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
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
very_o strange_a that_o have_v the_o institution_n be_v temporary_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n shall_v never_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a high_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o constant_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n without_o the_o least_o warrant_v so_o to_o do_v either_o from_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v object_v yet_o far_o that_o though_o form_n of_o god_n appoint_v may_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v yet_o form_n of_o man_n composure_n ought_v not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o appoint_v new_a scripture_n for_o public_a instruction_n because_o the_o inspire_a person_n do_v so_o as_o we_o may_v appoint_v new_a form_n for_o public_a worship_n because_o they_o do_v so_o but_o this_o objection_n also_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o objection_n allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o otherwise_o god_n must_v have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n nay_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v his_o form_n be_v a_o tacit_n approbation_n of_o other_o form_n that_o be_v prescribe_v before_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o god_n but_o by_o man_n too_o for_o the_o jew_n use_v several_a form_n of_o human_a composure_n in_o their_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o disapprove_v they_o that_o he_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o own_o disciple_n which_o form_n as_o mr._n gregory_n have_v prove_v he_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a form_n in_o who_o book_n the_o several_a part_n and_o clause_n of_o it_o be_v extant_a almost_o verbatim_o to_o this_o day_n and_o certain_o have_v he_o disapprove_v their_o form_n as_o evil_a and_o sinful_a he_o will_v never_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o prayer_n out_o of_o they_o since_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o form_n in_o such_o circumstance_n signify_v his_o approbation_n of_o other_o form_n it_o be_v plain_a either_o that_o he_o approve_v what_o be_v evil_a or_o that_o form_n be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o this_o objection_n must_v allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o public_a form_n to_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o useful_a for_o otherwise_o god_n who_o always_o act_v for_o wise_a end_n and_o use_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n will_v never_o have_v prescribe_v any_o form_n and_o certain_o what_o be_v once_o useful_a be_v useful_a still_o for_o 1._o we_o be_v now_o dull_a and_o carnal_a enough_o to_o need_v form_n and_o 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v one_o to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o gospel-state_n 3._o that_o this_o objection_n must_v also_o allow_v that_o god_n prescribe_v form_n by_o inspire_a person_n may_v be_v lawful_o imitate_v by_o we_o provide_v we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o governor_n may_v prescribe_v form_n as_o long_o as_o form_n be_v useful_a 4._o that_o though_o governor_n may_v prescribe_v form_n after_o god_n example_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o prescribe_v they_o as_o scripture_n or_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o as_o spiritual_a governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n after_o god_n example_n but_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o by_o inspire_a person_n so_o they_o may_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n after_o god_n example_n but_o can_v pretend_v to_o do_v it_o by_o inspiration_n they_o have_v god_n example_n for_o do_v the_o action_n but_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o inspiration_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o without_o manifest_a falsehood_n and_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n example_n will_v warrant_v for_o the_o one_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v they_o false_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o other_o thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n be_v authorize_v by_o god_n example_n to_o prescribe_v other_o when_o they_o judge_v they_o useful_a ii_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v prescribe_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o conceive_v or_o extempore_o prayer_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v extempore_o and_o therefore_o form_n have_v a_o better_a claim_n to_o divine_a authority_n than_o they_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o wheresoever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o our_o own_o conception_n and_o word_n but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o certain_o when_o god_n command_v man_n to_o pray_v by_o his_o own_o form_n they_o do_v pray_v vocal_o though_o not_o in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o here_o let_v i_o take_v notice_n that_o dissenter_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o call_v the_o use_v a_o form_n not_o prayer_n but_o read_v a_o prayer_n but_o sure_o the_o levites_n do_v real_o pray_v when_o they_o use_v the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o asaph_n and_o so_o do_v the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o form_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o vocal_a prayer_n for_o vocal_a prayer_n consist_v in_o the_o speak_n of_o our_o devout_a affection_n to_o god_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n but_o they_o pretend_v that_o whatsoever_o instance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o form_n in_o old_a time_n god_n have_v declare_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v pray_v by_o our_o own_o gift_n of_o utterance_n for_o the_o future_a now_o methinks_v have_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o pray_v by_o form_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o express_a prohibition_n of_o it_o especial_o since_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v form_n and_o philo_n the_o victim_n p._n 483._o and_o the_o modern_a rabbin_n own_o the_o same_o they_o be_v also_o a_o people_n most_o tenacious_a of_o their_o custom_n and_o therefore_o need_v to_o be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o form_n have_v our_o lord_n design_v to_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o his_o worship_n nay_o the_o essenes_n who_o of_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v most_o ready_o embrace_v christianity_n have_v certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o josephus_n observe_v de_fw-fr bell._n jud._n l._n 2._o c._n 7._o p._n 783._o now_o when_o those_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o form_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o have_v christ_n intend_v they_o shall_v use_v they_o no_o long_o he_o will_v not_o have_v give_v they_o express_v warning_n of_o they_o but_o when_o instead_o of_o so_o do_v he_o bid_v they_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v they_o think_v but_o that_o he_o design_v they_o shall_v still_o use_v a_o form_n as_o they_o do_v before_o be_v not_o that_o his_o design_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o he_o take_v no_o care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o but_o that_o i_o may_v full_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n i_o shall_v examine_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o dissenter_n think_v it_o do_v god_n say_v they_o have_v promise_v we_o a_o ability_n to_o utter_v our_o mind_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v by_o form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o intention_n but_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o this_o ability_n which_o they_o pretend_v be_v promise_v for_o the_o purpose_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v a_o common_a gift_n which_o god_n have_v no_o more_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n than_o to_o any_o other_o end_n of_o utterance_n and_o elocution_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o omit_v the_o use_v it_o in_o prayer_n be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n than_o to_o omit_v the_o use_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o just_a and_o lawful_a occasion_n however_o because_o they_o urge_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v design_v mere_o for_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v they_o 1._o they_o urge_v zach._n 12.10_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n the_o hebrew_n word_n translate_v supplication_n do_v always_o say_v they_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n must_v imply_v communicate_v a_o ability_n to_o pray_v vocal_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n be_v no_o
also_o upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n 4._o since_o this_o gift_n of_o express_v our_o mind_n be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v as_o lawful_o omit_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o any_o other_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v design_v for_o for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o elocution_n than_o he_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n may_v not_o lawful_o use_v a_o form_n in_o petition_v his_o prince_n or_o in_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o these_o case_n as_o a_o man_n see_v occasion_n than_o it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o prayer_n in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n have_v two_o gift_n he_o may_v use_v which_o he_o please_v and_o since_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n of_o prayer_n none_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v his_o ability_n to_o pray_v extempore_o 5._o use_v a_o form_n be_v as_o much_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a devotion_n as_o pray_v extempore_o because_o the_o end_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v at_o least_o as_o effectual_o serve_v by_o a_o form_n as_o by_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n now_o since_o there_o be_v two_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o both_o can_v be_v use_v at_o the_o same_o time_n therefore_o one_o may_v be_v lawful_o omit_v and_o consequent_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n which_o be_v one_o mean_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o the_o last_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o common_a case_n and_o want_n of_o christian_n can_v be_v so_o well_o express_v in_o one_o constant_a form_n as_o in_o conceive_v prayer_n because_o the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n be_v infinite_o variable_a and_o require_v suitable_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o the_o minister_n can_v otherwise_o provide_v than_o by_o pray_v extempore_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o common_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o main_a always_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v more_o full_o comprehend_v in_o a_o form_n than_o in_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n ought_v not_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o to_o the_o common_a case_n of_o all_o and_o what_o every_o one_o may_v true_o and_o sincere_o join_v with_o now_o a_o form_n will_v express_v they_o much_o better_a than_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o omission_n 2._o form_n can_v make_v as_o good_a provision_n for_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v be_v foresee_v such_o as_o the_o want_n of_o rain_n fair_a weather_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v form_n compose_v for_o they_o aforehand_o and_o as_o for_o other_o that_o can_v be_v fore-seen_a form_n may_v be_v provide_v when_o they_o happen_v and_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v do_v in_o our_o church_n 3._o if_o form_n must_v not_o be_v use_v because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o reach_v extraordinary_a case_n certain_o extempore_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o omission_n they_o will_v not_o always_o reach_v even_o ordinary_a case_n in_o a_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o all_o extraordinary_a case_n may_v be_v very_o well_o provide_v for_o by_o form_n but_o suppose_v it_o otherwise_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v upon_o sundry_a account_n of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o public_a devotion_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o spoil_v the_o church_n of_o they_o and_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o extempore_o effusion_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o contingency_n which_o may_v happen_v but_o very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o in_o a_o whole_a age._n iii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o and_o for_o this_o a_o very_a few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o since_o the_o use_n of_o public_a form_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a also_o chap._n iu_o objection_n against_o our_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n and_o litany_n answer_v have_v justify_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n my_o duty_n and_o method_n oblige_v i_o to_o justify_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v always_o think_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v rather_o have_v invite_v protestant_n to_o our_o communion_n than_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v if_o the_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o read_v over_o dr._n beverege_n sermon_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n they_o will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o alas_o this_o very_a liturgy_n be_v that_o which_o many_o person_n be_v incense_v against_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v down_o as_o idolatrous_a popish_a superstitious_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o now_o so_o often_o hear_v those_o bitter_a exclamation_n of_o rome_n and_o babylon_n baal_n and_o dagon_n for_o the_o common-prayer_n be_v not_o now_o esteem_v such_o a_o abominable_a thing_n as_o some_o ignorant_a and_o heady_a zealot_n be_v wont_a to_o count_v it_o but_o yet_o some_o objection_n be_v still_o insist_v upon_o to_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o return_v a_o fair_a answer_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v too_o general_a and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a sin_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v distinct_o confess_v of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o objector_n to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n in_o public_a worship_n which_o require_v more_o caution_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o order_n of_o it_o than_o that_o confession_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o prevent_v its_o being_n either_o too_o general_a or_o too_o particular_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o different_a person_n must_v join_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o so_o that_o all_o person_n can_v possible_o make_v the_o same_o particular_a confession_n but_o i_o think_v our_o confession_n viz._n the_o daily_a one_o and_o that_o in_o the_o communion-office_n be_v so_o judicious_o frame_v as_o to_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v all_o person_n may_v profitable_o use_v they_o however_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n after_o the_o minister_n have_v recite_v each_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v as_o particular_a as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v and_o by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v confess_v all_o his_o know_a offence_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n if_o a_o man_n must_v not_o use_v a_o confession_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v mend_v he_o must_v never_o confess_v at_o all_o and_o if_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o wise_a dissenter_n i_o suppose_v no_o more_o will_v be_v pretend_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_o use_v now_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o form_n and_o aught_o to_o end_v the_o dispute_n indeed_o there_o be_v example_n of_o jeremiah_n nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n confess_v such_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o but_o this_o be_v do_v upon_o solemn_a humiliation_n for_o those_o know_v and_o public_a idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o have_v bring_v god_n heavy_a judgement_n upon_o they_o or_o for_o common_a and_o scandalous_a transgression_n afterward_o they_o consider_v themselves_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o community_n which_o have_v provoke_v god_n and_o they_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o calamity_n and_o in_o the_o confession_n as_o if_o they_o have_v offend_v as_o great_o as_o their_o countryman_n but_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o those_o confession_n upon_o such_o public_a humiliation_n and_o those_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o particular_a confession_n be_v more_o proper_o the_o matter_n of_o private_a devotion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o practice_v strict_a examination_n and_o secret_a contrition_n in_o our_o closet_n we_o shall_v then_o find_v our_o affection_n prepare_v to_o comply_v with_o those_o
3._o some_o be_v offend_v with_o our_o pray_n against_o sudden_a death_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o by_o sudden_a death_n understand_v our_o be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o world_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v for_o sometime_o a_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sudden_a to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n can_v any_o good_a christian_a find_v fault_n with_o the_o petition_n but_o suppose_v that_o by_o sudden_a death_n we_o mean_v what_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o death_n of_o which_o a_o man_n have_v not_o the_o least_o warning_n by_o sickness_n be_v there_o not_o reason_n why_o even_o good_a man_n may_v desire_v not_o to_o die_v sudden_o may_v they_o not_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o draw_v towards_o their_o end_n by_o their_o good_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n make_v impression_n upon_o their_o friend_n companion_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o better_n of_o they_o may_v not_o their_o counsel_n be_v then_o more_o effectual_a with_o they_o than_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v so_o as_o for_o themselves_o may_v not_o the_o warning_n they_o have_v of_o approach_a death_n be_v improve_v to_o make_v they_o more_o sit_v to_o die_v than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o perfect_a health_n in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o think_v himself_o to_o have_v sufficient_o perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o those_o act_n of_o self-examination_n humiliation_n and_o devotion_n by_o which_o good_a man_n improve_v the_o warn_v of_o death_n which_o mortal_a sickness_n or_o extreme_a age_n give_v they_o let_v he_o suspend_v his_o act_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o when_o we_o pray_v god_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sudden_a death·_fw-la 4._o some_o be_v offend_v that_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n holy_a incarnation_n etc._n etc._n by_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n by_o his_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o come_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o say_v this_o be_v swear_v other_o conjure_v and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o when_o we_o say_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o thy_o holy_a incarnation_n and_o by_o thy_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o we_o implore_v christ_n who_o have_v already_o show_v such_o inestimable_a goodness_n towards_o we_o by_o take_v our_o nature_n into_o his_o divinity_n to_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v bury_v to_o rise_v again_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o to_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o we_o and_o by_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o qualify_v the_o apostle_n for_o their_o great_a work_n of_o carry_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n into_o the_o world_n i_o say_v we_o implore_v he_o who_o have_v already_o do_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o we_o plead_v with_o he_o by_o that_o goodness_n which_o he_o have_v already_o give_v we_o such_o great_a demonstration_n of_o by_o those_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o deliver_v we_o by_o his_o powerful_a grace_n from_o those_o evil_n which_o we_o pray_v against_o and_o this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a so_o devout_a and_o affectionate_a so_o humble_a and_o thankful_a a_o way_n of_o pray_v that_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o any_o who_o call_v themselves_o believer_n shall_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v it_o or_o so_o profane_a and_o unlike_a what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v as_o to_o deride_v it_o to_o conclude_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o of_o all_o the_o prayer_n in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n i_o shall_v be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o the_o litany_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n apt_a to_o excite_v our_o most_o intense_a and_o fervent_a desire_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o whole_a office_n be_v frame_v with_o respect_n both_o to_o matter_n and_o contrivance_n for_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o utmost_a devotion_n of_o good_a christian_n and_o for_o the_o warm_n of_o the_o cold_a heart_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o such_o a_o disposition_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o express_v our_o charity_n by_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o distinct_o and_o particular_o as_o public_a prayer_n will_v bear_v chap._n v._o of_o infant-baptism_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o office_n of_o baptism_n i_o think_v it_o be_v proper_a to_o justify_v infant-baptism_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o and_o dislike_v by_o some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o that_o my_o discourse_n concern_v infant-baptism_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n of_o premise_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o original_a of_o the_o jewish_a church_n consider_v pure_o as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v date_v from_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n but_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n from_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n for_o that_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v distinct_a thing_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o distinction_n rom._n 4.13_o gal._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n upon_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v found_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o rom._n 4._o 9th_o to_o the_o 17_o and_o 9.6_o etc._n etc._n gal._n 3.5_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v a_o spiritual_a covenant_n make_v with_o he_o as_o the_o father_n of_o believer_n and_o with_o his_o posterity_n not_o as_o proceed_n from_o he_o by_o natural_a but_o by_o spiritual_a generation_n as_o heir_n of_o his_o faith_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_n we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3.3_o and_o it_o be_v one_o god_n which_o shall_v justify_v the_o circumcision_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n through_o faith_n rom._n 3.30_o and_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n gal._n 3.29_o nay_o it_o will_v far_a appear_v that_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v not_o with_o abraham_n natural_a but_o his_o spiritual_a offspring_n if_o we_o consider_v 3._o that_o the_o initiatory_a sacrament_n into_o it_o be_v circumcision_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n act_v 7.8_o and_o circumcision_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o faith_n or_o faithful_a obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n require_v of_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o which_o they_o promise_v to_o perform_v it_o also_o signify_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n deut._n 10.16_o and_o 30.6_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o 4._o as_o to_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v a_o very_a plain_a account_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o gen._n 17._o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v first_o that_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a see_v exod._n 12.48_o 49._o which_o also_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v not_o to_o his_o natural_a but_o to_o his_o spiritual_a child_n hence_o in_o all_o age_n great_a number_n of_o gentile_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o circumcision_n second_o that_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v child_n from_o circumcision_n that_o he_o order_v that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v defer_v beyond_o the_o 8_o day_n god_n be_v please_v to_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o choose_v the_o child_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o holy_a upon_o their_o account_n this_o be_v ground_n enough_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o for_o god_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o believer_n though_o they_o can_v not_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o faith_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o godfather_n and_o of_o the_o congregation_n under_o which_o he_o be_v circumcise_a be_v believe_v of_o old_a by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o child_n as_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o consent_n see_v seld._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la lib._n 2._o c._n 2._o de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o
c._n 3._o and_o they_o have_v good_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o this_o opinion_n because_o the_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o parent_n in_o wilful_o neglect_v or_o despise_v the_o circumcision_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o child_n who_o be_v esteem_v and_o punish_v as_o breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n when_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_a gen._n 17.14_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o act_n of_o parent_n in_o neglect_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o circumcision_n be_v repute_v they_o much_o more_o their_o act_n in_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o may_v well_o be_v repute_v as_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n thus_o numb_a 3.28_o we_o find_v the_o keep_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n impute_v to_o the_o male_n of_o the_o cohathite_n of_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_o because_o their_o father_n actual_o keep_v it_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o it_o thus_o deut._n 29.11_o 12._o the_o little_a one_o be_v express_o say_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n because_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n do_v so_o thus_o also_o though_o christ_n heal_v grow_v person_n for_o their_o own_o faith_n matth._n 9.29_o yet_o he_o heal_v child_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o who_o beseech_v he_o for_o they_o as_o it_o be_v impute_v it_o to_o they_o for_o their_o own_o faith_n mark_v 9.23_o matth._n 8.13_o john_n 4.50_o vid._n cassand_n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la infant_n p._n 729._o taylor_n of_o baptiz_n inf._n great_a exemplar_n part_n 1_o sect._n 9_o 5._o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n under_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v before_o it_o and_o still_o remain_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o abraham_n be_v still_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o we_o that_o believe_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o much_o his_o child_n in_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n as_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n under_o the_o law_n hence_o st._n peter_n epist_n 1._o call_v christian_n by_o those_o title_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o his_o peculiar_a people_n viz._n a_o choose_a generation_n royal_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n compare_v the_o call_n of_o they_o to_o the_o engraft_v of_o the_o wild_a olive-tree_n into_o the_o old_a olive-tree's_a stock_n rom._n 11._o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n introduce_v as_o much_o of_o judaisme_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reformation_n will_v bear_v and_o adhere_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o the_o old_a both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o the_o new_a oeconomy_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o reader_n may_v consult_v grot._n opusc_n tom._n 3._o p._n 510_o 520_o etc._n etc._n hammond_n of_o baptise_v infant_n selden_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 2._o de_fw-fr synedr_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o lightfoot'_v horae_n heb._n p._n 42._o hammond_n on_o matth._n 2.1_o alt_v dissert_n septima_fw-la de_fw-la proselyt_v mede_n 1_o b._n disc_fw-la 43._o 2_o b._n christ_n sacrif_n cudworth_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n thorndike_n of_o religious_a assembl_n tailor_n be_v great_a exemplar_n part._n 1._o disc_n of_o baptism_n numb_a 11._o dodwell_n one_o altar_n and_o one_o priesthood_n lightâ—oot_n on_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o some_o thing_n i_o confess_v they_o lay_v aside_o but_o their_o reason_n for_o so_o do_v be_v 1._o because_o very_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n be_v fulfil_v in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v it_o 2._o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v 1._o manly_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o be_v but_o a_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n gal._n 3.24_o and_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o it_o as_o child_n be_v under_o tutor_n chap._n 4.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o for_o they_o have_v childish_a understanding_n and_o be_v like_o child_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o symbolical_a lesson_n viz._n wash_n etc._n etc._n 2._o free_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o servile_a nature_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v load_v with_o numberless_a observance_n of_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v grow_v weary_a and_o with_o which_o they_o have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n heavy_a lade_v when_o christ_n call_v they_o to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o light_a 3._o universal_a god_n enjoin_v the_o jew_n many_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o neighbour_a idolatrous_a nation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mutual_a strangeness_n between_o they_o and_o that_o by_o ceremonial_a singularity_n they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o christ_n come_v to_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n betwixt_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o abolish_v the_o enmity_n of_o ordinance_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o that_o he_o may_v make_v peace_n between_o they_o and_o reconcile_v they_o both_o into_o one_o body_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o shall_v abolish_v these_o and_z all_z oher_z distingish_v character_n betwixt_o they_o which_o will_v have_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o be_v become_v so_o odious_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o the_o gentile_a world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o bloody_a rite_n of_o circumcision_n be_v change_v into_o the_o easy_a rite_n of_o baptism_n 6._o circumcision_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o equal_a significancy_n force_n and_o perfection_n with_o baptism_n and_o baptism_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o not_o as_o a_o antitype_n succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o type_n but_o as_o one_o positive_a institution_n succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o another_o for_o we_o must_v note_v that_o strict_o and_o proper_o speak_v there_o be_v the_o same_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o type_n and_o the_o antitype_n as_o betwixt_o the_o shadow_n and_o the_o substance_n or_o betwixt_o a_o man_n and_o his_o picture_n in_o a_o glass_n insomuch_o that_o what_o be_v in_o the_o type_n do_v only_o represent_v something_o which_o do_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o antitype_n thus_o the_o blood_n of_o sacrifice_n represent_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v true_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o the_o heal_a virtue_n of_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v a_o symbol_n of_o the_o heal_a virtue_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o betwixt_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n because_o circumcision_n have_v no_o symbolical_a likeness_n with_o baptism_n nor_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o common_a to_o baptism_n which_o do_v not_o as_o full_o belong_v unto_o it_o as_o unto_o baptism_n itself_o for_o 1._o circumcision_n be_v heretofore_o a_o real_a sacrament_n of_o initiation_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o much_o as_o baptism_n be_v now_o baptism_n do_v nothing_o under_o the_o gospel_n which_o circumcision_n do_v not_o as_o proper_o and_o effectual_o do_v under_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o type_n of_o baptism_n any_o more_o than_o the_o broad-seal_n of_o england_n 300_o year_n ago_o be_v a_o type_n of_o this_o and_o according_o it_o be_v never_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o type_n of_o baptism_n nor_o baptism_n as_o the_o antitype_n of_o it_o but_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o not_o as_o the_o antitype_n do_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o type_n but_o as_o one_o absolute_a ordinance_n or_o positive_a institution_n do_v in_o the_o place_n of_o another_o 2._o circumcision_n be_v not_o a_o type_n of_o baptism_n because_o a_o type_n be_v a_o exemplar_n appoint_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prefigure_v something_o under_o the_o new_a but_o baptism_n be_v itself_o of_o jewish_a institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o consequence_n can_v not_o be_v typify_v and_o prefigure_v by_o circumcision_n because_o it_o be_v use_v together_o with_o it_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o jewish_a church_n make_v it_o a_o ceremony_n of_o initiate_a proselyte_n under_o the_o law_n and_o our_o saviour_n like_v the_o institution_n continue_v the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o only_a ceremony_n of_o initiate_a proselyte_n under_o the_o gospel_n superad_v to_o it_o the_o complete_a nature_n of_o a_o initiatory_a sacrament_n or_o the_o full_a force_n of_o circumcision_n as_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n have_v premise_v these_o six_o thing_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a business_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o
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
babe_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v real_o better_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v leader_n and_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o they_o call_v their_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o weak_a person_n turn_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primer_z advise_v they_o to_o learn_v their_o catechism_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o high_o wrong_v and_o injure_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o ordinary_o look_v upon_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o high_a illumination_n a_o great_a knowledge_n than_o other_o have_v attain_v unto_o they_o rather_o count_v we_o the_o weak_a christian_n if_o some_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o so_o much_o for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v we_o for_o the_o weak_a and_o worse_a christian_n why_o do_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o why_o do_v they_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o into_o distinct_a congregation_n as_o be_v pure_a more_o select_a christian_n than_o other_o now_o though_o such_o person_n as_o these_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n very_o weak_a of_o little_a judgement_n or_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o this_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n under_o that_o character_n nor_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v forego_v our_o liberty_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o 3._o those_o who_o be_v real_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a instruction_n but_o we_o can_v be_v always_o babe_n in_o christ_n without_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n such_o as_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o clear_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n or_o their_o party_n can_v upon_o no_o account_n claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o weak_a person_n of_o these_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o regard_n who_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opposition_n matth._n 15.14_o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o condemn_v all_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n for_o be_v malicious_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o but_o however_o 1._o i_o beg_v they_o to_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o have_v devout_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n for_o otherwise_o their_o weakness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v pity_v than_o that_o man_n sickness_n who_o will_v not_o though_o he_o may_v be_v cure_v 2._o i_o must_v say_v that_o old_a and_o inveterate_a mistake_v that_o have_v be_v a_o 1000_o time_n answer_v and_o protest_v against_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o if_o people_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o fancy_n they_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o compassion_n which_o st._n paul_n prescribe_v towards_o weak_a brethren_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o doubtful_a or_o suspicious_a nature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o abuse_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n in_o they_o and_o the_o do_v of_o they_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a consequence_n to_o i_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o forbear_v they_o no_o long_o than_o till_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o right_o concern_v the_o innocency_n of_o my_o action_n and_o intention_n and_o give_v they_o notice_n of_o the_o evil_a that_o may_v possible_o happen_v to_o they_o if_o i_o dig_v a_o pit_n or_o lay_v a_o block_n in_o the_o way_n whereby_o other_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v hurt_n and_o wound_v i_o be_o guilty_a of_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v but_o if_o they_o be_v plain_o and_o often_o tell_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o will_v run_v into_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v then_o only_o to_o thank_v themselves_o now_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o case_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o misinterpretation_n it_o hold_v much_o more_o in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o injunction_n as_o from_o man_n gross_a ignorance_n misconceit_n or_o perverseness_n this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o people_z be_v general_o mistake_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o offend_v or_o give_v offence_n for_o by_o it_o they_o common_o understand_v displease_v or_o grieve_v another_o and_o make_v he_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o godly_a person_n do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o or_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o fancy_n or_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v one_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v this_o conceit_n rom._n 14.15_o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n now_o walk_v thou_o not_o charitable_o but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o by_o grieve_v our_o brother_n be_v not_o mean_v displease_v but_o wound_v and_o hurt_v he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v that_o which_o cause_v grief_n or_o sorrow_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o destroy_v and_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v v._o 15_o 21._o to_o be_v offend_v or_o grieve_v be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o what_o another_o have_v do_v out_o of_o pity_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o receive_v hurt_v ourselves_o from_o it_o be_v draw_v or_o deceive_v into_o some_o sin_n by_o it_o but_o because_o many_o well-disposed_a people_n do_v think_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o good_a man_n be_v displease_v or_o grieve_v at_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o to_o censure_n and_o condemn_v and_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o action_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o join_v any_o long_o with_o they_o in_o their_o separate_a congregation_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o peevishness_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o be_v that_o very_a sin_n which_o st._n paul_n often_o warn_v his_o weak_a believer_n against_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rash_o judge_v those_o who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n better_o than_o themselves_o at_o this_o rate_n any_o company_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v resolve_v to_o quarrel_v with_o all_o that_o do_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v must_v oblige_v all_o to_o remain_v forever_o with_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v they_o offence_n if_o what_o i_o do_v be_v not_o evil_a in_o itself_o it_o can_v become_v such_o because_o another_o man_n be_v causeless_o angry_a with_o i_o for_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o this_o fear_n of_o offend_v that_o be_v displease_v their_o weak_a brethren_n hinder_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o church_n ought_v serious_o to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o real_o only_o the_o care_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o that_o party_n or_o else_o the_o secure_n of_o some_o worldly_a interest_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o conformity_n 3._o if_o to_o displease_v our_o weak_a brethren_n be_v the_o sinful_a offend_v he_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a yoke_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o beget_v such_o endless_a perplexity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a with_o a_o well-assured_a mind_n since_o one_o or_o other_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o we_o shall_v anger_v some_o by_o do_v other_o by_o forbear_v and_o since_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o weak_a be_v divide_v into_o several_a faction_n each_o condemn_v all_o the_o other_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v thereby_o displease_v all_o the_o rest_n 4._o if_o we_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v displease_v our_o weak_a brethren_n we_o do_v submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a christian_n and_o yield_v they_o that_o authority_n over_o we_o which_o we_o deny_v to_o our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o those_o who_o think_v their_o christian_a liberty_n so_o much_o violate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a matter_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o tie_v up_o