypr._n st._n chrysost_o and_o st._n aug._n expound_v this_o exhort_v of_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o communion_n cyp._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dom._n chrys_n hom._n de_fw-fr encaeniis_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr ver_fw-la relig._n c._n 3._o our_o church_n exhort_v we_o to_o do_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o her_o communion-office_n to_o those_o heavenly_a and_o invisible_a good_a thing_n couch_v under_o and_o signify_v by_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o that_o we_o see_v that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o feast_n or_o can_v by_o the_o help_n of_o any_o figure_n but_o a_o irony_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n esteem_v that_o a_o feast_n where_o there_o be_v not_o meat_n enough_o to_o fill_v his_o mouth_n nor_o drink_v enough_o to_o quench_v his_o thirst_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n therefore_o of_o those_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n not_o the_o body_n of_o worthy_a communicant_n be_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v of_o which_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v but_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v and_o may_v true_o be_v call_v a_o feast_n or_o banquet_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n other_o reason_n reason_n reason_n st._n chrys_n in_o ps_n 90._o greg._n naz._n orat_fw-la 40._o athanasius_n st._n cyril_n hierosol_n catech._n and_o other_o the_o greek_a father_n call_v it_o a_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o the_o table_n a_o mystical_a table_n and_o the_o cup_n the_o cup_n of_o mystery_n and_o the_o sacrament_n take_v it_o all_o together_o be_v by_o they_o style_v the_o mystical_a supper_n the_o mystery_n and_o mystery_n as_o present_v one_o thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o another_o to_o the_o mind_n 2._o as_o plenty_n be_v one_o necessary_a ingredient_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n so_o also_o be_v choice_n and_o select_a company_n feast_n be_v make_v in_o expectation_n of_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n a_o man_n may_v dine_v alone_o but_o in_o proper_a and_o ordinary_a speech_n no_o man_n be_v say_v to_o feast_n alone_o now_o though_o the_o sacrament_n do_v resemble_v our_o common_a feast_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o have_v obtain_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o guest_n communicant_n which_o phrase_n do_v natural_o import_v number_n or_o society_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o person_n be_v that_o constitute_v this_o society_n and_o with_o who_o communion_n be_v hold_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o spiritual_a feast_n will_v further_o appear_v and_o true_o our_o communion_n be_v with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n though_o principal_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o master_n of_o this_o feast_n in_o and_o through_o who_o we_o all_o have_v 18._o eph._n 2._o 18._o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n to_o the_o father_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v this_o high_a and_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o honour_n of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v a_o friendly_a correspondence_n and_o converse_n with_o he_o at_o his_o table_n be_v found_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o thankful_o commemorate_v at_o this_o solemnity_n by_o which_o we_o who_o be_v afar_o off_o be_v make_v nigh_o as_o the_o same_o 13._o eph._n 2._o 13._o divine_a writer_n have_v it_o moreoever_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o all_o faithful_a christian_n and_o worthy_a communicant_n the_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n who_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o cleanse_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o that_o which_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o such_o communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o external_n garb_n or_o ornament_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o penitent_a humble_a charitable_a thankful_n and_o obedient_a heart_n 3._o another_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o feast_n be_v mirth_n and_o joy_n which_o imply_v also_o good_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o too_o the_o sacrament_n resemble_v our_o common_a feast_n but_o then_o the_o joy_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o flow_v from_o different_a cause_n not_o from_o what_o we_o taste_n and_o see_v not_o from_o our_o appetite_n and_o fancy_n please_v and_o tickle_v with_o the_o richness_n and_o variety_n of_o dish_n which_o adorn_v the_o table_n nor_o from_o our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n raise_v and_o ferment_v by_o generous_a wine_n but_o from_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a consideration_n from_o the_o boundless_a and_o unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v and_o belove_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o undertake_v this_o hard_a task_n in_o appear_v clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o at_o last_o humble_v himself_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o our_o sake_n from_o the_o victory_n he_o have_v gain_v for_o we_o over_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n from_o the_o miraculous_a redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v and_o the_o right_n and_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n by_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n this_o be_v
have_v bring_v yourself_o to_o much_o liberty_n i_o doubt_v not_o you_o will_v find_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o alter_v it_o and_o come_v into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n where_o if_o you_o do_v not_o meet_v present_o with_o such_o advantage_n for_o your_o spiritual_a growth_n as_o you_o be_v tell_v you_o may_v receive_v you_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v as_o the_o forename_a mr._n hildersham_n do_v to_o those_o that_o say_v they_o can_v not_o find_v such_o light_n such_o power_n such_o comfort_n in_o the_o word_n as_o be_v speak_v of_o first_o either_o you_o have_v not_o seek_v it_o aright_o not_o with_o earnestness_n or_o not_o with_o a_o good_a heart_n or_o secund_o if_o you_o have_v and_o do_v not_o find_v it_o at_o first_o yet_o you_o shall_v hereafter_o if_o you_o seek_v it_o here_o with_o a_o honest_a heart_n viii_o and_o the_o preach_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n among_o we_o will_v be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n upon_o your_o heart_n if_o when_o you_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o you_o will_v remember_v and_o observe_v some_o rule_n deliver_v by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o another_o place_n lecture_n xxvi_o about_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o now_o alas_o be_v general_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v press_v for_o the_o dispose_n all_o man_n heart_n to_o profit_v by_o their_o attendance_n on_o it_o 1._o one_o be_v that_o at_o your_o come_n into_o the_o congregation_n and_o during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o your_o abode_n there_o you_o will_v behave_v yourselves_o reverent_o for_o we_o may_v not_o come_v into_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o we_o will_v into_o a_o dancing-school_n or_o playhouse_n laugh_v or_o toy_v etc._n etc._n neither_o may_v we_o go_v out_o of_o it_o as_o we_o will_v out_o of_o such_o a_o one_o but_o in_o our_o very_a come_n in_o and_o go_v out_o and_o whole_a outward_a carriage_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v some_o signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n that_o we_o bear_v to_o this_o place_n and_o that_o we_o do_v indeed_o account_v it_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o serious_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o awful_a sense_n of_o god_n presence_n possess_v the_o mind_n will_v no_o doubt_n be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o sermon_n for_o which_o end_n 2._o another_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o must_v all_o come_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o carry_v till_o all_o be_v do_v yea_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n say_v he_o to_o be_v in_o god_n house_n before_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o become_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o wait_v for_o they_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o this_o be_v two_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o our_o assembly_n but_o all_o may_v receive_v profit_n by_o it_o for_o example_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o absolution_n i_o may_v add_v and_o all_o other_o prayer_n use_v in_o the_o congregation_n a_o man_n may_v receive_v more_o profit_n and_o comfort_n than_o by_o any_o other_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n even_o after_o christ_n ascension_n when_o the_o typical_a honour_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v abolish_v etc._n etc._n be_v so_o delight_v to_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v at_o the_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n 1._o act._n 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v how_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v all_o may_v profit_v and_o by_o hear_v it_o preach_v even_o by_o the_o mean_a minister_n of_o christ_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o how_o the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n also_o further_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n and_o much_o more_o benefit_n may_v the_o faithful_a receive_v by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n nay_o by_o be_v present_a at_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n all_o may_v receive_v profit_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n there-by_a of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n last_o by_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v by_o god_n minister_n all_o may_v receive_v good_a and_o therefore_o none_o ought_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n for_o which_o his_o second_o reason_n be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o though_o we_o can_v receive_v no_o profit_n by_o the_o exercise_n use_v in_o our_o assembly_n yet_o we_o must_v be_v present_a at_o they_o all_o to_o do_v our_o homage_n unto_o god_n and_o show_v the_o reverend_a respect_n we_o have_v to_o his_o ordinance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n among_o we_o observe_v this_o but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o instruction_n and_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o show_v particular_o that_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n there_o shall_v be_v all_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o prayer_n use_v yea_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o our_o assembly_n 1_o k._n 11._o 1_o 2._o that_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v read_v as_o well_o as_o preach_v the_o holy_a communion_n administer_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o our_o common-prayer_n to_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v respect_n and_o this_o he_o repeat_v again_o lecture_n xxviii_o if_o thou_o be_v sure_a thou_o can_v not_o profit_v yet_o must_v thou_o come_v to_o do_v thy_o homage_n to_o god_n and_o to_o show_v thy_o reverence_n to_o his_o ordinance_n 3._o another_o of_o his_o general_a rule_n be_v that_o when_o we_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o do_v as_o the_o congregation_n do_v for_o it_o make_v much_o for_o the_o come_v liness_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o good_a order_n without_o confusion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n part_n of_o this_o good_a order_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o congregation_n when_o they_o all_o come_v together_o and_o go_v together_o pray_v together_o sing_v together_o kneel_z together_o in_o a_o word_n when_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v but_o one_o man._n and_o in_o several_a place_n he_o reprove_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o zeal_n man_n great_a carelessness_n in_o this_o particular_o their_o neglect_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o prayer_n have_v observe_v that_o man_n who_o will_v kneel_v at_o their_o own_o private_a prayer_n can_v never_o be_v see_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o common_a and_o public_a prayer_n his_o last_o general_a rule_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o teach_v our_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o show_v reverence_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v endure_v profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n no_o not_o in_o child_n and_o it_o stand_v we_o all_o upon_o to_o use_v the_o utmost_a authority_n we_o have_v to_o maintain_v the_o reverence_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n for_o the_o open_a contempt_n do_v by_o any_o may_v bring_v god_n curse_n on_o we_o all_o and_o certain_o say_v he_o among_o other_o cause_n of_o the_o plague_n and_o other_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o land_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v i_o be_o tempt_v to_o transcribe_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o these_o lecture_n because_o by_o they_o you_o may_v see_v that_o if_o i_o have_v move_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v about_o our_o sermon_n i_o may_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o devout_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v maintain_v that_o there_o want_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o profit_v in_o our_o congregation_n if_o there_o be_v none_o as_o long_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o read_v by_o which_o together_o with_o the_o other_o holy_a duty_n all_o may_v receive_v the_o great_a profit_n and_o comfort_n if_o they_o please_v for_o it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a excellence_n authority_n and_o certainty_n than_o the_o sermon_n of_o any_o preacher_n in_o the_o world_n first_o because_o it_o come_v more_o immediate_o from_o god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o man_n yet_o be_v there_o in_o it_o far_o less_o mixture_n of_o humane_a ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n than_o in_o sermon_n while_o the_o word_n be_v read_v we_o be_v sure_o we_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o
sedition_n sedition_n rebellion_n and_o rebellion_n the_o ruin_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o what_o wonder_n if_o the_o law_n bear_v a_o little_a hard_a there_o where_o there_o be_v the_o same_o appearance_n and_o where_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o tendency_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o same_o dismal_a state_n of_o thing_n whoever_o consider_v by_o what_o way_n the_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o best_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v miserable_o harrass_v and_o destroy_v can_v think_v that_o those_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n shall_v be_v content_a to_o have_v they_o ruin_v again_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n especial_o after_o the_o king_n for_o several_a year_n together_o have_v in_o vain_a try_v by_o all_o the_o method_n of_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o win_v upon_o they_o three_o let_v those_o who_o now_o complain_v so_o much_o consider_v how_o little_a favour_n themselves_o show_v to_o other_o when_o they_o be_v in_o power_n how_o the_o loyal_a and_o episcopal_a party_n be_v plunder_v sequester_v decimate_v dungeon_v starve_v and_o often_o stink_v to_o death_n what_o oath_n and_o covenant_n be_v rigorous_o impose_v upon_o they_o what_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o their_o liberty_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a though_o all_o this_o while_n they_o have_v law_n and_o right_o stand_v for_o 1645._o a_o ordinance_n for_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o directory_n august_n 11._o 1645._o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1645_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n be_v publish_v that_o if_o any_o person_n hereafter_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n use_v or_o cause_n to_o be_v use_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o any_o church_n or_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n or_o in_o any_o private_a place_n or_o family_n within_o the_o kingdom_n every_o person_n so_o offend_v shall_v for_o the_o first_o offence_n pay_v the_o sum_n of_o five_o for_o the_o second_o ten_o pound_n and_o for_o the_o three_o shall_v suffer_v one_o whole_a year_n imprisonment_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v very_o hard_o but_o there_o be_v something_o hard_a yet_o behind_o for_o cromwell_n be_v get_v into_o the_o throne_n publish_v a_o declaration_n 1655._o 24_o november_n 1655._o at_o that_o time_n equivalent_a to_o a_o law_n that_o no_o person_n who_o have_v be_v sequester_v for_o delinquency_n or_o have_v be_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o parliament_n or_o adhere_v unto_o or_o have_v abet_v or_o assist_v the_o force_v raise_v against_o they_o shall_v keep_v in_o their_o house_n or_o family_n as_o chaplain_n or_o schoolmaster_n for_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n any_o sequester_a or_o eject_v minister_n fellow_n of_o a_o college_n or_o schoolmaster_n nor_o permit_v any_o of_o their_o child_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o such_o upon_o pain_n of_o be_v proceed_v against_o as_o be_v direct_v and_o that_o no_o person_n who_o have_v be_v sequester_v or_o eject_v for_o delinquency_n or_o scandal_n shall_v hereafter_o keep_v any_o school_n either_o public_a or_o private_a nor_o preach_v in_o any_o public_a place_n or_o at_o any_o private_a meeting_n of_o any_o other_o person_n than_o those_o of_o his_o own_o family_n nor_o administer_v baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o marry_v any_o person_n or_o use_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n or_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n therein_o contain_v upon_o pain_n that_o every_o person_n so_o offend_a in_o any_o of_o the_o premise_n shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o by_o the_o say_a order_n be_v provide_v and_o direct_v there_o need_v no_o comment_n upon_o these_o proceed_n they_o do_v not_o only_a whisper_n but_o speak_v aloud_o to_o the_o present_a generation_n of_o dissenter_n to_o tell_v they_o how_o little_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o complain_v x._o last_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o that_o before_o they_o pull_v down_o any_o further_a trouble_n or_o suffer_v upon_o themselves_o they_o will_v consider_v whether_o the_o cause_n they_o engage_v in_o be_v such_o as_o will_v bear_v they_o out_o with_o comfort_n before_o god_n another_o day_n it_o be_v not_o suffer_v or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o external_n circumstance_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n it_o not_o be_v the_o suffer_v but_o the_o cause_n that_o make_v the_o martyr_n then_o i_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a when_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n or_o something_o that_o offer_v violence_n to_o my_o religion_n and_o christianity_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o when_o i_o suffer_v for_o that_o which_o i_o can_v avoid_v without_o disow_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o where_o the_o case_n be_v not_o evident_o this_o a_o man_n may_v draw_v misery_n upon_o himself_o and_o yet_o not_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a because_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o humour_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o misinform_a judgement_n mistake_v thing_n for_o what_o they_o be_v not_o man_n very_o often_o place_n religion_n in_o do_v or_o not_o do_v what_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o and_o then_o think_v they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n when_o there_o be_v more_o it_o may_v be_v of_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n of_o fancy_n or_o opinion_n of_o humour_n or_o mistake_v then_o of_o the_o real_a concern_v of_o piety_n or_o religion_n i_o be_o very_o sure_a neither_o the_o ancient_a christian_n will_v have_v pass_v through_o the_o fiery-tryal_n every_o day_n nor_o the_o holy_a martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n have_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o forfeit_n their_o estate_n much_o less_o their_o life_n have_v no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o they_o then_o there_o be_v of_o we_o to_o come_v to_o khurch_n or_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v bless_a god_n and_o thankful_o own_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o governor_n under_o which_o they_o live_v may_v they_o have_v enjoy_v both_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n as_o we_o do_v in_o case_n that_o only_o concern_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n stiff_o and_o obstinate_o to_o stand_v out_o be_v rather_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o martyr_n to_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o opinion_n then_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenting-brethren_n they_o themselves_o may_v quick_o see_v will_v they_o but_o lie_v aside_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o lay_v no_o more_o stress_n upon_o thing_n than_o they_o 79._o obed._n patience_n p._n 79._o ought_v to_o bear_v let_v we_o hear_v what_o mr._n baxter_n in_o a_o late_a book_n say_v to_o this_o matter_n i_o be_o one_o that_o have_v be_v first_o in_o all_o the_o storm_n that_o have_v befall_v the_o ministry_n these_o twenty_o year_n past_a to_o look_v no_o far_o back_o and_o yet_o my_o conscience_n command_v i_o to_o say_v as_o i_o have_v oft_o do_v that_o many_o through_o mistake_n i_o be_o persuade_v now_o suffer_v as_o evil-doer_n for_o a_o cause_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o justifiable_a i_o shall_v leave_v with_o they_o the_o wise_a and_o excellent_a 1608._o r._n bernard_n christian_n advert_v &_o counsel_n of_o peace_n 1608._o counsel_n which_o be_v give_v by_o one_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o elder_a puritan_n follow_v true_a antiquity_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n where_o they_o have_v not_o err_v from_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o god_n if_o thou_o suffer_v let_v it_o be_v for_o know_a truth_n and_o against_o know_a wickedness_n for_o which_o thou_o have_v example_n in_o god_n word_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n in_o church-story_n but_o beware_v of_o far-fetched_a consequence_n or_o for_o suffer_v for_o new_a device_n and_o for_o thing_n former_o unto_o all_o age_n unknown_a seem_v they_o never_o so_o holy_a and_o just_a unto_o man._n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o call_v upon_o our_o dissenting-brethren_n by_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o themselves_o of_o tenderness_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o peace_n security_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n wherein_o they_o live_v that_o they_o will_v due_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o separation_n wherein_o they_o be_v engage_v return_v to_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o and_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o what_o a_o mighty_a evil_a schism_n be_v and_o will_v be_v so_o find_v before_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o whether_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o vastly-important_a consequence_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o a_o deep_a sense_n the_o best_a and_o most_o pious_a christian_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v better_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n than_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v rend_v asunder_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o glorious_a and_o in_o my_o opinion_n a_o far_o great_a martyrdom_n to_o die_v for_o not_o divide_v the_o church_n than_o for_o refuse_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n say_v dionysius_n the_o good_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o novatian_n etc._n ap._n euseb_n lib._n 6._o c._n 45._o epist_n 52._o add_v antonian_a de_fw-la unit_fw-la eccles_n fol._n 181_o 184._o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n cyprian_n speak_v very_o severe_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o a_o person_n go_v from_o the_o church_n to_o schismatic_n though_o in_o that_o capacity_n he_o shall_v die_v for_o christ_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o how_o oft_o elsewhere_o do_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o life_n and_o salvation_n that_o without_o this_o unity_n and_o charity_n a_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o although_o he_o shall_v deliver_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o flame_n or_o cast_v his_o body_n to_o wild_a beast_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o falsehood_n not_o the_o glorious_a exit_fw-la of_o a_o religious_a courage_n but_o the_o issue_n of_o despair_n such_o a_o one_o may_v be_v kill_v but_o he_o can_v be_v crown_v he_o rend_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n destroy_v the_o faith_n disturb_v the_o peace_n dissolve_v charity_n and_o profane_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o be_v it_o necessary_a i_o can_v show_v that_o the_o ancient_a father_n general_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o can_v we_o now_o be_v such_o degenerate_a christian_n if_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o all_o as_o to_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o schism_n and_o separation_n be_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n thing_n as_o considerable_a as_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a now_o as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n return_v from_o whence_o you_o be_v fall_v and_o let_v we_o all_o with_o one_o shoulder_n set_v ourselves_o to_o support_v that_o church_n with_o who_o ruin_n we_o be_v all_o likely_a to_o sink_v and_o fall_v let_v we_o lay_v aside_o envy_v and_o strife_n confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o let_v we_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o finis_fw-la