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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n according_a holy_a scripture_n 6,679 5 5.5625 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59850 A practical discourse of religious assemblies by Will. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1681 (1681) Wing S3322; ESTC R27485 148,095 402

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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 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world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o this_o too_o for_o such_o man_n will_v not_o only_o miss_v of_o heaven_n but_o sink_v into_o hell_n a_o place_n of_o endless_a torment_n where_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o no_o hope_n so_o well_o may_v our_o saviour_n ask_v that_o question_n what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v more_o of_o our_o care_n and_o industry_n than_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o sincere_a and_o devout_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n those_o person_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v god_n friend_n and_o favourite_n who_o do_v not_o worship_v he_o and_o those_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o can_v relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o who_o forsake_v christian-assembly_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n several_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o discipline_n other_o there_o be_v who_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n but_o they_o think_v they_o can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_o as_o at_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o place_n which_o make_v their_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o effectual_a but_o god_n 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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 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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 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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
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will_v justify_v man_n in_o pull_v down_o a_o apostolical_a church_n model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o primitive_a government_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o see_v man_n forsake_v the_o church_n and_o run_v to_o conventicle_n if_o their_o minister_n do_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n comply_v with_o their_o desire_n if_o he_o be_v so_o ill-bred_a as_o to_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n or_o so_o stiff_a as_o not_o to_o make_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n yield_v and_o bend_v to_o their_o humour_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o such_o person_n separate_v out_o of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n who_o date_n their_o separation_n from_o some_o little_a pet_n quarrel_n or_o peevish_a fit_n nor_o five_o be_v those_o very_a conscientious_a man_n who_o separate_z from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o interest_n and_o the_o persuasion_n and_o importunity_n of_o some_o dissent_v friend_n who_o 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do_v examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o some_o popular_a talk_n against_o the_o bishop_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n be_v very_o different_a from_o be_v able_a to_o make_v some_o slight_a objection_n which_o have_v be_v answer_v a_o hundred_o time_n for_o to_o examine_v thing_n be_v impartial_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v both_o part_n of_o the_o question_n to_o avoid_v no_o difficulty_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o and_o against_o separation_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o balance_n so_o equal_a that_o interest_n and_o affection_n do_v not_o turn_v the_o scale_n instead_o of_o reason_n now_o there_o be_v two_o great_a fault_n which_o man_n be_v common_o guilty_a of_o in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o careful_o examine_v both_o part_n of_o the_o question_n possible_o they_o read_v such_o book_n as_o be_v write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o justify_v a_o separation_n but_o do_v not_o with_o the_o same_o care_n read_v those_o book_n which_o prove_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o separation_n and_o justify_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o have_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n only_o at_o second_o hand_n from_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v they_o but_o never_o look_v into_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o this_o rate_n of_o examine_v that_o man_n continue_v separatist_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o for_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o one_o argument_n against_o separation_n or_o for_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n fair_o represent_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o answer_v it_o who_o common_o pick_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v least_o material_a or_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o main_a controversy_n and_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o flourish_v with_o seem_v to_o say_v something_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o silent_o pass_v over_o what_o they_o know_v they_o can_v answer_v now_o whoever_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o thorough_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o be_v though_o his_o separation_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o schism_n because_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o separation_n yet_o this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o know_v he_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n for_o he_o separate_v without_o cause_n who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o separation_n and_o he_o can_v know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o who_o separate_v before_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n as_o we_o all_o reckon_v that_o man_n perjure_v who_o swear_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a but_o without_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a second_o another_o great_a fault_n be_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v common_o bias_v by_o some_o interest_n and_o affection_n which_o weigh_v much_o more_o than_o any_o contrary_a reason_n can_v do_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o they_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o then_o set_v their_o wit_n on_o work_n to_o defend_v it_o and_o those_o must_v be_v mighty_a evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n which_o can_v force_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n common_a to_o both_o side_n there_o be_v few_o man_n which_o side_n soever_o they_o be_v of_o but_o be_v great_o incline_v to_o favour_v it_o and_o to_o help_v out_o a_o weak_a argument_n which_o be_v too_o light_a with_o some_o grain_n of_o allowance_n i_o answer_v possible_o with_o most_o man_n it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o in_o many_o case_n it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v both_o innocent_a and_o useful_a and_o a_o argument_n of_o great_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v when_o the_o bias_n stand_v the_o wrong_a way_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o good_a man_n be_v as_o strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v one_o as_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o to_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v none_o here_o be_v inclination_n and_o prejudices_fw-la on_o both_o side_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o a_o bad_a man_n because_o the_o one_o be_v a_o natural_a byass_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o virtue_n the_o other_o
and_o curious_a speculation_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o sensible_a a_o argument_n that_o the_o mean_a people_n understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o our_o day_n do_v as_o certain_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v as_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n speak_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v whatever_o he_o have_v reveal_v though_o we_o can_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v christianity_n we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v express_o forbid_v in_o those_o write_n every_o man_n without_o any_o great_a skill_n in_o controversy_n know_v to_o be_v unlawful_a as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o plain_a countryman_n may_v understand_v the_o difference_n between_o popery_n and_o reform_a christianity_n the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n than_o worship_v image_n pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o half_a communion_n where_o the_o priest_n drink_v the_o wine_n by_o himself_o and_o give_v nothing_o but_o a_o wafer_n to_o the_o people_n these_o thing_n require_v indeed_o great_a subtlety_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o defend_v they_o but_o may_v be_v understand_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o plain_a man_n who_o be_v no_o master_n of_o subtlety_n but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a in_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n we_o desire_v no_o more_o from_o they_o but_o to_o show_v we_o where_o any_o one_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v express_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n or_o by_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o easy_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n though_o no_o schoolman_n nor_o philosopher_n may_v understand_v it_o where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a which_o have_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o successor_n they_o be_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o ancient_a father_n where_o do_v they_o read_v that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a when_o christ_n himself_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a when_o they_o can_v produce_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o be_v forbid_v unless_o they_o think_v that_o because_o god_n have_v forbid_v worship_v image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n therefore_o he_o have_v forbid_v all_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n institute_v for_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o be_v so_o subtle_a a_o consequence_n as_o will_v make_v a_o very_a metaphysical_a head_n ache_v to_o discover_v it_o now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n but_o man_n argue_v whole_o from_o some_o uncertain_a and_o far-fetched_a consequence_n how_o shall_v the_o common_a people_n who_o understand_v none_o of_o the_o artificial_a law_n of_o reason_v judge_v of_o such_o argument_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o to_o make_v some_o terrible_a impression_n upon_o their_o fancy_n by_o great_a confidence_n and_o a_o uncouth_a sound_n of_o word_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o as_o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v symbolical_a that_o they_o be_v new_a sacrament_n not_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o part_n of_o worship_n now_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o our_o separatist_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o talk_n how_o long_a time_n will_v they_o take_v to_o teach_v a_o countryman_n who_o be_v not_o book-learned_a what_o a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n be_v or_o to_o understand_v how_o our_o ceremony_n be_v transform_v into_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o whoever_o separate_v upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o without_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o terrible_a objection_n be_v most_o certain_o a_o schismatic_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o to_o be_v know_v before_o man_n can_v justify_v their_o separation_n for_o suppose_v they_o shall_v discover_v some_o fault_n in_o our_o constitution_n they_o must_v further_o inquire_v whether_o these_o be_v only_o some_o tolerable_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v sin_n whether_o they_o pollute_v the_o communicant_n and_o make_v communion_n unlawful_a whether_o they_o be_v only_o active_a or_o passive_a in_o it_o whether_o suppose_v the_o wear_n of_o a_o surplice_n be_v superstitious_a all_o that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n who_o disown_n such_o superstition_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o it_o and_o must_v separate_v to_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n and_o to_o declare_v their_o abomination_n of_o such_o superstition_n whether_o the_o child_n who_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n at_o baptism_n be_v ever_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o or_o whether_o the_o parent_n who_o dislike_v such_o a_o ceremony_n sin_n in_o submit_v their_o child_n to_o it_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n or_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v they_o who_o enjoin_v it_o these_o be_v matter_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n to_o determine_v and_o therefore_o though_o separation_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a very_o few_o man_n can_v separate_v lawful_o 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o these_o man_n honesty_n whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o be_v by_o consider_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n the_o conscience_n of_o any_o honest_a man_n especial_o when_o it_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n be_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n such_o man_n think_v it_o very_o well_o if_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o dissent_v and_o quiet_o withdraw_v though_o they_o have_v not_o leave_v to_o vilify_v the_o establish_a religion_n nor_o undermine_v public_a constitution_n and_o though_o they_o can_v obtain_v thus_o much_o favour_n but_o be_v persecute_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o they_o suffer_v patient_o after_o the_o example_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o who_o judge_v righteous_o but_o a_o schismatic_a who_o conscience_n serve_v a_o interest_n must_v miss_v of_o his_o end_n if_o he_o suffer_v patient_o such_o be_v indeed_o as_o little_a in_o love_n with_o suffering_n as_o other_o man_n but_o yet_o they_o love_v to_o have_v some_o pretence_n or_o other_o to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n about_o their_o suffering_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o schismatical_a donatist_n that_o there_o be_v several_a law_n make_v against_o that_o by_o optatum_fw-la theodosius_n the_o emperor_n and_o though_o none_o of_o those_o law_n be_v scarce_o ever_o execute_v yet_o they_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n aggravate_v every_o little_a matter_n to_o 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will_v not_o
run_v headlong_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n with_o themselves_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n lest_o tell_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v call_v bitterness_n and_o rail_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vile_a and_o lewd_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o again_o and_o think_v themselves_o slander_v if_o they_o do_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n never_o teach_v man_n to_o revile_v and_o reproach_v their_o governor_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n st._n jude_n give_v a_o great_a many_o hard_a word_n to_o some_o man_n in_o his_o day_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o apply_v to_o any_o in_o we_o who_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n yet_o 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communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o like_a which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a and_o uncommand_v thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o we_o have_v always_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o break_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o religious_a office_n they_o can_v never_o produce_v any_o yet_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a never_o can_v and_o if_o man_n will_v abuse_v and_o scare_v themselves_o with_o some_o fanciful_a application_n of_o scripture_n and_o remote_a and_o illogical_a consequence_n there_o be_v no_o help_n that_o i_o know_v of_o since_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a work_n to_o answer_v all_o such_o cavil_n for_o man_n who_o 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our_o worship_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a worship_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n thus_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o argue_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o 24._o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o wise_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o 2._o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o brief_o to_o our_o present_a case_n can_v any_o man_n who_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o creature_n for_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanks-givings_a to_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a form_n of_o word_n can_v god_n be_v please_v with_o the_o volubility_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o quickness_n of_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o invention_n more_o than_o with_o devout_a affection_n than_o with_o a_o soul_n inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n and_o possess_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o offer_v up_o itself_o to_o he_o in_o few_o grave_n and_o considerate_a word_n will_v a_o father_n reject_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n if_o as_o often_o as_o he_o want_v require_v he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n when_o he_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n do_v a_o prince_n like_o a_o long_a extemporary_a harangue_n when_o his_o subject_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o he_o or_o a_o short_a and_o well_o compose_v petition_n the_o wise_a man_n i_o be_o sure_a tell_v we_o that_o few_o and_o become_v word_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o more_o expressive_a of_o that_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v only_o a_o external_a signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o mankind_n 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age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o all_o form_n of_o religion_n whatever_o religious_a rite_n be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n natural_a reason_n condemn_v as_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a but_o whatever_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v condemn_v that_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o the_o law_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v not_o make_v so_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o 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account_n as_o these_o to_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_n the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o that_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o sober_a liturgy_n or_o decent_a ceremony_n 2._o what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o countenance_n both_o 1._o what_o the_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v religion_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n he_o seem_v principal_o to_o design_n 1._o to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n 2._o to_o strip_v it_o of_o all_o type_n and_o shadow_n 3._o to_o deliver_v religion_n from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o superstitious_a observance_n 4._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o substance_n circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o religion_n between_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a and_o the_o instrumental_a and_o external_n part_n of_o worship_n 1._o our_o saviour_n great_a design_n be_v to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n the_o jewish_a worship_n consist_v in_o so_o many_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o wash_n purification_n sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o homage_n of_o the_o external_a man._n if_o they_o do_v but_o worship_n god_n at_o the_o right_a place_n and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o take_v little_a care_n of_o inward_a devotion_n but_o now_o our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oppose_v to_o external_a and_o bodily_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a worship_n god_n can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o to_o a_o typical_a worship_n of_o which_o more_o present_o or_o to_o such_o external_a worship_n as_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o man_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v offer_v up_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n if_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o far_o we_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o oppose_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o man_n do_v sink_v down_o into_o a_o external_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o raise_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o owe_v either_o to_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n but_o to_o a_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a mind_n extemporary_a and_o conceive_a prayer_n have_v indeed_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o for_o i_o suppose_v few_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o inspiration_n and_o though_o extemporary_a prayer_n may_v more_o heat_v the_o fancy_n there_o may_v be_v more_o serious_a devotion_n and_o piety_n in_o use_v a_o form_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n without_o set_v our_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n what_o to_o say_v a_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n and_o do_v as_o much_o confine_n and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o all_o but_o the_o speaker_n as_o a_o book-prayer_n do_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a devotion_n at_o best_a which_o owe_v its_o heat_n and_o passion_n not_o to_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o god_n but_o to_o a_o musical_a voice_n earnestness_n in_o the_o speaker_n surprise_v invention_n or_o popular_a rhetoric_n 2._o our_o saviour_n design_n be_v to_o strip_v religion_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n he_o do_v not_o indeed_o do_v this_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n because_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n be_v not_o end_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o fulfil_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o state_n till_o christ_n die_v nor_o do_v his_o apostle_n do_v it_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o in_o all_o place_n but_o yield_v to_o jewish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o indulge_v jewish_n convert_v in_o their_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o moysaicall_a rite_n tho_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o gentile_a church_n to_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o bondage_n which_o occasion_v a_o great_a many_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n but_o the_o abrogation_n of_o moysaicall_a and_o typical_a ceremony_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o prohibition_n of_o all_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o christian_a worship_n because_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v very_o different_a the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n be_v type_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o to_o retain_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n &_o use_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o when_o the_o antitype_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o use_n of_o a_o type_n but_o now_o a_o few_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v neither_o burdensome_a for_o their_o number_n to_o encumber_v religion_n and_o clog_n and_o shackle_v our_o devotion_n nor_o signify_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n &_o design_n of_o christianity_n but_o add_v to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o may_v withal_o suggest_v pious_a and_o devout_a thought_n to_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o a_o typical_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n together_o with_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 mu●●_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
prevail_v with_o some_o honest_a but_o less_o think_v man_n to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v those_o which_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a do_v here_o shall_v be_v to_o answer_v some_o hard_a word_n and_o ill_a name_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o worship_n and_o show_v how_o ignorant_o and_o injurious_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n such_o be_v these_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n these_o be_v hard_a word_n which_o very_o few_o people_n understand_v and_o therein_o the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o first_o will-worship_n now_o when_o man_n charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o will-worship_n they_o general_o understand_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n now_o this_o i_o absolute_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o will-worship_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consist_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o expound_v they_o to_o the_o people_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o sing_v psalm_n and_o administer_a the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o which_o be_v express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v will-worship_n in_o this_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n use_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o not_o will-worship_n we_o do_v not_o think_v wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n nor_o expect_v to_o please_v god_n by_o any_o external_a dress_n or_o habit_n but_o we_o think_v it_o a_o decent_a garb_n for_o those_o to_o use_v who_o minister_n in_o holy_a thing_n we_o do_v not_o think_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o act_n but_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o not_o kneel_v to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o express_v that_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o mind_n which_o become_v such_o a_o mysterious_a worship_n and_o as_o a_o posture_n suitable_a to_o those_o prayer_n which_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v we_o put_v up_o to_o heaven_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o design_v as_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n it_o be_v not_o a_o dedicate_a and_o covenant_a sign_n which_o respect_v god_n but_o at_o most_o a_o engage_v sign_n which_o respect_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n much_o less_o will-worship_n to_o institute_v any_o new_a kind_a or_o species_n of_o worship_n be_v certain_o unlawful_a as_o to_o make_v any_o new_a object_n of_o worship_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a representation_n such_o as_o a_o picture_n and_o image_n or_o invisible_a being_n as_o angel_n and_o deisied_a man_n a_o numerous_a company_n of_o who_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o new_a act_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o frequent_a wash_n purgation_n sacrifice_n pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a action_n which_o be_v no_o where_o determine_v by_o god_n may_v and_o must_v be_v determine_v either_o by_o our_o own_o prudence_n or_o by_o the_o prudence_n of_o our_o governor_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o will-worship_n because_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v design_v for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v further_a that_o this_o word_n will-worship_n be_v find_v but_o once_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o very_a wise_a and_o learned_a man_n question_n whether_o in_o that_o place_n will-worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o ill_a thing_n the_o word_n be_v these_o which_o 23._o thing_n have_v indeed_o a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n not_o in_o any_o honour_n of_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o they_o observe_v that_o will-worship_n be_v join_v with_o two_o other_o very_a good_a thing_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v external_a severity_n and_o mortification_n to_o keep_v down_o the_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n not_o to_o pamper_v it_o with_o high_a nourishment_n nor_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o follow_v not_o in_o honour_n in_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o honour_n as_o st._n hierom_n observe_v signify_v take_v care_n of_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n strictness_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n in_o suppress_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o lust_n and_o the_o least_o inclination_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v forbid_v or_o censure_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o will-worship_n be_v for_o there_o be_v as_o much_o appearance_n of_o his_o condemn_v one_o as_o tother_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o expound_v this_o to_o signify_v only_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o that_o suppose_n that_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a thing_n and_o part_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n when_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o good_a gain_v a_o reputation_n of_o wisdom_n by_o be_v like_o they_o for_o that_o which_o make_v these_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o will-worship_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n by_o will-worship_n we_o must_v understand_v voluntary_a worship_n which_o answer_v to_o free-will-offering_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o yet_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o man_n do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o deny_v themselves_o those_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o god_n allow_v in_o order_n to_o some_o spiritual_a end_n to_o refine_v and_o purge_v their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o more_o perfect_a attainment_n in_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o countenance_v this_o interpretation_n that_o all_o the_o superstition_n in_o the_o world_n do_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v man_n and_o pass_v for_o excellent_a attainment_n in_o religion_n under_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o free-will-offering_n of_o do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o whereby_o they_o think_v they_o so_o high_o merit_v of_o god_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o become_v his_o peculiar_a favourite_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n think_v to_o do_v by_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n by_o their_o frequent_a wash_n purification_n fast_n and_o tything_n even_o mint_n and_o cummin_n thus_o the_o papist_n do_v by_o their_o fast_n pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n but_o the_o mistake_n be_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n because_o though_o at_o first_o it_o look_v like_o the_o noble_a generous_a worship_n of_o free-will-offering_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o though_o under_o the_o law_n freewill_n offering_n be_v not_o command_v which_o have_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o freewill_n offer_v yet_o there_o be_v direction_n give_v what_o such_o person_n shall_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o case_n they_o do_v offer_v at_o all_o and_o in_o particular_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o blemish_n 17._o in_o it_o which_o signify_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o such_o instance_n as_o we_o know_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o man_n spend_v their_o zeal_n in_o some_o voluntary_a superstition_n which_o can_v please_v god_n such_o thing_n have_v only_o a_o show_n a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n in_o voluntary_a worship_n because_o though_o their_o worship_n be_v voluntary_a and_o so_o far_o commendable_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v
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
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 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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 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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
witness_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n word_n for_o this_o cause_n ought_v the_o woman_n to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n 10_o because_o of_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v a_o discourse_v the_o decency_n of_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v because_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v undecent_a to_o appear_v with_o her_o head_n uncover_v and_o much_o more_o so_o in_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o decency_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v those_o angel_n who_o attend_v our_o worship_n and_o careful_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v if_o we_o reverence_v man_n much_o more_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o angel_n 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the_o service_n be_v half_o read_v other_o when_o it_o be_v near_o a_o conclusion_n and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o it_o neither_o if_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o sermon_n at_o other_o time_n when_o there_o be_v only_o the_o divine_a service_n read_v without_o a_o sermon_n few_o person_n think_v it_o worth_a their_o attendance_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o the_o minister_n laugh_v at_o for_o read_v to_o bare_a wall_n and_o empty_a seat_n these_o thing_n i_o grant_v may_v happen_v sometime_o where_o there_o be_v no_o design_a neglect_n the_o mistake_n of_o time_n may_v occasion_v some_o person_n come_v late_o who_o want_v certain_a notice_n and_o on_o the_o weekday_n necessary_a business_n may_v hinder_v other_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o the_o opportunity_n they_o can_v get_v of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o reasonable_a excuse_n the_o fault_n be_v very_o great_a though_o few_o people_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o my_o business_n at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o neglect_n 1._o if_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n to_o prove_v such_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n for_o they_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n there_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o receive_v a_o ministerial_a absolution_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n there_o we_o praise_v he_o in_o divine_a hymn_n and_o anthem_n and_o put_v up_o our_o joint_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o divine_a worship_n because_o it_o be_v our_o address_n to_o god_n in_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v or_o preach_v be_v so_o far_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n too_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o our_o desire_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o secondary_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o consist_v in_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o either_o immediate_o in_o his_o inspire_a word_n or_o mediate_o by_o those_o man_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o consist_v in_o our_o offer_v something_o to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v high_o please_v to_o he_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o mediator_n jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o those_o who_o neglect_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n neglect_v public_a worship_n and_o those_o who_o slight_a the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a prayer_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sermon_n to_o invite_v their_o presence_n plain_o discover_v that_o they_o prefer_v please_v their_o curiosity_n with_o hear_v some_o new_a discourse_n before_o the_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o they_o hear_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o the_o end_n of_o hear_v be_v practice_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o practical_a religion_n be_v the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o because_o some_o man_n think_v they_o worship_v god_n sufficient_o if_o they_o come_v time_n enough_o to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o church_n communion_n principal_o consist_v in_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v think_v nor_o do_v they_o intend_v to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o effect_n do_v so_o while_o they_o neglect_v its_o public_a worship_n for_o church_n communion_n consist_v in_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n before_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o express_o provide_v for_o by_o our_o rubric_n though_o it_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o canon_n make_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o be_v now_o useful_o introduce_v by_o long_a custom_n with_o the_o connivance_n if_o not_o the_o express_a allowance_n of_o our_o governor_n but_o the_o liturgy_n be_v the_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n there_o the_o church_n offer_v up_o more_o especial_o her_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n this_o be_v the_o great_a bond_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o to_o neglect_v or_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o this_o worship_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o when_o you_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o compose_v grave_a and_o serious_a pious_a and_o ardent_a yet_o it_o look_v more_o like_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n than_o of_o the_o church_n for_o you_o join_v only_o with_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o such_o a_o prayer_n but_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o that_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n prescribe_v by_o public_a authority_n we_o join_v with_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n offer_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o have_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n and_o those_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o make_v light_a of_o this_o why_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o religious_a assembly_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o may_v as_o well_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o about_o the_o same_o hour_n which_o in_o ancient_a time_n be_v observe_v for_o private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a devotion_n offer_v up_o their_o private_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o themselves_o and_o one_o another_o for_o god_n can_v hear_v they_o all_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o their_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n together_o and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v as_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a as_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o great_a company_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n have_v appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o god_n in_o his_o
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 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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 t●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 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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 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and_o all_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o blood_n nay_o not_o only_o this_o general_a covenant_n be_v confirm_v by_o sacrifice_n but_o all_o good_a man_n when_o they_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v understand_v to_o make_v renew_v or_o confirm_v their_o covenant_n with_o he_o whence_o be_v that_o expression_n in_o the_o psalm_n gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o those_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o 5._o sacrifice_n thus_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o blood_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o feast_v on_o the_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n be_v a_o signification_n that_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o we_o that_o we_o still_o own_o our_o covenant_n and_o be_v resolve_v still_o to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v to_o put_v god_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o we_o of_o our_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o venture_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n when_o we_o have_v with_o tear_n bewail_v our_o sin_n and_o renew_v our_o repentance_n here_o we_o must_v renew_v our_o covenant_n and_o by_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n declare_v that_o though_o we_o be_v sinner_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o apostate_n that_o we_o still_o own_o our_o covenant_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o we_o now_o implore_v and_o hope_v to_o receive_v resolve_v to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o it_o while_o we_o live_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a privilege_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o have_v this_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v sign_v and_o seal_v to_o we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o please_v by_o a_o foederal_a rite_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n especial_o be_v it_o not_o a_o mighty_a favour_n for_o such_o frail_a sinner_n who_o be_v so_o expose_v to_o temptation_n and_o so_o often_o conquer_v by_o they_o to_o have_v liberty_n grant_v upon_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o return_v to_o god_n table_n and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v again_o into_o covenant_n by_o god_n be_v it_o not_o a_o mighty_a affront_n to_o god_n when_o he_o invite_v we_o to_o his_o table_n as_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o live_v in_o so_o great_a a_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o kind_n of_o renounce_v our_o covenant_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o own_v it_o by_o such_o public_a solemnity_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n 2._o these_o religious_a feast_n signify_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o those_o sacrifice_n of_o which_o the_o sacrificer_n be_v allow_v to_o eat_v be_v call_v peace-offering_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o they_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o sin-offering_a that_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o when_o they_o have_v offer_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n they_o may_v then_o offer_v a_o peace-offering_a and_o feast_v before_o the_o lord_n on_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o a_o token_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n christ_n offer_v himself_o once_o for_o all_o a_o sacrifice_n or_o offer_v for_o sin_n and_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o more_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v for_o sin_n but_o when_o through_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o powerful_a temptation_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n we_o have_v defile_v and_o pollute_v our_o conscience_n with_o sin_n and_o guilt_n instead_o of_o those_o particular_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v direct_v to_o offer_v we_o must_v offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n to_o god_n that_o be_v we_o must_v true_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o turn_v from_o they_o and_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o powerful_a resolution_n against_o they_o for_o the_o future_a and_o then_o we_o may_v approach_v the_o table_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o fresh_a assurance_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n we_o do_v not_o use_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o at_o our_o table_n but_o those_o who_o be_v our_o friend_n or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o our_o enemy_n other_o be_v intruder_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o turn_v out_o again_o yet_o must_v make_v themselves_o welcome_a and_o indeed_o a_o covenant_n make_v by_o sacrifice_n always_o signify_v a_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o such_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v of_o which_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o sacrament_n a_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n none_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o this_o table_n but_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o all_o holy_a man_n and_o all_o true_a humble_a penitent_n be_v and_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o receive_v a_o joyful_a welcome_n and_o all_o the_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o god_n favour_n for_o such_o this_o holy_a supper_n itself_o be_v to_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n 2._o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o only_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n but_o we_o feed_v on_o his_o body_n not_o as_o if_o in_o a_o carnal_a sense_n we_o eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n and_o without_o any_o colourable_a pretence_n from_o scripture_n or_o primitive_a antiquity_n but_o we_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n in_o such_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n as_o they_o be_v exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n supper_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o in_o general_n do_v answer_v to_o a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o now_o i_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o feast_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n who_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n upon_o the_o tree_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ._n for_o under_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n do_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n for_o part_n of_o it_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o part_n they_o eat_v and_o this_o eat_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n do_v give_v they_o a_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n purchase_v by_o it_o now_o though_o christ_n die_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n give_v we_o his_o natural_a flesh_n to_o eat_v for_o he_o be_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a with_o a_o glorious_a and_o incorruptible_a body_n and_o ascend_v up_o in_o the_o same_o body_n to_o heaven_n and_o there_o to_o continue_v unite_v to_o this_o humane_a but_o glorify_a body_n till_o he_o return_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n this_o sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o a_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v plant_v and_o though_o he_o himself_o who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o more_o be_v present_a also_o in_o all_o place_n and_o especial_o in_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o meet_v to_o worship_v he_o yet_o his_o body_n though_o glorious_a and_o perfect_a as_o a_o body_n can_v be_v yet_o be_v but_o matter_n still_o and_o therefore_o confine_v to_o one_o place_n and_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v at_o rome_n and_o constantinople_n nor_o in_o ten_o thousand_o place_n at_o once_o more_o remote_a than_o they_o and_o this_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v his_o flesh_n eat_v and_o his_o blood_n drink_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n last_v and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o body_n to_o be_v so_o often_o eat_v and_o yet_o continue_v the_o same_o body_n and_o at_o best_a be_v the_o thing_n possible_a it_o will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o a_o man_n and_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o therefore_o since_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n a_o sacrifice_n for_o a_o peace_n offer_v be_v to_o be_v
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