edification_n nor_o do_v our_o church_n impose_v they_o like_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a and_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o changeable_a thing_n as_o for_o our_o penance_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o cruel_a like_o those_o of_o rome_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n subject_n her_o member_n by_o several_a of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o enslave_v passion_n for_o instance_n purgatory_n subject_n they_o to_o fear_n and_o auricular_a confession_n to_o shame_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n expose_v they_o to_o great_a anxiety_n but_o our_o church_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o man_n but_o when_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o make_v satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 4._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v licentious_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o our_o adversary_n can_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v just_o charge_v with_o plain_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n our_o church_n reject_v and_o utter_o abhor_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o image-worship_n invocation_n of_o saint_n transubstantiation_n pardon_n indulgence_n sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n deny_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o vulgar_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n rob_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n prohibit_v marriage_n to_o priest_n merit_n supererogation_n make_v simple_a fornication_n a_o mere_a venial_a sin_n damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o communion_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o church_n that_o more_o severe_o condemn_v all_o instance_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o immorality_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v three_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n to_o show_v this_o in_o all_o particular_n will_v be_v a_o tedious_a task_n therefore_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o office_n of_o infant-baptism_n by_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n before_o they_o go_v into_o the_o church_n after_o many_o preparatory_a prescription_n the_o priest_n be_v dress_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o purple_a robe_n call_v the_o infant_n say_v what_o ask_v thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o godfather_n answer_v faith_n p._n what_o shall_v thou_o get_v by_o faith_n g._n eternal_a life_n p._n if_o thou_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n then_o the_o priest_n blow_v three_o gentle_a puff_n upon_o the_o infant_n be_v face_n and_o say_v go_v out_o of_o he_o o_o unclean_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n then_o cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n and_o breast_n he_o say_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v always_o etc._n etc._n and_o after_o a_o long_a prayer_n the_o priest_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n come_v the_o idle_a and_o profane_a form_n of_o the_o benediction_n of_o salt_n viz._n i_o conjure_v thou_o o_o creature_n of_o salt_n in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o cross_n then_o he_o put_v a_o little_a salt_n into_o the_o infant_n be_v mouth_n say_v take_v thou_o the_o salt_n of_o wisdom_n and_o add_v most_o impious_o be_v it_o thy_o propitiation_n unto_o eternal_a life_n after_o the_o pax_n tecum_fw-la he_o pray_v that_o this_o infant_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o most_o woeful_o be-called_a then_o the_o priest_n cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n say_v and_o this_o sign_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n and_o put_v up_o a_o very_a good_a prayer_n then_o he_o put_v part_n of_o his_o robe_n upon_o the_o infant_n and_o bring_v he_o within_o the_o church_n say_v enter_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o follow_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o the_o paternoster_n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o the_o priest_n take_v spittle_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o therewith_o touch_v the_o infant_n be_v ear_n and_o nostril_n say_v etc._n etc._n then_o he_o conjure_v the_o devil_n again_o say_v be_v pack_v o_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o ask_v the_o infant_n whether_o he_o renounce_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o holy_a oil_n and_o anoint_v the_o infant_n with_o it_o in_o his_o breast_n and_o betwixt_o his_o shoulder_n he_o say_v i_o anoint_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v off_o his_o purple_a robe_n and_o put_v on_o another_o of_o white_a colour_n and_o have_v ask_v four_o more_o question_n and_o receive_v the_o answer_n he_o pour_v water_n thrice_o upon_o the_o child_n head_n as_o he_o recite_v over_o it_o our_o saviour_n form_n of_o baptism_n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o the_o chrism_n or_o holy_a ointment_n he_o anoint_v the_o infant_n upon_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o head_n in_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o cross_n and_o pray_v o_o god_n omnipotent_a etc._n etc._n afterward_o he_o take_v a_o white_a linen_n cloth_n and_o put_v it_o on_o the_o child_n head_n say_v take_v the_o white_a garment_n etc._n etc._n last_o he_o put_v into_o the_o child_n or_o his_o godfather_n hand_n a_o light_a candle_n say_v receive_v the_o burn_a lamp_n etc._n etc._n beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o common_a ritual_a there_o be_v divers_a other_o add_v in_o the_o pastoral_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v and_o now_o if_o any_o man_n will_v read_v our_o office_n of_o baptism_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o unlike_a than_o these_o two_o office_n be_v our_o litany_n indeed_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o dissenter_n as_o savour_v of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a if_o a_o man_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o popish_a one_o the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o consist_v in_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o the_o brevity_n i_o be_o confine_v to_o in_o this_o discourse_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o abide_v any_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n four_o in_o the_o book_n they_o receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v all_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n take_v only_o those_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o all_o protestant_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v true_a she_o read_v some_o part_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o she_o do_v not_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n by_o they_o five_o and_o last_o in_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o find_v their_o whole_a religion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n find_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o her_o own_o infallibility_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o of_o her_o own_o doctrine_n on_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o her_o council_n which_o she_o will_v have_v to_o be_v no_o less_o inspire_v than_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n build_v her_o whole_a religion_n upon_o scripture_n which_o be_v her_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n she_o reverence_n ancient_a general_a council_n but_o do_v not_o think_v they_o infallible_a and_o as_o for_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o church_n claim_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n by_o require_v subscription_n to_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o she_o mean_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o to_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o outward_a submission_n when_o her_o decision_n do_v not_o contradict_v any_o essential_o of_o faith_n or_o manner_n but_o not_o a_o authority_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o infallible_o true_a and_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n it_o be_v true_a she_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o she_o require_v subscription_n as_o a_o test_n of_o this_o belief_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o person_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o undoubted_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o creed_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o as_o to_o the_o motive_n which_o our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v they_o
with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o we_o 16._o we_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o rom._n 14.19_o 1_o thess_n 5.11_o eph._n 4.12_o 16._o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o whatever_o may_v be_v urge_v the_o apostle_n conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v and_o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o in_o a_o word_n what_o st._n austin_n and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o epist_n 118_o &_o 86._o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n must_v oblige_v a_o good_a man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o distraction_n it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n for_o instance_n what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v a_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5.1_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a person_n plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n by_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v a_o man_n liberty_n more_o damage_v when_o restrain_v by_o superior_n than_o when_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o superiour_n command_n restrain_v it_o perpetual_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v his_o own_o liberty_n suppose_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v damnify_v though_o it_o be_v restrain_v for_o his_o whole_a life_n for_o say_v he_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 1_o cor._n 8.13_o and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consistent_a with_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o christian_n liberty_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o freedom_n from_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o jewish_a law_n lay_v upon_o man_n this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o i_o think_v that_o in_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o judaisme_n but_o we_o must_v note_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v not_o in_o our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o act_n of_o observe_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v so_o not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a convert_v and_o if_o they_o can_v observe_v some_o judaical_a rite_n without_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n certain_o we_o may_v safe_o use_v a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o establish_v church_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v those_o person_n who_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o a_o few_o harmless_a imposition_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n from_o she_o but_o because_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a objection_n against_o some_o particular_a thing_n impose_v by_o she_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o general_a but_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n which_o relate_v to_o single_a instance_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o next_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o dissenter_n judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o by_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o 3._o by_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o require_v we_o to_o produce_v some_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v needless_a because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n however_o for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v command_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o extempore_o prayer_n i._o then_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n command_v we_o to_o use_v none_o but_o form_n
nothing_o can_v be_v distinct_o hear_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o those_o who_o can_v read_v may_v bring_v book_n and_o those_o that_o can_v may_v attend_v to_o those_o that_o be_v near_o nay_o i_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v that_o some_o devout_a people_n that_o can_v never_o read_v have_v attain_v to_o a_o ability_n of_o recite_v most_o of_o the_o psalm_n without_o book_n by_o often_o hear_v they_o in_o those_o church_n where_o they_o be_v alternate_o recite_v i_o shall_v add_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o psalm_n be_v recite_v alternate_o in_o those_o church_n only_o where_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n can_v read_v very_o few_o except_v now_o if_o the_o people_n may_v join_v in_o vocal_a praise_n why_o may_v they_o not_o also_o join_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v some_o example_n or_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o one_o but_o not_o for_o the_o other_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o that_o the_o express_a warrant_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o one_o be_v a_o imply_v warrant_v for_o the_o other_o i_o have_v already_o show_v chap._n 3._o that_o the_o people_n join_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v very_o ancient_o practise_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o primitive_a way_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o people_n speak_v to_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v disorderly_a and_o a_o break_n in_o upon_o the_o minister_n office_n but_o will_v they_o say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n entrench_v upon_o the_o priest_n when_o they_o all_o bow_v themselves_o upon_o the_o pavement_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o praise_v he_o say_v for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o 2_o chron._n 7.3_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o minister_n preside_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o guide_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o not_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o audible_a confession_n of_o sin_n after_o the_o minister_n nor_o to_o utter_v some_o few_o affectionate_a petition_n and_o those_o very_a short_a to_o which_o they_o be_v also_o invite_v and_o â—â—ted_v by_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o favour_v of_o a_o affectation_n of_o undue_a superiority_n over_o the_o people_n than_o to_o proceed_v from_o any_o fear_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n be_v invade_v some_o urge_v that_o woman_n be_v forbid_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o but_o this_o be_v strange_o misapply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o speak_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n signify_v nothing_o but_o prophesy_v interpret_n preach_v and_o instruct_v and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o the_o woman_n be_v because_o preach_v imply_v authority_n whereas_o the_o woman_n part_n be_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n they_o that_o will_v read_v the_o whole_a chapter_n will_v find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n 5._o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o read_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n in_o our_o church_n now_o if_o sermon_n and_o catechise_v be_v allowable_a beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o may_v not_o some_o apocryphal_a lesson_n be_v read_v which_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n especial_o since_o those_o write_n be_v great_o esteem_v by_o the_o church_n in_o its_o pure_a age_n when_o they_o and_o other_o human_a writing_n also_o be_v public_o read_v as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v omit_v do_v either_o recite_v genealogy_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o levitical_a service_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v in_o other_o chapter_n that_o be_v read_v or_o which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v more_o profitable_a to_o read_v any_o part_n of_o that_o than_o any_o other_o good_a lesson_n i_o answer_v that_o then_o no_o place_n will_v be_v leave_v for_o sermon_n which_o be_v no_o more_o of_o divine_a authority_n than_o the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o person_n be_v mistake_v the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n for_o canonical_a scripture_n because_o the_o church_n speak_v so_o plain_o in_o her_o six_o article_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v they_o otherwise_o than_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o no_o apocryphal_a lesson_n be_v read_v upon_o any_o lord_n day_n in_o the_o year_n and_o as_o for_o other_o exception_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o dr._n falkener_n libertas_n eccles_n p._n 164_o etc._n etc._n 6._o if_o any_o object_n against_o our_o stand_v at_o the_o creed_n mr._n baxter_n say_v his_o judgement_n be_v for_o it_o where_o it_o be_v require_v and_o where_o not_o do_v it_o will_v be_v aivisive_a and_o scandalous_a nay_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o convenient_a praise_v gesture_n etc._n etc._n see_v his_o christ_n direct_v p._n 858._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o litany_n against_o which_o it_o be_v plead_v 1._o that_o the_o people_n utter_v the_o word_n of_o invocation_n in_o the_o litany_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o minister_n all_o the_o while_n suggest_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o they_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o allow_v the_o people_n a_o interest_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v admit_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n bear_v too_o considerable_a a_o part_n to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o 1._o though_o the_o people_n say_v good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n yet_o the_o minister_n say_v the_o other_o and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prayer_n 2._o they_o be_v but_o these_o two_o short_a and_o know_v petition_n which_o be_v except_v against_o and_o if_o the_o people_n may_v be_v allow_v any_o part_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o know_v of_o nothing_o more_o proper_a than_o these_o nor_o be_v they_o repeat_v but_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o new_a and_o distinct_a matter_n beside_o they_o relieve_v our_o attention_n and_o cherish_v our_o warm_a affection_n in_o prayer_n and_o i_o can_v almost_o appeal_v to_o the_o keen_a of_o our_o adversary_n whether_o if_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o be_v apply_v but_o once_o in_o gross_a to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o litany_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o languish_v in_o the_o offering_n it_o up_o than_o as_o it_o be_v now_o order_v but_o 3._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o those_o prayer_n the_o minister_n have_v the_o principal_a and_o guide_a part_n in_o that_o he_o utter_v all_o the_o distinct_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o the_o people_n do_v not_o whereas_o he_o utter_v word_n of_o invocation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o consider_v i_o pray_v whether_o if_o the_o people_n be_v to_o utter_v that_o which_o be_v the_o minister_n part_n now_o and_o the_o minister_n to_o say_v that_o only_o which_o be_v they_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v more_o grievous_a complaint_n that_o the_o minister_n authority_n be_v slight_v in_o the_o whole_a design_n since_o he_o seem_v only_o to_o learn_v from_o the_o people_n what_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o deadly_a sin_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o deadly_a now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v by_o some_o true_o enough_o say_v that_o these_o word_n do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v a_o distinction_n between_o sin_n that_o be_v and_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o deadly_a but_o admit_v that_o such_o a_o distinction_n be_v intend_v yet_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o all_o sin_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n deadly_a or_o damnable_a yet_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n sin_n of_o mere_a infirmity_n be_v not_o impute_v and_o therefore_o not_o deadly_a to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n so_o heinous_a that_o he_o who_o commit_v they_o be_v thereby_o put_v into_o a_o damnable_a state_n and_o it_o be_v of_o such_o sin_n as_o these_o that_o this_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o appear_v by_o deadly_a sin_n be_v add_v to_o fornication_n from_o fornication_n and_o all_o other_o deadly_a sin_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o
to_o be_v baptise_a but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v doubtful_a in_o the_o case_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o harmonious_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o undivided_a consent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n be_v not_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o they_o let_v any_o modest_a person_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o famous_a saint_n and_o martyr_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n shall_v conspire_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mock-baptism_n and_o of_o make_v so_o many_o million_o of_o mock-christians_a or_o that_o a_o little_a sect_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n the_o brevity_n which_o i_o design_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o recite_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o cassander_n and_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptism_n disp_n 14._o only_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o dangerous_a practice_n as_o our_o adversary_n think_v infant-baptism_n to_o be_v which_o will_v in_o time_n unchurch_n it_o and_o that_o even_o while_o miracle_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o those_o day_n do_v assure_v rigalt_n assure_v see_v irenaeus_n adu._n haer._n l._n 2._o c._n 56_o 57_o tertull._n apol._n and_o ad_fw-la scapul_n origen_n adv_o celsum_fw-la camb._n p._n 34_o 62_o 80_o 124_o 127_o 334_o 376._o cyprian_a ad_fw-la donat._n and_o ad_fw-la magn._n and_o ad_fw-la demetrian_n p._n 202._o edit_fw-la rigalt_n we_o that_o miracle_n be_v then_o not_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n 2._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v the_o 687._o the_o see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n lib._n 2._o p._n 2._o id._n de_fw-fr baptis_n disp_n 13._o thes_n 18._o and_o disp_a 14._o â—hes_n 4._o cassand_n praef._n ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n p._n 670._o and_o teâ—â—im_n vet_z de_fw-fr bapt._n parv_v p._n 687._o pelagian_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o innovation_n when_o the_o orthodox_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o infant_n be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o they_o practise_v it_o themselves_o and_o own_a it_o as_o necessary_a for_o child_n obtain_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n 3._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v all_o church_n bapt._n church_n see_v brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 20.23_o cassand_n expos_fw-la de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt_n inf._n p._n 692._o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman._n cit_fw-la a_o voss_n disp_n 14._o de_fw-fr bapt._n whatsoever_o though_o they_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n but_o be_v original_a plantation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o practice_v it_o one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o harmless_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 4._o will_v not_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v exclude_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n as_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o refuse_v to_o initiate_v they_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o have_v always_o be_v under_o the_o old_a wherefore_o since_o among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jewish_a custom_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n being_n exclude_v from_o baptism_n we_o may_v better_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v they_o iii_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant-baptism_n now_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o command_v it_o because_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a also_o for_o purgation_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n seem_v equal_o necessary_a because_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.5_o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v declare_v capable_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 10.14_o nay_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o child_n be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a whole_a household_n act_n 16.15_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o for_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o believer_n child_n make_v they_o candidate_n for_o baptism_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o it_o because_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v other_o text_n psal_n 5.5_o rom._n 3.23_o 24._o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 15.21_o 22._o and_o 5.14_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o ancient_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n necessary_a to_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a sin_n which_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o eternal_a death_n see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n p._n 1._o thes_n 6._o p._n 2._o l._n 2._o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o these_o text_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v requisite_a but_o then_o these_o text_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v requisite_a because_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n practise_v infant-baptism_n as_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o a_o child_n die_v unbaptise_v through_o the_o carelessness_n or_o superstition_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o through_o their_o mistake_a belief_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v infallible_o damn_v but_o i_o affirm_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o so_o high_o requisite_a as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o injoin_v it_o iv_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v proceed_v as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_a since_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n nor_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n nay_o since_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o christ_n at_o least_o allow_v they_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n therefore_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v high_o expedient_a also_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o infant_n who_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n the_o church_n beside_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n be_v by_o baptism_n make_v the_o child_n
sort_n of_o stipulation_n which_o at_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o because_o if_o they_o renounce_v it_o the_o covenant_n be_v as_o void_a as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o a_o implicit_a stipulation_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v likely_a have_v not_o respect_n to_o all_o baptism_n or_o baptism_n in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o adult_n proselyte_n who_o the_o minister_n use_v to_o interrogate_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o interrogate_v adult_a proselyte_n now_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o tertullian_n 18._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr baptism_n cap._n 18._o make_v mention_n of_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n for_o child_n at_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n make_v parent_n etc._n etc._n stipulate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o 3._o their_o see_v selden_n de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o minor_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o child_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o matth._n 18.6_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n may_v also_o probable_o allude_v to_o all_o baptism_n because_o child_n may_v be_v answer_v for_o by_o other_o person_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n i._o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o baptise_a infant_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v of_o which_o some_o think_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a but_o since_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o and_o consequent_o be_v new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o since_o i_o say_v they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o and_o since_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3.5_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o our_o church_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v unless_o the_o ordinance_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v of_o none_o effect_v towards_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v object_v that_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o covenant_n or_o act_n in_o their_o name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o surety_n be_v procure_v by_o the_o parent_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o parent_n may_v act_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant_n the_o surety_n have_v all_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o parent_n can_v give_v they_o 2._o the_o church_n do_v hereby_o take_v great_a security_n that_o the_o infant_n shall_v be_v religious_o bring_v up_o inasmuch_o as_o beside_o their_o parent_n a_o obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o other_o also_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o if_o the_o parent_n shall_v die_v or_o be_v negligent_a the_o surety_n be_v engage_v to_o admonish_v the_o child_n and_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o better_a advantage_n of_o do_v so_o than_o other_o person_n and_o in_o this_o age_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a reproof_n be_v so_o general_o omit_v it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o defect_n be_v this_o way_n a_o little_a supply_v but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a that_o the_o opportunity_n thereof_o and_o obligation_n thereto_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v seldom_o practise_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v keep_v and_o not_o where_o it_o be_v break_v and_o if_o the_o dissenter_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o that_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o may_v remove_v this_o objection_n themselves_o by_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o observe_v it_o thus_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o example_n as_o for_o the_o interrogatory_n put_v to_o the_o surety_n and_o their_o answer_n they_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o what_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o that_o infant_n do_v stand_v engage_v to_o perform_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n this_o be_v the_o know_a meaning_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o misunderstanding_n iii_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dislike_v be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n against_o which_o it_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o our_o retain_v of_o it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o that_o it_o seem_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o christ_n right_a who_o alone_o may_v institute_v sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o first_o pretence_n though_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v our_o retain_v of_o it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o we_o consider_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v common_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o those_o corruption_n for_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n tertullian_n mil._n tertullian_n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o practice_n which_o tradition_n have_v introduce_v custom_n have_v confirm_v and_o the_o believer_n faith_n have_v observe_v and_o maintain_v which_o word_n together_o with_o his_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a mention_n of_o it_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o montanist_n forty_o year_n after_o he_o and_o about_o 200_o after_o christ_n origen_n 38._o origen_n hom._n 2._o in_o psal_n 38._o mention_n those_o who_o at_o their_o baptism_n be_v sign_v with_o this_o sign_n and_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o st._n basil_n 27._o basil_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o give_v this_o usage_n the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o fix_v law_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v prevail_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v before_o st._n basil_n and_o very_o near_o if_o not_o contemporary_a with_o tertullian_n himself_o not_o only_o speak_v very_o familiar_o of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n but_o have_v some_o expression_n that_o will_v now_o seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unwarrantable_a and_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o father_n have_v save_v he_o from_o be_v question_v about_o it_o he_o 175._o he_o see_v cyprian_n de_fw-fr lap_n p._n 169._o adv_n demet._n p._n 203._o de_fw-la unit._fw-la p._n 175._o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o baptism_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o it_o complete_v every_o sacrament_n the_o great_a the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o usage_n be_v manifest_a nay_o the_o father_n frequent_o use_v be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n for_o be_v baptise_a i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o st._n cyril_n st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n austin_n who_o sprinkle_v their_o writing_n with_o the_o common_a mention_n of_o this_o ceremony_n and_o oftentimes_o frame_v argument_n for_o a_o good_a life_n from_o this_o very_a sign_n upon_o their_o forehead_n only_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o remark_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a have_v his_o direction_n probable_o from_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o sign_n the_o great_a banner_n in_o his_o war_n with_o this_o encouragement_n that_o by_o this_o he_o shall_v overcome_v that_o this_o dream_n or_o vision_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a reality_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o success_n of_o that_o prince_n army_n under_o it_o and_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n will_v by_o so_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n countenance_n such_o a_o rite_n as_o this_o already_o use_v in_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v resent_v it_o before_o as_o superstitious_a or_o any_o way_n unwarrantable_a i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o petulant_a against_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v sometime_o signalise_v by_o very_o renown_v miracle_n as_o
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
son_n of_o god_n will_v strike_v a_o man_n almost_o natural_o into_o the_o humble_a posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o if_o any_o reverence_n be_v due_a at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_o sure_a sit_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a posture_n to_o express_v it_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o gesture_n best_o answer_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n do_v best_a suit_n it_o be_v nature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v best_a esteem_v of_o if_o we_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o kneel_v do_v best_a answer_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o think_v i_o have_v full_o prove_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o the_o dissenter_n maintain_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o name_n table_n in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n for_o they_o call_v the_o place_n on_o which_o the_o consecrate_a element_n stand_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o eucharist_n they_o call_v a_o oblation_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o what_o connexion_n i_o pray_v be_v there_o between_o a_o altar_n or_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o table-gesture_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o etc._n indeed_o dispute_v against_o kneel_v arg_v 1._o p._n 6._o â—6_n etc._n etc._n say_v that_o kneel_v or_o a_o adoring-gesture_n be_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o guest_n and_o debar_v we_o the_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o social_a admittance_n and_o social_a entertainment_n that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o purpose_n of_o christ_n who_o intention_n be_v to_o dignify_v we_o by_o set_v we_o at_o his_o table_n and_o much_o more_o of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o father_n think_v otherwise_o as_o the_o phrase_n they_o use_v and_o the_o title_n they_o give_v the_o sacrament_n plain_o demonstrate_v they_o call_v it_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o kingly_a royal_a and_o most_o divine_a supper_n which_o import_n deference_n distance_n and_o respect_n on_o our_o part_n the_o dreadful_a sacrifice_n the_o venerable_a and_o unbloody_a sacrifice_n the_o wonderful_a and_o terrible_a mystery_n the_o royal_a spiritual_n holy_a formidable_a tremendous_a table_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n be_v in_o their_o language_n call_v the_o most_o mysterious_a most_o holy_a food_n and_o nutriment_n the_o most_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o place_n where_o the_o table_n stand_v the_o most_o holy_a part_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o allusion_n to_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n the_o bread_n in_o particular_a they_o style_v the_o bread_n of_o god_n the_o cup_n the_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a the_o royal_a and_o dreadful_a cup._n they_o advise_v the_o communicant_n to_o reverence_n these_o holy_a mystery_n to_o come_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v with_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n with_o silence_n and_o downcast_a eye_n to_o keep_v their_o joy_n within_o and_o to_o approach_v the_o table_n with_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o humility_n imaginable_a how_o can_v these_o speech_n consist_v with_o that_o social_n familiar_a carriage_n at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o patron_n of_o the_o table-gesture_n contend_v for_o as_o the_o privilege_n of_o guest_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n four_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o prove_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o our_o custom_n at_o present_a be_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o use_v a_o adore_v posture_n first_o then_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o gesture_n be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o contend_v for_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n and_o particular_o sit_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v sit_v to_o be_v a_o very_a irreverent_a posture_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o laodicean_n synod_n find_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o lord_n supper_n forbid_v the_o say_v feast_n and_o the_o lie_v upon_o couch_n in_o the_o church_n as_o their_o manner_n be_v at_o those_o feast_n the_o same_o practice_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n c._n 28._o and_o the_o decree_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o six_o trullian_n council_n c._n 74._o and_o that_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n now_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v forbid_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v from_o the_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n the_o animosity_n and_o excess_n that_o accompany_v those_o feast_n justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n say_v we_o rise_v up_o together_o and_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n apol._n 2._o from_o whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v but_o in_o most_o other_o place_n they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o lesson_n or_o in_o sermon-time_n as_o appear_v plain_o from_o what_o philostorgius_n 29._o philostorgius_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 3._o p._n 29._o observe_v of_o theophilus_n a_o indian_a bishop_n that_o among_o several_a irregularity_n which_o he_o correct_v in_o those_o church_n he_o particular_o reform_v this_o that_o the_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v when_o the_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v unto_o they_o and_o sozomen_n 19_o sozomen_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 7._o c._n 19_o note_n it_o as_o a_o very_a unusual_a thing_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rise_v up_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v optatus_n bishop_n of_o milevis_n optat._n milevis_n de_fw-fr schism_n donat._n l._n 4._o see_v also_o albaspin_n not_o in_o optat._n cite_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o 50._o psalm_n and_o apply_v it_o home_o to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n after_o this_o manner_n thou_o sit_v and_o speak_v against_o thy_o brother_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o place_n god_n reprove_v he_o that_o sit_v and_o defame_v his_o brother_n and_o therefore_o such_o evil_a teacher_n as_o you_o say_v he_o be_v more_o particular_o point_v at_o in_o the_o text_n for_o the_o people_n be_v not_o license_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n now_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n to_o stand_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o particular_o at_o the_o lesson_n and_o sermon_n parmenianus_n may_v easy_o have_v retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o optatus_n as_o conclude_v nothing_o against_o he_o in_o particular_a but_o what_o may_v be_v charge_v in_o common_a upon_o all_o private_a christian_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o 12._o he_o de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 12._o tertullian_n reprove_v it_o as_o a_o ill_a custom_n that_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n and_o a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o have_v these_o word_n add_v thereunto_o the_o sin_n of_o irreverence_n which_o the_o very_a heathen_a if_o they_o do_v perceive_v well_o and_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v will_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o if_o it_o be_v irreverent_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o and_o to_o confront_v one_o who_o you_o have_v a_o high_a respect_n and_o veneration_n for_o how_o much_o more_o irreligious_a be_v this_o gesture_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o angel_n of_o prayer_n yet_o stand_v by_o unless_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o upbraid_v god_n that_o prayer_n have_v tire_v we_o eusebius_n also_o 4._o also_o de_fw-fr vit._n constant_n l._n 4._o commend_v constantine_n because_o when_o he_o be_v present_a at_o a_o long_a panegyric_n concern_v christ_n sepulchre_n and_o be_v solicit_v to_o sit_v down_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o say_v it_o be_v unfit_a to_o attend_v upon_o any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n with_o ease_n and_o softness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o consonant_a to_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o discourse_n about_o divine_a thing_n shall_v be_v hear_v stand_v thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o sit_v or_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o fit_v to_o be_v use_v in_o divine_a service_n except_o at_o
jew_n be_v command_v to_o destroy_v idol_n and_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o they_o deut._n 7.25_o 26._o be_v 20.22_o because_o they_o be_v so_o prodigious_o incline_v to_o idolatry_n yet_o sure_o the_o dissenter_n will_v not_o say_v we_o must_v destroy_v all_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o superstitious_a use_n for_o than_o we_o must_v destroy_v our_o bell_n and_o font_n and_o churches_n therefore_o as_o mr._n calvin_n upon_o the_o second_o commandment_n say_v we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v those_o temple_n font_n and_o other_o material_n which_o have_v be_v heretofore_o abuse_v to_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a use_n i_o acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o remove_v such_o thing_n as_o seem_v to_o nourish_v idolatry_n upon_o supposition_n that_o we_o ourselves_o in_o oppose_v too_o evident_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v not_o too_o superstitious_a it_o be_v equal_o superstitious_a to_o condemn_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o unholy_a and_o to_o command_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a as_o for_o the_o example_n of_o hezekiah_n break_v in_o piece_n the_o brazen_a serpent_n because_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n burn_v incense_n to_o it_o 2_o king_n 18.4_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v notorious_o defile_v in_o idolatrous_a or_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n aught_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o much_o less_o that_o the_o not_o abolish_n some_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n that_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v not_o only_o defile_v but_o a_o idol_n itself_o and_o that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v destroy_v nay_o it_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n to_o those_o day_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v burn_v incense_n unto_o it_o and_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o their_o be_v reclaim_v while_o the_o idol_n stand_v and_o moreover_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v cease_v for_o which_o it_o be_v first_o erect_v now_o without_o doubt_n governor_n ought_v to_o take_v away_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o have_v be_v abuse_v when_o the_o people_n be_v incline_v to_o abuse_v they_o again_o at_o least_o if_o such_o abuse_n can_v probable_o be_v prevent_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o then_o i_o deny_v that_o our_o rite_n have_v be_v or_o be_v any_o temptation_n to_o idolatry_n or_o to_o the_o embrace_v of_o popery_n have_v hezekiah_n suffer_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n still_o to_o stand_v no_o doubt_n private_a person_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v public_a reformation_n may_v lawful_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n express_v by_o it_o to_o their_o forefather_n notwithstanding_o that_o many_o have_v former_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o it_o and_o do_v so_o at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o much_o more_o may_v they_o have_v lawful_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o constraint_n lay_v upon_o they_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v of_o any_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n while_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v permit_v to_o stand_v as_o woeful_o abuse_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n 2._o if_o example_n be_v a_o good_a way_n of_o argue_v we_o find_v by_o hezekiah_n practice_n in_o other_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o abolish_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o idolatry_n if_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v a_o immediate_a snare_n at_o that_o time_n for_o as_o to_o the_o temple_n which_o solomon_n have_v erect_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n 1_o king_n 11.7_o hezekiah_n do_v not_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o destroy_v they_o as_o be_v in_o his_o time_n forlorn_a and_o neglect_v thing_n of_o which_o no_o bad_a use_n be_v then_o make_v although_o indeed_o king_n josiah_n afterward_o probable_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o idolatry_n and_o renew_v use_n of_o those_o place_n find_v it_o expedient_a to_o lay_v they_o whole_o waste_v 2_o king_n 23.13_o let_v not_o any_o say_v superstitione_n say_v de_fw-fr vitand_n superstitione_n calvin_n think_v i_o so_o austere_a or_o bind_v up_o as_o to_o forbid_v a_o christian_a without_o any_o exception_n to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o papist_n in_o any_o ceremony_n or_o observance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o condemn_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_o evil_a and_o open_o vicious_a iii_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a this_o i_o shall_v evince_v in_o the_o chief_a particular_n which_o our_o dissenter_n take_v offence_n at_o first_o then_o episcopacy_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o unlawful_a symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o shall_v we_o allow_v the_o pope_n so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o make_v that_o unlawful_a by_o his_o use_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n have_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o they_o nay_o pol._n nay_o bez._n episcop_n du_fw-fr moul._n past_n off_o calv._n inst_z lib._n 4._o cap._n 4._o sect._n 2._o &_o epist_n ad_fw-la reg._n pol._n beza_n p._n du_fw-fr moulin_n and_o calvin_n grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o about_o 1500_o year_n together_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o the_o dissenter_n will_v defend_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n while_o they_o contend_v that_o episcopacy_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o how_o those_o that_o separate_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o episcopacy_n can_v defend_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o communicate_v with_o any_o christian_a church_n for_o about_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o point_n only_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o chillingworth_n institution_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 244_o etc._n etc._n second_o our_o symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o have_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v culpable_a that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a for_o herein_o we_o symbolize_v with_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o expedient_a for_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n now_o if_o the_o papist_n nay_o if_o the_o heathen_n use_v set_v form_n because_o it_o be_v the_o fit_a way_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n must_v we_o be_v forbid_v to_o use_v they_o because_o they_o do_v well_o be_v we_o therefore_o to_o do_v worse_o three_o our_o liturgy_n in_o particular_a do_v not_o so_o much_o symbolize_v with_o the_o roman_a service_n as_o to_o cause_v a_o separation_n for_o though_o some_o collect_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v they_o unlawful_a for_o then_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o psalm_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n beside_o and_o the_o creed_n also_o must_v never_o be_v use_v i_o know_v it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o necessary_a use_n must_v be_v retain_v by_o we_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n retain_v they_o but_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o form_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o that_o in_o those_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o from_o that_o church_n as_o we_o can_v but_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o this_o for_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o in_o come_v too_o near_o they_o lie_v in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v ill_a and_o not_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v well_o no_o man_n can_v show_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mass-book_n but_o which_o be_v use_v also_o by_o the_o church_n before_o romanism_n have_v corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o to_o be_v value_v because_o they_o be_v once_o use_v by_o good_a christian_n as_o to_o be_v run_v down_o because_o they_o have_v be_v since_o use_v by_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a men._n if_o any_o man_n will_v set_v himself_o to_o expose_v the_o mass-book_n he_o will_v i_o suppose_v lay_v hold_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o just_a
good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o evil._n we_o have_v not_o one_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v pure_o popish_a but_o we_o must_v part_v with_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o our_o religion_n if_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v sinful_a which_o the_o papist_n abuse_n and_o as_o for_o the_o papist_n themselves_z we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o countenance_n they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrong_v by_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v right_a chap._n ix_o the_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n answer_v some_o think_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o real_a saint_n and_o therefore_o find_v many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o none_o but_o true_o unessayed_v person_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o the_o scripture_n apply_v to_o god_n church_n holiness_n in_o scripture_n be_v twofold_a 1._o inherent_a holiness_n and_o that_o can_v be_v in_o none_o proper_o but_o god_n angel_n and_o men._n in_o god_n originally_n as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v in_o who_o all_o excellency_n do_v possess_v infinite_a perfection_n and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n in_o angel_n and_o man_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n 2._o relative_n holiness_n found_v in_o a_o separation_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o common_a use_n and_o a_o appropriate_a it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o sabbath_n be_v holy_a and_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v holy_a and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a that_o be_v a_o society_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n thus_o the_o israelite_n even_o when_o very_o much_o corrupt_v be_v call_v god_n holy_a people_n deut._n 7.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o saint_n though_o there_o be_v strange_a immorality_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o well_o but_o do_v not_o christ_n die_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.27_o that_o be_v real_o holy_a yes_o but_o then_o by_o church_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o either_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v real_o holy_a in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o when_o the_o corrupt_a member_n shall_v be_v utter_o cut_v off_o neither_o be_v this_o to_o make_v two_o church_n but_o only_o to_o assign_v two_o different_a state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n 2._o that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n 3._o that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o first_o then_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n make_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o surety_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o qualification_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n that_o be_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 28.19_o now_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n act_v whilst_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n and_o baptise_a more_o than_o be_v sincere_a for_o of_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v baptise_a not_o above_o 120_o continue_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o 2._o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o act_v afterward_o for_o st._n peter_n baptise_a about_o 3000_o in_o one_o day_n upon_o their_o profess_v the_o word_n act_v 2.41_o though_o all_o will_v not_o probable_o prove_v sincere_a and_o two_o of_o they_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v gross_a hypocrite_n st._n philip_n act_v 8.12_o baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o samaria_n and_o and_o among_o they_o be_v simon_n magus_n who_o the_o holy_a deacon_n may_v just_o suspect_v for_o his_o former_a practice_n and_o who_o hypocrisy_n appear_v afterward_o such_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v demas_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o bare_a profession_n entitle_v they_o to_o that_o privilege_n 3._o christ_n foretell_v 15.1_o foretell_v matth._n 3.12_o and_o 13.24_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 15.1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o compare_v it_o to_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o tare_n a_o net_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o fish_n a_o flour_n of_o corn_n and_o chaff_n etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n say_v 9.6_o say_v rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n and_o christ_n say_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v 4._o the_o many_o corrupt_a member_n 3._o member_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 6._o gal._n 3._o rev._n 3._o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n prove_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o admit_v mere_a formal_a professor_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o think_v it_o god_n will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o no_o other_o rule_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n be_v practicable_a since_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n can_v make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o man_n because_o they_o themselves_o have_v short_a and_o fallible_a understanding_n second_o therefore_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n by_o external_n privilege_n i_o mean_v only_o a_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n be_v internal_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o the_o true_o good_a who_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o water_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n now_o when_o a_o man_n by_o gross_a and_o notorious_a wickedness_n have_v forfeit_v the_o internal_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ought_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o external_n privilege_n also_o but_o till_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o we_o must_v not_o forsake_v the_o church_n ourselves_o to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o because_o till_o then_o his_o right_n to_o they_o remain_v inviolable_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n give_v man_n a_o right_a to_o god_n promise_n as_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v the_o condition_n if_o a_o bare_a federal_a holiness_n give_v man_n a_o relation_n to_o god_n than_o it_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o relation_n not_o that_o unworthy_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o special_a reward_n of_o the_o true_o good_a but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n to_o partake_v of_o those_o external_n blessing_n which_o he_o in_o common_a bestow_v upon_o the_o whole_a family_n 2._o church-membership_n necessary_o imply_v church-communion_n or_o else_o it_o signify_v nothing_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o society_n if_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o 3._o all_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n though_o i_o doubt_v many_o of_o they_o be_v wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o mere_a circumcision_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o its_o most_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n 4._o it_o appear_v that_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a for_o they_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o that_o be_v in_o the_o cup_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o all_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n 10.17_o and_o we_o read_v that_o they_o all_o the_o 3000_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v of_o the_o number_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o
sin_n but_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o due_a care_n and_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v not_o pollute_v by_o any_o sinful_a act_n and_o compliance_n of_o your_o own_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o 5._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o church-communion_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o every_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a and_o therefore_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n be_v schismatic_n in_o do_v so_o and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n because_o though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v it_o be_v true_a good_a man_n must_v frequent_o exhort_v and_o advise_v corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n they_o must_v reprove_v they_o with_o prudence_n affection_n and_o calmness_n they_o must_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o their_o reformation_n they_o must_v as_o much_o and_o as_o convenient_o as_o may_v be_v avoid_v their_o company_n especial_o all_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o if_o repeat_v admonition_n either_o private_a or_o before_o one_o or_o two_o more_o will_v not_o do_v then_o they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o by_o it_o be_v more_o public_a reproof_n the_o scandalous_a member_n may_v be_v reclaim_v or_o by_o its_o just_a censure_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n these_o thing_n the_o holy_a scripture_n command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v according_o but_o if_o after_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a christian_n some_o scandalous_a member_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n they_o can_v injure_v those_o person_n that_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n for_o no_o sin_n pollute_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v choose_v by_o he_o noah_n and_o lot_n be_v good_a even_o among_o the_o wicked_a nor_o do_v judas_n defile_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o passover_n the_o good_a and_o bad_a communicate_v together_o not_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o their_o common_a duty_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o sin_n be_v sin_n but_o to_o communicate_v with_o a_o sinner_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o sinful_a can_v be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n but_o this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n and_o show_v only_o that_o sin_n like_o leaven_n be_v of_o a_o very_a spread_a nature_n the_o people_n be_v as_o a_o lump_n and_o a_o wicked_a person_n be_v as_o leaven_n among_o they_o but_o though_o the_o leaven_n be_v apt_a to_o convey_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a lump_n yet_o only_o those_o part_n be_v actual_o leaven_v with_o it_o that_o take_v the_o leaven_n and_o so_o though_o the_o sinner_n by_o his_o bad_a example_n be_v apt_a to_o infect_v other_o yet_o those_o only_o be_v actual_o infect_v who_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o sin_n beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o leave_v their_o assembly_n but_o to_o beware_v that_o they_o take_v no_o leaven_n of_o they_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o you_o be_v unleavened_a 1_o cor._n 5.7_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n be_v as_o sovereign_a a_o antidote_n against_o the_o infection_n as_o the_o bare_a company_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o power_n to_o convey_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v never_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a have_v obtain_v pardon_n for_o the_o wicked_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a uncleaness_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v be_v make_v unclean_a i_o answer_v that_o those_o legal_a pollution_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o whole_a communion_n but_o only_o those_o who_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o any_o such_o pollution_n as_o come_v upon_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o few_o 2._o though_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v the_o priest_n for_o not_o separate_v the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 22.26_o yet_o they_o never_o teach_v that_o the_o whole_a communion_n be_v pollute_v because_o the_o unclean_a come_v into_o the_o congregation_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o priest_n duty_n as_o those_o that_o touch_v the_o unclean_a person_n be_v unclean_a so_o those_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n be_v pollute_v 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o unclean_a person_n that_o do_v not_o purify_v himself_o defile_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pollute_v the_o sanctuary_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v so_o to_o himself_o but_o not_o to_o other_o so_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o but_o not_o of_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n go_v up_o as_o a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o the_o person_n that_o come_v unworthy_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n come_v better_o prepare_v may_v do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v tit._n 1.15_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n but_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o my_o assertion_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o exhortation_n for_o the_o christian_a corinthian_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o heathen_n by_o who_o they_o be_v often_o invite_v to_o their_o idol-feast_n at_o which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n but_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o go_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n who_o ignorance_n may_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o their_o example_n to_o go_v and_o eat_v at_o they_o even_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o honour_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o must_v be_v think_v to_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n because_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a country_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o idol-feast_n at_o all_o 2._o that_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o be_v to_o separate_v be_v no_o better_a than_o unbeliever_n and_o idolater_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n by_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n because_o some_o who_o while_o they_o profess_v christ_n do_v not_o live_v like_o christian_n be_v present_a at_o they_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o a_o pagan_a or_o a_o infidel_n that_o deny_v christ_n and_o worship_n devil_n and_o a_o immoral_a christian_a who_o outward_o own_v christ_n and_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n 3._o that_o the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v be_v the_o abominable_a practice_n use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v
better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o first_o what_o pure_a ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n but_o he_o who_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o he_o like_v best_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_n the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n second_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v separation_n for_o this_o edification_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o particular_a christian_n now_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o text_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 8.1_o and_o 14.5_o 12._o eph._n 2.21_o and_o 4.12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o matth._n 21.42_o act_n 4.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 12_o 19_o and_o 13.10_o now_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o as_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v also_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v edification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v particular_a christian_n one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o firm_a close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4.4_o than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n st._n judas_n v._o 19_o seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o separate_v but_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o pretence_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o particular_a christian_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o think_v he_o can_v edify_v better_o among_o the_o dissenter_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o because_o better_a edification_n can_v be_v have_v in_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o our_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o fit_a our_o constitution_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n second_o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n first_o then_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v fit_a to_o edify_v soul_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o our_o creed_n contain_v all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o nice_a and_o obscure_a matter_n in_o they_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n think_v needful_a that_o be_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o this_o faith_n will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n the_o church_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n when_o firm_o believe_v do_v plain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a she_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o show_v unless_o obedience_n follow_v such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n as_o produce_v excellent_a virtue_n and_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n her_o festival_n commemorate_v the_o virtue_n and_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o excellent_a men._n her_o ceremony_n be_v decent_a her_o prayer_n be_v for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o force_v and_o her_o homily_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o piety_n which_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o she_o tell_v sinner_n plain_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v and_o say_v that_o plain_a virtue_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n so_o exact_o 3._o she_o be_v fit_o constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n because_o she_o give_v we_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o describe_v his_o attribute_n and_o our_o want_n her_o prayer_n be_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o due_a length_n and_o she_o have_v proper_a prayer_n for_o most_o particular_a occasion_n she_o have_v office_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o confirm_v our_o obedience_n the_o office_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n and_o burial_n be_v extreme_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o all_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v such_o that_o she_o make_v religion_n neither_o slovenly_a nor_o too_o gay_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v judge_v all_o her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o they_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o fit_a to_o make_v our_o service_n comely_a and_o true_o whilst_o we_o have_v body_n these_o outward_a help_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a her_o government_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v that_o her_o member_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a and_o if_o all_o vice_n be_v not_o chastise_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o unnecessary_a division_n have_v stop_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a none_o of_o her_o part_n or_o office_n give_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o she_o but_o consider_v all_o thing_n she_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o 14.3_o therefore_o heb._n 6.1_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n second_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n but_o strict_o command_v under_o great_a temporal_a penalty_n to_o direct_v their_o flock_n to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o our_o pastor_n for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o true_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v uncharitable_a our_o protestant_a neighbour_n have_v commend_v our_o government_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v our_o pastor_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o our_o man_n work_n to_o edify_v their_o people_n dissenter_n
in_o these_o by_o the_o help_n of_o our_o sermon_n the_o fault_n must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v that_o any_o dissenter_n will_v except_v against_o our_o sermon_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o better_o open_v and_o apply_v than_o in_o our_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o heavenly_a truth_n be_v faithful_o declare_v in_o they_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v rare_o handle_v in_o our_o pulpit_n for_o the_o drift_n of_o our_o preacher_n be_v to_o make_v the_o people_n good_a they_o resolve_v case_n of_o conscience_n and_o press_v the_o motive_n to_o believe_v and_o the_o argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o condemn_v all_o vice_n recommend_v all_o virtue_n and_o apply_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o man_n can_v profit_v where_o such_o thing_n be_v constant_o well_o manage_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o fault_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n but_o somewhere_o else_o if_o some_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n be_v good_a but_o the_o manner_n be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v reap_v the_o like_a benefit_n by_o they_o as_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n preach_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o fault_n must_v then_o lie_v either_o in_o the_o composition_n or_o the_o delivery_n first_o as_o to_o the_o composition_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o never_o do_v man_n more_o endeavour_n after_o clear_a method_n and_o plain_a language_n than_o our_o preacher_n now_o do_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v the_o old_a method_n of_o doctrine_n reason_n and_o use_v i_o answer_v that_o they_o always_o choose_v it_o when_o it_o be_v natural_a but_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n never_o observe_v any_o constant_a rule_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n profit_v much_o more_o than_o they_o do_v now_o second_o as_o to_o the_o delivery_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o preacher_n be_v not_o vehement_a enough_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v when_o the_o matter_n require_v it_o but_o vehemence_n lose_v its_o effect_n if_o it_o be_v spend_v upon_o all_o thing_n alike_o vehemence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o voice_n nor_o yet_o in_o that_o heat_n of_o temper_n which_o make_v some_o man_n speak_v earnest_o when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o deep_o affect_v as_o some_o of_o cool_a temper_n be_v sedate_v man_n may_v instruct_v and_o move_v by_o the_o help_n of_o serious_a consideration_n and_o those_o affection_n that_o be_v raise_v without_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n but_o neither_o all_o your_o man_n nor_o all_o we_o have_v the_o same_o voice_n or_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o hindrance_n to_o edification_n among_o we_o than_o among_o you_o if_o read_v of_o sermon_n be_v object_v i_o answer_v that_o some_o of_o our_o preacher_n use_v no_o note_n in_o the_o pulpit_n other_o read_v but_o little_a and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o turn_v his_o head_n another_o way_n and_o not_o look_v upon_o the_o preacher_n a_o sermon_n that_o be_v read_v altogether_o will_v sound_v as_o well_o as_o if_o it_o be_v pronounce_v without_o book_n if_o read_v make_v a_o thing_n unprofitable_a the_o bible_n when_o it_o be_v read_v must_v be_v unprofitable_a and_o it_o must_v be_v get_v without_o book_n to_o make_v it_o edify_v beside_o some_o famous_a preacher_n of_o your_o own_o read_v every_o word_n and_o therefore_o you_o may_v profit_v by_o we_o as_o well_o as_o by_o they_o but_o i_o fear_v that_o when_o man_n complain_v they_o can_v profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n they_o mean_v nothing_o but_o that_o our_o preacher_n do_v not_o move_v their_o affection_n as_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v to_o this_o i_o can_v say_v much_o but_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o mention_v only_o three_o thing_n 1._o your_o man_n and_o we_o have_v several_a talent_n some_o for_o inform_v the_o judgement_n other_o for_o move_v the_o affection_n and_o other_o for_o both_o all_o your_o man_n do_v not_o move_v you_o alike_o and_o yet_o you_o make_v such_o account_n of_o all_o that_o you_o think_v it_o a_o very_a disorderly_a thing_n for_o people_n to_o run_v from_o their_o own_o to_o another_o minister_n though_o of_o the_o same_o way_n mere_o to_o have_v the_o affection_n more_o move_v because_o 2._o it_o be_v far_o from_o profit_v by_o sermon_n to_o be_v tickle_v for_o a_o while_n and_o never_o to_o grow_v the_o better_a for_o they_o 3._o the_o chief_a thing_n be_v this_o that_o affection_n raise_v mere_o by_o the_o earnestness_n of_o the_o preacher_n be_v nothing_o comparable_a to_o those_o which_o we_o raise_v by_o consideration_n and_o reflection_n upon_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o these_o affection_n our_o sermon_n will_v certain_o raise_v if_o you_o will_v take_v a_o little_a pain_n with_o yourselves_o and_o lay_v they_o close_o to_o your_o conscience_n now_o since_o our_o sermon_n can_v be_v blame_v i_o pray_v consider_v where_o the_o fault_n must_v lie_v if_o you_o can_v profit_v by_o they_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o who_o word_n we_o must_v one_o day_n be_v all_o judge_v to_o consider_v impartial_o and_o ask_v your_o conscience_n such_o question_n as_o these_o 1._o have_v you_o not_o some_o prejudice_n against_o the_o minister_n you_o come_v to_o hear_v either_o for_o his_o conformity_n or_o his_o strictness_n in_o it_o and_o the_o like_a if_o you_o have_v such_o prejudices_fw-la bar_v the_o heart_n so_o strong_o against_o the_o most_o excellent_a instruction_n that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o profit_v by_o they_o 2._o do_v you_o not_o come_v to_o church_n but_o once_o or_o twice_o and_o then_o conclude_v too_o hasty_o that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v get_v there_o and_o be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o have_v this_o excuse_n for_o absent_v yourself_o whole_o from_o it_o have_v you_o attend_v much_o perhaps_o you_o have_v never_o leave_v it_o try_v again_o for_o some_o time_n and_o when_o you_o be_v acquaint_v with_o your_o minister_n method_n and_o stile_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v his_o sermon_n may_v be_v clear_a easy_a and_o awaken_n to_o you_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v obscure_a to_o the_o best_a of_o we_o till_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v treat_v as_o our_o sermon_n be_v i_o mean_v reject_v because_o they_o be_v not_o present_o understand_v they_o have_v be_v throw_v away_o long_o since_o as_o unprofitable_a 3._o do_v you_o not_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o when_o you_o come_v the_o minister_n happen_v to_o treat_v of_o a_o subject_a cross_n to_o your_o opinion_n hasty_a person_n fling_v away_o from_o those_o that_o contradict_v they_o but_o have_v you_o have_v patience_n you_o may_v have_v be_v profit_v and_o convince_v by_o such_o discourse_n 4._o be_v not_o the_o minister_n when_o you_o chance_v to_o go_v to_o church_n treat_v of_o some_o distasteful_a subject_n which_o you_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o be_v it_o not_o schism_n or_o disobedience_n to_o governor_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v such_o sin_n which_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o he_o ought_v to_o treat_v of_o they_o some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o if_o he_o preach_v of_o unity_n and_o obedience_n may_v not_o you_o profit_v by_o it_o i_o doubt_v you_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o your_o own_o minister_n speak_v hard_a word_n of_o conformity_n and_o conformist_n than_o you_o will_v have_v have_v they_o and_o you_o fancy_v you_o can_v profit_v even_o by_o those_o sermon_n why_o then_o shall_v you_o leave_v our_o minister_n because_o they_o press_v some_o duty_n more_o strict_o than_o you_o like_v do_v not_o many_o of_o your_o own_o way_n complain_v of_o their_o unprofitableness_n under_o your_o own_o minister_n which_o arise_v perhaps_o from_o a_o natural_a dulness_n and_o will_v not_o prejudice_v passion_n and_o disaffection_n to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o to_o any_o christian_a doctrine_n hinder_v profit_v much_o more_o than_o natural_a indisposition_n so_o that_o if_o you_o complain_v of_o deadness_n and_o unprofitableness_n under_o our_o ministry_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o many_o do_v under_o your_o own_o you_o shall_v not_o rash_o conclude_v our_o ministry_n to_o be_v unedifying_a but_o rather_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a those_o also_o who_o fancy_n that_o though_o they_o can_v profit_v something_o by_o our_o ministry_n yet_o they_o can_v profit_v more_o by_o other_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o ask_v their_o own_o conscience_n the_o same_o question_n do_v not_o this_o conceit_n arise_v from_o the_o forementioned_a cause_n be_v you_o not_o more_o earnest_o press_v in_o our_o
this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v transcribe_v no_o more_o only_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v serious_o how_o you_o will_v have_v like_v what_o i_o have_v transcribe_v from_o mr._n hildersham_n if_o one_o of_o our_o man_n have_v preach_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o add_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n house_n to_o be_v careless_a about_o the_o neatness_n of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o unprofitable_a then_o consider_v why_o such_o thing_n as_o please_v out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v displease_v out_o of_o another_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o partiality_n make_v you_o not_o profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o our_o minister_n then_o be_v you_o not_o mistake_v about_o profit_v by_o sermon_n when_o you_o think_v those_o discourse_n unprofitable_a which_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n have_v think_v necessary_a for_o mr._n hildersham_n say_v profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n second_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o to_o study_v and_o observe_v those_o rule_n do_v you_o for_o instance_n pay_v reverence_n to_o god_n house_n and_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o service_n and_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v with_o the_o congregation_n &_o c_o if_o you_o do_v not_o than_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o sermon_n that_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o plain_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v if_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o our_o divide_v from_o it_o that_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o edify_v when_o we_o have_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o to_o hope_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n upon_o this_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o man_n skill_n in_o dispense_n they_o that_o can_v make_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n any_o way_n beneficial_a to_o we_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o we_o undervalue_v most_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o our_o salvation_n without_o it_o our_o ear_n may_v be_v tickle_v and_o our_o fancy_n pleasant_o entertain_v for_o the_o time_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o edify_v by_o the_o most_o fluent_a and_o popular_a tongue_n or_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o pathetical_a expression_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v have_v answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o our_o communion_n i_o be_o now_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n as_o separate_v from_o we_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o we_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o or_o that_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o they_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o these_o excuse_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n who_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o by_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o by_o treat_v distinct_o on_o these_o five_o head_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n 2._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o particular_o 4._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o his_o action_n i._o then_o to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o every_o man_n do_v real_o mean_a by_o that_o word_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o a_o accident_n be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o these_o thing_n indeed_o may_v please_v or_o trouble_v we_o but_o our_o conscience_n be_v affect_v only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o never_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n with_o which_o if_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o disagree_v they_o be_v evil_a three_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o be_v either_o already_o do_v or_o not_o already_o do_v but_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v whether_o past_a or_o future_a they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v indifferent_a action_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o these_o consideration_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n for_o first_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o already_o do_v we_o think_v it_o either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n or_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a and_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v undeniable_o every_o man_n meaning_n when_o he_o talk_v of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v or_o i_o be_o satisfy_v or_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v we_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o do_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o not_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trouble_v we_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n to_o wit_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v only_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o action_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o sort_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o do_v but_o in_o both_o sort_n conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a but_o if_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o it_o and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o the_o like_a than_o it_o include_v more_o than_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o follow_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n about_o action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n by_o apply_v
which_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o action_n be_v this_o measure_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v no_o far_o safe_a than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n now_o this_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o that_o thing_n only_o be_v indifferent_a which_o his_o law_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o mean_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n whether_o declare_v by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v natural_o convince_v of_o some_o thing_n be_v eternal_o good_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n other_o be_v eternal_o evil_a and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n have_v this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o revelation_n too_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o declare_v its_o precept_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o before_o by_o this_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o add_v some_o positive_a law_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o than_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o conscience_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a head_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o these_o head_n and_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n but_o also_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o those_o command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n command_v or_o forbid_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o yet_o by_o inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n iii_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o must_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o four_o proposition_n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n law_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o all_o society_n be_v found_v in_o this_o principal_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n otherwise_o no_o state_n city_n or_o family_n can_v subsist_v happy_o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n command_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v human_a law_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n second_o human_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v we_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n to_o obey_v our_o superior_n conscience_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v man_n because_o therein_o we_o obey_v god_n three_o human_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o they_o four_o though_o human_a law_n general_o speak_v bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o human_a law_n though_o consistent_a with_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o for_o than_o who_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o first_o where_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n or_o second_o where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o argue_v contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n there_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o human_a law_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o in_o other_o case_n so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v transgress_v a_o pure_o human_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n provide_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o ill_a example_n in_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o this_o i_o insist_v upon_o that_o god_n law_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v that_o authority_n be_v hold_v sacred_a and_o therefore_o when_o governor_n insist_v upon_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v trifle_v or_o inconvenient_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o even_o seem_v to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o public_a than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iv_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n and_o here_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v human_a law_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v obey_v in_o church-matter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o make_v law_n about_o religion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o far_o i_o earnest_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o dissenter_n that_o we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n those_o therefore_o who_o think_v they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o come_v to_o church_n than_o to_o obey_v any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v great_o mistake_v because_o they_o break_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v human_a institution_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o human_a law_n a_o divine_a law_n clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n than_o a_o law_n that_o command_v a_o thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v obey_v because_o it_o be_v
to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n or_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_n as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_n communion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v long_o be_v join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n which_o sin_n say_v they_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 18.6_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom._n 14.15_o these_o person_n i_o design_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o show_v that_o no_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o 3._o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n i._o then_o a_o weak_a brother_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o scripture_n language_n denote_v one_o new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o neither_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n nor_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o same_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o apostle_n a_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v call_v our_o new-birth_n and_o the_o convert_v be_v for_o a_o while_n reckon_v as_o in_o a_o infant_n state_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v most_o gentle_o use_v till_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o full_a age_n heb._n 5.14_o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v sudden_o fly_v back_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n for_o they_o have_v be_v jew_n and_o gentile_n retain_v still_o a_o great_a love_n for_o many_o of_o their_o old_a custom_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v mighty_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la to_o overcome_v the_o old_a man_n be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o first_o treat_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n imaginable_a the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n will_v not_o stand_v rigid_o on_o any_o little_a matter_n but_o tolerate_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a afterward_o to_o be_v do_v away_o hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o mistake_v they_o now_o labour_v under_o hence_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n concern_v weak_a brethren_n be_v not_o stand_v law_n equal_o oblige_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o infant-state_n of_o the_o church_n till_o christianity_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o his_o compliance_n be_v to_o win_v many_o to_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9.19_o now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o be_v to_o spread_v christianity_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n but_o his_o direction_n and_o practice_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v the_o national_a religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n which_o we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o at_o our_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o remove_v every_o straw_n out_o of_o child_n way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v men._n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother-tongue_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2.9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissenter_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2._o the_o dissenter_n according_a to_o their_o weak_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o far_a off_o from_o be_v weak_a christian_n in_o any_o sense_n they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o ignorant_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o
table-gâ—sture_a and_o express_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o account_v a_o additional_a sacrament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 4._o and_o last_o suppose_v that_o a_o independent_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o church-covenant_n shall_v signify_v his_o assent_n by_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o no_o less_o than_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n that_o be_v of_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o be_v engage_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o instate_a in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v never_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n now_o from_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o our_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o the_o infant_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v think_v a_o add_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o that_o of_o baptism_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o convocation_n c._n 30._o declare_v that_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_a the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v etc._n etc._n now_o say_v they_o baptism_n be_v itself_o a_o seal_n of_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o dedicate_a the_o infant_n by_o our_o own_o invent_a way_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v add_v a_o new_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o dedication_n may_v proper_o signify_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o first_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o a_o declaration_n of_o what_o the_o church_n think_v of_o a_o baptise_a person_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o this_o declaration_n that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o church_n be_v evident_a if_o we_o compare_v the_o office_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o canon_n together_o both_o the_o rubric_n and_o canon_n say_v that_o baptism_n be_v complete_a without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v express_o say_v we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n and_o upon_o that_o do_v sign_n it_o with_o the_o cross_n so_o that_o the_o child_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v within_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n before_o it_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o cross_n since_o therefore_o the_o person_n be_v dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptism_n be_v acknowledge_v complete_a without_o or_o before_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n we_o can_v be_v think_v to_o dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o to_o dedicate_v by_o the_o cross_n again_o but_o the_o dedication_n by_o the_o cross_n must_v be_v something_o very_o distinct_a from_o the_o dedication_n of_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o dedication_n and_o the_o other_o the_o dedication_n itself_o so_o that_o this_o be_v plain_o no_o other_o than_o a_o declaration_n the_o church_n make_v of_o what_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o and_o what_o engagement_n he_o lie_v under_o which_o declaration_n be_v therefore_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n we_o receive_v this_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o in_o baptism_n the_o minister_n alone_o as_o the_o immediate_a agent_n of_o christ_n pronounce_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n i_o baptise_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o office_n of_o baptism_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vii_o objection_n against_o our_o communion-office_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n answer_v though_o the_o communion-office_n for_o the_o gravity_n and_o holiness_n thereof_o be_v prefer_v by_o the_o dissenter_n before_o all_o other_o office_n in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o past_o free_a from_o exception_n for_o i._o it_o be_v object_v against_o it_o that_o the_o petition_n in_o the_o prayer_n before_o consecration_n that_o our_o sinful_a body_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o by_o his_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n wash_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n imply_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v great_a efficacy_n than_o his_o body_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o only_o the_o body_n by_o christ_n body_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o priest_n say_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v give_v for_o thou_o preserve_v thy_o body_n and_o soul_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o church_n teach_v that_o the_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n flow_v from_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v the_o mention_v of_o one_o alone_o exclude_v the_o other_o for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v sometime_o of_o the_o bread_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o and_o sometime_o of_o the_o wine_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o yet_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o he_o mean_v both_o ii_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o deliver_v the_o element_n into_o every_o person_n be_v hand_n with_o a_o form_n of_o word_n recite_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v but_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o christ_n word_n for_o the_o evangelist_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o then_o what_o may_v be_v particular_o say_v or_o do_v to_o every_o one_o will_v be_v sufficient_o relate_v in_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v or_o speak_v to_o all_o 2._o suppose_v that_o our_o practice_n do_v vary_v from_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o defend_v as_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o dinnertime_n and_o not_o at_o supper_n which_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v not_o scruple_n 3._o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n matth._n 28.19_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o when_o great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a together_o the_o form_n of_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v express_v several_o to_o every_o person_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v do_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherefore_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n herein_o be_v no_o way_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o abate_v the_o solemnity_n of_o its_o administration_n see_v falkner_n be_v libert_n eccles_n p._n 218_o etc._n etc._n iii_o the_o last_o and_o great_a objection_n be_v against_o the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o large_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o his_o example_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a for_o its_o being_n no_o table-gesture_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n 5._o that_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n first_o then_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n for_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o express_a command_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o if_o authority_n do_v not_o restrain_v our_o liberty_n we_o may_v either_o sit_v kneel_z or_o stand_v without_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v in_o several_a place_n etc._n place_n matth._n 26.26_o etc._n etc._n mark_v 14.22_o etc._n etc._n luke_n 22.19_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n be_v the_o representative_n
of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a capacity_n either_o as_o governor_n and_o minister_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o as_o ordinary_a and_o lay-communicants_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o governor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n their_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v it_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o he_o design_v it_o to_o break_v and_o distribute_v it_o and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v and_o bless_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n love_n but_o what_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o in_o all_o the_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v altogether_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v silence_n be_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o no_o gesture_n be_v ever_o command_v at_o all_o but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v this_o he_o do_v by_o those_o word_n command_v they_o to_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v eat_z drink_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o institution_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v this_o gesture_n only_o and_o not_o several_a other_o circumstance_n which_o he_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o the_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper-room_n in_o a_o private-house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n in_o the_o company_n of_o twelve_o at_o most_o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o there_o do_v to_o sit_v 2._o even_o the_o two_o last_o of_o those_o circumstance_n be_v general_o allow_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o observe_v by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o gesture_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o expresl_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o do_v this_o respect_v only_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o action_n that_o be_v specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n nay_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v that_o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v command_v for_o there_o be_v many_o serious_a and_o sincere_a person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n they_o can_v use_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o they_o think_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n i_o have_v already_o confute_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o grant_v they_o can_v use_v the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v be_v it_o not_o enjoin_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a they_o do_v thereby_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n for_o any_o particular_a posture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west-friesland_n they_o stand_v the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustane_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuania_n and_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ausbourg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n injoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetic_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o 1583._o three_o 1._o at_o cracow_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1573._o 2._o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3._o wiadislaw_n 1583._o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_a gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a holl._n french_a harmon_n 4._o synod_n of_o holl._n do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o these_o article_n be_v so_o settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n
and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n she_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o christian_n ii_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v the_o dissenter_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o say_v they_o we_o read_v leu._n 18.2_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n now_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o vast_a difference_n of_o our_o circumstance_n from_o those_o of_o the_o israelite_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v unlike_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n the_o thing_n forbid_v from_o verse_n 5_o the_o to_o 24_o the_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o act_n of_o uncleaness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o those_o particular_n in_o say_v v._o 24_o the_o defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o part_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o and_o they_o be_v therefore_o forbid_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n do_v after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o canaanite_n because_o they_o be_v the_o do_n of_o those_o people_n who_o they_o be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o imitate_v even_o in_o their_o great_a immorality_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o other_o place_n god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n to_o imitate_v the_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14.2_o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o eyebrow_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o indifferent_a neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n misbecome_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n be_v leu._n 19.19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle_n gender_v with_o a_o diverse_a kind_a thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o they_o be_v forbid_v not_o because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v object_v also_o that_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n hos_fw-la 2.16_o 17._o to_o call_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o baali_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a name_n and_o signify_v only_o my_o lord_n because_o that_o word_n be_v abuse_v in_o be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o idol_n baal_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forbid_v the_o name_n baali_n because_o a_o idol_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o he_o be_v call_v baal_n in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o also_o jah_n which_o the_o heathen_n use_v for_o a_o idol_n but_o because_o the_o word_n baali_n signify_v a_o unkind_a husband_n or_o lord_n such_o as_o baal_n be_v to_o his_o worshipper_n whereas_o god_n promise_v he_o will_v be_v call_v ishi_n that_o be_v a_o tenderly-loving_a husband_n for_o he_o design_v to_o be_v kind_a to_o his_o people_n israel_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o next_o verse_n signify_v idol_n which_o god_n there_o promise_v to_o destroy_v but_o suppose_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n to_o call_v he_o baal_n for_o the_o future_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v because_o of_o their_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o baal_n lest_o by_o use_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o worship_v he_o again_o whereas_o our_o ceremony_n be_v use_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n without_o any_o superstition_n or_o idolatry_n and_o we_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o return_v to_o popery_n by_o retain_v they_o well_o but_o they_o say_v it_o appear_v from_o scripture-precept_n and_o example_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v in_o idolatrous_a and_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o no_o abuse_n of_o any_o gesture_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o manifest_a idolatry_n do_v render_v that_o gesture_n simple_o evil_a and_o for_o ever_o after_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n suppose_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a become_v sinful_a by_o a_o abuse_n of_o it_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a but_o by_o accident_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o somewhat_o else_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n for_o if_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n after_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n become_v absolute_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o the_o jew_n sin_v in_o offer_v sacrifice_n erect_v altar_n burn_a incense_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n bow_v down_o themselves_o before_o he_o wearing_z a_o linen_n garment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o observe_v other_o thing_n and_o rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n if_o the_o dissenter_n say_v they_o except_z all_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v command_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n i_o reply_v that_o such_o a_o exception_n avail_v nothing_o for_o if_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o idolatry_n make_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o destroy_v that_o relation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v once_o abuse_v must_v ever_o remain_v so_o that_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n can_v undo_v what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o clear_v it_o from_o ever_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o command_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n that_o a_o bare_a conformity_n with_o idolater_n in_o use_v those_o rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o practise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n be_v not_o simple_o sinful_a or_o formal_a idolatry_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n have_v oblige_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o express_a command_n to_o commit_v sin_n and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o strict_o and_o severe_o prohibit_v in_o other_o place_n in_o truth_n such_o a_o position_n will_v plain_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o this_o principle_n intrenche_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o may_v judge_v who_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10.25_o etc._n etc._n that_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o to_o eat_v whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o a_o gesture_n