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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n church_n communion_n separation_n 2,767 5 10.7643 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27392 An answer to the dissenters pleas for separation, or, An abridgment of the London cases wherein the substance of those books is digested into one short and plain discourse. Bennet, Thomas, 1673-1728. 1700 (1700) Wing B1888; ESTC R16887 202,270 335

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of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o though_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o man_n conveniency_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a part_n or_o congregation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n so_o that_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a corporation_n but_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o corporation_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o corporation_n forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n thus_o have_v god_n grant_v a_o charter_n or_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o one_o church_n we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o ii_o by_o church-communion_n i_o mean_v church-society_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church-member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church-privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n it_o be_v true_a this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o but_o strict_o speak_v those_o office_n be_v not_o communion_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o communion_n church-communion_n be_v church-union_n for_o as_o a_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v the_o natural_a action_n of_o a_o member_n so_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o pray_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o in_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v perform_v those_o office_n yet_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o intruder_n such_o office_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n if_o perform_v by_o church-member_n but_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o be_v a_o member_n a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o church-society_n viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n join_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o act_v otherwise_o renounce_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o observe_v 1._o that_o church-communion_n principal_o respect_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o universal_a church_n 2._o that_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n such_o as_o pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n though_o it_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o christian_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v we_o as_o fellow-member_n pray_v to_o god_n the_o common_a father_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a saviour_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n thus_o also_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_a communion_n 3._o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o i_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a that_o i_o may_v lawful_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n 4._o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n because_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v but_o one_o all_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o separate_a society_n be_v to_o renounce_v its_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v its_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o body_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o we_o distinct_a church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v so_o that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n it_o be_v true_a a_o nation_n may_v permit_v those_o foreigner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o to_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o bare_a variety_n of_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o now_o every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o each_o church_n have_v a_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v foreigner_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v separate_a communion_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v so_o that_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o they_o think_v it_o unsafe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o two_o church_n may_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o church_n which_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n shall_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a society_n sound_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o
their_o separation_n upon_o these_o account_n that_o they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a and_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n they_o except_v against_o be_v real_o forbid_v by_o god_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o then_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v that_o they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v which_o be_v not_o real_o forbid_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o think_v so_o they_o can_v act_v against_o their_o mistake_a conscience_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v require_v nothing_o that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o particular_a objection_n against_o our_o establishment_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o in_o the_o several_a forego_v chapter_n the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o be_v this_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o justify_v his_o break_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o my_o false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o just_a cause_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o ask_v this_o question_n when_o st._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o persecute_v christian_n be_v his_o persecution_n sinful_a or_o no_o yes_o sure_o for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o lawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v he_o before_o god_n for_o do_v that_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v well_o before_z they_o separate_z for_o schism_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n and_o as_o vehement_o speak_v against_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o father_n as_o any_o sin_n whatever_o let_v dissenter_n look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o their_o false_a persuasion_n that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o make_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n this_o matter_n will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v suppose_v a_o papist_n that_o hearty_o believe_v popery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o worship_v image_n and_o the_o host_n this_o person_n will_v certain_o abhor_v these_o practice_n do_v he_o think_v they_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v all_o charge_n such_o papist_n with_o idolatry_n though_o they_o disclaim_v it_o and_o profess_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o such_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v so_o let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_n for_o a_o man_n be_v false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n now_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o causeless_a separation_n be_v as_o proper_o schism_n as_o worship_v a_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o schismatic_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v as_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n a_o man_n mistake_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o will_v more_o or_o less_o excuse_v he_o before_o god_n in_o both_o instance_n but_o it_o can_v change_v the_o nature_n either_o of_o schism_n or_o idolatry_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o answer_v he_o be_v to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n and_o then_o he_o may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n now_o the_o only_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o lay_v aside_o pride_n passion_n interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o endeavour_v serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o understand_v his_o duty_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n advise_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n practise_v all_o undoubted_a duty_n and_o beg_v god_n assistance_n for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o first_o we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o than_o i_o be_o persuade_v our_o scandalous_a division_n will_v present_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o alas_o we_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v sure_o they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o for_o the_o text_n they_o produce_v be_v such_o as_o have_v they_o in_o the_o least_o examine_v they_o can_v scarce_o have_v be_v wrest_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n nay_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v think_v better_o of_o our_o way_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v inconvenient_a yet_o a_o lay-person_n may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n in_o short_a most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n and_o scarce_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n show_v we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o end_n to_o serve_v by_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o way_n be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v he_o thither_o that_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o church-division_n be_v modest_a humble_a and_o docible_a and_o believe_v that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v that_o think_v his_o governor_n may_v be_v wise_a than_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o authority_n a_o man_n that_o where_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o thwart_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n endeavour_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v and_o to_o that_o end_n beg_v god_n assistance_n and_o use_v the_o best_a help_n and_o guide_v he_o can_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n and_o be_v bias_v neither_o way_n i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n and_o we_o ready_o grant_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o but_o then_o we_o must_v add_v that_o we_o believe_v such_o a_o man_n will_v soon_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o his_o duty_n also_o to_o conform_v second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v real_o do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v though_o his_o separation_n be_v material_o a_o schism_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o all_o those_o that_o commit_v schism_n be_v not_o equal_o guilty_a of_o it_o those_o that_o separate_v to_o serve_v a_o turn_n
of_o grace_n and_o receive_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o baptism_n by_o the_o uncovenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o less_o regardful_a of_o his_o sure_a ordinary_a and_o covenant_v mercy_n and_o the_o appoint_a mean_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v nay_o infant_n do_v by_o baptism_n acquire_v a_o present_a right_n unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n which_o they_o shall_v certain_o receive_v as_o soon_o and_o as_o fast_o as_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n remove_v now_o since_o these_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o since_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v they_o by_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n or_o stay_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v it_o better_o for_o a_o child_n that_o have_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v touch_v for_o it_o while_o he_o be_v a_o child_n or_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a age_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n or_o be_v it_o best_o for_o a_o traitor_n be_v child_n to_o be_v present_o restore_v to_o his_o blood_n and_o estate_n and_o his_o prince_n favour_n or_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o mere_a capacity_n of_o be_v restore_v till_o he_o be_v a_o man_n i_o must_v add_v that_o baptism_n lay_v such_o a_o early_a pre-engagement_n upon_o child_n as_o without_o the_o high_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n they_o can_v afterward_o retract_v for_o there_o be_v no_o person_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n honour_n or_o conscience_n but_o will_v think_v himself_o bind_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o contract_v in_o his_o infancy_n when_o he_o be_v so_o gracious_o admit_v to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n before_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o good_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n himself_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v high_o to_o be_v applaud_v for_o bring_v they_o under_o such_o a_o beneficial_a pre-engagement_n and_o not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n at_o such_o year_n when_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o find_v out_o so_o many_o shift_n and_o excuse_n and_o make_v they_o regret_n to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o infant-baptism_n be_v very_o expedient_a because_o it_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o wellbeing_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v those_o scandalous_a and_o shameful_a delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o grow_v person_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v in_o these_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n since_o therefore_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o command_v by_o the_o church_n but_o most_o expedient_a in_o itself_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v that_o there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n as_o there_o do_v upon_o grow_v person_n to_o desire_v it_o for_o themselves_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o exact_v any_o thing_n concern_v child_n or_o person_n under_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n lay_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v for_o if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o general_a contagion_n the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v command_v that_o all_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n shall_v every_o morning_n take_v such_o a_o antidote_n that_o command_n will_v oblige_v parent_n to_o give_v it_o to_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v it_o themselves_o just_o so_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v intend_v for_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n it_o must_v needs_o oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v about_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n concern_v all_o guardian_n etc._n etc._n to_o who_o care_n child_n be_v commit_v and_o if_o any_o ask_v at_o what_o time_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o baptism_n i_o answer_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o gospel_n indulge_v a_o discretional_a latitude_n but_o forbid_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n and_o all_o unreasonable_a and_o needless_a delay_n thereof_o v._o as_o to_o communion_n with_o believer_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a and_o have_v ever_o be_v think_v so_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a sin_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o because_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disow_a those_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n who_o he_o own_v to_o be_v such_o nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o take_v off_o two_o objection_n first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o infant-communion_n may_v be_v practise_v as_o well_o as_o infant-baptism_n but_o i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a evidence_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n because_o st._n cyprian_n be_v the_o first_o author_n which_o they_o can_v produce_v for_o it_o and_o then_o the_o author_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n mention_v it_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o st._n austin_n in_o the_o five_o whereas_o for_o infant-baptism_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n cyprian_a and_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o father_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v of_o origen_n tertullian_n irenaeus_n st._n jerom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n 2._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n but_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n institute_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o equal_a concurrence_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o infant-communion_n it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o john_n 6.53_o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o now_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o institute_v but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o nay_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o infant-communion_n be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n full_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o still_o indies_n still_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o valid_a and_o lawful_a as_o that_o of_o grow_v person_n second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o child_n who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n can_v know_v what_o a_o covenant_n mean_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v though_o st._n peter_n say_v the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o against_o infant-baptism_n 2._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o circumcise_a infant_n upon_o a_o implicit_a and_o imputative_a
good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o evil._n we_o have_v not_o one_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v pure_o popish_a but_o we_o must_v part_v with_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o our_o religion_n if_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v sinful_a which_o the_o papist_n abuse_n and_o as_o for_o the_o papist_n themselves_z we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o countenance_n they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrong_v by_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v right_a chap._n ix_o the_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n answer_v some_o think_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o real_a saint_n and_o therefore_o find_v many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o none_o but_o true_o unessayed_v person_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o the_o scripture_n apply_v to_o god_n church_n holiness_n in_o scripture_n be_v twofold_a 1._o inherent_a holiness_n and_o that_o can_v be_v in_o none_o proper_o but_o god_n angel_n and_o men._n in_o god_n originally_n as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v in_o who_o all_o excellency_n do_v possess_v infinite_a perfection_n and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n in_o angel_n and_o man_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n 2._o relative_n holiness_n found_v in_o a_o separation_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o common_a use_n and_o a_o appropriate_a it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o sabbath_n be_v holy_a and_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v holy_a and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a that_o be_v a_o society_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n thus_o the_o israelite_n even_o when_o very_o much_o corrupt_v be_v call_v god_n holy_a people_n deut._n 7.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o saint_n though_o there_o be_v strange_a immorality_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o well_o but_o do_v not_o christ_n die_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.27_o that_o be_v real_o holy_a yes_o but_o then_o by_o church_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o either_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v real_o holy_a in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o when_o the_o corrupt_a member_n shall_v be_v utter_o cut_v off_o neither_o be_v this_o to_o make_v two_o church_n but_o only_o to_o assign_v two_o different_a state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n 2._o that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n 3._o that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o first_o then_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n make_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o surety_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o qualification_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n that_o be_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 28.19_o now_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n act_v whilst_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n and_o baptise_a more_o than_o be_v sincere_a for_o of_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v baptise_a not_o above_o 120_o continue_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o 2._o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o act_v afterward_o for_o st._n peter_n baptise_a about_o 3000_o in_o one_o day_n upon_o their_o profess_v the_o word_n act_v 2.41_o though_o all_o will_v not_o probable_o prove_v sincere_a and_o two_o of_o they_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v gross_a hypocrite_n st._n philip_n act_v 8.12_o baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o samaria_n and_o and_o among_o they_o be_v simon_n magus_n who_o the_o holy_a deacon_n may_v just_o suspect_v for_o his_o former_a practice_n and_o who_o hypocrisy_n appear_v afterward_o such_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v demas_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o bare_a profession_n entitle_v they_o to_o that_o privilege_n 3._o christ_n foretell_v 15.1_o foretell_v matth._n 3.12_o and_o 13.24_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 15.1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o compare_v it_o to_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o tare_n a_o net_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o fish_n a_o flour_n of_o corn_n and_o chaff_n etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n say_v 9.6_o say_v rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n and_o christ_n say_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v 4._o the_o many_o corrupt_a member_n 3._o member_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 6._o gal._n 3._o rev._n 3._o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n prove_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o admit_v mere_a formal_a professor_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o think_v it_o god_n will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o no_o other_o rule_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n be_v practicable_a since_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n can_v make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o man_n because_o they_o themselves_o have_v short_a and_o fallible_a understanding_n second_o therefore_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n by_o external_n privilege_n i_o mean_v only_o a_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n be_v internal_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o the_o true_o good_a who_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o water_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n now_o when_o a_o man_n by_o gross_a and_o notorious_a wickedness_n have_v forfeit_v the_o internal_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ought_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o external_n privilege_n also_o but_o till_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o we_o must_v not_o forsake_v the_o church_n ourselves_o to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o because_o till_o then_o his_o right_n to_o they_o remain_v inviolable_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n give_v man_n a_o right_a to_o god_n promise_n as_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v the_o condition_n if_o a_o bare_a federal_a holiness_n give_v man_n a_o relation_n to_o god_n than_o it_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o relation_n not_o that_o unworthy_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o special_a reward_n of_o the_o true_o good_a but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n to_o partake_v of_o those_o external_n blessing_n which_o he_o in_o common_a bestow_v upon_o the_o whole_a family_n 2._o church-membership_n necessary_o imply_v church-communion_n or_o else_o it_o signify_v nothing_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o society_n if_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o 3._o all_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n though_o i_o doubt_v many_o of_o they_o be_v wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o mere_a circumcision_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o its_o most_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n 4._o it_o appear_v that_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a for_o they_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o that_o be_v in_o the_o cup_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o all_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n 10.17_o and_o we_o read_v that_o they_o all_o the_o 3000_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v of_o the_o number_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o
in_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o 5._o church-membership_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o church-communion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n due_o preach_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n join_v with_o those_o of_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n nay_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_n administration_n and_o therefore_o 4.4_o therefore_o act_n 2.47_o eph._n 5.23_o and_o 4.4_o since_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n since_o his_o ordinary_a method_n of_o save_a man_n be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n since_o chri●●_n suffer_v for_o we_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v ●e_v say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o such_o man_n can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v unworthy_a receiver_n but_o 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o for_o we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o such_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n who_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o receiver_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o confirm_v ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n '_o t●s_v true_a that_o none_o but_o convert_v or_o baptise_a person_n must_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v those_o who_o be_v already_o baptise_a to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o holiness_n than_o this_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n for_o what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o the_o sacrament_n represent_v to_o we_o wherein_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o three_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n who_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n in_o sin_v that_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o 24._o in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.39_o and_o 19.18_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o 7_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v grow_v very_o scandalous_a yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n and_o hypocrite_n devour_v widow_n house_n and_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n matth._n 15.6_o 7_o 8._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v a_o separation_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v seat_n say_v he_o all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n 23.2_o 3._o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 11.18_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o and_o 3.3_o and_o 5.1_o and_o 11.18_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o 11.28_o but_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v what_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz._n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strise_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brethren_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridle_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o
best_a policy_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a that_o can_v be_v establish_v will_v have_v some_o flaw_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v bear_v and_o tolerate_v some_o inconvenience_n will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n arise_v that_o never_o can_v be_v foresee_v or_o provide_v against_o and_o to_o make_v alteration_n upon_o every_o emergent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v often_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o pretend_v to_o cure_v by_o it_o let_v the_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o government_n discipline_n public_a worship_n be_v most_o exact_a and_o blameless_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v fault_n in_o governor_n and_o minister_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o men._n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o this_o world_n a_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n that_o consist_v only_o of_o saint_n in_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v amiss_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o advantage_n against_o it_o man_n must_v be_v willing_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o put_v candid_a construction_n and_o favourable_a interpretation_n upon_o thing_n and_o not_o strain_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o they_o 6._o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v not_o conquer_v a_o man_n scruple_n then_o let_v he_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o act_n against_o they_o but_o here_o i_o easy_o imagine_v some_o ready_a present_o to_o ask_v i_o do_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o such_o scrupulous_a person_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a thing_n and_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n will_v be_v altogether_o unpracticable_a if_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o suspend_v join_v himself_o to_o it_o till_o he_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o expediency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v or_o be_v in_o use_n in_o that_o church_n for_o indeed_o private_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o convenient_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-goverment_n discipline_n or_o public_a worship_n any_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n of_o state_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n belong_v to_o superior_n and_o if_o they_o appoint_v what_o be_v indecent_a or_o inconvenient_a they_o only_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o inferior_n who_o join_v with_o such_o worship_n or_o yield_v to_o such_o injunction_n not_o plain_o sinful_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o encourage_v man_n to_o venture_v blindfold_a on_o sin_n or_o to_o neglect_v any_o reasonable_a care_n of_o their_o action_n but_o if_o people_n raise_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n they_o can_v start_v before_o they_o proceed_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o manifest_a impiety_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v plain_o nor_o by_o any_o easy_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o can_v but_o occasion_v infinite_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_v to_o man_n mind_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a conscience_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o persuade_v that_o what_o be_v require_v be_v forbid_v by_o god_n because_o by_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o light_n and_o doubtful_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o full_o satisfy_v about_o our_o conformity_n to_o all_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n we_o may_v presume_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a unless_o they_o plain_o appear_v to_o we_o otherwise_o if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o this_o principle_n will_v introduce_v popery_n and_o make_v people_n without_o any_o examination_n submit_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o their_o superior_n please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o popery_n which_o god_n have_v manifest_o forbid_v which_o render_v our_o separation_n from_o it_o necessary_a whereas_o we_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a only_a doubtful_a or_o rather_o not_o so_o good_a as_o may_v be_v devise_v and_o this_o sure_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.14_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a it_o be_v unclean_a do_v he_o not_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v v._o 23._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o answer_v yes_o but_o then_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n i_o suppose_v the_o person_n tolerable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o he_o have_v some_o little_a exception_n against_o it_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o which_o case_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o very_o weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n of_o though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-plays_a or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischie●_n 1._o all_o fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o except_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a
we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o duty_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o affair_n for_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n according_a to_o circumstance_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o give_v certain_a rule_n for_o man_n charity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o fix_v the_o proportion_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v of_o his_o estate_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o positive_o to_o tell_v how_o far_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o forego_v his_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o brother_n this_o whole_a matter_n say_v dr._n hammond_n disc_n of_o scan_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o christian_n pious_a discretion_n or_o prudence_n it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o either_o to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o any_o indifferent_a action_n remain_v such_o according_a as_o that_o piety_n and_o that_o prudence_n shall_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v most_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o man_n soul_n second_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o if_o this_o matter_n be_v right_o consider_v we_o shall_v soon_o f●●d_v ourselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v upon_o this_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n than_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o 1._o our_o separation_n harden_v other_o dissenter_n in_o their_o persuasion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o conformity_n for_o they_o will_v think_v we_o separate_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v true_a scandalize_a they_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a cause_n 2._o whatever_o sect_n we_o join_v with_o we_o offend_v all_o the_o other_o party_n who_o sometime_o speak_v as_o hardly_o of_o one_o another_o as_o of_o the_o conformist_n 3._o hereby_o great_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o conformist_n for_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o public_a condemn_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n distaste_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o well-meaning_a but_o least-knowing_a member_n of_o it_o 4._o scandal_n be_v thereby_o give_v to_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sinful_a to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o offend_a a_o prince_n a_o parliament_n &_o c_o no_o scandal_n take_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o great_a as_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n 5._o hereby_o scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n who_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o own_o way_n because_o they_o only_o have_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n the_o papist_n always_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o our_o division_n whereas_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v this_o weapon_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n 6._o separation_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudices_fw-la men_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n they_o have_v cause_v shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n and_o now_o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o answer_v those_o plea_n by_o which_o the_o dissenter_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o nothing_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o add_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n &_o due_o consider_v what_o i_o offer_v to_o you_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o nothing_o but_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v charge_v our_o church_n with_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o defend_v your_o practice_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n that_o may_v be_v contrive_v better_o yet_o every_o defect_n or_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n be_v not_o warrant_n enough_o to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n which_o a_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o be_v alter_v but_o whether_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v appoint_v which_o will_v make_v a_o alteration_n not_o only_o desirable_a but_o necessary_a &_o whether_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v till_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o she_o have_v corrupt_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o require_v her_o member_n to_o join_v in_o these_o corruption_n but_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a mr._n ca●●●●_n 12._o ca●●●●_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o sect_n 10_o 11_o 12._o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n keep_v up_o there_o be_v the_o plain_a appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o authority_n no_o man_n may_v safe_o despise_v or_o reject_v its_o admonition_n or_o resist_v its_o counsel_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o its_o discipline_n much_o less_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o violate_v its_o unity_n for_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o obstinate_o separate_v from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o such_o a_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n as_o if_o he_o have_v particular_o design_v it_o against_o your_o own_o practice_n nay_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n tell_v you_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o yourself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o you_o by_o forbear_v what_o you_o dislike_v as_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o case_n will_v bear_v this_o wantonness_n and_o whether_o such_o expression_n be_v consistent_a with_o your_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o confess_v to_o make_v out_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o i_o think_v it_o hard_o that_o a_o public_a rule_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v reason_n enough_o to_o justify_v thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o compliance_n without_o more_o ado_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o union_n till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n in_o our_o case_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o change_n though_o in_o
who_o they_o know_v may_v sometime_o mistake_v their_o passion_n for_o their_o zeal_n and_o wreak_v their_o anger_n or_o their_o faction_n in_o their_o prayer_n or_o let_v drop_v a_o error_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a or_o express_v themselves_o so_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o join_v so_o that_o in_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n a_o man_n must_v judge_v what_o be_v say_v before_o he_o can_v consent_v to_o it_o and_o if_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o rub_n the_o minister_n go_v on_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o the_o man_n be_v leave_v behind_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o perhaps_o confound_v before_o he_o can_v join_v again_o and_o no_o soon_o perhaps_o be_v he_o well_o fix_v but_o he_o be_v trouble_v again_o with_o the_o same_o inconveniency_n all_o which_o be_v easy_o prevent_v by_o the_o use_n of_o form_n 4._o form_n do_v not_o divert_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o extempore_o prayer_n do_v which_o disturb_v devotion_n whenever_o the_o minister_n hesitate_v or_o blunder_n or_o express_v himself_o improper_o for_o then_o some_o will_v be_v pity_v other_o contemn_v other_o carp_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o perform_v well_o some_o will_v admire_v his_o phrase_n judgement_n readiness_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n do_v call_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o matter_n 5._o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o thing_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n be_v better_o secure_v by_o form_n than_o by_o extempore_o prayer_n where_o they_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o minister_n for_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o bad_a memory_n or_o apt_a to_o blunder_v or_o be_v dull_a etc._n etc._n then_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n and_o of_o this_o i_o have_v see_v too_o many_o sad_a experiment_n but_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o able_a and_o pious_a person_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o indisposition_n of_o body_n dulness_n inadvertency_n etc._n etc._n with_o outward_a care_n and_o accident_n and_o if_o he_o be_v he_o must_v many_o time_n pray_v confuse_o or_o with_o break_a indecent_a expression_n and_o omit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o matter_n sometime_o he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o be_v force_v to_o use_v fulsome_a repetition_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a almost_o but_o that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o flat_a and_o empty_a nonsense_n undigested_a conception_n and_o unadvised_a expression_n shall_v escape_v from_o his_o lip_n before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o this_o if_o he_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o modesty_n must_v put_v he_o into_o great_a confusion_n and_o so_o amaze_v he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o able_a to_o recover_v himself_o now_o be_v it_o not_o a_o hard_a case_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o five_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o person_n must_v be_v disturb_v by_o one_o man_n disorder_n for_o they_o must_v either_o pray_v after_o he_o or_o not_o pray_v at_o all_o but_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v prevent_v by_o set_v public_a form_n 6._o those_o that_o join_v in_o a_o form_n may_v be_v better_o secure_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o own_o devotion_n for_o they_o know_v beforehand_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o form_n be_v not_o so_o much_o surprise_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o affect_v may_v more_o safe_o conclude_v it_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o not_o the_o word_n that_o move_v they_o whereas_o a_o man_n that_o be_v tickle_v with_o the_o word_n of_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n may_v fancy_v himself_o to_o be_v very_o devout_a when_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o true_a devotion_n in_o he_o i_o may_v add_v more_o but_o i_o think_v these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v a_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o they_o very_o much_o help_v devotion_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v still_o object_v that_o he_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o form_n do_v actual_o deaden_v his_o devotion_n because_o his_o affection_n be_v flat_a and_o heavy_a when_o he_o use_v they_o but_o he_o be_v almost_o transport_v when_o he_o hear_v a_o man_n pray_v extempore_o i_o beseech_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o his_o experience_n be_v not_o found_v in_o prejudice_n and_o whether_o his_o prejudice_n ought_v to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v certain_a other_o man_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o join_v with_o a_o form_n do_v help_v their_o devotion_n so_o that_o here_o be_v experience_n against_o experience_n now_o since_o two_o contrary_a experience_n can_v proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n therefore_o one_o must_v proceed_v from_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o man._n now_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o many_o man_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o form_n do_v help_v devotion_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v the_o same_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o himself_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o matter_n impartial_o he_o will_v soon_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o we_o have_v scripture_n and_o reason_n on_o our_o side_n but_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o passion_n which_o may_v be_v charm_v and_o flatter_v and_o will_v betray_v he_o into_o strong_a delusion_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o extempore_o prayer_n that_o affect_v he_o for_o that_o be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o a_o form_n and_o if_o he_o be_v take_v with_o the_o chime_a of_o word_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sensitive_a delight_n and_o he_o must_v not_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n only_o to_o gratify_v his_o fancy_n beside_o i_o desire_v he_o strict_o to_o examine_v his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o often_o be_v as_o dull_a at_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o at_o the_o public_a form_n if_o so_o than_o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o not_o the_o form_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o double_a iniquity_n who_o divide_v the_o church_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n and_o charge_v his_o own_o formality_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n do_v stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o before_o i_o answer_v this_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n first_o then_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n attribute_v to_o he_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o other_o that_o be_v ordinary_a fix_v and_o stand_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a be_v the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o 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