in_o the_o bible_n firm._n i_o believe_v you_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o best_a sermon_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v by_o man_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o portion_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o explication_n or_o application_n of_o the_o word_n mix_v with_o much_o of_o man_n conception_n before_o the_o pure_a word_n itself_o and_o esteem_v the_o hear_n of_o it_o read_v useless_a and_o unlawful_a dub._n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v firm._n you_o see_v by_o this_o one_o instance_n how_o fallible_a your_o own_o phantiful_a experience_n have_v be_v and_o how_o it_o have_v lead_v you_o against_o scripture_n against_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n against_o all_o sober_a reason_n so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n of_o short_a discourse_n that_o be_v not_o master_n of_o reason_n but_o be_v guide_v to_o fancy_n over_o pour_v by_o passion_n engage_v in_o party_n to_o meddle_v with_o controversy_n which_o be_v too_o high_a and_o hard_o for_o they_o dub._n i_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o so_o mean_v a_o man_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v but_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o so_o many_o grave_n and_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v in_o the_o late_a assembly_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v learned_a man_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o best_a liturgy_n in_o the_o world_n firm._n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v overbear_v by_o some_o lead_a man_n that_o have_v more_o zeal_n than_o judgement_n and_o happy_o more_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n then_o of_o learning_n and_o piety_n but_o as_o there_o have_v be_v parliament-driver_n so_o there_o have_v be_v assembly-driver_n and_o convocation-driver_n before_o you_o or_o i_o be_v bear_v and_o will_v be_v after_o we_o be_v in_o our_o grave_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a thaâ—_n disguise_v priest_n and_o jesuit_n have_v have_v more_o than_o one_o finger_n in_o animate_v the_o presbiterian_o against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o my_o knowledge_n they_o have_v have_v in_o soment_v anabaptism_n and_o quaquerisme_n soâ—_n it_o be_v their_o maxim_n divide_v &_o impera_fw-la divide_v the_o heretic_n and_o wâ—e_n shall_v reign_v i_o have_v more_o charity_n then_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o assembly_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v either_o useless_a or_o unlawful_a though_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o too_o much_o compliance_n i_o fear_v against_o their_o own_o judgement_n they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o vote_n against_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n of_o very_o sober_a man_n in_o this_o nation_n know_v heretofore_o by_o the_o name_n of_o puritan_n the_o most_o discreet_a and_o moderate_a of_o that_o party_n be_v never_o against_o set_v form_n of_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n many_o of_o which_o sacred_a order_n have_v beeâ—_n as_o famous_a in_o their_o generation_n both_o for_o learning_n and_o piety_n as_o former_a age_n ever_o know_v yea_o since_o his_o majesty_n happy_a restauration_n the_o chief_a of_o the_o presbiterian_a persuasion_n have_v acknowledge_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a to_o be_v lawful_a they_o plain_o confess_v in_o their_o conference_n with_o the_o bishop_n they_o be_v not_o against_o they_o but_o every_o day_n experience_n will_v make_v it_o evident_a they_o must_v be_v for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o not_o against_o they_o unlesâ—_n the_o late_a assembly_n can_v have_v as_o easy_o vote_v and_o make_v all_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n discreet_a judicious_a orthodox_n and_o of_o a_o ready_a elocution_n as_o they_o do_v rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o vote_v down_o the_o liturgy_n beside_o the_o congregation_n especial_o the_o weak_a sort_n those_o tâ—at_n be_v ignorant_a and_o can_v read_v may_v better_o join_v in_o prayer_n when_o the_o form_n of_o iâ—_n be_v know_v and_o common_a than_o they_o can_v in_o strange_a â—nd_n extemporary_a expression_n with_o which_o they_o be_v altogether_o unacqaint_v which_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o the_o late_a tiâ—es_n of_o confusion_n have_v teach_v the_o people_n only_o to_o hear_v prayer_n as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o sermon_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v to_o join_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o tongue_n and_o to_o say_v amen_o or_o as_o if_o the_o ear_n be_v the_o only_a member_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o holy_a duty_n again_o set_v and_o prescribe_v form_n consist_v of_o scriptural_a phrase_n and_o expression_n unaffected_a and_o â—â—tted_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n be_v soon_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o apt_a to_o excite_v and_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o judicious_a and_o steady_a affection_n as_o king_n charles_n the_o firâ—â—_n haâ—_n observe_v in_o his_o most_o excellent_a book_n hereunto_o may_v be_v add_v that_o out_o of_o well_o compose_v form_n the_o weak_a christian_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o stock_n of_o wholesome_a expression_n compose_v by_o the_o advice_n &_o joint_a sistance_n of_o the_o chief_n pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o thâ—_n church_n for_o their_o help_n and_o direction_n in_o their_o private_a devotion_n which_o iâ—_n impossible_a to_o bâ—_n do_v by_o the_o sudden_a various_a uncertain_a expression_n of_o divers_a particular_a minister_n beside_o set_a form_n be_v necessary_a for_o uniformity_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n learned_a and_o sober_a man_n have_v wish_v there_o be_v but_o one_o public_a liturgy_n in_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n by_o prevent_v the_o spread_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n that_o may_v be_v as_o well_o pray_v up_o as_o preach_v up_o as_o also_o undecent_a unscriptural_a expression_n tautology_n vain-repetition_n fantastical_a affect_a word_n and_o phrase_n utter_o abhorrent_n from_o the_o sobriety_n and_o gravity_n of_o divine_a oratory_n which_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o of_o the_o stage_n or_o desk_n last_o shall_v we_o deal_v with_o a_o understand_a recusant_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v he_o to_o forsake_v his_o superstitious_a worship_n and_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o our_o assembly_n how_o can_v we_o assure_v he_o if_o we_o have_v no_o public_a establish_a liturgy_n that_o our_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n be_v and_o shall_v continue_v scripture-proof_n sound_n and_o innocent_a without_o error_n and_o indecency_n do_v we_o think_v that_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v leave_v his_o popish_a blind_a way_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o our_o dark_a lantern_n not_o be_v rationa_o assure_v after_o what_o way_n we_o do_v worship_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n which_o we_o can_v satisfy_v he_o in_o if_o we_o have_v no_o set_a liturgy_n dub._n i_o very_o much_o approve_v of_o your_o reason_n for_o public_a set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o of_o your_o answer_n to_o that_o argument_n draw_v from_o experience_n which_o appear_v so_o great_a and_o mighty_a to_o some_o man_n vain_a imagination_n but_o be_v indeed_o very_o weak_a and_o fallacious_a firm._n you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v two_o thing_n more_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o argument_n draw_v from_o experience_n and_o then_o we_o will_v discourse_v of_o those_o exception_n against_o our_o common-player_n in_o particular_a 1._o i_o will_v oppose_v experience_n to_o experience_n those_o that_o reproach_n our_o common-prayer_n for_o a_o cold_a and_o dry_a service_n extol_v extemporary_a conception_n so_o much_o beyond_o it_o let_v these_o man_n make_v this_o easy_a experiment_n to_o themselves_o let_v they_o take_v some_o of_o thâ—_n best_o of_o extemporary_a prayer_n verbatim_o which_o your_o short-hand-writer_n can_v exact_o do_v let_v these_o prayer_n be_v read_v or_o repeat_v memoriter_fw-la with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o please_a tone_n bodily_a gesticulation_n lively_a pronunciation_n and_o assure_v yourself_o they_o will_v at_o length_n appear_v to_o be_v as_o dull_a dry_a and_o cold_a as_o any_o part_n of_o our_o liturgy_n 2._o i_o will_v have_v you_o serious_o consider_v what_o the_o most_o judiceous_a hooker_n say_v concern_v sermon_n and_o read_v of_o scripture_n why_o the_o former_a be_v so_o high_o esteem_v and_o the_o other_o so_o much_o slight_v the_o truth_n be_v they_o please_v more_o than_o lesson_n and_o chapter_n by_o reason_n of_o those_o outward_a advantage_n which_o a_o sermon_n well_o deliver_v have_v above_o thâ—_n scripture_n bare_o read_v beside_o the_o singular_a attention_n and_o affection_n which_o
god_n dub._n you_o have_v abundant_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o sun_n have_v not_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o consequent_o that_o neither_o man_n beast_n or_o plant_n can_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n however_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v from_o you_o some_o particular_a argument_n against_o the_o eternity_n of_o mankind_n firm._n there_o be_v no_o particular_a man_n but_o have_v beginning_n be_v make_v and_o beget_v by_o his_o parent_n they_o by_o they_o and_o so_o we_o must_v ascend_v from_o son_n to_o father_n up_o to_o all_o eternity_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la infinitum_fw-la which_o be_v utter_o impossible_a or_o else_o we_o must_v come_v to_o a_o first_o man_n who_o can_v not_o make_v or_o beget_v himself_o now_o if_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v make_v and_o beget_v than_o the_o whole_a kind_n must_v be_v make_v because_o the_o whole_a kind_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collection_n of_o all_o particular_n every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v beget_v or_o make_v therefore_o it_o be_v make_v by_o some_o other_o for_o quicquid_fw-la fit_a fit_a ab_fw-la alio_fw-la and_o this_o of_o some_o other_o and_o so_o forward_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o supreme_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n again_o either_o all_o man_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o some_o be_v make_v and_o some_o not_o make_v but_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o if_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o man_n that_o be_v make_v for_o that_o which_o be_v make_v depend_v upon_o another_o can_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o make_v and_o independent_a because_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o make_v infinite_a independent_a be_v of_o another_o kind_n from_o what_o be_v make_v finite_a and_o dependent_a and_o these_o two_o finite_a and_o infinite_a dependent_a and_o independent_a be_v opposite_a member_n divide_v one_o and_o the_o same_o most_o common_a kind_n dub._n it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v make_v the_o whole_a kind_n must_v be_v make_v hut_n pray_v tell_v i_o may_v there_o not_o be_v a_o perpetual_a successive_a generation_n of_o man_n up_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o so_o a_o processus_fw-la in_o infinitum_fw-la a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o without_o all_o beginning_n firm._n this_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o in_o a_o catalogue_n or_o series_n of_o thing_n every_o one_o of_o which_o have_v a_o beginning_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a series_n there_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o processus_fw-la in_o infinitum_fw-la up_o to_o all_o eternity_n or_o a_o infinite_a succession_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n without_o all_o beginning_n eternity_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v neither_o beginning_n noâ—_n end_n for_o it_o be_v duratio_fw-la interminabilis_fw-la a_o infinite_a unlimited_a duration_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o beginning_n can_v possible_o be_v eternal_a but_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o man_n have_v a_o beginning_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v have_v a_o beginning_n but_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o man_n be_v make_v therefore_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n for_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v a_o begin_n therefore_o the_o whole_a series_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o collection_n of_o all_o particular_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v equal_a or_o comensurable_a to_o eternity_n which_o be_v without_o beginning_n again_o if_o the_o series_n or_o rank_n of_o man_n do_v run_v up_o to_o eternity_n or_o into_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o successive_a generation_n than_o that_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n have_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o death_n many_o million_o of_o year_n before_o this_o age_n we_o live_v in_o and_o so_o death_n have_v pass_v over_o that_o number_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o certain_a principle_n infinitum_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la pertransiri_fw-la it_o be_v impossible_a to_o pass_v over_o or_o through_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a nay_o then_o â—here_o will_v not_o be_v any_o man_n live_v at_o present_a for_o if_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n be_v already_o dead_a than_o all_o the_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o may_v be_v be_v dead_a for_o infinito_fw-la nihil_fw-la potâ—st_fw-la â—ddi_fw-la yea_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v ten_o million_o of_o year_n long_o there_o can_v not_o be_v after_o those_o ten_o million_o of_o year_n more_o man_n in_o it_o than_o there_o be_v ten_o million_o of_o year_n before_o this_o present_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o infinite_a to_o make_v it_o great_a in_o magnitude_n or_o more_o in_o number_n neither_o can_v the_o father_n be_v before_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o greâ—t_a grandfather_n before_o or_o elder_n then_o either_o na_o in_o aternitate_fw-la non_fw-la datur_fw-la prius_fw-la &_o posterius_fw-la in_o this_o infinite_a duration_n there_o be_v no_o former_a or_o latter_a and_o consequent_o have_v the_o world_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n it_o can_v not_o true_o be_v say_v that_o any_o man_n be_v before_o another_o not_o abraham_n before_o isaac_n or_o he_o before_o jacob._n dub._n you_o have_v make_v it_o very_o plain_a that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o consequent_o because_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o suppose_v that_o it_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o itself_o chance_n or_o atom_n that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a cause_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v which_o be_v the_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a god_n of_o who_o be_v i_o hope_v i_o shall_v hence_o forth_o never_o entertain_v the_o least_o doubt_n firm._n though_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o these_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v urge_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n yet_o because_o something_o in_o they_o be_v not_o so_o intelligible_a to_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n who_o perhaps_o may_v cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o these_o paper_n you_o shall_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o use_v other_o reason_n that_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o familiar_a and_o such_o as_o may_v persuade_v more_o with_o man_n of_o ordinary_a ability_n than_o those_o that_o i_o have_v propose_v to_o youâ—_n self_n dub._n though_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v in_o that_o great_a fundamental_a point_n yet_o in_o this_o i_o commend_v your_o charity_n and_o do_v not_o envy_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v you_o can_v allege_v more_o convince_a reason_n thâ—n_o those_o which_o you_o have_v already_o make_v use_n of_o however_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v what_o you_o can_v further_o say_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o very_a great_a truth_n firm._n the_o other_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v produce_v shall_v bâ—_n take_v from_o the_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n the_o harmonious_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n in_o wicked_a man_n the_o dread_a of_o perjury_n in_o very_a heathen_n the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n their_o strange_a work_n in_o witch_n and_o wizard_n which_o may_v be_v see_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o in_o doctor_n fotherbys_n atheomastix_n doctor_n andrews_n cattechisme_n du-plessis_n truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n grotius_n of_o the_o same_o doctor_n moor_n antidote_n against_o atheism_n parson_n resolution_n doctor_n stillingfleet_v origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la gales_n gentile_n court_v mr._n baxter_n christian_n religion_n with_o many_o other_o i_o shall_v brief_o sum_v up_o what_o these_o learned_a man_n have_v write_v at_o large_a begin_v with_o that_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o it_o be_v excellent_o say_v of_o tertul._n lib._n de_fw-la resur_n facilius_fw-la credas_fw-la prophetiae_fw-la si_fw-la sis_fw-la discipulus_fw-la naturae_fw-la if_o we_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n they_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o most_o sweet_a harmony_n betwixt_o those_o two_o book_n the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o book_n of_o grace_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o one_o monstrat_fw-la quaelibet_fw-la herba_fw-la deum_fw-la every_o herb_n or_o plant_n do_v show_v there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v most_o true_a of_o the_o scripture_n quaelibet_fw-la linea_fw-la deum_fw-la refert_fw-la every_o line_n in_o this_o book_n show_v we_o the_o power_n providence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o atheist_n will_v disdain_v to_o read_v this_o excellent_a commentary_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n let_v he_o serious_o peruse_v the_o text_n the_o harmonious_a beauty_n and_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n plato_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v use_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o
firm._n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n rom._n 14._o so_o neither_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o gesture_n vesture_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a when_o the_o church_n command_v we_o to_o wear_v such_o a_o vestment_n or_o to_o use_v such_o a_o gesture_n for_o uniformity_n sake_n and_o outward_a decency_n not_o place_v any_o intrinsical_a holiness_n or_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o any_o of_o those_o ceremony_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o not_o any_o superstition_n at_o all_o to_o be_v obedient_a yea_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n and_o superstition_n also_o if_o we_o stand_v out_o against_o lawful_a authority_n for_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v superstition_n one_o positive_a as_o when_o we_o ascribe_v holiness_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a morral_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a another_o negative_a as_o when_o we_o dogmatise_v and_o call_v that_o evil_n which_o moral_o be_v not_o so_o and_o in_o such_o thing_n wear_v not_o kneel_v not_o be_v as_o much_o superstition_n as_o wear_v or_o kneel_v possible_o can_v be_v what_o be_v it_o to_o any_o understand_a man_n whether_o he_o pray_v or_o preach_v in_o black_a or_o white_a or_o any_o other_o colour_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n limit_n we_o to_o a_o white_a surplice_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o black_a jump_v or_o short_a cloak_n dub._n but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o entrenchment_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o particular_a mode_n and_o form_n firm._n not_o at_o all_o so_o long_o as_o our_o practice_n only_o be_v limit_v and_o our_o judgement_n leave_v free_a as_o before_o any_o such_o canon_n be_v make_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o same_o man_n who_o enjoin_v three_o ceremony_n at_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o be_v bare_a head_v bear_v hand_v the_o right_a hand_n lift_v up_o shall_v so_o much_o scruple_n they_o in_o our_o public_a service_n but_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a scripture_n that_o every_o soul_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n now_o unless_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v bring_v as_o plain_a scripture_n against_o our_o ceremony_n to_o prove_v they_o moral_o evil_a they_o must_v incur_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o those_o power_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o these_o be_v far_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o surplice_n though_o we_o have_v borrow_a it_o from_o the_o pope_n himself_o dub._n you_o mind_v i_o now_o of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a exception_n against_o the_o surplice_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o in_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n therefore_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o wear_v it_o in_o we_o firm._n if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n it_o will_v follow_v whatsoever_o the_o papist_n do_v use_n or_o have_v abuse_v in_o their_o superstition_n it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o who_o have_v abandon_v such_o trash_n and_o i_o rumpery_n to_o use_v but_o papist_n have_v abuse_v our_o church_n halice_n and_o other_o ornament_n in_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o service_n therefore_o we_o may_v not_o use_v they_o but_o down_o with_o they_o down_o with_o they_o even_o to_o the_o ground_n dub._n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o very_a necessary_a consequent_a but_o a_o very_a costly_a one_o i_o fear_v the_o man_n that_o make_v this_o exception_n will_v not_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o build_v they_o up_o again_o if_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v a_o just_a cause_n to_o make_v we_o lay_v aside_o our_o surplice_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v pull_v down_o our_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o primitive_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n neither_o to_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o heathen_n temple_n to_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n firm._n you_o see_v then_o how_o frivolous_a the_o exception_n against_o the_o surplice_n be_v and_o so_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v offer_v against_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v very_o brief_o pass_v they_o over_o 1._o for_o the_o ring_n it_o be_v as_o ancient_a at_o least_o as_o turtullian_n who_o live_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o more_o than_o once_o and_o our_o church_n do_v use_v it_o as_o a_o ancient_a ceremony_n no_o way_n essential_a to_o matrimony_n 2._o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n be_v likewise_o very_a ancient_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v 1._o to_o show_v our_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n to_o who_o all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v and_o to_o who_o every_o knee_n must_v bow_v phil._n 2.10_o the_o ancient_a christian_n rather_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n then_o at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n who_o most_o of_o all_o blaspheme_v that_o sweet_a and_o save_a name_n of_o jesus_n which_o therefore_o they_o do_v endeavour_v the_o more_o high_o to_o exalt_v 3._o to_o declare_v their_o certain_a belief_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o phil._n 2._o 3._o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n our_o church_n conceive_v to_o be_v the_o most_o humble_a and_o reverend_a posture_n and_o therefore_o most_o suitable_a to_o so_o high_a and_o heavenly_a a_o mystery_n especial_o it_o be_v administer_v with_o a_o prayer_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o other_o church_n where_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v neither_o shall_v they_o condemn_v we_o for_o kneel_v because_o christ_n disciple_n receive_v it_o in_o a_o table_n gesture_n to_o which_o we_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v then_o to_o the_o place_n or_o time_n in_o which_o they_o receive_v it_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o after_o supper_n as_o the_o learned_a dr._n sanderson_n have_v evident_o demonstrate_v 4._o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n be_v also_o a_o very_a ancient_a ceremony_n which_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n use_v in_o a_o courageous_a and_o undaunted_a opposition_n against_o the_o heathen_n and_o jew_n who_o scoff_v and_o deride_v they_o for_o believe_v in_o and_o worship_v a_o crucify_a god_n for_o their_o saviour_n who_o can_v not_o save_v himself_o true_a it_o be_v in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o cross_n be_v abuse_v to_o gross_a superstition_n and_o therefore_o say_v some_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o ezekias_o abollished_a the_o brazen_a serpent_n when_o the_o people_n make_v it_o a_o idol_n dub._n much_o more_o ought_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v take_v away_o be_v abuse_v to_o superstition_n because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a invention_n where_o as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n own_o direction_n and_o command_n firm._n very_o true_a but_o then_o let_v ezekias_n do_v it_o not_o the_o people_n on_o their_o own_o head_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n however_o the_o use_n of_o a_o innocent_a ceremony_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o because_o of_o '_o its_o abuse_n and_o here_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o use_v the_o cross_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o duty_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n crusify_v as_o also_o of_o the_o courage_n and_o boldness_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o not_o withstand_v the_o scoff_v and_o reproach_n of_o infidel_n will_v make_v such_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n crucify_a as_o to_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n not_o only_o in_o baptism_n but_o also_o upon_o sundry_a other_o occasion_n or_o else_o whether_o it_o be_v better_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o because_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o abuse_v to_o superstition_n let_v the_o suprem_fw-mi power_n judge_v which_o of_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o determine_v according_o either_o for_o the_o negative_a or_o the_o affirmative_a and_o i_o believe_v every_o sober_a and_o peaceable_a christian_a will_v esteem_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o a_o determination_n dub._n but_o see_v these_o and_o other_o ceremony_n have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n to_o
tender_a conscience_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o many_o shâ—rp_a contention_n among_o christian_n agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n and_o see_v that_o conformist_n themselves_o confess_v they_o not_o to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n necessary_a but_o only_o expedient_a for_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v it_o not_o better_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o then_o continue_v be_v they_o be_v the_o perpetual_a cause_n of_o discord_n and_o dissension_n among_o we_o firm._n and_o be_v order_n decency_n and_o uniformity_n without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o â—ove_n peace_n or_o unity_n suâ—h_v inconsiderable_a nothing_o that_o a_o few_o innocent_a ceremony_n must_v be_v utter_o abollish_v to_o gratify_v the_o dogmatize_v humour_n of_o those_o man_n who_o esteem_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a to_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a which_o be_v sâ—â—t_a superstition_n it_o be_v indeed_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o we_o shall_v quarrel_v about_o mint_n and_o cummin_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o more_o weighty_a and_o material_a duty_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o innate_a and_o acquit_v corruption_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o offence_n shall_v come_v yet_o woe_n be_v unto_o that_o man_n by_o who_o they_o come_v i_o know_v weakness_n and_o renderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v much_o pretend_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o offend_v any_o of_o christ_n little_a one_o but_o how_o can_v these_o man_n be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o weak_a or_o little_a one_o who_o seem_v to_o themselves_o so_o great_a so_o strong_a and_o able_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o their_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n we_o appeal_v to_o their_o bloody_a civil_a war_n it_o be_v well_o know_v by_o who_o and_o how_o they_o be_v begin_v and_o carryâ—d_v on_o till_o at_o length_n they_o come_v up_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o king_n though_o i_o believe_v very_o much_o against_o the_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o sober_a man_n of_o that_o party_n dub._n but_o real_o sir_n be_v it_o not_o more_o beseem_v christian_a prudence_n so_o far_o to_o condescend_v to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n in_o take_v away_o at_o least_o some_o of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n then_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o superstitious_a papist_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o firm._n i_o confess_v some_o moderate_a man_n have_v think_v so_o especial_o since_o we_o be_v frustrate_v of_o of_o one_o main_a end_n for_o which_o our_o first_o reformer_n retain_v they_o which_o be_v to_o draw_v over_o the_o papist_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o do_v adhere_v unto_o for_o the_o ten_o first_o year_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n until_o they_o be_v interdict_v by_o the_o pope_n bull_n but_o see_v we_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o that_o much_o desire_a issue_n and_o that_o by_o the_o cunning_a of_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n stir_v up_o and_o animate_v the_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n against_o each_o other_o about_o these_o ceremony_n our_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o do_v daily_o increase_v and_o multiply_v some_o wise_a and_o peaceable_a man_n have_v desire_v that_o the_o use_n of_o certain_a of_o those_o ceremony_n may_v be_v forbear_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n which_o not_o withstand_v they_o be_v still_o continue_v these_o peaceable_a man_n abhor_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o separation_n &_o do_v continue_v their_o conformity_n to_o the_o rite_n of_o our_o church_n daily_o beg_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n will_v for_o his_o mercy_n â—ake_v so_o assist_v those_o power_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v that_o they_o may_v be_v instrumental_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n among_o we_o dub._n i_o like_v well_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o these_o man_n and_o wish_v that_o their_o moderation_n be_v not_o only_o know_v unto_o but_o practise_v by_o all_o man_n for_o certain_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o meekness_n do_v rule_n more_o in_o our_o peevish_a and_o froward_a heart_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o peace_n love_n and_o christian_a charity_n than_o these_o angry_a time_n have_v hither_o to_o be_v happy_a with_o i_o return_v you_o my_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o you_o have_v give_v i_o in_o those_o scruple_n which_o have_v much_o trouble_v i_o about_o the_o government_n liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n behind_o at_o which_o i_o have_v somewhat_o be_v scandallize_v it_o be_v this_o your_o church_n do_v receive_v person_n who_o be_v notorious_o profane_a in_o their_o life_n and_o gross_o ignorant_a in_o the_o principl_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n beside_o she_o tolerate_v at_o least_o minister_n that_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o conversation_n frequenter_n of_o alehouse_n not_o at_o all_o serious_a in_o religion_n show_v little_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o their_o discourse_n preach_v or_o practice_n man_n of_o little_a conscience_n and_o of_o as_o little_a learning_n firm._n this_o accusation_n be_v most_o false_o whether_o it_o spring_v from_o spite_n or_o malice_n or_o extreme_a ignorance_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o i_o be_o our_o church_n order_n that_o no_o suâ—h_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n thâ—t_v no_o such_o minister_n be_v permit_v to_o officiate_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suspend_v once_o and_o again_o and_o if_o they_o do_v no_o not_o reform_v they_o be_v to_o be_v deprive_v for_o the_o first_o you_o may_v see_v the_o rubric_n before_o the_o communion_n and_o the_o 26._o canon_n for_o the_o second_o see_v artic_a 26._o and_o canon_n the_o 74._o and_o 75._o and_o canon_n 10._o make_v 1640._o which_o be_v so_o clear_a against_o the_o admit_v of_o profane_a person_n to_o to_o the_o communion_n or_o tollerate_v of_o scandalous_a minister_n without_o due_a punishment_n that_o whosoever_o charge_v these_o abuse_n upon_o our_o church_n must_v be_v gross_o ignorant_a or_o very_a malicious_a dub._n yet_o we_o see_v that_o such_o profane_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o member_n of_o your_o church_n and_o such_o unworthy_a minister_n be_v allow_v to_o officiate_v firm._n such_o person_n be_v no_o member_n of_o out_o church_n but_o rather_o the_o synagoge_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o minister_n who_o do_v admit_v such_o person_n natorious_o profane_a to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a nonconformist_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o that_o scruple_n at_o a_o surplice_n and_o those_o churchwarden_n who_o neglect_v to_o present_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v debar_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n can._n 26._o dub._n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o minister_n be_v not_o punish_v either_o by_o admonition_n suspensition_n or_o deprivation_n firm._n this_o be_v not_o true_a in_o all_o place_n to_o my_o knowledge_n where_o such_o minister_n or_o people_n escape_v unpunished_a it_o be_v most_o by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o sides-man_n in_o not_o present_v they_o for_o what_o judge_n either_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v punish_v offence_n that_o be_v not_o bring_v before_o he_o dub._n but_o many_o time_n offence_n and_o scandal_n have_v be_v present_v and_o the_o offender_n not_o punish_v yea_o your_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n be_v more_o severe_a against_o those_o who_o be_v nonconformist_n to_o the_o law_n oâ—_n the_o church_n â—hen_o against_o those_o that_o be_v nonconformist_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o profane_v irreligious_a wretch_n firm._n no_o mâ—n_z câ—n_o excuse_v the_o personal_a abuse_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o any_o court_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a all_o court_n officer_n never_o yet_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v man_n of_o integrity_n â—nd_v of_o unbiased_a judgement_n no_o question_n that_o many_o abuse_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n may_v be_v prevent_v if_o the_o bishop_n will_v be_v sometime_o personal_o present_a in_o their_o respective_a consistory_n as_o be_v intimate_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v canon_n 11._o make_v 1640._o if_o we_o must_v separate_v from_o a_o church_n that_o enjoin_v no_o intolerable_a condition_n for_o communion_n with_o she_o because_o of_o some_o personal_a â—aulâ—s_n of_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o her_o government_n we_o must_v turn_v seeker_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o church_n who_o officer_n be_v always_o all_o of_o they_o impartial_o just_a and_o upright_o dub._n i_o confess_v there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n we_o shall_v separate_v from_o a_o church_n