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be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n will_v permit_v they_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o his_o private_a care_n but_o to_o the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n or_o not_o to_o interpose_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v they_o submit_v to_o it_o be_v to_o withdraw_v their_o child_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o they_o to_o god_n no_o good_a man_n can_v with_o patience_n think_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n a_o degree_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n and_o very_o injurious_a to_o his_o child_n soul_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o 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there_o will_v be_v a_o emulation_n between_o youth_n who_o shall_v give_v the_o most_o manly_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o continue_v child_n in_o understanding_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n and_o emulation_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o when_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o such_o admirable_a advantage_n in_o this_o case_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o desire_v the_o improvement_n and_o increase_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o youth_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o regular_a admission_n to_o high_a act_n of_o communion_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v child_n ought_v not_o regular_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v and_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o confirmation_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n understand_v their_o religion_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o indeed_o the_o minister_n and_o bishop_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o private_a examination_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o congregation_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o minister_n but_o such_o young_a man_n will_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o more_o universal_a applause_n and_o sincere_a joy_n to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v such_o public_a testimony_n of_o their_o improvement_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o another_o advantage_n be_v that_o this_o train_n up_o child_n and_o youth_n in_o a_o just_a respect_n
a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n london_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxi_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o belove_a parishioner_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n and_o st._n botolph-billingsgate_n grace_n peace_n and_o truth_n be_v multiply_v my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n i_o hope_v we_o be_v all_o sensible_a of_o that_o great_a account_n we_o must_v short_o give_v to_o god_n of_o all_o our_o action_n which_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n both_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o neither_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o interest_n prejudice_n and_o partiality_n in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o many_o dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o any_o impetuous_a lust_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o it_o that_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o to_o you_o make_v i_o concern_v as_o i_o love_v my_o own_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n of_o you_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n fit_v with_o great_a ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o office_n yet_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o can_v charge_v myself_o with_o any_o wilful_a neglect_n either_o in_o inform_v myself_o or_o instruct_v you_o i_o be_o as_o careful_a as_o i_o can_v not_o to_o mistake_v myself_o and_o resolve_o honest_a not_o to_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n from_o you_o though_o in_o this_o age_n plain_a and_o free_a deal_n meet_v with_o no_o great_a encouragement_n the_o great_a hindrance_n i_o have_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o ministry_n among_o you_o be_v that_o many_o of_o you_o who_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o attend_v my_o instruction_n as_o i_o be_o to_o instruct_v you_o and_o must_v as_o certain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o neglect_n as_o i_o must_v of_o i_o do_v yet_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n withdraw_v your_o self_n from_o your_o parish_n church_n and_o make_v it_o in_o that_o way_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o my_o duty_n to_o you_o i_o have_v send_v this_o little_a book_n to_o wait_v on_o you_o at_o your_o house_n and_o to_o invite_v you_o to_o our_o communion_n to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o have_v keep_v you_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o since_o some_o of_o you_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v my_o ministry_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o other_o neglect_v which_o be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o have_v here_o admonish_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a consideration_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o i_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n which_o be_v design_v for_o your_o instruction_n as_o general_o useful_a as_o may_v be_v and_o take_v a_o large_a scope_n than_o i_o hope_v have_v be_v necessary_a have_v it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o your_o private_a use_n since_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o nor_o the_o world_n think_v that_o i_o charge_v you_o with_o all_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o i_o there_o reprove_v but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n guilty_a of_o they_o all_o and_o possible_o this_o book_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o such_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o pray_v god_n they_o may_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o plain_a but_o seasonable_a instruction_n but_o whatever_o other_o man_n do_v i_o think_v i_o may_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n expect_v from_o you_o that_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v and_o consider_v this_o discourse_n i_o have_v contrive_v it_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o fear_v some_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v fit_v to_o every_o capacity_n for_o as_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n among_o man_n so_o i_o do_v not_o scrupulous_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o low_a be_v as_o st._n paul_n speak_v a_o debtor_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o of_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n above_o your_o reach_n do_v not_o present_o fling_v the_o book_n away_o for_o you_o will_v find_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a concernment_n fit_v to_o very_o ordinary_a understanding_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o may_v think_v sharp_a or_o severe_a god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o anger_v any_o man_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a severity_n but_o there_o be_v some_o severe_a truth_n which_o yet_o must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v speak_v if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o good_a and_o those_o patient_n who_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o cure_n must_v perish_v under_o more_o gentle_a remedy_n i_o only_o beg_v this_o requital_n of_o my_o pain_n and_o care_n of_o you_o that_o if_o you_o have_v any_o objection_n against_o what_o be_v offer_v if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n you_o do_v not_o understand_v you_o will_v consult_v i_o in_o it_o if_o you_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o thing_n let_v i_o know_v it_o first_o before_o you_o publish_v it_o to_o other_o and_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v have_v a_o care_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n but_o comply_v with_o your_o duty_n and_o rejoice_v that_o you_o be_v deliver_v from_o any_o mistake_v i_o beseech_v god_n give_v you_o a_o good_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o heart_n obedient_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o preserve_v you_o blameless_a until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n w._n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n page_z 1_o what_o religious_a worship_n be_v page_z 3_o of_o public_a worship_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o forsake_v public_a assembly_n page_z 4_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o church_n page_z 7_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n page_z 9_o what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n page_z 15_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n page_n 17_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n page_n 18_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v page_n 20_o part_v 1_n chapter_n 1._o section_n 1._o concern_v speculative_a atheist_n pag._n 28_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 29_o what_o natural_a inclination_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o education_n pag._n 30_o inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n natural_a and_o yet_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n pag._n 32_o how_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n prove_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n imprint_v on_o man_n mind_n pag._n 35_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n be_v contrary_n to_o good_a manner_n a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n pag._n 40_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n expose_v such_o scoffer_n to_o contempt_n pag._n 42_o to_o deride_v religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o man_n interest_n as_o be_v injurious_a to_o public_a society_n pag._n 45_o to_o affront_n god_n more_o dangerous_a than_o mere_a atheism_n pag._n 46_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n pag._n 48_o atheist_n shall_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n pag._n 50_o non_n intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n pag._n 52_o section_n 2._o concern_v the_o practical_a atheist_n pag._n 53_o irreligion_n as_o great_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n as_o atheism_n pag._n 54_o not_o to_o worship_n be_v great_a injustice_n pag._n 56_o irreligion_n the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n pag._n 65_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n a_o obligation_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 73_o section_n 3._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o pag._n 82_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n pag._n 91_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 98_o every_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n fit_v to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 99_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o
name_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n divide_v the_o several_a duty_n of_o religion_n into_o three_o part_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o and_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v to_o honour_v he_o all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o worship_n honour_n god_n as_o they_o signify_v our_o great_a sense_n and_o devout_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v power_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n our_o dependence_n on_o he_o submission_n to_o he_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o such_o as_o be_v great_a and_o venerable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o the_o like_a now_o every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o honour_n be_v always_o the_o great_a the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o have_v great_a and_o admire_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v this_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n honour_v god_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o he_o who_o keep_v these_o thought_n to_o himself_o and_o praise_v god_n so_o private_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o but_o himself_o the_o prophet_n david_n resolve_v to_o make_v his_o praise_n of_o god_n as_o public_a as_o he_o can_v i_o will_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o 22._o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o and_o exhort_v other_o to_o exalt_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o 1._o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o upright_a and_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o worship_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o consist_v in_o honour_v god_n with_o devout_a and_o pious_a affection_n in_o bow_v our_o soul_n before_o he_o and_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a expression_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o honour_n which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a worship_n such_o as_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n fall_v down_o on_o the_o ground_n kneeling_z uncover_v the_o head_n and_o those_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n which_o signify_v the_o humble_a and_o devout_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o though_o these_o external_a sign_n of_o honour_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v in_o private_a and_o closet_n devotion_n so_o it_o be_v with_o due_a caution_n not_o to_o make_v they_o public_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n yet_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o they_o be_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o testify_v our_o concurrence_n and_o agreement_n with_o other_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o god_n know_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o desire_n by_o clothing_n they_o with_o word_n he_o hear_v the_o most_o silent_a breathe_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o he_o in_o a_o audible_a voice_n he_o see_v the_o bend_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o most_o humble_a submission_n and_o prostration_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v of_o this_o by_o bend_v or_o bow_v our_o body_n to_o he_o but_o man_n can_v see_v this_o but_o by_o external_a sign_n nor_o join_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n and_o praise_n without_o word_n so_o audible_o pronounce_v that_o all_o present_a may_v hear_v they_o and_o therefore_o those_o scripture_n which_o require_v these_o external_a sign_n of_o worship_n suppose_v that_o this_o worship_n must_v be_v public_a too_o that_o we_o must_v meet_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v pen_v for_o public_a worship_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o master_n of_o music_n to_o be_v sing_v as_o public_a hymn_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o worship_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o obligation_n much_o more_o strong_a to_o public_a than_o to_o private_a worship_n though_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o especial_o when_o we_o want_v such_o public_a opportunity_n the_o natural_a reason_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a parent_n and_o benefactor_n and_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o become_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v he_o who_o be_v our_o maker_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o feed_v and_o clothes_v we_o who_o defend_v we_o from_o evil_a who_o encompass_v we_o with_o his_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o most_o of_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o more_o cogent_a reason_n for_o public_a than_o for_o private_a worship_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v those_o particular_a favour_n and_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o private_a worship_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v consider_v a_o private_a as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n as_o a_o universal_a parent_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v worship_v as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n that_o be_v with_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v public_a and_o since_o all_o mankind_n be_v god_n creature_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o bind_v to_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n natural_a reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o give_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o solemnity_n to_o it_o for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o man_n be_v make_v a_o sociable_a creature_n for_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o only_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v his_o high_a end_n and_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n unite_v themselves_o into_o society_n for_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n it_o be_v as_o high_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v unite_v for_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o body_n politic_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o old_a maxim_n of_o government_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a bond_n and_o cement_n of_o civil_a society_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a blessing_n we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o in_o common_a with_o other_o or_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n deliverance_n from_o enemy_n the_o advantage_n of_o good_a government_n and_o all_o other_o national_a mercy_n and_o above_o all_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o god_n be_v defraud_v of_o his_o glory_n if_o our_o acknowledgement_n be_v not_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blessing_n be_v for_o private_a praise_n be_v not_o just_o return_v nor_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o public_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o psalmist_n celebrate_v the_o public_a mercy_n of_o god_n he_o invite_v all_o israel_n to_o join_v in_o his_o praise_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o a_o new_a song_n and_o his_o praise_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n let_v israel_n rejoice_v in_o he_o that_o make_v he_o let_v the_o child_n of_o zion_n be_v joyful_a in_o their_o king_n and_o all_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o mankind_n who_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n and_o nature_n of_o their_o worship_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o make_v their_o worship_n public_a and_o solemn_a and_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n himself_o institute_v and_o ordain_v and_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o be_v typical_a also_o of_o the_o christian._n now_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o god_n command_v by_o moses_n be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o public_a manner_n
the_o church_n and_o involve_v ourselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n upon_o this_o pretence_n but_o yet_o that_o be_v a_o suspicious_a argument_n which_o tend_v towards_o schism_n which_o in_o its_o great_a innocency_n break_v good_a order_n and_o wholesome_a constitution_n and_o when_o it_o be_v full_o pursue_v may_v lead_v giddy_a and_o unstable_a mind_n into_o separation_n 2._o there_o be_v so_o much_o unaccountable_a fancy_n and_o humour_n to_o be_v see_v in_o those_o different_a judgement_n man_n make_v of_o preacher_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o the_o peace_n order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n different_a fancy_n some_o be_v take_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o solid_a other_o with_o a_o florid_n and_o polite_a preacher_n some_o be_v please_v with_o a_o tone_n other_o with_o earnestness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o action_n and_o voice_n how_o often_o do_v many_o man_n vary_v in_o their_o opinion_n of_o preacher_n and_o change_v their_o church_n as_o their_o fancy_n change_v those_o preacher_n who_o be_v dislike_v by_o their_o own_o parishioner_n be_v very_o often_o admire_v by_o stranger_n now_o what_o work_n will_v this_o make_v in_o all_o civil_a government_n be_v fancy_n suffer_v to_o over-rule_v public_a establishment_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v of_o such_o inroad_n of_o fancy_n upon_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o design_n of_o church-communion_n and_o of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o please_v and_o tickle_v a_o wanton_a fancy_n but_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n such_o discourse_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o most_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n especial_o in_o this_o great_a city_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o always_o dress_v to_o every_o man_n palate_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n man_n be_v full_o feed_v when_o they_o can_v be_v content_v with_o plain_a and_o wholesome_a food_n but_o complain_v if_o they_o have_v not_o some_o delicious_a sauce_n to_o create_v and_o tempt_v a_o appetite_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v certain_a that_o man_n who_o govern_v themselves_o by_o such_o fancy_n do_v not_o always_o make_v the_o wise_a choice_n nor_o the_o best_a improvement_n 3._o suppose_v your_o parochial_a minister_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n the_o profound_a divine_n nor_o the_o most_o move_a orator_n consider_v whether_o this_o may_v not_o in_o great_a measure_n be_v owe_v to_o yourselves_o whether_o your_o withdraw_a yourselves_o from_o their_o instruction_n may_v not_o make_v they_o more_o slight_a and_o careless_a in_o their_o preparation_n preacher_n be_v man_n subject_a to_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n to_o see_v all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n despise_v and_o slight_v especial_o in_o this_o case_n which_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o do_v that_o service_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o their_o office_n require_v and_o which_o they_o so_o passionate_o desire_v man_n who_o be_v above_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o great_a auditory_a be_v yet_o desirous_a to_o preach_v to_o those_o who_o they_o be_v concern_v to_o instruct_v and_o be_v grieve_v to_o see_v they_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o they_o you_o may_v many_o time_n have_v better_a sermon_n do_v you_o not_o discourage_v your_o preacher_n by_o such_o neglect_v 4._o consider_v far_o that_o you_o be_v particular_o accountable_a for_o the_o improvement_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o you_o do_v or_o may_v have_v enjoy_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o your_o parish_n church_n god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o require_v we_o to_o keep_v our_o station_n and_o when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o church_n and_o state_n have_v place_v we_o under_o such_o a_o ministry_n we_o be_v accountable_a for_o no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v enjoy_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o our_o improvement_n be_v proportionable_a to_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o lose_v our_o reward_n but_o now_o suppose_v by_o pursue_v your_o wander_a fancy_n you_o fall_v into_o any_o mistake_n or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n when_o you_o may_v have_v be_v better_o instruct_v have_v you_o diligent_o and_o constant_o attend_v the_o parochial_a ministry_n what_o excuse_n can_v such_o man_n make_v for_o themselves_o they_o be_v mislead_v but_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o forsake_v that_o guide_n who_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v provide_v for_o they_o they_o sin_v ignorant_o but_o they_o may_v have_v know_v better_a have_v they_o not_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o such_o instruction_n certain_o those_o man_n act_v more_o safe_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o future_a account_n who_o make_v the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v of_o such_o instruction_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n provide_v for_o they_o than_o those_o who_o leave_v their_o rank_n and_o order_n to_o choose_v better_o for_o themselves_o 5._o we_o may_v also_o reasonable_o expect_v the_o great_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o preserve_v good_a order_n which_o will_v tend_v more_o to_o our_o spiritual_a increase_n and_o growth_n than_o the_o best_a external_a mean_n of_o edification_n the_o success_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o gift_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o upon_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n who_o then_o be_v 7._o paul_n and_o who_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v even_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o every_o man_n i_o have_v plant_v apollo_n water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n so_o then_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n nor_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n some_o little_a imperfect_a hint_n may_v more_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n when_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v please_v to_o teach_v we_o than_o the_o most_o exact_a and_o elaborate_a discourse_n and_o plain_a truth_n without_o any_o art_n or_o varnish_v may_v be_v convey_v with_o more_o warmth_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o may_v affect_v we_o more_o than_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n if_o man_n design_v only_o please_v their_o fancy_n that_o they_o may_v do_v better_o by_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n but_o he_o who_o have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o hear_v but_o to_o save_v his_o soul_n ought_v principal_o to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v the_o external_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n effectual_a and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o observe_v good_a order_n for_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o external_a ministry_n which_o we_o conscientious_o submit_v to_o and_o diligent_o attend_v to_o preserve_v good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o constant_a attendance_n on_o a_o mean_a ministry_n be_v much_o more_o for_o our_o edification_n than_o a_o occasional_a hear_v much_o better_a sermon_n it_o be_v too_o much_o the_o humour_n of_o many_o man_n who_o forsake_v their_o own_o church_n to_o be_v constant_a to_o none_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v hear_v a_o great_a many_o excellent_a sermon_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n whereas_o every_o minister_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o instruct_v his_o people_n commit_v to_o he_o will_v take_v care_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o teach_v they_o all_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o take_v and_o popular_a be_v yet_o more_o useful_a than_o some_o general_a discourse_n and_o press_v and_o vehement_a exhortation_n without_o a_o particular_a explication_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o show_v the_o advantage_n of_o attend_v a_o constant_a ministry_n especial_o if_o man_n will_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o their_o minister_n whereby_o he_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v how_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o their_o particular_a case_n to_o fit_v his_o instruction_n to_o their_o capacity_n and_o his_o counsel_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n to_o their_o spiritual_a want_n this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v our_o obligation_n to_o parochial_a communion_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o they_o be_v only_o some_o hard_a case_n which_o make_v parochial_a
communion_n very_o nauseous_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o honest_a mind_n or_o very_o dangerous_a as_o to_o name_v some_o of_o the_o hard_a 1._o the_o case_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n who_o like_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v abhor_v i_o be_o in_o great_a hope_n that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o man_n be_v not_o great_a though_o one_o be_v too_o much_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o so_o great_a a_o body_n of_o man_n there_o shall_v be_v none_o let_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n triumph_n in_o this_o and_o increase_v their_o number_n while_o we_o silent_o lament_v it_o but_o when_o this_o be_v the_o case_n i_o think_v every_o good_a man_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o his_o superior_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v he_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v or_o be_v too_o long_o delay_v he_o must_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o man_n and_o his_o office_n a_o bad_a man_n but_o yet_o a_o legal_a minister_n and_o though_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o profession_n yet_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o ministry_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o personal_a qualification_n but_o on_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n the_o lewdness_n of_o eli_n son_n though_o it_o give_v great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o israelite_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n be_v a_o vile_a sort_n of_o people_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n but_o not_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o 3_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v but_o do_v not_o after_o their_o work_n for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o and_o upon_o these_o principle_n st._n austin_n dispute_v against_o the_o donatist_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o yet_o if_o in_o such_o case_n a_o serious_a christian_a with_o prudence_n and_o modesty_n and_o with_o as_o little_a noise_n and_o scandal_n as_o may_v be_v preserve_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o neighbour_a minister_n i_o shall_v not_o see_v much_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o for_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n while_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o only_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o parish_n minister_n upon_o too_o just_a a_o offence_n 2._o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a minister_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o case_n be_v not_o very_o frequent_a neither_o at_o least_o not_o such_o gross_a ignorance_n as_o shall_v make_v a_o man_n utter_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o function_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v supply_v with_o learned_a preacher_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o live_n that_o will_v hardly_o find_v bread_n for_o a_o family_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o church_n have_v make_v excellent_a provision_n in_o this_o case_n have_v take_v care_n that_o the_o instruction_n of_o her_o child_n shall_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o personal_a ability_n of_o the_o minister_n our_o liturgy_n be_v the_o same_o whatever_o the_o minister_n ability_n be_v which_o contain_v a_o very_a excellent_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o catechism_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o teach_v the_o child_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o the_o homily_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o pious_a sermon_n upon_o most_o of_o the_o material_a head_n of_o religion_n that_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v no_o great_a scholar_n if_o he_o be_v but_o honest_a and_o diligent_a in_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n his_o people_n can_v want_v sufficient_a instruction_n and_o this_o one_o instance_n show_v the_o great_a necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a liturgy_n and_o homily_n which_o secure_v the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n in_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n notwithstanding_o the_o personal_a defect_n and_o inability_n of_o the_o minister_n what_o case_n such_o poor_a parish_n be_v in_o when_o these_o provision_n be_v cry_v down_o as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a i_o can_v guess_v 3._o the_o case_n of_o a_o erroneous_a and_o heretical_a minister_n who_o mix_v poison_n with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o corrupt_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v any_o christian_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o soul_n think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o perpetual_a danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o consider_v 1._o that_o people_n be_v very_o ill_a judge_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n the_o most_o ancient_a and_o most_o useful_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n have_v sometime_o be_v think_v so_o and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o man_n intent_n and_o zealous_a to_o seduce_v our_o people_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o whisper_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v infect_v by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n some_o think_v every_o thing_n heresy_n but_o antinomianism_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o a_o good_a life_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a condition_n annex_v to_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v that_o not_o a_o idle_a and_o notional_a but_o a_o active_a and_o work_a faith_n justify_v that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n not_o as_o a_o proxy_n who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o but_o as_o a_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o mediator_n who_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o now_o powerful_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o his_o father_n and_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n in_o we_o these_o and_o such_o like_a doctrine_n be_v by_o some_o man_n reproach_v with_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n and_o upon_o their_o authority_n believe_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o and_o yet_o if_o man_n must_v withdraw_v their_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o heresy_n as_o these_o they_o must_v forsake_v the_o most_o useful_a preacher_n and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o charge_n of_o heresy_n must_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o notorious_a before_o it_o can_v justify_v our_o breach_n of_o communion_n if_o man_n deny_v any_o plain_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o intrust_v the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v at_o best_a but_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o to_o suspect_v man_n of_o heresy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v itself_o a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o some_o less_o matter_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v always_o like_a to_o differ_v about_o while_o we_o see_v in_o part_n and_o know_v only_o in_o part_n may_v exercise_v mutual_a forbearance_n but_o will_v not_o excuse_v man_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o such_o causeless_a separation_n 3._o where_o the_o presumption_n be_v very_o strong_a we_o must_v appeal_v to_o church_n governor_n to_o detect_v his_o error_n and_o heresy_n if_o he_o have_v any_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o flock_n from_o such_o apparent_a danger_n private_a reformation_n usual_o prove_v more_o fatal_a than_o the_o mischief_n which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o remedy_n and_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o ignorant_a minister_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o this_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o catechism_n can_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o great_a heretic_n if_o he_o observe_v his_o rule_n and_o this_o secure_v the_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n and_o as_o for_o his_o sermon_n it_o only_o concern_v man_n to_o be_v wary_a what_o doctrine_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o to_o take_v nothing_o upon_o trust_n but_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o will_v maintain_v good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o our_o faith_n 4._o when_o the_o bound_n of_o parish_n and_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v too_o large_a for_o parochial_a communion_n this_o have_v often_o be_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v separate_a meeting_n because_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v much_o great_a in_o many_o parish_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o may_v become_v christian_n and_o enter_v into_o our_o society_n and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v give_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n for_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o 13._o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v express_o call_v the_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o common_a table_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n 27._o of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a feast_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n partake_v for_o it_o signify_v not_o only_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o reform_a church_n universal_o condemn_v the_o private_a mass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o priest_n receive_v by_o himself_o and_o true_o private_a devotion_n when_o they_o thrust_v out_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o a_o church_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o those_o sacrament_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n may_v convince_v we_o how_o necessary_a christian_a communion_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n to_o feed_v his_o flock_n to_o pray_v for_o his_o people_n and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v for_o public_a minister_n unless_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n whether_o christian_n frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o have_v invest_v man_n with_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v of_o so_o little_a use_n especial_o since_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o know_v and_o so_o far_o spread_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v long_o since_o dead_a but_o of_o their_o successor_n who_o retain_v their_o office_n and_o power_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o apostolical_a office_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n consist_v which_o christ_n commit_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a consist_v only_o in_o let_v into_o the_o church_n or_o shut_v out_o the_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o administer_a baptism_n which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o external_a judge_n of_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o exercise_v censure_n upon_o offender_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o this_o in_o remove_v such_o man_n from_o christian_a communion_n either_o in_o part_n or_o whole_o for_o a_o time_n or_o for_o ever_o according_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n some_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o christian_a assembly_n but_o lay_v at_o the_o door_n lament_v their_o wickedness_n and_o beg_v their_o prayer_n other_o be_v admit_v to_o public_a instruction_n but_o not_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o catechuman_n those_o who_o be_v public_o instruct_v and_o catechise_v but_o not_o yet_o baptize_v be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a other_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n but_o not_o to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o all_o this_o suppose_n that_o christian_a communion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o a_o great_a privilege_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o punish_v offender_n but_o by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o assembly_n but_o what_o will_v those_o man_n value_v church-censure_n who_o make_v so_o slight_a of_o public_a worship_n as_o daily_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o certain_o these_o man_n be_v great_o mistake_v or_o else_o the_o very_a office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v so_o formidable_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o very_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n since_o man_n may_v as_o well_o worship_n god_n alone_o as_o in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v when_o excommunicate_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o we_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n which_o necessary_o include_v public_a worship_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v 33._o i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o confess_v christ_n be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o only_o in_o word_n though_o too_o many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o own_o will_v not_o confess_v before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o by_o pay_v he_o such_o public_a homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v own_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n for_o thus_o to_o confess_v christ_n signify_v with_o the_o mouth_n 13_o confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n like_o a_o city_n that_o be_v set_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o like_o a_o candle_n place_v in_o a_o candlestick_n 15._o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n but_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v visible_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o public_a and_o visible_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o must_v refer_v to_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o include_v act_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v the_o acknowledge_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o take_v care_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o encourage_v public_a worship_n correct_v public_a abuse_n and_o punish_v the_o neglect_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n religion_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o closet_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o tell_v what_o religion_n they_o be_v of_o they_o may_v be_v pagan_n mahometan_n papist_n or_o infidel_n and_o no_o man_n the_o wise_a if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o encourage_v and_o reform_v religion_n and_o yet_o nothing_o can_v fall_v within_o his_o cognizance_n or_o under_o his_o care_n but_o what_o be_v public_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o care_n of_o
public_a magistrate_n be_v the_o duty_n also_o of_o private_a christian_n possible_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a pain_n in_o prove_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o too_o be_v i_o not_o sensible_a by_o my_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v who_o have_v very_o little_a apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o come_v to_o church_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n and_o sometime_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o careless_a humour_n if_o any_o such_o read_v these_o paper_n i_o will_v desire_v and_o beg_v of_o they_o serious_o to_o consider_v this_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o by_o some_o childish_a and_o sophistical_a reason_n into_o a_o neglect_n so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n suppose_v you_o do_v real_o as_o some_o i_o fear_v only_o pretend_v spend_v your_o time_n in_o private_a prayer_n and_o read_v and_o meditation_n yet_o can_v you_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v your_o private_a prayer_n when_o they_o signify_v a_o neglect_n if_o not_o a_o contempt_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v so_o much_o more_o please_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v praise_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n where_o no_o body_n see_v nor_o hear_v we_o can_v you_o think_v your_o single_a prayer_n will_v as_o much_o prevail_v with_o god_n as_o when_o the_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n can_v you_o any_o where_o expect_v such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n while_o we_o attend_v on_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o without_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o they_o when_o there_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o our_o private_a devotion_n without_o neglect_v or_o affront_a public_a worship_n and_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n before_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o long_o and_o thirst_v after_o the_o court_n of_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n iii_o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n i._o contain_v several_a direction_n to_o such_o man_n whereby_o to_o try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o forsake_v our_o religious_a assembly_n be_v those_o who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o who_o separate_z for_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o think_v themselves_o bind_v as_o they_o honour_v god_n and_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n to_o avoid_v our_o communion_n now_o these_o man_n deserve_v our_o most_o tender_a regard_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n it_o be_v very_o great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o excellent_a book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o instruction_n for_o those_o who_o be_v honest_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v take_v another_o method_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v prove_v more_o effectual_a than_o dispute_v common_o do_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o to_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n three_o to_o remove_v some_o popular_a plea_n and_o objection_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v their_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n offer_v such_o a_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o carry_v on_o other_o design_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n that_o white_v paint_a sepulchre_n how_o glorious_a a_o profession_n soever_o he_o make_v who_o be_v thus_o rot_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v your_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n i_o shall_v desire_v every_o man_n as_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o hope_n for_o mercy_n at_o the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_n the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a question_n first_o whether_o he_o do_v indeed_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n to_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o case_n where_o he_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n when_o we_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n be_v like_o counterfeit_v the_o king_n be_v broad_a seal_n to_o justify_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n few_o man_n make_v any_o difference_n between_o their_o private_a judgement_n opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v between_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o fancy_n come_v into_o their_o head_n be_v call_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n before_o all_o the_o visible_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o last_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o man_n must_v act_v against_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v express_o forbid_v nor_o neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v command_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n whatever_o we_o suffer_v by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o a_o erroneous_a doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v improper_o call_v conscience_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o waver_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a nicety_n which_o signify_v nothing_o in_o practice_n for_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v it_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v or_o fear_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o contrary_a to_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v 23._o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n conscience_n and_o private_a opinion_n between_o their_o judgement_n direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o by_o other_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a measure_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o direct_v our_o practice_n for_o first_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o religious_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a authority_n where_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o divine_a law_n command_v or_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o we_o dare_v