forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v which_o at_o least_o suppose_n that_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n do_v great_o dispose_v man_n to_o a_o final_a apostasy_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n wherein_o he_o urge_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o apostasy_n which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n have_v not_o separation_n at_o least_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o 29._o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o vengeance_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_a moses_n '_o s_o law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o truth_n be_v whoever_o careful_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o the_o apostolical-churche_n according_a to_o that_o account_n we_o find_v of_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o may_v add_v of_o the_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a father_n will_v find_v that_o none_o but_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n by_o apostate_n not_o mean_v those_o who_o whole_o renounce_v the_o name_n and_o profession_n but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n actual_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o s._n paul_n 12._o reprove_v they_o for_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o actual_o separate_v into_o distinct_a communion_n but_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o preference_n of_o several_a apostle_n which_o of_o they_o be_v great_a every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n or_o peter_n and_o i_o of_o christ._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o second_o schism_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n who_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n persuade_v they_o to_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o beside_o these_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n which_o s._n paul_n make_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o carnality_n for_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 4._o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n for_o while_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a there_o be_v also_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v 8._o they_o who_o creep_v into_o house_n who_o keep_v secret_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n led_z away_o with_o divers_a lust_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o as_o jannes_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a teacher_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v that_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o they_o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o gather_v church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o of_o such_o separatist_n st._n john_n speak_v who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n they_o go_v out_o 19_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v that_o they_o go_v out_o from_o they_o that_o be_v forsake_v the_o christian_a assembly_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n but_o have_v entertain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o this_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o christian_a communion_n be_v so_o indispensible_a a_o duty_n that_o no_o man_n can_v causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o at_o least_o bring_v his_o christianity_n into_o question_n that_o nothing_o can_v reasonable_o tempt_v man_n to_o a_o separation_n but_o their_o renounce_v some_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n justify_v a_o separation_n but_o such_o corruption_n as_o destroy_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v corrupt_a in_o the_o faith_n from_o their_o separation_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o schism_n as_o dr._n owen_n earnest_o contend_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o division_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n without_o the_o breach_n of_o church-communion_n and_o therefore_o separatist_n be_v not_o proper_o schismatic_n i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o gain_v by_o this_o when_o separation_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o much_o great_a evil_n than_o schism_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o heretic_n or_o apostate_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v in_o those_o day_n guilty_a of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hold_v good_a a_o sinful_a and_o causeless_a separation_n can_v never_o be_v own_a without_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n it_o be_v to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o dispute_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n when_o the_o difference_n between_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o notorious_a but_o yet_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n in_o scripture_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n the_o first_o be_v common_o apply_v to_o signify_v those_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n the_o second_o if_o not_o always_o yet_o chief_o apply_v to_o signify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sectarian_n thus_o christianity_n itself_o when_o the_o christian_n unite_v into_o a_o distinct_a church-society_n be_v call_v heresy_n or_o a_o new_a sect_n and_o 5._o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o heresy_n be_v always_o use_v now_o though_o these_o different_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o separate_v into_o distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o all_o worship_v at_o the_o temple_n as_o even_o the_o christian_a jew_n do_v while_o the_o temple_n stand_v as_o appear_v from_o what_o happen_v to_o st._n paul_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o last_o time_n he_o 24._o go_v thither_o yet_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o different_a opinion_n rite_n and_o usage_n and_o school_n and_o which_o be_v usual_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o distinction_n by_o different_a interest_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o those_o jewish_a sect_n these_o difference_n among_o christian_n which_o do_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o open_a separation_n but_o occasion_v great_a siding_n and_o party_n and_o heat_n and_o animosity_n be_v indifferent_o call_v schism_n or_o heresy_n 20._o thus_o st._n paul_n join_v hatred_n variance_n wrath_n sedition_n heresy_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o heresy_n which_o always_o end_v in_o separation_n for_o such_o man_n be_v always_o either_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o separate_v themselves_o such_o be_v those_o which_o st._n peter_n call_v damnable_a heresy_n who_o 1._o he_o compare_v with_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o the_o old_a world_n which_o be_v destroy_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n who_o he_o call_v presumptuous_a 6._o self-willed_a and_o that_o be_v not_o
afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n that_o be_v who_o do_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o oppose_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n answerable_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o 10._o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o reproach_v the_o ruler_n of_o 28._o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v express_o call_v do_v presumptuous_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o 5._o the_o priest_n that_o stand_v to_o minister_v before_o 12._o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o these_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o 15._o be_v go_v astray_o and_o whoever_o compare_v this_o chapter_n with_o st._n iude_n epistle_n will_v find_v that_o st._n peter_n and_o s._n jude_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n for_o their_o character_n do_v exact_o agree_v and_o of_o they_o s._n jude_n tell_v we_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o 19_o sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o man_n ever_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o gross_a heretic_n the_o several_a sect_n of_o gnostic_n of_o who_o irenaeus_n and_o epiphanius_n give_v we_o a_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o name_n heresy_n which_o proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o separation_n come_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o corrupt_v and_o heretical_a doctrine_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o we_o may_v find_v some_o remain_v of_o this_o ancient_a and_o original_a use_n of_o these_o word_n in_o after-age_n for_o though_o schism_n common_o be_v use_v in_o church-writer_n to_o signify_v separation_n from_o church-communion_n and_o heresy_n to_o signify_v false_a doctrine_n yet_o separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o be_v only_o ocasion_v upon_o a_o dispute_n about_o discipline_n without_o any_o other_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v heresy_n thus_o st._n cyprian_n i_o remember_v call_v the_o schism_n of_o novatianus_n haereticam_fw-la pravitatem_fw-la heretical_a impiety_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n of_o antonianus_n quam_fw-la haeresin_fw-la novatianus_n introduxisset_fw-la what_o heresy_n novatianus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o he_o allege_v nothing_o but_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o curious_o 52._o to_o inquire_v what_o he_o teach_v who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o whatever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o adherent_n be_v call_v haeretica_fw-la factio_fw-la a_o heretical_a 39_o faction_n though_o the_o schism_n be_v occasion_v only_o by_o a_o dispute_n of_o discipline_n concern_v the_o restore_n the_o lapse_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n without_o any_o other_o error_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v call_v heresy_n and_o though_o heresy_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v corrupt_a doctrine_n yet_o a_o mere_a error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v not_o think_v a_o complete_a formal_a heresy_n without_o such_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n as_o end_v in_o separation_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n describe_v heretic_n to_o be_v 51._o those_o who_o hold_v some_o false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o when_o they_o be_v reprove_v in_o order_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o truth_n and_o sobricty_n of_o judgement_n do_v obstinate_o resist_v and_o refuse_v to_o correct_v their_o poisonous_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n but_o persist_v in_o defend_v they_o thus_o they_o become_v heretic_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n become_v its_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o father_n in_o that_o fame_a say_v errare_fw-la possum_fw-la hereticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la though_o he_o may_v err_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o beside_o those_o division_n among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n which_o be_v call_v schism_n by_o st._n paul_n there_o be_v formal_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o a_o much_o more_o heinous_a nature_n which_o none_o in_o those_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o such_o separation_n be_v always_o condemn_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o heresy_n and_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n though_o such_o separatist_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o fundamental_a 231._o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v not_o what_o dr._n owen_n gain_v by_o prove_v that_o separation_n be_v no_o schism_n when_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o much_o great_a evil_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v allow_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n when_o it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n in_o a_o church_n any_o one_o will_v reasonable_o think_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o much_o great_a evil_a for_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n be_v then_o come_v to_o their_o height_n and_o perfection_n when_o they_o make_v friend_n brethren_n and_o confederate_n part_n company_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o less_o quarrel_n shall_v be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o great_a quarrel_n unless_o he_o think_v it_o be_v with_o schism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o leprosy_n that_o when_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v overspread_v with_o it_o the_o leper_n be_v pronounce_v clean_o but_o the_o most_o material_a inquiry_n here_o be_v what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n for_o our_o dissenter_n meet_v as_o public_o now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o forsake_v christian_a assembly_n and_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o primitive_a christian_n meet_v very_o private_o in_o small_a number_n or_o in_o the_o night_n or_o very_o early_a in_o the_o morning_n to_o avoid_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o yet_o such_o private_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n be_v not_o real_o conventicle_n but_o public_a church-assembly_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v not_o number_n nor_o meet_v open_o and_o public_o which_o make_v a_o church-assemble_o but_o hold_v such_o assembly_n by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o union_n with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o state_n when_o a_o great_a many_o people_n meet_v together_o without_o public_a authority_n it_o be_v a_o riot_n not_o a_o legal_a assembly_n public_a place_n of_o worship_n allow_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n public_a for_o the_o 171._o primitive_a christian_n allow_v no_o separate_a assembly_n no_o congregation_n but_o what_o meet_v in_o the_o public_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v a_o express_a canon_n in_o the_o council_n of_o gangra_n that_o if_o any_o shall_v 6._o take_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n private_o to_o preach_v at_o home_n and_o make_v light_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o leave_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o bishop_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o public_a worship_n be_v that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v in_o public_a church_n or_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n in_o other_o place_n by_o the_o allowance_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o separate_a meeting_n which_o have_v no_o such_o allowance_n and_o authority_n must_v be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o separation_n for_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n lawful_a but_o what_o make_v it_o necessary_a ii_o this_o follow_a treatise_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o these_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o those_o who_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o in_o contempt_n of_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o do_v not_o go_v to_o church_n because_o they_o think_v they_o
truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o 16_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o house_n and_o building_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o this_o house_n and_o building_n be_v not_o raise_v with_o loose_a and_o incoherent_a stone_n but_o all_o the_o building_n fit_o frame_v together_o 21._o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n all_o those_o expression_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n signify_v one_o communion_n as_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o and_o for_o all_o those_o who_o in_o after_o age_n shall_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o 21._o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n which_o may_v be_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n how_o frequent_a be_v the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n fulfil_v you_o my_o 2._o joy_n that_o you_o be_v likeminded_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n this_o be_v that_o new_a commandment_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o badge_n of_o their_o discipleship_n a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o 35._o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o hereby_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o and_o wherein_o this_o mutual_a love_n express_v itself_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o first_o pattern_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a 42._o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o of_o prayer_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o christian_a communion_n this_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a love_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o same_o body_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o all_o firm_o unite_v by_o the_o common_a bond_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o in_o st._n john_n time_n those_o heretic_n who_o separate_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a conventicle_n be_v say_v to_o go_v out_o from_o among_o they_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o 13._o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o that_o be_v in_o our_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o now_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v good_a it_o necessary_o infer_v that_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n who_o will_v be_v own_v for_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o the_o unity_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o christian_a union_n but_o this_o union_n be_v make_v external_a and_o visible_a by_o christian_a communion_n and_o our_o daily_a experience_n tell_v we_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o love_v like_o brethren_n like_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o divide_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a &_o separate_a church_n under_o different_a law_n government_n and_o discipline_n now_o if_o christian_n love_n and_o union_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n of_o christianity_n consider_v what_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n be_v which_o rend_v the_o seamless_a coat_n of_o christ_n and_o divide_v his_o church_n into_o so_o many_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o long_o of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v believe_v schism_n to_o separate_v man_n from_o christ_n and_o to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n among_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o schismatic_n be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n i_o dare_v not_o judge_v any_o man_n final_a state_n as_o not_o know_v what_o merciful_a allowance_n a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a lord_n may_v make_v for_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v frowardness_n and_o peevishness_n of_o his_o disciple_n but_o yet_o i_o wish_v that_o all_o person_n concern_v will_v serious_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n make_v all_o other_o attainment_n whatsoever_o of_o no_o value_n without_o charity_n that_o this_o be_v that_o divine_a principle_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o that_o he_o make_v schism_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o when_o he_o reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o that_o schism_n which_o be_v among_o they_o though_o it_o be_v not_o break_v out_o into_o actual_a separation_n yet_o he_o call_v they_o carnal_a for_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a for_o whereas_o there_o 4._o be_v among_o you_o envying_n and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n so_o far_o be_v separation_n from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a christian_n that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o symptom_n of_o a_o carnal_a mind_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o discourse_v this_o full_o but_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o that_o man_n do_v understand_v nothing_o of_o christian_a religion_n who_o make_v light_n of_o schism_n without_o so_o much_o as_o consider_v what_o guilt_n he_o involve_v himself_o in_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a cure_n of_o schism_n than_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o it_o that_o pain_n we_o feel_v in_o tear_v one_o member_n from_o another_o and_o that_o mischief_n the_o whole_a body_n suffer_v by_o it_o which_o become_v maim_v and_o imperfect_a by_o the_o want_n of_o the_o least_o and_o most_o inconsiderable_a member_n make_v we_o careful_a to_o preserve_v our_o natural_a body_n from_o any_o rent_n or_o schism_n and_o be_v we_o live_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n have_v we_o that_o natural_a love_n sympathy_n and_o fellow-feeling_n for_o each_o other_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v we_o shall_v find_v schism_n and_o separation_n as_o painful_a to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o part_v with_o one_o of_o our_o member_n and_o be_v as_o sensible_a of_o the_o want_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o mutual_a office_n of_o charity_n in_o exhort_v admonish_a reprove_v comfort_v pray_v for_o and_o with_o each_o other_o which_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o service_n of_o any_o member_n which_o we_o have_v lose_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o member_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o body_n which_o feel_v not_o the_o pain_n of_o such_o convulsion_n and_o schism_n three_o another_o question_n i_o will_v ask_v these_o man_n be_v whether_o they_o do_v in_o their_o conscience_n believe_v that_o communion_n with_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v unlawful_a and_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o ask_v this_o for_o it_o be_v easy_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v christian_n at_o large_a and_o as_o occasion_n serve_v can_v either_o go_v to_o church_n or_o to_o a_o conventicle_n now_o if_o they_o make_v conscience_n of_o any_o thing_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o church_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n so_o to_o do_v or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n so_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v a_o separation_n for_o if_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o once_o they_o may_v do_v so_o always_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o separation_n and_o then_o separation_n must_v be_v a_o sin_n some_o indeed_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v even_o from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o a_o lawful_a communion_n to_o join_v in_o fellowship_n with_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o to_o enjoy_v pure_a ordinance_n
law_n of_o moses_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n do_v use_v a_o great_a many_o moysaicall_a rite_n only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o typical_a nature_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o circumcise_v timothy_n not_o in_o token_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n but_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n worship_v in_o the_o temple_n keep_v their_o religious_a festival_n and_o 22_o observe_v their_o law_n but_o no_o christian_n can_v do_v this_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o they_o observe_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o believe_v jew_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v lawful_o observe_v those_o jewish_a custom_n when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o their_o typical_a signification_n it_o can_v be_v a_o fault_n to_o use_v some_o such_o innocent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n as_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o jewish_a ceremony_n innocent_a which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o original_a institution_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n as_o signify_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v how_o much_o more_o innocent_a be_v it_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o bend_v our_o knee_n to_o our_o lord_n at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v and_o to_o sign_v our_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o honour_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n and_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o suffer_a religion_n 3._o our_o saviour_n reject_v all_o superstitious_a observance_n which_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a sacredness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o such_o as_o he_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o wash_a cup_n platter_n and_o hand_n before_o dinner_n thus_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v 21._o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o their_o abstain_v from_o certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n fling_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o custom_n they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o merit_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v great_a number_n of_o they_o such_o as_o pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o custom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v that_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o sorry_a thing_n as_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n but_o christ_n expect_v from_o we_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o superstitious_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o hope_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n by_o profess_v poverty_n celibacy_n and_o blind_a obedience_n by_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n in_o lent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o vain_a superstition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o our_o knee_n as_o a_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n not_o as_o meritorious_a superstition_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v often_o declaim_v against_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o st._n paul_n mean_v any_o thing_n like_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o circumstance_n or_o appendage_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o arbitrary_a superstition_n as_o they_o turn_v into_o formal_a act_n of_o religion_n the_o four_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v our_o present_a argument_n the_o difference_n christ_n put_v between_o the_o substantial_a and_o the_o instrumental_a part_n of_o worship_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o any_o ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o decent_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o nothing_o that_o be_v mere_o external_a but_o on_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n express_v in_o such_o become_a word_n and_o behaviour_n as_o may_v make_v it_o visible_a and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o such_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n will_v please_v god_n without_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o she_o own_v no_o such_o principle_n but_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n better_o and_o methinks_v this_o shall_v be_v no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o establish_a worship_n of_o our_o church_n have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v they_o can_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o forsake_v it_o for_o nothing_o but_o a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o sin_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o separation_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v how_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o pray_v always_o by_o a_o form_n or_o to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v such_o practice_n as_o brief_o to_o point_v to_o some_o few_o thing_n 1._o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o use_v it_o it_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o forbid_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o a_o form_n as_o a_o form_n can_v be_v unlawful_a 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o no_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o oft_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o what_o place_n in_o what_o posture_n in_o what_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o word_n in_o baptism_n but_o not_o any_o one_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v some_o circumstance_n for_o every_o action_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a performance_n and_o great_a solemnity_n of_o such_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n leave_v all_o such_o to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o law_n the_o church_n 2._o be_v in_o a_o infant_n state_n like_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n which_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o that_o typical_a temple-worship_n be_v exact_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o
remain_n of_o its_o ancient_a piety_n and_o devotion_n which_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o rubbish_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n consider_v then_o what_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o reformer_n must_v be_v to_o pull_v up_o root_n and_o branch_n to_o pull_v up_o the_o wheat_n with_o the_o tare_n this_o will_v be_v not_o to_o reform_v a_o corrupt_a church_n but_o to_o make_v a_o new_a one_o this_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o sound_n with_o the_o rot_a member_n and_o be_v like_o pull_v down_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n to_o correct_v abuse_n i_o pray_v god_n preserve_v we_o from_o such_o reformer_n as_o these_o in_o a_o word_n if_o these_o man_n who_o accuse_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o popery_n can_v show_v any_o thing_n practise_v among_o we_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o popery_n which_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a church_n i_o will_v hearty_o join_v with_o they_o in_o call_v for_o a_o reformation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o they_o do_v popery_n too_o much_o reputation_n by_o give_v up_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o it_o and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o popery_n a_o less_o formidable_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v thus_o indifferent_o apply_v to_o a_o corrupt_a and_o to_o a_o reform_a church_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o soul_n they_o be_v half_a so_o free_a from_o popish_a principle_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v from_o a_o popish_a worship_n part_n ii_o concern_v those_o disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o some_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o church-communion_n chap._n i._n concern_v those_o who_o ordinary_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n have_v discourse_v thus_o large_o of_o those_o who_o whole_o separate_v themselves_o from_o christian_a communion_n who_o either_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n or_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o correct_v those_o miscarriage_n which_o some_o who_o profess_v themselves_o of_o our_o communion_n be_v too_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o and_o i_o shall_v first_o begin_v with_o those_o who_o ordinary_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n this_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o inveterate_a evil_n of_o long_a use_n and_o practice_n especial_o in_o this_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o dare_a and_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o oppose_v it_o however_o i_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o suspect_v that_o i_o serve_v any_o other_o interest_n by_o this_o but_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o must_v reasonable_o engage_v all_o man_n the_o more_o impartial_o to_o consider_v what_o i_o shall_v now_o offer_v which_o shall_v be_v comprise_v under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n first_o our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n 2._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o first_o our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o parochial_a communion_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o excellent_a institution_n for_o the_o more_o regular_a instruction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o do_v not_o indeed_o pretend_v that_o the_o division_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n into_o several_a parish_n with_o their_o distinct_a pastor_n set_v over_o they_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o a_o express_a law_n determine_v the_o bound_n and_o extent_n of_o bishopric_n much_o less_o of_o parochial_a communion_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o do_v it_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o great_a number_n of_o people_n be_v either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o this_o it_o be_v at_o last_o a_o acknowledge_a principle_n among_o dissenter_n themselves_o and_o those_o of_o the_o great_a note_n that_o the_o directive_n light_n of_o nature_n 14._o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o church_n assembly_n the_o order_n and_o decency_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o the_o bound_a of_o they_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o parochial_a communion_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o not_o only_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o it_o but_o severe_o condemn_v those_o who_o break_v and_o violate_v so_o useful_a a_o institution_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n unite_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a shall_v all_o worship_v their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n together_o but_o since_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o will_v not_o admit_v this_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o less_o society_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a administration_n of_o holy_a office_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a discipline_n and_o government_n how_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o christian_a nation_n be_v more_o useful_a for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n society_n than_o the_o distribution_n of_o christian_n into_o parochial_a communion_n to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o public_a assembly_n near_o our_o own_o dwelling_n without_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o at_o a_o distance_n will_v have_v be_v think_v a_o great_a privilege_n in_o former_a age_n like_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n fall_v round_o about_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n to_o have_v a_o fix_a pastor_n who_o be_v particular_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o who_o you_o may_v at_o all_o time_n free_o resort_v and_o disclose_v your_o spiritual_a want_n who_o neighbourhood_n and_o conversation_n may_v contract_v a_o particular_a friendship_n and_o familiarity_n and_o beget_v a_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o endearment_n be_v quite_o a_o different_a thing_n from_o some_o public_a and_o general_a exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o more_o value_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o parochial_a guide_n be_v because_o general_o they_o make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o he_o this_o be_v the_o true_a emblem_n of_o catholic_n unity_n when_o we_o hold_v personal_a communion_n with_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v our_o neighbour_n and_o so_o in_o the_o near_a disposition_n for_o it_o for_o our_o obligation_n to_o christian_a communion_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o christian_a society_n which_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o pick_v up_o a_o church_n for_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a communion_n here_o and_o there_o from_o straggle_a member_n who_o live_v in_o remote_a and_o distant_a place_n be_v to_o make_v a_o schismatical_a difference_n between_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o christian_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o body_n nor_o fit_a for_o personal_a communion_n and_o though_o forsake_v our_o parish_n church_n for_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n be_v not_o so_o formal_a a_o schism_n yet_o it_o have_v some_o tendency_n that_o way_n it_o be_v a_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o neighbour_n christian_n and_o parochial_a guide_n there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o personal_a communion_n but_o cohabitation_n or_o dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o neighbourhood_n for_o than_o we_o communicate_v with_o the_o catholic_n church_n when_o we_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o live_v but_o when_o without_o just_a cause_n we_o ordinary_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n we_o disturb_v the_o most_o convenient_a order_n of_o church-communion_n and_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o total_a separation_n make_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n neighbour_n christian_n have_v the_o most_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o many_o great_a end_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v best_a attain_v among_o they_o they_o may_v exhort_v and_o reprove_v one_o another_o and_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n they_o may_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o soul_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v each_o other_o miscarriage_n which_o they_o can_v avoid_v observe_v when_o they_o live_v so_o near_o and_o converse_v so_o often_o together_o they_o may_v apply_v such_o timely_a remedy_n as_o may_v help_v up_o those_o who_o fall_n or_o prevent_v the_o fall_n of_o those_o who_o trip_n and_o stumble_v and_o
great_a concernment_n pag._n 104_o chap._n ii_o concern_v public_a worship_n pag._n 110_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n pag._n 111_o public_a worship_n a_o great_a honour_n to_o god_n than_o private_a devotion_n pag._n 116_o external_n worship_n must_v be_v public_a pag._n 118_o god_n be_v a_o public_a benefactor_n and_o therefore_o public_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o pag._n 120_o public_a worship_n institute_v by_o god_n under_o the_o law_n pag._n 122_o and_o by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n require_v it_o pag._n 125_o this_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o sacrament_n pag._n 126_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 130_o and_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n pag._n 133_o and_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v religion_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iii_o section_n 1._o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o pag._n 138_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n pag._n 139_o 1._o whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n the_o difference_n between_o private_a opinion_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o use_n of_o this_o distinction_n ibid._n 2._o whether_o they_o consider_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n pag._n 151_o 3._o whether_o they_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 4._o how_o they_o come_v to_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 5._o whether_o they_o ever_o impartial_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n pag._n 170_o 6._o how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n pag._n 184_o section_n 2._o some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 188_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n pag._n 190_o 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 193_o 3._o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n pag._n 207_o 4._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n pag._n 208_o section_n 3._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n pag._n 215_o concern_v will-worship_n pag._n 216_o concern_v superstition_n pag._n 222_o the_o church_n of_o england_n charge_v with_o idolatry_n pag._n 235_o and_o with_o popery_n pag._n 236_o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n concern_v parochial_a communion_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n 267_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 281_o chap._n iu_o concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 289_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n 296_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o line_n 26_o read_v apollo_n p._n 9_o l._n 13._o r._n and_o that_o none_o p._n 18._o l._n 15._o r._n that_o they_o either_o p._n 50._o l._n 14._o f._n we_o r._n be_v p._n 105._o l._n 18._o r._n you_o will_v p._n 124._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o p._n 164._o l._n 9_o r._n fell_a p._n 185._o l._n 2._o r._n they_o p._n 208._o l._n 6._o r._n so_o p._n 212._o l._n 11._o f._n if_o r._n that_o p._n 219._o l._n 24._o r._n now_o though_o p._n 224._o l._n 12_o 13._o r._n difficult_a p._n 230._o l._n 5._o r._n have_v p._n 331._o l._n 18._o f._n rule_n r._n rite_n p._n 346._o l._n 28._o f._n truth_n r._n faith_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n the_o introduction_n 1._o contain_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n 2._o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n 3._o the_o seasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o discourse_n 1._o religion_n be_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o mankind_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v god_n the_o most_o excellent_a be_v for_o its_o immediate_a object_n this_o be_v the_o work_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n who_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n admire_v his_o essential_a glory_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o sing_v eternal_a hallelujah_n to_o he_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o unruly_a passion_n and_o appetite_n to_o govern_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o pity_v and_o relieve_v one_o another_o where_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a good_n indeed_o in_o this_o world_n temperance_n and_o charity_n be_v no_o christian_a virtue_n but_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o veneration_n for_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o to_o be_v charitable_a upon_o some_o mean_a consideration_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o god_n as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o serve_v ourselves_o or_o our_o friend_n or_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o we_o do_v out_o of_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o it_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o deity_n which_o may_v as_o effectual_o be_v do_v by_o action_n as_o by_o word_n verbal_a praise_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n be_v mere_a lip-labour_n and_o formal_a compliment_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o produce_v no_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o excite_v in_o we_o devout_a affection_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n but_o yet_o that_o which_o we_o more_o strict_o call_v worship_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o solemn_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n for_o god_n when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o when_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n for_o what_o sincere_a worshipper_n can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o to_o break_v his_o law_n and_o contemn_v his_o authority_n and_o despise_v his_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a semblance_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o some_o bad_a man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o flatter_v god_n be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n it_o be_v only_o a_o external_a imitation_n of_o religious_a worship_n without_o that_o powerful_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o true_o devout_a and_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n so_o public_a worship_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o indeed_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o hold_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n whereon_o all_o church-authority_n depend_v as_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o prove_v by_o a_o assembly_n learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o authority_n to_o take_v in_o and_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n the_o second_o by_o church-censure_n the_o high_a of_o which_o be_v excommunication_n which_o debar_v man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v forsake_v christian_n assembly_n either_o to_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n or_o at_o least_o a_o fair_a step_n towards_o it_o he_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o 23._o faith_n without_o waver_v that_o be_v to_o continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o give_v they_o this_o caution_n not_o
of_o external_a worship_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n how_o we_o can_v pray_v either_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n since_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o no_o one_o duty_n be_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o say_v while_o man_n have_v such_o wild_a unpracticable_a notion_n in_o their_o head_n which_o when_o they_o be_v pursue_v to_o their_o last_o issue_n overthrow_v all_o manner_n of_o external_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o end_n in_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o quakerism_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o comprehension_n and_o concession_n and_o while_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o think_v it_o as_o innocent_a a_o thing_n to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n as_o to_o go_v from_o one_o parish-church_n to_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o sense_n what_o a_o necessary_a duty_n christian_a communion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o damn_v sin_n schism_n be_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o do_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o desire_v to_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n must_v earnest_o exhort_v persuade_v and_o convince_v as_o well_o as_o yield_v and_o comply_v the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v all_o in_o from_o the_o grow_a power_n and_o secret_a conspiracy_n of_o the_o popish_a faction_n make_v all_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o call_v aloud_o for_o union_n our_o dissenter_n who_o never_o do_v nor_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o unite_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o cry_n against_o popery_n and_o their_o design_n of_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v this_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o accomplish_v their_o end_n and_o have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o libel_v church_n and_o churchman_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o state_n this_o have_v put_v many_o worthy_a son_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v impatient_a to_o hear_v their_o mother_n revile_v and_o slander_v upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n from_o their_o rude_a calumny_n and_o yet_o to_o express_v their_o readiness_n to_o comply_v and_o unite_v upon_o such_o term_n when_o ever_o public_a authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a as_o will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v our_o constitution_n the_o first_o they_o have_v do_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o sober_a reply_n and_o how_o fruitless_a their_o charity_n be_v in_o attempt_v the_o second_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o will_v convince_v all_o man_n who_o can_v patient_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o term_n of_o concord_n but_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o not_o ambitious_a to_o thrust_v myself_o into_o this_o scuffle_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o disputant_n but_o make_v a_o close_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o i_o hope_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n be_v a_o little_a over_o may_v prove_v a_o more_o powerful_a conviction_n to_o all_o well-meaning_a man_n than_o the_o best_a and_o most_o unanswerable_a reason_n have_v hitherto_o do_v part_n i._o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o address_n and_o exhortation_n to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n sect_n i._o some_o proposal_n make_v to_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n 1._o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n 4._o that_o they_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n first_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o christian_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o any_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n first_o the_o speculative_a second_o the_o practical_a atheist_n first_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n despise_v his_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o fear_v or_o religious_a adoration_n those_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v in_o prudence_n conceal_v their_o atheism_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o perform_v all_o the_o external_n act_v of_o worship_n but_o yet_o few_o atheist_n have_v so_o much_o wit_n or_o good_a breed_n as_o not_o to_o affront_v the_o universal_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a dispute_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n nor_o attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o not_o worship_v god_n by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v this_o require_v a_o large_a discourse_n than_o my_o present_a design_n will_v allow_v and_o have_v be_v already_o do_v more_o than_o once_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n by_o much_o better_a pen_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v three_o or_o four_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a proposal_n to_o they_o first_o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o serious_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o argue_v now_o from_o natural_a notion_n and_o anticipation_n or_o those_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o mankind_n because_o the_o atheist_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v only_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o education_n and_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v have_v such_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n in_o our_o head_n if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v they_o though_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o these_o principle_n shall_v first_o come_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n who_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o man_n and_o how_o he_o come_v so_o ready_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o so_o careful_o to_o propagate_v they_o to_o posterity_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a how_o mankind_n shall_v so_o universal_o assent_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n etc._n etc._n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o agreeable_a to_o the_o make_v and_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o not_o to_o be_v natural_a notion_n but_o i_o say_v to_o let_v pass_v this_o now_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v these_o man_n to_o consult_v a_o little_a with_o the_o inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o natural_a impression_n the_o necessary_a effort_n impetus_fw-la and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n as_o a_o stone_n natural_o fall_v downward_o and_o the_o fire_n as_o natural_o ascend_v now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o education_n shall_v put_v new_a inclination_n or_o new_a passion_n into_o our_o mind_n education_n may_v direct_v our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n to_o unnatural_a object_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o make_v new_a inclination_n and_o passion_n than_o it_o can_v make_v a_o new_a soul_n now_o among_o all_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o strong_a and_o invincible_a than_o the_o inclination_n to_o religion_n to_o worship_v something_o or_o other_o as_o a_o god_n though_o the_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o some_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o river_n and_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o god_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o universal_a inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o this_o universal_a consent_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o impulse_n and_o tendency_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n than_o to_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o reason_n always_o join_v the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n together_o but_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o blind_a and_o confuse_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o thrust_v forward_o to_o such_o a_o act_n without_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o its_o object_n just_a as_o the_o appetite_n
that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o their_o several_a sort_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v at_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n by_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v public_a person_n even_o those_o particular_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o particular_a man_n either_o expiatory_a or_o eucharistical_a to_o make_v atonement_n for_o their_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v a_o oblation_n of_o praise_n for_o particular_a mercy_n be_v yet_o offer_v at_o the_o temple_n and_o beside_o this_o they_o have_v sacrifice_n for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o on_o the_o great_a day_n of_o expiation_n which_o be_v not_o for_o any_o particular_a man_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o consider_v they_o all_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o worship_n god_n appoint_v also_o a_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n viz._n the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o public_a place_n for_o worship_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o public_a worship_n god_n also_o institute_v public_a time_n of_o worship_n the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n their_o new_a moon_n and_o annual_a festival_n when_o all_o their_o male_n be_v to_o appear_v three_o time_n a_o year_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o time_n as_o these_o be_v describe_v by_o call_v assembly_n and_o solemn_a meeting_n 13._o because_o than_o they_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n for_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o appoint_v public_a and_o solemn_a time_n for_o private_a worship_n if_o man_n be_v bind_v only_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o private_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o public_a day_n of_o rest_n dedicate_v to_o god_n worship_n for_o every_o man_n may_v take_v his_o own_o time_n for_o it_o as_o he_o find_v most_o convenient_a and_o useful_a but_o fix_v and_o state_v time_n of_o worship_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v public_a worship_n and_o evident_o prove_v that_o solemn_a and_o public_a day_n for_o worship_n be_v not_o sanctify_v mere_o by_o private_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o as_o particular_a person_n but_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o people_n and_o nation_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o himself_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a inheritance_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o it_o concern_v they_o as_o a_o nation_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n and_o a_o national_a religion_n and_o worship_n and_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o god_n institution_n it_o be_v a_o public_a worship_n for_o god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o require_v as_o public_a homage_n from_o they_o as_o other_o prince_n expect_v from_o their_o subject_n as_o public_a i_o say_v though_o he_o can_v challenge_v more_o divine_a regard_v than_o earthly_a prince_n because_o he_o be_v their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o king_n and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n themselves_o be_v frequent_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o use_v to_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n how_o have_v a_o right_a to_o worship_n at_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n let_v we_o then_o three_o consider_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o what_o obligation_n that_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n now_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n which_o be_v so_o often_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n which_o be_v call_v together_o and_o so_o acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o combine_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v pure_o a_o religious_a society_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o temporal_a kingdom_n as_o the_o jew_n expect_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o his_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o society_n of_o man_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christian_a church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o public_a worship_n because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n that_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o religious_a worship_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o whole_o neglect_v or_o despise_v public_a worship_n for_o he_o can_v at_o best_a be_v only_o a_o nominal_a member_n of_o a_o assembly_n who_o neglect_v to_o assemble_v with_o they_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o membership_n to_o frequent_v such_o assembly_n now_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v institute_v a_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n have_v not_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o our_o private_a devotion_n have_v it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a as_o some_o man_n presume_v whether_o we_o worship_v god_n single_o or_o in_o a_o body_n and_o society_n whether_o at_o home_o in_o our_o closet_n or_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o 4._o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v now_o to_o be_v one_o body_n as_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v if_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n signify_v a_o very_a near_a and_o intimate_a union_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n this_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o but_o then_o the_o question_n be_v wherein_o this_o unity_n consist_v some_o place_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o faith_n in_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o in_o have_v a_o mutual_a kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o unite_v christian_n to_o make_v they_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ._n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o there_o may_v be_v great_a dissension_n and_o schism_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a in_o those_o fearful_a schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n who_o differ_v not_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o discipline_n and_o as_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n convince_v we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o man_n may_v exercise_v a_o christian_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o each_o other_o without_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o one_o body_n be_v one_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n must_v of_o necessity_n consist_v in_o one_o communion_n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o separate_v himself_o from_o christian_a communion_n who_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o public_a worship_n when_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o very_a first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o those_o new_a convert_v that_o they_o continue_v 42._o steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o they_o continue_v 46._o daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n here_o you_o see_v the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o true_a description_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v a_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n that_o 3_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o may_v become_v christian_n and_o enter_v into_o our_o society_n and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v give_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n for_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o 13._o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v express_o call_v the_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o common_a table_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n 27._o of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a feast_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n partake_v for_o it_o signify_v not_o only_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o reform_a church_n universal_o condemn_v the_o private_a mass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o priest_n receive_v by_o himself_o and_o true_o private_a devotion_n when_o they_o thrust_v out_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o a_o church_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o those_o sacrament_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n may_v convince_v we_o how_o necessary_a christian_a communion_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n to_o feed_v his_o flock_n to_o pray_v for_o his_o people_n and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v for_o public_a minister_n unless_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n whether_o christian_n frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o have_v invest_v man_n with_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v of_o so_o little_a use_n especial_o since_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o know_v and_o so_o far_o spread_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v long_o since_o dead_a but_o of_o their_o successor_n who_o retain_v their_o office_n and_o power_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o apostolical_a office_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n consist_v which_o christ_n commit_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a consist_v only_o in_o let_v into_o the_o church_n or_o shut_v out_o the_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o administer_a baptism_n which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o external_a judge_n of_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o exercise_v censure_n upon_o offender_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o this_o in_o remove_v such_o man_n from_o christian_a communion_n either_o in_o part_n or_o whole_o for_o a_o time_n or_o for_o ever_o according_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n some_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o christian_a assembly_n but_o lay_v at_o the_o door_n lament_v their_o wickedness_n and_o beg_v their_o prayer_n other_o be_v admit_v to_o public_a instruction_n but_o not_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o catechuman_n those_o who_o be_v public_o instruct_v and_o catechise_v but_o not_o yet_o baptize_v be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a other_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n but_o not_o to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o all_o this_o suppose_n that_o christian_a communion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o a_o great_a privilege_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o punish_v offender_n but_o by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o assembly_n but_o what_o will_v those_o man_n value_v church-censure_n who_o make_v so_o slight_a of_o public_a worship_n as_o daily_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o certain_o these_o man_n be_v great_o mistake_v or_o else_o the_o very_a office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v so_o formidable_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o very_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n since_o man_n may_v as_o well_o worship_n god_n alone_o as_o in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v when_o excommunicate_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o we_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n which_o necessary_o include_v public_a worship_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v 33._o i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o confess_v christ_n be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o only_o in_o word_n though_o too_o many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o own_o will_v not_o confess_v before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o by_o pay_v he_o such_o public_a homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v own_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n for_o thus_o to_o confess_v christ_n signify_v with_o the_o mouth_n 13_o confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n like_o a_o city_n that_o be_v set_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o like_o a_o candle_n place_v in_o a_o candlestick_n 15._o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n but_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v visible_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o public_a and_o visible_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o must_v refer_v to_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o include_v act_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v the_o acknowledge_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o take_v care_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o encourage_v public_a worship_n correct_v public_a abuse_n and_o punish_v the_o neglect_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n religion_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o closet_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o tell_v what_o religion_n they_o be_v of_o they_o may_v be_v pagan_n mahometan_n papist_n or_o infidel_n and_o no_o man_n the_o wise_a if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o encourage_v and_o reform_v religion_n and_o yet_o nothing_o can_v fall_v within_o his_o cognizance_n or_o under_o his_o care_n but_o what_o be_v public_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o care_n of_o
and_o lay_v they_o aside_o again_o when_o they_o please_v but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n that_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v never_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o either_o express_o forbid_v by_o god_n or_o by_o such_o evident_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n may_v discern_v without_o use_v any_o great_a skill_n and_o subtlety_n while_o man_n do_v not_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o by_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o their_o own_o invent_v or_o by_o fancy_n and_o humour_n prejudice_n or_o interest_n they_o may_v like_v or_o dislike_v just_a what_o they_o please_v and_o call_v it_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v do_v but_o the_o observe_v this_o one_o rule_n will_v soon_o cure_v all_o fanaticism_n and_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o perfect_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o prove_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o of_o all_o external_a circumstance_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n when_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o such_o entire_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o division_n and_o fill_v people_n head_n with_o endless_a and_o infinite_a scruple_n but_o to_o make_v the_o command_v and_o prohibition_n of_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o certain_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o unlawful_a so_o as_o neither_o to_o condemn_v nor_o scruple_n what_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n will_v infallible_o heal_v our_o breach_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o peace_n with_o ourselves_o and_o with_o one_o another_o four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o neither_o a_o mistake_v nor_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n can_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_n we_o may_v indeed_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n against_o any_o humane_a power_n a_o conscience_n inform_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n will_v not_o can_v ought_v not_o to_o stoop_v to_o the_o great_a prince_n who_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n law_n because_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a absolute_a and_o supreme_a but_o a_o erroneous_a mistake_v doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o a_o word_n a_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v not_o arm_v with_o his_o authority_n neither_o and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o prince_n for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o private_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v disobedience_n to_o public_a authority_n which_o show_v we_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n aright_o and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o rule_n not_o to_o neglect_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v and_o where_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v we_o by_o his_o authority_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o our_o lawful_a superior_n for_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o where_o we_o can_v pretend_v god_n authority_n as_o we_o can_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o disobey_v our_o ruler_n though_o they_o be_v but_o men._n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v that_o question_n now_o whether_o a_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n ought_v not_o to_o obey_v his_o governor_n notwithstanding_o those_o scruple_n because_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v only_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o thing_n command_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o superior_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v sin_v in_o obey_v because_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o what_o they_o command_v be_v sinful_a and_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v sin_v in_o disobey_v they_o if_o their_o command_n be_v lawful_a and_o be_v withal_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v one_o or_o tother_o whether_o he_o ought_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o take_v the_o sure_a side_n that_o be_v to_o wave_v his_o scruple_n and_o obey_v his_o prince_n i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o observe_v this_o one_o thing_n without_o draw_v any_o peremptory_a conclusion_n from_o it_o that_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n and_o so_o the_o proper_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o our_o prince_n command_v we_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o as_o plain_a and_o express_v a_o law_n as_o that_o be_v which_o command_v our_o obedience_n we_o seem_v to_o oppose_v our_o private_a and_o uncertain_a opinion_n against_o the_o express_a authority_n of_o god_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n than_o where_o they_o be_v no_o humane_a authority_n must_v be_v set_v up_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o a_o divine_a authority_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a rule_n than_o private_a opinion_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n act_n out_o of_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o he_o who_o keep_v his_o eye_n fix_v upon_o his_o rule_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v his_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n other_o man_n live_v by_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o fancy_n be_v turn_v aside_o by_o every_o novel_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o conscience_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n if_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n conscience_n will_v never_o justify_v we_o but_o when_o we_o obey_v and_o observe_v our_o rule_n second_o another_o question_n i_o will_v propose_v to_o these_o man_n be_v whether_o they_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o schism_n now_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o ask_v this_o question_n if_o we_o observe_v with_o what_o little_a consideration_n most_o man_n engage_v themselves_o in_o it_o how_o wanton_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o come_v to_o church_n or_o go_v to_o a_o conventicle_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o leave_v their_o own_o parish_n church_n and_o go_v to_o another_o where_o there_o be_v a_o preacher_n who_o they_o like_v better_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o never_o understand_v what_o christian_a unity_n be_v nor_o ever_o consider_v what_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o act_v honest_o and_o sincere_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o one_o body_n unite_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n this_o st._n paul_n make_v a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o unity_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n 4._o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o what_o do_v this_o bond_n of_o peace_n signify_v but_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o christian_n live_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v by_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n for_o christian_n be_v call_v one_o body_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o external_a communion_n which_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o their_o eat_n of_o one_o bread_n as_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o 17._o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n so_o that_o we_o become_v one_o body_n by_o external_a &_o visible_a communion_n by_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o religious_a society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o our_o mutual_a edification_n but_o speak_v the_o
but_o i_o will_v desire_v such_o man_n to_o consider_v first_o that_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n vary_v with_o every_o man_n fancy_n as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n reason_n or_o antiquity_n when_o you_o distinguish_v a_o pure_a church_n from_o a_o pure_a church_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o great_a degree_n of_o purity_n they_o find_v in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a conventicle_n than_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n if_o this_o purity_n consist_v in_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n that_o doctrine_n and_o government_n which_o be_v most_o ancient_a and_o most_o apostolical_a be_v pure_a than_o some_o novel_a and_o upstart_a opinion_n church_n form_n and_o model_n and_o that_o worship_n which_o retain_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o administer_v they_o with_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o most_o to_o christian_a edification_n be_v as_o pure_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o be_v slovenly_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o church_n wherein_o christian_n may_v enjoy_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n without_o any_o corrupt_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n be_v a_o pure_a church_n such_o a_o church_n wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v communicate_v without_o do_v any_o injury_n to_o his_o soul_n be_v a_o pure_a church_n and_o have_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o purity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o external_n communion_n if_o by_o a_o pure_a communion_n they_o mean_v only_o the_o communion_n of_o better_a man_n and_o of_o great_a saint_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o exclude_v hypocrite_n out_o of_o any_o church_n unless_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n nor_o be_v it_o fit_a they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v while_o they_o be_v not_o open_o scandalous_a for_o to_o shut_v such_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o hope_n of_o prove_v better_a men._n and_o i_o hope_v christian_n communion_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o single_a congregation_n but_o every_o good_a christian_a who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n enjoy_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o all_o the_o world_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n nay_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a communion_n be_v this_o that_o our_o fellowship_n 3._o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a church_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o church_n militant_a on_o earth_n but_o you_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o 24._o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v which_o speak_v better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n this_o be_v the_o church-fellowship_n which_o those_o enjoy_v who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o which_o schismatic_n have_v no_o right_n to_o and_o those_o who_o think_v to_o meet_v with_o better_a company_n at_o a_o conventicle_n let_v they_o take_v it_o but_o must_v not_o the_o christian_a church_n consist_v of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o christian_n as_o our_o natural_a body_n do_v of_o several_a sort_n of_o member_n of_o different_a honour_n and_o worth_a and_o be_v it_o fit_v for_o strong_a and_o well-grown_a christian_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o if_o the_o eye_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n as_o despise_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o foot_n and_o yet_o if_o st._n paul_n say_v true_a that_o schism_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o carnal_a man_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o look_v for_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o schismatical_a church_n but_o second_o it_o be_v never_o till_o of_o late_a day_n think_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o lawful_a communion_n though_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v it_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o defect_n and_o therefore_o the_o brownist_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v that_o her_o worship_n and_o government_n be_v unlawful_a idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a and_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o conform_v as_o minister_n yet_o very_o religious_o conform_v as_o layman_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n condemn_v this_o schism_n and_o prove_v that_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v lawful_a and_o therefore_o separation_n be_v sinful_a and_o i_o dare_v challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n that_o ever_o it_o be_v think_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n where_o we_o may_v communicate_v without_o sin_n and_o three_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o separate_n from_o a_o lawful_a communion_n for_o a_o pure_a communion_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n for_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o purity_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n may_v refine_v for_o ever_o four_o if_o they_o do_v indeed_o think_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o inquire_v how_o they_o come_v at_o first_o to_o think_v so_o for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a enquiry_n if_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o man_n be_v at_o first_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n ensnare_v in_o a_o error_n and_o draw_v into_o schism_n how_o firm_o soever_o afterward_o they_o believe_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a it_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v all_o the_o several_a way_n whereby_o man_n come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o schism_n but_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o few_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o common_a such_o be_v these_o 1._o education_n 2._o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n 3._o some_o distaste_n at_o public_a affair_n 4._o some_o quarrel_n with_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n 5._o interest_n or_o the_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n 1._o education_n when_o man_n have_v be_v nurse_v up_o in_o schism_n from_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o despise_v the_o common_a prayer_n before_o they_o can_v read_v and_o to_o call_v the_o church_n antichrist_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o baal_n priest_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v speak_v now_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o pitiable_a case_n and_o the_o fair_a excuse_n and_o apology_n that_o can_v be_v make_v for_o any_o man_n for_o we_o all_o know_v what_o the_o power_n of_o education_n be_v and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o deliver_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o first_o impression_n of_o childhood_n and_o youth_n but_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v a_o man_n when_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v for_o if_o it_o will_v pagan_n mahometan_n and_o papist_n who_o labour_n under_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n have_v the_o same_o excuse_n we_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o that_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n nay_o papist_n mahometan_n and_o pagan_n have_v a_o better_a excuse_n upon_o this_o account_n than_o our_o dissenter_n because_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v more_o invincible_a as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o brief_o consider_v three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n which_o they_o have_v be_v in_o quiet_a possession_n of_o for_o many_o age_n and_o thus_o that_o reverence_n they_o pay_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o memory_n of_o their_o ancestor_n add_v to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n whereas_o every_o one_o know_v that_o this_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o pretence_n whereon_o it_o be_v found_v be_v but_o late_a innovation_n a_o novelty_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o grey-headed_a and_o though_o antiquity_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o argument_n for_o a_o ancient_a error_n nor_o novelty_n any_o
than_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o church_n the_o complaint_n be_v too_o true_a and_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n of_o public_a authority_n to_o redress_v it_o but_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n though_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o such_o person_n who_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n church_n to_o go_v to_o other_o where_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v for_o where_o public_a authority_n have_v not_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o parochial_a communion_n man_n who_o love_v their_o soul_n must_v provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n which_o many_o profess_a christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o be_v a_o irreverent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v religious_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o all_o the_o solemn_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o will_v be_v think_v sharp_a and_o satirical_a there_o be_v but_o few_o christian_n who_o put_v on_o that_o true_a gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n as_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religious_a worship_n you_o shall_v see_v some_o gaze_n about_o they_o with_o a_o rove_a and_o wander_a eye_n as_o if_o they_o come_v only_o to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o observe_v every_o new_a face_n or_o new_a dress_n and_o garb_n and_o therefore_o too_o often_o set_v themselves_o out_o with_o that_o fantastic_a gaiety_n which_o more_o become_v a_o playhouse_n than_o a_o church_n you_o shall_v see_v other_o talk_n or_o whisper_v or_o laugh_v to_o the_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o all_o serious_a and_o devout_a mind_n other_o instead_o of_o worship_v god_n sleep_v away_o the_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n or_o both_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o either_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o for_o very_o devout_a man_n sometime_o to_o be_v surprise_v with_o sleep_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a indecency_n when_o ever_o it_o be_v so_o and_o require_v great_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o be_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n when_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o man_n as_o natural_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o a_o sleep_a posture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o come_n to_o church_n you_o shall_v see_v other_o sit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a great_a rudeness_n when_o we_o put_v up_o a_o petition_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n this_o be_v unknown_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n wherein_o for_o some_o age_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sit_v either_o while_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v or_o expound_v and_o eusebius_n relate_v a_o famous_a story_n of_o constantine_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n that_o when_o he_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o he_o in_o his_o own_o palace_n concern_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o hear_v it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v very_o long_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o sit_v down_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o consult_v our_o ease_n 33._o while_o we_o hear_v any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n to_o hear_v religious_a discourse_n stand_v and_o what_o will_v that_o religious_a emperor_n have_v think_v to_o have_v see_v christian_n in_o public_a assembly_n pray_v sit_v and_o indeed_o i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o universal_a practice_n of_o sit_v when_o we_o sing_v psalm_n for_o psalm_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v as_o much_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o equal_o require_v a_o posture_n of_o devotion_n thus_o uncover_v the_o head_n have_v at_o least_o among_o christian_n be_v always_o account_v a_o act_n of_o reverence_n as_o pull_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v among_o the_o eastern_a nation_n and_o therefore_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o undecency_n of_o such_o irreverence_n in_o worship_n and_o that_o from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o consider_v as_o public_a 2._o from_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a angel_n in_o christian_a assembly_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o consider_v as_o public_a now_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n when_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o our_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o which_o make_v we_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o great_a humility_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o profound_a admiration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n with_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o many_o and_o great_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o we_o and_o with_o soul_n devote_v to_o his_o service_n and_o obedience_n hence_o religion_n be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reverence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o where_o ever_o the_o mind_n be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o this_o religious_a fear_n it_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o action_n our_o soul_n have_v the_o government_n of_o our_o outward_a man_n and_o our_o passion_n discover_v themselves_o in_o our_o look_n and_o behaviour_n it_o require_v very_o great_a art_n either_o to_o conceal_v those_o passion_n which_o we_o have_v or_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o which_o we_o have_v not_o for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sympathy_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o they_o powerful_o affect_v each_o other_o and_o our_o wise_a maker_n so_o contrive_v our_o frame_n that_o though_o the_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o mind_n can_v be_v see_v yet_o they_o discover_v themselves_o by_o those_o external_a and_o visible_a impression_n they_o make_v on_o our_o body_n without_o which_o mankind_n can_v never_o know_v one_o another_o nor_o have_v any_o pleasure_n or_o security_n in_o mutual_a conversation_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n care_v to_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o can_v so_o artificial_o disguise_v themselves_o that_o you_o can_v never_o know_v what_o their_o inward_a resentment_n be_v which_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n a_o inward_a reverence_n for_o god_n will_v show_v itself_o in_o external_a action_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o for_o as_o god_n have_v unite_v the_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o one_o man_n so_o he_o have_v unite_v their_o motion_n and_o action_n too_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o one_o perfect_a act_n of_o religion_n or_o virtue_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v hypocrisy_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o body_n be_v either_o impossible_a because_o our_o inward_a passion_n will_v discover_v themselves_o by_o some_o external_a sign_n when_o we_o have_v no_o design_n nor_o interest_n to_o conceal_v they_o or_o be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a and_o unbecoming_a this_o state_n of_o life_n we_o must_v glorify_v god_n both_o with_o our_o body_n and_o with_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n he_o make_v they_o both_o and_o unite_v they_o for_o his_o service_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n redeem_v they_o both_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n but_o we_o shall_v better_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o public_a worship_n consist_v in_o public_a sign_n of_o honour_n no_o man_n have_v a_o window_n into_o our_o soul_n to_o discover_v the_o secret_a devotion_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o visible_a worship_n must_v be_v express_v in_o visible_a action_n in_o the_o external_a reverence_n of_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v in_o such_o action_n as_o express_v the_o great_a humility_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o great_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o meanness_n and_o worthlessness_n and_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n which_o become_v divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a approach_n to_o god_n such_o as_o will_v not_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n whatever_o inward_a devotion_n we_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v not_o external_a and_o
and_o i_o live_v by_o the_o father_n so_o he_o that_o eat_v i_o even_o he_o shall_v live_v by_o i_o this_o be_v that_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o as_o your_o father_n do_v eat_v manna_n and_o be_v dead_a he_o that_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n shall_v live_v for_o ever_o where_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o who_o eat_v he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o because_o he_o himself_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o though_o he_o must_v die_v he_o be_v to_o rise_v again_o into_o a_o immortal_a life_n and_o a_o eternal_a kingdom_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v a_o certain_a earnest_n of_o immortality_n to_o those_o who_o feed_v on_o he_o and_o we_o need_v not_o indeed_o doubt_v this_o since_o it_o convey_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o roman_n but_o if_o the_o 11._o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o but_o possible_o some_o may_v object_v that_o all_o this_o which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a supper_n we_o receive_v at_o our_o baptism_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o earnest_n of_o immortality_n for_o so_o we_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v baptize_v as_o well_o as_o 13._o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o 5._o his_o resurrection_n now_o all_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o baptism_n not_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v our_o regeneration_n or_o new_a birth_n we_o be_v raise_v into_o a_o new_a life_n be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v at_o our_o baptism_n and_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n bestow_v on_o we_o as_o the_o author_n and_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n but_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o the_o daily_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v grieve_v he_o and_o make_v he_o withdraw_v from_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n depend_v upon_o our_o diligent_a attendance_n at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o have_v constant_a food_n to_o preserve_v his_o life_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n the_o stay_n and_o support_v of_o life_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o these_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v at_o this_o feast_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o our_o daily_a food_n be_v to_o the_o support_n of_o a_o bodily_a life_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n of_o which_o the_o manna_n be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n now_o we_o know_v manna_n be_v their_o constant_a food_n the_o only_a bread_n they_o have_v which_o signify_v that_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n be_v the_o daily_a support_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n and_o therefore_o we_o know_v the_o ancient_a father_n by_o our_o daily_a bread_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n do_v general_o understand_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o bread_n of_o god_n all_o which_o may_v convince_v we_o from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o institution_n that_o frequent_a communione_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_n in_o holiness_n to_o repair_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o to_o renew_v our_o strength_n and_o vigour_n in_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n after_o a_o relapse_n and_o to_o call_v back_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o as_o bread_n be_v to_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o constant_a repair_n and_o do_v man_n love_v their_o soul_n as_o they_o do_v their_o body_n they_o will_v no_o more_o neglect_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n than_o their_o daily_a food_n 4._o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o therefore_o as_o necessary_a as_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o debar_v any_o person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v to_o shut_v they_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o they_o be_v never_o restore_v to_o full_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n while_o discipline_n be_v preserve_v in_o its_o glory_n and_o vigour_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n no_o christian_a dare_v turn_v his_o back_n upon_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o nine_o part_n in_o ten_o now_o often_o do_v indeed_o they_o can_v not_o well_o communicate_v as_o faithful_a christian_a people_n without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o catechuman_n and_o penitent_n be_v admit_v to_o public_a instruction_n and_o to_o such_o prayer_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o but_o they_o be_v dismiss_v when_o that_o be_v do_v and_o not_o admit_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v in_o full_a peace_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o which_o be_v the_o holy_a supper_n indeed_o st._n paul_n attribute_n the_o union_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o body_n to_o christ_n to_o this_o holy_a feast_n he_o call_v the_o cup_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bread_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o assign_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n 17._o and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o by_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o bread_n for_o we_o be_v one_o bread_n as_o well_o as_o one_o body_n which_o place_v christian_a unity_n in_o a_o joint_a participation_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n this_o also_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n make_v we_o his_o body_n because_o we_o all_o feed_v on_o his_o body_n the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n as_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v with_o his_o body_n which_o both_o show_v we_o how_o necessary_a the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v we_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a supper_n and_o this_o must_v be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o how_o essential_a this_o holy_a supper_n be_v to_o christian_a communion_n as_o unite_n we_o all_o to_o christ_n in_o one_o body_n for_o shame_v then_o let_v not_o those_o man_n cry_v out_o against_o schism_n and_o schismatic_n who_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n which_o be_v most_o essential_a to_o christianity_n it_o be_v a_o much_o less_o evil_a not_o to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n together_o nay_o sometime_o not_o to_o pray_v together_o than_o to_o join_v in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o to_o break_v company_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n where_o if_o ever_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v as_o one_o body_n and_o one_o bread_n to_o set_v up_o altar_n against_o altar_n be_v somewhat_o worse_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o incurable_a schism_n than_o to_o absent_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v excuse_v those_o man_n from_o be_v schismatic_n who_o live_v in_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o can_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v revive_v such_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o christian_a communion_n in_o any_o religious_a office_n be_v a_o privilege_n which_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v and_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v thus_o explain_v our_o obligation_n to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o i_o judge_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o no_o honest_a impartial_a inquirer_n can_v resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o and_o of_o such_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n that_o no_o
worthy_a communicant_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o more_o firm_o unite_v they_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o actuate_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o very_o unmindful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o god_n in_o great_a goodness_n have_v appoint_v a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v and_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o attend_v their_o instruction_n and_o though_o i_o hope_v in_o such_o a_o age_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o christian_n so_o know_v that_o they_o need_v not_o be_v teach_v their_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o consider_v how_o many_o very_a ignorant_a professor_n there_o be_v that_o want_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o warm_a zealous_a and_o frequent_a exhortation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o most_o know_a christian_n and_o though_o a_o great_a many_o who_o have_v little_a other_o religion_n be_v forward_o enough_o to_o hear_v sermon_n yet_o it_o grieve_v i_o to_o think_v how_o many_o there_o be_v who_o will_v live_v die_v and_o perish_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o ignorance_n because_o they_o refuse_v instruction_n who_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o attend_v either_o sermon_n or_o catechise_v or_o so_o much_o as_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o these_o very_a man_n can_v be_v content_v to_o hear_v a_o large_a discourse_n of_o news_n or_o trade_n or_o merchandise_n or_o how_o they_o may_v order_v their_o affair_n to_o better_a advantage_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v tell_v of_o any_o mistake_n or_o error_n which_o may_v have_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o they_o in_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n they_o be_v in_o very_o good_a earnest_n to_o get_v this_o world_n but_o be_v very_o indifferent_a and_o unconcerned_a about_o the_o next_o so_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o be_v expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n for_o god_n so_o they_o immediate_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o virtue_n of_o they_o be_v see_v in_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o make_v we_o holy_a here_o and_o eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n let_v we_o constant_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o love_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o great_a concernment_n in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o for_o to_o love_v our_o soul_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o man_n the_o body_n be_v only_o the_o organ_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o state_n of_o its_o pilgrimage_n but_o it_o be_v our_o soul_n only_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n or_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a so_o be_v the_o man_n and_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v happy_a this_o they_o seek_v with_o unwearied_a endeavour_n this_o make_v all_o that_o bustle_n and_o stir_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o man_n be_v a_o catch_n after_o happiness_n and_o scramble_n for_o it_o why_o then_o you_o say_v what_o be_v the_o dispute_n and_o difficulty_n since_o all_o man_n do_v love_v their_o soul_n that_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o soul_n that_o relish_v happiness_n or_o be_v the_o subject_a wherein_o happiness_n dwell_v this_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o very_a few_o man_n love_v their_o soul_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o twofold_a happiness_n one_o as_o it_o live_v in_o this_o gross_a body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n another_o as_o it_o live_v without_o it_o in_o a_o separate_a state_n or_o receive_v it_o again_o refine_a and_o purge_v make_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a body_n now_o as_o the_o soul_n dwell_v in_o these_o earthly_a body_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v mighty_o please_v with_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o such_o object_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o happiness_n which_o most_o man_n be_v fond_a of_o in_o this_o world_n which_o tempt_v they_o to_o all_o those_o sensual_a lust_n which_o st._n john_n comprise_v under_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o dwell_v in_o this_o body_n be_v not_o its_o most_o perfect_a state_n it_o be_v to_o dwell_v but_o a_o little_a while_n in_o this_o body_n and_o then_o can_v enjoy_v these_o bodily_a pleasure_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o that_o be_v call_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o life_n and_o commensurate_a to_o a_o eternal_a duration_n so_o that_o the_o controversy_n in_o short_a be_v this_o whether_o we_o will_v prefer_v a_o imperfect_a unsatisfactory_a momentary_a happiness_n or_o such_o a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o big_a our_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v last_v to_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o this_o choice_n for_o can_v a_o immortal_a be_v who_o be_v to_o live_v eternal_a age_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o perish_a joy_n as_o wax_v old_a and_o expire_v in_o half_a a_o age_n it_o will_v be_v think_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o immortal_a creature_n shall_v grow_v weary_a of_o life_n and_o be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o after_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o much_o more_o reasonable_a desire_n than_o to_o choose_v such_o a_o happiness_n as_o will_v last_v but_o sixty_o or_o eighty_o year_n when_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n be_v much_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o a_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a worldling_n every_o one_o contemn_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o prodigal_n who_o spend_v a_o fair_a estate_n in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o waste_v away_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n in_o poverty_n and_o beggary_n and_o yet_o three_o or_o four_o year_n pleasure_n bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n but_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n have_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o eternity_n be_v there_o no_o other_o punishment_n of_o such_o folly_n but_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n to_o find_v no_o suitable_a object_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n but_o to_o languish_v perpetual_o with_o pine_v and_o unsatisfy_a desire_n yet_o this_o be_v like_o the_o pain_n of_o perpetual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n somewhat_o worse_o than_o the_o delay_n of_o hope_n even_o the_o torment_n of_o despair_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_o still_o than_o this_o for_o such_o man_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n will_v be_v convince_v what_o happiness_n it_o be_v they_o have_v lose_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o shut_v out_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v victorious_a saint_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n all_o the_o smile_n flattery_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n clothe_v with_o body_n of_o pure_a light_n and_o reward_v with_o immarcessible_a crown_n of_o glory_n sing_v eternal_a halelujah_n to_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o when_o all_o the_o toy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v go_v and_o pass_v and_o nothing_o be_v present_a but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o it_o will_v infinite_o more_o afflict_v they_o to_o think_v they_o have_v miss_v of_o heaven_n than_o it_o will_v do_v now_o to_o lose_v their_o estate_n and_o honour_n and_o let_v slip_v any_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o make_v themselves_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o
mount_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v arrive_v to_o a_o full_a age_n and_o set_v at_o liberty_n by_o christ_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o 1._o therefore_o be_v not_o under_o servile_a restraint_n but_o have_v the_o government_n of_o its_o own_o action_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v at_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v which_o can_v bring_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o pastor_n while_o they_o keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n enjoy_v that_o liberty_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v not_o that_o they_o can_v institute_v and_o appoint_v change_n and_o alter_v the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n require_v so_o muâ—â—_n be_v those_o man_n mistake_v who_o argue_v from_o moses_n to_o christ_n that_o christ_n be_v as_o faithful_a at_o least_o as_o moses_n be_v and_o therefore_o since_o moses_n give_v they_o a_o exact_a platform_n of_o worship_n 5._o from_o which_o they_o must_v not_o vary_v in_o the_o least_o punctilio_fw-la therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v do_v so_o too_o though_o they_o can_v show_v where_o he_o have_v do_v it_o that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v such_o a_o exact_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n as_o perpetual_o oblige_v all_o christian_n whereas_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n form_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n but_o he_o communicate_v with_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n while_o he_o live_v and_o give_v they_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o form_v church_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o difference_n the_o apostle_n make_v between_o moses_n and_o christ_n that_o one_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n the_o other_o as_o a_o son_n now_o a_o servant_n must_v exact_o follow_v his_o rule_n and_o order_n but_o a_o son_n govern_v his_o own_o house_n with_o great_a freedom_n and_o moses_n be_v a_o servant_n signify_v also_o the_o servile_a state_n of_o that_o people_n who_o he_o govern_v that_o they_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v their_o task_n exact_o set_v they_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o son_n and_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o have_v make_v we_o son_n and_o freemen_n too_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v such_o particular_a law_n about_o every_o little_a circumstance_n but_o expect_v from_o we_o a_o more_o manly_a and_o generous_a obedience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o jewish_a worship_n shall_v be_v exact_o prescribe_v by_o god_n because_o it_o be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v draw_v by_o no_o other_o hand_n but_o that_o which_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o omniscient_a eye_n whence_o the_o apostle_n observe_v that_o moses_n be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v after_o but_o in_o other_o matter_n the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o under_o such_o confinement_n their_o synagogue-worship_n where_o they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v order_v by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o direction_n they_o order_v the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n without_o any_o command_n or_o direction_n in_o their_o law_n for_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n and_o that_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n be_v add_v to_o the_o paschal_n supper_n be_v consecrate_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o festival_n commemoration_n of_o his_o break_a body_n and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v to_o appoint_v such_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n 3._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v authorize_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o make_v disciple_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-communion_n give_v general_a rule_n for_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o enjoin_v obedience_n to_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 26._o and_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v which_o be_v even_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n now_o general_a rule_n leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n 8._o as_o to_o particular_a instance_n because_o a_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v comply_v with_o different_a way_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o his_o choice_n who_o receive_v such_o a_o rule_n thus_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v our_o spiritual_a guide_n obey_v they_o who_o 17._o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a and_o settle_a rule_n of_o government_n suppose_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n the_o natural_a inference_n from_o which_o be_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n for_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o significant_a ceremony_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o unite_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a willing_o and_o cheerful_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o while_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o gospel-worship_n 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_o he_o converse_v on_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o most_o admirable_a pattern_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v now_o i_o observe_v that_o though_o our_o saviour_n live_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a age_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o their_o priest_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n by_o those_o character_n which_o he_o himself_o give_v of_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o vile_a person_n yet_o he_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o be_v yet_o expire_v he_o form_v no_o new_a church_n but_o observe_v their_o public_a assembly_n of_o worship_n preach_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o observe_v all_o their_o religious_a festival_n as_o punctual_o as_o any_o of_o themselves_o which_o consideration_n ought_v to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o those_o man_n who_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v bad_a man_n in_o it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n conform_v to_o all_o those_o laudable_a and_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a institution_n and_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n he_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o judas_n 22._o macchabeus_n and_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v observe_v annual_o for_o eight_o day_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o temple_n from_o the_o profanation_n of_o antiochus_n 59_o and_o the_o regain_n their_o liberty_n of_o public_a worship_n this_o feast_n though_o it_o be_v of_o humane_a institution_n our_o saviour_n no_o where_o reprove_v but_o grace_n and_o countenance_n the_o solemnity_n with_o his_o own_o presence_n thus_o he_o conform_v to_o the_o synagogue-worship_n which_o be_v all_o of_o humane_a order_n and_o appointment_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o thus_o he_o who_o so_o severe_o reprove_v the_o superstitious_a abuse_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n who_o despise_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o all_o their_o external_a and_o solemn_a hypocrisy_n their_o broad_a phylactery_n and_o their_o frequent_a and_o religious_a purification_n when_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o bare_a do_v those_o thing_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v do_v both_o practice_n and_o allow_v those_o humane_a institution_n which_o serve_v a_o good_a end_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o think_v it_o such_o a_o profanation_n of_o religion_n to_o appoint_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n as_o
that_o all_o external_a thing_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o their_o end_n and_o use._n those_o be_v innocent_a and_o laudable_a custom_n which_o serve_v a_o good_a end_n either_o help_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n or_o make_v the_o worship_n more_o grave_a and_o solemn_a provide_v it_o be_v not_o in_o forbid_a instance_n 4._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n be_v a_o great_a vindication_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o we_o have_v not_o a_o plain_a and_o express_a rule_n example_n which_o be_v great_a and_o good_a one_o have_v the_o authority_n and_o face_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o will_v desire_v any_o better_a example_n than_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n some_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n and_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n which_o they_o say_v be_v express_o forbid_v by_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v lordship_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o be_v call_v benefactor_n but_o 25._o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o be_v chief_a as_o he_o that_o do_v serve_v in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n forbid_v such_o kind_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o as_o the_o gentile_a prince_n exercise_n over_o their_o subject_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v forbid_v all_o kind_n of_o superiority_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o example_n even_o of_o the_o apostolic_a age._n the_o apostle_n indeed_o be_v all_o equal_a have_v no_o superiority_n of_o order_n or_o power_n over_o one_o another_o and_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o exercise_v superiority_n over_o each_o other_o for_o there_o be_v a_o strife_n among_o they_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v great_a but_o by_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v superior_a to_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n be_v supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o first_o record_v we_o have_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n bishop_n be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n in_o their_o power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o superiority_n over_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o so_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n till_o the_o reformation_n when_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o aversion_n some_o man_n have_v against_o popish_a tyrannical_a bishop_n persuade_v some_o reformer_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o order_n which_o have_v be_v make_v the_o most_o specious_a argument_n against_o the_o reformation_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o if_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristianism_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v antichristian_a for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a order_n i_o know_v not_o what_o authority_n any_o man_n have_v to_o alter_v it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n think_v that_o communion_n safe_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n other_o except_z against_o form_n of_o prayer_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o old_a in_o use_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n i_o be_o much_o of_o s._n chrysostoms_n opinion_n that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o age_n of_o miracle_n extraordinary_a &_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o there_o be_v of_o healing_n and_o prophesy_v and_o work_a miracle_n not_o that_o every_o christian_a have_v these_o gift_n any_o more_o than_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o inspire_a prayer_n for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v it_o needless_a in_o that_o age_n to_o have_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o when_o i_o see_v that_o age_n of_o miracle_n return_v again_o i_o will_v glad_o renounce_v liturgy_n to_o join_v in_o inspire_a prayer_n but_o as_o miracle_n cease_v so_o do_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o then_o as_o the_o same_o father_n observe_v the_o church_n worship_v god_n in_o allow_a form_n to_o be_v sure_a so_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o and_o if_o we_o can_v trace_v it_o to_o its_o first_o original_a for_o want_v of_o early_a record_n in_o those_o matter_n yet_o i_o think_v he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a scrupulous_a man_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o constantine_n day_n who_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o his_o soldier_n which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a he_o will_v have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n use_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v till_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o reformation_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o it_o for_o the_o lutheran_n and_o bohemian_a church_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n and_o holland_n have_v their_o liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o if_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v by_o mr._n calvin_n himself_o till_o some_o jesuit_n in_o masquerade_n first_o set_v up_o that_o way_n of_o conceive_a and_o extemporary_a prayer_n on_o purpose_n to_o break_v good_a order_n in_o our_o church_n as_o we_o well_o be_v assure_v by_o very_o firebrand_n credible_a testimony_n other_o scruple_n significant_a ceremony_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n we_o find_v such_o in_o use_n which_o be_v now_o disuse_v as_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n much_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o censure_v than_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o yet_o be_v retain_v for_o several_a age_n in_o the_o church_n in_o tertullian_n and_o st._n cyprian_n time_n we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o symbolical_a and_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o they_o they_o frequent_o cross_v themselves_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o baptize_v person_n be_v clothe_v in_o white_a and_o thence_o whitsunday_n receive_v its_o name_n because_o that_o be_v a_o solemn_a time_n for_o baptism_n when_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v clothe_v with_o white_a garment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v you_o abundance_n of_o such_o instance_n which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v they_o in_o st._n augustine_n time_n ceremony_n be_v grow_v so_o numerous_a that_o he_o very_o much_o complain_v not_o of_o the_o significancy_n and_o symbolicalness_n but_o of_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o but_o never_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n himself_o januar._n but_o advise_v other_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n of_o any_o church_n where_o they_o come_v though_o different_a from_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v there_o never_o be_v any_o schism_n occasion_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o significant_a ceremony_n till_o of_o late_a among_o we_o and_o it_o will_v a_o little_a startle_v a_o modest_a man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o must_v have_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a from_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o this_o day_n these_o thing_n careful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v must_v needs_o tend_v to_o compose_v man_n mind_n and_o reduce_v those_o who_o be_v go_v astray_o into_o the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v rather_o venture_v err_v with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o present_a age_n than_o break_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a communion_n to_o follow_v some_o upstart_n new_a light_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v lead_v i_o right_n sect_n iii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v some_o popular_a cavil_n and_o exception_n which_o too_o often_o
name_n have_v confine_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n and_o favour_n to_o such_o assembly_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n for_o he_o have_v express_o promise_v that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o 20._o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a charter_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o certain_o be_v strong_a the_o more_o universal_a the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n be_v for_o if_o christ_n will_v be_v present_a with_o two_o or_o three_o who_o assemble_v in_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o agree_v to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o god_n much_o more_o when_o so_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v confederated_a in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n in_o the_o same_o word_n how_o powerful_a will_v the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o a_o whole_a national_a church_n be_v to_o procure_v those_o blessing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o want_v for_o if_o unity_n and_o consent_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o please_v to_o god_n the_o great_a this_o consent_n be_v the_o more_o please_a it_o must_v be_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o private_a christian_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v confederated_a by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o public_a worship_n have_v the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a order_n and_o government_n if_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o particular_a minister_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o prevalent_a how_o much_o more_o those_o prayer_n which_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o church_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n even_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o single_a minister_n which_o can_v so_o well_o be_v say_v of_o any_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o to_o observe_v good_a order_n in_o our_o religious_a worship_n do_v man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v soon_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o such_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o prefer_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n before_o any_o prayer_n of_o a_o private_a composition_n or_o any_o sudden_a extempore_o effusion_n for_o public_a prayer_n prescribe_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o offer_v up_o by_o a_o public_a minister_n be_v always_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o virtual_o contain_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n public_a baptism_n be_v now_o very_o much_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n most_o people_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a needless_a and_o troublesome_a ceremony_n to_o carry_v their_o child_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o to_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o private_a chamber_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v with_o little_a company_n and_o with_o little_a noise_n as_o prevail_v as_o this_o custom_n now_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o very_a late_a date_n even_o in_o this_o church_n it_o seem_v to_o owe_v its_o original_n to_o the_o dispute_v about_o ceremony_n for_o when_o some_o man_n scruple_v godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o avoid_v this_o they_o baptize_v their_o child_n private_o at_o home_n without_o either_o when_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o conscientious_a conformist_n as_o can_v dispense_v with_o his_o rule_n and_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n forbid_v those_o who_o still_o retain_v their_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o partake_v in_o a_o prevail_a schism_n be_v force_v to_o retire_v into_o private_a too_o and_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n at_o home_n and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o break_v a_o custom_n upon_o what_o occasion_n soever_o it_o be_v at_o first_o begin_v that_o which_o necessity_n occasion_v be_v continue_v by_o some_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o state_n by_o other_o to_o save_v charge_n and_o trouble_v which_o may_v be_v much_o better_o save_v by_o public_a baptism_n by_o other_o out_o of_o softness_n and_o tenderness_n a_o kind_n and_o indulgent_a mother_n dare_v not_o expose_v a_o young_a infant_n to_o the_o cold_a air_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o send_v it_o to_o nurse_n i_o can_v never_o hear_v any_o thing_n plead_v for_o this_o practice_n that_o deserve_v a_o answer_n that_o which_o make_v this_o custom_n prevail_v be_v that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o great_a decency_n and_o fitness_n and_o the_o many_o advantage_n of_o public_a baptism_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o brief_o represent_v by_o public_a baptism_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o fitness_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v our_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v public_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n i_o know_v of_o whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n but_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o be_v do_v in_o private_a other_o which_o require_v some_o public_a solemnity_n and_o it_o be_v as_o undecent_a to_o do_v a_o public_a action_n i._n e._n a_o action_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n private_o as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o private_a action_n in_o public_a now_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o public_a nature_n which_o concern_v a_o who'e_n society_n and_o such_o be_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o efficacy_n indeed_o of_o baptism_n depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v right_o administer_v do_v not_o lose_v its_o virtue_n for_o want_v of_o some_o due_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o those_o who_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o give_v all_o christian_a office_n their_o due_a solemnity_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v that_o baptism_n contain_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o public_a own_n of_o his_o religion_n no_o adult_n person_n be_v ever_o admit_v to_o baptism_n without_o a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o as_o learned_a man_n think_v st._n peter_n call_v baptism_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o 21._o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v examine_v about_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o indeed_o infant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o their_o sponsor_n and_o surety_n be_v who_o undertake_v for_o their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o certain_o the_o public_a church_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a place_n for_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n to_o baptize_v our_o child_n private_o look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n than_o to_o destroy_v
all_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n 4._o public_a baptism_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o mind_n christian_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v it_o put_v good_a thought_n into_o they_o when_o they_o see_v what_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n to_o review_v their_o past_a life_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v keep_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n it_o mind_v child_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v seldom_o at_o private_a baptism_n and_o be_v many_o time_n more_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n than_o with_o the_o best_a counsel_n it_o mind_v those_o who_o have_v be_v godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n what_o charge_v they_o have_v undertake_v which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o compliment_n to_o a_o friend_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n even_o a_o trust_n and_o a_o trust_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n a_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n of_o such_o child_n which_o may_v convince_v all_o consider_a man_n of_o what_o great_a use_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o all_o the_o awful_a and_o public_a solemnity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v huddle_v over_o in_o private_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o 5._o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o always_o administer_v baptism_n in_o public_a place_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o first_o indeed_o they_o baptize_v in_o river_n or_o pond_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v in_o jordan_n where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v baptize_v which_o make_v many_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v there_o also_o as_o eusebius_n report_v of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o it_o afterward_o they_o build_v font_n near_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o church-porch_n and_o at_o last_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o never_o allow_v of_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o to_o make_v the_o action_n more_o solemn_a they_o have_v public_a time_n for_o baptism_n which_o in_o most_o church_n be_v easter_n and_o whitsunday_n when_o all_o their_o catechuman_n who_o desire_v baptism_n and_o be_v judge_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o thus_o it_o continue_v in_o follow_v age_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rubric_n of_o our_o church_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n though_o it_o be_v not_o now_o confine_v to_o such_o certain_a time_n which_o allow_v of_o no_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n chap._n v._n concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n be_v that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a and_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n of_o what_o mighty_a concernment_n the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o youth_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o for_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o depend_v on_o it_o when_o child_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o atheism_n and_o debauchery_n in_o their_o ripe_a year_n unless_o they_o be_v tâ—ught_v to_o know_v and_o to_o fear_v god_n betimes_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n and_o wickedness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o atheism_n and_o lewdness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n have_v be_v as_o much_o owe_v to_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o parent_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n as_o to_o any_o one_o cause_n beside_o how_o many_o child_n have_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o other_o catechism_n than_o some_o flatter_a compliment_n modish_a oath_n and_o obscene_a talk_n how_o many_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o profane_a and_o impious_a jest_n and_o all_o the_o topic_n of_o irreligious_a wit_n and_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a proficient_n who_o be_v wicked_a above_o their_o age_n and_o can_v as_o pert_o and_o confident_o laugh_v down_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o study_a atheist_n other_o be_v not_o so_o industrious_a to_o corrupt_v youth_n but_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o better_o to_o possess_v their_o tender_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a if_o the_o ground_n been_v till_v and_o cultivate_v you_o can_v expect_v no_o good_a fruit_n but_o weed_n will_v grow_v of_o themselves_o other_o possible_o do_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o i_o only_o wish_v there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o these_o man_n we_o may_v then_o hope_v in_o time_n to_o see_v the_o world_n reform_v and_o religion_n grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o credit_v again_o at_o least_o the_o next_o generation_n may_v see_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v sow_v now_o but_o there_o be_v one_o great_a neglect_n of_o very_o mischievous_a consequence_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o great_a good_a till_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a catechise_v which_o may_v be_v sometime_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o be_v often_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o people_n who_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n nor_o to_o give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o presence_n and_o attendance_n that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o yet_o i_o can_v make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o for_o 1._o no_o man_n certain_o can_v think_v it_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n whether_o his_o child_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n must_v be_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n do_v amiss_o who_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o allurement_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n be_v conquer_v who_o understand_v not_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spiritual_a armour_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n without_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o which_o they_o can_v conquer_v such_o as_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o everlasting_a life_n after_o death_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v over_o these_o word_n without_o some_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v not_o work_v like_o spell_n or_o charm_n by_o the_o magical_a power_n or_o sound_v of_o word_n but_o as_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v as_o they_o convey_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o his_o faith_n who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o though_o hear_v sermon_n may_v help_v somewhat_o towards_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v so_o effectual_a as_o catechise_v for_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o instill_a
into_o they_o by_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n to_o understand_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o understand_v a_o sermon_n which_o common_o suppose_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o few_o man_n understand_v sermon_n or_o get_v any_o good_a by_o they_o be_v because_o they_o never_o well_o understand_v their_o catechism_n the_o want_n of_o this_o careful_a instruction_n of_o youth_n make_v they_o so_o unstable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n this_o make_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o sect_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v turn_v aside_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v take_v with_o every_o new_a phrase_n that_o they_o fall_v into_o such_o monstrous_a error_n so_o destructive_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o house_n shall_v stand_v which_o have_v no_o foundation_n so_o that_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o child_n and_o youth_n shall_v be_v careful_o instruct_v in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n 2._o i_o can_v suppose_v neither_o that_o any_o consider_v man_n shall_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o every_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n be_v concern_v in_o to_o instruct_v those_o who_o be_v under_o their_o care_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o if_o they_o think_v their_o minister_n able_a to_o instruct_v themselves_o they_o can_v but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o desire_v his_o assistance_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n they_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o man_n expert_a and_o skilful_a in_o several_a art_n to_o teach_v they_o those_o art_n which_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o have_v some_o skill_n themselves_o in_o they_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o such_o moment_n to_o they_o and_o nothing_o it_o may_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o religion_n it_o require_v great_a skill_n and_o such_o as_o every_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v not_o master_n of_o to_o fit_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n contain_v the_o high_a and_o most_o seraphical_a speculation_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v by_o any_o philosophy_n such_o as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v now_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o invest_v with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v 11._o both_o of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n on_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o when_o these_o earthly_a body_n shall_v die_v and_o rot_v in_o the_o grave_n they_o shall_v be_v raise_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n incorruptible_a and_o glorious_a these_o be_v great_a sublime_a stupendous_a mystery_n and_o it_o require_v no_o small_a skill_n to_o know_v how_o to_o teach_v such_o great_a and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n to_o child_n and_o youth_n that_o they_o may_v so_o by_o degree_n discover_v these_o mystery_n as_o neither_o to_o blind_a nor_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n with_o their_o brightness_n and_o lustre_n nor_o yet_o to_o remain_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o the_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o attain_v as_o some_o man_n imagine_v nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o know_v something_o himself_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o will_v earnest_o exhort_v you_o all_o to_o use_v the_o best_a skill_n you_o have_v to_o instruct_v your_o child_n and_o servant_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o public_a instruction_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v his_o religion_n think_v he_o discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o his_o private_a instruction_n of_o his_o family_n when_o he_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o public_a instruction_n 3._o for_o he_o must_v consider_v that_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n will_v permit_v they_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o his_o private_a care_n but_o to_o the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n or_o not_o to_o interpose_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v they_o submit_v to_o it_o be_v to_o withdraw_v their_o child_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o god_n no_o good_a man_n can_v with_o patience_n think_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n a_o degree_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n and_o very_o injurious_a to_o his_o child_n soul_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a blessing_n attend_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n prefer_v public_a before_o private_a worship_n and_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n than_o in_o the_o family_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o bless_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o his_o word_n before_o private_a counsel_n 4._o which_o may_v further_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o public_a catechise_v of_o child_n and_o youth_n be_v not_o needless_a whatever_o good_a instruction_n they_o may_v have_v at_o home_n for_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o god_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a bless_v public_a institution_n there_o be_v several_a advantage_n in_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v 1._o this_o will_v make_v they_o more_o careful_a to_o improve_v in_o knowledge_n when_o they_o know_v they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o such_o improvement_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o will_v be_v a_o emulation_n between_o youth_n who_o shall_v give_v the_o most_o manly_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o continue_v child_n in_o understanding_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n and_o emulation_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o when_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o such_o admirable_a advantage_n in_o this_o case_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o desire_v the_o improvement_n and_o increase_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o youth_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o regular_a admission_n to_o high_a act_n of_o communion_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v child_n ought_v not_o regular_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v and_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n understand_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o indeed_o the_o minister_n and_o bishop_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o private_a examination_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o congregation_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o minister_n but_o such_o young_a man_n will_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o more_o universal_a applause_n and_o sincere_a joy_n to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v such_o public_a testimony_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o another_o advantage_n be_v that_o this_o train_n up_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o a_o just_a respect_n
he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n legal_a wash_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o like_a and_o have_v only_o institute_v baptism_n as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n which_o can_v be_v think_v grievous_a and_o troublesome_a when_o it_o be_v administer_v but_o once_o to_o a_o man_n for_o his_o life_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o a_o stand_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o deny_v obedience_n to_o one_o easy_a command_n when_o our_o lord_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o such_o a_o grievous_a and_o unsupportable_a yoke_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o as_o much_o as_o man_n talk_v of_o christian_a liberty_n they_o little_o value_v that_o love_n which_o purchase_v it_o it_o at_o so_o dear_a rate_n other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v not_o whole_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o yet_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o communicate_v often_o so_o they_o do_v it_o some_o time_n though_o very_o seldom_o they_o comply_v with_o our_o saviour_n institution_n who_o have_v command_v we_o indeed_o to_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o have_v not_o appoint_v how_o often_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o fix_a and_o settle_a time_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o plain_a argument_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v this_o supper_n as_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n if_o he_o have_v intend_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v receive_v these_o mystery_n only_o on_o some_o set_n and_o solemn_a time_n he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o have_v appoint_v no_o time_n for_o it_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o expect_v from_o christian_n in_o all_o their_o public_a religious_a assembly_n when_o ever_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o thus_o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o never_o meet_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n but_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v part_n and_o always_o account_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n this_o be_v do_v every_o day_n as_o be_v general_o conclude_v from_o that_o short_a history_n we_o have_v of_o their_o daily_a conversation_n which_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n 46._o in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o eucharistical_a feast_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o custom_n of_o receive_v every_o day_n continue_v some_o age_n after_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n in_o st._n hierom_n time_n and_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n 2._o and_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n denounce_v excommunication_n against_o those_o christian_n who_o come_v to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o other_o religious_a office_n but_o go_v away_o without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n afterward_o as_o man_n zeal_n in_o religion_n decay_v so_o they_o abate_v in_o the_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n and_o from_o every_o day_n it_o come_v to_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o week_n or_o every_o lord_n day_n till_o it_o grow_v so_o dis-used_n that_o the_o church_n be_v force_v to_o make_v provision_n by_o her_o public_a canon_n that_o every_o christian_n shall_v at_o least_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n three_o time_n a_o year_n on_o the_o three_o great_a feast_n of_o the_o church_n christmas_n easter_n and_o whitsunday_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n confine_v it_o to_o no_o time_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o expound_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o understand_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n that_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o a_o excuse_n for_o communicate_v seldom_o that_o i_o want_v a_o fair_a apology_n to_o make_v for_o ourselves_o for_o communicate_v so_o seldom_o as_o once_o a_o month_n unless_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o age_n the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o that_o little_a sense_n man_n have_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v think_v a_o good_a apology_n 2._o for_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o as_o christ_n have_v institute_v this_o holy_a supper_n so_o he_o have_v institute_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n a_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n until_o he_o come_v and_o therefore_o be_v a_o mysterious_a rite_n of_o worship_n as_o all_o sacrifice_n be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o to_o explain_v this_o more_o particular_o though_o brief_o i_o shall_v consider_v this_o holy_a feast_n both_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o as_o it_o respect_v our_o saviour_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o so_o we_o may_v consider_v it_o as_o a_o thanksgiving_n or_o as_o a_o prayer_n 1._o as_o a_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a and_o unexpressible_a goodness_n in_o send_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n and_o offer_v he_o up_o as_o a_o expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n certain_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n which_o take_v pity_n on_o we_o in_o our_o low_a estate_n and_o provide_v a_o ransom_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o redeemer_n for_o we_o who_o so_o love_v the_o 16._o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o when_o so_o proper_a to_o do_v this_o as_o when_o we_o celebrate_v this_o holy_a feast_n when_o we_o commemorate_v the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o must_v needs_o affect_v our_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o stupid_a with_o a_o very_a passionate_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o proper_a sacrament_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n can_v we_o use_v than_o to_o present_v he_o with_o the_o memorial_n of_o his_o stupendous_a love_n to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o we_o retain_v a_o fresh_a sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o it_o that_o we_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n though_o it_o be_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o christ_n suffer_v and_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n you_o can_v more_v effectual_o praise_v any_o man_n than_o to_o show_v the_o visible_a remains_o and_o monument_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o charity_n as_o the_o widow_n weep_v show_v the_o coat_n and_o garment_n 39_o which_o dorcas_n make_v while_o she_o be_v with_o they_o thus_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o speak_v such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o behold_v lord_n here_o be_v the_o token_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o we_o thy_o own_o son_n bleed_v and_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n thy_o eternal_a son_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o who_o thy_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v die_v upon_o the_o cross_n a_o shameful_a accurse_a linger_a torment_a death_n scorn_v and_o reproach_v of_o man_n and_o forsake_v of_o god_n who_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o struggle_v with_o the_o fear_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n without_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a support_n which_o he_o now_o need_v most_o but_o least_o enjoy_v we_o will_v never_o forget_v such_o love_n as_o this_o we_o will_v perpetual_o celebrate_v this_o holy_a feast_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o memorial_n of_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o our_o father_n to_o his_o god_n and_o to_o our_o god_n 2._o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o sacrament_n of_o prayer_n for_o so_o the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n be_v always_o offer_v with_o prayer_n which_o be_v accept_v in_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o man_n can_v not_o every_o day_n attend_v the_o temple_n worship_n especial_o those_o who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o temple_n