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
and_o advancement_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n four_o the_o establish_n of_o contrary_a party_n by_o a_o toleration_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o perfect_a religion_n any_o more_o than_o the_o suffering_n of_o divers_a error_n will_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o reform_v they_o one_o principle_n only_o can_v be_v true_a and_o a_o mixture_n of_o sacred_a and_o profane_a be_v the_o great_a impurity_n five_o many_o dissenter_n be_v not_o like_a to_o improve_v christianity_n because_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o rule_n of_o discretion_n and_o rely_v not_o on_o god_n assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o good_a mean_n but_o depend_v whole_o upon_o immediate_a illumination_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o prudence_n six_o our_o church_n have_v already_o better_a mean_n to_o promote_v pure_a religion_n than_o any_o the_o dissenter_n have_v propose_v any_o church_n may_v be_v improve_v in_o small_a matter_n but_o it_o be_v very_o imprudent_a to_o change_v the_o present_a model_n for_o any_o that_o have_v yet_o be_v offer_v we_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n primitive_a discipline_n decency_n and_o order_n be_v preserve_v we_o have_v as_o many_o true_o pious_a member_n as_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o such_o excellent_a writer_n and_o preacher_n as_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o whereas_o among_o the_o party_n the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n of_o preacher_n be_v deliver_v solemn_o as_o the_o dictate_v of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n i_o may_v add_v also_o that_o the_o dissenter_n doctrine_n of_o god_n secret_a decree_n their_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n without_o a_o bishop_n their_o long_a unstudy_v effusion_n their_o leave_v the_o creed_n out_o of_o the_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n their_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o sometime_o with_o the_o hat_n on_o their_o alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a element_n and_o their_o forbid_v the_o observation_n of_o festival_n be_v not_o so_o conducive_a to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o late_a time_n illegal_o remove_v by_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o alter_v a_o constitution_n but_o it_o be_v extreme_a difficult_a to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o last_a improvement_n to_o conclude_v since_o it_o appear_v that_o dissenter_n be_v not_o like_a to_o obtain_v their_o end_n of_o establish_v themselves_o of_o root_a out_o popery_n and_o promote_a pure_a religion_n by_o overthrow_v the_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o they_o ought_v both_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o endeavour_v after_o union_n with_o it_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a before_o i_o proceed_v to_o explain_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church-communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasinal_a communion_n i._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n in_o opposition_n to_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n for_o though_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o particular_a man_n yet_o those_o man_n be_v consider_v not_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_a into_o a_o regular_a society_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a end_n the_o jewish_a church_n have_v exact_a order_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o union_n and_o order_n of_o its_o part_n be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o body_n but_o a_o spiritual_a building_n holy_a temple_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o church_n be_v one_o body_n in_o opposition_n to_o many_o body_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a which_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a be_v but_o one._n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v but_o one_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n christ_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n joh._n 10.16_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o have_v the_o same_o foundation_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o promise_n the_o same_o privilege_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o separate_a body_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o certain_o where_o everything_o be_v common_a there_o be_v one_o community_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a man_n though_o of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n have_v distinct_a essence_n and_o this_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n but_o where_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o body_n or_o society_n consist_v in_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o if_o no_o christian_a have_v any_o peculiar_a privilege_n then_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n i_o add_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n christian_n be_v call_v the_o choose_a or_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a faith_n law_n rite_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v also_o a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n and_o the_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v one_o society_n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o the_o union_n be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n thus_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o god_n only_o can_v make_v a_o church_n and_o that_o the_o only_a visible_a way_n he_o have_v of_o form_v a_o church_n be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v and_o by_o authorise_v some_o person_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n by_o such_o a_o form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o shall_v institute_v which_o form_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n so_o that_o to_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o visible_o admit_v into_o god_n covenant_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o a_o church-state_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o every_o profess_a christian_a who_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v a_o church-member_n 3._o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_a baptism_n which_o give_v we_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o that_o no_o church-state_n can_v depend_v upon_o human_a contract_n and_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church-covenant_n because_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o only_a covenant_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v and_o why_o then_o do_v the_o independent_o exact_v such_o a_o covenant_n of_o baptise_a person_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o their_o communion_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n which_o already_o consist_v of_o baptise_a person_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o this_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o by_o baptism_n if_o therefore_o a_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v necessary_a than_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v of_o no_o value_n till_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n 6._o that_o if_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o one_o covenant_n than_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o for_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v member_n
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
with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o we_o 16._o we_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o rom._n 14.19_o 1_o thess_n 5.11_o eph._n 4.12_o 16._o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o whatever_o may_v be_v urge_v the_o apostle_n conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v and_o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o in_o a_o word_n what_o st._n austin_n and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o epist_n 118_o &_o 86._o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n must_v oblige_v a_o good_a man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o distraction_n it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n for_o instance_n what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v a_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5.1_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a person_n plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n by_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v a_o man_n liberty_n more_o damage_v when_o restrain_v by_o superior_n than_o when_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o superiour_n command_n restrain_v it_o perpetual_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v his_o own_o liberty_n suppose_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v damnify_v though_o it_o be_v restrain_v for_o his_o whole_a life_n for_o say_v he_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 1_o cor._n 8.13_o and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consistent_a with_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o christian_n liberty_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o freedom_n from_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o jewish_a law_n lay_v upon_o man_n this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o i_o think_v that_o in_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o judaisme_n but_o we_o must_v note_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v not_o in_o our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o act_n of_o observe_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v so_o not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a convert_v and_o if_o they_o can_v observe_v some_o judaical_a rite_n without_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n certain_o we_o may_v safe_o use_v a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o establish_v church_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v those_o person_n who_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o a_o few_o harmless_a imposition_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n from_o she_o but_o because_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a objection_n against_o some_o particular_a thing_n impose_v by_o she_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o general_a but_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n which_o relate_v to_o single_a instance_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o next_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o dissenter_n judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o by_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o 3._o by_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o require_v we_o to_o produce_v some_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v needless_a because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n however_o for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v command_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o extempore_o prayer_n i._o then_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n command_v we_o to_o use_v none_o but_o form_n
also_o to_o kneel_v before_o any_o creature_n as_o a_o memorative_n object_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v no_o intention_n of_o give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o that_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n now_o if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o the_o altar_n upon_o their_o first_o approach_n to_o it_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v or_o immediate_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o if_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o body_n after_o a_o lowly_a manner_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o if_o they_o receive_v it_o stand_v upright_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o holy_a table_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n then_o they_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o we_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o scotch_a casuist_n and_o by_o consequence_n kneel_v at_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n for_o all_o those_o posture_n before_o mention_v be_v posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o use_v as_o such_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n especial_o stand_v which_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o 93._o the_o gillesp_n disp_n against_o e._n po._n câ—r_n p._n 101._o disp_n of_o kneel_v p._n 93._o patron_n of_o sit_v to_o be_v ancient_o and_o general_o use_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v to_o conclude_v all_o with_o a_o instance_n in_o their_o own_o case_n about_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o some_o place_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n sit_v or_o lie_v along_o upon_o bed_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n in_o those_o eastern_a country_n at_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a table_n let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o in_o other_o place_n they_o sit_v cross-legged_a on_o carpet_n at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o persian_n and_o turk_n eat_v at_o this_o day_n or_o that_o they_o receive_v stand_v in_o other_o place_n after_o the_o common_a mode_n of_o feast_v which_o we_o will_v suppose_v only_o at_o present_a can_v any_o man_n now_o object_n with_o reason_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o sit_v upright_o at_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o form_n or_o chair_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o england_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n who_o never_o sit_v at_o all_o no_o certain_o for_o though_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o ancient_n as_o to_o the_o site_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o receive_v yet_o they_o all_o consent_n in_o this_o that_o they_o receive_v in_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n they_o all_o observe_v the_o same_o gesture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o constant_o observe_v at_o their_o civil_a feast_n and_o ordinary_a entertainment_n in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o their_o abode_n and_o so_o say_v i_o in_o the_o present_a case_n what_o though_o the_o primitive_a christian_n stand_v upright_o some_o of_o they_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v and_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o use_v kneel_v yet_o they_o and_o we_o do_v very_o well_o agree_v for_o all_o that_o because_o we_o all_o receive_v in_o a_o adore_a or_o worship_v posture_n it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v according_a to_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o different_a country_n five_o and_o last_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v first_o introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v bring_v in_o by_o idolater_n as_o be_v pretend_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v or_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n i._o then_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v bring_v in_o by_o idolater_n i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v and_o i_o hope_v our_o dissenter_n will_v not_o charge_v they_o with_o idolatry_n i_o know_v that_o they_o pretend_v the_o kneeling-posture_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o honorius_n the_o three_o but_o that_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o be_v a_o reverend_a bow_n to_o the_o sacrament_n when_o the_o priest_n elevate_v the_o patten_n or_o chalice_n or_o when_o the_o host_n be_v carry_v to_o any_o sick_a person_n and_o not_o any_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v for_o these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o decree_n 10._o decree_n decret_n greg._n l._n 3._o tit_n 41._o c._n 10._o that_o the_o priest_n shall_v frequent_o instruct_v their_o people_n to_o bow_n themselves_o reverent_o at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n when_o mass_n be_v celebrate_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o priest_n carry_v it_o abroad_o to_o the_o sick_n nay_o as_o bishop_n still_v fleet_n 15._o fleet_n unreasonab_n of_o separate_a p._n 15._o say_v though_o kneel_v at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n be_v strict_o require_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n oâ—_n receive_v it_o be_v not_o as_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o pope_n manner_n of_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o kneel_v but_o either_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v in_o bonaventure_n be_v time_n or_o after_o the_o fashion_n oâ—_n sit_v or_o a_o little_a lean_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o he_o do_v at_o this_o day_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v when_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v come_v in_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v certain_o tell_v but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o ancient_a and_o universal_a use_n of_o it_o novel-custom_n be_v easy_o trace_v to_o their_o original_n but_o general_o we_o can_v tell_v from_o whence_o the_o most_o ancient_a usage_n of_o any_o country_n be_v derive_v however_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v as_o our_o dissenter_n do_v that_o kneel_v owe_v its_o birth_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n that_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o kneel_v or_o adore_v posture_n use_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v do_v very_o much_o among_o other_o thing_n conduce_v to_o beget_v and_o nurse_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o superstitious_a and_o fanciful_a man_n a_o conceit_n that_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o corporal_o present_a at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o notion_n by_o subtle_a and_o inquisitive_a head_n be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n improve_v and_o explain_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o after_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v consecrate_v they_o be_v thereby_o change_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n natural_a body_n and_o blood_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o the_o patron_n of_o transubstantiation_n do_v very_o early_o make_v use_n of_o this_o very_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o teach_v and_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o christian_n do_v for_o what_o else_o can_v they_o intend_v or_o mean_v say_v they_o by_o that_o extraordinary_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o they_o manifest_v when_o they_o receive_v the_o dreadful_a mystery_n as_o they_o call_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n if_o they_o be_v bare_a and_o empty_a sign_n only_o and_o not_o change_v into_o the_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o very_a argument_n use_v by_o 3._o by_o alger_n de_fw-fr sacramentis_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 3._o algerus_n a_o stout_a champion_n for_o transubstantiation_n and_o 1590._o and_o costor_n enchirid._n p._n 353._o edit_fw-la 1590._o costor_n another_o popish_a writer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v even_o after_o transubstantiation_n take_v place_n that_o the_o pope_n introduce_v it_o that_o he_o resolve_v it_o into_o a_o ancient_a custom_n continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o ii_o suppose_v it_o be_v otherwise_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v or_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v at_o present_a that_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n because_o that_o gesture_n have_v be_v and_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n then_o sit_v be_v also_o sinful_a which_o be_v contend_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o pope_n himself_o fit_v in_o
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
and_o that_o christian_n do_v very_o early_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o name_n give_v to_o public_a prayer_n for_o they_o be_v call_v the_o magn._n the_o justin_n apol._n 2._o ignat._n epist_n ad_fw-la magn._n common-prayer_n 6._o common-prayer_n orig._n cont_n celf._n l._n 6._o constitute_v prayer_n and_o 14._o and_o cypr._n the_o lap_n serm_n 14._o solemn_a prayer_n which_o last_o be_v the_o title_n by_o which_o the_o heathen_n distinguish_v their_o 2._o their_o vid._n ovid._n the_o fast_n lib._n 6._o stat._n lib._n 4._o senec._n in_o oedip._n act_n 2._o scen_n 2._o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o language_n of_o that_o age_n must_v signify_v a_o public_a form_n 29._o form_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o &_o 29._o st._n basil_n fetch_v the_o glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o cite_v it_o from_o st._n clemens_n the_o apostle_n scholar_n and_o from_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v live_v in_o the_o year_n 200_o and_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v live_v in_o the_o year_n 160_o set_v down_o these_o word_n as_o the_o christian_a form_n of_o praising_n god_n paedag._n god_n paedag._n praise_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o this_o form_n be_v old_a than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arian_n for_o they_o be_v sharp_o 24._o sharp_o theod._n hist_o l._n 2._o c._n 24._o reprove_v by_o the_o orthodox_n father_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a worship_n consist_v of_o hymn_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v compose_v into_o set_a form_n tertull._n apol._n cap._n 2._o and_o before_o he_o lucian_n in_o philop._n and_o justin_n martyr_n also_o epist_n ad_fw-la zen._n &_o heren_n speak_v of_o their_o sing_v such_o hymn_n they_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o watch_v and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n say_v lucian_n and_o pliny_n say_v that_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n it_o be_v their_o manner_n to_o sing_v by_o turn_n a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n which_o hymn_n be_v doubtless_o of_o human_a composure_n there_o be_v no_o hymn_n to_o christ_n in_o scripture_n of_o that_o length_n as_o to_o take_v up_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o public_a service_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o very_o early_o there_o be_v various_a psalm_n and_o ode_n compose_v by_o christian_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n 5._o christ_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n 5._o and_o that_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la be_v condemn_v for_o suppress_v those_o hymn_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v the_o composition_n of_o man_n of_o late_a day_n 7._o day_n ibid._n hist_o lib._n 7._o though_o in_o all_o probability_n those_o hymn_n be_v compose_v within_o much_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostolical_a age._n but_o as_o for_o this_o hymn_n which_o pliny_n speak_v of_o it_o be_v early_o for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v much_o above_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n that_o pliny_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o trajan_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o hymn_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v use_v in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n about_o the_o same_o time_n lucian_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o prayer_n which_o they_o use_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d begin_v from_o the_o father_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o of_o a_o famous_a hymn_n add_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o service_n philop._n service_n lucian_n philop._n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o hymn_n that_o pliny_n speak_v of_o since_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a worship_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n consist_v of_o hymn_n which_o be_v form_n of_o praise_n intermix_v with_o prayer_n and_o some_o of_o these_o of_o human_a composure_n this_o be_v a_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a use_n of_o form_n and_o doubtless_o they_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o pray_v by_o form_n in_o verse_n can_v not_o but_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o form_n in_o prose_n now_o that_o pray_v in_o meeter_n or_o compose_v hymn_n be_v a_o very_a early_a practice_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v let_v the_o people_n sing_v the_o verse_n which_o answer_v advers_o to_o one_o another_o 5._o another_o constitut_n apost_n l._n 2._o cap._n 5._o which_o way_n of_o sing_v be_v so_o very_o ancient_a that_o eusebius_n 171._o eusebius_n euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 2._o c._n 171._o urge_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o essenes_n christian_n because_o they_o sing_v by_o turn_n answer_v one_o another_o and_o how_o can_v they_o thus_o answer_v to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o hymn_n and_o prayer_n unless_o they_o have_v constant_a form_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o they_o have_v such_o responsal_n in_o prayer_n be_v evident_a because_o when_o julian_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o gentilism_n will_v needs_o dress_v it_o up_o 15._o up_o soz._n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 15._o after_o the_o order_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n one_o thing_n wherein_o he_o seek_v to_o imitate_v it_o be_v in_o their_o constitute_v prayer_n that_o be_v not_o in_o have_v constitute_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o that_o the_o heathen_a have_v before_o but_o in_o have_v such_o constitute_v form_n as_o the_o christian_n have_v that_o be_v as_o nazianzen_n 102._o nazianzen_n nazian_n orat._n 1._o p._n 102._o explain_v it_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v in_o part_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v in_o part_n nicephorus_n 8._o nicephorus_n niceph_n l._n 13._o c._n 8._o derive_v from_o ignatius_n who_o be_v a_o scholar_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o form_n and_o that_o in_o constantine_n time_n the_o church_n use_v public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o often-cited_n place_n of_o eusebius_n constant_n eusebius_n euseb_n de_fw-fr laud._n constant_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o constantine_n compose_v godly_a prayer_n for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o soldier_n and_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o in_o particular_a what_o the_o prayer_n be_v we_o acknowledge_v thou_o o_o god_n alone_a etc._n etc._n 20._o etc._n id._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr constant_n c._n 20._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o form_n be_v compose_v only_o for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o soldier_n who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o heathen_n and_o that_o constantine_n compose_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o public_a form_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o there_o have_v what_o need_n constantine_n have_v compose_v one_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o form_n indeed_o be_v compose_v only_o for_o his_o heathen_a soldier_n for_o as_o for_o his_o christian_a soldier_n the_o story_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o go_v to_o church_n 19_o church_n ibid._n c._n 19_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v hence_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o heathen_a soldier_n which_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n for_o if_o they_o have_v it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n will_v have_v use_v it_o but_o that_o they_o have_v form_n be_v evident_a because_o he_o call_v the_o prayer_n which_o constantine_n use_v in_o his_o court_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 17._o god_n ibid._n c._n 17._o authorize_v prayer_n which_o be_v the_o same_o title_n which_o he_o 18._o he_o ibid._n c._n 18._o give_v to_o that_o form_n which_o he_o make_v for_o his_o heathen_a soldier_n and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o authorize_v prayer_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o his_o soldier_n he_o mean_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o do_v then_o by_o the_o authorize_v prayer_n which_o he_o use_v in_o his_o court_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n he_o must_v mean_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n also_o and_o since_o he_o have_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o court_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n must_v have_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n too_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v public_a form_n of_o prayer_n after_o which_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o liturgy_n of_o st._n basil_n st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n ambrose_n we_o have_v undeniable_a testimony_n of_o the_o same_o see_v st._n chrysost_o 2._o ad_fw-la corinth_n homil._n 18._o st._n austin_n de_fw-fr bapt._n cont_n donat._n lib._n 6._o and_o council_n
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