Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
church_n	catholic_n	part_n	separate_v	3,953	5	9.8770	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A51154	An apology for the clergy of Scotland chiefly oppos'd to the censures, calumnies, and accusations of a late Presbyterian vindicator, in a letter to a friend : wherein his vanity, partiality and sophistry are modestly reproved, and the legal establishment of episcopacy in that kingdom, from the beginning of the Reformation, is made evident from history and the records of Parliament : together with a postscript, relating to a scandalous pamphlet intituled, An answer to The Scotch Presbyterian eloquence.	Monro, Alexander, d. 1715?	1693 (1693)	Wing M2437; ESTC R20155	87,009	107

festival_n of_o the_o church_n the_o public_a season_n of_o devotion_n be_v the_o catechism_n of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v true_a when_o there_o be_v no_o day_n fix_v for_o the_o uniform_a celebration_n of_o such_o a_o mystery_n it_o may_v be_v remember_v by_o some_o but_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o all_o the_o people_n will_v remember_v it_o but_o when_o the_o day_n be_v fix_v we_o can_v forget_v it_o and_o from_o our_o infancy_n we_o be_v easy_o train_v in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n free_a from_o jewish_a superstition_n touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o with_o which_o all_o our_o sectary_n be_v unhappy_o leaven_v as_o well_o as_o from_o giddiness_n and_o enthusiasm_n colloss_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o i_o mention_n be_v his_o accusation_n against_o the_o episcopal_a church_n that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o know_v no_o schism_n but_o such_o as_o be_v cause_v by_o his_o opposite_n and_o this_o be_v pleasant_a enough_o there_o be_v a_o pag._n company_n of_o man_n late_o start_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v not_o immediate_o strike_v sail_n to_o their_o novelty_n all_o must_v be_v conclude_v schismatic_n by_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v member_n of_o that_o visible_a body_n that_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o consequent_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o unity_n and_o in_o society_n nor_o can_v we_o separate_v from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o do_v not_o require_v unlawful_a condition_n of_o communion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o god_n who_o we_o worship_n upon_o this_o hypothesis_n i_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o scotland_n to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n in_o its_o most_o rigorous_a and_o formal_a notion_n first_o because_o they_o separate_v from_o all_o church_n ancient_n and_o modern_a there_o be_v not_o now_o a_o church_n upon_o earth_n with_o who_o they_o think_v they_o may_v communicate_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v pollute_v the_o protestant_n of_o france_n observe_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o the_o protestant_n of_o geneve_n and_o switzerland_n and_o the_o calvinist_n in_o germany_n do_v the_o same_o as_o for_o the_o lutheran_n of_o germany_n denmark_n and_o sweedland_n we_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o name_v they_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o liturgy_n and_o festival_n and_o organ_n and_o divine_a hymn_n distinct_a from_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n as_o for_o the_o socinian_o of_o poland_n though_o they_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n refuse_v their_o communion_n they_o must_v refuse_v upon_o their_o principle_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o grecian_a church_n and_o all_o the_o subdivision_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v join_v with_o the_o papist_n nor_o yet_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o their_o conscience_n can_v not_o endure_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o episcopal_a church_n of_o scotland_n that_o be_v against_o their_o covenant_n and_o their_o obligation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n can_v disengage_v himself_o from_o what_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o common_a tie_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n by_o any_o bond_n or_o posterior_n obligation_n of_o his_o own_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n with_o which_o they_o can_v communicate_v they_o be_v certain_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o saint_n over_o the_o habitable_a world_n and_o this_o pharisaical_a singularity_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o hateful_a that_o it_o be_v abhor_v by_o all_o protestant_a church_n and_o if_o the_o vindicator_n will_v read_v durellus_fw-la only_o he_o will_v easy_o see_v how_o opposite_a this_o peevishness_n be_v to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n that_o to_o join_v with_o or_o abet_v schismatic_n make_v one_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o therefore_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n require_v the_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n to_o join_v with_o they_o who_o have_v wilful_o and_o furious_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n but_o there_o be_v late_o find_v out_o a_o wise_a distinction_n to_o save_v they_o from_o this_o blow_n they_o can_v have_v occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n though_o they_o can_v have_v a_o six_o communion_n with_o they_o before_o i_o consider_v this_o distinction_n let_v i_o inform_v you_o that_o the_o ringleader_n of_o the_o former_a presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n never_o make_v use_n of_o any_o such_o distinction_n they_o themselves_o reason_v against_o separation_n upon_o such_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o be_v now_o allege_v by_o their_o presbytery_n successor_n but_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v borrow_v this_o distinction_n from_o english_a dissenter_n and_o the_o former_a presbyterian_o london_n do_v never_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n nor_o do_v the_o latter_a presbyterian_o after_o the_o restoration_n dream_n of_o it_o until_o the_o year_n 1664._o that_o some_o of_o the_o western_a bigot_n as_o have_v flee_v to_o holland_n think_v that_o the_o faction_n can_v not_o be_v support_v unless_o people_n be_v teach_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n entire_o and_o according_o in_o ann._n 1664._o there_o appear_v a_o seditious_a pamphlet_n in_o octavo_n entitle_v the_o apologetical_a relation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o presbyterian_a to_o name_v any_o one_o book_n or_o treatise_n before_o this_o pamphlet_n that_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o presbyterian_o from_o the_o public_a reform_a worship_n under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n since_o i_o read_v this_o book_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o though_o i_o remember_v that_o the_o author_n when_o he_o come_v to_o that_o conclusion_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o curate_n he_o speak_v with_o diffidence_n and_o hesitation_n and_o in_o some_o one_o place_n or_o other_o of_o that_o dispute_v he_o soften_v this_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a paradox_n by_o some_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v they_o always_o nor_o constant_o but_o that_o they_o ought_v so_o far_o to_o separate_v as_o to_o keep_v the_o party_n from_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n according_o their_o first_o essay_n of_o schism_n be_v but_o faint_a and_o timorous_a they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o begin_n so_o well_o arm_v against_o the_o remorse_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o this_o be_v a_o novelty_n and_o they_o do_v not_o venture_v upon_o it_o with_o that_o boldness_n and_o assurance_n that_o afterward_o appear_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o our_o governor_n be_v force_v to_o make_v severe_a law_n against_o their_o field_n meeting_n which_o be_v just_o term_v by_o our_o law_n the_o rendezvous_n of_o rebellion_n and_o though_o the_o bigot_n in_o the_o west_n have_v advance_v this_o paradox_n m._n yet_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o great_a note_n and_o learning_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o restoration_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o punctual_o as_o any_o other_o church-malt_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o all_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n in_o scotland_n make_v use_v of_o the_o christian_a form_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n creed_n and_o doxology_n until_o oliver_n army_n invade_v scotland_n and_o the_o independent_a chaplain_n in_o that_o army_n think_v their_o own_o dispensation_n be_v above_o that_o of_o geneva_n upon_o this_o such_o of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o will_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o usurper_n and_o such_o as_o have_v his_o ear_n forbear_v those_o form_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o by_o degree_n they_o fall_v into_o desitetude_n for_o it_o be_v not_o creditable_a to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o fashion_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o episcopal_a church_n partly_o because_o such_o such_o christian_a form_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o though_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n yet_o stock_n they_o pronounce_v the_o apostolic_a benediction_n after_o sermon_n as_o other_o do_v except_o some_o few_o who_o love_n rather_o to_o paraphrase_n it_o than_o keep_v to_o its_o original_a simplicity_n the_o unhappy_a temper_n of_o schismatic_n

on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a to_o upbraid_v they_o with_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o reform_v they_o for_o of_o all_o advice_n those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o reform_v the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v manage_v most_o nice_o and_o tender_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o vindicator_n and_o his_o associate_n be_v very_o glad_a when_o they_o can_v discover_v the_o trip_n of_o their_o adversary_n if_o any_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v clamorous_o allege_v by_o presbyterian_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n of_o that_o hierareby_o of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n continue_v from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n until_o now_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v as_o be_v threaten_v employ_v the_o people_n in_o the_o west_n to_o make_v and_o gather_v story_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n and_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o swell_v that_o volumn_n into_o a_o prodigious_a bulk_n if_o their_o ignorant_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n may_v be_v believe_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o not_o to_o accuse_v but_o i_o think_v the_o vindicator_n himself_o be_v not_o of_o so_o profligate_v a_o water_n conscience_n as_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o such_o malicious_a report_n we_o have_v have_v late_a instance_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a activity_n against_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o clergy_n no_o man_n can_v escape_v a_o libel_n that_o enjoy_v a_o comfortable_a benefice_n nothing_o can_v have_v make_v the_o presbyterian_o more_o contemptible_a than_o this_o treacherous_a and_o sneak_a method_n of_o libel_v when_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o man_n that_o those_o scurrilous_a paper_n be_v intend_v for_o no_o more_o than_o to_o ruin_n and_o disgrace_v the_o most_o innocent_a and_o deserve_a man_n and_o it_o be_v very_o odd_a that_o they_o can_v venture_v to_o blindfold_v the_o nation_n by_o this_o bassled_a and_o hypocritical_a shame_n and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o west_n be_v represent_v as_o criminal_n when_o they_o dare_v not_o attack_v the_o clergy_n in_o the_o north_n the_o reason_n be_v obvious_a the_o people_n in_o the_o west_n date_n their_o conversion_n from_o the_o time_n that_o they_o forbear_v to_o hear_v the_o curate_n and_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o all_o their_o tie_n and_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o ruin_v and_o disparage_v those_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n but_o the_o people_n in_o the_o north_n can_v discover_v no_o such_o beauty_n in_o their_o presbyterian_a discipline_n they_o love_v and_o honour_v their_o own_o minister_n they_o hear_v they_o preach_v the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o true_a and_o solid_a moral_n and_o so_o rough_a be_v those_o infidel_n in_o the_o north_n that_o they_o never_o think_v snivel_a necessary_a to_o make_v a_o great_a saint_n they_o love_v a_o plain_a and_o unaffected_a style_n and_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v but_o that_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n may_v be_v preach_v without_o affectation_n and_o yet_o with_o all_o requisite_a gravity_n and_o recollection_n if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o libel_n gather_v by_o presbyterian_o it_o may_v provoke_v their_o enemy_n to_o recriminate_a and_o if_o the_o vindicator_n think_v that_o such_o scurrilous_a write_n can_v serve_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n i_o wish_v he_o more_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n i_o condemn_v all_o such_o method_n in_o all_o party_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v allowable_a we_o can_v tell_v he_o that_o many_o of_o his_o associate_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v very_o scandalous_a some_o of_o they_o adulterer_n some_o fornicator_n some_o blasphemer_n some_o whole_a presbyterian_a family_n incestuous_a sed_fw-la praestat_fw-la motos_fw-la componere_fw-la fluctus_fw-la if_o i_o rejoice_v in_o this_o recrimination_n i_o be_v not_o a_o good_a christian_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v those_o proud_a and_o supercillous_a man_n in_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v but_o ordinary_a mortal_n encompass_v about_o with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n with_o other_o man_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o father_n for_o argument_n rather_o than_o the_o cameronian_n zealot_v in_o the_o western_a shire_n and_o if_o they_o beat_v the_o clergy_n at_o those_o weapon_n they_o deserve_v to_o be_v chastise_v and_o for_o a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o observation_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o know_v not_o a_o more_o unblamable_a company_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n than_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n of_o scotland_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o five_o of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a nation_n who_o can_v not_o undergo_v the_o severe_a examination_n use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n preparatory_a to_o ordination_n i_o wish_v that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o christian_a use_n of_o their_o present_a trial_n and_o give_v the_o world_n a_o proof_n of_o that_o greatness_n of_o soul_n that_o qualify_v man_n for_o the_o priesthood_n that_o all_o round_a about_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o he_o that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v great_a than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n seneca_n ep._n tell_v we_o that_o to_o do_v good_a even_o when_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o infamy_n be_v noble_a and_o heroic_a and_o a_o great_a than_o seneca_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o bad_a report_n god_n will_v clear_v our_o innocence_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o meridian_n elevation_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o design_v the_o reformation_n of_o sinner_n and_o that_o we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o dedicate_v to_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soon_o we_o retire_v into_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o discover_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o our_o present_a calamity_n the_o soon_o will_v our_o heavenly_a father_n remove_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o indignation_n there_o be_v no_o argument_n so_o proper_a to_o convince_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n as_o by_o well_o do_v and_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o successful_a in_o gain_v proselyte_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n yet_o we_o fortify_v the_o peace_n and_o tranqulllity_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o strengthen_v ourselves_o against_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o terrible_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n we_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o calamity_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o and_o let_v not_o they_o that_o be_v yet_o untouched_a think_v that_o their_o brethren_n upon_o who_o the_o tower_n of_o siloam_n fall_v be_v great_a sinner_n than_o their_o neighbour_n i_o leave_v this_o and_o i_o go_v forward_o to_o another_o topick_n by_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v press_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o that_o the_o people_n can_v not_o own_v they_o 87._o as_o their_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o invite_v by_o popular_a election_n but_o the_o vindicator_n shall_v consider_v that_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v turn_v against_o his_o party_n in_o the_o north_n of_o scotland_n it_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o presbytery_n for_o the_o bresbyterian_n there_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o carry_v their_o election_n by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n but_o do_v not_o he_o remember_v that_o several_n of_o the_o remonstrator_n presbyterian_o have_v be_v induct_v to_o their_o church_n by_o some_o troop_n of_o english_a horse_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v but_o that_o the_o people_n owe_v all_o deference_n and_o spiritual_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o if_o a_o word_n pastoral_a relation_n may_v be_v found_v between_o a_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n by_o cromwell_n trooper_n why_o not_o by_o king_n charles_n the_o second_v dragoon_n but_o do_v not_o the_o vindicator_n remember_v that_o some_o have_v be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o old_a college_n of_o aberdeen_n without_o the_o regular_a and_o collegiate_n election_n by_o the_o same_o very_a force_n that_o have_v plant_v some_o remonstrator_n minister_n and_o that_o without_o any_o trial_n or_o examination_n when_o their_o more_o deserve_a predecessor_n be_v most_o tyrannical_o remove_v but_o not_o to_o trifle_v with_o the_o vindicator_n the_o method_n of_o admit_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n under_o the_o episcopal_a constitution_n be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o the_o most_o unexceptionable_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v for_o when_o the_o candidate_n for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a

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keep_v a_o anniversary_n for_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v in_o that_o word_n anniversary_n but_o may_v not_o the_o christian_a church_n take_v care_n that_o this_o glorious_a mystery_n shall_v never_o be_v forget_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a that_o our_o posterity_n shall_v remember_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o reveal_v and_o can_v the_o christian_a church_n take_v more_o effectual_a method_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o than_o by_o appoint_v this_o anniversary_n festival_n he_o grant_v that_o the_o institution_n be_v very_o ancient_a but_o that_o the_o church_n do_v keep_v it_o in_o all_o age_n be_v say_v without_o book_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v no_o presbyterian_a book_n that_o give_v evidence_n for_o this_o festival_n we_o grant_v it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o observe_v it_o from_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o it_o begin_v and_o in_o what_o period_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o observe_v and_o than_o we_o may_v see_v more_o clear_o into_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o this_o festival_n and_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o christian_a church_n may_v continue_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o ask_v again_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v upon_o the_o 25_o day_n of_o december_n but_o this_o be_v childish_a and_o impertinent_a when_o the_o church_n do_v order_v the_o commemoration_n of_o that_o mystery_n on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n she_o do_v not_o decide_v that_o chronological_a nicety_n whether_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n nor_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o increase_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v with_o regard_n to_o one_o day_n more_o than_o to_o another_o as_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o such_o a_o critical_a minute_n of_o time_n i_o hope_v the_o vindicator_n know_v that_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n in_o france_n be_v not_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n in_o britain_n and_o yet_o the_o christian_n of_o either_o communion_n celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v nay_o he_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v considerable_a objection_n against_o the_o common_a aera_fw-la of_o the_o christian_n but_o the_o vindicator_n christmas_n think_v that_o such_o a_o anniversary_n day_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o god_n appointment_n but_o have_v not_o god_n appoint_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n our_o lawful_a ecclesiastical_a ruler_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o may_v not_o they_o regulate_v the_o public_a solemnity_n and_o return_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o regulation_n but_o what_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o what_o impudence_n then_o dare_v we_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n when_o her_o constitution_n be_v so_o just_a so_o wise_a and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n can_v one_o read_v it_o in_o a_o thousand_o year_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a necessity_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v continue_v the_o immediate_a inspiration_n in_o the_o church_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n upon_o this_o their_o hypothesis_n reason_n become_v useless_a to_o order_v the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v once_o reveal_v they_o need_v not_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o order_v its_o public_a solemnity_n for_o when_o the_o festivity_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o conversant_a about_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n 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church_n but_o perhaps_o the_o vindicator_n may_v yield_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o christmas_n if_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o anniversary_n there_o be_v some_o hide_a dangerous_a plot_n in_o that_o word_n anniversary_n as_o if_o our_o posterity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o so_o enthusiastic_a our_o presbyterian_o be_v become_v that_o they_o broach_v principle_n unknown_a to_o all_o the_o subdivision_n of_o dissenter_n in_o england_n and_o though_o more_o know_v and_o intelligent_a among_o they_o never_o scruple_n the_o observation_n of_o a_o anniversary_n day_n since_o they_o yearly_o commemorate_v the_o dreadful_a fire_n of_o london_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a if_o not_o impious_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o those_o excellent_a constitution_n that_o have_v be_v receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o all_o country_n where_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n

have_v be_v worship_v such_o constitution_n and_o solemnity_n have_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolic_a time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o he_o suppose_v it_o and_o reason_n from_o it_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o strong_o incline_v towards_o god_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o true_a and_o unbiased_a reason_n therefore_o such_o constitution_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v in_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o anniversary_n day_n and_o festival_n have_v be_v profane_v among_o the_o pagan_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n why_o digression_n may_v they_o not_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o true_a object_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n public_a solemnity_n have_v nothing_o in_o their_o 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mention_v here_o be_v of_o humane_a appointment_n and_o yet_o anniversary_n our_o saviour_n be_v present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o any_o immediate_a divine_a institution_n and_o though_o he_o have_v not_o be_v present_a if_o it_o have_v be_v superstitious_a he_o have_v certain_o reprove_v it_o and_o give_v direction_n against_o such_o usage_n in_o the_o general_a to_o shake_v off_o all_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o multiply_a of_o they_o the_o one_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o other_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o preserve_v knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n more_o than_o the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a or_o extemporary_a fit_n of_o devotion_n but_o the_o church_n by_o her_o excellent_a discipline_n order_v the_o matter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o forget_v the_o faith_n unto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v once_o baptise_a but_o among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n the_o people_n be_v teach_v by_o their_o leader_n to_o despise_v all_o form_n such_o great_a soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v fetter_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o child_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n that_o can_v repeat_v the_o commandment_n or_o the_o creed_n i_o mean_v the_o child_n of_o presbyterian_a parent_n and_o by_o such_o enthusiastic_a pretence_n atheism_n be_v insensible_o promote_v and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n alienate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o scarce_o will_v they_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o true_a religion_n that_o mention_n those_o first_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o tell_v how_o much_o their_o opposition_n to_o form_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n have_v infatuate_v their_o people_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v a_o clown_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n laugh_v so_o hearty_o as_o when_o the_o curate_n recommend_v to_o their_o child_n the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o ten_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n understanding_n unless_o he_o entertain_v they_o with_o discourse_n of_o god_n unsearchable_a decree_n of_o justification_n before_o conversion_n and_o how_o the_o conviction_n of_o natural_a conscience_n may_v be_v distnguish_v from_o the_o conviction_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o observe_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o antiquate_a superstition_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o state_v festival_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n do_v preserve_v and_o increase_v true_a devotion_n and_o mortification_n fast_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o religion_n by_o all_o nation_n who_o profess_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o enjoin_v but_o suppose_v by_o our_o saviour_n why_o may_v not_o then_o the_o church_n regulate_v and_o direct_v the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v as_o well_o as_o of_o prayer_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o proper_a to_o fix_v our_o attention_n as_o fast_v it_o deliver_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o body_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o true_a and_o native_a sovereignty_n over_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n the_o state_v period_n of_o fast_v oblige_v the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o impenitent_a to_o think_v of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o visible_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v repentance_n more_o effectual_o and_o make_v more_o last_a impression_n than_o the_o loose_a and_o indefinite_a homily_n of_o self-conceited_a man_n the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v abuse_v as_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n be_v when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a weakness_n but_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o preserve_v religion_n among_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n without_o those_o vehicles_n of_o form_n lent-fast_a and_o order_n nothing_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o grecian_a church_n from_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o error_n and_o superstition_n so_o much_o as_o the_o open_a neglect_n of_o fast_v old_a among_o the_o protestant_n and_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v defend_v but_o rather_o lament_v and_o amend_v what_o a_o cruelty_n be_v it_o in_o all_o the_o sectary_n to_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o public_a help_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v who_o can_v justify_v this_o that_o consider_v the_o many_o encumbrance_n tentation_n weakness_n that_o we_o daily_o encounter_v they_o that_o set_v up_o method_n of_o their_o own_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n may_v amuse_v the_o people_n for_o a_o while_n but_o can_v 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great_a fast_n and_o