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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n church_n good_a great_a 3,182 5 2.6384 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59850 A practical discourse of religious assemblies by Will. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1681 (1681) Wing S3322; ESTC R27485 148,095 402

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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 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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
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
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 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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 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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 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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
all_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n 4._o public_a baptism_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o mind_n christian_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v it_o put_v good_a thought_n into_o they_o when_o they_o see_v what_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n to_o review_v their_o past_a life_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v keep_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n it_o mind_v child_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v seldom_o at_o private_a baptism_n and_o be_v many_o time_n more_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n than_o with_o the_o best_a counsel_n it_o mind_v those_o who_o have_v be_v godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n what_o charge_v they_o have_v undertake_v which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o compliment_n to_o a_o friend_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n even_o a_o trust_n and_o a_o trust_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n a_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n of_o such_o child_n which_o may_v convince_v all_o consider_a man_n of_o what_o great_a use_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o all_o the_o awful_a and_o public_a solemnity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v huddle_v over_o in_o private_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o 5._o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o always_o administer_v baptism_n in_o public_a place_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o first_o indeed_o they_o baptize_v in_o river_n or_o pond_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v in_o jordan_n where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v baptize_v which_o make_v many_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v there_o also_o as_o eusebius_n report_v of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o it_o afterward_o they_o build_v font_n near_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o church-porch_n and_o at_o last_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o never_o allow_v of_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o to_o make_v the_o action_n more_o solemn_a they_o have_v public_a time_n for_o baptism_n which_o in_o most_o church_n be_v easter_n and_o whitsunday_n when_o all_o their_o catechuman_n who_o desire_v baptism_n and_o be_v judge_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o thus_o it_o continue_v in_o follow_v age_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rubric_n of_o our_o church_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n though_o it_o be_v not_o now_o confine_v to_o such_o certain_a time_n which_o allow_v of_o no_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n chap._n v._n concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n be_v that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a and_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n of_o what_o mighty_a concernment_n the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o youth_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o for_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o depend_v on_o it_o when_o child_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o atheism_n and_o debauchery_n in_o their_o ripe_a year_n unless_o they_o be_v t●ught_v to_o know_v and_o to_o fear_v god_n betimes_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n and_o wickedness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o atheism_n and_o lewdness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n have_v be_v as_o much_o owe_v to_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o parent_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n as_o to_o any_o one_o cause_n beside_o how_o many_o child_n have_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o other_o catechism_n than_o some_o flatter_a compliment_n modish_a oath_n and_o obscene_a talk_n how_o many_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o profane_a and_o impious_a jest_n and_o all_o the_o topic_n of_o irreligious_a wit_n and_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a proficient_n who_o be_v wicked_a above_o their_o age_n and_o can_v as_o pert_o and_o confident_o laugh_v down_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o study_a atheist_n other_o be_v not_o so_o industrious_a to_o corrupt_v youth_n but_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o better_o to_o possess_v their_o tender_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a if_o the_o ground_n been_v till_v and_o cultivate_v you_o can_v expect_v no_o good_a fruit_n but_o weed_n will_v grow_v of_o themselves_o other_o possible_o do_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o i_o only_o wish_v there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o these_o man_n we_o may_v then_o hope_v in_o time_n to_o see_v the_o world_n reform_v and_o religion_n grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o credit_v again_o at_o least_o the_o next_o generation_n may_v see_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v sow_v now_o but_o there_o be_v one_o great_a neglect_n of_o very_o mischievous_a consequence_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o great_a good_a till_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a catechise_v which_o may_v be_v sometime_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o be_v often_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o people_n who_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n nor_o to_o give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o presence_n and_o attendance_n that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o yet_o i_o can_v make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o for_o 1._o no_o man_n certain_o can_v think_v it_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n whether_o his_o child_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n must_v be_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n do_v amiss_o who_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o allurement_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n be_v conquer_v who_o understand_v not_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spiritual_a armour_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n without_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o which_o they_o can_v conquer_v such_o as_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o everlasting_a life_n after_o death_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v over_o these_o word_n without_o some_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v not_o work_v like_o spell_n or_o charm_n by_o the_o magical_a power_n or_o sound_v of_o word_n but_o as_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v as_o they_o convey_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o his_o faith_n who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o though_o hear_v sermon_n may_v help_v somewhat_o towards_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v so_o effectual_a as_o catechise_v for_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o instill_a
and_o reverence_n for_o their_o spirial_a guide_n this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o only_o a_o word_n by_o the_o by_o for_o my_o own_o profession_n but_o let_v it_o be_v for_o who_o it_o will_v religion_n never_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v like_a to_o flourish_v when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v when_o their_o counsel_n be_v slight_v and_o contemn_v their_o office_n be_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o soul_n and_o unless_o man_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o it_o render_v their_o office_n useless_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o reverence_v their_o counsel_n reproof_n and_o censure_n and_o to_o apply_v to_o they_o in_o all_o case_n which_o concern_v their_o soul_n now_o when_o man_n have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o instruction_n it_o make_v they_o natural_o reverence_v their_o judgement_n and_o advise_v with_o they_o in_o all_o difficult_a case_n a_o thing_n much_o out_o of_o use_n now_o and_o we_o see_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n of_o too_o many_o 4._o by_o the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n those_o may_v learn_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v too_o old_a indeed_o to_o be_v catechize_v but_o yet_o very_o much_o want_v it_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a to_o think_v how_o ignorant_a many_o man_n be_v of_o the_o very_a first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n indeed_o but_o be_v never_o catechize_v all_o our_o sermon_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v upon_o these_o man_n who_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v religion_n unless_o you_o teach_v they_o as_o you_o do_v child_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o their_o age_n and_o long_a profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a and_o modest_a way_n of_o instruct_v these_o man_n be_v to_o instruct_v child_n when_o they_o be_v present_a which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o do_v not_o disdain_v instruction_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o and_o so_o conclude_v this_o argument_n that_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o instruct_v child_n i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o think_v that_o i_o only_o mean_v such_o young_a child_n as_o be_v just_o able_a to_o repeat_v the_o catechism_n by_o heart_n but_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v any_o other_o answer_n to_o what_o you_o ask_v but_o what_o they_o find_v in_o their_o book_n such_o child_n as_o these_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o instruction_n nor_o can_v it_o much_o edify_v the_o congregation_n to_o hear_v they_o repeat_v imperfect_o the_o word_n of_o the_o catechism_n but_o i_o principal_o mean_v such_o young_a man_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o learning_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o and_o make_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n at_o least_o with_o a_o little_a help_n and_o instruction_n we_o live_v now_o in_o a_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v think_v a_o reproach_n for_o those_o to_o be_v catechize_v who_o be_v get_v out_o of_o their_o hanging-sleeve_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o learn_v a_o trade_n they_o think_v themselves_o too_o old_a to_o learn_v their_o religion_n but_o be_v religion_n then_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o youth_n of_o sixteen_o or_o seventeen_o be_v past_o his_o catechism_n be_v it_o a_o great_a reproach_n at_o such_o a_o age_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v to_o learn_v arithmetic_n and_o merchant_n account_n i_o ready_o grant_v such_o young_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v treat_v like_o child_n to_o be_v make_v repeat_v only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o catechism_n as_o schoolboy_n do_v their_o lesson_n but_o there_o be_v a_o manly_a way_n of_o instruction_n which_o will_v not_o unbecome_v their_o year_n but_o much_o contribute_v to_o their_o increase_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n can_v this_o point_n be_v once_o gain_v to_o persuade_v parent_n and_o master_n to_o send_v such_o to_o be_v catechize_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o instruction_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o see_v very_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o so_o much_o despise_v and_o neglect_a duty_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o last_o miscarriage_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o general_a neglect_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n this_o practice_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n restore_v among_o we_o and_o we_o now_o with_o joy_n observe_v more_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a communion_n than_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n last_o pass_v yet_o this_o hold_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o those_o great_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n who_o neglect_v it_o whole_o or_o communicate_v very_o seldom_o thus_o to_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o christianity_n and_o infinite_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o the_o most_o beneficial_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o indeed_o one_o will_v think_v that_o there_o need_v nothing_o else_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o so_o advantageous_a a_o duty_n but_o true_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o my_o present_a design_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o large_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v bring_v what_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v and_o 1._o show_v you_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o 2._o examine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n or_o occasion_n which_o tempt_v man_n to_o such_o a_o neglect_n 1._o the_o great_a evil_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o this_o be_v by_o explain_v those_o many_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o we_o to_o a_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o this_o mysterious_a feast_n 1._o and_o i_o shall_v first_o argue_v from_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o certain_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o a_o stand_n and_o necessary_a duty_n to_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o his_o disciple_n now_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o feast_n run_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o command_n so_o st._n matthew_n tell_v we_o as_o they_o be_v eat_v 28._o viz._n the_o feast_n of_o the_o passeover_n jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v take_v eat_z this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o same_o account_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n 25._o give_v of_o it_o and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n so_o do_v st._n paul_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o revelation_n from_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o those_o man_n at_o least_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n who_o never_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n if_o it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o sin_n to_o break_v a_o plain_a express_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o very_o great_a number_n there_o be_v of_o such_o man_n in_o our_o church_n if_o at_o least_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o call_v christ_n lord_n and_o master_n but_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o there_o be_v two_o very_a considerable_a aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v his_o last_o and_o die_a command_n which_o usual_o have_v great_a sacredness_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o though_o it_o be_v but_o the_o command_n nay_o but_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o friend_n this_o command_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o night_n wherein_o he_o be_v betray_v when_o he_o be_v just_a about_o to_o offer_v his_o soul_n in_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v to_o encounter_v with_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n with_o rage_n and_o malice_n with_o the_o shame_n and_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a requital_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n that_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o die_a command_n 2._o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o numerous_a troublesome_a expensive_a ceremony_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n