of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o though_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o man_n conveniency_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a part_n or_o congregation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n so_o that_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a corporation_n but_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o corporation_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o corporation_n forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n thus_o have_v god_n grant_v a_o charter_n or_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o one_o church_n we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o ii_o by_o church-communion_n i_o mean_v church-society_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church-member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church-privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n it_o be_v true_a this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o but_o strict_o speak_v those_o office_n be_v not_o communion_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o communion_n church-communion_n be_v church-union_n for_o as_o a_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v the_o natural_a action_n of_o a_o member_n so_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o pray_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o in_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v perform_v those_o office_n yet_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o intruder_n such_o office_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n if_o perform_v by_o church-member_n but_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o be_v a_o member_n a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o church-society_n viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n join_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o act_v otherwise_o renounce_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o observe_v 1._o that_o church-communion_n principal_o respect_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o universal_a church_n 2._o that_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n such_o as_o pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n though_o it_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o christian_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v we_o as_o fellow-member_n pray_v to_o god_n the_o common_a father_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a saviour_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n thus_o also_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_a communion_n 3._o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o i_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a that_o i_o may_v lawful_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n 4._o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n because_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v but_o one_o all_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o separate_a society_n be_v to_o renounce_v its_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v its_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o body_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o we_o distinct_a church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v so_o that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n it_o be_v true_a a_o nation_n may_v permit_v those_o foreigner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o to_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o bare_a variety_n of_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o now_o every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o each_o church_n have_v a_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v foreigner_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v separate_a communion_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v so_o that_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o they_o think_v it_o unsafe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o two_o church_n may_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o church_n which_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n shall_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a society_n sound_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o
3._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o whoever_o make_v two_o family_n of_o it_o be_v a_o schismatic_n if_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n hold_v separate_a assembly_n under_o distinct_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o different_a governor_n and_o condemn_v each_o other_o constitution_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o member_n from_o each_o other_o they_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o church_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o several_a sort_n of_o government_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o distinct_a governor_n distinct_a subject_n and_o distinct_a law_n that_o be_v always_o at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o each_o other_o be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o congregation_n be_v but_o one_o church_n iii_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n by_o fix_a communion_n the_o dissenter_n understand_v a_o actual_a and_o constant_a communicate_v with_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_v member_n of_o it_o by_o occasional_a communion_n they_o mean_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o some_o other_o church_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o curiosity_n or_o to_o serve_v some_o secular_a end_n or_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n now_o fix_v communion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a notion_n of_o communion_n for_o occasional_a communion_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n can_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o a_o occasional_a membership_n since_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v equal_o fix_a and_o constant_a or_o equal_o occasional_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v true_a in_o one_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v we_o may_v live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n in_o a_o particular_a national_a church_n but_o yet_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n perform_v in_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abode_n be_v may_v be_v call_v fix_o communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o we_o be_v accidental_o present_a may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n because_o all_o these_o church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v sometime_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o separate_a congregation_n because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a for_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n congregation_n be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o but_z separate_z church_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o three_o forego_v particular_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a business_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o english_a man_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v first_o that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n second_o that_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n from_o whence_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v three_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i._o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o communion_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n to_o communicate_v in_o religious_a office_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v offer_v five_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 1._o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o since_o all_o society_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n therefore_o some_o duty_n and_o office_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n as_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.11_o which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o ministry_n authorise_a for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 2.42_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a prayer_n of_o church-member_n be_v acceptable_a yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n offer_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n nay_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v celebrate_v but_o in_o actual_a communion_n 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n which_o consist_v in_o admit_v man_n to_o or_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n suppose_v that_o church-member_n be_v oblige_v to_o visible_a communion_n 5._o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n as_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n according_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n before_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v yet_o we_o can_v preserve_v our_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n which_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n be_v worth_a nothing_o because_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o but_o then_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n now_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n as_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o division_n excuse_v from_o actual_a
prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a in_o the_o three_o chapter_n 3._o show_v we_o any_o church_n that_o do_v not_o always_o observe_v festival_n in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n 4._o name_v any_o one_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o have_v not_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o exception_n as_o those_o that_o we_o use_v nay_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n if_o any_o at_o all_o require_v by_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n nay_o far_o i_o can_v easy_o etc._n easy_o see_v durel_n be_v view_n of_o the_o goverm_n etc._n etc._n and_z spirit_n be_v cassend_v anglic._n p._n 123_o etc._n etc._n show_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n be_v either_o practise_v in_o foreign_a church_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v of_o by_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o reformation_n consider_v also_o that_o separation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n as_o mr._n baxter_n 52._o baxter_n defence_n p._n 27_o 52._o have_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n and_o therefore_o the_o papist_n have_v use_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o destroy_v it_o and_o particular_o by_o division_n they_o have_v attempt_v to_o pull_v it_o down_o by_o pretend_a protestant_a hand_n and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o you_o to_o bring_v about_o their_o own_o design_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n strenuous_o promote_v the_o separation_n and_o mix_v themselves_o with_o you_o they_o have_v put_v on_o every_o shape_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o follow_v the_o common_a outery_n against_o the_o church_n as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a spur_v you_o on_o to_o call_v for_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o clamour_n for_o liberty_n 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may_v be_v when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_a if_o you_o shall_v see_v popery_n erect_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o that_o church_n which_o you_o yourselves_o have_v overthrow_v it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a addition_n to_o your_o misery_n if_o the_o gild_n and_o shame_n of_o they_o too_o may_v be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n with_o what_o remorse_n will_v you_o reflect_v upon_o it_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o your_o passion_n be_v over_o if_o the_o protestant_a profession_n shall_v be_v far_o endanger_v and_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n get_v great_a advantage_n daily_o by_o those_o distraction_n which_o have_v be_v secret_o manage_v by_o they_o but_o open_o carry_v on_o and_o maintain_v by_o yourselves_o with_o what_o face_n will_v you_o look_v to_o see_v the_o papist_n not_o only_o triumph_v over_o you_o but_o mock_v and_o deride_v you_o for_o be_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o by_o their_o cunning_n as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o your_o own_o ruin_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o not_o to_o act_v as_o if_o you_o be_v prosecute_a the_o design_n of_o the_o conclave_n and_o proceed_v just_a as_o if_o you_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pretend_a infallible_a chair_n you_o may_v be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v so_o much_o like_o tool_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jesuit_n when_o you_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o those_o measure_n which_o they_o have_v take_v and_o talk_v and_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v you_o as_o if_o you_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v from_o rome_n to_o these_o argument_n i_o must_v add_v another_o which_o i_o hope_v will_v prevail_v with_o you_o viz._n i_o can_v see_v how_o you_o can_v avoid_v be_v self-condemned_a if_o you_o continue_v in_o your_o separation_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o you_o have_v be_v at_o our_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o and_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o think_v that_o you_o act_v against_o your_o conscience_n or_o do_v it_o mere_o to_o secure_v a_o gainful_a office_n or_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n or_o to_o escape_v the_o lash_n and_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n these_o be_v end_n so_o very_o vile_a and_o sordid_a this_o be_v so_o horrible_a a_o prostitution_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o most_o venerable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o deliberate_a a_o way_n of_o sin_v even_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o suspect_v any_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o man_n of_o profligate_n and_o atheistical_a mind_n but_o then_o why_o do_v not_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o bring_v you_o at_o one_o time_n bring_v you_o at_o another_o why_o can_v we_o never_o have_v your_o company_n but_o when_o punishment_n or_o advantage_n prompt_v you_o to_o it_o we_o blame_v the_o papist_n for_o dispense_n with_o oath_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o so_o heavy_a a_o charge_n shall_v ever_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n of_o protestant_n and_o especial_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v most_o to_o abhor_v popish_a practice_n and_o who_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o to_o be_v account_v not_o to_o make_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o men._n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o reason_v a_o little_a if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a why_o do_v you_o enter_v into_o it_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a why_o do_v you_o forsake_v it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n have_v tie_v upon_o you_o which_o command_v you_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v not_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n thing_n that_o ought_v great_o to_o sway_v with_o all_o sober_a humble_a and_o consider_v christian_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a say_v the_o apostle_n and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o shall_v peace_n be_v break_v only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v most_o entire_a and_o that_o by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o within_o their_o power_n be_v you_o satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o will_v you_o not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v you_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o be_v lawful_a and_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o peace_n only_o because_o authority_n command_v and_o have_v make_v it_o your_o duty_n let_v i_o entreat_v you_o as_o you_o love_v your_o dear_a redeemer_n to_o do_v as_o much_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n as_o for_o a_o vote_n or_o office_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n
communion_n with_o the_o church_n than_o church-communion_n never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o establish_v church_n if_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n and_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v both_o disobedience_n and_o schism_n but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suspending_a communion_n these_o man_n will_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a never_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o public_a assembly_n during_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o division_n they_o may_v refuse_v to_o enter_v themselves_o fix_v and_o settle_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o they_o all_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o absurd_a this_o distinction_n of_o fix_a and_o 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otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o division_n but_o man_n may_v new_a model_n church_n as_o often_o as_o their_o fancy_n alter_v that_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o communion_n otherwise_o no_o church_n can_v be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n now_o that_o man_n that_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o since_o therefore_o those_o who_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n do_v thereby_o own_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o since_o he_o who_o separate_v from_o that_o establish_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n therefore_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a 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and_o to_o show_v first_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o second_o that_o those_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v use_v of_o to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a first_o then_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n appear_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a 24._o sober_a bayly_n dissuasive_a c._n 2._o p._n 21._o corbet_n discourse_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n p._n 33._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 13._o see_v ball_n be_v friendly_a trial_n c._n 13._o p._n 306._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n to_o minister_n in_o new_a england_n p._n 24._o nonconformist_n nay_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o 57_o to_o a_o grave_a and_o sober_a confut._n
of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a capacity_n either_o as_o governor_n and_o minister_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o as_o ordinary_a and_o lay-communicants_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o governor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n their_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v it_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o he_o design_v it_o to_o break_v and_o distribute_v it_o and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v and_o bless_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n love_n but_o what_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o in_o all_o the_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v altogether_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v silence_n be_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o no_o gesture_n be_v ever_o command_v at_o all_o but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v this_o he_o do_v by_o those_o word_n command_v they_o to_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v eat_z drink_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o institution_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v this_o gesture_n only_o and_o not_o several_a other_o circumstance_n which_o he_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o the_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper-room_n in_o a_o private-house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n in_o the_o company_n of_o twelve_o at_o most_o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o there_o do_v to_o sit_v 2._o even_o the_o two_o last_o of_o those_o circumstance_n be_v general_o allow_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o observe_v by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o gesture_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o expresl_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o do_v this_o respect_v only_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o action_n that_o be_v specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n nay_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v that_o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v command_v for_o there_o be_v many_o serious_a and_o sincere_a person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n they_o can_v use_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o they_o think_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n i_o have_v already_o confute_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o grant_v they_o can_v use_v the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v be_v it_o not_o enjoin_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a they_o do_v thereby_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n for_o any_o particular_a posture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west-friesland_n they_o stand_v the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustane_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuania_n and_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ausbourg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n injoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetic_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o 1583._o three_o 1._o at_o cracow_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1573._o 2._o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3._o wiadislaw_n 1583._o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_a gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a holl._n french_a harmon_n 4._o synod_n of_o holl._n do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o these_o article_n be_v so_o settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n
sin_n but_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o due_a care_n and_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v not_o pollute_v by_o any_o sinful_a act_n and_o compliance_n of_o your_o own_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o 5._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o church-communion_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o every_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a and_o therefore_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n be_v schismatic_n in_o do_v so_o and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n because_o though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v it_o be_v true_a good_a man_n must_v frequent_o exhort_v and_o advise_v corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n they_o must_v reprove_v they_o with_o prudence_n affection_n and_o calmness_n they_o must_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o their_o reformation_n they_o must_v as_o much_o and_o as_o convenient_o as_o may_v be_v avoid_v their_o company_n especial_o all_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o if_o repeat_v admonition_n either_o private_a or_o before_o one_o or_o two_o more_o will_v not_o do_v then_o they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o by_o it_o be_v more_o public_a reproof_n the_o scandalous_a member_n may_v be_v reclaim_v or_o by_o its_o just_a censure_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n these_o thing_n the_o holy_a scripture_n command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v according_o but_o if_o after_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a christian_n some_o scandalous_a member_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n they_o can_v injure_v those_o person_n that_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n for_o no_o sin_n pollute_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v choose_v by_o he_o noah_n and_o lot_n be_v good_a even_o among_o the_o wicked_a nor_o do_v judas_n defile_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o passover_n the_o good_a and_o bad_a communicate_v together_o not_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o their_o common_a duty_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o sin_n be_v sin_n but_o to_o communicate_v with_o a_o sinner_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o sinful_a can_v be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n but_o this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n and_o show_v only_o that_o sin_n like_o leaven_n be_v of_o a_o very_a spread_a nature_n the_o people_n be_v as_o a_o lump_n and_o a_o wicked_a person_n be_v as_o leaven_n among_o they_o but_o though_o the_o leaven_n be_v apt_a to_o convey_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a lump_n yet_o only_o those_o part_n be_v actual_o leaven_v with_o it_o that_o take_v the_o leaven_n and_o so_o though_o the_o sinner_n by_o his_o bad_a example_n be_v apt_a to_o infect_v other_o yet_o those_o only_o be_v actual_o infect_v who_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o sin_n beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o leave_v their_o assembly_n but_o to_o beware_v that_o they_o take_v no_o leaven_n of_o they_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o you_o be_v unleavened_a 1_o cor._n 5.7_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n be_v as_o sovereign_a a_o antidote_n against_o the_o infection_n as_o the_o bare_a company_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o power_n to_o convey_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v never_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a have_v obtain_v pardon_n for_o the_o wicked_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a uncleaness_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v be_v make_v unclean_a i_o answer_v that_o those_o legal_a pollution_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o whole_a communion_n but_o only_o those_o who_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o any_o such_o pollution_n as_o come_v upon_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o few_o 2._o though_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v the_o priest_n for_o not_o separate_v the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 22.26_o yet_o they_o never_o teach_v that_o the_o whole_a communion_n be_v pollute_v because_o the_o unclean_a come_v into_o the_o congregation_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o priest_n duty_n as_o those_o that_o touch_v the_o unclean_a person_n be_v unclean_a so_o those_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n be_v pollute_v 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o unclean_a person_n that_o do_v not_o purify_v himself_o defile_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pollute_v the_o sanctuary_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v so_o to_o himself_o but_o not_o to_o other_o so_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o but_o not_o of_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n go_v up_o as_o a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o the_o person_n that_o come_v unworthy_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n come_v better_o prepare_v may_v do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v tit._n 1.15_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n but_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o my_o assertion_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o exhortation_n for_o the_o christian_a corinthian_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o heathen_n by_o who_o they_o be_v often_o invite_v to_o their_o idol-feast_n at_o which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n but_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o go_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n who_o ignorance_n may_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o their_o example_n to_o go_v and_o eat_v at_o they_o even_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o honour_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o must_v be_v think_v to_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n because_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a country_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o idol-feast_n at_o all_o 2._o that_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o be_v to_o separate_v be_v no_o better_a than_o unbeliever_n and_o idolater_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n by_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n because_o some_o who_o while_o they_o profess_v christ_n do_v not_o live_v like_o christian_n be_v present_a at_o they_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o a_o pagan_a or_o a_o infidel_n that_o deny_v christ_n and_o worship_n devil_n and_o a_o immoral_a christian_a who_o outward_o own_v christ_n and_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n 3._o that_o the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v be_v the_o abominable_a practice_n use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v
with_o heathen_n in_o their_o filthy_a mystery_n nor_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v immoral_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n because_o sometime_o it_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o their_o company_n must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o which_o they_o be_v command_v because_o evil_a man_n who_o till_o they_o repent_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v there_o rude_o intrude_v themselves_o as_o for_o st._n john_n word_n revel_v 18.4_o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n they_o be_v a_o command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o idolater_n and_o according_a to_o most_o interpreter_n those_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o text_n do_v not_o afford_v the_o dissenter_n the_o least_o plea_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o who_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n and_o retain_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o what_o it_o retain_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o have_v nothing_o now_o to_o add_v but_o that_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v utter_o 242._o utter_o see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 235_o 242._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 37_o 38._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o baily_n dissuasive_a p._n 22._o sacred_a desert_n p._n 97._o cawdrey_n reformation_n promote_v p._n 131._o manton_n on_o judas_n p._n 496._o cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 2._o burroughs_n gospel-worship_n serm._n 11._o p._n 242._o disclaim_v this_o plea_n of_o mixt-communion_n mr._n vines_n say_v it_o be_v donastical_a and_o other_o as_o mr._n brinsly_n and_o mr._n jenkin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a plea_n or_o pretence_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o schismatic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v untaught_a it_o as_o mr._n baxter_n advise_v and_o as_o they_o do_v disclaim_v it_o so_o they_o declare_v that_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n do_v it_o very_o unjust_o that_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n be_v ground_n of_o mourning_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o such_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o there_o be_v say_v mr._n burrough_n a_o error_n on_o both_o side_n either_o those_o that_o think_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o at_o all_o with_o who_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o those_o that_o if_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v the_o scandalous_a away_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o come_v think_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v not_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o this_o both_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o agree_v in_o and_o endeavour_v 5._o endeavour_v see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 31_o 32_o 44_o 242_o 246._o vindicat_fw-la of_o presb._n gou._n p._n 134._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 47._o firmin_n separ_fw-la exam._n p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church-reâ—or_a p._n 71._o tombes's_fw-fr theod._n p._n 74._o hooker_n survey_n pref._n a_o 3._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8_o 9_o grave_a confut._n part_n 3._o p._n 53_o 55._o burroughs_n gospel-worsh_a serm._n 11._o p._n 236_o 237._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 10._o p._n 191_o 250_o 211._o jean_n discourse_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n rutherford_n right_a of_o presbyt_fw-la blake'_v vindic._n p._n 235._o cotton_n inf._n bapt._n p._n 102._o cartwright_n on_o proverb_n edwards's_fw-fr apol._n baxter_n christian_n direct_v p._n 707._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 16._o bains_n on_o the_o ephes_n c._n 1._o v._n 1._o p._n 5._o to_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n nay_o they_o answer_v a_o objection_n draw_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v and_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o exclude_v such_o a_o one_o from_o church-communion_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o a_o private_a person_n but_o you_o be_v not_o command_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n if_o they_o exclude_v he_o not_o so_o mr._n baxter_n etc._n etc._n second_o that_o it_o concern_v not_o religious_a but_o civil_a communion_n and_o that_o not_o all_o civil_a society_n or_o commerce_n but_o familiar_a also_o for_o which_o they_o produce_v several_a reason_n 1._o they_o argue_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o eat_a bread_n which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o partake_v of_o or_o to_o be_v shut_v from_o the_o table_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o familiarity_n break_v off_o so_o mr._n ball_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o eat_v which_o be_v here_o forbid_a be_v allow_v to_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a but_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v only_o allow_v to_o be_v with_o a_o heathen_a therefore_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v with_o a_o brother_n so_o mr._n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n 454._o etc._n see_v baxter_n defence_n part_v 2._o p._n 27._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 200._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o cawdrey_n church-reformat_a p._n 75_o 122_o 126._o brinsly_n arraignment_n p._n 40_o 45_o 48._o tombes_n theodul_n p._n 128_o 167_o 210._o grave_a confut._n part_n 1._o p._n 17_o 18._o &_o part_v 4._o p._n 57_o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 219_o 226_o 333_o 246._o cartwright_n def._n of_o the_o admon_n p._n 98_o 99_o 106._o goodwin_n on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 487_o 488._o blake'_v vindic._n c._n 31._o p._n 236_o 238._o gillisp_n nihil_fw-la respondet_fw-la p._n 33._o knutton_n query_n throughton_n apol._n p._n 65._o baxter_n cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o owen_n evangel_n love_n c._n 3._o p._n 77._o brian_n dwelling_n with_o god_n sermon_n 6._o p._n 301._o firmin_n separate_a exam._n p._n 28._o collins_n provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 144_o 151._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o and_o as_o for_o other_o objection_n mr._n baxter_n answer_n be_v sufficient_a if_o you_o mark_v all_o the_o text_n in_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v command_v in_o such_o case_n beside_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n or_o antichristian_a and_o heretical_a confederacy_n and_o no-churche_n be_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n 1._o either_o that_o the_o church_n cast_v out_o the_o impenitent_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o 2._o that_o private_a man_n avoid_v all_o private_a familiarity_n with_o they_o but_o that_o the_o private_a member_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o such_o person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o show_v i_o one_o text_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o you_o can_v to_o conclude_v this_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n prove_v nothing_o but_o a_o supercilious_a arrogance_n and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o charity_n in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o what_o care_v they_o may_v take_v in_o their_o new_a way_n of_o discipline_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o our_o church_n have_v give_v the_o minister_n a_o power_n of_o reject_v scandalous_a sinner_n communion_n sinner_n see_v rubr._n after_o the_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v do_v for_o the_o close_a hypocrite_n will_v escape_v the_o narrow_a search_n every_o man_n be_v charge_v to_o examine_v himself_o and_o not_o another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o all_o will_v do_v so_o for_o he_o that_o inquire_v serious_o into_o his_o own_o sin_n will_v find_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a but_o he_o that_o be_v curious_a to_o pry_v into_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a and_o censorious_a which_o will_v make_v he_o as_o unfit_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o any_o of_o those_o fault_n which_o he_o so_o scornful_o condemn_v in_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o esteem_v himself_o and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pollute_v by_o their_o company_n chap._n x._o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v well_o but_o though_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a yet_o they_o can_v find_v pure_a ordinance_n and_o
better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o first_o what_o pure_a ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n but_o he_o who_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o he_o like_v best_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_n the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n second_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v separation_n for_o this_o edification_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o particular_a christian_n now_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o text_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 8.1_o and_o 14.5_o 12._o eph._n 2.21_o and_o 4.12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o matth._n 21.42_o act_n 4.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 12_o 19_o and_o 13.10_o now_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o as_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v also_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v edification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v particular_a christian_n one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o firm_a close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4.4_o than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n st._n judas_n v._o 19_o seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o separate_v but_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o pretence_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o particular_a christian_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o think_v he_o can_v edify_v better_o among_o the_o dissenter_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o because_o better_a edification_n can_v be_v have_v in_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o our_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o fit_a our_o constitution_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n second_o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n first_o then_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v fit_a to_o edify_v soul_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o our_o creed_n contain_v all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o nice_a and_o obscure_a matter_n in_o they_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n think_v needful_a that_o be_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o this_o faith_n will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n the_o church_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n when_o firm_o believe_v do_v plain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a she_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o show_v unless_o obedience_n follow_v such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n as_o produce_v excellent_a virtue_n and_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n her_o festival_n commemorate_v the_o virtue_n and_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o excellent_a men._n her_o ceremony_n be_v decent_a her_o prayer_n be_v for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o force_v and_o her_o homily_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o piety_n which_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o she_o tell_v sinner_n plain_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v and_o say_v that_o plain_a virtue_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n so_o exact_o 3._o she_o be_v fit_o constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n because_o she_o give_v we_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o describe_v his_o attribute_n and_o our_o want_n her_o prayer_n be_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o due_a length_n and_o she_o have_v proper_a prayer_n for_o most_o particular_a occasion_n she_o have_v office_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o confirm_v our_o obedience_n the_o office_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n and_o burial_n be_v extreme_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o all_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v such_o that_o she_o make_v religion_n neither_o slovenly_a nor_o too_o gay_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v judge_v all_o her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o they_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o fit_a to_o make_v our_o service_n comely_a and_o true_o whilst_o we_o have_v body_n these_o outward_a help_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a her_o government_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v that_o her_o member_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a and_o if_o all_o vice_n be_v not_o chastise_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o unnecessary_a division_n have_v stop_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a none_o of_o her_o part_n or_o office_n give_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o she_o but_o consider_v all_o thing_n she_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o 14.3_o therefore_o heb._n 6.1_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n second_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n but_o strict_o command_v under_o great_a temporal_a penalty_n to_o direct_v their_o flock_n to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o our_o pastor_n for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o true_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v uncharitable_a our_o protestant_a neighbour_n have_v commend_v our_o government_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v our_o pastor_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o our_o man_n work_n to_o edify_v their_o people_n dissenter_n
to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n or_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_n as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_n communion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v long_o be_v join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n which_o sin_n say_v they_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 18.6_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom._n 14.15_o these_o person_n i_o design_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o show_v that_o no_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o 3._o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n i._o then_o a_o weak_a brother_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o scripture_n language_n denote_v one_o new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o neither_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n nor_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o same_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o apostle_n a_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v call_v our_o new-birth_n and_o the_o convert_v be_v for_o a_o while_n reckon_v as_o in_o a_o infant_n state_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v most_o gentle_o use_v till_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o full_a age_n heb._n 5.14_o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v sudden_o fly_v back_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n for_o they_o have_v be_v jew_n and_o gentile_n retain_v still_o a_o great_a love_n for_o many_o of_o their_o old_a custom_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v mighty_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la to_o overcome_v the_o old_a man_n be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o first_o treat_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n imaginable_a the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n will_v not_o stand_v rigid_o on_o any_o little_a matter_n but_o tolerate_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a afterward_o to_o be_v do_v away_o hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o mistake_v they_o now_o labour_v under_o hence_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n concern_v weak_a brethren_n be_v not_o stand_v law_n equal_o oblige_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o infant-state_n of_o the_o church_n till_o christianity_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o his_o compliance_n be_v to_o win_v many_o to_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9.19_o now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o be_v to_o spread_v christianity_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n but_o his_o direction_n and_o practice_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v the_o national_a religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n which_o we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o at_o our_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o remove_v every_o straw_n out_o of_o child_n way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v men._n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother-tongue_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2.9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissenter_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2._o the_o dissenter_n according_a to_o their_o weak_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o far_a off_o from_o be_v weak_a christian_n in_o any_o sense_n they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o ignorant_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o
we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o duty_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o affair_n for_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n according_a to_o circumstance_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o give_v certain_a rule_n for_o man_n charity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o fix_v the_o proportion_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v of_o his_o estate_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o positive_o to_o tell_v how_o far_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o forego_v his_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o brother_n this_o whole_a matter_n say_v dr._n hammond_n disc_n of_o scan_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o christian_n pious_a discretion_n or_o prudence_n it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o either_o to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o any_o indifferent_a action_n remain_v such_o according_a as_o that_o piety_n and_o that_o prudence_n shall_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v most_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o man_n soul_n second_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o if_o this_o matter_n be_v right_o consider_v we_o shall_v soon_o fâ—â—d_v ourselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v upon_o this_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n than_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o 1._o our_o separation_n harden_v other_o dissenter_n in_o their_o persuasion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o conformity_n for_o they_o will_v think_v we_o separate_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v true_a scandalize_a they_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a cause_n 2._o whatever_o sect_n we_o join_v with_o we_o offend_v all_o the_o other_o party_n who_o sometime_o speak_v as_o hardly_o of_o one_o another_o as_o of_o the_o conformist_n 3._o hereby_o great_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o conformist_n for_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o public_a condemn_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n distaste_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o well-meaning_a but_o least-knowing_a member_n of_o it_o 4._o scandal_n be_v thereby_o give_v to_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sinful_a to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o offend_a a_o prince_n a_o parliament_n &_o c_o no_o scandal_n take_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o great_a as_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n 5._o hereby_o scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n who_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o own_o way_n because_o they_o only_o have_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n the_o papist_n always_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o our_o division_n whereas_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v this_o weapon_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n 6._o separation_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudices_fw-la men_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n they_o have_v cause_v shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n and_o now_o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o answer_v those_o plea_n by_o which_o the_o dissenter_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o nothing_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o add_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n &_o due_o consider_v what_o i_o offer_v to_o you_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o nothing_o but_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v charge_v our_o church_n with_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o defend_v your_o practice_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n that_o may_v be_v contrive_v better_o yet_o every_o defect_n or_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n be_v not_o warrant_n enough_o to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n which_o a_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o be_v alter_v but_o whether_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v appoint_v which_o will_v make_v a_o alteration_n not_o only_o desirable_a but_o necessary_a &_o whether_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v till_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o she_o have_v corrupt_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o require_v her_o member_n to_o join_v in_o these_o corruption_n but_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a mr._n caâ—â—â—â—_n 12._o caâ—â—â—â—_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o sect_n 10_o 11_o 12._o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n keep_v up_o there_o be_v the_o plain_a appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o authority_n no_o man_n may_v safe_o despise_v or_o reject_v its_o admonition_n or_o resist_v its_o counsel_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o its_o discipline_n much_o less_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o violate_v its_o unity_n for_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o obstinate_o separate_v from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o such_o a_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n as_o if_o he_o have_v particular_o design_v it_o against_o your_o own_o practice_n nay_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n tell_v you_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o yourself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o you_o by_o forbear_v what_o you_o dislike_v as_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o case_n will_v bear_v this_o wantonness_n and_o whether_o such_o expression_n be_v consistent_a with_o your_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o confess_v to_o make_v out_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o i_o think_v it_o hard_o that_o a_o public_a rule_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v reason_n enough_o to_o justify_v thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o compliance_n without_o more_o ado_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o union_n till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n in_o our_o case_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o change_n though_o in_o
those_o that_o consult_v the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o the_o best_a authority_n can_v but_o be_v convince_v and_o that_o those_o conceit_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v this_o sign_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v too_o fanciful_a do_v confirm_v the_o ancient_a reception_n of_o it_o into_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v this_o sign_n because_o they_o live_v among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o testify_v to_o both_o that_o they_o make_v the_o cross_a the_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o one_o and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o other_o whereas_o we_o have_v no_o such_o occasion_n for_o it_o who_o do_v universal_o profess_v christianity_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n suppose_v the_o sign_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v use_v upon_o weighty_a reason_n and_o sure_o then_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n may_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v as_o just_a reason_n to_o use_v it_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n because_o of_o the_o blasphemous_a contempt_n that_o be_v general_o cast_v upon_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o christianity_n particular_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n cross_n and_o passion_n by_o the_o pretend_a wit_n of_o our_o age._n so_o that_o st._n cyprian_n thiber_fw-la cyprian_n epist_n 56._o ad_fw-la thiber_fw-la word_n be_v now_o pertinent_a arm_v your_o forehead_n that_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n may_v be_v keep_v safe_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v remember_v the_o badge_n you_o take_v upon_o you_o in_o baptism_n and_o so_o long_o as_o you_o have_v that_o upon_o your_o forehead_n never_o be_v ashamed_a or_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n as_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o your_o hope_n lay_v in_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o that_o baptism_n be_v as_o our_o church_n declare_v complete_a without_o it_o but_o what_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v full_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o cross_n be_v use_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v warrantable_a 2._o our_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o like_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o we_o admit_v of_o no_o visible_a crucifix_n nor_o have_v any_o of_o our_o writer_n venture_v to_o say_v 876._o say_v christian_n direct_a eccles_n case_n p._n 113._o p._n 875_o 876._o with_o mr._n baxter_n that_o a_o crucifix_n well_o befit_v the_o imagination_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o a_o crucifix_n to_o be_v a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o consideration_n exciting_a our_o mind_n to_o worship_n god_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v true_o express_v by_o mr._n hooker_n who_o 348._o who_o eccles_n pol._n l._n 5._o p._n 348._o say_v that_o between_o the_o cross_n which_o superstition_n honour_v as_o christ_n and_o that_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o sign_n of_o remembrance_n there_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o great_a a_o difference_n as_o between_o those_o brazen_a image_n which_o solomon_n make_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o cistern_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o which_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n do_v adore_v we_o be_v a_o mere_a transient_a sign_n which_o abide_v not_o so_o long_o as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o become_v a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o worship_n any_o more_o than_o any_o word_n we_o use_v in_o worship_n may_v do_v 2._o our_o use_n even_o of_o this_o transient_a sign_n be_v nothing_o like_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o at_o baptism_n they_o use_v it_o much_o often_o and_o so_o different_o from_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v not_o use_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o the_o same_o word_n that_o we_o use_v it_o with_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o roman_a ritual_a 3._o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v notorious_o abuse_v this_o sign_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o continue_v the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v full_o prove_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n as_o to_o the_o second_o pretence_n that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o a_o sacrament_n be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n give_v to_o we_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o never_o suppose_v that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n can_v confer_v grace_n nor_o have_v ever_o make_v the_o least_o pretence_n to_o any_o divine_a appointment_n for_o it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o make_v the_o cross_a a_o sign_n betoken_v our_o faith_n and_o christian_a courage_n because_o we_o apply_v it_o in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n oâ—_n christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o make_v it_o a_o outward_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o own_v it_o to_o be_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o all_o other_o ceremony_n be_v for_o we_o do_v not_o account_v a_o ceremony_n innocent_a because_o it_o be_v insignificant_a and_o impertinent_a but_o yet_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n for_o our_o ceremony_n be_v not_o seal_n and_o assurance_n from_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o but_o hint_n and_o remembrance_n of_o some_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o with_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o significant_a usage_n have_v ever_o be_v take_v up_o without_o any_o imputation_n of_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n for_o 1._o the_o jewish_a church_n change_v the_o posture_n of_o eat_v the_o passover_n from_o stand_v to_o sit_v in_o token_n of_o their_o rest_n and_o security_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v also_o a_o altar_n of_o witness_n rear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o jordan_n and_o the_o synagogue-worship_n rite_n of_o marriage_n form_n of_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n be_v significant_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o receive_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o comply_v with_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 2._o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n use_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o charity_n tertullian_n de_fw-fr orat._n speak_v as_o if_o the_o public_a service_n be_v imperfect_a if_o it_o conclude_v not_o with_o the_o holy_a kiss_n which_o be_v use_v in_o token_n of_o the_o mutual_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n that_o christian_n have_v with_o one_o another_o the_o feast_n of_o charity_n also_o signify_v the_o mutual_a love_n and_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o equal_a regard_n that_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v towards_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v all_o to_o eat_v free_o together_o at_o one_o common_a meal_n i_o may_v further_o instance_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o insufflation_n which_o be_v use_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o breathe_v into_o they_o the_o good_a spirit_n and_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v strip_v off_o his_o garment_n in_o token_n that_o he_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o trine_n immersion_n at_o the_o mention_n of_o each_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o signify_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o great_a article_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ancient_o practise_v without_o any_o jealousy_n of_o invade_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n in_o institute_v new_a sacrament_n 3._o all_o the_o reform_a church_n nay_o the_o very_a dissenter_n themselves_o do_v use_v some_o symbolical_a action_n in_o their_o most_o religious_a solemnity_n for_o 1._o their_o give_v to_o the_o baptise_a infant_n a_o new_a name_n seem_v to_o betoken_v its_o be_v make_v a_o new_a creature_n nay_o the_o dissenter_n general_o give_v it_o some_o scripture-name_n or_o one_o that_o betoken_v a_o particular_a grace_n and_o this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o this_o too_o sometime_o of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o new_a sacrament_n 2._o the_o dissenter_n plead_v for_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v a_o
the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o sermon_n which_o too_o be_v only_o practise_v in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o other_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n which_o custom_n be_v still_o observe_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n at_o this_o day_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o seat_n erect_v or_o allow_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o people_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o establish_v sit_v not_o only_o as_o convenient_a but_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a 1._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a revolt_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o so_o many_o church_n in_o distant_a country_n be_v perfect_o free_a and_o independent_a one_o upon_o another_o shall_v unanimous_o conspire_v together_o to_o introduce_v a_o novel-custom_n contrary_n to_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o order_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o 3._o they_o shall_v censure_v the_o practice_n and_o injunction_n of_o inspire_a man_n as_o indecent_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n or_o complain_v or_o oppose_v either_o then_o or_o in_o the_o succeed_a generation_n as_o for_o stand_v in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n both_o at_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v use_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o as_o for_o kneel_v it_o be_v plain_a the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v that_o gesture_n also_o for_o though_o on_o sunday_n and_o the_o fifty_o day_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n they_o observe_v stand_v yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o use_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v at_o their_o public_a devotion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o authority_n cite_v at_o the_o 3._o the_o conc._n 1._o nic._n c._n 20._o resp_n quest_n inter_fw-la opera_fw-la just_o mart._n p._n 468._o tertull._n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n c._n 3._o epiphan_n expos_fw-la fid_fw-we cath._n p._n 1105._o edit_fw-la par._n st._n jer._n prol._n come_v in_o epist_n ad_fw-la eph._n st._n aust_n epist_n 119._o ad_fw-la jan._n c._n 15._o tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 3._o bottom_n now_o since_o they_o be_v wont_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n every_o day_n and_o since_o 35._o since_o see_v tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o p._n 47._o st._n aust_n epist_n 118._o const_n apol._n l._n 2._o c._n 57_o st._n chrysost_o hom._n 1._o in_o c._n 2._o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la tim._n st._n ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n l._n 4._o c._n 5._o cave_n prim._n christ_n c._n 11._o st._n cyril_n catech._n mist_n 5._o st._n aust_n resp_n ad_fw-la oros_n quest_n 49._o tom._n 4._o p._n 691._o basil_n 1541._o euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 6._o c._n 35._o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o receive_v with_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o on_o those_o day_n when_o they_o constant_o pray_v kneel_v and_o since_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o praying-posture_n of_o the_o day_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v upon_o those_o day_n on_o which_o they_o pray_v kneel_v for_o since_o sit_v be_v general_o condemn_v as_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a gesture_n by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o since_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v say_v that_o prostration_n or_o lie_v flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v so_o therefore_o the_o posture_n of_o receive_v must_v be_v either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v and_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o on_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a reason_n to_o invite_v or_o oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o use_v kneel_v that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a posture_n they_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n viz._n stand_v both_o at_o their_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o fifty_o day_n after_o easter_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v usual_a at_o other_o time_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v they_o do_v not_o observe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n at_o all_o other_o time_n viz._n that_o as_o at_o such_o time_n they_o do_v constant_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n so_o they_o do_v also_o constant_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v and_o receive_v in_o a_o prayer_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o premise_n i_o may_v promise_v myself_o thus_o much_o success_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v careful_o weigh_v and_o peruse_v they_o with_o a_o teachable_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n shall_v find_v himself_o much_o more_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o primitive_a church_n use_v at_o some_o time_n to_o kneel_v as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n than_o that_o they_o never_o do_v kneel_v at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o posture_n be_v never_o use_v or_o hear_v of_o but_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n as_o some_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v have_v confident_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n but_o second_o suppose_v they_o never_o do_v kneel_v as_o we_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o adore_a posture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o present_a practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o numerous_a testimony_n both_o of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n may_v be_v allege_v but_o i_o will_v content_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n too_o with_o a_o few_o of_o each_o sort_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v that_o he_o who_o will_v except_v against_o they_o will_v also_o with_o the_o same_o face_n and_o assurance_n except_v against_o the_o whiteness_n of_o snow_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o first_o for_o the_o greek_a father_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o 244._o of_o st._n cyril_n hierosol_n mystag_n catech._n 5._o versus_fw-la finem_fw-la paris_n edit_fw-la p._n 244._o st._n cyril_n be_v hear_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o express_v to_o our_o purpose_n this_o holy_a father_n in_o a_o place_n before_o cite_v give_v instruction_n to_o communicant_n how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o when_o they_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v both_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o cup_n he_o advise_v thus_o approach_v say_v he_o not_o rude_o stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n but_o bow_v thyself_o and_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n paris_n purpose_n 24_o hom._n ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n p._n 538._o to._n 9_o paris_n st._n chrysostom_n speak_v in_o his_o fourteen_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o he_o provoke_v and_o excite_v the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n to_o a_o awful_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n at_o the_o holy_a communion_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n after_o this_o manner_n this_o body_n the_o wise_a man_n revereneed_a even_o when_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o manger_n and_o approach_v thereunto_o worship_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o great_a tremble_n let_v we_o therefore_o who_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n imitate_v at_o least_o these_o barbarian_n but_o thou_o see_v this_o body_n not_o in_o a_o manger_n but_o on_o the_o altar_n not_o hold_v by_o a_o woman_n but_o by_o the_o priest_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a and_o manifest_v a_o much_o great_a reverence_n than_o those_o barbarian_n lest_o come_v light_o and_o at_o a_o venture_n we_o heap_v fire_n on_o our_o head_n the_o same_o father_n in_o another_o place_n express_o bid_v they_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o communicate_v when_o the_o table_n be_v make_v ready_a and_o the_o king_n himself_o there_o and_o in_o order_n to_o beget_v in_o their_o mind_n great_a and_o awful_a thought_n concern_v that_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a feast_n he_o further_o exhort_v they_o 1151._o they_o st._n chrys_n hom._n 3._o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n in_o moral_n p._n 1151._o that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o chancel_n door_n open_a than_o they_o shall_v suppose_v heaven_n itself_o be_v unfold_v from_o above_o and_o that_o the_o angel_n
descend_v to_o be_v looker_n on_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v of_o their_o courage_n and_o behaviour_n at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o give_v their_o attendance_n to_o grace_v that_o solemnity_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o ancient_a writer_n theodoret_n agree_v who_o in_o a_o dialogue_n between_o a_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o a_o heretic_n bring_v in_o orthodoxus_n thus_o discourse_v of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o mysterious_a symbol_n or_o sign_n in_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n bread_n and_o wine_n depart_v not_o from_o their_o proper_a nature_n for_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o former_a essence_n and_o keep_v their_o former_a shape_n and_o form_n and_o approve_v themselves_o both_o to_o our_o sight_n and_o touch_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v before_o edit_fw-la before_o dialog_n 2._o to._n 4._o p._n 85._o paris_n edit_fw-la but_o they_o be_v consider_v for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v make_v that_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o their_o spiritual_a signification_n and_o that_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o they_o be_v consecrate_v and_o be_v believe_v and_o adore_v aâ—_n those_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v which_o word_n plain_o import_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o consecrate_a element_n be_v receive_v with_o a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v we_o that_o such_o a_o behaviour_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o manifest_a instance_n in_o all_o the_o ancient_n against_o that_o absurd_a doctrine_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o obstinate_o believe_v at_o this_o very_a day_n than_o what_o theodoret_n give_v we_o in_o the_o word_n abovementioned_a last_o to_o allege_v no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a father_n that_o story_n which_o gregory_n nazianzen_n edit_fw-la nazianzen_n oâ—at_n in_o laud._n gorgon_n p._n 187._o paris_n edit_fw-la relate_v concern_v gorgonia_n will_v much_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v say_v viz._n that_o be_v sick_a and_o have_v use_v several_a medicine_n in_o vain_a at_o last_o she_o resolve_v upon_o this_o course_n she_o go_v in_o the_o stillness_n of_o the_o night_n to_o the_o public_a church_n and_o have_v with_o her_o some_o of_o the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o she_o have_v reserve_v at_o home_n she_o fall_v down_o on_o her_o knee_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n pray_v to_o he_o who_o she_o adore_v and_o in_o conclusion_n be_v heal_v i_o be_o not_o much_o concern_v whether_o the_o reader_n will_v believe_v or_o censure_v this_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o famous_a father_n have_v record_v it_o and_o commend_v his_o sister_n for_o the_o way_n she_o take_v for_o her_o recovery_n this_o be_v home_o to_o my_o purpose_n and_o clear_o discover_v that_o gorgonia_n do_v kneel_v or_o at_o least_o use_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n when_o she_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o without_o doubt_n in_o communicate_v she_o observe_v the_o same_o posture_n that_o other_o general_o do_v in_o public_a she_o do_v that_o in_o her_o sickness_n which_o all_o other_o use_v to_o do_v in_o their_o health_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v she_o kneel_v down_o for_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o she_o come_v to_o beg_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n in_o the_o public_a church_n and_o at_o the_o altar_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_n the_o place_n of_o prayer_n she_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o misbehaviour_n and_o make_v use_n of_o a_o singular_a posture_n different_a from_o what_o be_v general_o use_v by_o christian_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o same_o place_n to_o communicate_v and_o pray_v over_o the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o prevail_a and_o effectual_a way_n of_o pray_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o render_v god_n favourable_a to_o they_o and_o to_o prevail_v with_o he_o above_o all_o other_o prayer_n which_o they_o offer_v at_o any_o other_o time_n or_o in_o any_o other_o place_n so_o much_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o greek_a father_n who_o be_v man_n eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n in_o their_o day_n and_o great_a light_n and_o ornament_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n with_o these_o the_o latin_a father_n full_o agree_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v our_o present_a case_n and_o of_o these_o i_o will_v only_o mention_v two_o though_o more_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o those_o very_a eminent_a and_o illustrious_a person_n have_v in_o great_a veneration_n by_o the_o then_o present_a age_n wherein_o they_o flourish_v and_o by_o succeed_a generation_n the_o first_o be_v 12._o be_v ambros_n de_fw-fr sp._n sanct._n l._n 3._o c._n 12._o st._n ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n in_o a_o book_n he_o write_v concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o inquire_v after_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o pslamist_n when_o he_o exhort_v man_n to_o exalt_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o worship_v his_o footstool_n he_o give_v we_o the_o sense_n in_o these_o word_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o show_v for_o what_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o that_o mystery_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o by_o the_o footstool_n therefore_o be_v the_o earth_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o by_o the_o earth_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o at_o this_o day_n too_o we_o adore_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n worship_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n st._n austin_n bishop_n of_o hippo_n comment_n on_o the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o thus_o he_o resolve_v that_o question_n how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o earth_n his_o footstool_n may_v be_v worship_v without_o impiety_n because_o he_o take_v earth_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o flesh_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o he_o take_v flesh_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o mary_n and_o because_o he_o converse_v here_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o give_v we_o his_o very_a flesh_n to_o eat_v unto_o salvation_n now_o there_o be_v none_o who_o eat_v that_o flesh_n but_o first_o worship_v we_o have_v find_v then_o how_o this_o footstool_n may_v be_v adore_v so_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_v by_o adore_v that_o we_o real_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o of_o these_o primitive_a bishop_n we_o may_v lawful_o adore_v at_o the_o mystery_n though_o not_o the_o mystery_n themselves_o at_o the_o sacrament_n though_o not_o the_o sacrament_n themselves_o the_o creator_n in_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v sanctify_v not_o the_o creature_n itself_o as_o a_o late_a 732._o late_a phil._n mornay_n du_fw-fr plessis_n de_fw-fr missa_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 7._o p._n 732._o protestant_a writer_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o quality_n among_o the_o french_a distinguish_v upon_o the_o forecited_a word_n of_o saint_n ambrose_n i_o think_v it_o appear_v evident_a from_o these_o few_o instance_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n at_o the_o communion_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v a_o cloud_n of_o other_o witness_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a so_o to_o do_v either_o to_o prove_v or_o clear_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n but_o since_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o clog_v the_o discourse_n with_o numerous_a reference_n and_o appeal_v to_o antiquity_n it_o will_v but_o obscure_v the_o argument_n and_o tend_v in_o all_o likelihood_n rather_o to_o confound_v and_o distaste_v than_o convince_v and_o gratify_v the_o reader_n by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o allege_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v sufficient_o justify_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n for_o if_o the_o ancient_n do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n use_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n which_o be_v very_o plain_a they_o do_v then_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n no_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o kneel_v be_v never_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o will_v be_v plain_a if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a upon_o that_o heavy_a charge_n which_o some_o of_o the_o fierce_a but_o less_o prudent_a adversary_n of_o kneel_v have_v exhibit_v against_o it_o they_o object_n against_o kneel_v as_o be_v a_o adore_a gesture_n for_o they_o affirm_v 1.3_o affirm_v gillesp_n p._n 166_o 172._o altar_n damas_n p._n 801._o rutherf_n divine_a right_n of_o ch._n gou._n c._n 1._o qu._n 5._o sect._n 1.3_o that_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v before_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v formal_a idolatry_n so_o
in_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o 5._o church-membership_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o church-communion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n due_o preach_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n join_v with_o those_o of_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n nay_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_n administration_n and_o therefore_o 4.4_o therefore_o act_n 2.47_o eph._n 5.23_o and_o 4.4_o since_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n since_o his_o ordinary_a method_n of_o save_a man_n be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n since_o chriâ—â—_n suffer_v for_o we_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v â—e_v say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o such_o man_n can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v unworthy_a receiver_n but_o 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o for_o we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o such_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n who_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o receiver_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o confirm_v ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n '_o tâ—s_v true_a that_o none_o but_o convert_v or_o baptise_a person_n must_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v those_o who_o be_v already_o baptise_a to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o holiness_n than_o this_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n for_o what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o the_o sacrament_n represent_v to_o we_o wherein_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o three_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n who_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n in_o sin_v that_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o 24._o in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.39_o and_o 19.18_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o 7_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v grow_v very_o scandalous_a yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n and_o hypocrite_n devour_v widow_n house_n and_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n matth._n 15.6_o 7_o 8._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v a_o separation_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v seat_n say_v he_o all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n 23.2_o 3._o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 11.18_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o and_o 3.3_o and_o 5.1_o and_o 11.18_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o 11.28_o but_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v what_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz._n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strise_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brethren_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridle_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o
their_o separation_n upon_o these_o account_n that_o they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a and_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n they_o except_v against_o be_v real_o forbid_v by_o god_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o then_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v that_o they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v which_o be_v not_o real_o forbid_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o think_v so_o they_o can_v act_v against_o their_o mistake_a conscience_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v require_v nothing_o that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o particular_a objection_n against_o our_o establishment_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o in_o the_o several_a forego_v chapter_n the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o be_v this_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o justify_v his_o break_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o my_o false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o just_a cause_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o ask_v this_o question_n when_o st._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o persecute_v christian_n be_v his_o persecution_n sinful_a or_o no_o yes_o sure_o for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o lawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v he_o before_o god_n for_o do_v that_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v well_o before_z they_o separate_z for_o schism_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n and_o as_o vehement_o speak_v against_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o father_n as_o any_o sin_n whatever_o let_v dissenter_n look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o their_o false_a persuasion_n that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o make_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n this_o matter_n will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v suppose_v a_o papist_n that_o hearty_o believe_v popery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o worship_v image_n and_o the_o host_n this_o person_n will_v certain_o abhor_v these_o practice_n do_v he_o think_v they_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v all_o charge_n such_o papist_n with_o idolatry_n though_o they_o disclaim_v it_o and_o profess_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o such_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v so_o let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_n for_o a_o man_n be_v false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n now_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o causeless_a separation_n be_v as_o proper_o schism_n as_o worship_v a_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o schismatic_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v as_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n a_o man_n mistake_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o will_v more_o or_o less_o excuse_v he_o before_o god_n in_o both_o instance_n but_o it_o can_v change_v the_o nature_n either_o of_o schism_n or_o idolatry_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o answer_v he_o be_v to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n and_o then_o he_o may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n now_o the_o only_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o lay_v aside_o pride_n passion_n interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o endeavour_v serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o understand_v his_o duty_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n advise_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n practise_v all_o undoubted_a duty_n and_o beg_v god_n assistance_n for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o first_o we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o than_o i_o be_o persuade_v our_o scandalous_a division_n will_v present_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o alas_o we_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v sure_o they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o for_o the_o text_n they_o produce_v be_v such_o as_o have_v they_o in_o the_o least_o examine_v they_o can_v scarce_o have_v be_v wrest_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n nay_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v think_v better_o of_o our_o way_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v inconvenient_a yet_o a_o lay-person_n may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n in_o short_a most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n and_o scarce_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n show_v we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o end_n to_o serve_v by_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o way_n be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v he_o thither_o that_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o church-division_n be_v modest_a humble_a and_o docible_a and_o believe_v that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v that_o think_v his_o governor_n may_v be_v wise_a than_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o authority_n a_o man_n that_o where_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o thwart_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n endeavour_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v and_o to_o that_o end_n beg_v god_n assistance_n and_o use_v the_o best_a help_n and_o guide_v he_o can_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n and_o be_v bias_v neither_o way_n i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n and_o we_o ready_o grant_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o but_o then_o we_o must_v add_v that_o we_o believe_v such_o a_o man_n will_v soon_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o his_o duty_n also_o to_o conform_v second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v real_o do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v though_o his_o separation_n be_v material_o a_o schism_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o all_o those_o that_o commit_v schism_n be_v not_o equal_o guilty_a of_o it_o those_o that_o separate_v to_o serve_v a_o turn_n
first_o then_o they_o say_v if_o the_o superior_a must_v determine_v in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n the_o inferior_a must_v often_o commit_v most_o grievous_a sin_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n doubt_v whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o ruler_n command_v that_o baal_n shall_v be_v worship_v the_o man_n must_v renounce_v the_o true_a god_n but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o we_o for_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o neither_o doubtfulness_n nor_o ignorance_n will_v excuse_v a_o action_n that_o be_v plain_o sinful_a though_o it_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o i_o only_o assert_v that_o the_o superior_a be_v to_o over-rule_v when_o we_o doubt_v equal_o whether_o a_o action_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o nay_o this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o for_o if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o ruler_n command_v that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n will_v they_o give_v the_o doubt_a man_n if_o they_o say_v he_o must_v obey_v the_o ruler_n they_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o he_o must_v not_o obey_v the_o ruler_n he_o must_v worship_v baal_n and_o so_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n second_o they_o say_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n not_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o when_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a we_o be_v also_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v already_o give_v many_o weighty_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v rather_o obey_v than_o disobey_v when_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n but_o three_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o st._n paul_n word_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o from_o whence_o they_o argue_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o the_o ruler_n command_n will_v not_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a answer_n only_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o premise_v a_o general_a account_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o before_o i_o take_v of_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o now_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v moses_n law_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o difference_n of_o meat_n whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o second_o verse_n intimate_v their_o total_a abstinence_n from_o flesh_n and_o eat_v only_a herb_n which_o moses_n law_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o i_o answer_v with_o some_o father_n that_o they_o think_v the_o law_n still_o in_o force_n choose_v to_o eat_v only_a herb_n that_o their_o way_n of_o live_v may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o a_o legal_a observance_n and_o so_o the_o other_o christian_n may_v not_o reproach_v they_o for_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v he_o that_o doubt_v it_o do_v as_o proper_o signify_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o it_o be_v so_o use_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o other_o writer_n and_o therefore_o the_o text_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v unclean_a because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n this_o render_v be_v put_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bibles_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o most_o latin_a expositor_n the_o word_n faith_n also_o in_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n verse_n do_v not_o signify_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n a_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o a_o man_n assent_n to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n so_o that_o to_o have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o to_o do_v a_o action_n not_o of_o faith_n be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v be_v unlawful_a and_o whereas_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v we_o must_v observe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a damnation_n in_o hell_n but_o the_o condemnation_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n and_o yet_o eat_v be_v condemn_v for_o it_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v sinful_a that_o man_n will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o interpretation_n who_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v persuade_v the_o strong_a christian_n who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o sort_n of_o food_n not_o to_o give_v scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a christian_n who_o think_v otherwise_o and_o he_o thus_o conclude_v his_o advice_n have_v thou_o faith_n be_v thou_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o sort_n of_o food_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n enjoy_v thy_o persuasion_n but_o do_v not_o upon_o every_o occasion_n make_v use_n of_o it_o lest_o thy_o weak_a brother_n be_v embolden_v by_o thy_o example_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v true_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v happy_a be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o he_o that_o doubt_v that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v in_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o eat_v what_o he_o think_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v it_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n whatsoever_o a_o man_n think_v unlawful_a be_v sin_n to_o he_o that_o think_v it_o so_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o text_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o of_o a_o resolve_v conscience_n only_o for_o the_o person_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o waver_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o meat_n be_v unclean_a because_o they_o think_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n still_o in_o force_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o 2_o 5_o and_o 14_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n and_o be_o persuade_v '_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n doubt_v be_v use_v and_o that_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n may_v as_o proper_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n as_o he_o that_o doubt_v but_o though_o the_o word_n doubt_v be_v retain_v yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_o plain_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o doubt_n strengthen_v with_o so_o many_o probability_n that_o it_o want_v but_o very_o little_a of_o a_o persuasion_n or_o