degree_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n for_o else_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o nothing_o when_o they_o be_v elect_v or_o promote_v to_o it_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v they_o succeed_v only_o to_o what_o they_o have_v before_o and_o what_o will_v the_o apostolical_a office_n over_o other_o church-officer_n signify_v if_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v they_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o power_n over_o they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o primitive_a antiquity_n may_v abundant_o satisfy_v you_o for_o we_o find_v st._n james_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o preside_v in_o the_o great_a council_n hold_v there_o but_o likewise_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n decide_v the_o matter_n debate_v in_o it_o about_o the_o gentil_n convert_v speak_v in_o that_o command_a style_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o they_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n etc._n etc._n after_o which_o we_o find_v timothy_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n 1.3_o 1_o tim._n 1.3_o and_o exercise_v episcopal_a jurisdiction_n over_o that_o church_n 3.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o which_o extend_v over_o all_o the_o proconsular_a asia_n 9.11.5.22_o ch._n 9.11.5.22_o in_o which_o he_o command_v that_o the_o laity_n be_v diligent_o instruct_v the_o clergy_n provide_v with_o a_o competent_a maintenance_n admit_v none_o to_o be_v deacon_n but_o upon_o due_a examination_n and_o ordain_v none_o to_o be_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n till_o they_o have_v well-performed_a the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n receive_v accusation_n against_o they_o and_o put_v guilty_a person_n to_o a_o open_a shame_n all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n again_o we_o find_v titus_n leave_v in_o crete_n to_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n 1.5_o tit._n 1.5_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v a_o episcopal_a power_n confer_v upon_o he_o to_o do_v that_o in_o crete_n which_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v there_o before_o have_v not_o and_o this_o power_n extend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o set_n in_o order_n what_o be_v want_v and_o the_o ordain_v of_o elder_n but_o likewise_o to_o the_o rebuke_v of_o obstinate_a offender_n with_o all_o authority_n 2.15_o tit._n 2.15_o first_o admonish_v they_o and_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n punish_v they_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 3.10_o chap._n 3.10_o and_o reject_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o which_o be_v all_o act_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o this_o power_n say_v some_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o to_o last_v no_o long_o than_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o these_o church_n why_o so_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o use_v and_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o follow_a time_n as_o there_o 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that_o shall_v unite_v they_o to_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v neither_o foresee_v nor_o prevent_v but_o be_v by_o unavoidable_a necessity_n bring_v under_o it_o god_n almighty_n will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o they_o and_o make_v up_o that_o in_o the_o everblessed_n society_n of_o saint_n hereafter_o which_o they_o want_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o but_o do_v you_o not_o see_v say_v you_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o june_n 28_o how_o those_o who_o turn_v it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o establish_v church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n may_v turn_v their_o own_o artillery_n upon_o you_o and_o talk_v to_o your_o disaffect_v brethren_n in_o the_o same_o strain_n as_o you_o do_v to_o we_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o the_o distraction_n and_o division_n of_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o
pick_v and_o choose_v out_o of_o public_a order_n and_o establishment_n to_o obey_v what_o they_o please_v and_o refuse_v the_o rest_n be_v not_o this_o to_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o and_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o do_v only_o what_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o any_o shall_v own_v or_o vent_v such_o wild_a principle_n of_o confusion_n two_o second_o the_o other_o hard_a term_n you_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o injunction_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v your_o be_v command_v to_o use_v that_o and_o no_o other_o and_o where_o be_v the_o hardship_n of_o this_o will_v you_o have_v the_o liturgy_n enjoin_v and_o the_o use_n of_o another_o thing_n set_v up_o by_o its_o side_n how_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o any_o order_n or_o indeed_o with_o common_a sense_n or_o will_v you_o have_v the_o liturgy_n enjoin_v and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o leave_v free_a this_o will_v be_v to_o enjoin_v and_o not_o enjoin_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o can_v 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and_o country_n who_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n direction_n desire_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v their_o great_a creator_n but_o i_o find_v you_o with_o another_o brother_n of_o you_o often_o style_v this_o that_o pitiful_a thing_n call_v uniformity_n that_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o his_o son_n to_o command_v it_o seem_v you_o can_v agree_v well_o enough_o in_o a_o form_n of_o rail_a though_o not_o of_o devotion_n but_o be_v uniformity_n such_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n which_o alone_o can_v help_v we_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o to_o agree_v in_o our_o petition_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o the_o success_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v that_o to_o be_v so_o undervalue_v that_o wise_a and_o know_a man_n have_v so_o high_o prize_v in_o all_o age_n and_o will_v you_o call_v that_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n which_o put_v such_o a_o form_n and_o comeliness_n into_o religious_a worship_n as_o to_o render_v it_o more_o prevalent_a with_o god_n and_o more_o please_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o our_o governor_n think_v fit_a to_o establish_v a_o uniformity_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o have_v they_o employ_v all_o this_o time_n and_o care_n and_o prudence_n about_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v not_o this_o a_o vile_a reflection_n on_o our_o superior_n in_o church_n and_o state_n can_v there_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o great_a pride_n and_o vain_a conceit_n that_o some_o have_v of_o themselves_o in_o a_o word_n do_v not_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o arrogance_n and_o obstinacy_n be_v the_o great_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o a_o unity_n say_v you_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o such_o uniformity_n in_o word_n and_o syllable_n but_o sir_n sad_a experience_n which_o be_v the_o best_a argument_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o when_o the_o unity_n of_o form_n be_v by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n lay_v aside_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n soon_o go_v with_o it_o for_o man_n fall_v a_o pray_v one_o against_o another_o and_o when_o the_o pale_n of_o the_o church_n be_v take_v away_o the_o gross_a blasphemy_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a division_n in_o point_n of_o worship_n immediate_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o the_o enemy_n take_v opportunity_n to_o sow_v those_o tare_n that_o can_v be_v root_v out_o to_o this_o day_n this_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o lament_v by_o some_o sober_a presbyterian_o themselves_o particular_o by_o dr._n tuckâ—ey_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o 2_o tim._n i._o 13._o and_o mr._n edward_n in_o his_o gangraena_fw-la to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o far_o we_o agree_v about_o the_o enjoin_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v you_o further_o by_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o your_o mistake_n where_o you_o differ_v but_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o i_o find_v you_o question_v the_o authority_n that_o command_v these_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v examine_v in_o my_o next_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n august_n 14_o 1697._o letter_n v._n sir_n i_o have_v be_v comprise_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o about_o the_o injunction_n of_o form_n by_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o enjoin_v they_o on_o all_o person_n and_o occasion_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o likewise_o how_o fit_a it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n order_n and_o uniformity_n shall_v join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o no_o other_o but_o because_o you_o have_v some_o exception_n against_o the_o authority_n that_o thus_o impose_v they_o i_o must_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v or_o adjust_a that_o matter_n for_o in_o you_o of_o june_n 28_o you_o will_v have_v i_o tell_v you_o who_o we_o mean_v by_o superior_n and_o who_o or_o what_o those_o ruler_n be_v that_o christ_n have_v vest_v with_o such_o a_o vast_a authority_n as_o to_o command_v a_o invariable_a form_n and_o the_o rather_o you_o say_v because_o we_o be_v divide_v in_o this_o point_n among_o ourselves_o one_o part_n of_o the_o disputer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v the_o king_n the_o external_n civil_a governor_n but_o the_o bishop_n the_o internal_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n etc._n etc._n sir_n i_o know_v none_o of_o the_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n divide_v in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o show_v from_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a presbyterian_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o be_v imagine_v to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o see_v what_o power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n about_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o what_o be_v peculiar_a to_o those_o spiritual_a officer_n and_o minister_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v you_o will_v see_v plain_o who_o be_v those_o ruler_n and_o superior_n that_o may_v command_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o first_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a such_o be_v that_o of_o preach_v the_o word_n administer_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o power_n of_o absolution_n ordination_n confirmation_n excommunication_n and_o the_o like_a this_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o commission_n be_v peculiar_o direct_v and_o confine_v to_o they_o no_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v authority_n of_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o when_o
in_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o never_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o control_v the_o command_a power_n of_o prince_n in_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o leave_v all_o such_o thing_n entire_o to_o their_o disposal_n and_o determination_n and_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n ever_o claim_v such_o a_o power_n or_o suffer_v for_o disobey_v in_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v but_o one_o limitation_n assign_v of_o our_o obedience_n and_o that_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n if_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prince_n clash_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o there_o the_o prince_n have_v no_o right_a to_o be_v obey_v because_o his_o will_n be_v counter-manded_n by_o a_o superior_a authority_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o give_v the_o least_o offence_n to_o secular_a power_n in_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n will_v yet_o yield_v no_o obedience_n in_o thing_n forbid_v by_o the_o express_a will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o matter_n between_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o so_o in_o the_o case_n between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n where_o if_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o one_o clash_n with_o the_o temporal_a power_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v manifest_a which_o must_v yield_v the_o inferior_a power_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o st._n peter_n style_v king_n and_o emperor_n supreme_a in_o their_o dominion_n and_o a_o supreme_a you_o know_v can_v have_v no_o superior_a power_n upon_o earth_n to_o control_v or_o over-rule_v he_o but_o though_o the_o king_n say_v some_o be_v supreme_a in_o temporal_a affair_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v a_o superior_a power_n to_o he_o in_o church-matter_n this_o be_v the_o power_n that_o be_v claim_v and_o usurp_v by_o the_o pope_n over_o christian_a king_n and_o emperor_n and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o pope_n that_o put_v in_o their_o claim_n to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o will_v fain_o take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o put_v it_o into_o their_o own_o but_o st._n peter_n from_o who_o the_o first_o claim_n as_o his_o successor_n express_o assert_n king_n to_o be_v supreme_a in_o their_o dominion_n without_o limitation_n or_o exception_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o what_o authority_n have_v any_o to_o except_v where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v no_o exception_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n from_o who_o the_o latter_a claim_n have_v no_o where_o limit_v or_o circumscribe_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o prince_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o king_n have_v need_n look_v well_o to_o the_o right_n of_o their_o crown_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o unjust_a pretension_n and_o encroachment_n of_o both_o beside_o what_o mad_a work_n must_v two_o coordinate_a supremacy_n make_v in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n for_o since_o sacred_a and_o civil_a matter_n be_v many_o time_n so_o closes_o twist_v and_o inter-woven_a together_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v separate_v or_o distinguish_v what_o sharp_a and_o unavoidable_a contest_v must_v frequent_o arise_v about_o they_o and_o if_o these_o two_o rival-supreams_a differ_v about_o the_o extent_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o power_n what_o shall_v the_o subject_n do_v who_o can_v possible_o obey_v or_o please_v both_o for_o since_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n the_o serve_v of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o despise_n of_o the_o other_o which_o may_v draw_v on_o he_o the_o displeasure_n of_o both_o and_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v style_v himself_o a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n shall_v lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n in_o our_o way_n and_o leave_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o kingdom_n depend_v to_o such_o great_a uncertainty_n again_o if_o these_o two_o rival-power_n fall_v at_o variance_n who_o shall_v reconcile_v they_o or_o what_o shall_v decide_v this_o great_a controversy_n why_o nothing_o upon_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o but_o the_o sword_n with_o which_o the_o spiritual_a power_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v for_o that_o have_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v only_o strike_v with_o the_o thunder_n of_o excommunication_n and_o if_o these_o be_v disregard_v as_o they_o too_o often_o be_v it_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o preserve_v or_o maintain_v a_o supremacy_n so_o that_o if_o the_o sword_n be_v the_o only_a weapon_n to_o defend_v it_o he_o who_o be_v of_o right_n entrust_v with_o that_o be_v thereby_o design_v and_o constitute_v supreme_a but_o those_o scripture_n you_o say_v that_o require_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n respect_v church-governors_n 300_o year_n before_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n sir_n if_o you_o consult_v expositor_n or_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n you_o will_v find_v those_o scripture_n to_o respect_v the_o roman_a governor_n who_o then_o sway_v the_o imperial_a sceptre_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v all_o due_a submission_n and_o obedience_n pay_v for_o he_o command_v to_o render_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n be_v he_o acknowledge_v pilat_n power_n to_o be_v give_v he_o from_o above_o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n demean_v themselves_o towards_o they_o according_o indeed_o for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n when_o the_o roman_a power_n not_o only_o persecute_v but_o seek_v to_o root_v out_o christianity_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o its_o own_o law_n and_o by_o its_o own_o legislative_a power_n provide_v the_o best_a it_o can_v for_o its_o own_o safety_n and_o edification_n but_o when_o the_o roman_a emperor_n embrace_v christianity_n to_o the_o great_a joy_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n they_o take_v the_o church_n into_o their_o care_n and_o protection_n which_o by_o that_o mean_n get_v out_o of_o that_o heavy_a storm_n of_o persecution_n under_o which_o it_o have_v long_o labour_v and_o begin_v to_o flourish_v in_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n for_o constantine_n and_o other_o christian_a emperor_n build_v church_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o decent_a celebration_n of_o it_o they_o convene_v general_a council_n and_o often_o preside_v in_o they_o ratify_v their_o canon_n with_o their_o imperial_a edict_n and_o enforce_v they_o with_o temporal_a sanction_n and_o penalty_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o church_n be_v derive_v down_o in_o that_o happy_a and_o flourish_a state_n in_o which_o it_o now_o continue_v thus_o sir_n you_o see_v who_o those_o ruler_n and_o superior_n be_v that_o may_v enjoin_v a_o invariable_a form_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n satisfy_v your_o demand_n and_o remove_v your_o exception_n against_o the_o authority_n that_o enjoin_v they_o but_o when_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n you_o be_v wont_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o injustice_n and_o severity_n of_o their_o law_n and_o to_o cry_v out_o of_o persecution_n when_o you_o suffer_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o how_o just_o this_o be_v do_v must_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o to_o serve_v you_o m._n h._n august_n 10_o 1697._o letter_n vi._n sir_n i_o show_v in_o my_o last_o what_o that_o authority_n be_v that_o lawful_o may_v and_o have_v enjoin_v form_n of_o prayer_n together_o with_o the_o equity_n and_o obligation_n of_o those_o law_n that_o require_v they_o my_o next_o task_n must_v be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o justice_n of_o those_o penalty_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rather_o do_v because_o i_o find_v you_o talk_v much_o of_o goal_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o other_o hardship_n which_o you_o have_v endure_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o you_o complain_v most_o bitter_o and_o frequent_o of_o persecution_n as_o if_o you_o live_v under_o nero_n or_o dioclesian_n and_o feel_v all_o the_o torture_n that_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o or_o as_o good_a a_o cause_n too_o all_o which_o be_v do_v mere_o to_o derive_v a_o odium_n upon_o the_o law_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o great_a pity_n and_o liberty_n for_o yourselves_o and_o here_o i_o must_v observe_v a_o double_a artifice_n which_o i_o find_v you_o make_v use_n of_o the_o one_o to_o evade_v the_o duty_n the_o other_o the_o penalty_n of_o these_o law_n to_o effect_v the_o first_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v the_o injunction_n of_o superior_n not_o by_o the_o style_n of_o
superior_n in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o you_o exact_v from_o your_o inferior_n and_o then_o you_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o submission_n for_o without_o this_o government_n will_v be_v precarious_a and_o subjection_n arbitrary_a for_o every_o one_o that_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o law_n will_v exempt_v themselves_o from_o all_o obedience_n to_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n all_o humoursom_a proud_a and_o perverse_a people_n may_v control_v and_o nose_n their_o superior_n and_o cast_v off_o all_o duty_n and_o subjection_n to_o they_o and_o what_o mad_a work_n will_v it_o make_v in_o church_n and_o state_n if_o no_o law_n be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a peevish_a or_o ignorant_a person_n shall_v consent_v to_o and_o approve_v of_o it_o but_o will_v not_o this_o say_v you_o require_v obedience_n to_o arian_n popish_a and_o presbyterian_a governor_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v uppermost_a and_o in_o another_o place_n you_o tell_v i_o that_o this_o doctrine_n will_v have_v do_v special_a service_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n and_o will_v bear_v a_o man_n charge_n through_o all_o the_o turk_n dominion_n sir_n in_o what_o country_n or_o under_o what_o governor_n soever_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o live_v we_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o it_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n for_o power_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o god_n himself_o but_o if_o they_o command_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a or_o forbid_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n yea_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o yield_v it_o because_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n when_o their_o command_n happen_v to_o clash_v or_o interfere_v but_o then_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v plain_o and_o evident_o forbid_v by_o some_o express_a law_n of_o god_n before_o we_o can_v withhold_v our_o obedience_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v but_o doubtful_a or_o disputable_a if_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_o appear_v but_o depend_v only_o on_o some_o remote_a uncertain_a and_o far_o fetch_v consequence_n if_o more_o and_o wise_a man_n judge_v it_o lawful_a than_o unlawful_a here_o in_o such_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o be_v our_o present_a case_n the_o authority_n of_o superior_n ought_v to_o over-rule_v our_o weak_a judgement_n and_o we_o must_v submit_v our_o private_a to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n and_o if_o we_o be_v at_o any_o time_n mislead_v this_o way_n it_o will_v not_o be_v we_o but_o the_o superior_n fault_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n apparent_o sinful_a it_o will_v never_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o but_o those_o who_o have_v the_o command_n and_o conduct_v of_o we_o but_o how_o come_v they_o thus_o bold_o to_o challenge_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n who_o when_o time_n be_v deny_v it_o to_o all_o other_o though_o they_o put_v in_o the_o same_o claim_n to_o it_o be_v you_o sir_n the_o only_a man_n of_o discretion_n to_o who_o all_o other_o must_v submit_v and_o must_v none_o be_v allow_v any_o judgement_n of_o it_o but_o yourselves_o this_o be_v a_o far_a instance_n of_o your_o abominable_a pride_n and_o partiality_n but_o because_o this_o and_o your_o plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v mighty_o insist_v on_o as_o the_o main_a dispensation_n from_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o give_v some_o far_a account_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o my_o next_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n sept._n 26_o 1697._o letter_n viii_o sir_n i_o considere_v in_o my_o last_o your_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o show_v how_o far_o it_o ought_v to_o stoop_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n of_o superior_n but_o because_o this_o and_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o same_o plea_n be_v common_o allege_v to_o take_v off_o obedience_n to_o law_n and_o be_v by_o too_o many_o think_v a_o good_a dispensation_n from_o it_o i_o promise_v to_o give_v some_o further_a account_n of_o it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o show_v when_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o guide_v our_o action_n and_o when_o not_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o thing_n touch_v a_o erroneous_a doubt_v and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n one_a and_o first_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o according_a as_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o instruct_v or_o persuade_v of_o they_o so_o it_o be_v either_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a conscience_n now_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n make_v know_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o by_o direct_a consequence_n and_o deduction_n from_o it_o for_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a lawgiver_n and_o judge_n of_o conscience_n he_o alone_o have_v the_o right_a to_o govern_v and_o direct_v it_o which_o he_o do_v by_o all_o or_o some_o of_o these_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v two_o when_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n to_o guide_v our_o action_n and_o when_o not_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v mind_v because_o very_o bad_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v by_o misguide_a conscience_n we_o read_v of_o some_o who_o in_o kill_v the_o apostle_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n do_v it_o as_o himself_o declare_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n for_o he_o very_o think_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o vile_a thing_n have_v be_v act_v under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o real_a or_o pretend_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v due_o regulate_v before_o it_o can_v safe_o direct_v or_o justify_v our_o action_n and_o how_o be_v that_o why_o thus_o when_o it_o be_v well_o inform_v out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n on_o thing_n then_o it_o be_v a_o good_a guide_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v but_o when_o it_o be_v ill_o advise_v and_o entertain_v wrong_a notion_n then_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o false_a guide_n and_o lead_v into_o bog_n and_o error_n in_o which_o last_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o style_v conscience_n as_o humour_n fancy_n and_o mistake_v opinion_n for_o the_o better_a clear_n hereof_o we_o must_v note_v further_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v make_v necessary_a by_o command_v they_o and_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o it_o have_v make_v sinful_a by_o for_o bid_v they_o and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o a_o middle_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o two_o former_a sort_n of_o thing_n our_o conscience_n be_v tie_v up_o by_o a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a obligation_n lay_v on_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o we_o can_v omit_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v neither_o can_v we_o commit_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v without_o apparent_a sin_v against_o he_o but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o a_o middle_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_a our_o conscience_n be_v at_o liberty_n and_o may_v be_v no_o further_o restrain_v than_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n for_o the_o public_a good_a or_o as_o we_o shall_v think_v fit_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o restrain_v our_o self_n so_o that_o in_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n chief_o lie_v we_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o humane_a law_n make_v for_o the_o peace_n order_n and_o good_a government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n to_o the_o observance_n whereof_o our_o conscience_n be_v tie_v up_o not_o by_o a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a obligation_n as_o in_o the_o former_a thing_n but_o secondary_o and_o mediate_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o command_n of_o god_n require_v we_o to_o obey_v magistrate_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o for_o conscience_n sake_n it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o make_v conscience_n a_o plea_n for_o disobey_v they_o now_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o enligtn_v from_o god_n word_n and_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n take_v thing_n command_v for_o necessary_a and_o thing_n forbid_v for_o sinful_a and_o those_o
to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.19_o and_o st._n paul_n woe_n be_v to_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.16_o but_o to_o how_o bad_a purpose_v these_o be_v apply_v to_o your_o case_n will_v be_v obvious_a to_o any_o that_o will_v consider_v the_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o our_o day_n for_o the_o apostle_n live_v under_o heathen_a governor_n who_o for_o bad_a they_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o require_v they_o to_o stifle_v that_o message_n which_o they_o have_v in_o charge_n to_o deliver_v and_o therefore_o may_v well_o ask_v the_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o fit_a to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n whereas_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o live_v under_o christian_a prince_n who_o not_o only_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n themselves_o but_o guard_v it_o with_o good_a law_n to_o propagate_v its_o doctrine_n and_o preserve_v its_o peace_n and_o unity_n again_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o their_o call_v and_o authority_n from_o man_n or_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o immediate_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v restrain_v or_o be_v depose_v by_o men._n whereas_o we_o though_o we_o execute_v a_o function_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o be_v also_o call_v of_o god_n to_o it_o yet_o we_o be_v call_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o may_v therefore_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n be_v depose_v and_o restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o hence_o we_o find_v the_o old_a nonconformist_n declare_v that_o whilst_o the_o bishop_n suspend_v and_o deprive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o long_o we_o account_v their_o action_n therein_o as_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o reverence_n and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v 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it_o necessary_a to_o restrain_v they_o these_o thing_n well_o consider_v plain_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o st._n paul_n woe_n be_v to_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v sometime_o invert_v into_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o gospel_n if_o preach_v by_o such_o men._n but_o it_o be_v sacrilege_n say_v you_o to_o alienate_v consecrate_a person_n from_o the_o work_n to_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v sir_n if_o any_o consecrate_a person_n will_v alienate_v themselves_o from_o their_o proper_a work_n through_o their_o own_o default_n at_o who_o door_n must_v the_o sacrilege_n lie_v do_v they_o not_o rob_v god_n and_o the_o church_n too_o of_o the_o service_n they_o owe_v to_o both_o by_o render_v themselves_o unfit_a or_o uncapable_a of_o perform_v it_o and_o may_v not_o heretic_n schismatic_n and_o other_o notorious_a offender_n 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in_o danger_n of_o perish_v for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n the_o great_a mischief_n be_v from_o your_o evil_a art_n of_o seduce_a and_o draw_v the_o people_n from_o those_o place_n where_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_o set_v before_o they_o and_o the_o atheism_n debauchery_n and_o other_o evil_n you_o complain_v of_o be_v evident_o occasion_v by_o your_o separation_n for_o when_o man_n discover_v the_o fraud_n and_o falsehood_n of_o your_o vain_a pretence_n they_o begin_v to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o be_v thence_o lead_v to_o throw_v off_o all_o beside_o if_o you_o will_v preach_v where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n you_o shall_v repair_v to_o those_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o plant_v and_o scatter_v your_o light_n in_o some_o of_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o you_o be_v for_o exercise_v your_o talon_n not_o where_o be_v the_o great_a need_n of_o instruction_n but_o where_o you_o may_v reap_v the_o great_a benefit_n by_o division_n but_o you_o add_v that_o the_o people_n have_v as_o true_a a_o right_n to_o their_o soul_n as_o we_o have_v to_o our_o tithe_n and_o a_o atheistical_a popish_a prince_n or_o patron_n can_v no_o more_o impose_v a_o minister_n upon_o they_o than_o he_o can_v choose_v wife_n diet_n physic_n and_o force_v they_o to_o take_v they_o and_o in_o another_o letter_n you_o say_v that_o for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ_n he_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o no_o bishop_n that_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o magistrate_n without_o the_o clergy_n election_n and_o the_o people_n choice_n and_o consent_n now_o to_o set_v you_o right_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o bishop_n former_o be_v and_o still_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o clergy_n at_o which_o in_o ancient_a time_n some_o of_o the_o people_n be_v present_a to_o give_v their_o testimony_n concern_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o practice_n be_v ground_v on_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.2_o 7._o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o people_n from_o the_o bare_a give_v testimony_n put_v in_o their_o claim_n to_o their_o consent_n in_o the_o election_n and_o this_o beget_v those_o disturbance_n faction_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o church_n that_o occasion_v the_o settle_v this_o matter_n by_o law_n and_o canon_n the_o nomination_n of_o bishop_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o donation_n of_o church_n in_o such_o as_o erect_v or_o endow_v they_o by_o which_o mean_n peace_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o liberal_a provision_n make_v for_o it_o which_o to_o this_o day_n it_o in_o some_o measure_n enjoy_v now_o mr._n baxter_n and_o his_o follower_n to_o gratify_v the_o people_n and_o disturb_v the_o church_n will_v fain_o renew_v this_o quarrel_n and_o revive_v those_o popular_a pretence_n to_o choose_v their_o minister_n which_o occasion_v so_o many_o and_o great_a disturbance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v your_o argue_v from_o man_n choose_n their_o wife_n diet_n &_o &_o in_o which_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a right_n for_o their_o own_o private_a peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o their_o choose_n of_o bishop_n and_o doctor_n in_o which_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v between_o which_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n so_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v a_o manifest_a inconsequence_n but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v a_o famous_a argument_n of_o you_o for_o preach_v without_o or_o against_o law_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o a_o certain_a church-relation_n which_o you_o say_v there_o be_v between_o pastor_n and_o people_n which_o the_o barthelomew_n act_n be_v not_o able_a to_o dissolve_v where_o sir_n do_v you_o
finger_n of_o presbytery_n heavy_a than_o the_o loin_n of_o episcopacy_n further_o more_o 7thly_fw-mi when_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o pharisee_n you_o own_v they_o to_o be_v loose_a expositor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o it_o in_o their_o not_o make_v it_o to_o extend_v to_o the_o internal_o of_o religion_n but_o to_o reach_v only_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o external_n observance_n of_o your_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n this_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o fill_v to_o the_o ceremony_n as_o mere_a outside_n formal_a thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o sir_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v without_o any_o ceremony_n if_o not_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o comely_a to_o behold_v man_n join_v and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o humble_a posture_n of_o devotion_n than_o to_o see_v they_o clash_v and_o use_v different_a word_n and_o gesture_n do_v not_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n require_v by_o the_o apostle_n chief_o respect_v these_o thing_n do_v not_o a_o uniform_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n add_v a_o grace_n and_o solemnity_n to_o divine_a worship_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o better_a to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o beauty_n than_o deformity_n of_o holiness_n the_o pharisee_n fault_n here_o again_o be_v to_o observe_v their_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n and_o necessity_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o thing_n as_o much_o command_v by_o god_n as_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o you_o likewise_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o innocent_a ceremony_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o they_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o as_o thing_n as_o much_o forbid_a as_o the_o great_a breach_n and_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n now_o this_o be_v superstition_n both_o way_n and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o will-worship_n in_o you_o to_o say_v eat_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n kneel_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pharisee_n to_o say_v eat_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o god_n creature_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n look_v on_o these_o ceremony_n as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o alterable_a circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o common-prayer_n and_o appoint_v they_o only_o for_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n have_v careful_o avoid_v the_o superstition_n of_o both_o and_o yet_o to_o keep_v up_o your_o party_n you_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o we_o make_v they_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o you_o abstain_v from_o they_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n abstain_v from_o the_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n because_o we_o place_v holiness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o this_o sir_n be_v very_o foul_a play_n at_o once_o to_o traduce_v the_o church_n and_o seduce_v the_o people_n but_o to_o carry_v on_o your_o own_o design_n you_o care_v not_o what_o false_a game_n you_o play_v or_o by_o what_o evil_a art_n and_o accusation_n you_o compass_v they_o but_o you_o go_v on_o and_o say_v the_o pharisee_n impose_v their_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n as_o law_n on_o christ_n dissent_v disciple_n and_o be_v ever_o accuse_v and_o complain_v of_o those_o that_o will_v not_o observe_v they_o here_o after_o you_o have_v asperse_v the_o church_n you_o come_v to_o claw_v and_o flatter_v the_o dissenter_n by_o seek_v to_o draw_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n into_o the_o number_n of_o they_o and_o will_v make_v they_o as_o much_o nonconformist_n and_o separatist_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o you_o be_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o with_o how_o little_a truth_n and_o sincerity_n this_o be_v affirm_v we_o may_v easy_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n where_o we_o read_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n live_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o ceremony_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n from_o which_o the_o pharisee_n be_v but_o a_o sect_n or_o excrescence_n as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o be_v by_o birth_n and_o circumcision_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o both_o which_o sense_n 4.4_o gal._n 4.4_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n and_o be_v thereby_o a_o debtor_n to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n he_o according_o pay_v a_o exact_a duty_n and_o conformity_n to_o it_o in_o his_o infancy_n he_o be_v not_o only_a circumcise_a the_o eighth_n day_n according_a to_o the_o law_n give_v to_o abraham_n but_o be_v soon_o after_o present_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o his_o mother_n purify_v according_a to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n law_n when_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o we_o read_v that_o he_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n 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member_n with_o they_o till_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o life_n and_o other_o business_n of_o his_o function_n call_v he_o thence_o in_o his_o depart_n thence_o have_v heal_v a_o leper_n of_o a_o dangerous_a leprosy_n 8.4_o matth._n 8.4_o he_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o offer_v the_o gift_n due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n upon_o such_o occasion_n but_o to_o show_v the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o must_v note_v that_o god_n almighty_n appoint_v three_o great_a and_o memorable_a feast_n viz._n the_o passover_n pentecost_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o do_v it_o by_o themselves_o at_o home_n in_o the_o particular_a place_n of_o their_o abode_n they_o be_v command_v to_o repair_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o not_o several_o and_o at_o different_a time_n but_o to_o go_v up_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o meet_v there_o together_o at_o the_o celebration_n of_o those_o great_a festival_n which_o be_v do_v to_o tie_v they_o the_o fast_o together_o in_o one_o communion_n now_o the_o evangelist_n frequent_o acquaint_v we_o with_o christ_n resort_v to_o those_o feast_n and_o the_o forecited_a learned_a author_n after_o his_o recount_v some_o of_o the_o many_o ceremony_n use_v at_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o punctual_a observer_n of_o they_o all_o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o read_v that_o they_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n luke_n 24.53_o again_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n as_o the_o three_o former_a but_o enjoin_v by_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n in_o their_o several_a age_n in_o short_a we_o find_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v take_v the_o passover_n with_o his_o disciple_n and_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o it_o matth._n 26.19_o 20._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o both_o live_v and_o dye_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o he_o have_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a law_n be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o by_o which_o he_o abundant_o show_v himself_o the_o true_a promise_a messiah_n he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n and_o institute_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o he_o give_v a_o commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o plant_v and_o propagate_v every_o where_o and_o furnish_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o
that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v keep_v entire_a without_o any_o schism_n or_o division_n in_o it_o to_o which_o end_n they_o have_v leave_v a_o strict_a charge_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n which_o can_v only_o be_v by_o join_v together_o in_o one_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n and_o now_o what_o think_v you_o sir_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o dissenter_n and_o nonconformist_n nay_o have_v they_o not_o leave_v a_o example_n of_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o show_v a_o exact_a compliance_n with_o all_o the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n not_o only_o of_o divine_a but_o humane_a and_o ecclesiastical_a appointment_n use_v in_o it_o and_o will_v our_o saviour_n think_v you_o approve_v of_o rent_n and_o dâ—ssâ—â—â—ions_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o he_o have_v 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o body_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n no_o certain_o the_o precept_n to_o unity_n and_o the_o prohibition_n of_o division_n be_v far_o more_o urgent_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o how_o can_v you_o conceive_v schism_n and_o separation_n to_o be_v sign_n of_o grace_n and_o pure_a christianity_n when_o they_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o both_o thus_o you_o see_v sir_n that_o your_o additional_a stroke_n serve_v but_o to_o add_v to_o the_o resemblance_n and_o your_o complete_n the_o character_n of_o the_o pharisee_n only_o show_v you_o the_o more_o complete_o like_o they_o but_o you_o have_v something_o far_a to_o say_v of_o the_o pharisee_n prayer_n and_o ask_v whether_o they_o be_v by_o a_o liturgy_n or_o not_o which_o must_v be_v examine_v and_o answer_v in_o my_o next_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n letter_n xviii_o to_o j._n m._n sir_n i_o show_v in_o my_o last_o that_o the_o additional_a stroke_n you_o give_v to_o the_o picture_n of_o the_o pharisee_n do_v but_o increase_v the_o resemblance_n and_o what_o you_o add_v to_o complete_a their_o character_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v it_o look_v so_o much_o the_o hard_a upon_o you_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v far_o to_o say_v concern_v your_o prayer_n and_o here_o when_o i_o tell_v that_o the_o pharisee_n prayer_n be_v remarkable_a for_o two_o thing_n viz._n their_o length_n and_o their_o loudness_n you_o very_o fair_o quarrel_v with_o both_o for_o your_o cavil_a humour_n will_v scarce_o let_v any_o thing_n pass_v and_o therefore_o something_o must_v be_v add_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o both_o as_o for_o their_o length_n our_o saviour_n have_v record_v it_o for_o a_o piece_n of_o their_o hypocrisy_n 23.14_o matt._n 23.14_o that_o they_o make_v long_a prayer_n no_o say_v you_o it_o be_v not_o the_o length_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o the_o make_n of_o they_o for_o a_o pretence_n that_o be_v there_o blame_v but_o sir_n do_v not_o the_o make_n of_o they_o for_o a_o pretence_n imply_v a_o opinion_n of_o some_o great_a excellency_n in_o they_o than_o in_o short_a prayer_n man_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o pretend_v to_o but_o hide_v imperfection_n and_o if_o the_o pharisee_n make_v these_o prayer_n for_o a_o show_n or_o pretence_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o take_v prolixity_n for_o a_o perfection_n and_o ornâ—ment_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o place_v great_a holiness_n and_o sanctity_n in_o they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o value_n for_o long_a prayer_n and_o value_v themselves_o upon_o they_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o observe_v in_o they_o as_o for_o their_o lowdness_n we_o read_v that_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n which_o be_v do_v for_o ostentation_n and_o vanity_n and_o before_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n lowdness_n be_v necessary_a to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o sound_v a_o trumpet_n before_o their_o alm_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n so_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n in_o their_o street-prayer_n to_o be_v hear_v of_o they_o but_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o lowdness_n you_o can_v away_o with_o blame_v the_o length_n of_o prayer_n for_o be_v not_o jacob_n say_v you_o a_o long_a prayer_n yea_o be_v not_o david_n solomon_n nehemiah_n and_o daniel_n so_o sir_n there_o be_v far_o more_o example_n of_o short_a than_o of_o long_a prayer_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o we_o read_v of_o much_o great_a success_n to_o have_v attend_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o as_o for_o the_o prayer_n you_o mention_v the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v but_o like_o one_o of_o our_o short_a collect_v the_o other_o like_o our_o long_a form_n compose_v for_o public_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o none_o of_o they_o like_o the_o tedious_a long-winded_a harangue_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n beside_o the_o former_a be_v the_o inspire_a prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o dedicate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n be_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o word_n sound_n pertinent_a and_o pithy_a whereas_o you_o proceed_v from_o the_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a conception_n of_o your_o own_o brain_n be_v far_o from_o either_o be_v oftentimes_o full_a of_o impertinence_n tautology_n and_o unsoundness_n but_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o long_a prayer_n say_v you_o when_o he_o continue_v all_o night_n at_o it_o and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n spend_v sometime_o many_o hour_n together_o in_o prayer_n and_o some_o of_o their_o fast_n be_v celebrate_v with_o prayer_n prolong_v from_o the_o morning_n of_o one_o day_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o another_o sir_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o they_o spend_v all_o this_o time_n in_o verbal_n or_o vocal_a prayer_n or_o that_o they_o be_v all_o this_o while_n speak_v and_o utter_v word_n unto_o god_n no_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o time_n be_v take_v up_o in_o silent_a and_o devout_a soliloquy_n in_o pious_a and_o heavenly_a meditation_n and_o the_o inward_a breathe_n of_o mental_a prayer_n which_o be_v very_o frequent_a and_o make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o those_o time_n as_o for_o our_o saviour_n continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n much_o of_o that_o time_n be_v doubtless_o spend_v in_o the_o secret_a elevation_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o word_n utter_v by_o he_o all_o that_o time_n but_o o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v the_o disciple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o join_v with_o he_o that_o they_o sleep_v away_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o night_n however_o have_v utter_v these_o word_n once_o he_o awake_v they_o and_o pray_v again_o the_o second_o time_n o_o my_o father_n if_o this_o cup_n may_v not_o pass_v away_o from_o i_o except_o i_o drink_v it_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v after_o which_o he_o pray_v again_o the_o three_o time_n without_o any_o variation_n say_v the_o same_o word_n and_o with_o these_o few_o unvaried_a word_n together_o with_o many_o inward_a sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v he_o pass_v that_o night_n before_o his_o suffering_n with_o great_a devotion_n and_o hereunto_o the_o apostle_n allude_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o christ_n pray_v to_o his_o father_n with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n beside_o our_o saviour_n have_v blame_v the_o heathen_n for_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o the_o pharisee_n for_o their_o long_a prayer_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o leave_v behind_o he_o a_o example_n or_o encouragement_n of_o either_o as_o for_o what_o you_o say_v of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n spend_v many_o hour_n and_o sometime_o whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v always_o do_v with_o the_o voice_n or_o the_o use_n of_o word_n for_o the_o ancient_a father_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o service_n be_v perform_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o silence_n that_o be_v with_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o desire_n of_o mental_a prayer_n which_o be_v ofttimes_o more_o acceptable_a with_o god_n than_o the_o great_a multitude_n or_o variety_n of_o word_n but_o you_o will_v have_v i_o tell_v you_o whether_o the_o pharisee_n long_a prayer_n be_v by_o a_o liturgy_n or_o no_o and_o if_o not_o where_o be_v the_o jewish_a service_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n frequent_v add_v that_o you_o believe_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o those_o day_n no_o other_o common-prayer-book_n but_o the_o bible_n sir_n that_o the_o national_a church_n