witness_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n word_n for_o this_o cause_n ought_v the_o woman_n to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n 10_o because_o of_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v a_o discourse_v the_o decency_n of_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v because_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v undecent_a to_o appear_v with_o her_o head_n uncover_v and_o much_o more_o so_o in_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o decency_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v those_o angel_n who_o attend_v our_o worship_n and_o careful_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v if_o we_o reverence_v man_n much_o more_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o angel_n 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the_o service_n be_v half_o read_v other_o when_o it_o be_v near_o a_o conclusion_n and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o it_o neither_o if_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o sermon_n at_o other_o time_n when_o there_o be_v only_o the_o divine_a service_n read_v without_o a_o sermon_n few_o person_n think_v it_o worth_a their_o attendance_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o the_o minister_n laugh_v at_o for_o read_v to_o bare_a wall_n and_o empty_a seat_n these_o thing_n i_o grant_v may_v happen_v sometime_o where_o there_o be_v no_o design_a neglect_n the_o mistake_n of_o time_n may_v occasion_v some_o person_n come_v late_o who_o want_v certain_a notice_n and_o on_o the_o weekday_n necessary_a business_n may_v hinder_v other_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o the_o opportunity_n they_o can_v get_v of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o reasonable_a excuse_n the_o fault_n be_v very_o great_a though_o few_o 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sermon_n to_o invite_v their_o presence_n plain_o discover_v that_o they_o prefer_v please_v their_o curiosity_n with_o hear_v some_o new_a discourse_n before_o the_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o they_o hear_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o the_o end_n of_o hear_v be_v practice_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o practical_a religion_n be_v the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o because_o some_o man_n think_v they_o worship_v god_n sufficient_o if_o they_o come_v time_n enough_o to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o church_n communion_n principal_o consist_v in_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v think_v nor_o do_v they_o intend_v to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o effect_n do_v so_o while_o they_o neglect_v its_o public_a worship_n for_o church_n communion_n consist_v in_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n before_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o express_o provide_v for_o by_o our_o rubric_n though_o it_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o canon_n make_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o be_v now_o useful_o introduce_v by_o long_a custom_n with_o the_o connivance_n if_o not_o the_o express_a allowance_n of_o our_o governor_n but_o the_o liturgy_n be_v the_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n there_o the_o church_n offer_v up_o more_o especial_o her_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n this_o be_v the_o great_a bond_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o to_o neglect_v or_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o this_o worship_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o when_o you_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o compose_v grave_a and_o serious_a pious_a and_o ardent_a yet_o it_o look_v more_o like_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n than_o of_o the_o church_n for_o you_o join_v only_o with_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o such_o a_o prayer_n but_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o that_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n prescribe_v by_o public_a authority_n we_o join_v with_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n offer_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o have_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n and_o those_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o make_v light_a of_o this_o why_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o religious_a assembly_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o may_v as_o well_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o about_o the_o same_o hour_n which_o in_o ancient_a time_n be_v observe_v for_o private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a devotion_n offer_v up_o their_o private_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o themselves_o and_o one_o another_o for_o god_n can_v hear_v they_o all_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o their_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n together_o and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v as_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a as_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o great_a company_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n have_v appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o god_n in_o his_o
name_n have_v confine_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n and_o favour_n to_o such_o assembly_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n for_o he_o have_v express_o promise_v that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o 20._o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a charter_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o certain_o be_v strong_a the_o more_o universal_a the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n be_v for_o if_o christ_n will_v be_v present_a with_o two_o or_o three_o who_o assemble_v in_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o agree_v to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o god_n much_o more_o when_o so_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v confederated_a in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n in_o the_o same_o word_n how_o powerful_a will_v the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o a_o whole_a national_a church_n be_v to_o procure_v those_o blessing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o want_v for_o if_o unity_n and_o consent_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o please_v to_o god_n the_o great_a this_o consent_n be_v the_o more_o please_a it_o must_v be_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o private_a christian_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v confederated_a by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o public_a worship_n have_v the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a order_n and_o government_n if_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o particular_a minister_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o prevalent_a how_o much_o more_o those_o prayer_n which_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o church_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n even_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o single_a minister_n which_o can_v so_o well_o be_v say_v of_o any_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o to_o observe_v good_a order_n in_o our_o religious_a worship_n do_v man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v soon_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o such_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o prefer_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n before_o any_o prayer_n of_o a_o private_a composition_n or_o any_o sudden_a extempore_o effusion_n for_o public_a prayer_n prescribe_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o offer_v up_o by_o a_o public_a minister_n be_v always_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o virtual_o contain_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n public_a baptism_n be_v now_o very_o much_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n most_o people_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a needless_a and_o troublesome_a ceremony_n to_o carry_v their_o child_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o to_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o private_a chamber_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v with_o little_a company_n and_o with_o little_a noise_n as_o prevail_v as_o this_o custom_n now_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o very_a late_a date_n even_o in_o this_o church_n it_o seem_v to_o owe_v its_o original_n to_o the_o dispute_v about_o ceremony_n for_o when_o some_o man_n scruple_v godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o avoid_v this_o they_o baptize_v their_o child_n private_o at_o home_n without_o either_o when_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o conscientious_a conformist_n as_o can_v dispense_v with_o his_o rule_n and_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n forbid_v those_o who_o still_o retain_v their_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o partake_v in_o a_o prevail_a schism_n be_v force_v to_o retire_v into_o private_a too_o and_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n at_o home_n and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o break_v a_o custom_n upon_o what_o occasion_n soever_o it_o be_v at_o first_o begin_v that_o which_o necessity_n occasion_v be_v continue_v by_o some_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o state_n by_o other_o to_o save_v charge_n and_o trouble_v which_o may_v be_v much_o better_o save_v by_o public_a baptism_n by_o other_o out_o of_o softness_n and_o tenderness_n a_o kind_n and_o indulgent_a mother_n dare_v not_o expose_v a_o young_a infant_n to_o the_o cold_a air_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o send_v it_o to_o nurse_n i_o can_v never_o hear_v any_o thing_n plead_v for_o this_o practice_n that_o deserve_v a_o answer_n that_o which_o make_v this_o custom_n prevail_v be_v that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o great_a decency_n and_o fitness_n and_o the_o many_o advantage_n of_o public_a baptism_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o brief_o represent_v by_o public_a baptism_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o fitness_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v our_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v public_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n i_o know_v of_o whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n but_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o be_v do_v in_o private_a other_o which_o require_v some_o public_a solemnity_n and_o it_o be_v as_o undecent_a to_o do_v a_o public_a action_n i._n e._n a_o action_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n private_o as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o private_a action_n in_o public_a now_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o public_a nature_n which_o concern_v a_o who'e_n society_n and_o such_o be_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o efficacy_n indeed_o of_o baptism_n depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v right_o administer_v do_v not_o lose_v its_o virtue_n for_o want_v of_o some_o due_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o those_o who_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o give_v all_o christian_a office_n their_o due_a solemnity_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v that_o baptism_n contain_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o public_a own_n of_o his_o religion_n no_o adult_n person_n be_v ever_o admit_v to_o baptism_n without_o a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o as_o learned_a man_n think_v st._n peter_n call_v baptism_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o 21._o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v examine_v about_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o indeed_o infant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o their_o sponsor_n and_o surety_n be_v who_o undertake_v for_o their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o certain_o the_o public_a church_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a place_n for_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n to_o baptize_v our_o child_n private_o look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n than_o to_o destroy_v
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 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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 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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 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thus_o much_o favour_n but_o be_v persecute_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o they_o suffer_v patient_o after_o the_o example_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o who_o judge_v righteous_o but_o a_o schismatic_a who_o conscience_n serve_v a_o interest_n must_v miss_v of_o his_o end_n if_o he_o suffer_v patient_o such_o be_v indeed_o as_o little_a in_o love_n with_o suffering_n as_o other_o man_n but_o yet_o they_o love_v to_o have_v some_o pretence_n or_o other_o to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n about_o their_o suffering_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o schismatical_a donatist_n that_o there_o be_v several_a law_n make_v against_o that_o by_o optatum_fw-la theodosius_n the_o emperor_n and_o though_o none_o of_o those_o law_n be_v scarce_o ever_o execute_v yet_o they_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n aggravate_v every_o little_a matter_n to_o 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will_v not_o
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 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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 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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
that_o all_o external_a thing_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o their_o end_n and_o use._n those_o be_v innocent_a and_o laudable_a custom_n which_o serve_v a_o good_a end_n either_o help_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n or_o make_v the_o worship_n more_o grave_a and_o solemn_a provide_v it_o be_v not_o in_o forbid_a instance_n 4._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n be_v a_o great_a vindication_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o we_o have_v not_o a_o plain_a and_o express_a rule_n example_n which_o be_v great_a and_o good_a one_o have_v the_o authority_n and_o face_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o will_v desire_v any_o better_a example_n than_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n some_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n and_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n which_o they_o say_v be_v express_o forbid_v by_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v lordship_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o be_v call_v benefactor_n but_o 25._o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o be_v chief_a as_o he_o that_o do_v serve_v in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n forbid_v such_o kind_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o as_o the_o gentile_a prince_n exercise_n over_o their_o subject_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v forbid_v all_o kind_n of_o superiority_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o example_n even_o of_o the_o apostolic_a age._n the_o apostle_n indeed_o be_v all_o equal_a have_v no_o superiority_n of_o order_n or_o power_n over_o one_o another_o and_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o exercise_v superiority_n over_o each_o other_o for_o there_o be_v a_o 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and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o if_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristianism_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v antichristian_a for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a order_n i_o know_v not_o what_o authority_n any_o man_n have_v to_o alter_v it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n think_v that_o communion_n safe_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n other_o except_z against_o form_n of_o prayer_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o old_a in_o use_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n i_o be_o much_o of_o s._n chrysostoms_n opinion_n that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o age_n of_o miracle_n extraordinary_a &_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o there_o be_v of_o healing_n and_o prophesy_v and_o work_a miracle_n not_o that_o every_o christian_a have_v these_o gift_n any_o more_o than_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o inspire_a prayer_n for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v it_o needless_a in_o that_o age_n to_o have_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o when_o i_o see_v that_o age_n of_o miracle_n return_v again_o i_o will_v glad_o renounce_v liturgy_n to_o join_v in_o inspire_a prayer_n but_o as_o miracle_n cease_v so_o do_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o then_o as_o the_o same_o father_n observe_v the_o church_n worship_v god_n in_o allow_a form_n to_o be_v sure_a so_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o and_o if_o we_o can_v trace_v it_o to_o its_o first_o original_a for_o want_v of_o early_a record_n in_o those_o matter_n yet_o i_o think_v he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a scrupulous_a man_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o constantine_n day_n who_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o his_o soldier_n which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a he_o will_v have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n use_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v till_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o reformation_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o it_o for_o the_o lutheran_n and_o bohemian_a church_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n and_o holland_n have_v their_o liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o if_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v by_o mr._n calvin_n himself_o till_o some_o jesuit_n in_o masquerade_n first_o set_v up_o that_o way_n of_o conceive_a and_o extemporary_a prayer_n on_o purpose_n to_o break_v good_a order_n in_o our_o church_n as_o we_o well_o be_v assure_v by_o very_o firebrand_n credible_a testimony_n other_o scruple_n significant_a ceremony_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n we_o find_v such_o in_o use_n which_o be_v now_o disuse_v as_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n much_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o censure_v than_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o yet_o be_v retain_v for_o several_a age_n in_o the_o church_n in_o tertullian_n and_o st._n cyprian_n time_n we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o symbolical_a and_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o they_o they_o frequent_o cross_v themselves_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o baptize_v person_n be_v clothe_v in_o white_a and_o thence_o whitsunday_n receive_v its_o name_n because_o that_o be_v a_o solemn_a time_n for_o baptism_n when_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v clothe_v with_o white_a garment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v you_o abundance_n of_o such_o instance_n which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v they_o in_o st._n augustine_n time_n ceremony_n be_v grow_v so_o numerous_a that_o he_o very_o much_o complain_v not_o of_o the_o significancy_n and_o symbolicalness_n but_o of_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o but_o never_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n himself_o januar._n but_o advise_v other_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n of_o any_o church_n where_o they_o come_v though_o different_a from_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v there_o never_o be_v any_o schism_n occasion_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o significant_a ceremony_n till_o of_o late_a among_o we_o and_o it_o will_v a_o little_a startle_v a_o modest_a man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o must_v have_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a from_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o this_o day_n these_o thing_n careful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v must_v needs_o tend_v to_o compose_v man_n mind_n and_o reduce_v those_o who_o be_v go_v astray_o into_o the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v rather_o venture_v err_v with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o present_a age_n than_o break_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a communion_n to_o follow_v some_o upstart_n new_a light_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v lead_v i_o right_n sect_n iii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v some_o popular_a cavil_n and_o exception_n which_o too_o often_o
and_o lay_v they_o aside_o again_o when_o they_o please_v but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n that_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v never_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o either_o express_o forbid_v by_o god_n or_o by_o such_o evident_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n may_v discern_v without_o use_v any_o great_a skill_n and_o subtlety_n while_o man_n do_v not_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o by_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o their_o own_o invent_v or_o by_o fancy_n and_o humour_n prejudice_n or_o interest_n they_o may_v like_v or_o dislike_v just_a what_o they_o please_v and_o call_v it_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v do_v but_o the_o observe_v this_o one_o rule_n will_v soon_o cure_v all_o fanaticism_n and_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o perfect_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o we_o ready_o grant_v and_o prove_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o of_o all_o external_a circumstance_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n when_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o such_o entire_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o division_n and_o fill_v people_n head_n with_o endless_a and_o infinite_a scruple_n but_o to_o make_v the_o command_v and_o prohibition_n of_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o certain_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o unlawful_a so_o as_o neither_o to_o condemn_v nor_o scruple_n what_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n will_v infallible_o heal_v our_o breach_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o peace_n with_o ourselves_o and_o with_o one_o another_o four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o neither_o a_o mistake_v nor_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n can_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_n we_o may_v indeed_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n against_o any_o humane_a power_n a_o conscience_n inform_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n will_v not_o can_v ought_v not_o to_o stoop_v to_o the_o great_a prince_n who_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n law_n because_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a absolute_a and_o supreme_a but_o a_o erroneous_a mistake_v doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o a_o word_n a_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v not_o arm_v with_o his_o authority_n neither_o and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o prince_n for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o private_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v disobedience_n to_o public_a authority_n which_o show_v we_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n aright_o and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o rule_n not_o to_o neglect_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v and_o where_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v we_o by_o his_o authority_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o our_o lawful_a superior_n for_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v our_o disobedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o where_o we_o can_v pretend_v god_n authority_n as_o we_o can_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o disobey_v our_o ruler_n though_o they_o be_v but_o men._n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v that_o question_n now_o whether_o a_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n ought_v not_o to_o obey_v his_o governor_n notwithstanding_o those_o scruple_n because_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v only_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o thing_n command_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o superior_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v sin_v in_o obey_v because_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o what_o they_o command_v be_v sinful_a and_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v sin_v in_o disobey_v they_o if_o their_o command_n be_v lawful_a and_o be_v withal_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v one_o or_o tother_o whether_o he_o ought_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o take_v the_o sure_a side_n that_o be_v to_o wave_v his_o scruple_n and_o obey_v his_o prince_n i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o observe_v this_o one_o thing_n without_o draw_v any_o peremptory_a conclusion_n from_o it_o that_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n and_o so_o the_o proper_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o our_o prince_n command_v we_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o as_o plain_a and_o express_v a_o law_n as_o that_o be_v which_o command_v our_o obedience_n we_o seem_v to_o oppose_v our_o private_a and_o uncertain_a opinion_n against_o the_o express_a authority_n of_o god_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n than_o where_o they_o be_v no_o humane_a authority_n must_v be_v set_v up_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o a_o divine_a authority_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a rule_n than_o private_a opinion_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n act_n out_o of_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o he_o who_o keep_v his_o eye_n fix_v upon_o his_o rule_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v his_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n other_o man_n live_v by_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o fancy_n be_v turn_v aside_o by_o every_o novel_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o conscience_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n if_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n conscience_n will_v never_o justify_v we_o but_o when_o we_o obey_v and_o observe_v our_o rule_n second_o another_o question_n i_o will_v propose_v to_o these_o man_n be_v whether_o they_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o schism_n now_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o ask_v this_o question_n if_o we_o observe_v with_o what_o little_a consideration_n most_o man_n engage_v themselves_o in_o it_o how_o wanton_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o come_v to_o church_n or_o go_v to_o a_o conventicle_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o leave_v their_o own_o parish_n church_n and_o go_v to_o another_o where_o there_o be_v a_o preacher_n who_o they_o like_v 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
but_o i_o will_v desire_v such_o man_n to_o consider_v first_o that_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n vary_v with_o every_o man_n fancy_n as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n reason_n or_o antiquity_n when_o you_o distinguish_v a_o pure_a church_n from_o a_o pure_a church_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o great_a degree_n of_o purity_n they_o find_v in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a conventicle_n than_o in_o our_o parochial_a church_n if_o this_o purity_n consist_v in_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n that_o doctrine_n and_o government_n which_o be_v most_o ancient_a and_o most_o apostolical_a be_v pure_a than_o some_o novel_a and_o upstart_a opinion_n church_n form_n and_o model_n and_o that_o worship_n which_o retain_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o administer_v they_o with_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o most_o to_o christian_a edification_n be_v as_o pure_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o be_v slovenly_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o church_n wherein_o christian_n may_v enjoy_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n without_o any_o corrupt_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n be_v a_o pure_a church_n such_o a_o church_n wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v communicate_v without_o do_v any_o injury_n to_o his_o soul_n be_v a_o pure_a church_n and_o have_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o purity_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o external_n communion_n if_o by_o a_o pure_a communion_n they_o mean_v only_o the_o communion_n of_o better_a man_n and_o of_o great_a saint_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o exclude_v hypocrite_n out_o of_o any_o church_n unless_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n nor_o be_v it_o fit_a they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v while_o they_o be_v not_o open_o scandalous_a for_o to_o shut_v such_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o hope_n of_o prove_v better_a men._n and_o i_o hope_v christian_n communion_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o single_a congregation_n but_o every_o good_a christian_a who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n enjoy_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o all_o the_o world_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n nay_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a communion_n be_v this_o that_o our_o fellowship_n 3._o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a church_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o church_n militant_a on_o earth_n but_o you_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o 24._o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v which_o speak_v better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n this_o be_v the_o church-fellowship_n which_o those_o enjoy_v who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o which_o schismatic_n have_v no_o right_n to_o and_o those_o who_o think_v to_o meet_v with_o better_a company_n at_o a_o conventicle_n let_v they_o take_v it_o but_o must_v not_o the_o christian_a church_n consist_v of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o christian_n as_o our_o natural_a body_n do_v of_o several_a sort_n of_o member_n of_o different_a honour_n and_o worth_a and_o be_v it_o fit_v for_o strong_a and_o well-grown_a christian_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a as_o if_o the_o eye_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n as_o despise_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o foot_n and_o yet_o if_o st._n paul_n say_v true_a that_o schism_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o carnal_a man_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o look_v for_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o schismatical_a church_n but_o second_o it_o be_v never_o till_o of_o late_a day_n think_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o lawful_a communion_n though_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v it_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o defect_n and_o therefore_o the_o brownist_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v that_o her_o worship_n and_o government_n be_v unlawful_a idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a and_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o conform_v as_o minister_n yet_o very_o religious_o conform_v as_o layman_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n condemn_v this_o schism_n and_o prove_v that_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v lawful_a and_o therefore_o separation_n be_v sinful_a and_o i_o dare_v challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n that_o ever_o it_o be_v think_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n where_o we_o may_v communicate_v without_o sin_n and_o three_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o separate_n from_o a_o lawful_a communion_n for_o a_o pure_a communion_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n for_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o purity_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n may_v refine_v for_o ever_o four_o if_o they_o do_v indeed_o think_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o inquire_v how_o they_o come_v at_o first_o to_o think_v so_o for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a enquiry_n if_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o man_n be_v at_o first_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n ensnare_v in_o a_o error_n and_o draw_v into_o schism_n how_o firm_o soever_o afterward_o they_o believe_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a it_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v all_o the_o several_a way_n whereby_o man_n come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o schism_n but_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o few_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o common_a such_o be_v these_o 1._o education_n 2._o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n 3._o some_o distaste_n at_o public_a affair_n 4._o some_o quarrel_n with_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n 5._o interest_n or_o the_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n 1._o education_n when_o man_n have_v be_v nurse_v up_o in_o schism_n from_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o despise_v the_o common_a prayer_n before_o they_o can_v read_v and_o to_o call_v the_o church_n antichrist_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o baal_n priest_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v speak_v now_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o pitiable_a case_n and_o the_o fair_a excuse_n and_o apology_n that_o can_v be_v make_v for_o any_o man_n for_o we_o all_o know_v what_o the_o power_n of_o education_n be_v and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o deliver_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o first_o impression_n of_o childhood_n and_o youth_n but_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v a_o man_n when_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v for_o if_o it_o will_v pagan_n mahometan_n and_o papist_n who_o labour_n under_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n have_v the_o same_o excuse_n we_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o that_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n nay_o papist_n mahometan_n and_o pagan_n have_v a_o better_a excuse_n upon_o this_o account_n than_o our_o dissenter_n because_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v more_o invincible_a as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o brief_o consider_v three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n which_o they_o have_v be_v in_o quiet_a possession_n of_o for_o many_o age_n and_o thus_o that_o reverence_n they_o pay_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o memory_n of_o their_o ancestor_n add_v to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n whereas_o every_o one_o know_v that_o this_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o pretence_n whereon_o it_o be_v found_v be_v but_o late_a innovation_n a_o novelty_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o grey-headed_a and_o though_o antiquity_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o argument_n for_o a_o ancient_a error_n nor_o novelty_n any_o
reasonable_a exception_n against_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o new_a discovery_n to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o all_o know_v when_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o part_n with_o such_o doctrine_n custom_n usage_n religion_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o many_o generation_n than_o to_o part_v with_o some_o novel_a invention_n who_o very_a novelty_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o strong_a and_o last_a prejudice_n thus_o we_o know_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n which_o plead_v the_o prescription_n of_o unknown_a age_n make_v it_o extreme_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o that_o objection_n of_o novelty_n though_o it_o be_v false_a be_v yet_o a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o alleadg_n to_o show_v that_o a_o long_a and_o immemorial_n prescription_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a prejudice_n than_o some_o few_o year_n education_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v a_o much_o better_a justification_n of_o pagan_n and_o papist_n in_o foreign_a country_n for_o 2_o it_o may_v cause_v a_o reasonable_a suspicion_n in_o honest_a dissenter_n sufficient_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o new_a search_n and_o enquiry_n when_o they_o remember_v that_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n fall_v together_o that_o those_o who_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n pull_v down_o monarchy_n and_o transform_v themselves_o into_o as_o many_o different_a shape_n and_o form_n in_o the_o state_n as_o they_o set_v up_o new_a model_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o most_o infallible_a man_n nor_o act_v by_o the_o best_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o establish_v by_o law_n have_v have_v possession_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o a_o few_o year_n interruption_n in_o a_o time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o great_a confusion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o dispossess_v it_o and_o therefore_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o loyalty_n to_o their_o prince_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v some_o better_a reason_n against_o it_o than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n which_o can_v be_v no_o just_a excuse_n at_o this_o day_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o shall_v desire_v any_o more_o than_o twenty_o year_n to_o wear_v off_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o twenty_o year_n education_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n ever_o have_v a_o legal_a possession_n of_o this_o nation_n during_o this_o anarchy_n and_o interregnum_fw-la of_o church_n and_o state_n neither_o presbytery_n independency_n nor_o anabaptism_n be_v settle_v by_o law_n but_o they_o shuffle_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o use_v their_o utmost_a skill_n to_o establish_v themselves_o by_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o their_o several_a party_n and_o sometime_o one_o pravile_v and_o sometime_o another_o and_o instead_o of_o one_o national_a church_n we_o have_v twenty_o national_a schism_n but_o no_o church_n which_o 4thly_a plain_o show_v that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n can_v be_v no_o good_a plea_n in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o invincible_a where_o there_o be_v no_o one_o fix_a church_n nor_o one_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o nation_n but_o several_a church_n quarrel_v and_o contend_v with_o each_o other_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o country_n where_o the_o people_n never_o hear_v but_o of_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o spain_n or_o at_o least_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o but_o under_o such_o dismal_a frightful_a character_n as_o may_v raise_v their_o indignation_n and_o their_o hatred_n of_o such_o monster_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v if_o such_o man_n prejudices_fw-la be_v very_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a but_o when_o man_n see_v religion_n in_o so_o many_o shape_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o monster_n but_o man_n like_o themselves_o this_o rather_o incline_v they_o to_o uncertainty_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o any_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a prejudices_fw-la for_o or_o against_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n how_o man_n make_v their_o advance_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o quakerism_n the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o confusion_n as_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o all_o good_a order_n now_o when_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o wander_a state_n like_a traveller_n who_o have_v no_o certain_a abide_v but_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o country_n into_o another_o visit_v all_o and_o stay_v no_o where_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a injudicious_a people_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o plead_v prejudice_n in_o their_o justification_n 2._o other_o engage_v themselves_o in_o schism_n out_o of_o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v no_o fix_a and_o stable_a principle_n and_o can_v never_o like_o one_o thing_n long_o together_o or_o they_o run_v into_o conventicle_n out_o of_o a_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v take_v with_o any_o thing_n or_o with_o nothing_o as_o it_o happen_v and_o thus_o by_o degree_n contract_n prejudices_fw-la against_o that_o church_n who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v without_o any_o reason_n and_o then_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a without_o any_o the_o zeal_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o those_o hard_a word_n they_o give_v the_o church_n and_o churchman_n make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n for_o it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o they_o learn_v by_o rote_n some_o popular_a objection_n and_o cavil_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o engage_v lie_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o further_a consideration_n or_o a_o timely_a retreat_n when_o man_n first_o begin_v to_o separate_v and_o then_o learn_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o in_o time_n improve_v those_o doubt_n into_o last_a principle_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a honesty_n for_o a_o honest_a man_n must_v first_o have_v very_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a before_o he_o can_v entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o a_o separation_n and_o do_v man_n take_v this_o course_n the_o schism_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n 3._o other_o take_v distaste_n at_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o church_n this_o seem_v strange_a that_o whatever_o be_v do_v amiss_o in_o the_o state_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o state_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o civil_a governor_n have_v to_o correct_v and_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o exorbitance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o some_o person_n observe_v that_o close_a union_n which_o be_v between_o church_n and_o state_n think_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o crown_n till_o they_o have_v first_o pull_v down_o a_o legal_a church_n but_o though_o these_o man_n may_v talk_v very_o much_o against_o church-imposition_n and_o seem_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a it_o be_v plain_a religion_n be_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n they_o love_v schism_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o rebellion_n and_o look_v upon_o schismatical_a conventicle_n as_o admirable_a nursery_n for_o the_o camp_n though_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n in_o our_o late_a trouble_n we_o have_v be_v late_o tell_v in_o print_n by_o one_o who_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o i_o wonder_v so_o grave_a and_o wise_a a_o man_n shall_v thus_o open_o betray_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o party_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v by_o churchman_n who_o have_v no_o design_n at_o first_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n the_o auxiliary_n of_o the_o 12._o parliament_n the_o scot_n will_v not_o
the_o very_a case_n the_o apostle_n mention_n for_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v either_o the_o worship_a angel_n ver_fw-la 18._o which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o humility_n that_o such_o mean_a and_o guilty_a creature_n dare_v not_o immediate_o approach_v to_o god_n without_o the_o intercession_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n or_o those_o ordinance_n and_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o 20_o 21._o which_o he_o call_v the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n ver_fw-la 22._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v either_o the_o jewish_a law_n of_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o pythagorean_n abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o woman_n or_o from_o eat_v any_o live_a creature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a both_o of_o they_o these_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n but_o indeed_o be_v not_o true_a wisdom_n nor_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n such_o as_o their_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n their_o fast_n penance_n and_o pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v make_v substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n be_v never_o reckon_v among_o they_o till_o now_o by_o any_o ancient_a or_o modern_a expositor_n now_o though_o will-worship_n be_v in_o this_o place_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o these_o thing_n condemn_v as_o part_n of_o will-worship_n yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o as_o have_v nothing_o in_o her_o worship_n like_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v not_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o will-worship_n any_o far_a than_o the_o apostle_n have_v apply_v it_o or_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v analogous_a to_o what_o he_o condem_n for_o will-worship_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o have_v the_o least_o ill_a character_n affix_v to_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o accusation_n be_v superstition_n a_o name_n which_o be_v at_o all_o adventure_n give_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o man_n dislike_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o name_n of_o reproach_n serve_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o argument_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o at_o hand_n thus_o to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v all_o superstitious_a ceremony_n and_o so_o they_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v who_o most_o frequent_o use_v this_o word_n without_o understand_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o no_o man_n need_v be_v at_o any_o great_a trouble_n to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n than_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o will_v soon_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n in_o apply_v it_o now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o tully_n be_v render_v superstitio_fw-la be_v by_o st._n austin_n call_v demonum_fw-la cultus_fw-la the_o worship_n of_o demon_n that_o be_v of_o angel_n or_o dead_a man_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n at_o athens_n when_o he_o observe_v the_o inscription_n of_o 22._o their_o altar_n to_o a_o unknown_a god_n say_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v more_o superstitious_a than_o other_o i._n e._n that_o they_o worship_v more_o god_n or_o demon_n than_o other_o heathen_a nation_n and_o possible_o with_o more_o devotion_n and_o religious_a observance_n but_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o great_a dread_n and_o fear_n of_o their_o demon_n and_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v make_v equivalent_a to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dread_n or_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v super_v this_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o consequent_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o for_o which_o reason_n epicurus_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n yet_o he_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v maker_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o humane_a affair_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n he_o reject_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d superstitious_a fearer_n of_o the_o deity_n hence_o he_o represent_v the_o design_n of_o his_o philosophy_n to_o be_v to_o deliver_v man_n from_o superstition_n that_o they_o may_v live_v without_o fear_n of_o any_o invisible_a power_n or_o infernal_a judge_n of_o who_o their_o poet_n especial_o tell_v such_o frightful_a and_o tragical_a story_n and_o therefore_o in_o other_o place_n superstition_n be_v make_v by_o he_o equivalent_a to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n after_o death_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n superstition_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o nickname_n for_o religion_n or_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n but_o this_o be_v so_o troublesome_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o atheistical_a philosopher_n that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v himself_o and_o mankind_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o future_a account_n as_o in_o our_o age_n for_o the_o fame_n reason_n too_o many_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o laugh_v and_o droll_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n that_o they_o may_v live_v secure_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o though_o every_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o few_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n stick_v close_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o different_a for_o they_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v as_o to_o despise_v his_o power_n and_o therefore_o they_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a dread_n of_o god_n as_o a_o observer_n of_o their_o action_n and_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o he_o but_o as_o of_o a_o powerful_a domineer_a imperious_a tyrant_n and_o therefore_o maximus_n tyrius_n make_v this_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o religious_a and_o superstitious_a man_n that_o a_o religious_a man_n go_v to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o servile_a fear_n and_o horror_n which_o we_o now_o common_o oppose_v to_o a_o filial_a fear_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o love_n and_o reverence_n as_o a_o son_n love_v and_o honour_n his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o superstitious_a man_n be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o god_n as_o a_o powerful_a tyrant_n hence_o plutarch_n observe_v that_o a_o atheist_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o superstitious_a man_n wish_v there_o be_v none_o and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o superstition_n make_v man_n fear_n god_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o flatter_v he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a temper_n of_o fear_n to_o fawn_v and_o crouch_v and_o by_o the_o base_a and_o most_o servile_a submission_n to_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o imperious_a lord_n and_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o those_o who_o be_v proud_a severe_a and_o imperious_a to_o love_v to_o be_v flatter_v and_o therefore_o those_o man_n who_o look_v on_o god_n only_o as_o almighty_a power_n which_o be_v soon_o provoke_v and_o can_v be_v resist_v hope_v to_o appease_v so_o angry_a a_o be_v by_o some_o servile_a and_o flatter_a submission_n whence_o it_o be_v maximus_n tyrius_n represent_v a_o true_o pious_a man_n as_o god_n friend_n and_o a_o superstitious_a man_n as_o his_o flatterer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o superstitious_a man_n be_v this_o that_o a_o true_o religious_a man_n be_v one_o who_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o this_o servile_a fear_n of_o god_n he_o love_v he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a be_v and_o secure_o hope_v in_o he_o as_o the_o most_o kind_a father_n and_o bountiful_a benefactor_n and_o delight_n to_o pay_v he_o such_o homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n but_o a_o superstitious_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v in_o love_n with_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o which_o he_o fear_v god_n will_v punish_v he_o for_o but_o can_v and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o fear_v god_n and_o flatter_v he_o and_o invent_v such_o art_n to_o appease_v