can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_n in_o their_o closet_n or_o family_n 3._o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o the_o second_o part_n be_v design_v to_o correct_v some_o great_a miscarriage_n in_o public_a worship_n which_o some_o who_o profess_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v too_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o such_o as_o these_o 1._o the_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o 2._o irreverence_n in_o worship_n 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 5._o that_o they_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n 6._o that_o either_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o very_o rare_o iii_o the_o very_o name_v these_o thing_n must_v needs_o convince_v all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n how_o seasonable_a this_o discourse_n be_v for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o it_o and_o since_o religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n the_o neglect_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n but_o have_v a_o very_a ill_a aspect_n upon_o public_a affair_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a time_n for_o any_o man_n who_o prefer_v his_o own_o ease_n and_o quiet_v before_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n to_o put_v forth_o to_o sea_n in_o such_o a_o storm_n and_o hurricane_a when_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o ferment_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o cool_a thought_n and_o impatient_a of_o the_o gentle_a reproof_n and_o opposition_n the_o most_o charitable_a design_n be_v misconstrue_v and_o nickname_v and_o whoever_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o mistake_v how_o careful_a soever_o he_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n be_v either_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o persecutor_n but_o these_o thing_n i_o thank_v god_n do_v not_o much_o affect_v i_o and_o shall_v never_o affright_v i_o from_o any_o part_n of_o my_o duty_n i_o value_v a_o good_a name_n as_o much_o as_o other_o man_n but_o be_o content_v to_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v himself_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v by_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v think_v most_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n be_v what_o concern_v the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o present_a establishment_n for_o this_o be_v now_o upon_o all_o occasion_n urge_v and_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o such_o discourse_n but_o can_v it_o be_v think_v unseasonable_a to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o forsake_v christian_a assembly_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n that_o many_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o physician_n when_o the_o patient_n be_v dangerous_o sick_a of_o a_o mortal_a distemper_n thanks_o be_v to_o our_o good_a god_n we_o still_o enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o have_v opportunity_n also_o of_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n how_o effectual_a indeed_o such_o exhortation_n may_v be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n we_o can_v tell_v success_n in_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o fit_a season_n as_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a temper_n of_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o seed_n fall_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o however_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n a_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v when_o and_o as_o it_o may_v and_o i_o think_v there_o never_o be_v great_a necessity_n for_o this_o exhortation_n than_o in_o our_o day_n but_o that_o which_o i_o perceive_v make_v some_o man_n think_v it_o so_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v because_o they_o be_v either_o in_o great_a hope_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o at_o least_o to_o open_v the_o door_n a_o little_a wide_o to_o let_v those_o in_o who_o be_v now_o exclude_v by_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v in_o our_o worship_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o soul_n that_o such_o seasonable_a exhortation_n as_o these_o may_v prove_v very_o unseasonable_a for_o their_o design_n that_o it_o may_v bring_v man_n to_o their_o wit_n and_o make_v they_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v a_o do_v when_o they_o 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convince_a discourse_n and_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n ever_o shall_v be_v certain_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v trouble_v at_o it_o since_o the_o great_a end_n they_o design_v viz._n to_o see_v all_o man_n return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_o obtain_v and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o desirable_a to_o see_v man_n rectify_v their_o own_o mistake_v than_o to_o alter_v wholesome_a constitution_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o great_a danger_n and_o very_o seldom_o any_o great_a success_n witness_v the_o miserable_a confusion_n of_o the_o last_o age._n or_o do_v they_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o unjust_a imputation_n to_o wipe_v off_o that_o dirt_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o she_o by_o her_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o discover_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n without_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o every_o punctilio_n and_o oppose_v all_o reasonable_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n of_o other_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o they_o censure_v and_o revile_v man_n before_o they_o know_v they_o we_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n between_o some_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n possible_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o most_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o ready_a to_o any_o reasonable_a compliance_n whenever_o authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a we_o have_v a_o late_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o a_o excellent_a person_n than_o who_o possible_o separation_n no_o man_n ever_o write_v better_o for_o the_o church_n nor_o ever_o hint_v more_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a proposal_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o dissenter_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o dispose_v man_n mind_n to_o peace_n and_o union_n by_o good_a argument_n and_o pious_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n as_o it_o be_v for_o public_a authority_n to_o relax_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n to_o give_v ease_n to_o some_o doubt_v and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o while_o man_n have_v such_o superstitious_a conceit_n that_o god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v with_o do_v or_o not_o do_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o themselves_o consider_v with_o wear_v or_o not_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o use_v or_o not_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n when_o man_n think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o have_v express_o command_v and_o then_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v perform_v any_o one_o duty_n
a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n london_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxi_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o belove_a parishioner_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n and_o st._n botolph-billingsgate_n grace_n peace_n and_o truth_n be_v multiply_v my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n i_o hope_v we_o be_v all_o sensible_a of_o that_o great_a account_n we_o must_v short_o give_v to_o god_n of_o all_o our_o action_n which_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n both_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o neither_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o interest_n prejudice_n and_o partiality_n in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o many_o dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o any_o impetuous_a lust_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o it_o that_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o to_o you_o make_v i_o concern_v as_o i_o love_v my_o own_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n of_o you_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n fit_v with_o great_a ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o office_n yet_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o can_v charge_v myself_o with_o any_o wilful_a neglect_n either_o in_o inform_v myself_o or_o instruct_v you_o i_o be_o as_o careful_a as_o i_o can_v not_o to_o mistake_v myself_o and_o resolve_o honest_a not_o to_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n from_o you_o though_o in_o this_o age_n plain_a and_o free_a deal_n meet_v with_o no_o great_a encouragement_n the_o great_a hindrance_n i_o have_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o ministry_n among_o you_o be_v that_o many_o of_o you_o who_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o attend_v my_o instruction_n as_o i_o be_o to_o instruct_v you_o and_o must_v as_o certain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o neglect_n as_o i_o must_v of_o i_o do_v yet_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n withdraw_v your_o self_n from_o your_o parish_n church_n and_o make_v it_o in_o that_o way_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o my_o duty_n to_o you_o i_o have_v send_v this_o little_a book_n to_o wait_v on_o you_o at_o your_o house_n and_o to_o invite_v you_o to_o our_o communion_n to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o have_v keep_v you_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o since_o some_o of_o you_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v my_o ministry_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o other_o neglect_v which_o be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o have_v here_o admonish_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a consideration_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o i_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n which_o be_v design_v for_o your_o instruction_n as_o general_o useful_a as_o may_v be_v and_o take_v a_o large_a scope_n than_o i_o hope_v have_v be_v necessary_a have_v it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o your_o private_a use_n since_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o nor_o the_o world_n think_v that_o i_o charge_v you_o with_o all_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o i_o there_o reprove_v but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n guilty_a of_o they_o all_o and_o possible_o this_o book_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o such_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o pray_v god_n they_o may_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o plain_a but_o seasonable_a instruction_n but_o whatever_o other_o man_n do_v i_o think_v i_o may_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n expect_v from_o you_o that_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v and_o consider_v this_o discourse_n i_o have_v contrive_v it_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o fear_v some_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v fit_v to_o every_o capacity_n for_o as_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n among_o man_n so_o i_o do_v not_o scrupulous_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o low_a be_v as_o st._n paul_n speak_v a_o debtor_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o of_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n above_o your_o reach_n do_v not_o present_o fling_v the_o book_n away_o for_o you_o will_v find_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a concernment_n fit_v to_o very_o ordinary_a understanding_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o may_v think_v sharp_a or_o severe_a god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o anger_v any_o man_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a severity_n but_o there_o be_v some_o severe_a truth_n which_o yet_o must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v speak_v if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o good_a and_o those_o patient_n who_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o cure_n must_v perish_v under_o more_o gentle_a remedy_n i_o only_o beg_v this_o requital_n of_o my_o pain_n and_o care_n of_o you_o that_o if_o you_o have_v any_o objection_n against_o what_o be_v offer_v if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n you_o do_v not_o understand_v you_o will_v consult_v i_o in_o it_o if_o you_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o thing_n let_v i_o know_v it_o first_o before_o you_o publish_v it_o to_o other_o and_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v have_v a_o care_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n but_o comply_v with_o your_o duty_n and_o rejoice_v that_o you_o be_v deliver_v from_o any_o mistake_v i_o beseech_v god_n give_v you_o a_o good_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o heart_n obedient_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o preserve_v you_o blameless_a until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n w._n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n page_z 1_o what_o religious_a worship_n be_v page_z 3_o of_o public_a worship_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o forsake_v public_a assembly_n page_z 4_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o church_n page_z 7_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n page_z 9_o what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n page_z 15_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n page_n 17_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n page_n 18_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v page_n 20_o part_v 1_n chapter_n 1._o section_n 1._o concern_v speculative_a atheist_n pag._n 28_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 29_o what_o natural_a inclination_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o education_n pag._n 30_o inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n natural_a and_o yet_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n pag._n 32_o how_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n prove_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n imprint_v on_o man_n mind_n pag._n 35_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n be_v contrary_n to_o good_a manner_n a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n pag._n 40_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n expose_v such_o scoffer_n to_o contempt_n pag._n 42_o to_o deride_v religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o man_n interest_n as_o be_v injurious_a to_o public_a society_n pag._n 45_o to_o affront_n god_n more_o dangerous_a than_o mere_a atheism_n pag._n 46_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n pag._n 48_o atheist_n shall_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n pag._n 50_o non_n intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n pag._n 52_o section_n 2._o concern_v the_o practical_a atheist_n pag._n 53_o irreligion_n as_o great_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n as_o atheism_n pag._n 54_o not_o to_o worship_n be_v great_a injustice_n pag._n 56_o irreligion_n the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n pag._n 65_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n a_o obligation_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 73_o section_n 3._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o pag._n 82_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n pag._n 91_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 98_o every_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n fit_v to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 99_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o
afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n that_o be_v who_o do_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o oppose_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n answerable_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o 10._o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o reproach_v the_o ruler_n of_o 28._o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v express_o call_v do_v presumptuous_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o 5._o the_o priest_n that_o stand_v to_o minister_v before_o 12._o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o these_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o 15._o be_v go_v astray_o and_o whoever_o compare_v this_o chapter_n with_o st._n iude_n epistle_n will_v find_v that_o st._n peter_n and_o s._n jude_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n for_o their_o character_n do_v exact_o agree_v and_o of_o they_o s._n jude_n tell_v we_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o 19_o sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o man_n ever_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o gross_a heretic_n the_o several_a sect_n of_o gnostic_n of_o who_o irenaeus_n and_o epiphanius_n give_v we_o a_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o name_n heresy_n which_o proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o separation_n come_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o corrupt_v and_o heretical_a doctrine_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o we_o may_v find_v some_o remain_v of_o this_o ancient_a and_o original_a use_n of_o these_o word_n in_o after-age_n for_o though_o schism_n common_o be_v use_v in_o church-writer_n to_o signify_v separation_n from_o church-communion_n and_o heresy_n to_o signify_v false_a doctrine_n yet_o separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o be_v only_o ocasion_v upon_o a_o dispute_n about_o discipline_n without_o any_o other_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v heresy_n thus_o st._n cyprian_n i_o remember_v call_v the_o schism_n of_o novatianus_n haereticam_fw-la pravitatem_fw-la heretical_a impiety_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n of_o antonianus_n quam_fw-la haeresin_fw-la novatianus_n introduxisset_fw-la what_o heresy_n novatianus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o he_o allege_v nothing_o but_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o curious_o 52._o to_o inquire_v what_o he_o teach_v who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o whatever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o adherent_n be_v call_v haeretica_fw-la factio_fw-la a_o heretical_a 39_o faction_n though_o the_o schism_n be_v occasion_v only_o by_o a_o dispute_n of_o discipline_n concern_v the_o restore_n the_o lapse_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n without_o any_o other_o error_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v call_v heresy_n and_o though_o heresy_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v corrupt_a doctrine_n yet_o a_o mere_a error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v not_o think_v a_o complete_a formal_a heresy_n without_o such_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n as_o end_v in_o separation_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n describe_v heretic_n to_o be_v 51._o those_o who_o hold_v some_o false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o when_o they_o be_v reprove_v in_o order_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o truth_n and_o sobricty_n of_o judgement_n do_v obstinate_o resist_v and_o refuse_v to_o correct_v their_o poisonous_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o persist_v in_o defend_v they_o thus_o they_o become_v heretic_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n become_v its_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o father_n in_o that_o fame_a say_v errare_fw-la possum_fw-la hereticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la though_o he_o may_v err_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o beside_o those_o division_n among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n which_o be_v call_v schism_n by_o st._n paul_n there_o be_v formal_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o a_o much_o more_o heinous_a nature_n which_o none_o in_o those_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o such_o separation_n be_v always_o condemn_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o heresy_n and_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n though_o such_o separatist_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o fundamental_a 231._o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v not_o what_o dr._n owen_n gain_v by_o prove_v that_o separation_n be_v no_o schism_n when_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o much_o great_a evil_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v allow_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n when_o it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n in_o a_o church_n any_o one_o will_v reasonable_o think_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o much_o great_a evil_a for_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n be_v then_o come_v to_o their_o height_n and_o perfection_n when_o they_o make_v friend_n brethren_n and_o confederate_n part_n company_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o less_o quarrel_n shall_v be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o great_a quarrel_n unless_o he_o think_v it_o be_v with_o schism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o leprosy_n that_o when_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v overspread_v with_o it_o the_o leper_n be_v pronounce_v clean_o but_o the_o most_o material_a inquiry_n here_o be_v what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n for_o our_o dissenter_n meet_v as_o public_o now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o forsake_v christian_a assembly_n and_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o primitive_a christian_n meet_v very_o private_o in_o small_a number_n or_o in_o the_o night_n or_o very_o early_a in_o the_o morning_n to_o avoid_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o yet_o such_o private_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n be_v not_o real_o conventicle_n but_o public_a church-assembly_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v not_o number_n nor_o meet_v open_o and_o public_o which_o make_v a_o church-assemble_o but_o hold_v such_o assembly_n by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o union_n with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o state_n when_o a_o great_a many_o people_n meet_v together_o without_o public_a authority_n it_o be_v a_o riot_n not_o a_o legal_a assembly_n public_a place_n of_o worship_n allow_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n public_a for_o the_o 171._o primitive_a christian_n allow_v no_o separate_a assembly_n no_o congregation_n but_o what_o meet_v in_o the_o public_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v a_o express_a canon_n in_o the_o council_n of_o gangra_n that_o if_o any_o shall_v 6._o take_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n private_o to_o preach_v at_o home_n and_o make_v light_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o leave_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o bishop_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o public_a worship_n be_v that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v in_o public_a church_n or_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n in_o other_o place_n by_o the_o allowance_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o have_v no_o such_o allowance_n and_o authority_n must_v be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o separation_n for_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n lawful_a but_o what_o make_v it_o necessary_a ii_o this_o follow_a treatise_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o these_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o those_o who_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o in_o contempt_n of_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o do_v not_o go_v to_o church_n because_o they_o think_v they_o
i_o can_v imagine_v what_o they_o have_v reasonable_o to_o object_n against_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v have_v no_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n for_o those_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n can_v believe_v themselves_o accountable_a to_o any_o but_o themselves_o in_o these_o matter_n while_o they_o conceal_v their_o own_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o be_v they_o deny_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o civility_n and_o respect_n to_o man_n to_o common_a and_o receive_v opinion_n and_o to_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o may_v be_v very_o great_a for_o who_o know_v how_o god_n may_v work_v upon_o their_o mind_n at_o such_o a_o time_n how_o they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o public_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o this_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n who_o know_v how_o god_n may_v direct_v the_o preacher_n and_o put_v such_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n as_o may_v pierce_v their_o soul_n and_o dispel_v those_o mist_n and_o fog_n which_o cloud_v their_o understanding_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o public_a instruction_n which_o be_v very_o often_o the_o cause_n but_o be_v a_o very_a unlikely_a cure_n of_o atheism_n but_o last_o i_o think_v at_o least_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o fulsome_a and_o nauseous_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n of_o our_o day_n to_o turn_v great_a reformer_n of_o religion_n to_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o whatever_o reformation_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v needful_a at_o this_o time_n whatever_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v grant_v yet_o what_o have_v these_o man_n to_o do_v to_o meddle_v with_o it_o those_o who_o think_v religion_n a_o mere_a fable_n and_o god_n to_o be_v a_o utopian_a prince_n and_o conscience_n a_o man_n of_o clouts_n set_v up_o for_o a_o scarecrow_n to_o fright_v such_o silly_a creature_n from_o their_o belove_a enjoyment_n and_o hell_n and_o heaven_n to_o be_v forge_v in_o the_o same_o mint_n with_o the_o poet_n styx_n and_o acheron_n and_o elysian_a field_n we_o be_v like_a to_o see_v bless_a time_n if_o such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v but_o the_o reform_n of_o religion_n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o very_o seldom_o think_v of_o he_o and_o neglect_v to_o worship_v he_o several_a consideration_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o sinfulness_n of_o irreligion_n second_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o desert_n religious_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o practical_a atheist_n man_n who_o though_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o very_o seldom_o think_v of_o he_o and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o please_v he_o and_o make_v he_o their_o friend_n and_o though_o they_o believe_v their_o soul_n shall_v survive_v their_o body_n and_o be_v either_o very_a happy_a or_o very_o miserable_a hereafter_o yet_o be_v so_o wretched_o careless_a so_o brutish_o unconcern_v for_o time_n to_o come_v as_o to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o a_o future_a state_n to_o use_v no_o diligence_n to_o escape_v the_o eternal_a misery_n or_o to_o obtain_v the_o eternal_a reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o i_o have_v but_o two_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o these_o man_n to_o convince_v and_o to_o persuade_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n of_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o prepare_v for_o a_o eternal_a state_n now_o the_o natural_a method_n of_o proceed_v be_v first_o to_o convince_v and_o then_o to_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n i_o shall_v represent_v to_o they_o the_o evil_a danger_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o first_o the_o evil_a and_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o now_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o these_o man_n profess_v to_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v his_o worship_n 1._o for_o irreligion_n be_v as_o great_a if_o not_o a_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o than_o atheism_n itself_o a_o atheist_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o irreligious_a man_n contemn_v and_o slight_v god_n who_o be_v he_o own_v the_o one_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o other_o reproach_n his_o nature_n the_o atheist_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n the_o irreligious_a man_n own_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v but_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o a_o god_n that_o be_v will_v not_o worship_v he_o as_o god_n for_o religious_a worship_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o live_v in_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o it_o make_v a_o mere_a titular_a and_o mock-god_n of_o he_o and_o argue_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptuous_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o include_v a_o denial_n of_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n the_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n both_o as_o they_o give_v that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a only_a to_o god_n to_o creature_n and_o too_o often_o to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o as_o they_o worship_v god_n by_o such_o ridiculous_a or_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o make_v a_o dishonourable_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o yet_o even_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v some_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n which_o be_v more_o than_o these_o man_n do_v who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o at_o all_o second_o to_o deny_v or_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o high_a injustice_n it_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n what_o be_v his_o natural_a right_n what_o be_v due_a from_o we_o and_o what_o alone_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v who_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o and_o so_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n for_o all_o perfection_n by_o a_o natural_a right_n challenge_v a_o proportionable_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a perfection_n a_o sovereign_a worship_n we_o can_v see_v nor_o hear_v of_o a_o excellent_a man_n but_o it_o excite_v in_o we_o a_o great_a esteem_n love_n or_o reverence_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o he_o excel_v and_o prompt_v we_o to_o say_v what_o we_o know_v in_o his_o commendation_n and_o it_o be_v account_v injustice_n among_o man_n to_o deny_v each_o other_o their_o just_a praise_n and_o how_o much_o great_a injustice_n be_v it_o to_o deny_v god_n his_o essential_a glory_n that_o incommunicable_a worship_n which_o natural_o belong_v to_o such_o incommunicable_a perfection_n indeed_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a not_o to_o admire_v that_o which_o be_v great_a nor_o to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o to_o fear_v and_o reverence_n that_o which_o be_v powerful_a for_o our_o passion_n be_v natural_o determine_v to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o not_o to_o discover_v those_o perfection_n which_o be_v notorious_a and_o visible_a be_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o not_o to_o love_v or_o fear_v and_o admire_v they_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n be_v account_v dulness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o a_o vicious_a defect_n in_o our_o will_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o perfection_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o some_o proportionable_a respect_n and_o therefore_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n natural_o challenge_v the_o high_a veneration_n since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a relation_n between_o natural_a perfection_n and_o
and_o lay_v they_o aside_o again_o when_o they_o please_v but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n that_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v never_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o either_o express_o forbid_v by_o god_n or_o by_o such_o evident_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n may_v discern_v without_o use_v any_o great_a skill_n and_o subtlety_n while_o man_n do_v not_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o by_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o their_o own_o invent_v or_o by_o fancy_n and_o humour_n prejudice_n or_o interest_n they_o may_v like_v or_o dislike_v just_a what_o they_o please_v and_o call_v it_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v do_v but_o the_o observe_v this_o one_o rule_n will_v soon_o cure_v all_o fanaticism_n and_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o perfect_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o prove_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o of_o all_o external_a circumstance_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n when_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o such_o entire_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o division_n and_o fill_v people_n head_n with_o endless_a and_o infinite_a scruple_n but_o to_o make_v the_o command_v and_o prohibition_n of_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o certain_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o unlawful_a so_o as_o neither_o to_o condemn_v nor_o scruple_n what_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n will_v infallible_o heal_v our_o breach_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o peace_n with_o ourselves_o and_o with_o one_o another_o four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o neither_o a_o mistake_v nor_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n can_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_n we_o may_v indeed_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n against_o any_o humane_a power_n a_o conscience_n inform_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n will_v not_o can_v ought_v not_o to_o stoop_v to_o the_o great_a prince_n who_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n law_n because_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a absolute_a and_o supreme_a but_o a_o erroneous_a mistake_v doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o a_o word_n a_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v not_o arm_v with_o his_o authority_n neither_o and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o prince_n for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o private_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v disobedience_n to_o public_a authority_n which_o show_v we_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n aright_o and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o rule_n not_o to_o neglect_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v and_o where_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v we_o by_o his_o authority_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o our_o lawful_a superior_n for_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o where_o we_o can_v pretend_v god_n authority_n as_o we_o can_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o disobey_v our_o ruler_n though_o they_o be_v but_o men._n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v that_o question_n now_o whether_o a_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n ought_v not_o to_o obey_v his_o governor_n notwithstanding_o those_o scruple_n because_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v only_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o thing_n command_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o superior_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v sin_v in_o obey_v because_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o what_o they_o command_v be_v sinful_a and_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v sin_v in_o disobey_v they_o if_o their_o command_n be_v lawful_a and_o be_v withal_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v one_o or_o tother_o whether_o he_o ought_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o take_v the_o sure_a side_n that_o be_v to_o wave_v his_o scruple_n and_o obey_v his_o prince_n i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o observe_v this_o one_o thing_n without_o draw_v any_o peremptory_a conclusion_n from_o it_o that_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n and_o so_o the_o proper_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o our_o prince_n command_v we_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o as_o plain_a and_o express_v a_o law_n as_o that_o be_v which_o command_v our_o obedience_n we_o seem_v to_o oppose_v our_o private_a and_o uncertain_a opinion_n against_o the_o express_a authority_n of_o god_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n than_o where_o they_o be_v no_o humane_a authority_n must_v be_v set_v up_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o a_o divine_a authority_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a rule_n than_o private_a opinion_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n act_n out_o of_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o he_o who_o keep_v his_o eye_n fix_v upon_o his_o rule_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v his_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n other_o man_n live_v by_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o fancy_n be_v turn_v aside_o by_o every_o novel_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o conscience_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n if_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n conscience_n will_v never_o justify_v we_o but_o when_o we_o obey_v and_o observe_v our_o rule_n second_o another_o question_n i_o will_v propose_v to_o these_o man_n be_v whether_o they_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o schism_n now_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o ask_v this_o question_n if_o we_o observe_v with_o what_o little_a consideration_n most_o man_n engage_v themselves_o in_o it_o how_o wanton_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o come_v to_o church_n or_o go_v to_o a_o conventicle_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o leave_v their_o own_o parish_n church_n and_o go_v to_o another_o where_o there_o be_v a_o preacher_n who_o they_o like_v better_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o never_o understand_v what_o christian_a unity_n be_v nor_o ever_o consider_v what_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o act_v honest_o and_o sincere_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o one_o body_n unite_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n this_o st._n paul_n make_v a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o unity_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n 4._o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o what_o do_v this_o bond_n of_o peace_n signify_v but_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o christian_n live_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v by_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n for_o christian_n be_v call_v one_o body_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o external_a communion_n which_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o their_o eat_n of_o one_o bread_n as_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o 17._o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n so_o that_o we_o become_v one_o body_n by_o external_a &_o visible_a communion_n by_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o religious_a society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o our_o mutual_a edification_n but_o speak_v the_o
reasonable_a exception_n against_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o new_a discovery_n to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o all_o know_v when_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o part_n with_o such_o doctrine_n custom_n usage_n religion_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o many_o generation_n than_o to_o part_v with_o some_o novel_a invention_n who_o very_a novelty_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o strong_a and_o last_a prejudice_n thus_o we_o know_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n which_o plead_v the_o prescription_n of_o unknown_a age_n make_v it_o extreme_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o that_o objection_n of_o novelty_n though_o it_o be_v false_a be_v yet_o a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o alleadg_n to_o show_v that_o a_o long_a and_o immemorial_n prescription_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a prejudice_n than_o some_o few_o year_n education_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v a_o much_o better_a justification_n of_o pagan_n and_o papist_n in_o foreign_a country_n for_o 2_o it_o may_v cause_v a_o reasonable_a suspicion_n in_o honest_a dissenter_n sufficient_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o new_a search_n and_o enquiry_n when_o they_o remember_v that_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n fall_v together_o that_o those_o who_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n pull_v down_o monarchy_n and_o transform_v themselves_o into_o as_o many_o different_a shape_n and_o form_n in_o the_o state_n as_o they_o set_v up_o new_a model_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o most_o infallible_a man_n nor_o act_v by_o the_o best_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o establish_v by_o law_n have_v have_v possession_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o a_o few_o year_n interruption_n in_o a_o time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o great_a confusion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o dispossess_v it_o and_o therefore_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o loyalty_n to_o their_o prince_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v some_o better_a reason_n against_o it_o than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n which_o can_v be_v no_o just_a excuse_n at_o this_o day_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o shall_v desire_v any_o more_o than_o twenty_o year_n to_o wear_v off_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o twenty_o year_n education_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n ever_o have_v a_o legal_a possession_n of_o this_o nation_n during_o this_o anarchy_n and_o interregnum_fw-la of_o church_n and_o state_n neither_o presbytery_n independency_n nor_o anabaptism_n be_v settle_v by_o law_n but_o they_o shuffle_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o use_v their_o utmost_a skill_n to_o establish_v themselves_o by_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o their_o several_a party_n and_o sometime_o one_o pravile_v and_o sometime_o another_o and_o instead_o of_o one_o national_a church_n we_o have_v twenty_o national_a schism_n but_o no_o church_n which_o 4thly_a plain_o show_v that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n can_v be_v no_o good_a plea_n in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o invincible_a where_o there_o be_v no_o one_o fix_a church_n nor_o one_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o nation_n but_o several_a church_n quarrel_v and_o contend_v with_o each_o other_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o country_n where_o the_o people_n never_o hear_v but_o of_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o spain_n or_o at_o least_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o but_o under_o such_o dismal_a frightful_a character_n as_o may_v raise_v their_o indignation_n and_o their_o hatred_n of_o such_o monster_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v if_o such_o man_n prejudices_fw-la be_v very_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a but_o when_o man_n see_v religion_n in_o so_o many_o shape_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o monster_n but_o man_n like_o themselves_o this_o rather_o incline_v they_o to_o uncertainty_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o any_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a prejudices_fw-la for_o or_o against_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n how_o man_n make_v their_o advance_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o quakerism_n the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o confusion_n as_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o all_o good_a order_n now_o when_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o wander_a state_n like_a traveller_n who_o have_v no_o certain_a abide_v but_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o country_n into_o another_o visit_v all_o and_o stay_v no_o where_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a injudicious_a people_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o plead_v prejudice_n in_o their_o justification_n 2._o other_o engage_v themselves_o in_o schism_n out_o of_o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v no_o fix_a and_o stable_a principle_n and_o can_v never_o like_o one_o thing_n long_o together_o or_o they_o run_v into_o conventicle_n out_o of_o a_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v take_v with_o any_o thing_n or_o with_o nothing_o as_o it_o happen_v and_o thus_o by_o degree_n contract_n prejudices_fw-la against_o that_o church_n who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v without_o any_o reason_n and_o then_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a without_o any_o the_o zeal_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o those_o hard_a word_n they_o give_v the_o church_n and_o churchman_n make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n for_o it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o they_o learn_v by_o rote_n some_o popular_a objection_n and_o cavil_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o engage_v lie_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o further_a consideration_n or_o a_o timely_a retreat_n when_o man_n first_o begin_v to_o separate_v and_o then_o learn_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o in_o time_n improve_v those_o doubt_n into_o last_a principle_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a honesty_n for_o a_o honest_a man_n must_v first_o have_v very_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a before_o he_o can_v entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o a_o separation_n and_o do_v man_n take_v this_o course_n the_o schism_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n 3._o other_o take_v distaste_n at_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o church_n this_o seem_v strange_a that_o whatever_o be_v do_v amiss_o in_o the_o state_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o state_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o civil_a governor_n have_v to_o correct_v and_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o exorbitance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o some_o person_n observe_v that_o close_a union_n which_o be_v between_o church_n and_o state_n think_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o crown_n till_o they_o have_v first_o pull_v down_o a_o legal_a church_n but_o though_o these_o man_n may_v talk_v very_o much_o against_o church-imposition_n and_o seem_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a it_o be_v plain_a religion_n be_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n they_o love_v schism_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o rebellion_n and_o look_v upon_o schismatical_a conventicle_n as_o admirable_a nursery_n for_o the_o camp_n though_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n in_o our_o late_a trouble_n we_o have_v be_v late_o tell_v in_o print_n by_o one_o who_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o i_o wonder_v so_o grave_a and_o wise_a a_o man_n shall_v thus_o open_o betray_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o party_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v by_o churchman_n who_o have_v no_o design_n at_o first_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n the_o auxiliary_n of_o the_o 12._o parliament_n the_o scot_n will_v not_o
help_v they_o but_o on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o church-alteration_n come_v on_o and_o the_o parliament_n think_v it_o be_v better_o have_v no_o bishop_n than_o such_o as_o do_v prevail_v against_o they_o this_o be_v fair_a warning_n and_o let_v the_o church_n and_o churchman_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o oppose_v rebellion_n any_o more_o 4._o every_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o clergy_n or_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v think_v a_o miscarriage_n though_o it_o be_v none_o be_v present_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o separation_n as_o if_o so_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o any_o church_n be_v ever_o the_o worse_a because_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o neglect_v their_o duty_n abuse_v their_o power_n or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o please_v every_o man_n humour_n as_o if_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v sometime_o happen_v under_o the_o best_a government_n in_o the_o world_n will_v justify_v man_n in_o pull_v down_o a_o apostolical_a church_n model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o primitive_a government_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o see_v man_n forsake_v the_o church_n and_o run_v to_o conventicle_n if_o their_o minister_n do_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n comply_v with_o their_o desire_n if_o he_o be_v so_o ill-bred_a as_o to_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n or_o so_o stiff_a as_o not_o to_o make_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n yield_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o humour_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o such_o person_n separate_v out_o of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n who_o date_n their_o separation_n from_o some_o little_a pet_n quarrel_n or_o peevish_a fit_n nor_o five_o be_v those_o very_a conscientious_a man_n who_o separate_z from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o interest_n and_o the_o persuasion_n and_o importunity_n of_o some_o dissent_v friend_n who_o forsake_v the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o good_a trade_n or_o a_o rich_a wife_n or_o in_o hope_n of_o some_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n to_o make_v gain_n godliness_n not_o to_o serve_v christ_n but_o our_o own_o belly_n i_o do_v but_o just_a mention_n these_o thing_n which_o though_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v great_a truth_n and_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o consider_v who_o will_v try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o separation_n yet_o i_o fear_v the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o will_v be_v very_o offensive_a to_o guilty_a person_n who_o when_o they_o feel_v their_o conscience_n smart_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o revenge_v themselves_o upon_o their_o kind_n and_o faithful_a monitor_n five_o i_o will_v desire_v those_o person_n who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o consider_v whether_o ever_o they_o impartial_o and_o thorough_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n we_o must_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o such_o a_o church_n before_o separation_n from_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n as_o it_o be_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o a_o corrupt_a church_n and_o a_o true_o honest_a man_n be_v equal_o careful_a to_o avoid_v every_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o corrupt_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n now_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o few_o there_o be_v that_o do_v this_o and_o how_o much_o few_o there_o be_v that_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a a_o argument_n that_o most_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n without_o know_v any_o just_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o as_o to_o explain_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a more_o at_o large_a first_o how_o few_o be_v those_o who_o do_v examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o some_o popular_a talk_n against_o the_o bishop_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n be_v very_o different_a from_o be_v able_a to_o make_v some_o slight_a objection_n which_o have_v be_v answer_v a_o hundred_o time_n for_o to_o examine_v thing_n be_v impartial_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v both_o part_n of_o the_o question_n to_o avoid_v no_o difficulty_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o and_o against_o separation_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o equal_a that_o interest_n and_o affection_n do_v not_o turn_v the_o scale_n instead_o of_o reason_n now_o there_o be_v two_o great_a fault_n which_o man_n be_v common_o guilty_a of_o in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o careful_o examine_v both_o part_n of_o the_o question_n possible_o they_o read_v such_o book_n as_o be_v write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o justify_v a_o separation_n but_o do_v not_o with_o the_o same_o care_n read_v those_o book_n which_o prove_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o separation_n and_o justify_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o have_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n only_o at_o second_o hand_n from_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v they_o but_o never_o look_v into_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o this_o rate_n of_o examine_v that_o man_n continue_v separatist_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o for_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o one_o argument_n against_o separation_n or_o for_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n fair_o represent_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v it_o who_o common_o pick_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v least_o material_a or_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o main_a controversy_n and_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o flourish_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v something_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o silent_o pass_v over_o what_o they_o know_v they_o can_v answer_v now_o whoever_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o thorough_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o be_v though_o his_o separation_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o schism_n because_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o separation_n yet_o this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o know_v he_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n for_o he_o separate_v without_o cause_n who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o separation_n and_o he_o can_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o who_o separate_v before_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n as_o we_o all_o reckon_v that_o man_n perjure_v who_o swear_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a but_o without_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a second_o another_o great_a fault_n be_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v common_o bias_v by_o some_o interest_n and_o affection_n which_o weigh_v much_o more_o than_o any_o contrary_a reason_n can_v do_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o they_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o then_o set_v their_o wit_n on_o work_n to_o defend_v it_o and_o those_o must_v be_v mighty_a evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n which_o can_v force_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n common_a to_o both_o side_n there_o be_v few_o man_n which_o side_n soever_o they_o be_v of_o but_o be_v great_o incline_v to_o favour_v it_o and_o to_o help_v out_o a_o weak_a argument_n which_o be_v too_o light_a with_o some_o grain_n of_o allowance_n i_o answer_v possible_o with_o most_o man_n it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o in_o many_o case_n it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v both_o innocent_a and_o useful_a and_o a_o argument_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v when_o the_o bias_n stand_v the_o wrong_a way_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o good_a man_n be_v as_o strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v one_o as_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o to_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v none_o here_o be_v inclination_n and_o prejudices_fw-la on_o both_o side_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o a_o bad_a man_n because_o the_o one_o be_v a_o natural_a byass_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o virtue_n the_o other_o
remain_n of_o its_o ancient_a piety_n and_o devotion_n which_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o rubbish_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n consider_v then_o what_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o reformer_n must_v be_v to_o pull_v up_o root_n and_o branch_n to_o pull_v up_o the_o wheat_n with_o the_o tare_n this_o will_v be_v not_o to_o reform_v a_o corrupt_a church_n but_o to_o make_v a_o new_a one_o this_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o sound_n with_o the_o rot_a member_n and_o be_v like_o pull_v down_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n to_o correct_v abuse_n i_o pray_v god_n preserve_v we_o from_o such_o reformer_n as_o these_o in_o a_o word_n if_o these_o man_n who_o accuse_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o popery_n can_v show_v any_o thing_n practise_v among_o we_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o popery_n which_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a church_n i_o will_v hearty_o join_v with_o they_o in_o call_v for_o a_o reformation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o they_o do_v popery_n too_o much_o reputation_n by_o give_v up_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o it_o and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o popery_n a_o less_o formidable_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v thus_o indifferent_o apply_v to_o a_o corrupt_a and_o to_o a_o reform_a church_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o soul_n they_o be_v half_a so_o free_a from_o popish_a principle_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v from_o a_o popish_a worship_n part_n ii_o concern_v those_o disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o some_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o church-communion_n chap._n i._n concern_v those_o who_o ordinary_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n have_v discourse_v thus_o large_o of_o those_o who_o whole_o separate_v themselves_o from_o christian_a communion_n who_o either_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n or_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o correct_v those_o miscarriage_n which_o some_o who_o profess_v themselves_o of_o our_o communion_n be_v too_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o and_o i_o shall_v first_o begin_v with_o those_o who_o ordinary_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n this_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o inveterate_a evil_n of_o long_a use_n and_o practice_n especial_o in_o this_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o dare_a and_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o oppose_v it_o however_o i_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o suspect_v that_o i_o serve_v any_o other_o interest_n by_o this_o but_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o must_v reasonable_o engage_v all_o man_n the_o more_o impartial_o to_o consider_v what_o i_o shall_v now_o offer_v which_o shall_v be_v comprise_v under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n first_o our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n 2._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o first_o our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o parochial_a communion_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o excellent_a institution_n for_o the_o more_o regular_a instruction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o do_v not_o indeed_o pretend_v that_o the_o division_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n into_o several_a parish_n with_o their_o distinct_a pastor_n set_v over_o they_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o a_o express_a law_n determine_v the_o bound_n and_o extent_n of_o bishopric_n much_o less_o of_o parochial_a communion_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o do_v it_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o great_a number_n of_o people_n be_v either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o this_o it_o be_v at_o last_o a_o acknowledge_a principle_n among_o dissenter_n themselves_o and_o those_o of_o the_o great_a note_n that_o the_o directive_n light_n of_o nature_n 14._o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o church_n assembly_n the_o order_n and_o decency_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o the_o bound_a of_o they_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o parochial_a communion_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o not_o only_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o it_o but_o severe_o condemn_v those_o who_o break_v and_o violate_v so_o useful_a a_o institution_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n unite_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a shall_v all_o worship_v their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n together_o but_o since_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o will_v not_o admit_v this_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o less_o society_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a administration_n of_o holy_a office_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a discipline_n and_o government_n how_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o christian_a nation_n be_v more_o useful_a for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n society_n than_o the_o distribution_n of_o christian_n into_o parochial_a communion_n to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o public_a assembly_n near_o our_o own_o dwelling_n without_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o at_o a_o distance_n will_v have_v be_v think_v a_o great_a privilege_n in_o former_a age_n like_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n fall_v round_o about_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n to_o have_v a_o fix_a pastor_n who_o be_v particular_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o who_o you_o may_v at_o all_o time_n free_o resort_v and_o disclose_v your_o spiritual_a want_n who_o neighbourhood_n and_o conversation_n may_v contract_v a_o particular_a friendship_n and_o familiarity_n and_o beget_v a_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o endearment_n be_v quite_o a_o different_a thing_n from_o some_o public_a and_o general_a exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o more_o value_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o parochial_a guide_n be_v because_o general_o they_o make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o he_o this_o be_v the_o true_a emblem_n of_o catholic_n unity_n when_o we_o hold_v personal_a communion_n with_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v our_o neighbour_n and_o so_o in_o the_o near_a disposition_n for_o it_o for_o our_o obligation_n to_o christian_a communion_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o 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