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
that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o their_o several_a sort_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v at_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n by_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v public_a person_n even_o those_o particular_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o particular_a man_n either_o expiatory_a or_o eucharistical_a to_o make_v atonement_n for_o their_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v a_o oblation_n of_o praise_n for_o particular_a mercy_n be_v yet_o offer_v at_o the_o temple_n and_o beside_o this_o they_o have_v sacrifice_n for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o on_o the_o great_a day_n of_o expiation_n which_o be_v not_o for_o any_o particular_a man_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o consider_v they_o all_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o worship_n god_n appoint_v also_o a_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n viz._n the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o public_a place_n for_o worship_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o public_a worship_n god_n also_o institute_v public_a time_n of_o worship_n the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n their_o new_a moon_n and_o annual_a festival_n when_o all_o their_o male_n be_v to_o appear_v three_o time_n a_o year_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o time_n as_o these_o be_v describe_v by_o call_v assembly_n and_o solemn_a meeting_n 13._o because_o than_o they_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n for_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o appoint_v public_a and_o solemn_a time_n for_o private_a worship_n if_o man_n be_v bind_v only_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o private_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o public_a day_n of_o rest_n dedicate_v to_o god_n worship_n for_o every_o man_n may_v take_v his_o own_o time_n for_o it_o as_o he_o find_v most_o convenient_a and_o useful_a but_o fix_v and_o state_v time_n of_o worship_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v public_a worship_n and_o evident_o prove_v that_o 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subject_n as_o public_a i_o say_v though_o he_o can_v challenge_v more_o divine_a regard_v than_o earthly_a prince_n because_o he_o be_v their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o king_n and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n themselves_o be_v frequent_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o use_v to_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n how_o have_v a_o right_a to_o worship_n at_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n let_v we_o then_o three_o consider_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o what_o obligation_n that_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n now_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n which_o be_v so_o often_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n which_o be_v call_v together_o and_o so_o acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o combine_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v pure_o a_o religious_a society_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o temporal_a kingdom_n as_o the_o jew_n expect_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o his_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o society_n of_o man_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christian_a church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o public_a worship_n because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n that_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o religious_a worship_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o whole_o neglect_v or_o despise_v public_a worship_n for_o he_o can_v at_o best_a be_v only_o a_o nominal_a member_n of_o a_o assembly_n who_o neglect_v to_o assemble_v with_o they_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o membership_n to_o frequent_v such_o assembly_n now_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v institute_v a_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n have_v not_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o our_o private_a devotion_n have_v it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a as_o some_o man_n presume_v whether_o we_o worship_v god_n single_o or_o in_o a_o body_n and_o society_n whether_o at_o home_o in_o our_o closet_n or_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o 4._o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v now_o to_o be_v one_o body_n as_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v if_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n signify_v a_o very_a near_a and_o intimate_a union_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n this_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o but_o then_o the_o question_n be_v wherein_o this_o unity_n consist_v some_o place_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o faith_n in_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o in_o have_v a_o mutual_a kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o unite_v christian_n to_o make_v they_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ._n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o there_o may_v be_v great_a dissension_n and_o schism_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a in_o those_o fearful_a schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n who_o differ_v not_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o discipline_n and_o as_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n convince_v we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o man_n may_v exercise_v a_o christian_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o each_o other_o without_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o one_o body_n be_v one_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n must_v of_o necessity_n consist_v in_o one_o communion_n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o separate_v himself_o from_o christian_a communion_n who_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o public_a worship_n when_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o very_a first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o those_o new_a convert_v that_o they_o continue_v 42._o steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o they_o continue_v 46._o daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n here_o you_o see_v the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o true_a description_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v a_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n that_o 3_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
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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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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fall_n of_o those_o who_o trip_n and_o stumble_v and_o
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be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n will_v permit_v they_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o his_o private_a care_n but_o to_o the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n or_o not_o to_o interpose_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v they_o submit_v to_o it_o be_v to_o withdraw_v their_o child_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o god_n no_o good_a man_n can_v with_o patience_n think_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n a_o degree_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n and_o very_o injurious_a to_o his_o child_n soul_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o 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there_o will_v be_v a_o emulation_n between_o youth_n who_o shall_v give_v the_o most_o manly_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o continue_v child_n in_o understanding_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n and_o emulation_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o when_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o such_o admirable_a advantage_n in_o this_o case_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o desire_v the_o improvement_n and_o increase_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o youth_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o regular_a admission_n to_o high_a act_n of_o communion_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v child_n ought_v not_o regular_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v and_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n understand_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o indeed_o the_o minister_n and_o bishop_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o private_a examination_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o congregation_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o minister_n but_o such_o young_a man_n will_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o more_o universal_a applause_n and_o sincere_a joy_n to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v such_o public_a testimony_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o another_o advantage_n be_v that_o this_o train_n up_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o a_o just_a respect_n
forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v which_o at_o least_o suppose_n that_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n do_v great_o dispose_v man_n to_o a_o final_a apostasy_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n wherein_o he_o urge_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o apostasy_n which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n have_v not_o separation_n at_o least_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o 29._o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o vengeance_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_a moses_n '_o s_o law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o truth_n be_v whoever_o careful_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o the_o apostolical-churche_n according_a to_o that_o account_n we_o find_v of_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o may_v add_v of_o the_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a father_n will_v find_v that_o none_o but_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n by_o apostate_n not_o mean_v those_o who_o whole_o renounce_v the_o name_n and_o profession_n but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n actual_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o s._n paul_n 12._o reprove_v they_o for_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o actual_o separate_v into_o distinct_a communion_n but_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o preference_n of_o several_a apostle_n which_o of_o they_o be_v great_a every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n or_o peter_n and_o i_o of_o christ._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o second_o schism_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n who_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n persuade_v they_o to_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o beside_o these_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n which_o s._n paul_n make_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o carnality_n for_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 4._o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n for_o while_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a there_o be_v also_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v 8._o they_o who_o creep_v into_o house_n who_o keep_v secret_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n led_z away_o with_o divers_a lust_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o as_o jannes_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a teacher_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v that_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o they_o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o gather_v church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o of_o such_o separatist_n st._n john_n speak_v who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n they_o go_v out_o 19_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v that_o they_o go_v out_o from_o they_o that_o be_v forsake_v the_o christian_a assembly_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n but_o have_v entertain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o this_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o christian_a communion_n be_v so_o indispensible_a a_o duty_n that_o no_o man_n can_v causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o at_o least_o bring_v his_o christianity_n into_o question_n that_o nothing_o can_v reasonable_o tempt_v man_n to_o a_o separation_n but_o their_o renounce_v some_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n justify_v a_o separation_n but_o such_o corruption_n as_o destroy_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v corrupt_a in_o the_o faith_n from_o their_o separation_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o schism_n as_o dr._n owen_n earnest_o contend_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o division_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n without_o the_o breach_n of_o church-communion_n and_o therefore_o separatist_n be_v not_o proper_o schismatic_n i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o gain_v by_o this_o when_o separation_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o much_o great_a evil_n than_o schism_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o heretic_n or_o apostate_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v in_o those_o day_n guilty_a of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hold_v good_a a_o sinful_a and_o causeless_a separation_n can_v never_o be_v own_a without_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n it_o be_v to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o dispute_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n when_o the_o difference_n between_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o notorious_a but_o yet_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n in_o scripture_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n the_o first_o be_v common_o apply_v to_o signify_v those_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n the_o second_o if_o not_o always_o yet_o chief_o apply_v to_o signify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sectarian_n thus_o christianity_n itself_o when_o the_o christian_n unite_v into_o a_o distinct_a church-society_n be_v call_v heresy_n or_o a_o new_a sect_n and_o 5._o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o heresy_n be_v always_o use_v now_o though_o these_o different_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o separate_v into_o distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o all_o worship_v at_o the_o temple_n as_o even_o the_o christian_a jew_n do_v while_o the_o temple_n stand_v as_o appear_v from_o what_o happen_v to_o st._n paul_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o last_o time_n he_o 24._o go_v thither_o yet_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o different_a opinion_n rite_n and_o usage_n and_o school_n and_o which_o be_v usual_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o distinction_n by_o different_a interest_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o those_o jewish_a sect_n these_o difference_n among_o christian_n which_o do_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o open_a separation_n but_o occasion_v great_a siding_n and_o party_n and_o heat_n and_o animosity_n be_v indifferent_o call_v schism_n or_o heresy_n 20._o thus_o st._n paul_n join_v hatred_n variance_n wrath_n sedition_n heresy_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o heresy_n which_o always_o end_v in_o separation_n for_o such_o man_n be_v always_o either_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o separate_v themselves_o such_o be_v those_o which_o st._n peter_n call_v damnable_a heresy_n who_o 1._o he_o compare_v with_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o the_o old_a world_n which_o be_v destroy_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n who_o he_o call_v presumptuous_a 6._o self-willed_a and_o that_o be_v not_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 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truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o 16_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o house_n and_o building_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o this_o house_n and_o building_n be_v not_o raise_v with_o loose_a and_o incoherent_a stone_n but_o all_o the_o building_n fit_o frame_v together_o 21._o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n all_o those_o expression_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n signify_v one_o communion_n as_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o and_o for_o all_o those_o who_o in_o after_o age_n shall_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o 21._o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n which_o may_v be_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n how_o frequent_a be_v the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n fulfil_v you_o my_o 2._o joy_n that_o you_o be_v likeminded_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n this_o be_v that_o new_a commandment_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o badge_n of_o their_o discipleship_n a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o 35._o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o hereby_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o and_o wherein_o this_o 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that_o that_o man_n do_v understand_v nothing_o of_o christian_a religion_n who_o make_v light_n of_o schism_n without_o so_o much_o as_o consider_v what_o guilt_n he_o involve_v himself_o in_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a cure_n of_o schism_n than_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o it_o that_o pain_n we_o feel_v in_o tear_v one_o member_n from_o another_o and_o that_o mischief_n the_o whole_a body_n suffer_v by_o it_o which_o become_v maim_v and_o imperfect_a by_o the_o want_n of_o the_o least_o and_o most_o inconsiderable_a member_n make_v we_o careful_a to_o preserve_v our_o natural_a body_n from_o any_o rent_n or_o schism_n and_o be_v we_o live_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n have_v we_o that_o natural_a love_n sympathy_n and_o fellow-feeling_n for_o each_o other_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v we_o shall_v find_v schism_n and_o separation_n as_o painful_a to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o 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witness_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n word_n for_o this_o cause_n ought_v the_o woman_n to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n 10_o because_o of_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v a_o discourse_v the_o decency_n of_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v because_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v undecent_a to_o appear_v with_o her_o head_n uncover_v and_o much_o more_o so_o in_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o decency_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v those_o angel_n who_o attend_v our_o worship_n and_o careful_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v if_o we_o reverence_v man_n much_o more_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o angel_n attend_v our_o worship_n and_o that_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o all_o decency_n and_o gravity_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n hearty_o believe_v and_o serious_o consider_v that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n look_v on_o and_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o action_n and_o be_v great_o offend_v with_o a_o light_n and_o trifle_a carriage_n with_o any_o gesture_n or_o action_n which_o unbecome_v so_o great_a a_o presence_n it_o will_v compose_v they_o to_o great_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o either_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o come_v to_o church_n or_o more_o reverend_a when_o they_o do_v chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o nother_n great_a miscarriage_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v our_o communion_n be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o church_n when_o the_o service_n be_v half_o read_v other_o when_o it_o be_v near_o a_o conclusion_n and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o it_o neither_o if_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o sermon_n at_o other_o time_n when_o there_o be_v only_o the_o divine_a service_n read_v without_o a_o sermon_n few_o person_n think_v it_o worth_a their_o attendance_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o the_o minister_n laugh_v at_o for_o read_v to_o bare_a wall_n and_o empty_a seat_n these_o thing_n i_o grant_v may_v happen_v sometime_o where_o there_o be_v no_o design_a neglect_n the_o mistake_n of_o time_n may_v occasion_v some_o person_n come_v late_o who_o want_v certain_a notice_n and_o on_o the_o weekday_n necessary_a business_n may_v hinder_v other_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o the_o opportunity_n they_o can_v get_v of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o reasonable_a excuse_n the_o fault_n be_v very_o great_a though_o few_o people_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o my_o business_n at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o neglect_n 1._o if_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n to_o prove_v such_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n for_o they_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n there_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o receive_v a_o ministerial_a absolution_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n there_o we_o praise_v he_o in_o divine_a hymn_n and_o anthem_n and_o put_v up_o our_o joint_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o divine_a worship_n because_o it_o be_v our_o address_n to_o god_n in_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v or_o preach_v be_v so_o far_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n too_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o our_o desire_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o secondary_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o consist_v in_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o either_o immediate_o in_o his_o inspire_a word_n or_o mediate_o by_o those_o man_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o consist_v in_o our_o offer_v something_o to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v high_o please_v to_o he_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o mediator_n jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o those_o who_o neglect_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n neglect_v public_a worship_n and_o those_o who_o slight_a the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a prayer_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sermon_n to_o invite_v their_o presence_n plain_o discover_v that_o they_o prefer_v please_v their_o curiosity_n with_o hear_v some_o new_a discourse_n before_o the_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o they_o hear_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o the_o end_n of_o hear_v be_v practice_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o practical_a religion_n be_v the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o because_o some_o man_n think_v they_o worship_v god_n sufficient_o if_o they_o come_v time_n enough_o to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o church_n communion_n principal_o consist_v in_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v think_v nor_o do_v they_o intend_v to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o effect_n do_v so_o while_o they_o neglect_v its_o public_a worship_n for_o church_n communion_n consist_v in_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n before_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o express_o provide_v for_o by_o our_o rubric_n though_o it_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o canon_n make_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o be_v now_o useful_o introduce_v by_o long_a custom_n with_o the_o connivance_n if_o not_o the_o express_a allowance_n of_o our_o governor_n but_o the_o liturgy_n be_v the_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n there_o the_o church_n offer_v up_o more_o especial_o her_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n this_o be_v the_o great_a bond_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o to_o neglect_v or_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o this_o worship_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o 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he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n legal_a wash_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o like_a and_o have_v only_o institute_v baptism_n as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n which_o can_v be_v think_v grievous_a and_o troublesome_a when_o it_o be_v administer_v but_o once_o to_o a_o man_n for_o his_o life_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o a_o stand_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o deny_v obedience_n to_o one_o easy_a command_n when_o our_o lord_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o such_o a_o grievous_a and_o unsupportable_a yoke_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o as_o much_o as_o man_n talk_v of_o christian_a liberty_n they_o little_o value_v that_o love_n which_o purchase_v it_o it_o at_o so_o dear_a rate_n other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v not_o whole_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o yet_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o communicate_v often_o so_o they_o do_v it_o some_o time_n though_o very_o seldom_o 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continue_v some_o age_n after_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n in_o st._n hierom_n time_n and_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n 2._o and_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n denounce_v excommunication_n against_o those_o christian_n who_o come_v to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o other_o religious_a office_n but_o go_v away_o without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n afterward_o as_o man_n zeal_n in_o religion_n decay_v so_o they_o abate_v in_o the_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n and_o from_o every_o day_n it_o come_v to_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o week_n or_o every_o lord_n day_n till_o it_o grow_v so_o dis-used_n that_o the_o church_n be_v force_v to_o make_v provision_n by_o her_o public_a canon_n that_o every_o christian_n shall_v at_o least_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n three_o time_n a_o year_n on_o the_o three_o great_a feast_n of_o the_o church_n christmas_n easter_n and_o whitsunday_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n confine_v it_o to_o no_o time_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o expound_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o understand_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n that_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o a_o excuse_n for_o communicate_v seldom_o that_o i_o want_v a_o fair_a apology_n to_o make_v for_o ourselves_o for_o communicate_v so_o seldom_o as_o once_o a_o month_n unless_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o age_n the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o that_o little_a sense_n man_n have_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v think_v a_o good_a apology_n 2._o for_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o as_o christ_n have_v institute_v this_o holy_a supper_n so_o he_o have_v institute_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n a_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n until_o he_o come_v and_o therefore_o be_v a_o mysterious_a rite_n of_o worship_n as_o all_o sacrifice_n be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o to_o explain_v this_o more_o particular_o though_o brief_o i_o shall_v consider_v this_o holy_a feast_n both_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o as_o it_o respect_v our_o saviour_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o so_o we_o may_v consider_v it_o as_o a_o thanksgiving_n or_o as_o a_o prayer_n 1._o as_o a_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a and_o unexpressible_a goodness_n in_o send_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n and_o offer_v he_o up_o as_o a_o expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n certain_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n which_o take_v pity_n on_o we_o in_o our_o low_a estate_n and_o 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the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n you_o can_v more_v effectual_o praise_v any_o man_n than_o to_o show_v the_o visible_a remains_o and_o monument_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o charity_n as_o the_o widow_n weep_v show_v the_o coat_n and_o garment_n 39_o which_o dorcas_n make_v while_o she_o be_v with_o they_o thus_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o speak_v such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o behold_v lord_n here_o be_v the_o token_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o we_o thy_o own_o son_n bleed_v and_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n thy_o eternal_a son_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o who_o thy_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v die_v upon_o the_o cross_n a_o shameful_a accurse_a linger_a torment_a death_n scorn_v and_o reproach_v of_o man_n and_o forsake_v of_o god_n who_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o struggle_v with_o the_o fear_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n without_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a support_n which_o he_o now_o need_v most_o but_o least_o enjoy_v we_o will_v never_o forget_v such_o love_n as_o this_o we_o will_v perpetual_o celebrate_v this_o holy_a feast_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o memorial_n of_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o our_o father_n to_o his_o god_n and_o to_o our_o god_n 2._o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o sacrament_n of_o prayer_n for_o so_o the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n be_v always_o offer_v with_o prayer_n which_o be_v accept_v in_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o man_n can_v not_o every_o day_n attend_v the_o temple_n worship_n especial_o those_o who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o temple_n