of_o a_o day_n or_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o sermon_n the_o holy_a scripture_n quite_o contrariwise_a represent_v it_o as_o the_o business_n of_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n and_o require_v that_o man_n not_o only_o set_v out_o well_o but_o that_o they_o make_v a_o daily_a and_o gradual_a progression_n towards_o heaven_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o otherwise_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n may_v end_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o such_o a_o man_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n 5._o another_o mistake_v not_o inferior_a to_o any_o of_o the_o former_a either_o in_o respect_n of_o error_n or_o danger_n be_v about_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o conscience_n viz._n when_o man_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o all_o be_v right_a and_o true_a which_o they_o be_v satisfy_v of_o in_o their_o conscience_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o that_o dictate_v to_o they_o or_o allow_v they_o in_o as_o if_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v rule_v but_o to_o rule_v and_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o sovereignty_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o itself_o and_o to_o other_o also_o if_o you_o reprove_v some_o man_n opinion_n instead_o of_o argument_n for_o it_o he_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v his_o conscience_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o or_o if_o you_o blame_v some_o action_n of_o his_o life_n he_o regard_v not_o your_o reprehension_n for_o say_v he_o my_o conscience_n smite_v i_o not_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o safe_a or_o if_o you_o forewarn_v he_o of_o some_o counsel_n or_o undertake_n as_o tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o public_a disturbance_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o be_v his_o conscience_n and_o he_o must_v pursue_v it_o the_o mischief_n of_o this_o be_v very_o intolerable_a for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o most_o foolish_a and_o extravagant_a action_n be_v justify_v and_o the_o malefactor_n render_v incorrigible_a be_v both_o harden_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o if_o it_o come_v to_o that_o you_o can_v convince_v such_o man_n for_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n within_o they_o which_o be_v infallible_a and_o in_o confidence_n of_o that_o whensoever_o you_o bring_v a_o argument_n which_o they_o can_v answer_v they_o reject_v and_o defy_v it_o as_o a_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n if_o you_o rebuke_v they_o you_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o restrain_v they_o you_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a prerogative_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o only_a sacrilege_n which_o in_o their_o opinion_n can_v be_v commit_v and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o thus_o god_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o very_a passion_n and_o folly_n of_o such_o man_n and_o to_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o it_o be_v their_o conscience_n god_n must_v patronize_v it_o and_o bear_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o now_o one_o will_v just_o wonder_v what_o these_o man_n think_v this_o thing_n call_v conscience_n to_o be_v sure_o no_o less_o than_o some_o god_n almighty_a within_o they_o and_o so_o indeed_o several_a expression_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o intimate_v but_o certain_o if_o they_o think_v conscience_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n or_o practical_a judgement_n which_o certain_o it_o be_v and_o no_o more_o they_o can_v not_o either_o in_o reason_n or_o modesty_n think_v fit_a that_o this_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o paramount_n authority_n as_o to_o bear_v all_o down_o before_o it_o at_o least_o they_o can_v not_o imagine_v that_o their_o peculiar_a fancy_n or_o humour_n their_o particular_a education_n or_o idiopathy_n their_o ignorance_n or_o stubbornness_n shall_v be_v lawless_a and_o uncontrollable_a for_o if_o man_n opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v infallible_a what_o be_v instruction_n for_o if_o the_o light_n within_o be_v sufficient_a what_o be_v the_o light_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o if_o conscience_n be_v a_o guide_n to_o itself_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v spiritual_a guide_n provide_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o our_o conduct_n and_o if_o that_o may_v not_o be_v restrain_v in_o its_o extravagancy_n wherefore_o be_v law_n make_v and_o magistrate_n appoint_v so_o that_o either_o this_o wild_a notion_n of_o the_o power_n of_o conscience_n must_v be_v false_a or_o else_o instruction_n and_o education_n be_v useless_a magistracy_n and_o ministry_n impertinent_a and_o both_o law_n and_o scripture_n of_o no_o effect_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o notion_n be_v embrace_v it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a that_o such_o man_n shall_v live_v either_o holy_o or_o comfortable_o not_o holy_o because_o conscience_n thus_o leave_v alone_o to_o itself_o without_o guide_n or_o rule_v will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n follow_v man_n temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o then_o a_o man_n most_o belove_a lust_n shall_v be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n not_o comfortable_o because_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o law_n and_o a_o guide_n to_o resolve_v he_o in_o difficulty_n must_v needs_o if_o he_o consider_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o be_v perplex_v with_o perpetual_a dispute_n and_o endless_a scrupulosity_n upon_o every_o undertake_n but_o it_o will_v be_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v man_n must_v and_o will_v follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n forasmuch_o as_o discourse_n or_o law_n or_o scripture_n signify_v nothing_o till_o they_o be_v apply_v by_o conscience_n they_o indeed_o may_v give_v aim_n or_o may_v be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o evidence_n in_o a_o cause_n but_o it_o be_v conscience_n which_o collect_v the_o result_n and_o he_o that_o comply_v not_o with_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n whether_o the_o evidence_n be_v well_o sum_v up_o or_o no._n to_o this_o purpose_n some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v usual_o misapply_v e._n g._n let_v a_o man_n be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n rom._n 14._o 5._o that_o which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o 23._o and_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v etc._n etc._n i_o do_v confess_v here_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o this_o plea_n but_o blend_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o error_n and_o here_o i_o very_o believe_v lie_v the_o rise_n or_o occasion_n of_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o extravagant_a authority_n of_o conscience_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v wise_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o a_o man_n conscience_n ought_v to_o go_v along_o with_o he_o in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v before_o he_o do_v it_o otherwise_o he_o do_v violence_n to_o himself_o and_o condemn_v his_o own_o act_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o in_o his_o conscience_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o be_v so_o persuade_v of_o for_o this_o abrogate_v all_o the_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o make_v their_o legislation_n to_o depend_v upon_o private_a consent_n if_o therefore_o any_o man_n through_o ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n or_o any_o such_o cause_n shall_v have_v his_o conscience_n alienate_v from_o the_o law_n or_o dictate_v otherwise_o to_o he_o this_o as_o it_o can_v make_v a_o law_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o discharge_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o one_o all_o that_o this_o work_n be_v that_o it_o put_v a_o man_n into_o so_o sad_a a_o case_n that_o he_o may_v sin_v both_o way_n that_o be_v both_o in_o obey_v and_o in_o disobey_v but_o because_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o strait_a by_o his_o own_o default_n it_o be_v evident_a this_o can_v acquit_v his_o conscience_n for_o one_o sin_n be_v no_o discharge_n for_o another_o that_o therefore_o which_o he_o have_v now_o to_o do_v be_v first_o to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o then_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o case_n will_v appear_v beyond_o all_o exception_n by_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o two_o passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o former_a matt._n 6._o 23._o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n where_o first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o conscience_n may_v be_v very_o false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o then_o pronounce_v that_o he_o that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v in_o a_o very_a deplorable_a condition_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o error_n
the_o assembly_n of_o god_n servant_n 3._o and_o more_o particular_o let_v he_o not_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v present_v to_o he_o unless_o some_o weighty_a occasion_n hinder_v or_o disable_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o administer_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o it_o hold_v any_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o christian_n then_o as_o due_o receive_v it_o as_o they_o come_v to_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o frequency_n of_o it_o abate_v their_o reverence_n to_o it_o but_o high_o increase_v it_o rather_o and_o this_o office_n they_o therefore_o call_v the_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o full_a instance_n of_o that_o society_n to_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o it_o by_o any_o accident_n be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a calamity_n but_o to_o be_v debar_v from_o it_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o dreadful_a to_o they_o as_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n they_o seek_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o with_o tear_n with_o prostration_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n with_o all_o the_o intercession_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n they_o can_v make_v there_o be_v no_o need_n in_o those_o time_n to_o use_v argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o repeat_v exhortation_n to_o press_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o trouble_n in_o answer_v objection_n against_o it_o or_o remove_v impertinent_a scruple_n about_o it_o much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n to_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o by_o humane_a law_n for_o they_o remember_v it_o be_v institute_v by_o their_o saviour_n on_o the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o recommend_v to_o their_o observance_n by_o the_o most_o oblige_a circumstance_n they_o find_v the_o constant_a solemnity_n of_o it_o settle_v in_o all_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v well_o aware_a of_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n of_o it_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n hold_v as_o much_o in_o these_o time_n as_o then_o save_v that_o man_n be_v not_o so_o conscientious_a and_o devout_a as_o they_o be_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n since_o to_o make_v this_o sacrament_n the_o badge_n and_o cognizance_n of_o her_o member_n until_o of_o late_a those_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v church_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o order_n nor_o unity_n neither_o sacrament_n administer_v nor_o indeed_o person_n qualify_v to_o administer_v they_o and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n and_o shame_n that_o such_o a_o unhappy_a novelty_n shall_v prescribe_v against_o all_o antiquity_n and_o then_o second_o as_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n by_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o our_o discretion_n or_o courtesy_n to_o observe_v this_o sacrament_n or_o omit_v it_o but_o by_o express_v and_o positive_a command_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o cavil_n against_o mix_a communion_n as_o if_o we_o be_v excuse_v from_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n because_o other_o do_v it_o unworthy_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o some_o do_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o may_v choose_v whether_o i_o will_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o as_o i_o say_v here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n that_o we_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o omit_v it_o upon_o any_o such_o pretence_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v i_o be_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v excuse_v for_o when_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o to_o do_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o one_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o i._n e._n our_o sin_n of_o unpreparedness_n will_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o total_a omission_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o whole_a truth_n be_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n require_v of_o we_o one_o express_v and_o the_o other_o imply_v the_o express_a duty_n be_v that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n the_o imply_v duty_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v with_o such_o preparation_n as_o agree_v with_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n both_o these_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v for_o as_o my_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n will_v not_o excuse_v my_o come_n unprepared_o so_o much_o less_o will_v my_o unpreparedness_n excuse_v my_o not_o come_v at_o all_o but_o of_o the_o two_o it_o seem_v far_o the_o more_o pardonable_a to_o come_v though_o somewhat_o unprepared_o than_o not_o to_o come_v because_o of_o unpreparedness_n for_o that_o be_v neither_o to_o come_v nor_o prepare_v neither_o i_o say_v though_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_o better_a to_o offend_v in_o the_o point_n of_o a_o imply_v duty_n than_o of_o a_o express_a one_o but_o especial_o it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o commit_v one_o sin_n than_o both_o as_o he_o that_o come_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n at_o all_o notorious_o do_v but_o than_o three_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n those_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a that_o the_o man_n be_v as_o well_o insensible_a of_o his_o own_o good_a as_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o wilful_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o commemorate_n the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n we_o not_o only_o perform_v a_o office_n of_o obedience_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o saviour_n but_o we_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n which_o afford_v the_o great_a relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n that_o can_v be_v and_o together_o herewith_o we_o melt_v our_o own_o heart_n into_o contrition_n fear_n and_o sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n of_o we_o which_o require_v such_o a_o atonement_n for_o who_o can_v consider_v what_o his_o saviour_n suffer_v and_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o not_o mourn_v hearty_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o danger_n again_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o friendship_n with_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o restore_v to_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n moreover_o by_o commemorate_n his_o death_n and_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o we_o fortify_v our_o own_o mind_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o by_o feed_v upon_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n we_o have_v the_o pledge_n of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n and_o immortality_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o though_o in_o so_o copious_a and_o comfortable_a a_o subject_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n we_o become_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o who_o will_v make_v that_o a_o excuse_n for_o omit_v the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v or_o observe_v that_o either_o themselves_o or_o other_o profit_n by_o it_o what_o be_v it_o no_o profit_n that_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o so_o great_a a_o benefactor_n be_v it_o no_o profit_n to_o see_v christ_n crucify_a before_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o see_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n blood_n for_o sinner_n be_v it_o no_o profit_n to_o be_v make_v ingenuous_o to_o weep_v over_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v it_o no_o privilege_n no_o comfort_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o token_n of_o friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o body_n but_o profit_v something_o more_o or_o less_o by_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o do_v not_o profit_v great_o by_o they_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a naughty_a heart_n indeed_o and_o have_v need_v to_o prepare_v himself_o and_o go_v often_o to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o may_v be_v mend_v but_o however_o let_v the_o good_a christian_n glad_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o this_o holy_a solemnity_n and_o not_o doubt_v to_o find_v comfort_n by_o it_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o other_o office_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o prayer_n
a_o case_n to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o must_v always_o complain_v of_o but_o yet_o they_o never_o expect_v or_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o cure_v for_o these_o sin_n be_v think_v to_o be_v only_o like_o the_o canaanite_n in_o the_o land_n or_o some_o other_o remainder_n of_o those_o devote_a and_o accurse_a nation_n which_o must_v never_o be_v quite_o root_v out_o but_o be_v always_o as_o thorn_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o goad_n in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n i._n e._n tolerate_a but_o not_o extirpated_a but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o very_a false_a notion_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o require_v we_o to_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n when_o either_o of_o they_o offend_v we_o that_o be_v that_o if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n we_o must_v part_v with_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v as_o pleasant_a to_o we_o as_o our_o eye_n as_o necessary_a or_o convenient_a to_o we_o as_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o as_o painful_a to_o part_v withal_o as_o either_o of_o they_o whereas_o if_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n of_o infirmity_n take_v place_n with_o we_o it_o will_v save_v all_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n of_o mortification_n and_o keep_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n whole_a and_o entire_a and_o yet_o put_v man_n in_o hope_n they_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o and_o no_o sin_n that_o we_o have_v a_o kindness_n to_o but_o a_o man_n may_v enjoy_v it_o without_o danger_n for_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o man_n infirmity_n to_o be_v drink_v another_o man_n to_o swear_v a_o three_o man_v to_o be_v seditious_a or_o censorious_a and_o in_o short_a by_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o soft_a word_n or_o distinction_n together_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n he_o may_v reconcile_v god_n and_o mammon_n christ_n and_o belial_n hell_n and_o heaven_n but_o this_o cheat_n be_v too_o palpable_a for_o the_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n be_v only_o allowable_a in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o follow_v namely_o when_o either_o ignorance_n or_o misinformation_n betray_v a_o man_n into_o error_n or_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v otherwise_o good_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o a_o great_a fear_n over-power_n he_o or_o the_o suddenness_n of_o a_o temptation_n surprise_v he_o before_o he_o be_v so_o much_o aware_a as_o to_o collect_v himself_o or_o something_o of_o like_a nature_n to_o these_o may_v be_v call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o assure_o that_o which_o a_o man_n know_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o yet_o commit_v it_o that_o which_o a_o man_n take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o life_n in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o can_v never_o be_v esteem_v a_o mere_a pitiable_a infirmity_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o true_o love_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v in_o earnest_n for_o eternity_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o error_n 4._o a_o four_o danger_n i_o will_v give_v warning_n against_o be_v the_o mistake_a opinion_n about_o conversion_n to_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v be_v a_o great_a solemn_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o wherever_o it_o be_v true_o accomplish_v be_v the_o happy_a passage_n of_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n and_o the_o very_a crisis_n of_o eternity_n viz._n when_o either_o a_o man_n who_o by_o unhappy_a education_n or_o otherwise_o be_v betray_v to_o evil_a and_o mischievous_a opinion_n come_v by_o the_o advantage_n of_o better_a information_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v and_o set_v right_o in_o his_o principle_n or_o especial_o when_o one_o who_o be_v former_o of_o a_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a life_n be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o bring_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n a_o sense_n of_o his_o danger_n and_o thereupon_o change_v his_o whole_a course_n and_o become_v a_o new_a and_o holy_a man_n both_o these_o be_v as_o i_o say_v great_a and_o solemn_a and_o happy_a thing_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o all_o reverence_n and_o consider_v with_o joy_n and_o admiration_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_n mistake_v very_o common_a in_o this_o great_a affair_n viz._n when_o either_o such_o a_o conversion_n as_o we_o have_v now_o describe_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o universal_o necessary_a and_o prescribe_v to_o all_o man_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o else_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o when_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v mistake_v and_o conversion_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a momentaneous_a act_n a_o kind_n of_o qualm_n or_o fit_a of_o religion_n and_o as_o such_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o holy_a life_n subsequent_a to_o it_o both_o these_o last_o name_v be_v false_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n but_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o former_a of_o they_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o perplex_v the_o conscience_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o very_o good_a man_n viz._n when_o those_o who_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o good_a principle_n and_o by_o his_o grace_n not_o only_o preserve_v from_o a_o loose_a and_o debauch_a life_n but_o engage_v also_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a course_n all_o along_o shall_v notwithstanding_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o press_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o also_o must_v be_v convert_v and_o bear_v again_o or_o else_o they_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o be_v necessary_a and_o proper_a doctrine_n from_o our_o saviour_n to_o nicodemus_n and_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o have_v be_v nurse_v up_o in_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n but_o it_o be_v not_o preach_v to_o john_n the_o baptist_n nor_o to_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n nor_o to_o timothy_n who_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o and_o who_o have_v be_v early_o engage_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o careful_a instruction_n of_o his_o grandmother_n lois_fw-fr and_o his_o mother_n eunice_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 5._o not_o can_v such_o doctrine_n without_o equal_a indiscretion_n and_o danger_n be_v preach_v to_o several_a other_o now_o who_o be_v of_o that_o condition_n that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a of_o these_o opinion_n about_o conversion_n which_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n principal_o to_o give_v caution_n against_o viz._n when_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v former_o either_o of_o a_o sottish_a and_o careless_a or_o of_o a_o notorious_o debauch_a and_o profligate_v life_n shall_v be_v encourage_v to_o think_v his_o peace_n be_v make_v with_o god_n from_o such_o time_n as_o he_o have_v have_v a_o qualm_n come_v over_o his_o conscience_n and_o be_v put_v into_o a_o mood_n of_o seriousness_n and_o devotion_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o date_n his_o regeneration_n from_o hence_o the_o mischief_n of_o this_o mistake_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a for_o that_o it_o tempt_v man_n to_o grow_v secure_a before_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o it_o be_v very_o common_a and_o natural_a for_o such_o person_n to_o grow_v careless_a of_o themselves_o upon_o a_o vain_a confidence_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o conversion_n as_o if_o now_o their_o work_n be_v do_v without_o the_o trouble_n of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n nay_o further_o when_o perhaps_o such_o man_n have_v commit_v some_o such_o great_a sin_n as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o unhappy_a error_n will_v startle_v their_o conscience_n they_o be_v hereby_o instead_o of_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o hearty_a repentance_n incline_v only_o fond_o to_o look_v back_o and_o to_o remember_v that_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_v convert_v and_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v well_o enough_o already_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o such_o man_n fall_v from_o grace_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o be_v to_o apostatise_v from_o such_o hopeful_a beginning_n for_o indeed_o they_o be_v at_o most_o but_o beginning_n but_o be_v foolish_o rest_v in_o as_o if_o they_o have_v amount_v to_o the_o whole_a attainment_n of_o christianity_n they_o flatter_v man_n into_o security_n first_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o shame_n afterward_o and_o the_o falsity_n of_o this_o conceit_n be_v evident_a in_o this_o that_o whereas_o it_o make_v the_o great_a business_n of_o eternity_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o instantaneous_a act_n the_o transaction_n perhaps_o
instruct_v moreover_o it_o be_v also_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o this_o church_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o and_o catholic_n embrace_v all_o the_o true_a believer_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o body_n and_o his_o spouse_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o every_o man_n who_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n which_o flow_v from_o he_o must_v be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o body_n and_o thereby_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o by_o conjunction_n with_o that_o which_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v than_o by_o join_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o settle_v our_o abode_n and_o habitation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o parish_n and_o neighbourhood_n where_o we_o dwell_v for_o without_o this_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v retain_v the_o fame_n faith_n in_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o we_o can_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o member_n nor_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n the_o result_n be_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v ordinary_o every_o christian_n duty_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o christianity_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o officer_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o order_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n among_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v place_v he_o i_o say_v ordinary_o because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n among_o who_o a_o man_n life_n may_v be_v heretical_a in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a in_o their_o worship_n and_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v his_o sin_n but_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o bate_v that_o case_n and_o where_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o worship_n free_a from_o idolatry_n i_o see_v not_o what_o else_o can_v acquit_v he_o of_o schism_n that_o separate_v or_o what_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o join_v with_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o conjunction_n with_o that_o particular_a society_n or_o member_n of_o it_o where_o he_o be_v place_v therefore_o let_v not_o the_o good_a christian_n without_o flat_a necessity_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o particular_a church_n lest_o by_o so_o do_v he_o lose_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o let_v it_o be_v his_o care_n and_o endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n that_o there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o fond_a pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o double_a refine_a worship_n or_o to_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o great_a edification_n in_o other_o assembly_n for_o beside_o that_o a_o man_n may_v just_o expect_v most_o of_o god_n blessing_n upon_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v most_o his_o duty_n to_o apply_v himself_o unto_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o if_o such_o suggestion_n be_v attend_v to_o it_o will_v be_v flat_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o unity_n or_o order_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n nay_o these_o conceit_n will_v not_o only_o distract_v and_o confound_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o serve_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o endless_a dispute_n and_o their_o heart_n with_o perpetual_a scruple_n about_o purity_n of_o administration_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v rest_v no_o where_o but_o under_o pretence_n of_o soar_v high_a and_o high_o shall_v ramble_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o high_a attainment_n of_o spirituality_n nor_o let_v he_o give_v ear_n to_o any_o peevish_a insinuation_n against_o the_o church_n and_o public_a worship_n upon_o account_n that_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n make_v use_v of_o which_o be_v only_o of_o humane_a institution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v be_v well_o please_v with_o humility_n peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n but_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v without_o some_o observance_n that_o have_v no_o high_a original_n than_o humane_a institution_n but_o against_o these_o and_o all_o other_o such_o like_a principle_n of_o separation_n let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v himself_o first_o by_o dismiss_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o unnecessary_a scrupulosity_n of_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o above_o all_o acquit_v himself_o of_o pride_n and_o pragmaticalness_n and_o then_o he_o will_v easy_o and_o comfortable_o comply_v with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o pursuance_n whereof_o 2._o he_o must_v diligent_o frequent_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o society_n whether_o it_o be_v prayer_n preach_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a shame_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o care_v not_o how_o little_a or_o how_o seldom_o he_o come_v at_o it_o and_o who_o slight_v the_o advantage_n of_o its_o communion_n for_o such_o a_o man_n however_o he_o may_v hector_n and_o swagger_v for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n manifest_o betray_v that_o all_o be_v but_o humour_n or_o interest_n and_o no_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o real_o he_o do_v more_o dishonour_n to_o that_o society_n than_o the_o profess_a schismatic_a do_v or_o can_v do_v for_o beside_o that_o he_o incourage_v they_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o it_o and_o discourage_v good_a man_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o it_o he_o foment_n the_o suspicion_n of_o atheistical_a man_n that_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o politic_a trick_n to_o catch_v silly_a person_n with_o while_o those_o that_o be_v privy_a to_o the_o plot_n keep_v out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o he_o defeat_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o baulk_v his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v any_o and_o aggravate_v his_o own_o damnation_n which_o be_v all_o very_a sad_a thing_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o frequent_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o many_o and_o great_a that_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o neglect_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o church_n be_v god_n house_n where_o he_o be_v especial_o present_a and_o where_o we_o meet_v he_o and_o place_n ourselves_o under_o his_o eye_n and_o observation_n and_o from_o whence_o he_o usual_o dispense_v his_o favour_n it_o be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n of_o our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o another_o where_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o one_o powerful_o strike_v and_o affect_n other_o there_o be_v also_o a_o extraordinary_a majesty_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o only_o fit_v to_o our_o peculiar_a condition_n but_o authoritative_o pronounce_v and_o apply_v to_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n messenger_n above_o all_o in_o prayer_n when_o our_o petition_n and_o request_n be_v not_o only_o put_v up_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o his_o own_o minister_n appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n but_o our_o weakness_n be_v relieve_v our_o spirit_n encourage_v and_o we_o be_v enable_v notwithstanding_o our_o private_a meanness_n or_o guilt_n to_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n and_o success_n in_o our_o desire_n by_o the_o concurrent_a devotion_n of_o so_o many_o holy_a man_n as_o there_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o suit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o who_o unite_a importunity_n besieges_fw-fr heaven_n and_o prevail_v with_o almighty_a goodness_n for_o a_o blessing_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n permit_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o piety_n itself_o such_o as_o prayer_n read_v or_o meditation_n to_o supersede_n or_o hinder_v his_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n see_v that_o as_o these_o yield_v more_o public_a honour_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n so_o they_o be_v more_o effectual_a for_o our_o own_o benefit_n much_o less_o let_v sloth_n or_o too_o great_a eagerness_n upon_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n make_v we_o forget_v or_o neglect_v they_o but_o least_o of_o all_o let_v any_o lukewarm_a indifferency_n or_o atheistical_a carelessness_n seize_v upon_o any_o man_n in_o this_o particular_a but_o let_v the_o man_n who_o glory_v to_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v find_v there_o in_o