we_o what_o they_o real_o be_v for_o among_o those_o saint_n be_v find_v strange_a immortality_n altogether_o contradictory_n to_o the_o sacredness_n of_o their_o vocation_n but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v christ_n love_v the_o church_n 25._o eph._n 5._o 25._o and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n i_o answer_v holiness_n in_o this_o place_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v mean_v a_o real_a and_o inward_a holiness_n but_o then_o by_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a complex_fw-la body_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o in_o this_o world_n be_v real_o though_o imperfect_o holy_a and_o be_v every_o day_n press_v forward_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o or_o else_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o future_a state_n when_o all_o the_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a member_n shall_v be_v by_o death_n and_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n that_o remain_v in_o it_o only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o some_o acceptable_a degree_n holy_a here_o and_o shall_v then_o be_v perfect_v in_o holiness_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o make_v two_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o donatist_n object_v one_o in_o which_o good_a and_o bad_a be_v mingle_v together_o and_o another_o in_o which_o there_o be_v good_a alone_o but_o only_o to_o assign_v two_o different_a state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n the_o one_o in_o this_o world_n compose_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a external_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o all_o by_o vocation_n and_o internal_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o some_o in_o it_o by_o sanctification_n the_o other_o in_o the_o next_o world_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o separation_n make_v betwixt_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o goat_n and_o all_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o complete_o happy_a this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o christ_n shall_v present_v to_o himself_o glorious_a not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n this_o being_n spuposed_a all_o that_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n 2._o that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o his_o continuance_n in_o some_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n he_o have_v forfeit_v that_o right_a and_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v for_o such_o behaviour_n actual_o exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n 3._o that_o some_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o communion_n through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o duâ—_n exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o it_o or_o the_o negligence_n and_o connivance_n of_o the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o it_o give_v no_o such_o cause_n to_o any_o to_o separate_a from_o she_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n etc._n etc._n this_o profession_n in_o grow_v and_o adult_a person_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o themselves_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o person_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v convert_v from_o the_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o jewish_a religion_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o with_o the_o eunuch_n 27._o act_n 8._o 27._o to_o declare_v their_o belief_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o infant_n and_o child_n not_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n by_o their_o parent_n and_o those_o who_o at_o the_o request_n of_o their_o parent_n do_v together_o with_o they_o undertake_v for_o they_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n have_v parent_n in_o their_o child_n so_o entire_a a_o affection_n and_o concern_v for_o their_o good_a and_o happiness_n so_o unquestionable_a a_o authority_n over_o they_o so_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a be_v all_o their_o reasonable_a command_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n will_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o at_o year_n of_o understanding_n take_v upon_o themselves_o what_o their_o parent_n and_o surety_n promise_v for_o they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o profession_n of_o faith_n make_v by_o other_o at_o their_o baptism_n in_o their_o behalf_n may_v in_o a_o favourable_a sense_n be_v reckon_v as_o make_v by_o themselves_o so_o god_n account_v it_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n esteem_v a_o holy_a seed_n and_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a admit_v by_o circumcision_n into_o the_o same_o church_n and_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v for_o admit_v child_n bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o circumcision_n be_v of_o that_o under_o the_o law_n now_o that_o this_o external_a profession_n without_o any_o far_a sign_n of_o save_a grace_n be_v ground_n sufficient_a for_o those_o with_o who_o god_n have_v entrust_v the_o key_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o admit_v person_n into_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o particular_n 1._o this_o be_v the_o qualification_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o founder_n of_o his_o church_n to_o he_o therefore_o do_v it_o appertain_v to_o appoint_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o admission_n into_o it_o and_o what_o these_o be_v we_o may_v learn_v from_o that_o commission_n he_o give_v his_o apostle_n when_o he_o send_v they_o out_o to_o gather_v a_o church_n under_o he_o viz._n the_o become_a his_o disciple_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o 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 teach_v all_o nation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disciple_n all_o nation_n now_o a_o disciple_n be_v proper_o one_o not_o that_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o the_o full_a 19_o mat._n 28._o 19_o knowledge_n and_o save_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o order_n to_o his_o being_n far_o teach_v the_o one_o and_o to_o have_v the_o other_o more_o thorough_o wrought_v in_o he_o whether_o man_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o whether_o this_o great_a privilege_n and_o blessing_n of_o church-membership_a will_v be_v effectual_a to_o produce_v in_o they_o that_o regeneration_n and_o new_a creature_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v know_v this_o their_o bare_a profession_n and_o desire_n be_v enough_o to_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o it_o and_o qualification_n for_o it_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n walk_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a even_o when_o they_o live_v with_o he_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v under_o his_o immediate_a direction_n the_o pharisee_n hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptise_a more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o do_v not_o baptise_v 2._o john_n 4._o 2._o but_o his_o disciple_n now_o if_o as_o it_o be_v fame_v abroad_o and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o text_n contradict_v jesus_n disciple_n baptise_a more_o than_o john_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o baptize_v more_o than_o be_v sincere_a when_o we_o read_v that_o so_o few_o not_o above_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o continue_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o 15._o act_n 1._o 15._o 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n afterward_o in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n nothing_o but_o a_o profess_a willingness_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o heart_n be_v require_v by_o they_o in_o order_n to_o it_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v st._n peter_n be_v word_n be_v baptize_v
3._o §._o 3._o know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o main_a thing_n he_o herein_o object_n against_o respect_v edification_n in_o handle_v of_o which_o he_o thus_o sum_v up_o my_o sense_n of_o it_o our_o author_n will_v not_o have_v we_o judge_v of_o edification_n from_o what_o most_o improve_v christian_n in_o 33._o case_n examine_v pag._n 33._o knowledge_n and_o grace_n but_o from_o what_o tend_v most_o to_o public_a order_n as_o if_o i_o speak_v of_o order_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o as_o exclusive_a of_o a_o christian_n improvement_n whereas_o i_o plain_o say_v and_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o asunder_o as_o together_o the_o meaning_n and_o design_n of_o what_o i_o say_v be_v to_o show_v that_o christian_n be_v to_o consider_v themselves_o as_o member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o not_o to_o think_v their_o own_o edification_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o it_o to_o this_o he_o say_v several_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a representation_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o proposition_n 1._o we_o must_v consider_v that_o edification_n be_v not_o the_o lay_v a_o foundation_n but_o a_o build_n upon_o it_o and_o so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o break_a order_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o edification_n as_o there_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o which_o will_v warrant_v and_o do_v oblige_v to_o the_o one_o will_v not_o warrant_v nor_o oblige_v to_o the_o other_o this_o will_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o what_o this_o reverend_a author_n confident_o assert_n we_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o man_n to_o keep_v up_o any_o such_o human_a 34._o pag._n 34._o bound_n of_o order_n ought_v to_o omit_v mean_n by_o which_o he_o may_v improve_v his_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o habit_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o assertion_n of_o his_o he_o make_v edification_n and_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n as_o necessary_a as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n 2._o we_o must_v consider_v as_o i_o then_o observe_v that_o order_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o edification_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o happen_v 36._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n p._n 36._o a_o dispute_n betwixt_o observe_v order_n and_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n or_o grace_n it_o be_v betwixt_o mean_n and_o mean_n betwixt_o what_o be_v for_o edification_n in_o one_o way_n and_o what_o be_v for_o it_o in_o another_o and_o not_o betwixt_o what_o be_v for_o and_o what_o 35._o case_n examine_v pag._n 35._o be_v against_o edification_n as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o understand_v 3._o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v a_o dispute_n betwixt_o mean_n and_o mean_n the_o less_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o great_a and_o what_o be_v most_o for_o edification_n be_v to_o yield_v to_o that_o which_o be_v least_o 4._o that_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o any_o particular_a member_n for_o what_o the_o less_o be_v to_o the_o great_a that_o be_v a_o member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o a_o person_n can_v serve_v and_o improve_v himself_o without_o damage_n to_o the_o public_a he_o be_v rather_o to_o sit_v down_o without_o that_o improvement_n than_o to_o do_v mischief_n to_o the_o community_n for_o the_o obtain_n it_o and_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v not_o without_o mean_n sufficient_a for_o salvation_n he_o be_v in_o that_o case_n to_o recede_v from_o some_o further_a attainment_n in_o do_v which_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n he_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n so_o that_o however_o our_o author_n may_v 18._o rom._n 14._o 18._o seem_v to_o shelter_v himself_o under_o the_o phrase_n of_o human_a order_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o no_o church_n can_v subsist_v without_o it_o and_o he_o 35._o case_n examine_v p._n 34._o 35._o that_o take_v away_o order_n take_v away_o the_o church_n and_o he_o that_o say_v a_o person_n ought_v to_o throw_v it_o down_o to_o improve_v his_o soul_n take_v away_o order_n he_o must_v pardon_v i_o if_o i_o think_v that_o he_o talk_v without_o consideration_n for_o he_o that_o talk_v of_o edification_n of_o particular_a soul_n in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o build_n they_o up_o as_o member_n of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o member_n of_o a_o church_n without_o be_v unite_v as_o a_o church_n or_o of_o a_o church_n without_o any_o mean_n to_o unite_v it_o do_v to_o return_v he_o his_o own_o word_n but_o discourse_n of_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o what_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a his_o own_o congregation_n if_o he_o have_v one_o shall_v at_o every_o turn_n put_v into_o practice_n of_o all_o which_o if_o this_o will_v not_o etc._n case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n p._n 41_o 42._o case_n of_o lay-commun_a p_o 39_o etc._n etc._n convince_v he_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o impartial_o to_o view_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n quote_v by_o himself_o from_o the_o apostle_n as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o controvert_v tract_n and_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o answer_v or_o have_v be_v since_o discourse_v of_o in_o another_o case_n the_o four_o enquiry_n in_o the_o tract_n aforesaid_a be_v how_o 4._o §._o 4._o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o which_o head_n i_o show_v what_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o authority_n whether_o ecclestiastical_a or_o civil_a in_o answer_n to_o which_o our_o author_n take_v up_o the_o case_n of_o 39_o case_n examine_v p._n 39_o imposition_n and_o propound_v two_o question_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v these_o q._n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n to_o determine_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o his_o people_n q._n 2._o whether_o in_o case_n they_o make_v any_o such_o law_n the_o people_n may_v without_o sin_n obey_v they_o as_o for_o the_o first_o he_o say_v there_o and_o elsewhere_o we_o 40._o pag._n 5._o 9_o 17._o 32._o 40._o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a worship_n thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o any_o human_a determination_n and_o again_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n no_o superior_n may_v restrain_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n we_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v in_o this_o first_o question_n for_o our_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v not_o so_o much_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o superior_n power_n in_o what_o case_n they_o may_v lawful_o command_v as_o in_o what_o we_o may_v lawful_o obey_v but_o yet_o because_o he_o have_v herein_o offer_v somewhat_o like_o a_o argument_n and_o because_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o will_v make_v way_n for_o the_o second_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o into_o consideration_n to_o render_v his_o argument_n the_o more_o complete_a i_o shall_v repair_v to_o a_o forego_v part_n of_o his_o book_n and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o he_o say_v here_o and_o he_o thus_o represent_v it_o we_o can_v be_v full_o of_o our_o brother_n mind_n that_o in_o the_o 9_o pag._n 9_o worship_n of_o god_n superior_n may_v determine_v circumstance_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n god_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o take_v a_o lamb_n or_o a_o kid_n turtle-dove_n or_o young-pigeon_n etc._n etc._n we_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a reasonable_a world_n whether_o moses_n after_o this_o may_v have_v make_v a_o law_n command_v the_o jew_n to_o use_v none_o but_o kid_n and_o only_a turtle-dove_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o controlment_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n if_o not_o let_v not_o our_o b._n think_v it_o strange_a if_o we_o judge_v the_o same_o of_o word_n in_o prayer_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o argument_n i_o find_v offer_v long_o since_o by_o dr._n ames_n 300._o ames_n ames_n ames_n fresh_a suit_n part_n 2._o p._n 300._o and_o which_o be_v so_o considerable_a in_o our_o author_n opinion_n that_o he_o often_o repeat_v it_o elsewhere_o 41._o elsewhere_o elsewhere_o elsewhere_o pag._n 17._o 30._o 32._o 39_o 41._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o one_a i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n under_o the_o law_n
only_o from_o partake_v in_o that_o ordinance_n and_o not_o in_o the_o rest_n but_o of_o that_o far_o by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o that_o some_o ceremony_n and_o particular_a determination_n of_o circumstance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n since_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o they_o that_o will_v have_v no_o ceremony_n can_v have_v no_o external_a worship_n this_o i_o think_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o the_o ceremony_n that_o be_v appoint_v in_o our_o church_n be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v significant_a superstitious_a and_o breach_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v endure_v these_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o few_o ceremony_n that_o be_v in_o use_n among_o we_o and_o these_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v first_o we_o be_v tell_v our_o ceremony_n be_v significant_a and_o why_o may_v not_o a_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v lawful_a be_v not_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o the_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o heaven_n signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n yes_o but_o ceremony_n that_o signify_v something_o natural_o may_v be_v permit_v but_o not_o those_o that_o signify_v by_o institution_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o solid_a reason_n or_o some_o plain_a scripture_n authority_n bring_v to_o make_v this_o difference_n good_a and_o here_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o every_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v a_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v downright_a popery_n to_o make_v more_o sacrament_n than_o god_n have_v make_v this_o i_o confess_v be_v very_o material_a if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v but_o we_o acknowledge_v nothing_o to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n but_o what_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o catech._n common_a prayer_n in_o the_o catech._n a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n give_v unto_o we_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a definition_n as_o it_o be_v own_v by_o we_o and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o their_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n then_o our_o ceremony_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o significant_a can_v be_v sacrament_n because_o they_o want_v so_o many_o necessary_a and_o essential_a condition_n that_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o sacrament_n they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a ordination_n and_o appointment_n they_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n to_o confer_v any_o grace_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o pledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v every_o significant_a ceremony_n to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o pleasant_a nor_o profitable_a to_o quarrel_v about_o word_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o the_o three_o ceremony_n and_o that_o be_v the_o cross_n at_o baptism_n that_o can_v be_v pretend_v baptism_n ibid._n in_o public_a baptism_n to_o be_v significant_a and_o that_o indeed_o be_v make_v in_o token_n that_o the_o party_n new_o baptise_a shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_a etc._n etc._n but_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v very_o ancient_o if_o not_o always_o use_v at_o baptism_n and_o upon_o several_a other_o occasion_n by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o defiance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o infidel_n and_o as_o we_o do_v it_o in_o token_n that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n our_o church_n in_o this_o do_v but_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o holy_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o that_o but_o at_o a_o distance_n too_o in_o do_v that_o but_o once_o which_o they_o repeat_v often_o and_o this_o can_v scarce_o be_v call_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o appoint_v to_o represent_v any_o thing_n unto_o we_o but_o only_o to_o remind_v we_o of_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v like_o the_o altar_n that_o be_v build_v by_o the_o child_n of_o reuben_n and_o gad_n and_o the_o half_a tribe_n of_o manasseh_n not_o for_o burnt-offering_a nor_o for_o sacrifice_n but_o 26._o josh_n 22._o 26._o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v the_o surplice_n be_v order_v to_o be_v wear_v to_o denote_v the_o innocency_n of_o life_n that_o do_v more_o especial_o become_v those_o that_o be_v particular_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o our_o church_n have_v declare_v but_o yet_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v that_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o let_v his_o thought_n expatiate_v into_o a_o pious_a and_o seasonable_a meditation_n and_o consider_v how_o incongruous_a it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v his_o inward_a part_n full_a of_o filthiness_n and_o corruption_n when_o his_o outside_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o clean_a white_a linen_n garment_n the_o sum_n be_v every_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v not_o a_o sacrament_n and_o none_o of_o we_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v significant_a represent_v symbolical_a but_o only_o commemorate_n or_o if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o call_v they_o so_o profess_v sign_n but_o though_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v sacrament_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v superstitious_a and_o that_o be_v objection_n enough_o against_o they_o and_o i_o confess_v that_o they_o may_v be_v superstitious_a but_o not_o in_o themselves_o for_o so_o they_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a but_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n or_o conceit_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o or_o use_v they_o not_o there_o may_v be_v superstition_n in_o the_o observe_v of_o these_o and_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o forbear_n superstition_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o groundless_a fancy_n attend_v sometime_o with_o a_o anxious_a fear_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o fond_a hope_n that_o god_n be_v please_v or_o displease_v with_o the_o bare_a performance_n or_o forbearance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o offend_v god_n in_o do_v of_o that_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v and_o he_o that_o imagine_v he_o shall_v please_v he_o by_o the_o observe_n of_o what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v be_v both_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o it_o may_v be_v equal_o superstitious_a and_o then_o the_o superstition_n that_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ceremony_n must_v lie_v on_o the_o part_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o think_v they_o shall_v sin_n in_o keep_v they_o though_o they_o general_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o not_o on_o we_o who_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o no_o otherwise_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o discipline_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v far_o urge_v by_o some_o that_o these_o ceremony_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n i_o need_v not_o enter_v upon_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v that_o the_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v a_o part_n though_o not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o be_v free_v from_o observe_v it_o as_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v voluntary_o observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_n consideration_n and_o impose_v some_o thing_n as_o the_o abstain_v 29._o act_n 15._o 29._o from_o blood_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v free_a because_o whatever_o they_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n they_o do_v it_o not_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o any_o necessary_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v it_o but_o upon_o other_o motive_n most_o common_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jewish_a convert_v and_o if_o some_o judaical_a rite_n may_v not_o only_o be_v observe_v but_o impose_v then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n may_v not_o be_v appoint_v now_o without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o infringement_n of_o that_o but_o only_o when_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o necessary_a by_o divine_a command_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o most_o scruple_v be_v as_o little_a liable_a to_o the_o objection_n that_o i_o have_v now_o answer_v as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v verâ—_n uncharitable_a and_o unjust_a to_o
proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o premise_v the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v those_o case_n which_o immediate_o respect_v church-communion_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n 2._o whether_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n case_n 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n case_n 1_o or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n now_o methinks_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o christian_n be_v baptise_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o renounce_v his_o membership_n by_o schism_n or_o infidelity_n or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n baptism_n incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o be_v frequent_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 12._o eph._n 5._o 23._o 4._o 12._o 4._o 4._o one_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v animate_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o this_o one_o body_n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o 18._o col._n 1._o 18._o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a 13._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o church_n communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o church-membership_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n contain_v both_o a_o right_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o actual_a communion_n he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v challenge_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n among_o which_o actual_a communion_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian-communion_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n which_o no_o man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v any_o right_n to_o and_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o church_n communion_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o religious_a assembly_n to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n to_o attend_v public_a instruction_n and_o to_o live_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o put_v this_o past_a all_o doubt_n that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o church-member_n i_o shall_v offer_v these_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o membership_n be_v bind_v to_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o all_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v a_o community_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o community_n in_o which_o every_o member_n may_v act_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o communication_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n as_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n to_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o he_o can_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n for_o all_o member_n and_o either_o all_o or_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o actual_a communion_n but_o this_o be_v more_o absurd_a still_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n as_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o member_n of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n without_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o its_o member_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v christ_n appoint_v such_o variety_n of_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n evangelist_n 12._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o institute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o god_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o adminster_n the_o christian_a sacrament_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o nay_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v learn_v better_a than_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n of_o who_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o 41._o act_n 2._o 41._o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o christian_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o prayer_n of_o church-member_n yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o offer_v these_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n if_o then_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n authorize_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n join_v in_o the_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o we_o can_v celebrate_v this_o feast_n but_o in_o church-communion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n which_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v administer_v by_o consecrate_a person_n and_o in_o church-communion_n for_o it_o lose_v its_o nature_n and_o signification_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o private_a mass_n so_o that_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o true_a christian_a worship_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o we_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v exercise_v only_o about_o church-communion_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o
thing_n and_o somewhat_o favour_v by_o scripture_n and_o by_o experience_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o such_o convenience_n advantage_n and_o security_n to_o religion_n that_o mr._n baxter_n have_v more_o than_o once_o say_v 36._o say_v say_v say_v mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n epist_n serm._n on_o gal._n 6._o 10._o p._n 24._o defence_n p._n 21._o par_fw-fr 1._o p._n 36._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o that_o will_v preserve_v religion_n here_o in_o its_o due_a advantage_n must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o soundness_n concord_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o parish-church_n and_o mr._n corbet_n say_v 26._o say_v say_v say_v mr._n corbet_n account_n of_o the_o principle_n etc._n etc._n of_o several_a nonconformist_n p._n 26._o that_o the_o nullify_n and_o tread_v down_o the_o parish-church_n be_v a_o popish_a design_n but_o whatever_o opinion_n other_o may_v have_v of_o that_o form_n yet_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n and_o another_o agree_v that_o the_o church_n so_o call_v be_v or_o may_v be_v true_a church_n this_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n thus_o say_v a_o late_a 103._o late_a late_a late_a troughton_n apol._n p._n 103._o writer_n who_o though_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o national_a church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n yet_o do_v admit_v as_o he_o needs_o must_v at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o several_a parish_n or_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o be_v true_a church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o such_o intolerable_a corruption_n as_o that_o all_o christian_n shall_v fly_v from_o they_o and_o even_o those_o that_o be_v in_o other_o respect_v opposite_a enough_o to_o the_o church_n do_v so_o declare_v it_o be_v say_v mr._n baxter_n the_o parish_n church_n that_o have_v the_o liturgy_n 49._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 178._o v._o letter_n of_o minister_n of_o old_a england_n to_o new_a p._n 49._o which_o mr._n h._n jacob_n the_o father_n of_o the_o congregational_a party_n write_v for_o communion_n with_o against_o fr._n johnson_n and_o in_o respect_n to_o which_o he_o call_v they_o separatist_n against_o who_o he_o write_v the_o same_o i_o may_v say_v of_o mr._n bradshaw_n dr._n ames_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n who_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n think_v be_v favourable_a to_o their_o way_n and_o if_o you_o will_v hearken_v to_o the_o abovesaid_a apologist_n he_o say_v again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o general_a sense_n â—17_n apol._n c._n 4._o p._n â—17_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v that_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n general_o be_v true_a church_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o people_n be_v christian_n and_o as_o to_o the_o form_n their_o minister_n be_v true_a minister_n such_o as_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v degrade_v but_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n i_o shall_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o congregational_a way_n as_o for_o those_o of_o new-england_n mr._n baxter_n do_v say_v that_o 177._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2_o p._n 177._o their_o own_o expression_n signify_v that_o they_o take_v the_o english_a parish_n that_o have_v godly_a minister_n for_o true_a church_n though_o faulty_a mr._n cotton_n profess_v that_o robinson_n denial_n of_o 8._o way_n clear_v p._n 8._o the_o parishional_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v never_o receive_v into_o any_o heart_n among_o they_o and_o otherwhere_o say_v we_o dare_v not_o deny_v to_o bless_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o 1641._o his_o letter_n p._n 3._o print_v 1641._o and_o the_o pape_n that_o give_v we_o suck_v the_o five_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v declare_v 47._o declare_v declare_v declare_v apologet._n narr_n v._o hooker_n survey_n pref._n and_o part_n 1._o p._n 47._o we_o have_v this_o sincere_a profession_n to_o make_v before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o defilement_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n do_v never_o work_v in_o we_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o multitude_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parochial_a congregation_n thereof_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o dr._n t._n goodwin_n 489._o on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 477_o 488_o 489._o do_v condemn_v it_o as_o a_o error_n in_o those_o who_o hold_v particular_a church_n those_o you_o call_v parish-church_n to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n and_o upon_o that_o ground_n forbear_v all_o church-communion_n with_o they_o in_o hear_v or_o in_o any_o other_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n and_o say_v i_o acquit_v myself_o before_o from_o this_o and_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a church_n but_o have_v be_v also_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o valuable_a in_o the_o world_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n itself_o or_o those_o that_o minister_n in_o it_o the_o church_n itself_o of_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o modest_a confutation_n thus_o write_v all_o the_o know_a 6._o pag._n 6._o church_n in_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v our_o church_n for_o their_o sister_n and_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n dr._n goodwin_n say_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o ibid._n ibid._n church_n so_o state_v i._n e._n parish-church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n true_a minister_n and_o their_o order_n such_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o too_o in_o the_o sense_n speak_v of_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v no_o church_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v all_o as_o full_a of_o mixture_n as_o we_o and_o mr._n j._n goodwin_n say_v visit_v zion_n college_n visit_v that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n under_o the_o late_a prelatical_a government_n than_o in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o character_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v then_o mr._n bradshaw_n 97._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separate_a p._n 97._o give_v it_o our_o church_n be_v not_o inferior_a for_o number_n of_o able_a man_n yea_o and_o painful_a minister_n to_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o foreign_a part_n etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o the_o number_n of_o such_o be_v much_o advance_v since_o his_o time_n but_o i_o can_v say_v more_o of_o this_o subject_a than_o i_o find_v in_o a_o page_n or_o two_o of_o a_o author_n i_o must_v frequent_o 263._o mr._n baxter_n cure_n of_o church_n division_n dir._n 56._o p._n 263._o use_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v only_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o church_n true_a church_n the_o ministry_n a_o true_a ministry_n the_o doctrine_n sound_n and_o orthodox_n the_o worship_n in_o the_o main_a good_a and_o allowable_a and_o the_o defect_n such_o as_o render_v not_o the_o ordinance_n unacceptable_a to_o god_n and_o ineffectual_a to_o we_o i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o say_v towards_o the_o prove_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n lawful_a and_o to_o justify_v those_o that_o do_v join_v in_o it_o which_o bring_v to_o the_o second_o general_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v ii_o what_o opinion_n the_o sober_a and_o eminent_a nonconformist_n ii_o sect._n ii_o have_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o they_o general_o hold_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o must_v be_v own_a by_o all_o they_o that_o hold_v she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o to_o own_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o to_o separate_v total_o from_o it_o will_v be_v to_o own_o and_o disow_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o say_v the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n thus_o to_o 47._o paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 47._o depart_v from_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o such_o but_o rather_o by_o depart_v to_o declare_v they_o not_o to_o be_v such_o and_o say_v mr._n baxter_n nothing_o will_v 464._o reason_n for_o the_o christian_a relig._n p._n 464._o warrant_v we_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n as_o no_o church_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o case_n in_o total_a separation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o
unlawful_a and_o upon_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o they_o agree_v such_o communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o meet_a when_o it_o will_v not_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a that_o be_v they_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o 2._o they_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v further_o from_o such_o a_o true_a church_n than_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o separate_v for_o be_v unlawful_a or_o be_v conceive_v so_o to_o be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o do_v what_o lawful_o they_o may_v towards_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o they_o declare_v 182._o declare_v declare_v declare_v burrough_n irenic_n p._n 182._o that_o to_o join_v in_o nothing_o because_o they_o can_v join_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o divide_v practice_n and_o not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v do_v in_o that_o case_n be_v schism_n for_o then_o the_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a 32._o unjust_a unjust_a unjust_a vindication_n of_o presbyter_n governm_fw-la brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 16_o 32._o therefore_o if_o the_o ministerial_a communion_n be_v think_v unlawful_a and_o the_o lay-communion_n lawful_a the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o former_a do_v not_o bar_v a_o person_n from_o join_v in_o the_o latter_a the_o deny_v of_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n do_v not_o gainsay_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o partake_v in_o that_o worship_n it_o be_v sound_n for_o the_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a etc._n etc._n 2._o etc._n etc._n etc._n corbet_n plea_n for_o lay-communion_n etc._n etc._n p._n 2._o as_o a_o judicious_a person_n have_v observe_v this_o be_v the_o case_n general_o of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n who_o notwithstanding_o their_o exclusion_n from_o their_o public_a ministry_n hold_v full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o good_a hand_n that_o as_o 121._o irenicum_fw-la by_o discipulus_fw-la de_fw-la tempore_fw-la junior_fw-la alius_fw-la m._n newcomen_fw-mi epist_n to_o the_o reader_n friendly_a trial_n c._n 7._o p._n 121._o heretofore_o mr._n parker_n mr._n knewstubs_n mr._n vdal_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o many_o score_n suspend_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n reign_n so_o also_o of_o late_a time_n mr._n dod_n mr._n cleaver_n etc._n etc._n be_v utter_o against_o even_a semi-separation_n i._n e._n against_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o it_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o by_o mr._n ball_n they_o have_v evermore_o condemn_v voluntary_a separation_n from_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n or_o negligent_a frequent_v of_o those_o public_a prayer_n and_o 224._o and_o and_o and_o hildersham_n lect_v on_o john_n r._n rogers_n 7_o treatise_n tr._n 7._o c._n 4._o p._n 224._o some_o of_o they_o earnest_o press_v the_o people_n to_o prefer_v the_o public_a service_n before_o the_o private_a and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n as_o a_o help_n to_o stir_v up_o god_n grace_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o do_v both_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o exhort_v other_o so_o to_o do_v as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v 2._o again_o if_o in_o lay-communion_n any_o thing_n be_v think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v no_o reason_n against_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a nonconformist_n in_o the_o last_o age_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 135._o vindicat._n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la govern._n p._n 135._o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o can_v not_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v without_o sin_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o separate_v from_o she_o indeed_o in_o that_o particular_a act_n they_o withdraw_v but_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o the_o rest_n and_o thus_o much_o be_v own_v by_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n as_o one_o declare_v the_o church_n of_o england_n 30._o jerubbaal_n p._n 28_o 30._o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o she_o be_v unwarrantable_a therefore_o communion_n with_o she_o in_o all_o part_n of_o real_a solemn_a worship_n wherein_o i_o may_v join_v with_o she_o without_o either_o let_v or_o sin_n be_v a_o duty_n so_o another_o say_v of_o they_o 107._o throughton_n apol._n p._n 107._o they_o be_v ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o return_v to_o a_o full_a union_n with_o the_o parish_n when_o ever_o the_o obstacle_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o again_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o parish_n not_o only_o in_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o think_v they_o can_v lawful_o do_v it_o this_o those_o of_o the_o congregational-way_n do_v also_o accord_v to_o that_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o only_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o which_o case_n they_o also_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o 14._o mr._n nye'_v case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 4_o and_o 5._o mr._n read_z case_n p._n 14._o also_o as_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o therefore_o plead_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v the_o establish_a ministry_n and_o undertake_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o it_o whether_o take_v from_o the_o minister_n ordination_n 25._o ordination_n ordination_n ordination_n burrough_n irenic_n p._n 183._o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v the_o public_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nye'_v case_n p._n 24_o 25._o or_o life_n or_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v minister_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v find_v they_o in_o mr._n robinson_n plea_n for_o it_o of_o old_a and_o mr._n nye'_v of_o late_a as_o they_o be_v print_v together_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o thus_o conclude_v in_o most_o of_o the_o misperswasion_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n by_o which_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v corrupt_v i_o find_v in_o whatsoever_o they_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o yet_o in_o this_o they_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o hear_v in_o public_a which_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v one_o constant_a design_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o way_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o jesuit_n among_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v the_o more_o aware_a of_o whatsoever_o tend_v that_o way_n of_o this_o opinion_n also_o be_v mr._n tomb_n though_o he_o continue_v 319._o theodulia_n or_o a_o just_a defence_n of_o hear_v etc._n etc._n c._n 10._o §_o 15._o p._n 369._o c._n 9_o §_o 8._o p._n 319._o a_o anabaptist_n who_o have_v write_v a_o whole_a book_n to_o defend_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n and_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o the_o work_n have_v give_v forty_o additional_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o he_o write_v against_o do_v affirm_v sure_o if_o the_o church_n be_v call_v mount_n zion_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o assembly_n of_o england_n may_v be_v call_v zion_n christ_n candlestick_n and_o garden_n as_o well_o as_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o what_o mr._n robinson_n say_v in_o this_o case_n viz._n for_o myself_o thus_o ult_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v etc._n etc._n p._n ult_n i_o believe_v with_o my_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o profess_v with_o my_o tongue_n and_o have_v before_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n spirit_n baptism_n and_o lord_n which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o none_o other_o that_o i_o esteem_v so_o many_o in_o that_o church_n of_o what_o state_n or_o order_n soever_o as_o be_v true_o partaker_n of_o that_o faith_n as_o i_o account_v thousand_o to_o be_v for_o my_o christian_a brethren_n and_o myself_o a_o fellow-member_n with_o they_o of_o that_o one_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n scatter_v far_o and_o wide_o throughout_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v always_o in_o spirit_n and_o affection_n all_o christian_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_o most_o ready_a in_o all_o outward_a action_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n lawful_a and_o lawful_o do_v to_o express_v the_o same_o and_o withal_o that_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o preach_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o upon_o the_o ground_n former_o mention_v both_o lawful_a and_o upon_o occasion_n necessary_a for_o i_o and_o all_o true_a christian_n withdraw_v from_o that_o hierarchical_a order_n of_o church-government_n and_o ministry_n and_o the_o unite_n in_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n thus_o far_o he_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o
they_o may_v not_o lawful_o join_v together_o with_o who_o shall_v the_o faithful_a join_v at_o all_o be_v not_o this_o to_o fill_v the_o conscience_n with_o scruple_n and_o the_o church_n with_o rent_n such_o as_o these_o must_v if_o they_o will_v be_v true_a 95._o sacriâ—eg_fw-mi defer_v p._n 95._o to_o their_o own_o principle_n renounce_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v like_o those_o that_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o he_o 47._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 47._o know_v that_o never_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n nor_o ever_o public_o hear_v or_o pray_v or_o worship_n god_n at_o all_o because_o they_o think_v all_o your_o way_n which_o he_o direct_v to_o mr._n bagshaw_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v bad_a with_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o any_o communion_n so_o much_o mr._n burrough_n do_v maintain_v there_o will_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o church-fellowship_n 163._o irenic_n c._n 23._o p._n 163._o if_o this_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n for_o corruption_n in_o it_o be_v admit_v for_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o have_v all_o thing_n so_o comfortable_a but_o within_o a_o while_n another_o church_n will_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o comfortable_a there_o upon_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o this_o do_v mr._n r._n allein_a ground_n his_o last_o advice_n to_o his_o parishioner_n destroy_v 127._o godly_a man_n portion_n p._n 127._o not_o say_v he_o all_o communion_n by_o seek_v after_o a_o pure_a church_n than_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v according_a to_o this_o principle_n no_v communion_n at_o all_o if_o not_o in_o all_o where_n shall_v we_o rest_v in_o all_o society_n something_o will_v offend_v with_o this_o last_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n union_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n so_o mr._n baines_n a_o person_n of_o 297._o comment_fw-fr on_o â—phes_n c._n 2._o 15._o p._n 297._o great_a experience_n this_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n reprove_v such_o as_o make_v a_o secession_n or_o departure_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n our_o visible_a assembly_n either_o upon_o dislike_n of_o some_o disorder_n in_o administration_n ecclesiastical_a or_o disallow_v form_n and_o manner_n of_o procure_v thing_n which_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o full_a compliment_n and_o perfection_n require_v this_o be_v not_o in_o my_o conceit_n so_o much_o to_o reform_v as_o to_o deform_v to_o massacre_v the_o body_n and_o divide_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n and_o will_v end_v in_o the_o dissolution_n 171._o morton_n memorial_n p._n 78_o etc._n etc._n mr._n baxter_n def._n of_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 171._o of_o all_o church-communion_n if_o it_o be_v follow_v as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n r._n williams_n of_o new-england_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o great_a purity_n separate_v so_o long_o that_o he_o own_v no_o church_n nor_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o his_o motion_n the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o dissolve_a themselves_o as_o we_o have_v the_o account_n from_o thence_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o avoid_v according_a to_o the_o prudent_a advice_n in_o a_o book_n above-cited_n doctrine_n cry_v up_o purity_n to_o the_o 371._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 14._o p._n 371._o ruin_n of_o unity_n reject_v for_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o unity_n as_o well_o as_o purity_n five_o they_o argue_v that_o to_o separate_v upon_o such_o arg._n 5_o a_o account_n be_v not_o at_o all_o warrant_v in_o scripture_n thus_o mr._n cawdrey_n it_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o christ_n impose_v no_o 192._o independ_v a._n schism_n p._n 192._o privilege_n of_o his_o purchase_n either_o to_o deprive_v a_o man_n self_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n right_o constitute_v for_o want_v of_o some_o reformation_n in_o light_a matter_n say_v mr._n blake_n 228._o vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 228._o we_o read_v not_o of_o separation_n in_o his_o way_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n approve_v nor_o any_o precedent_n to_o go_v before_o we_o in_o it_o we_o read_v a_o heavy_a brand_n lay_v upon_o it_o judas_n 19_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n so_o the_o congregation_n in_o new-england_n declare_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o 8._o platform_n of_o discipline_n in_o new-england_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o corinth_n wherein_o be_v many_o unworthy_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v never_o command_v to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o same_o therefore_o the_o godly_a in_o like_a case_n be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v infer_v be_v not_o to_o separate_v for_o so_o much_o must_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n if_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o this_o be_v according_o infer_v by_o mr._n noyes_n for_o brethren_n to_o separate_v from_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o church_n and_o church-ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n in_o heresy_n or_o profaneness_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n unto_o who_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n tomb_n separation_n 48._o theodulia_n answ_n to_o pref._n §_o 25._o p._n 48._o from_o a_o church_n somewhat_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a in_o worship_n or_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n be_v utter_o dissonant_n from_o any_o of_o the_o rule_n or_o example_n which_o either_o of_o old_a the_o prophet_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v prescribe_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o fault_n of_o pride_n or_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o tend_v to_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n sixthly_a they_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n arg._n 6_o for_o separation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corruption_n because_o a_o person_n may_v communicate_v in_o the_o worship_n without_o partake_v in_o those_o corruption_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n at_o the_o savoy-conference_n 35._o confer_v savoy_n p._n 12_o 13._o mr._n baxter_n defence_n of_o the_o cure_n p._n 34_o 35._o that_o not_o only_o the_o hear_n but_o the_o read_v a_o defective_a liturgy_n be_v lawful_a to_o he_o that_o by_o violence_n be_v necessitate_v to_o offer_v up_o that_o or_o none_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o thus_o separate_v the_o substance_n from_o the_o circumstantial_a defect_n in_o the_o ministerial_a use_n of_o such_o worship_n much_o more_o may_v this_o be_v suppose_v to_o to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o only_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o to_o give_v a_o explicit_a consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n use_v in_o it_o 1._o this_o separation_n of_o the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a in_o divine_a worship_n they_o grant_v possible_a so_o mr._n ball_n if_o 308._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n p._n 308._o some_o thing_n human_a be_v mix_v with_o divine_a a_o sound_n christian_n must_v separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o not_o cast_v away_o what_o be_v of_o god_n as_o a_o nullity_n fruitless_a unprofitable_a defile_v because_o somewhat_o of_o man_n be_v annex_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o body_n we_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o substance_n and_o the_o sickness_n which_o cleave_v unto_o it_o betwixt_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o part_n or_o member_n and_o some_o bunch_n or_o swelling_n which_o be_v a_o deformity_n but_o destroy_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o part_n or_o member_n etc._n etc._n so_o mr._n calamy_n it_o be_v 7._o door_n of_o truth_n open_v p._n 7._o one_o thing_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a from_o pollution_n another_o to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n 2._o they_o grant_v that_o what_o be_v faulty_a and_o a_o sin_n in_o worship_n be_v no_o sin_n to_o we_o when_o we_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o it_o so_o mr._n corbet_n my_o 6._o nonconformist_n plea_n &c_n &c_n p._n 6._o partake_n in_o any_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a for_o the_o matter_n and_o allowable_a or_o passable_a in_o the_o mode_n for_o the_o main_a do_v not_o involve_v i_o in_o the_o blame_n of_o some_o sinful_a defect_n therein_o to_o which_o i_o consent_v not_o and_o which_o i_o can_v redress_v so_o another_o in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n while_o all_o necessary_a fundamental_a truth_n be_v 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o public_o profess_v and_o maintain_v in_o a_o church_n be_v teach_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a
upon_o that_o as_o sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o contention_n and_o debate_n that_o whatever_o may_v be_v plausible_o urge_v against_o it_o from_o the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o the_o representation_n even_o of_o angel_n adore_v after_o that_o manner_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o a_o signification_n of_o shame_n and_o reverence_n or_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o idolator_n that_o dâ—d_v many_o of_o they_o worship_n uncover_v yet_o he_o peremptory_o conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n about_o it_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o coustom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n for_o in_o public_a case_n a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o go_v his_o own_o way_n or_o to_o have_v his_o own_o mind_n for_o that_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n one_o man_n have_v as_o much_o a_o right_a as_o another_o there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v some_o common_a order_n and_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o if_o confusion_n be_v before_o such_o establishment_n then_o to_o break_v that_o establishment_n will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n and_o where_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o ensue_v it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o new_a experiment_n to_o decry_v and_o throw_v down_o what_o be_v already_o establish_v or_o use_v in_o a_o church_n because_o we_o think_v better_o of_o another_o for_o say_v a_o grave_a author_n and_o well_o skill_v in_o these_o matter_n the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v 118._o aug._n epist_n 118._o happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n public_a peace_n be_v worth_a all_o new_a offer_n if_o the_o church_n be_v disquiet_v and_o its_o peace_n endanger_v by_o they_o though_o in_o themselves_o better_a and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o labour_v under_o the_o infirmity_n of_o public_a order_n than_o the_o mischief_n of_o be_v without_o it_o or_o what_o be_v next_o to_o that_o the_o trial_n of_o some_o form_n seem_o of_o a_o better_a cast_n and_o mould_n that_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v experiment_v i_o say_v it_o again_o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n or_o destruction_n which_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o i_o have_v rather_o choose_v that_o as_o i_o will_v a_o house_n to_o have_v one_o with_o some_o fault_n rather_o than_o to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o i_o can_v have_v they_o mend_v when_o tolerable_a i_o think_v myself_o bind_v not_o only_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o but_o to_o do_v all_o i_o can_v for_o its_o preservation_n though_o with_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a for_o its_o support_n and_o encouragement_n in_o do_v thus_o i_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o church_n my_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o promote_v religion_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o church_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o what_o the_o gospel_n look_v as_o be_v the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o these_o be_v secure_v we_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o contend_v for_o or_o against_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n further_o than_o the_o church_n order_n and_o peace_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_a speak_v of_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o 16._o rom._n 14._o 16._o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o promote_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o substantial_a righteousness_n he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v within_o 86._o aug._n epist_n 86._o say_v st._n austin_n and_o all_o its_o observation_n be_v but_o its_o vesture_n which_o though_o various_a in_o different_a church_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o common_a faith_n nor_o to_o he_o that_o use_v they_o and_o therefore_o what_o he_o and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n and_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o divine_a oracle_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n 86._o epist_n 118._o &_o 86._o it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_a to_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v thus_o take_v into_o consideration_n by_o a_o good_a man_n then_o certain_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o be_v when_o that_o be_v establish_v and_o be_v make_v a_o law_n and_o be_v back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n and_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o gratify_a our_o own_o inclination_n against_o public_a order_n be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v whether_o our_o will_n or_o the_o public_a good_a and_o order_n must_v take_v place_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o the_o distraction_n if_o not_o dissolution_n of_o government_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v without_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o governor_n so_o can_v be_v preserve_v without_o the_o submission_n of_o the_o govern_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n to_o the_o gevernour_n and_o the_o permit_v they_o to_o choose_v and_o determine_v in_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_a as_o they_o shall_v see_v meet_a it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n vndetermine_v in_o scripture_n and_o such_o thing_n indeed_o there_o be_v that_o christian_n may_v have_v a_o liberty_n in_o and_o yet_o hold_v communion_n as_o in_o posture_n etc._n etc._n though_o decency_n will_v plead_v for_o uniformity_n in_o those_o thing_n also_o but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a worship_n or_o christian_a communion_n which_o yet_o they_o differ_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o as_o now_o whether_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n whether_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o morning_n or_o evening_n whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a etc._n etc._n now_o unless_o one_o of_o these_o disagree_a party_n do_v yield_v to_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o superior_n and_o guide_n to_o determine_v for_o they_o and_o they_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o it_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o why_o superior_n may_v not_o then_o command_v and_o why_o inferior_n be_v not_o to_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n in_o posture_n or_o habit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o time_n above_o specify_v and_o form_n i_o understand_v not_o to_o conlude_v this_o if_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n require_v or_o general_o practise_v in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n omit_v or_o forbid_v in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v not_o require_v in_o scripture_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o act_n or_o to_o forbear_v as_o they_o that_o be_v of_o its_o communion_n do_v general_o act_n or_o forbear_v or_o the_o law_n of_o that_o communion_n require_v and_o in_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o public_a voice_n of_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v authority_n custom_n or_o the_o majority_n but_o to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v if_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v determine_v object_n in_o our_o practice_n then_o where_o be_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v only_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o liberty_n which_o yet_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o 1._o gal._n 5._o 1._o 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v
to_o give_v a_o brief_a state_n of_o it_o according_a as_o it_o be_v put_v and_o urge_v by_o our_o brethren_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n then_o they_o mean_v a_o ability_n to_o express_v our_o mind_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o in_o word_n befit_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o ability_n say_v they_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o his_o minister_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o god_n to_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o common_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o people_n and_o therefore_o since_o god_n say_v they_o have_v give_v we_o this_o gift_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a devotion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o it_o by_o use_v public_a form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n now_o before_o i_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v brief_o premise_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o clergy_n only_o and_o not_o the_o laity_n for_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o minister_n to_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n to_o express_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o congregation_n what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o people_n be_v they_o accountable_a for_o their_o minister_n fault_n or_o will_v god_n reject_v their_o sincere_a devotion_n because_o the_o person_n that_o utter_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sinful_a omission_n if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o they_o to_o join_v in_o any_o public_a prayer_n at_o all_o whether_o they_o be_v form_n or_o extemporary_a they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o accountable_a for_o the_o nonsense_n impertinence_n and_o irreverence_n of_o their_o minister_n in_o the_o latter_a as_o for_o their_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o the_o former_a if_o therefore_o this_o omission_n be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o minister_n as_o for_o the_o people_n they_o join_v with_o he_o indeed_o in_o offer_v up_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o form_n he_o pronounce_v but_o they_o join_v not_o with_o he_o in_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ability_n that_o be_v his_o own_o proper_a act_n and_o deed_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v he_o and_o he_o only_o that_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o and_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o join_v with_o he_o be_v good_a and_o express_v in_o decent_a and_o suitable_a word_n they_o join_v with_o he_o in_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o because_o he_o neglect_v to_o express_v their_o desire_n in_o word_n of_o his_o own_o composure_n and_o invention_n 2._o i_o shall_v also_o premise_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o though_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o a_o state_v liturgy_n yet_o be_v not_o hereby_o restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o public_a prayer_n for_o after_o they_o have_v finish_v the_o service_n appoint_v in_o the_o liturgy_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o use_v their_o own_o conceive_a prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n in_o which_o they_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o the_o dissent_v minister_n can_v claim_v or_o pretend_v to_o that_o be_v to_o express_v in_o their_o own_o word_n all_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n with_o all_o the_o sobriety_n affection_n and_o seriousness_n they_o be_v able_a and_o a_o long_a and_o unrestrained_a permission_n of_o our_o governor_n though_o it_o be_v against_o law_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o allowance_n until_o they_o reinforce_v the_o law_n upon_o our_o party_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v the_o conceive_a prayer_n which_o we_o general_o use_v to_o be_v express_o allow_v in_o our_o 55th_o canon_n which_o direct_v that_o before_o all_o sermon_n lecture_n and_o homily_n the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n shall_v move_v the_o people_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o prayer_n in_o this_o form_n or_o to_o this_o effect_n as_o brief_o as_o convenient_o they_o may_v now_o that_o to_o this_o effect_n as_o it_o stand_v oppose_v to_o this_o form_n be_v mean_v some_o prayer_n of_o our_o own_o compose_v to_o this_o purpose_n seem_v in_o their_o opinion_n very_o probable_a from_o what_o be_v general_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n which_o in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v the_o best_a explication_n of_o her_o meaning_n since_o therefore_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o gift_n of_o prayer_n but_o leave_v we_o free_a to_o exert_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o be_v with_o convenient_a brevity_n i_o see_v not_o how_o this_o case_n can_v concern_v our_o clergy_n for_o if_o the_o evil_a of_o form_n consist_v in_o the_o minister_n omission_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n as_o this_o case_n suppose_v than_o where_o the_o use_n of_o form_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o this_o omission_n but_o leave_v we_o as_o free_a to_o exercise_v this_o gift_n as_o those_o be_v who_o use_v no_o form_n at_o all_o the_o suppose_a evil_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o have_v premise_v these_o thing_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o this_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n or_o ability_n to_o express_v in_o our_o own_o word_n the_o common_a devotion_n of_o our_o congregation_n to_o god_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v it_o be_v true_a if_o we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o in_o their_o admission_n to_o holy_a order_n god_n do_v inspire_v his_o minister_n with_o this_o ability_n we_o may_v thence_o more_o plausible_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v ordinary_o exercise_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o neglect_v or_o omit_v it_o by_o use_v form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o god_n shall_v inspire_v they_o with_o a_o ability_n which_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o but_o of_o god_n inspire_v we_o in_o our_o ordination_n with_o this_o gift_n or_o ability_n we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o promise_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n upon_o which_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v it_o but_o in_o fact_n we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o such_o matter_n among_o we_o for_o not_o only_o we_o but_o the_o dissent_v minister_n must_v own_v if_o they_o will_v speak_v ingenuous_o that_o just_a before_o their_o ordination_n they_o be_v as_o able_a to_o express_v the_o devotion_n of_o a_o congregation_n as_o they_o be_v just_a after_o which_o show_v that_o they_o have_v no_o new_a ability_n to_o pray_v inspire_v in_o their_o ordination_n and_o as_o yet_o i_o can_v never_o find_v any_o proof_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o experience_n that_o this_o ability_n to_o pray_v in_o word_n of_o our_o own_o composure_n have_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o it_o than_o a_o promptness_n of_o invention_n and_o speech_n which_o some_o man_n have_v by_o nature_n and_o which_o other_o have_v acquire_v by_o art_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o so_o this_o ability_n be_v no_o otherwise_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n than_o our_o natural_a strength_n and_o vigour_n or_o our_o skill_n in_o language_n and_o history_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o after_o all_o this_o talk_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v suppose_v ordinary_o at_o least_o to_o be_v confer_v on_o right_o ordain_v minister_n our_o brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v one_o promise_n wherein_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o confer_v it_o no_o nor_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o imply_v such_o a_o promise_n all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o minister_n be_v to_o concur_v with_o their_o honest_a endeavour_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v do_v this_o without_o pray_v extempore_o or_o in_o their_o own_o word_n be_v to_o take_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n for_o grant_v 2._o that_o this_o natural_a or_o acquire_v gift_n be_v not_o where_o appropriate_v by_o god_n to_o prayer_n but_o leave_v common_a to_o other_o use_n and_o purpose_n for_o though_o in_o minister_n especial_o it_o be_v ordinary_o call_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o where_o style_v so_o