p._n 1._o etc._n etc._n p._n 57_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o do_v the_o 27._o the_o jerubbaal_n or_o the_o pleader_n implead_v p._n 18._o &_o 27._o author_n of_o jerubbaal_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o particular_n i_o may_v fill_v a_o volume_n with_o 37._o with_o concern_v her_o doctrine_n see_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la in_o corbet_n discourse_n §._o 21._o p._n 43._o baxter_n 5_o disp_n pref_o p._n 6._o of_o the_o independent_o in_o the_o peace_n offer_v p._n 12._o see_v also_o baxter'_v def._n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 64._o part_n 2._o p._n 3._o wadsworth_n separ_fw-la yet_o no_o schism_n p._n 60_o 62._o throughton_n apology_n c._n 3._o p._n 106._o and_o of_o the_o brownist_n in_o their_o apol._n p._n 7._o anno_fw-la 1604._o see_v also_o bayly_n dissuasive_a c._n 2._o p._n 20_o 33._o stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separ_fw-la part_n 1._o §._o 9_o p._n 31._o for_o opinion_n concern_v her_o worship_n see_v hildersham_n lect._n 26._o on_o joh._n p._n 121._o contin_n of_o morn_n exercise_n serm._n 4._o p._n 91._o throughton_n apology_n p._n 104._o peace_n offer_v p._n 17._o for_o opinion_n concern_v the_o truth_n sufficiency_n and_o ability_n of_o her_o ministry_n see_v bradshaw_n unreasonableness_n of_o separ_fw-la p._n 16_o 27_o 37._o grave_a and_o mod._n confut._n p._n 28._o apologet._n narrat_fw-la p._n 6._o cotton_n infant_n baptism_n p._n 181._o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o our_o ministry_n see_v jus_n divi._n minist_n evangel_n part_n 2._o p._n 12_o 16_o 17_o 25_o etc._n etc._n jus_fw-la diu._n regim_fw-la eccles_n p._n 264_o etc._n etc._n cawdry_n independency_n a_o great_a schism_n p._n 116._o and_o his_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 35_o 37._o testimony_n it_o be_v true_a they_o own_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n upon_o different_a ground_n because_o some_o of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n be_v for_o a_o national_a and_o other_o for_o a_o congregational_a church_n but_o they_o 449._o they_o jus_fw-la div_o min._n evangel_n p._n 12_o etc._n etc._n brinsly_n church-remedy_n p._n 41_o 42._o cawdry_n independency_n a_o great_a schism_n p._n 60_o 89_o 132_o 172._o tombes's_fw-fr theodulia_n §._o 15_o 16._o pref_o etc._n etc._n 9_o §._o 3._o crofton_n reformation_n not_o separation_n p._n 10._o and_o bethshemesh_n cloud_v p._n 101_o etc._n etc._n church_n refor_o p._n 42._o corbet_n account_n of_o the_o principle_n &c_n &c_n p._n 26._o throughton_n apology_n p._n 103._o baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 178._o cotton_n way_n clear_v p._n 8._o his_o letter_n p._n 3._o hooker_n survey_n pref_o &_o part_v 1._o p._n 47._o goodwin_n on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 447_o 448_o 449._o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o they_o say_v she_o be_v a_o corrupt_a one_o nay_o our_o 97._o our_o grave_a and_o mod._n confut._n p._n 6._o goodwin_n zion_n coll._n visit_v bradshaw_n unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 97._o brethren_n do_v not_o only_o grant_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o also_o declare_v she_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o valuable_a if_o not_o the_o very_o best_a in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o matter_n only_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o mr._n baxter_n cure_n of_o ch._n divis_fw-la dir_fw-mi 56._o p._n 263._o that_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v also_o a_o sound_n as_o well_o as_o a_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v easy_o appear_v by_o a_o examination_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o so_o large_a a_o work_n because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o i_o conceive_v that_o our_o dissenter_n will_v be_v not_o only_o will_v but_o forward_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o when_o i_o shall_v have_v answer_v those_o objection_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o make_v against_o our_o communion_n and_o show_v that_o those_o plea_n which_o they_o raise_v from_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o make_v separation_n lawful_a i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o several_a plea_n and_o design_n to_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o natural_a order_n chap._n ii_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n our_o adversary_n say_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v therefore_o unlawful_a because_o we_o require_v man_n to_o use_v such_o indifferent_a thing_n now_o that_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v full_o answer_v i_o shall_v do_v four_o thing_n viz._n first_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o indifferent_a thing_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n three_o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n four_o i_o shall_v show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o indifferent_a thing_n all_o action_n be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n duty_n or_o sin_n be_v so_o either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o divine_a law_n that_o which_o be_v command_v be_v a_o duty_n that_o which_o be_v forbid_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o that_o which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n and_o we_o may_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4.15_o duty_n be_v duty_n because_o it_o be_v command_v and_o sin_n be_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v and_o indifferent_a be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v by_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o law_n what_o be_v indifferent_a as_o we_o may_v know_v by_o its_o authority_n what_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o or_o against_o the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o dispute_n concern_v day_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n how_o must_v this_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n now_o if_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o revelation_n say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o day_n than_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v they_o ii_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v use_v in_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o gospel-rule_n of_o worship_n which_o except_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n viz._n such_o as_o respect_v order_n decency_n and_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 40._o so_o that_o we_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bind_v than_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o since_o other_o have_v always_o determine_v the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v also_o the_o same_o liberty_n the_o rule_n themselves_o be_v general_a and_o the_o apostle_n rare_o descend_v to_o particular_n but_o whenever_o they_o do_v they_o show_v how_o far_o custom_n charity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o man_n be_v uncover_v in_o god_n worship_n 1_o cor._n 11.4_o 7._o for_o they_o think_v it_o impossible_a or_o not_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o tie_v all_o nation_n to_o the_o same_o mode_n since_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v by_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o thing_n be_v determine_v in_o general_a the_o particular_n be_v therein_o virtual_o determine_v and_o so_o be_v not_o indifferent_a i_o answer_v that_o then_o nothing_o be_v indifferent_a since_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n about_o every_o thing_n as_o for_o example_n all_o meat_n be_v now_o lawful_a to_o christian_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o such_o as_o our_o own_o constitution_n etc._n etc._n but_o those_o rule_n do_v not_o make_v the_o meat_n to_o be_v other_o than_o indifferent_a so_o there_o be_v general_a rule_n for_o god_n worship_n but_o yet_o the_o particular_n be_v indifferent_a and_o prudence_n be_v to_o regulate_v they_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n depend_v upon_o variable_a
circumstance_n and_o may_v be_v different_a according_a to_o those_o circumstance_n that_o thing_n may_v tend_v to_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n in_o one_o country_n or_o age_n which_o in_o another_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o be_v cover_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o love-feast_n etc._n etc._n be_v once_o think_v decent_a but_o afterward_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n alter_v so_o that_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n be_v changeable_a thing_n as_o circumstance_n vary_v only_o general_a rule_n can_v be_v prescribe_v but_o the_o particular_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o authority_n to_o determine_v 2._o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v use_v indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o divine_a worship_n thus_o he_o join_v in_o the_o synagogal_a worship_n john_n 18.20_o etc._n etc._n though_o if_o the_o place_n itself_o be_v at_o all_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o that_o service_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hint_v at_o thus_o he_o use_v the_o cup_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o passover_n though_o it_o be_v not_o institute_v luke_o 22.16_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n be_v a_o human_a institution_n yet_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o nay_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o very_a posture_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o they_o change_v to_o sit_v though_o god_n have_v prescribe_v stand_v the_o apostle_n also_o observe_v the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o human_a institution_n act_v 3.1_o now_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v thus_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v so_o exact_a in_o prescribe_v outward_a ceremony_n certain_o we_o may_v do_v the_o same_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n not_o only_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v not_o forbid_v but_o also_o have_v some_o ritual_a observation_n take_v up_o by_o themselves_o thus_o they_o 1._o they_o 1_o tim._n 5.10_o ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 1._o wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o 14._o and_o tertull_n de_fw-fr orat._n cap._n 14._o use_v love-feast_n till_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o lay_v they_o aside_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o prescription_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o rite_n lawful_a it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v civil_a observance_n and_o use_v as_o well_o out_o of_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o what_o there_o need_v no_o institution_n for_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v without_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o justify_v most_o of_o our_o usage_n for_o a_o white_a garment_n be_v use_v in_o civil_a case_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o royalty_n and_o dignity_n etc._n etc._n 2._o a_o civil_a observance_n when_o use_v in_o religious_a worship_n either_o remain_v civil_a when_o so_o apply_v or_o be_v religious_a when_o so_o apply_v if_o it_o be_v civil_a then_o kneel_v in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o religious_a because_o it_o be_v a_o posture_n use_v in_o civil_a matter_n if_o it_o be_v religious_a than_o a_o rite_n that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v use_v in_o worship_n to_o a_o religious_a end_n 3._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o caen._n that_o buxtorf_n exere_fw-la hist_o sâ—c_fw-la caen._n neither_o the_o wash_n of_o foot_n nor_o the_o holy_a kiss_n be_v use_v as_o civil_a rite_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v call_v by_o the_o father_n the_o seal_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o reconciliation_n 4._o if_o a_o rite_n be_v civil_a make_v it_o lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n than_o any_o civil_a rite_n may_v be_v use_v in_o worship_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o ridiculous_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v be_v warrantable_a 5._o if_o a_o rite_n be_v civil_a make_v it_o lawful_a in_o worship_n then_o how_o can_v our_o adversary_n say_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o worship_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n except_o the_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n for_o there_o be_v many_o civil_a rite_n which_o be_v not_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n feast_v and_o salutation_n be_v civil_a usage_n but_o divine_a worship_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v ancient_o use_v in_o worship_n than_o we_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o introduce_v such_o custom_n 3._o if_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v in_o god_n worship_n than_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o all_o church_n do_v in_o some_o instance_n or_o other_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o use_v what_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o require_v thus_o the_o 1._o the_o vid._n august_n epist_n 118_o 119._o basil_n de_fw-fr sp._n s._n cap._n 27._o ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7._o &_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 1._o ancient_n observe_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passion_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n stand_v in_o their_o devotion_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o act_v against_o a_o universal_a practice_n beside_o some_o church_n have_v peculiar_a custom_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n fast_v on_o saturday_n other_o indifferent_o on_o any_o day_n that_o of_o milan_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o that_o of_o rome_n do_v not_o thus_o in_o our_o day_n some_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v other_o standing_z etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o we_o must_v have_v a_o institution_n for_o every_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o must_v join_v in_o nothing_o which_o have_v it_o not_o than_o we_o can_v be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o indeed_o can_v i_o learn_v how_o a_o christian_a can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n perform_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o this_o principle_n be_v admit_v for_o true_a for_o habit_n and_o gesture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o god_n worship_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v unlawful_a for_o not_o be_v command_v than_o a_o man_n must_v sin_v every_o time_n he_o pray_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n nay_o those_o that_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o command_v do_v in_o their_o practice_n confute_v their_o opinion_n for_o where_o i_o pray_v be_v they_o command_v to_o sprinkle_v the_o child_n that_o be_v baptise_a or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n sit_v or_o to_o use_v conceive_v prayer_n or_o to_o touch_v and_o kiss_v the_o book_n in_o swear_v or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n nay_o where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v or_o that_o what_o be_v not_o command_v be_v forbid_v where_o be_v we_o tell_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v allow_v that_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n may_v be_v prescribe_v by_o authority_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o necessary_a circumstance_n such_o as_o gesture_n and_o habit_n be_v thus_o determine_v though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v certain_o the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a power_n do_v not_o make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v lawful_a before_o they_o say_v indeed_o that_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n sin_v because_o they_o offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o command_v they_o not_o etc._n etc._n leu._n 10.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o command_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o phrase_n not_o command_v be_v constant_o apply_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v the_o fire_n also_o be_v call_v strange_a which_o phrase_n when_o apply_v to_o matter_n of_o worship_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o forbid_v thus_o strange_a incense_n exod._n 30.9_o 24._o be_v such_o as_o be_v forbid_v because_o it_o be_v not_o right_o make_v strange_a vanity_n be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o strange_a god_n jer._n 8.19_o and_o thus_o the_o fire_n of_o these_o man_n be_v strange_a that_o be_v forbid_v fire_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o which_o more_o be_v say_v than_o of_o the_o fire_n burn_v upon_o it_o leu._n 9.24_o &_o 6.12_o &_o 16.12_o it_o be_v light_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v to_o be_v always_o burn_a when_o atonement_n be_v to_o be_v
of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o though_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o man_n conveniency_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a part_n or_o congregation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n so_o that_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a corporation_n but_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o corporation_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o corporation_n forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n thus_o have_v god_n grant_v a_o charter_n or_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o one_o church_n we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o ii_o by_o church-communion_n i_o mean_v church-society_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church-member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church-privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n it_o be_v true_a this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o but_o strict_o speak_v those_o office_n be_v not_o communion_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o communion_n church-communion_n be_v church-union_n for_o as_o a_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v the_o natural_a action_n of_o a_o member_n so_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o pray_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o in_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v perform_v those_o office_n yet_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o intruder_n such_o office_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n if_o perform_v by_o church-member_n but_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o be_v a_o member_n a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o church-society_n viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n join_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o act_v otherwise_o renounce_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o observe_v 1._o that_o church-communion_n principal_o respect_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o universal_a church_n 2._o that_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n such_o as_o pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n though_o it_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o christian_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v we_o as_o fellow-member_n pray_v to_o god_n the_o common_a father_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a saviour_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n thus_o also_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_a communion_n 3._o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o i_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a that_o i_o may_v lawful_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n 4._o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n because_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v but_o one_o all_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o separate_a society_n be_v to_o renounce_v its_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v its_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o body_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o we_o distinct_a church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v so_o that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n it_o be_v true_a a_o nation_n may_v permit_v those_o foreigner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o to_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o bare_a variety_n of_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o now_o every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o each_o church_n have_v a_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v foreigner_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v separate_a communion_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v so_o that_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o they_o think_v it_o unsafe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o two_o church_n may_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o church_n which_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n shall_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a society_n sound_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o
3._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o whoever_o make_v two_o family_n of_o it_o be_v a_o schismatic_n if_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n hold_v separate_a assembly_n under_o distinct_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o different_a governor_n and_o condemn_v each_o other_o constitution_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o member_n from_o each_o other_o they_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o church_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o several_a sort_n of_o government_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o distinct_a governor_n distinct_a subject_n and_o distinct_a law_n that_o be_v always_o at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o each_o other_o be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o congregation_n be_v but_o one_o church_n iii_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n by_o fix_a communion_n the_o dissenter_n understand_v a_o actual_a and_o constant_a communicate_v with_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_v member_n of_o it_o by_o occasional_a communion_n they_o mean_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o some_o other_o church_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o curiosity_n or_o to_o serve_v some_o secular_a end_n or_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n now_o fix_v communion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a notion_n of_o communion_n for_o occasional_a communion_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n can_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o a_o occasional_a membership_n since_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v equal_o fix_a and_o constant_a or_o equal_o occasional_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v true_a in_o one_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v we_o may_v live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n in_o a_o particular_a national_a church_n but_o yet_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n perform_v in_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abode_n be_v may_v be_v call_v fix_o communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o we_o be_v accidental_o present_a may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n because_o all_o these_o church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v sometime_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o separate_a congregation_n because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a for_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n congregation_n be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o but_z separate_z church_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o three_o forego_v particular_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a business_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o english_a man_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v first_o that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n second_o that_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n from_o whence_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v three_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i._o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o communion_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n to_o communicate_v in_o religious_a office_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v offer_v five_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 1._o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o since_o all_o society_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n therefore_o some_o duty_n and_o office_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n as_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.11_o which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o ministry_n authorise_a for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 2.42_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a prayer_n of_o church-member_n be_v acceptable_a yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n offer_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n nay_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v celebrate_v but_o in_o actual_a communion_n 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n which_o consist_v in_o admit_v man_n to_o or_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n suppose_v that_o church-member_n be_v oblige_v to_o visible_a communion_n 5._o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n as_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n according_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n before_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v yet_o we_o can_v preserve_v our_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n which_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n be_v worth_a nothing_o because_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o but_o then_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n now_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n as_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o division_n excuse_v from_o actual_a
with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o we_o 16._o we_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o rom._n 14.19_o 1_o thess_n 5.11_o eph._n 4.12_o 16._o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o whatever_o may_v be_v urge_v the_o apostle_n conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v and_o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o in_o a_o word_n what_o st._n austin_n and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o epist_n 118_o &_o 86._o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n must_v oblige_v a_o good_a man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o distraction_n it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n for_o instance_n what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v a_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5.1_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a person_n plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n by_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v a_o man_n liberty_n more_o damage_v when_o restrain_v by_o superior_n than_o when_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o superiour_n command_n restrain_v it_o perpetual_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v his_o own_o liberty_n suppose_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v damnify_v though_o it_o be_v restrain_v for_o his_o whole_a life_n for_o say_v he_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 1_o cor._n 8.13_o and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consistent_a with_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o christian_n liberty_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o freedom_n from_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o jewish_a law_n lay_v upon_o man_n this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o i_o think_v that_o in_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o judaisme_n but_o we_o must_v note_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v not_o in_o our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o act_n of_o observe_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v so_o not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a convert_v and_o if_o they_o can_v observe_v some_o judaical_a rite_n without_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n certain_o we_o may_v safe_o use_v a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o establish_v church_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v those_o person_n who_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o a_o few_o harmless_a imposition_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n from_o she_o but_o because_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a objection_n against_o some_o particular_a thing_n impose_v by_o she_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o general_a but_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n which_o relate_v to_o single_a instance_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o next_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o dissenter_n judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o by_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o 3._o by_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o require_v we_o to_o produce_v some_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v needless_a because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n however_o for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v command_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o extempore_o prayer_n i._o then_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n command_v we_o to_o use_v none_o but_o form_n
and_o that_o christian_n do_v very_o early_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o name_n give_v to_o public_a prayer_n for_o they_o be_v call_v the_o magn._n the_o justin_n apol._n 2._o ignat._n epist_n ad_fw-la magn._n common-prayer_n 6._o common-prayer_n orig._n cont_n celf._n l._n 6._o constitute_v prayer_n and_o 14._o and_o cypr._n the_o lap_n serm_n 14._o solemn_a prayer_n which_o last_o be_v the_o title_n by_o which_o the_o heathen_n distinguish_v their_o 2._o their_o vid._n ovid._n the_o fast_n lib._n 6._o stat._n lib._n 4._o senec._n in_o oedip._n act_n 2._o scen_n 2._o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o language_n of_o that_o age_n must_v signify_v a_o public_a form_n 29._o form_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o &_o 29._o st._n basil_n fetch_v the_o glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o cite_v it_o from_o st._n clemens_n the_o apostle_n scholar_n and_o from_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v live_v in_o the_o year_n 200_o and_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v live_v in_o the_o year_n 160_o set_v down_o these_o word_n as_o the_o christian_a form_n of_o praising_n god_n paedag._n god_n paedag._n praise_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o this_o form_n be_v old_a than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arian_n for_o they_o be_v sharp_o 24._o sharp_o theod._n hist_o l._n 2._o c._n 24._o reprove_v by_o the_o orthodox_n father_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a worship_n consist_v of_o hymn_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v compose_v into_o set_a form_n tertull._n apol._n cap._n 2._o and_o before_o he_o lucian_n in_o philop._n and_o justin_n martyr_n also_o epist_n ad_fw-la zen._n &_o heren_n speak_v of_o their_o sing_v such_o hymn_n they_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o watch_v and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n say_v lucian_n and_o pliny_n say_v that_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n it_o be_v their_o manner_n to_o sing_v by_o turn_n a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n which_o hymn_n be_v doubtless_o of_o human_a composure_n there_o be_v no_o hymn_n to_o christ_n in_o scripture_n of_o that_o length_n as_o to_o take_v up_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o public_a service_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o very_o early_o there_o be_v various_a psalm_n and_o ode_n compose_v by_o christian_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n 5._o christ_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n 5._o and_o that_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la be_v condemn_v for_o suppress_v those_o hymn_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v the_o composition_n of_o man_n of_o late_a day_n 7._o day_n ibid._n hist_o lib._n 7._o though_o in_o all_o probability_n those_o hymn_n be_v compose_v within_o much_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o apostolical_a age._n but_o as_o for_o this_o hymn_n which_o pliny_n speak_v of_o it_o be_v early_o for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v much_o above_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n that_o pliny_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o trajan_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o hymn_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v use_v in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n about_o the_o same_o time_n lucian_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o prayer_n which_o they_o use_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d begin_v from_o the_o father_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o of_o a_o famous_a hymn_n add_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o service_n philop._n service_n lucian_n philop._n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o hymn_n that_o pliny_n speak_v of_o since_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a worship_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n consist_v of_o hymn_n which_o be_v form_n of_o praise_n intermix_v with_o prayer_n and_o some_o of_o these_o of_o human_a composure_n this_o be_v a_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a use_n of_o form_n and_o doubtless_o they_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o pray_v by_o form_n in_o verse_n can_v not_o but_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o form_n in_o prose_n now_o that_o pray_v in_o meeter_n or_o compose_v hymn_n be_v a_o very_a early_a practice_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v let_v the_o people_n sing_v the_o verse_n which_o answer_v advers_o to_o one_o another_o 5._o another_o constitut_n apost_n l._n 2._o cap._n 5._o which_o way_n of_o sing_v be_v so_o very_o ancient_a that_o eusebius_n 171._o eusebius_n euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 2._o c._n 171._o urge_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o essenes_n christian_n because_o they_o sing_v by_o turn_n answer_v one_o another_o and_o how_o can_v they_o thus_o answer_v to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o hymn_n and_o prayer_n unless_o they_o have_v constant_a form_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o they_o have_v such_o responsal_n in_o prayer_n be_v evident_a because_o when_o julian_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o gentilism_n will_v needs_o dress_v it_o up_o 15._o up_o soz._n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 15._o after_o the_o order_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n one_o thing_n wherein_o he_o seek_v to_o imitate_v it_o be_v in_o their_o constitute_v prayer_n that_o be_v not_o in_o have_v constitute_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o that_o the_o heathen_a have_v before_o but_o in_o have_v such_o constitute_v form_n as_o the_o christian_n have_v that_o be_v as_o nazianzen_n 102._o nazianzen_n nazian_n orat._n 1._o p._n 102._o explain_v it_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v in_o part_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v in_o part_n nicephorus_n 8._o nicephorus_n niceph_n l._n 13._o c._n 8._o derive_v from_o ignatius_n who_o be_v a_o scholar_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o form_n and_o that_o in_o constantine_n time_n the_o church_n use_v public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o often-cited_n place_n of_o eusebius_n constant_n eusebius_n euseb_n de_fw-fr laud._n constant_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o constantine_n compose_v godly_a prayer_n for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o soldier_n and_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o in_o particular_a what_o the_o prayer_n be_v we_o acknowledge_v thou_o o_o god_n alone_a etc._n etc._n 20._o etc._n id._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr constant_n c._n 20._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o form_n be_v compose_v only_o for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o soldier_n who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o heathen_n and_o that_o constantine_n compose_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o public_a form_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o there_o have_v what_o need_n constantine_n have_v compose_v one_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o form_n indeed_o be_v compose_v only_o for_o his_o heathen_a soldier_n for_o as_o for_o his_o christian_a soldier_n the_o story_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o go_v to_o church_n 19_o church_n ibid._n c._n 19_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v hence_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o heathen_a soldier_n which_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n for_o if_o they_o have_v it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n will_v have_v use_v it_o but_o that_o they_o have_v form_n be_v evident_a because_o he_o call_v the_o prayer_n which_o constantine_n use_v in_o his_o court_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 17._o god_n ibid._n c._n 17._o authorize_v prayer_n which_o be_v the_o same_o title_n which_o he_o 18._o he_o ibid._n c._n 18._o give_v to_o that_o form_n which_o he_o make_v for_o his_o heathen_a soldier_n and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o authorize_v prayer_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o his_o soldier_n he_o mean_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o do_v then_o by_o the_o authorize_v prayer_n which_o he_o use_v in_o his_o court_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n he_o must_v mean_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n also_o and_o since_o he_o have_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o court_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n must_v have_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n too_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v public_a form_n of_o prayer_n after_o which_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o liturgy_n of_o st._n basil_n st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n ambrose_n we_o have_v undeniable_a testimony_n of_o the_o same_o see_v st._n chrysost_o 2._o ad_fw-la corinth_n homil._n 18._o st._n austin_n de_fw-fr bapt._n cont_n donat._n lib._n 6._o and_o council_n
themselves_o do_v grant_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o prohibition_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o then_o they_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n shall_v be_v baptise_a because_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a shall_v 1._o be_v teach_v matth._n 28.29_o 2._o believe_v mark_v 16.16_o 3._o repent_v act_v 2.38_o but_o those_o and_o the_o like_a text_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a than_o the_o apostle_n word_n 2_o thess_n 3.10_o do_v prove_v that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o eat_v for_o he_o require_v that_o if_o any_o will_v not_o work_v neither_o shall_v he_o eat_v now_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n can_v work_v and_o therefore_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o eat_v again_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o plague_n in_o any_o country_n and_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o call_v 11_o or_o 12_o man_n and_o give_v they_o a_o meditine_n against_o this_o plague_n and_o say_v go_v into_o such_o a_o country_n and_o call_v the_o people_n of_o it_o together_o and_o teach_v they_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o medicine_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o take_v it_o from_o you_o shall_v live_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v die_v now_o since_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o medicine_n though_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o will_v any_o man_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n shall_v receive_v it_o because_o they_o only_o can_v be_v call_v together_o and_o be_v teach_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v they_o that_o bring_v it_o no_o certain_o wherefore_o see_v child_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n know_v they_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v receive_v both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v but_o that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n shall_v be_v baptise_a shall_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n have_v order_v some_o prophet_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o law_n to_o every_o creature_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v circumcise_a and_o baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v will_v those_o prophet_n have_v circumcise_a and_o baptise_a only_o grow_v person_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o if_o in_o a_o short_a history_n of_o their_o mission_n we_o shall_v have_v read_v that_o they_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a as_o many_o proselyte_n as_o glad_o receive_v their_o word_n will_v this_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o also_o circumcise_v and_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o those_o believe_a proselyte_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o usage_n of_o their_o mother-church_n or_o shall_v god_n bid_v 12_o man_n of_o a_o church_n that_o have_v always_o practise_v infant-baptism_n go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o indies_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v will_v those_o man_n that_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n think_v it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v deny_v to_o infant_n no_o certain_o and_o therefore_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o apostle_n can_v not_o so_o understand_v their_o commission_n as_o to_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n now_o since_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o either_o express_o or_o otherwise_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n certain_o his_o command_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n do_v comprehend_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o men._n for_o the_o apostle_n live_v under_o a_o dispensation_n where_o infant_n be_v initiate_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v natural_o understand_v their_o commission_n of_o baptise_v to_o have_v extend_v unto_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o actual_a believer_n our_o adversary_n indeed_o put_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o they_o will_v well_o consider_v the_o next_o word_n they_o will_v find_v that_o infant_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o they_o because_o it_o follow_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o same_o want_n of_o faith_n which_o here_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n exclude_v also_o from_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o infant_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o same_o incapacity_n of_o believe_v which_o exclude_v they_o from_o baptism_n exclude_v they_o from_o salvation_n too_o wherefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v in_o that_o text_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o grow_v person_n just_a as_o the_o word_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o but_o they_o urge_v also_o that_o baptism_n be_v unprofitable_a for_o infant_n because_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v all_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o signify_v nothing_o but_o only_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n of_o which_o say_v they_o infant_n be_v whole_o uncapable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o another_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a circumcision_n which_o be_v all_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o profit_v nothing_o without_o keep_v the_o law_n which_o infant_n can_v not_o keep_v but_o that_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o yet_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o so_o that_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v prove_v nothing_o because_o it_o stretch_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n beyond_o their_o just_a meaning_n which_o be_v to_o let_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n know_v not_o that_o their_o infant_n be_v unprofitable_o circumcise_a or_o baptise_a but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rest_v in_o external_a circumcision_n or_o baptism_n but_o far_o have_v not_o the_o church_n be_v always_o in_o possession_n of_o this_o practice_n or_o can_v any_o time_n be_v show_v on_o this_o side_n the_o apostle_n when_o it_o begin_v nay_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n or_o that_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n otherwise_o orthodox_n do_v decline_v the_o baptise_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o these_o man_n do_v now_o then_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o their_o argument_n be_v better_a than_o they_o real_o be_v and_o that_o infant-baptism_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o ancient_a a_o practice_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o church_n ancient_n or_o modern_a which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n bring_v in_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o very_a first_o age_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o very_a companion_n and_o contemporary_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o write_v against_o other_o heresy_n pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n though_o we_o be_v sure_a from_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v 181._o be_v see_v suicerus_fw-la in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hammond_n on_o matth._n 19.28_o john_n 3.5_o selden_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la lib._n 2._o c._n 4._o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la p._n 181._o practise_v in_o those_o early_a time_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v all_o consent_n in_o such_o a_o dangerous_a error_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o peaceable_o and_o tame_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o opposition_n or_o that_o such_o a_o alteration_n shall_v be_v make_v without_o observation_n no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o or_o when_o certain_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o grow_v person_n before_o baptism_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o infant_n ought_v not_o
to_o be_v baptise_a but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v doubtful_a in_o the_o case_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o harmonious_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o undivided_a consent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n be_v not_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o they_o let_v any_o modest_a person_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o famous_a saint_n and_o martyr_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n shall_v conspire_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mock-baptism_n and_o of_o make_v so_o many_o million_o of_o mock-christians_a or_o that_o a_o little_a sect_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n the_o brevity_n which_o i_o design_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o recite_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o cassander_n and_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptism_n disp_n 14._o only_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o dangerous_a practice_n as_o our_o adversary_n think_v infant-baptism_n to_o be_v which_o will_v in_o time_n unchurch_n it_o and_o that_o even_o while_o miracle_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o those_o day_n do_v assure_v rigalt_n assure_v see_v irenaeus_n adu._n haer._n l._n 2._o c._n 56_o 57_o tertull._n apol._n and_o ad_fw-la scapul_n origen_n adv_o celsum_fw-la camb._n p._n 34_o 62_o 80_o 124_o 127_o 334_o 376._o cyprian_a ad_fw-la donat._n and_o ad_fw-la magn._n and_o ad_fw-la demetrian_n p._n 202._o edit_fw-la rigalt_n we_o that_o miracle_n be_v then_o not_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n 2._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v the_o 687._o the_o see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n lib._n 2._o p._n 2._o id._n de_fw-fr baptis_n disp_n 13._o thes_n 18._o and_o disp_a 14._o â—hes_n 4._o cassand_n praef._n ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n p._n 670._o and_o teâ—â—im_n vet_z de_fw-fr bapt._n parv_v p._n 687._o pelagian_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o innovation_n when_o the_o orthodox_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o infant_n be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o they_o practise_v it_o themselves_o and_o own_a it_o as_o necessary_a for_o child_n obtain_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n 3._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v all_o church_n bapt._n church_n see_v brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 20.23_o cassand_n expos_fw-la de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt_n inf._n p._n 692._o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman._n cit_fw-la a_o voss_n disp_n 14._o de_fw-fr bapt._n whatsoever_o though_o they_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n but_o be_v original_a plantation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o practice_v it_o one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o harmless_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 4._o will_v not_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v exclude_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n as_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o refuse_v to_o initiate_v they_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o have_v always_o be_v under_o the_o old_a wherefore_o since_o among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jewish_a custom_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n being_n exclude_v from_o baptism_n we_o may_v better_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v they_o iii_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant-baptism_n now_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o command_v it_o because_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a also_o for_o purgation_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n seem_v equal_o necessary_a because_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.5_o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v declare_v capable_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 10.14_o nay_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o child_n be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a whole_a household_n act_n 16.15_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o for_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o believer_n child_n make_v they_o candidate_n for_o baptism_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o it_o because_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v other_o text_n psal_n 5.5_o rom._n 3.23_o 24._o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 15.21_o 22._o and_o 5.14_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o ancient_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n necessary_a to_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a sin_n which_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o eternal_a death_n see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n p._n 1._o thes_n 6._o p._n 2._o l._n 2._o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o these_o text_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v requisite_a but_o then_o these_o text_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v requisite_a because_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n practise_v infant-baptism_n as_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o a_o child_n die_v unbaptise_v through_o the_o carelessness_n or_o superstition_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o through_o their_o mistake_a belief_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v infallible_o damn_v but_o i_o affirm_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o so_o high_o requisite_a as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o injoin_v it_o iv_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v proceed_v as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_a since_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n nor_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n nay_o since_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o christ_n at_o least_o allow_v they_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n therefore_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v high_o expedient_a also_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o infant_n who_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n the_o church_n beside_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n be_v by_o baptism_n make_v the_o child_n
of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a capacity_n either_o as_o governor_n and_o minister_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o as_o ordinary_a and_o lay-communicants_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o governor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n their_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v it_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o he_o design_v it_o to_o break_v and_o distribute_v it_o and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v and_o bless_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n love_n but_o what_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o in_o all_o the_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v altogether_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v silence_n be_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o no_o gesture_n be_v ever_o command_v at_o all_o but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v this_o he_o do_v by_o those_o word_n command_v they_o to_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v eat_z drink_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o institution_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v this_o gesture_n only_o and_o not_o several_a other_o circumstance_n which_o he_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o the_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper-room_n in_o a_o private-house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n in_o the_o company_n of_o twelve_o at_o most_o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o there_o do_v to_o sit_v 2._o even_o the_o two_o last_o of_o those_o circumstance_n be_v general_o allow_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o observe_v by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o gesture_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o expresl_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o do_v this_o respect_v only_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o action_n that_o be_v specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n nay_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v that_o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v command_v for_o there_o be_v many_o serious_a and_o sincere_a person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n they_o can_v use_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o they_o think_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n i_o have_v already_o confute_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o grant_v they_o can_v use_v the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v be_v it_o not_o enjoin_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a they_o do_v thereby_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n for_o any_o particular_a posture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west-friesland_n they_o stand_v the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustane_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuania_n and_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ausbourg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n injoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetic_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o 1583._o three_o 1._o at_o cracow_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1573._o 2._o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3._o wiadislaw_n 1583._o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_a gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a holl._n french_a harmon_n 4._o synod_n of_o holl._n do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o these_o article_n be_v so_o settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
also_o to_o kneel_v before_o any_o creature_n as_o a_o memorative_n object_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v no_o intention_n of_o give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o that_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n now_o if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o the_o altar_n upon_o their_o first_o approach_n to_o it_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v or_o immediate_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o if_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o body_n after_o a_o lowly_a manner_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o if_o they_o receive_v it_o stand_v upright_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o holy_a table_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n then_o they_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o we_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o scotch_a casuist_n and_o by_o consequence_n kneel_v at_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n for_o all_o those_o posture_n before_o mention_v be_v posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o use_v as_o such_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n especial_o stand_v which_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o 93._o the_o gillesp_n disp_n against_o e._n po._n câ—r_n p._n 101._o disp_n of_o kneel_v p._n 93._o patron_n of_o sit_v to_o be_v ancient_o and_o general_o use_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v to_o conclude_v all_o with_o a_o instance_n in_o their_o own_o case_n about_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o some_o place_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n sit_v or_o lie_v along_o upon_o bed_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n in_o those_o eastern_a country_n at_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a table_n let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o in_o other_o place_n they_o sit_v cross-legged_a on_o carpet_n at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o persian_n and_o turk_n eat_v at_o this_o day_n or_o that_o they_o receive_v stand_v in_o other_o place_n after_o the_o common_a mode_n of_o feast_v which_o we_o will_v suppose_v only_o at_o present_a can_v any_o man_n now_o object_n with_o reason_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o sit_v upright_o at_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o form_n or_o chair_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o england_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n who_o never_o sit_v at_o all_o no_o certain_o for_o though_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o ancient_n as_o to_o the_o site_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o receive_v yet_o they_o all_o consent_n in_o this_o that_o they_o receive_v in_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n they_o all_o observe_v the_o same_o gesture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o constant_o observe_v at_o their_o civil_a feast_n and_o ordinary_a entertainment_n in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o their_o abode_n and_o so_o say_v i_o in_o the_o present_a case_n what_o though_o the_o primitive_a christian_n stand_v upright_o some_o of_o they_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v and_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o use_v kneel_v yet_o they_o and_o we_o do_v very_o well_o agree_v for_o all_o that_o because_o we_o all_o receive_v in_o a_o adore_a or_o worship_v posture_n it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v according_a to_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o different_a country_n five_o and_o last_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v first_o introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v bring_v in_o by_o idolater_n as_o be_v pretend_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v or_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n i._o then_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v bring_v in_o by_o idolater_n i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v and_o i_o hope_v our_o dissenter_n will_v not_o charge_v they_o with_o idolatry_n i_o know_v that_o they_o pretend_v the_o kneeling-posture_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o honorius_n the_o three_o but_o that_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o be_v a_o reverend_a bow_n to_o the_o sacrament_n when_o the_o priest_n elevate_v the_o patten_n or_o chalice_n or_o when_o the_o host_n be_v carry_v to_o any_o sick_a person_n and_o not_o any_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v for_o these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o decree_n 10._o decree_n decret_n greg._n l._n 3._o tit_n 41._o c._n 10._o that_o the_o priest_n shall_v frequent_o instruct_v their_o people_n to_o bow_n themselves_o reverent_o at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n when_o mass_n be_v celebrate_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o priest_n carry_v it_o abroad_o to_o the_o sick_n nay_o as_o bishop_n still_v fleet_n 15._o fleet_n unreasonab_n of_o separate_a p._n 15._o say_v though_o kneel_v at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n be_v strict_o require_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n oâ—_n receive_v it_o be_v not_o as_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o pope_n manner_n of_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o kneel_v but_o either_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v in_o bonaventure_n be_v time_n or_o after_o the_o fashion_n oâ—_n sit_v or_o a_o little_a lean_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o he_o do_v at_o this_o day_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v when_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v come_v in_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v certain_o tell_v but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o ancient_a and_o universal_a use_n of_o it_o novel-custom_n be_v easy_o trace_v to_o their_o original_n but_o general_o we_o can_v tell_v from_o whence_o the_o most_o ancient_a usage_n of_o any_o country_n be_v derive_v however_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v as_o our_o dissenter_n do_v that_o kneel_v owe_v its_o birth_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n that_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o kneel_v or_o adore_v posture_n use_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v do_v very_o much_o among_o other_o thing_n conduce_v to_o beget_v and_o nurse_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o superstitious_a and_o fanciful_a man_n a_o conceit_n that_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o corporal_o present_a at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o notion_n by_o subtle_a and_o inquisitive_a head_n be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n improve_v and_o explain_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o after_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v consecrate_v they_o be_v thereby_o change_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n natural_a body_n and_o blood_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o the_o patron_n of_o transubstantiation_n do_v very_o early_o make_v use_n of_o this_o very_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o teach_v and_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o christian_n do_v for_o what_o else_o can_v they_o intend_v or_o mean_v say_v they_o by_o that_o extraordinary_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o they_o manifest_v when_o they_o receive_v the_o dreadful_a mystery_n as_o they_o call_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n if_o they_o be_v bare_a and_o empty_a sign_n only_o and_o not_o change_v into_o the_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o very_a argument_n use_v by_o 3._o by_o alger_n de_fw-fr sacramentis_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 3._o algerus_n a_o stout_a champion_n for_o transubstantiation_n and_o 1590._o and_o costor_n enchirid._n p._n 353._o edit_fw-la 1590._o costor_n another_o popish_a writer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v even_o after_o transubstantiation_n take_v place_n that_o the_o pope_n introduce_v it_o that_o he_o resolve_v it_o into_o a_o ancient_a custom_n continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o ii_o suppose_v it_o be_v otherwise_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v or_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v at_o present_a that_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n because_o that_o gesture_n have_v be_v and_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n then_o sit_v be_v also_o sinful_a which_o be_v contend_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o pope_n himself_o fit_v in_o
with_o heathen_n in_o their_o filthy_a mystery_n nor_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v immoral_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n because_o sometime_o it_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o their_o company_n must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o which_o they_o be_v command_v because_o evil_a man_n who_o till_o they_o repent_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v there_o rude_o intrude_v themselves_o as_o for_o st._n john_n word_n revel_v 18.4_o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n they_o be_v a_o command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o idolater_n and_o according_a to_o most_o interpreter_n those_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o text_n do_v not_o afford_v the_o dissenter_n the_o least_o plea_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o who_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n and_o retain_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o what_o it_o retain_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o have_v nothing_o now_o to_o add_v but_o that_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v utter_o 242._o utter_o see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 235_o 242._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 37_o 38._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o baily_n dissuasive_a p._n 22._o sacred_a desert_n p._n 97._o cawdrey_n reformation_n promote_v p._n 131._o manton_n on_o judas_n p._n 496._o cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 2._o burroughs_n gospel-worship_n serm._n 11._o p._n 242._o disclaim_v this_o plea_n of_o mixt-communion_n mr._n vines_n say_v it_o be_v donastical_a and_o other_o as_o mr._n brinsly_n and_o mr._n jenkin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a plea_n or_o pretence_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o schismatic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v untaught_a it_o as_o mr._n baxter_n advise_v and_o as_o they_o do_v disclaim_v it_o so_o they_o declare_v that_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n do_v it_o very_o unjust_o that_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n be_v ground_n of_o mourning_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o such_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o there_o be_v say_v mr._n burrough_n a_o error_n on_o both_o side_n either_o those_o that_o think_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o at_o all_o with_o who_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o those_o that_o if_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v the_o scandalous_a away_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o come_v think_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v not_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o this_o both_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o agree_v in_o and_o endeavour_v 5._o endeavour_v see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 31_o 32_o 44_o 242_o 246._o vindicat_fw-la of_o presb._n gou._n p._n 134._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 47._o firmin_n separ_fw-la exam._n p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church-reâ—or_a p._n 71._o tombes's_fw-fr theod._n p._n 74._o hooker_n survey_n pref._n a_o 3._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8_o 9_o grave_a confut._n part_n 3._o p._n 53_o 55._o burroughs_n gospel-worsh_a serm._n 11._o p._n 236_o 237._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 10._o p._n 191_o 250_o 211._o jean_n discourse_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n rutherford_n right_a of_o presbyt_fw-la blake'_v vindic._n p._n 235._o cotton_n inf._n bapt._n p._n 102._o cartwright_n on_o proverb_n edwards's_fw-fr apol._n baxter_n christian_n direct_v p._n 707._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 16._o bains_n on_o the_o ephes_n c._n 1._o v._n 1._o p._n 5._o to_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n nay_o they_o answer_v a_o objection_n draw_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v and_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o exclude_v such_o a_o one_o from_o church-communion_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o a_o private_a person_n but_o you_o be_v not_o command_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n if_o they_o exclude_v he_o not_o so_o mr._n baxter_n etc._n etc._n second_o that_o it_o concern_v not_o religious_a but_o civil_a communion_n and_o that_o not_o all_o civil_a society_n or_o commerce_n but_o familiar_a also_o for_o which_o they_o produce_v several_a reason_n 1._o they_o argue_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o eat_a bread_n which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o partake_v of_o or_o to_o be_v shut_v from_o the_o table_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o familiarity_n break_v off_o so_o mr._n ball_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o eat_v which_o be_v here_o forbid_a be_v allow_v to_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a but_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v only_o allow_v to_o be_v with_o a_o heathen_a therefore_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v with_o a_o brother_n so_o mr._n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n 454._o etc._n see_v baxter_n defence_n part_v 2._o p._n 27._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 200._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o cawdrey_n church-reformat_a p._n 75_o 122_o 126._o brinsly_n arraignment_n p._n 40_o 45_o 48._o tombes_n theodul_n p._n 128_o 167_o 210._o grave_a confut._n part_n 1._o p._n 17_o 18._o &_o part_v 4._o p._n 57_o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 219_o 226_o 333_o 246._o cartwright_n def._n of_o the_o admon_n p._n 98_o 99_o 106._o goodwin_n on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 487_o 488._o blake'_v vindic._n c._n 31._o p._n 236_o 238._o gillisp_n nihil_fw-la respondet_fw-la p._n 33._o knutton_n query_n throughton_n apol._n p._n 65._o baxter_n cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o owen_n evangel_n love_n c._n 3._o p._n 77._o brian_n dwelling_n with_o god_n sermon_n 6._o p._n 301._o firmin_n separate_a exam._n p._n 28._o collins_n provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 144_o 151._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o and_o as_o for_o other_o objection_n mr._n baxter_n answer_n be_v sufficient_a if_o you_o mark_v all_o the_o text_n in_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v command_v in_o such_o case_n beside_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n or_o antichristian_a and_o heretical_a confederacy_n and_o no-churche_n be_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n 1._o either_o that_o the_o church_n cast_v out_o the_o impenitent_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o 2._o that_o private_a man_n avoid_v all_o private_a familiarity_n with_o they_o but_o that_o the_o private_a member_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o such_o person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o show_v i_o one_o text_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o you_o can_v to_o conclude_v this_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n prove_v nothing_o but_o a_o supercilious_a arrogance_n and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o charity_n in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o what_o care_v they_o may_v take_v in_o their_o new_a way_n of_o discipline_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o our_o church_n have_v give_v the_o minister_n a_o power_n of_o reject_v scandalous_a sinner_n communion_n sinner_n see_v rubr._n after_o the_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v do_v for_o the_o close_a hypocrite_n will_v escape_v the_o narrow_a search_n every_o man_n be_v charge_v to_o examine_v himself_o and_o not_o another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o all_o will_v do_v so_o for_o he_o that_o inquire_v serious_o into_o his_o own_o sin_n will_v find_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a but_o he_o that_o be_v curious_a to_o pry_v into_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a and_o censorious_a which_o will_v make_v he_o as_o unfit_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o any_o of_o those_o fault_n which_o he_o so_o scornful_o condemn_v in_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o esteem_v himself_o and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pollute_v by_o their_o company_n chap._n x._o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v well_o but_o though_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a yet_o they_o can_v find_v pure_a ordinance_n and_o
according_a to_o it_o three_o therefore_o for_o the_o untie_n this_o great_a difficulty_n i_o say_v that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_v judgement_n be_v the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o guilt_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o mistake_v be_v such_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v make_v if_o he_o do_v his_o best_a to_o understand_v his_o duty_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o know_v it_o better_o then_o we_o think_v he_o innocent_a and_o not_o proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n though_o the_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n for_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o whatever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o since_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v better_o his_o mistake_n and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n be_v not_o sinful_a the_o only_a point_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o no._n if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n he_o do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o yet_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n then_o the_o man_n sin_n while_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n under_o the_o mistake_n and_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a or_o less_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o negligence_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o god_n enable_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o none_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v but_o those_o who_o wilful_o embrace_v false_a principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o against_o it_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o proceed_v to_o my_o first_o intend_a business_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v separate_v those_o who_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n from_o those_o that_o can_v for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o another_o principle_n second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v distinguish_v the_o true_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n from_o the_o false_a one_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n law_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v whether_o a_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n of_o a_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a by_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o join_v with_o we_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n direct_o sinful_a may_v notwithstanding_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v constant_o with_o other_o for_o his_o great_a edification_n or_o the_o like_a cause_n i_o answer_v that_o my_o proposition_n still_o hold_v because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o join_v with_o other_o which_o law_n he_o must_v not_o break_v by_o leave_v they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o again_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a but_o only_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o he_o think_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o it_o can_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o that_o my_o proposition_n remain_v true_a that_o none_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o those_o who_o think_v that_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n now_o since_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o certain_o true_a how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o for_o first_o those_o that_o separate_v either_o because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v by_o some_o churchman_n or_o to_o please_v a_o relation_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n or_o procure_v or_o regain_v a_o reputation_n or_o for_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n nor_o second_o can_v those_o lay-people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o hear_v their_o belove_a teacher_n in_o conventicle_n since_o they_o can_v hear_v they_o in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v those_o godly_a man_n to_o preach_v nor_o three_o those_o who_o dislike_v form_n of_o prayer_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n think_v they_o not_o convenient_a though_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a nor_o four_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o edification_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n or_o because_o many_o godly_a person_n condemn_v our_o way_n all_o these_o i_o say_v can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n because_o neither_o fancy_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o man_n conscience_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n nor_o five_o can_v those_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o think_v that_o our_o governor_n have_v encroach_v too_o much_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o suppose_v the_o governor_n be_v be_v faulty_a in_o it_o yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o concern_v so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o sixthly_a can_v those_o just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o can_v join_v with_o we_o sometime_o both_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a with_o what_o conscience_n do_v they_o dare_v to_o join_v in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a once_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n always_o but_o leave_v these_o false_a pretender_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o who_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o plead_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a and_o sure_o say_v they_o you_o will_v not_o have_v we_o join_v in_o these_o practice_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o
by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n and_o not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dread_n of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v he_o and_o that_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n 3._o it_o be_v excessive_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a it_o rob_v a_o man_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a 4._o it_o be_v scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o scrupulous_a man_n go_v on_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o scruple_n every_o thing_n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o for_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n 5._o this_o needless_a scruple_v have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o chief_o respect_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o three_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 1._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_a or_o most_o offensive_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o pray_v do_v not_o god_n principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n or_o will_v he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v we_o because_o he_o dislike_v the_o garment_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n or_o habit_n which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religious_a performance_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursom_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o dutiful_a child_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o we_o shall_v lay_v out_o our_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o idifferent_a and_o inferior_a nature_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_v this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n for_o say_v st._n paul_n ver_fw-la 18._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o