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church_n catholic_n communion_n external_a 3,566 5 9.8048 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59850 A practical discourse of religious assemblies by Will. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1681 (1681) Wing S3322; ESTC R27485 148,095 402

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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o may_v become_v christian_n and_o enter_v into_o our_o society_n and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v give_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n for_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o 13._o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v express_o call_v the_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o common_a table_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n 27._o of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a feast_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n partake_v for_o it_o signify_v not_o only_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o reform_a church_n universal_o condemn_v the_o private_a mass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o priest_n receive_v by_o himself_o and_o true_o private_a devotion_n when_o they_o thrust_v out_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o a_o church_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o those_o sacrament_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n may_v convince_v we_o how_o necessary_a christian_a communion_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n to_o feed_v his_o flock_n to_o pray_v for_o his_o people_n and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v for_o public_a minister_n unless_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n whether_o christian_n frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o have_v invest_v man_n with_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o 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and_o lay_v they_o aside_o again_o when_o they_o please_v but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n that_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v never_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o either_o express_o forbid_v by_o god_n or_o by_o such_o evident_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n may_v discern_v without_o use_v any_o great_a skill_n and_o subtlety_n while_o man_n do_v not_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o by_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o their_o own_o invent_v or_o by_o fancy_n and_o humour_n prejudice_n or_o interest_n they_o may_v like_v or_o dislike_v just_a what_o they_o please_v and_o call_v it_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v do_v but_o the_o observe_v this_o one_o rule_n will_v soon_o cure_v all_o fanaticism_n and_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o perfect_a rule_n 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better_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o never_o understand_v what_o christian_a unity_n be_v nor_o ever_o consider_v what_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o act_v honest_o and_o sincere_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o one_o body_n unite_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n this_o st._n paul_n make_v a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o unity_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n 4._o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o what_o do_v this_o bond_n of_o peace_n signify_v but_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o christian_n live_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v by_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n for_o christian_n be_v call_v one_o body_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o external_a communion_n which_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o their_o eat_n of_o one_o bread_n as_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o 17._o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n so_o that_o we_o become_v one_o body_n by_o external_a &_o visible_a communion_n by_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o religious_a society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o our_o mutual_a edification_n but_o speak_v the_o
remain_n of_o its_o ancient_a piety_n and_o devotion_n which_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o rubbish_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n consider_v then_o what_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o reformer_n must_v be_v to_o pull_v up_o root_n and_o branch_n to_o pull_v up_o the_o wheat_n with_o the_o tare_n this_o will_v be_v not_o to_o reform_v a_o corrupt_a church_n but_o to_o make_v a_o new_a one_o this_o will_v be_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o sound_n with_o the_o rot_a member_n and_o be_v like_o pull_v down_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n to_o correct_v abuse_n i_o pray_v god_n preserve_v we_o from_o such_o reformer_n as_o these_o in_o a_o word_n if_o these_o man_n who_o accuse_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o popery_n can_v show_v any_o thing_n practise_v among_o we_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o popery_n which_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a church_n i_o will_v hearty_o join_v with_o they_o in_o call_v for_o a_o reformation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o they_o do_v popery_n too_o much_o reputation_n by_o give_v up_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o it_o and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o popery_n a_o less_o formidable_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v thus_o indifferent_o apply_v to_o a_o corrupt_a and_o to_o a_o reform_a church_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o soul_n they_o be_v half_a so_o free_a from_o popish_a principle_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v from_o a_o popish_a worship_n part_n ii_o concern_v those_o disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o some_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o church-communion_n chap._n i._n concern_v those_o who_o ordinary_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n have_v discourse_v thus_o large_o of_o those_o who_o whole_o separate_v themselves_o from_o christian_a communion_n who_o either_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n or_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o correct_v those_o miscarriage_n which_o some_o who_o profess_v themselves_o of_o our_o communion_n be_v too_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o and_o i_o shall_v first_o begin_v with_o those_o who_o ordinary_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n this_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o inveterate_a evil_n of_o long_a use_n and_o practice_n especial_o in_o this_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o dare_a and_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o oppose_v it_o however_o i_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o suspect_v that_o i_o serve_v any_o other_o interest_n by_o this_o but_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o must_v reasonable_o engage_v all_o man_n the_o more_o impartial_o to_o consider_v what_o i_o shall_v now_o offer_v which_o shall_v be_v comprise_v under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n first_o our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n 2._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o first_o our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o parochial_a communion_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o excellent_a institution_n for_o the_o more_o regular_a instruction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o do_v not_o indeed_o pretend_v that_o the_o division_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n into_o several_a parish_n with_o their_o distinct_a pastor_n set_v over_o they_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o a_o express_a law_n determine_v the_o bound_n and_o extent_n of_o bishopric_n much_o less_o of_o parochial_a communion_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o do_v it_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o great_a number_n of_o people_n be_v either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o this_o it_o be_v at_o last_o a_o acknowledge_a principle_n among_o dissenter_n themselves_o and_o those_o of_o the_o great_a note_n that_o the_o directive_n light_n of_o nature_n 14._o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o church_n assembly_n the_o order_n and_o decency_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o the_o bound_a of_o they_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o parochial_a communion_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o not_o only_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o it_o but_o severe_o condemn_v those_o who_o break_v and_o violate_v so_o useful_a a_o institution_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n unite_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a shall_v all_o worship_v their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n together_o but_o since_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o will_v not_o admit_v this_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o less_o society_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a administration_n of_o holy_a office_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a discipline_n and_o government_n how_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o christian_a nation_n be_v more_o useful_a for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n society_n than_o the_o distribution_n of_o christian_n into_o parochial_a communion_n to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o public_a assembly_n near_o our_o own_o dwelling_n without_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o at_o a_o distance_n will_v have_v be_v think_v a_o great_a privilege_n in_o former_a age_n like_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n fall_v round_o about_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n to_o have_v a_o fix_a pastor_n who_o be_v particular_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o who_o you_o may_v at_o all_o time_n free_o resort_v and_o disclose_v your_o spiritual_a want_n who_o neighbourhood_n and_o conversation_n may_v contract_v a_o particular_a friendship_n and_o familiarity_n and_o beget_v a_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o endearment_n be_v quite_o a_o different_a thing_n from_o some_o public_a and_o general_a exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o more_o value_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o parochial_a guide_n be_v because_o general_o they_o make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o he_o this_o be_v the_o true_a emblem_n of_o catholic_n unity_n when_o we_o hold_v personal_a communion_n with_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v our_o neighbour_n and_o so_o in_o the_o near_a disposition_n for_o it_o for_o our_o obligation_n to_o christian_a communion_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o christian_a society_n which_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o pick_v up_o a_o church_n for_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a communion_n here_o and_o there_o from_o straggle_a member_n who_o live_v in_o remote_a and_o distant_a place_n be_v to_o make_v a_o schismatical_a difference_n between_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o christian_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o body_n nor_o fit_a for_o personal_a communion_n and_o though_o forsake_v our_o parish_n church_n for_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n be_v not_o so_o formal_a a_o schism_n yet_o it_o have_v some_o tendency_n that_o way_n it_o be_v a_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o neighbour_n christian_n and_o parochial_a guide_n there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o personal_a communion_n but_o cohabitation_n or_o dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o neighbourhood_n for_o than_o we_o communicate_v with_o the_o catholic_n church_n when_o we_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o live_v but_o when_o without_o just_a cause_n we_o ordinary_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n we_o disturb_v the_o most_o convenient_a order_n of_o church-communion_n and_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o total_a separation_n make_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n neighbour_n christian_n have_v the_o most_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o many_o great_a end_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v best_a attain_v among_o they_o they_o may_v exhort_v and_o reprove_v one_o another_o and_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n they_o may_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o soul_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v each_o other_o miscarriage_n which_o they_o can_v avoid_v observe_v when_o they_o live_v so_o near_o and_o converse_v so_o often_o together_o they_o may_v apply_v such_o timely_a remedy_n as_o may_v help_v up_o those_o who_o fall_n or_o prevent_v the_o fall_n of_o those_o who_o trip_n and_o stumble_v and_o
and_o curious_a speculation_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o sensible_a a_o argument_n that_o the_o mean_a people_n understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o our_o day_n do_v as_o certain_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v as_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n speak_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v whatever_o he_o have_v reveal_v though_o we_o can_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v once_o embrace_v christianity_n we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v express_o forbid_v in_o those_o write_n every_o man_n without_o any_o great_a skill_n in_o controversy_n know_v to_o be_v unlawful_a as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o plain_a countryman_n may_v understand_v the_o difference_n between_o popery_n and_o reform_a christianity_n the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n than_o worship_v image_n pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o half_a communion_n where_o the_o priest_n drink_v the_o wine_n by_o himself_o and_o give_v nothing_o but_o a_o wafer_n to_o the_o people_n these_o thing_n require_v indeed_o great_a subtlety_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o defend_v they_o but_o may_v be_v understand_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o plain_a man_n who_o be_v no_o master_n of_o subtlety_n but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a in_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n we_o desire_v no_o more_o from_o they_o but_o to_o show_v we_o where_o any_o one_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v express_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n or_o by_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o easy_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n though_o no_o schoolman_n nor_o philosopher_n may_v understand_v it_o where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a which_o have_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o successor_n they_o be_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o ancient_a father_n where_o do_v they_o read_v that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a when_o christ_n himself_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a when_o they_o can_v produce_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o be_v forbid_v unless_o they_o think_v that_o because_o god_n have_v forbid_v worship_v image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n therefore_o he_o have_v forbid_v all_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n institute_v for_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o be_v so_o subtle_a a_o consequence_n as_o will_v make_v a_o very_a metaphysical_a head_n ache_v to_o discover_v it_o now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n but_o man_n argue_v whole_o from_o some_o uncertain_a and_o far-fetched_a consequence_n how_o shall_v the_o common_a people_n who_o understand_v none_o of_o the_o artificial_a law_n of_o reason_v judge_v of_o such_o argument_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o to_o make_v some_o terrible_a impression_n upon_o their_o fancy_n by_o great_a confidence_n and_o a_o uncouth_a sound_n of_o word_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o as_o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v symbolical_a that_o they_o be_v new_a sacrament_n not_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o part_n of_o worship_n now_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o our_o separatist_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o talk_n how_o long_a time_n will_v they_o take_v to_o teach_v a_o countryman_n who_o be_v not_o book-learned_a what_o a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n be_v or_o to_o understand_v how_o our_o ceremony_n be_v transform_v into_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o whoever_o separate_v upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o without_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o terrible_a objection_n be_v most_o certain_o a_o schismatic_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o to_o be_v know_v before_o man_n can_v justify_v their_o separation_n for_o suppose_v they_o shall_v discover_v some_o fault_n in_o our_o constitution_n they_o must_v further_o inquire_v whether_o these_o be_v only_o some_o tolerable_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v sin_n whether_o they_o pollute_v the_o communicant_n and_o make_v communion_n unlawful_a whether_o they_o be_v only_o active_a or_o passive_a in_o it_o whether_o suppose_v the_o wear_n of_o a_o surplice_n be_v superstitious_a all_o that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a prayer_n who_o disown_n such_o superstition_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o it_o and_o must_v separate_v to_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n and_o to_o declare_v their_o abomination_n of_o such_o superstition_n whether_o the_o child_n who_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n at_o baptism_n be_v ever_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o or_o whether_o the_o parent_n who_o dislike_v such_o a_o ceremony_n sin_n in_o submit_v their_o child_n to_o it_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n or_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v they_o who_o enjoin_v it_o these_o be_v matter_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n to_o determine_v and_o therefore_o though_o separation_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a very_o few_o man_n can_v separate_v lawful_o 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o these_o man_n honesty_n whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o be_v by_o consider_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n the_o conscience_n of_o any_o honest_a man_n especial_o when_o it_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n be_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o peaceable_a principle_n such_o man_n think_v it_o very_o well_o if_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o dissent_v and_o quiet_o withdraw_v though_o they_o have_v not_o leave_v to_o vilify_v the_o establish_a religion_n nor_o undermine_v public_a constitution_n and_o though_o they_o can_v obtain_v thus_o much_o favour_n but_o be_v persecute_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o they_o suffer_v patient_o after_o the_o example_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o who_o judge_v righteous_o but_o a_o schismatic_a who_o conscience_n serve_v a_o interest_n must_v miss_v of_o his_o end_n if_o he_o suffer_v patient_o such_o be_v indeed_o as_o little_a in_o love_n with_o suffering_n as_o other_o man_n but_o yet_o they_o love_v to_o have_v some_o pretence_n or_o other_o to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n about_o their_o suffering_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o schismatical_a donatist_n that_o there_o be_v several_a law_n make_v against_o that_o by_o optatum_fw-la theodosius_n the_o emperor_n and_o though_o none_o of_o those_o law_n be_v scarce_o ever_o execute_v yet_o they_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n aggravate_v every_o little_a matter_n to_o cast_v a_o odium_fw-la upon_o the_o government_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v injurious_o handle_v that_o their_o cause_n be_v never_o fair_o hear_v and_o determine_v by_o its_o intrinsic_a merit_n but_o oppress_v with_o force_n and_o power_n and_o how_o parallel_n this_o story_n be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o these_o day_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o godly_a party_n who_o take_v as_o little_a care_n to_o govern_v their_o tongue_n or_o pen_n tho_o st._n james_n make_v this_o the_o character_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n as_o any_o schsmaticks_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v who_o neither_o express_v any_o regard_n to_o prince_n nor_o to_o truth_n and_o honesty_n if_o they_o can_v but_o serve_v their_o cause_n by_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o government_n or_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtuous_a and_o peaceable_a man_n who_o will_v not_o
law_n of_o moses_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n do_v use_v a_o great_a many_o moysaicall_a rite_n only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o typical_a nature_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o circumcise_v timothy_n not_o in_o token_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n but_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n worship_v in_o the_o temple_n keep_v their_o religious_a festival_n and_o 22_o observe_v their_o law_n but_o no_o christian_n can_v do_v this_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o they_o observe_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o believe_v jew_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v lawful_o observe_v those_o jewish_a custom_n when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o their_o typical_a signification_n it_o can_v be_v a_o fault_n to_o use_v some_o such_o innocent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n as_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o jewish_a ceremony_n innocent_a which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o original_a institution_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n as_o signify_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v how_o much_o more_o innocent_a be_v it_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o bend_v our_o knee_n to_o our_o lord_n at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v and_o to_o sign_v our_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o honour_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n and_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o suffer_a religion_n 3._o our_o saviour_n reject_v all_o superstitious_a observance_n which_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a sacredness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o such_o as_o he_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o wash_a cup_n platter_n and_o hand_n before_o dinner_n thus_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v 21._o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o their_o abstain_v from_o certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n fling_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o custom_n they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o merit_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v great_a number_n of_o they_o such_o as_o pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o custom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v that_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o sorry_a thing_n as_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n but_o christ_n expect_v from_o we_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o superstitious_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o hope_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n by_o profess_v poverty_n celibacy_n and_o blind_a obedience_n by_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n in_o lent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o vain_a superstition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o our_o knee_n as_o a_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n not_o as_o meritorious_a superstition_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v often_o declaim_v against_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o st._n paul_n mean_v any_o thing_n like_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o circumstance_n or_o appendage_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o arbitrary_a superstition_n as_o they_o turn_v into_o formal_a act_n of_o religion_n the_o four_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v our_o present_a argument_n the_o difference_n christ_n put_v between_o the_o substantial_a and_o the_o instrumental_a part_n of_o worship_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o any_o ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o decent_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o nothing_o that_o be_v mere_o external_a but_o on_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n express_v in_o such_o become_a word_n and_o behaviour_n as_o may_v make_v it_o visible_a and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o such_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n will_v please_v god_n without_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o she_o own_v no_o such_o principle_n but_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n better_o and_o methinks_v this_o shall_v be_v no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o establish_a worship_n of_o our_o church_n have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v they_o can_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o forsake_v it_o for_o nothing_o but_o a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o sin_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o separation_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v how_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o pray_v always_o by_o a_o form_n or_o to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v such_o practice_n as_o brief_o to_o point_v to_o some_o few_o thing_n 1._o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o use_v it_o it_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o forbid_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o a_o form_n as_o a_o form_n can_v be_v unlawful_a 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o no_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o oft_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o what_o place_n in_o what_o posture_n in_o what_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o word_n in_o baptism_n but_o not_o any_o one_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v some_o circumstance_n for_o every_o action_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a performance_n and_o great_a solemnity_n of_o such_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n leave_v all_o such_o to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o law_n the_o church_n 2._o be_v in_o a_o infant_n state_n like_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n which_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o that_o typical_a temple-worship_n be_v exact_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o
mount_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v arrive_v to_o a_o full_a age_n and_o set_v at_o liberty_n by_o christ_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o 1._o therefore_o be_v not_o under_o servile_a restraint_n but_o have_v the_o government_n of_o its_o own_o action_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v at_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v which_o can_v bring_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o pastor_n while_o they_o keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n enjoy_v that_o liberty_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v not_o that_o they_o can_v institute_v and_o appoint_v change_n and_o alter_v the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n require_v so_o mu●●_n be_v those_o man_n mistake_v who_o argue_v from_o moses_n to_o christ_n that_o christ_n be_v as_o faithful_a at_o least_o as_o moses_n be_v and_o therefore_o since_o moses_n give_v they_o a_o exact_a platform_n of_o worship_n 5._o from_o which_o they_o must_v not_o vary_v in_o the_o least_o punctilio_fw-la therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v do_v so_o too_o though_o they_o can_v show_v where_o he_o have_v do_v it_o that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v such_o a_o exact_a form_n of_o government_n discipline_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n as_o perpetual_o oblige_v all_o christian_n whereas_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n form_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n but_o he_o communicate_v with_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n while_o he_o live_v and_o give_v they_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o form_v church_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o difference_n the_o apostle_n make_v between_o moses_n and_o christ_n that_o one_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n the_o other_o as_o a_o son_n now_o a_o servant_n must_v exact_o follow_v his_o rule_n and_o order_n but_o a_o son_n govern_v his_o own_o house_n with_o great_a freedom_n and_o moses_n be_v a_o servant_n signify_v also_o the_o servile_a state_n of_o that_o people_n who_o he_o govern_v that_o they_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v their_o task_n exact_o set_v they_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o son_n and_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o have_v make_v we_o son_n and_o freemen_n too_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v such_o particular_a law_n about_o every_o little_a circumstance_n but_o expect_v from_o we_o a_o more_o manly_a and_o generous_a obedience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o jewish_a worship_n shall_v be_v exact_o prescribe_v by_o god_n because_o it_o be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v draw_v by_o no_o other_o hand_n but_o that_o which_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o omniscient_a eye_n whence_o the_o apostle_n observe_v that_o moses_n be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v after_o but_o in_o other_o matter_n the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o under_o such_o confinement_n their_o synagogue-worship_n where_o they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v order_v by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o direction_n they_o order_v the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n without_o any_o command_n or_o direction_n in_o their_o law_n for_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n and_o that_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n be_v add_v to_o the_o paschal_n supper_n be_v consecrate_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o festival_n commemoration_n of_o his_o break_a body_n and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v to_o appoint_v such_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n 3._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v authorize_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o make_v disciple_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-communion_n give_v general_a rule_n for_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o enjoin_v obedience_n to_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 26._o and_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v which_o be_v even_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n now_o general_a rule_n leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n 8._o as_o to_o particular_a instance_n because_o a_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v comply_v with_o different_a way_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o his_o choice_n who_o receive_v such_o a_o rule_n thus_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v our_o spiritual_a guide_n obey_v they_o who_o 17._o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a and_o settle_a rule_n of_o government_n suppose_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n the_o natural_a inference_n from_o which_o be_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n for_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o significant_a ceremony_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o unite_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a willing_o and_o cheerful_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o while_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o gospel-worship_n 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_o he_o converse_v on_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o most_o admirable_a pattern_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v now_o i_o observe_v that_o though_o our_o saviour_n live_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a age_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o their_o priest_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n by_o those_o character_n which_o he_o himself_o give_v of_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o vile_a person_n yet_o he_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o be_v yet_o expire_v he_o form_v no_o new_a church_n but_o observe_v their_o public_a assembly_n of_o worship_n preach_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o observe_v all_o their_o religious_a festival_n as_o punctual_o as_o any_o of_o themselves_o which_o consideration_n ought_v to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o those_o man_n who_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v bad_a man_n in_o it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n conform_v to_o all_o those_o laudable_a and_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a institution_n and_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n he_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o judas_n 22._o macchabeus_n and_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v observe_v annual_o for_o eight_o day_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o temple_n from_o the_o profanation_n of_o antiochus_n 59_o and_o the_o regain_n their_o liberty_n of_o public_a worship_n this_o feast_n though_o it_o be_v of_o humane_a institution_n our_o saviour_n no_o where_o reprove_v but_o grace_n and_o countenance_n the_o solemnity_n with_o his_o own_o presence_n thus_o he_o conform_v to_o the_o synagogue-worship_n which_o be_v all_o of_o humane_a order_n and_o appointment_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o thus_o he_o who_o so_o severe_o reprove_v the_o superstitious_a abuse_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n who_o despise_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o all_o their_o external_a and_o solemn_a hypocrisy_n their_o broad_a phylactery_n and_o their_o frequent_a and_o religious_a purification_n when_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o bare_a do_v those_o thing_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v do_v both_o practice_n and_o allow_v those_o humane_a institution_n which_o serve_v a_o good_a end_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o think_v it_o such_o a_o profanation_n of_o religion_n to_o appoint_v any_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n as_o
prevail_v with_o some_o honest_a but_o less_o think_v man_n to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v those_o which_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a do_v here_o shall_v be_v to_o answer_v some_o hard_a word_n and_o ill_a name_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o worship_n and_o show_v how_o ignorant_o and_o injurious_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n such_o be_v these_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n these_o be_v hard_a word_n which_o very_o few_o people_n understand_v and_o therein_o the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o first_o will-worship_n now_o when_o man_n charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o will-worship_n they_o general_o understand_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n now_o this_o i_o absolute_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o will-worship_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consist_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o expound_v they_o to_o the_o people_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o sing_v psalm_n and_o administer_a the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o which_o be_v express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v will-worship_n in_o this_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n use_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o not_o will-worship_n we_o do_v not_o think_v wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n nor_o expect_v to_o please_v god_n by_o any_o external_a dress_n or_o habit_n but_o we_o think_v it_o a_o decent_a garb_n for_o those_o to_o use_v who_o minister_n in_o holy_a thing_n we_o do_v not_o think_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o act_n but_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o not_o kneel_v to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o express_v that_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o mind_n which_o become_v such_o a_o mysterious_a worship_n and_o as_o a_o posture_n suitable_a to_o those_o prayer_n which_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v we_o put_v up_o to_o heaven_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o design_v as_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n it_o be_v not_o a_o dedicate_a and_o covenant_a sign_n which_o respect_v god_n but_o at_o most_o a_o engage_v sign_n which_o respect_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n much_o less_o will-worship_n to_o institute_v any_o new_a kind_a or_o species_n of_o worship_n be_v certain_o unlawful_a as_o to_o make_v any_o new_a object_n of_o worship_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a representation_n such_o as_o a_o picture_n and_o image_n or_o invisible_a being_n as_o angel_n and_o deisied_a man_n a_o numerous_a company_n of_o who_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o new_a act_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o frequent_a wash_n purgation_n sacrifice_n pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a action_n which_o be_v no_o where_o determine_v by_o god_n may_v and_o must_v be_v determine_v either_o by_o our_o own_o prudence_n or_o by_o the_o prudence_n of_o our_o governor_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o will-worship_n because_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v design_v for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v further_a that_o this_o word_n will-worship_n be_v find_v but_o once_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o very_a wise_a and_o learned_a man_n question_n whether_o in_o that_o place_n will-worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o ill_a thing_n the_o word_n be_v these_o which_o 23._o thing_n have_v indeed_o a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n not_o in_o any_o honour_n of_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o they_o observe_v that_o will-worship_n be_v join_v with_o two_o other_o very_a good_a thing_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v external_a severity_n and_o mortification_n to_o keep_v down_o the_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n not_o to_o pamper_v it_o with_o high_a nourishment_n nor_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o follow_v not_o in_o honour_n in_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o honour_n as_o st._n hierom_n observe_v signify_v take_v care_n of_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n strictness_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n in_o suppress_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o lust_n and_o the_o least_o inclination_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v forbid_v or_o censure_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o will-worship_n be_v for_o there_o be_v as_o much_o appearance_n of_o his_o condemn_v one_o as_o tother_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o expound_v this_o to_o signify_v only_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o that_o suppose_n that_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a thing_n and_o part_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n when_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o good_a gain_v a_o reputation_n of_o wisdom_n by_o be_v like_o they_o for_o that_o which_o make_v these_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o will-worship_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n by_o will-worship_n we_o must_v understand_v voluntary_a worship_n which_o answer_v to_o free-will-offering_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o yet_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o man_n do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o deny_v themselves_o those_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o god_n allow_v in_o order_n to_o some_o spiritual_a end_n to_o refine_v and_o purge_v their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o more_o perfect_a attainment_n in_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o countenance_v this_o interpretation_n that_o all_o the_o superstition_n in_o the_o world_n do_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v man_n and_o pass_v for_o excellent_a attainment_n in_o religion_n under_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o free-will-offering_n of_o do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o whereby_o they_o think_v they_o so_o high_o merit_v of_o god_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o become_v his_o peculiar_a favourite_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n think_v to_o do_v by_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n by_o their_o frequent_a wash_n purification_n fast_n and_o tything_n even_o mint_n and_o cummin_n thus_o the_o papist_n do_v by_o their_o fast_n pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n but_o the_o mistake_n be_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n because_o though_o at_o first_o it_o look_v like_o the_o noble_a generous_a worship_n of_o free-will-offering_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o though_o under_o the_o law_n freewill_n offering_n be_v not_o command_v which_o have_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o freewill_n offer_v yet_o there_o be_v direction_n give_v what_o such_o person_n shall_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o case_n they_o do_v offer_v at_o all_o and_o in_o particular_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o blemish_n 17._o in_o it_o which_o signify_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o such_o instance_n as_o we_o know_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o man_n spend_v their_o zeal_n in_o some_o voluntary_a superstition_n which_o can_v please_v god_n such_o thing_n have_v only_o a_o show_n a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n in_o voluntary_a worship_n because_o though_o their_o worship_n be_v voluntary_a and_o so_o far_o commendable_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v
god_n or_o not_o when_o they_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o the_o bare_a external_a performance_n of_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v external_a in_o religion_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n with_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o hope_v to_o flatter_v he_o and_o to_o compound_v with_o he_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o inward_a vital_a principle_n of_o religion_n by_o external_a hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a 1._o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n who_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n and_o obtain_v his_o favour_n only_o by_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a who_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o image_n and_o to_o frame_v his_o conversation_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n he_o neither_o fear_n nor_o flatter_v the_o deity_n as_o the_o superstitious_a man_n do_v but_o be_v the_o son_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o external_a expression_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o a_o universal_a holiness_n 2._o that_o can_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v not_o make_v or_o judge_v a_o acceptable_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o superstition_n can_v be_v only_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n and_o this_o effectual_o justify_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o external_n rite_n of_o worship_n which_o she_o declare_v to_o be_v no_o part_n nor_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o such_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n as_o make_v the_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n decent_a and_o solemn_a and_o be_v useful_a to_o edification_n to_o help_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n better_o not_o to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o external_a rite_n the_o three_o accusation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v idolatry_n a_o terrible_a and_o yet_o a_o ridiculous_a charge_n but_o idolatry_n be_v a_o odious_a name_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o if_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o say_v it_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v some_o of_o their_o proselyte_n ignorant_a enough_o to_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v but_o call_v the_o common-prayer_n book_n and_o ceremony_n idol_n and_o then_o they_o be_v plain_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o be_v there_o indeed_o no_o difference_n between_o worship_v god_n in_o a_o sober_a and_o pious_a form_n of_o word_n and_o worship_v a_o grave_v image_n no_o difference_n between_o wear_v a_o surplice_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o a_o stock_n or_o stone_n no_o difference_n between_o sign_v child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o a_o idol_n or_o false_a god_n whither_o do_v a_o blind_a zeal_n transport_v these_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v much_o more_o like_a blasphemy_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v like_a idolatry_n but_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v answer_v nor_o such_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v reason_v with_o those_o who_o can_v abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o such_o formidable_a nothing_o stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o physic_n than_o a_o sober_a confutation_n 4._o another_o accusation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v that_o it_o be_v popery_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o much_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o thus_o our_o religious_a prince_n and_o godly_a bishop_n be_v well_o reward_v for_o reform_v religion_n with_o infinite_a pain_n and_o labour_n and_o to_o their_o utmost_a peril_n it_o cost_v many_o martyr_n their_o life_n and_o will_v have_v make_v the_o crown_n to_o shake_v have_v it_o not_o be_v secure_a by_o a_o omnipotent_a hand_n and_o all-seeing_a providence_n and_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v for_o nothing_o for_o we_o be_v not_o get_v out_o of_o babylon_n yet_o that_o command_n still_o lie_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o our_o ancestor_n believe_v it_o do_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v our_o reformer_n who_o be_v so_o sincere_a and_o honest_a who_o spare_v no_o pain_n and_o fear_v no_o danger_n to_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o retain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a leaven_n as_o make_v it_o unsafe_a for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o partake_v in_o such_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o papist_n shall_v be_v such_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o rome_n and_o look_v so_o kind_o upon_o our_o new_a thorough-reformer_n but_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o point_v of_o popery_n be_v still_o retain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n o_o say_v they_o that_o be_v quick_o do_v the_o very_a office_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o relic_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o very_a first_o institution_n of_o it_o have_v be_v popish_o affect_v for_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v have_v a_o episcopal_a power_n and_o authority_n we_o find_v no_o christian_a church_n without_o bishop_n till_o the_o reformation_n that_o be_v for_o 1500_o year_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o never_o think_v popery_n can_v have_v plead_v such_o antiquity_n and_o early_a prescription_n that_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n challenge_v over_o all_o other_o bishop_n and_o secular_a prince_n nay_o that_o uncontrollable_a authority_n he_o challenge_v over_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o change_v and_o alter_v they_o by_o his_o infallible_a decree_n when_o he_o please_v his_o absolute_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v no_o doubt_n the_o perfection_n of_o that_o apostasy_n which_o be_v foretell_v shall_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o if_o our_o bishop_n challenge_v any_o such_o power_n to_o themselves_o i_o will_v own_v they_o to_o be_v antichristian_a and_o popish_a but_o we_o may_v see_v what_o admirable_a reformer_n those_o be_v like_a to_o make_v who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o apostolical_a office_n and_o antichristian_a usurpation_n but_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v popish_a i_o beseech_v you_o wherein_o as_o it_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n then_o our_o saviour_n teach_v man_n popery_n for_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n must_v be_v rank_a popery_n which_o consist_v only_o of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n compose_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o be_v there_o any_o remain_v of_o popish_a worship_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v there_o any_o prayer_n to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v our_o prayer_n conceal_v from_o we_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o we_o say_v what_o petition_n we_o put_v up_o to_o god_n do_v you_o find_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n or_o any_o relic_n of_o it_o in_o our_o liturgy_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n for_o our_o reform_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n who_o purge_v our_o worship_n from_o all_o these_o abomination_n but_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o popery_n still_o this_o i_o will_v in_o part_n grant_v but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o mass-book_n be_v not_o popery_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o creed_n ten_o commandment_n and_o lord_n prayer_n be_v part_n of_o popery_n the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o you_o must_v consider_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o true_a church_n corrupt_v and_o degenerate_v from_o its_o primitive_a institution_n for_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o inferior_a in_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o several_a age_n after_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o its_o great_a degeneracy_n it_o retain_v some_o small_a
visible_a worship_n because_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v not_o content_v themselves_o mere_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o devout_a thought_n and_o passion_n but_o with_o such_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o either_o a_o divine_a institution_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v external_a sign_n of_o honour_n such_o as_o uncover_v the_o head_n or_o put_v off_o their_o shoe_n or_o bow_v the_o body_n or_o kneel_v or_o prostration_n or_o lift_v up_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o heaven_n where_o god_n dwell_v for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o ancient_a patriarch_n the_o jewish_a church_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n for_o our_o example_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o 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