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
forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v which_o at_o least_o suppose_n that_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n do_v great_o dispose_v man_n to_o a_o final_a apostasy_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n wherein_o he_o urge_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o apostasy_n which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n have_v not_o separation_n at_o least_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o 29._o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o vengeance_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_a moses_n '_o s_o law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o truth_n be_v whoever_o careful_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o the_o apostolical-churche_n according_a to_o that_o account_n we_o find_v of_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o may_v add_v of_o the_o succeed_a age_n from_o the_o report_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a father_n will_v find_v that_o none_o but_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n by_o apostate_n not_o mean_v those_o who_o whole_o renounce_v the_o name_n and_o profession_n but_o those_o who_o renounce_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n actual_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o s._n paul_n 12._o reprove_v they_o for_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o actual_o separate_v into_o distinct_a communion_n but_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o preference_n of_o several_a apostle_n which_o of_o they_o be_v great_a every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n or_o peter_n and_o i_o of_o christ._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o second_o schism_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n who_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n persuade_v they_o to_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o beside_o these_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n which_o s._n paul_n make_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o carnality_n for_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 4._o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n for_o while_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a there_o be_v also_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v 8._o they_o who_o creep_v into_o house_n who_o keep_v secret_a and_o clandestine_v meeting_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n led_z away_o with_o divers_a lust_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o as_o jannes_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a teacher_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v that_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o they_o set_v themselves_o up_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o gather_v church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o of_o such_o separatist_n st._n john_n speak_v who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n they_o go_v out_o 19_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v that_o they_o go_v out_o from_o they_o that_o be_v forsake_v the_o christian_a assembly_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n but_o have_v entertain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o this_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o christian_a communion_n be_v so_o indispensible_a a_o duty_n that_o no_o man_n can_v causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o at_o least_o bring_v his_o christianity_n into_o question_n that_o nothing_o can_v reasonable_o tempt_v man_n to_o a_o separation_n but_o their_o renounce_v some_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n justify_v a_o separation_n but_o such_o corruption_n as_o destroy_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v corrupt_a in_o the_o faith_n from_o their_o separation_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o schism_n as_o dr._n owen_n earnest_o contend_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o division_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n without_o the_o breach_n of_o church-communion_n and_o therefore_o separatist_n be_v not_o proper_o schismatic_n i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o gain_v by_o this_o when_o separation_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o much_o great_a evil_n than_o schism_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o heretic_n or_o apostate_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v in_o those_o day_n guilty_a of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hold_v good_a a_o sinful_a and_o causeless_a separation_n can_v never_o be_v own_a without_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n it_o be_v to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o dispute_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n when_o the_o difference_n between_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o notorious_a but_o yet_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n in_o scripture_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n the_o first_o be_v common_o apply_v to_o signify_v those_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n the_o second_o if_o not_o always_o yet_o chief_o apply_v to_o signify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sectarian_n thus_o christianity_n itself_o when_o the_o christian_n unite_v into_o a_o distinct_a church-society_n be_v call_v heresy_n or_o a_o new_a sect_n and_o 5._o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o heresy_n be_v always_o use_v now_o though_o these_o different_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o separate_v into_o distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o all_o worship_v at_o the_o temple_n as_o even_o the_o christian_a jew_n do_v while_o the_o temple_n stand_v as_o appear_v from_o what_o happen_v to_o st._n paul_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o last_o time_n he_o 24._o go_v thither_o yet_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o different_a opinion_n rite_n and_o usage_n and_o school_n and_o which_o be_v usual_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o distinction_n by_o different_a interest_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o those_o jewish_a sect_n these_o difference_n among_o christian_n which_o do_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o open_a separation_n but_o occasion_v great_a siding_n and_o party_n and_o heat_n and_o animosity_n be_v indifferent_o call_v schism_n or_o heresy_n 20._o thus_o st._n paul_n join_v hatred_n variance_n wrath_n sedition_n heresy_n but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o heresy_n which_o always_o end_v in_o separation_n for_o such_o man_n be_v always_o either_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o separate_v themselves_o such_o be_v those_o which_o st._n peter_n call_v damnable_a heresy_n who_o 1._o he_o compare_v with_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o the_o old_a world_n which_o be_v destroy_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n who_o he_o call_v presumptuous_a 6._o self-willed_a and_o that_o be_v not_o
can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_n in_o their_o closet_n or_o family_n 3._o 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 the_o second_o part_n be_v design_v to_o correct_v some_o great_a miscarriage_n in_o public_a worship_n which_o some_o who_o profess_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v too_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o such_o as_o these_o 1._o the_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o 2._o irreverence_n in_o worship_n 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 5._o that_o they_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n 6._o that_o either_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o very_o rare_o iii_o the_o very_o name_v these_o thing_n must_v needs_o convince_v all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n how_o seasonable_a this_o discourse_n be_v for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o it_o and_o since_o religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n the_o neglect_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n but_o have_v a_o very_a ill_a aspect_n upon_o public_a affair_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a time_n for_o any_o man_n who_o prefer_v his_o own_o ease_n and_o quiet_v before_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n to_o put_v forth_o to_o sea_n in_o such_o a_o storm_n and_o hurricane_a when_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o ferment_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o cool_a thought_n and_o impatient_a of_o the_o gentle_a reproof_n and_o opposition_n the_o most_o charitable_a design_n be_v misconstrue_v and_o nickname_v and_o whoever_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o mistake_v how_o careful_a soever_o he_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n be_v either_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o persecutor_n but_o these_o thing_n i_o thank_v god_n do_v not_o much_o affect_v i_o and_o shall_v never_o affright_v i_o from_o any_o part_n of_o my_o duty_n i_o value_v a_o good_a name_n as_o much_o as_o other_o man_n but_o be_o content_v to_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v himself_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v by_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v think_v most_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n be_v what_o concern_v the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o present_a establishment_n for_o this_o be_v now_o upon_o all_o occasion_n urge_v and_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o such_o discourse_n but_o can_v it_o be_v think_v unseasonable_a to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o forsake_v christian_a assembly_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n that_o many_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o physician_n when_o the_o patient_n be_v dangerous_o sick_a of_o a_o mortal_a distemper_n thanks_o be_v to_o our_o good_a god_n we_o still_o enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o have_v opportunity_n also_o of_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n how_o effectual_a indeed_o such_o exhortation_n may_v be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n we_o can_v tell_v success_n in_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o fit_a season_n as_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a temper_n of_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o seed_n fall_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o however_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n a_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v when_o and_o as_o it_o may_v and_o i_o think_v there_o never_o be_v great_a necessity_n for_o this_o exhortation_n than_o in_o our_o day_n but_o that_o which_o i_o perceive_v make_v some_o man_n think_v it_o so_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v because_o they_o be_v either_o in_o great_a hope_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o at_o least_o to_o open_v the_o door_n a_o little_a wide_o to_o let_v those_o in_o who_o be_v now_o exclude_v by_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v in_o our_o worship_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o soul_n that_o such_o seasonable_a exhortation_n as_o these_o may_v prove_v very_o unseasonable_a for_o their_o design_n that_o it_o may_v bring_v man_n to_o their_o wit_n and_o make_v they_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v a_o do_v when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v very_o unseasonable_a indeed_o for_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unseasonable_a and_o despicable_a piece_n of_o folly_n and_o modesty_n for_o all_o those_o who_o favour_n zion_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o say_v nothing_o while_o they_o accomplish_v their_o design_n and_o bring_v their_o wicked_a device_n to_o pass_v as_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n who_o only_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o church_n door_n a_o little_a wide_o to_o receive_v more_o honest_a and_o devout_a man_n into_o our_o communion_n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v conceive_v such_o exhortation_n unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n for_o be_v they_o afraid_a that_o such_o discourse_n shall_v so_o far_o satisfy_v all_o man_n in_o our_o communion_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o alteration_n true_o i_o have_v no_o great_a hope_n to_o see_v such_o bless_a effect_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o convince_a discourse_n and_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n ever_o shall_v be_v certain_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v trouble_v at_o it_o since_o the_o great_a end_n they_o design_v viz._n to_o see_v all_o man_n return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_o obtain_v and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o desirable_a to_o see_v man_n rectify_v their_o own_o mistake_v than_o to_o alter_v wholesome_a constitution_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o great_a danger_n and_o very_o seldom_o any_o great_a success_n witness_v the_o miserable_a confusion_n of_o the_o last_o age._n or_o do_v they_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o unjust_a imputation_n to_o wipe_v off_o that_o dirt_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o she_o by_o her_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o discover_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n without_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o every_o punctilio_n and_o oppose_v all_o reasonable_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n of_o other_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o they_o censure_v and_o revile_v man_n before_o they_o know_v they_o we_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n between_o some_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n possible_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o most_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o ready_a to_o any_o reasonable_a compliance_n whenever_o authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a we_o have_v a_o late_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o a_o excellent_a person_n than_o who_o possible_o separation_n no_o man_n ever_o write_v better_o for_o the_o church_n nor_o ever_o hint_v more_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a proposal_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o dissenter_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o dispose_v man_n mind_n to_o peace_n and_o union_n by_o good_a argument_n and_o pious_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n as_o it_o be_v for_o public_a authority_n to_o relax_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n to_o give_v ease_n to_o some_o doubt_v and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o while_o man_n have_v such_o superstitious_a conceit_n that_o god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v with_o do_v or_o not_o do_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o themselves_o consider_v with_o wear_v or_o not_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o use_v or_o not_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n when_o man_n think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o have_v express_o command_v and_o then_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v perform_v any_o one_o duty_n
15._o call_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v answer_v he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v he_o and_o honour_v he_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o 20._o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o the_o lord_n preserve_v all_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o the_o wicked_a will_v he_o destroy_v where_o those_o who_o love_n god_n be_v those_o who_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wicked_a who_o god_n will_v destroy_v be_v those_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o he_o who_o neglect_n or_o despise_v his_o worship_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o psalmist_n describe_v god_n that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o hear_v prayer_n o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n 2._o unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v bestow_v those_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n on_o we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v worth_a ask_n or_o will_v not_o own_v he_o to_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o pray_v for_o those_o good_a thing_n they_o want_v will_v not_o bless_v god_n for_o give_v they_o and_o no_o wise_a man_n think_v it_o prudent_a to_o place_v his_o favour_n where_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o return_n which_o be_v like_o bury_v good_a seed_n in_o a_o barren_a soil_n that_o deceive_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o husbandman_n god_n indeed_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o then_o he_o expect_v that_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v beg_v the_o protection_n and_o provision_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o government_n as_o it_o keep_v mankind_n under_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o those_o who_o expect_v all_o good_a thing_n from_o god_n dare_v not_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n man_n be_v natural_o ashamed_a of_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o any_o great_a crime_n but_o sneak_v and_o hide_v themselves_o as_o child_n do_v when_o they_o have_v displease_v their_o parent_n and_o dare_v not_o ask_v any_o kindness_n till_o they_o have_v first_o obtain_v their_o pardon_n which_o make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o discountenance_v irreligion_n by_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o such_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o it_o be_v true_a very_o many_o irreligious_a man_n do_v thrive_v in_o this_o world_n and_o arrive_v to_o great_a estate_n and_o to_o great_a honour_n for_o god_n do_v not_o make_v such_o a_o exact_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o life_n as_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o can_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a men._n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o god_n permit_v the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o that_o constant_a providence_n which_o watch_v over_o good_a men._n bad_a man_n may_v advance_v themselves_o by_o injustice_n oppression_n and_o perjury_n but_o they_o be_v not_o advance_v by_o the_o blessing_n but_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o god_n never_o bless_v any_o wicked_a art_n and_o therefore_o such_o man_n prosperity_n be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o as_o totter_v as_o the_o throne_n of_o usurper_n for_o though_o they_o have_v a_o good_a title_n with_o respect_n to_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o usurper_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v tumble_v down_o again_o at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o the_o only_a sure_a way_n of_o thrive_a in_o the_o world_n be_v by_o god_n blessing_n these_o be_v the_o only_a last_a and_o durable_a riches_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v free_a from_o such_o vexation_n and_o trouble_n fear_n and_o disappointment_n which_o attend_v on_o unjust_a possession_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o 22._o make_v rich_a and_o he_o add_v no_o sorrow_n with_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o irreligious_a man_n to_o enjoy_v great_a prosperity_n without_o god_n blessing_n and_o those_o who_o like_o this_o way_n may_v take_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a and_o a_o very_a slippery_a way_n it_o often_o end_v in_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n or_o lead_v to_o the_o gallow_n or_o man_n lose_v their_o stand_n when_o they_o be_v almost_o get_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o precipice_n and_o they_o tumble_v down_o fast_o than_o ever_o they_o get_v up_o but_o those_o who_o desire_n god_n shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o he_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o as_o st._n james_n tell_v those_o he_o write_v to_o you_o have_v not_o because_o you_o 2._o ask_v not_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v for_o awhile_o prosperous_a but_o a_o hundred_o for_o one_o be_v miserable_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a from_o misery_n but_o in_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n second_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n than_o this_o in_o irreligion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n now_o it_o be_v godliness_n 8._o which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v 12._o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n these_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n without_o perform_v which_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n but_o the_o intemperate_a unrighteous_a ungodly_a man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o devil_n to_o outward_a darkness_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o evermore_o for_o godliness_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o express_v itself_o in_o all_o act_n of_o homage_n worship_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o only_a vital_a principle_n of_o religion_n though_o man_n have_v a_o great_a many_o very_a good_a quality_n and_o sociable_a virtue_n though_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o temperate_a just_a in_o their_o deal_n pitiful_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o a_o liberal_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o promote_a good_a design_n very_o affable_a courteous_a and_o oblige_v in_o their_o conversation_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o god_n as_o these_o man_n have_v not_o who_o neglect_v his_o worship_n all_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o owe_v to_o natural_a temper_n and_o good_a breed_n or_o humane_a policy_n or_o such_o other_o cause_n as_o may_v make_v man_n good_a neighbour_n and_o citizen_n but_o can_v make_v they_o good_a christian_n they_o may_v reap_v some_o temporal_a reward_n of_o these_o virtue_n but_o they_o can_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n for_o indeed_o such_o man_n be_v not_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o admire_v and_o praise_v the_o great_a maker_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v who_o have_v not_o a_o quick_a and_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o how_o intolerable_a will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o man_n to_o keep_v a_o eternal_a sabbath_n in_o heaven_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o sing_v his_o praise_n day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o who_o think_v it_o lose_v time_n and_o a_o dry_a insipid_a wearisome_a thing_n to_o worship_n god_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o penance_n for_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n but_o those_o who_o by_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n on_o earth_n have_v spiritualise_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v religion_n in_o some_o measure_n their_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o inconsiderate_a man_n who_o think_v to_o grow_v very_o religious_a and_o to_o repent_v of_o all_o their_o sin_n before_o they_o die_v and_o thereby_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v three_o that_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o irreligion_n of_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v that_o it_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o
worthy_a communicant_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o more_o firm_o unite_v they_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o actuate_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o very_o unmindful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o god_n in_o great_a goodness_n have_v appoint_v a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v and_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o attend_v their_o instruction_n and_o though_o i_o hope_v in_o such_o a_o age_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o christian_n so_o know_v that_o they_o need_v not_o be_v teach_v their_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v 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to_o love_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o great_a concernment_n in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o for_o to_o love_v our_o soul_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o man_n the_o body_n be_v only_o the_o organ_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o state_n of_o its_o pilgrimage_n but_o it_o be_v our_o soul_n only_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n or_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a so_o be_v the_o man_n and_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v happy_a this_o they_o seek_v with_o unwearied_a endeavour_n this_o make_v all_o that_o bustle_n and_o stir_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o man_n be_v a_o catch_n after_o happiness_n and_o scramble_n for_o it_o why_o then_o you_o say_v what_o be_v the_o 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those_o sensual_a lust_n which_o st._n john_n comprise_v under_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o dwell_v in_o this_o body_n be_v not_o its_o most_o perfect_a state_n it_o be_v to_o dwell_v but_o a_o little_a while_n in_o this_o body_n and_o then_o can_v enjoy_v these_o bodily_a pleasure_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o that_o be_v call_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o life_n and_o commensurate_a to_o a_o eternal_a duration_n so_o that_o the_o controversy_n in_o short_a be_v this_o whether_o we_o will_v prefer_v a_o imperfect_a unsatisfactory_a momentary_a happiness_n or_o such_o a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o big_a our_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v last_v to_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o this_o choice_n for_o can_v a_o immortal_a be_v who_o be_v to_o live_v eternal_a age_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o perish_a joy_n as_o wax_v old_a and_o expire_v in_o half_a a_o age_n it_o will_v be_v think_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o immortal_a creature_n shall_v grow_v weary_a of_o life_n and_o be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o after_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o much_o more_o reasonable_a desire_n than_o to_o choose_v such_o a_o happiness_n as_o will_v last_v but_o sixty_o or_o eighty_o year_n when_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n be_v much_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o a_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a worldling_n every_o one_o contemn_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o prodigal_n who_o spend_v a_o fair_a estate_n in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o waste_v away_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n in_o poverty_n and_o beggary_n and_o yet_o three_o or_o four_o year_n pleasure_n bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n but_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n have_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o eternity_n be_v there_o no_o other_o punishment_n of_o such_o folly_n but_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n to_o find_v no_o suitable_a object_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n but_o to_o languish_v perpetual_o with_o pine_v and_o unsatisfy_a desire_n yet_o this_o be_v like_o the_o pain_n of_o perpetual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n somewhat_o worse_o than_o the_o delay_n of_o hope_n even_o the_o torment_n of_o despair_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_o still_o than_o this_o for_o such_o man_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n will_v be_v convince_v what_o happiness_n it_o be_v they_o have_v lose_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o shut_v out_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v victorious_a saint_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n all_o the_o smile_n flattery_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n clothe_v with_o body_n of_o pure_a light_n and_o reward_v with_o immarcessible_a crown_n of_o glory_n sing_v eternal_a halelujah_n to_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o when_o all_o the_o toy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v go_v and_o pass_v and_o nothing_o be_v present_a but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o it_o will_v infinite_o more_o afflict_v they_o to_o think_v they_o have_v miss_v of_o heaven_n than_o it_o will_v do_v now_o to_o lose_v their_o estate_n and_o honour_n and_o let_v slip_v any_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o make_v themselves_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_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
〈◊〉_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 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when_o the_o case_n be_v beyond_o their_o private_a redress_n may_v call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o by_o his_o wise_a counsel_n and_o seasonable_a exhortation_n and_o reproof_n and_o pious_a and_o ardent_a prayer_n may_v convince_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v and_o restore_v they_o by_o repentance_n and_o obtain_v their_o pardon_n or_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v assault_v by_o temptation_n and_o procure_v fresh_a supply_n of_o grace_n for_o they_o we_o see_v indeed_o very_o little_a of_o this_o now_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o few_o man_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o be_v too_o much_o unconcern_v what_o become_v of_o their_o brother_n soul_n they_o think_v every_o man_n must_v look_v to_o himself_o but_o do_v not_o feel_v that_o sympathy_n compassion_n and_o care_n which_o one_o member_n have_v for_o another_o that_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n 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endearment_n among_o neighbour_n than_o stranger_n parochial_a communion_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o christian_a neighbour_n who_o daily_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o do_v better_a answer_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a communion_n than_o gather_v church_n i_o add_v further_o that_o in_o parochial_a communion_n every_o particular_a christian_a in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o which_o can_v ordinary_o be_v do_v in_o gather_a church_n for_o every_o particular_a man_n belong_v to_o one_o parish_n or_o another_o and_o be_v by_o law_n bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o may_v be_v discover_v and_o correct_v either_o by_o private_a admonition_n or_o public_a censure_n but_o when_o man_n forsake_v their_o parochial_a communion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v of_o this_o church_n or_o of_o that_o or_o of_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o 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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 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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
witness_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n word_n for_o this_o cause_n ought_v the_o woman_n to_o have_v power_n over_o her_o head_n 10_o because_o of_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v a_o discourse_v the_o decency_n of_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v because_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v undecent_a to_o appear_v with_o her_o head_n uncover_v and_o much_o more_o so_o in_o religious_a assembly_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o decency_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v those_o angel_n who_o attend_v our_o worship_n and_o careful_o observe_v our_o behaviour_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v if_o we_o reverence_v man_n much_o more_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o angel_n attend_v our_o worship_n and_o that_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o all_o decency_n and_o gravity_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n hearty_o believe_v and_o serious_o consider_v that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n look_v on_o and_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o action_n and_o be_v great_o offend_v with_o a_o light_n and_o trifle_a carriage_n with_o any_o gesture_n or_o action_n which_o unbecome_v so_o great_a a_o presence_n it_o will_v compose_v they_o to_o great_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o either_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o come_v to_o church_n or_o more_o reverend_a when_o they_o do_v chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o nother_n great_a miscarriage_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v our_o communion_n be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o church_n when_o the_o service_n be_v half_o read_v other_o when_o it_o be_v near_o a_o conclusion_n and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o it_o neither_o if_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o sermon_n at_o other_o time_n when_o there_o be_v only_o the_o divine_a service_n read_v without_o a_o sermon_n few_o person_n think_v it_o worth_a their_o attendance_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o the_o minister_n laugh_v at_o for_o read_v to_o bare_a wall_n and_o empty_a seat_n these_o thing_n i_o grant_v may_v happen_v sometime_o where_o there_o be_v no_o design_a neglect_n the_o mistake_n of_o time_n may_v occasion_v some_o person_n come_v late_o who_o want_v certain_a notice_n and_o on_o the_o weekday_n necessary_a business_n may_v hinder_v other_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o the_o opportunity_n they_o can_v get_v of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o reasonable_a excuse_n the_o fault_n be_v very_o great_a though_o few_o people_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o my_o business_n at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o neglect_n 1._o if_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n to_o prove_v such_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n for_o they_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n there_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o receive_v a_o ministerial_a absolution_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n there_o we_o praise_v he_o in_o divine_a hymn_n and_o anthem_n and_o put_v up_o our_o joint_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o divine_a worship_n because_o it_o be_v our_o address_n to_o god_n in_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v or_o preach_v be_v so_o far_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n too_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o our_o desire_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o secondary_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o consist_v in_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o either_o immediate_o in_o his_o inspire_a word_n or_o mediate_o by_o those_o man_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o consist_v in_o our_o offer_v something_o to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v high_o please_v to_o he_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o name_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o mediator_n jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o those_o who_o neglect_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n neglect_v public_a worship_n and_o those_o who_o slight_a the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a prayer_n when_o there_o be_v no_o sermon_n to_o invite_v their_o presence_n plain_o discover_v that_o they_o prefer_v please_v their_o curiosity_n with_o hear_v some_o new_a discourse_n before_o the_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o they_o hear_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o the_o end_n of_o hear_v be_v practice_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o practical_a religion_n be_v the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o because_o some_o man_n think_v they_o worship_v god_n sufficient_o if_o they_o come_v time_n enough_o to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o church_n communion_n principal_o consist_v in_o join_v in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v think_v nor_o do_v they_o intend_v to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o effect_n do_v so_o while_o they_o neglect_v its_o public_a worship_n for_o church_n communion_n consist_v in_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n before_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o express_o provide_v for_o by_o our_o rubric_n though_o it_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o canon_n make_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o be_v now_o useful_o introduce_v by_o long_a custom_n with_o the_o connivance_n if_o not_o the_o express_a allowance_n of_o our_o governor_n but_o the_o liturgy_n be_v the_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n there_o the_o church_n offer_v up_o more_o especial_o her_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n this_o be_v the_o great_a bond_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o to_o neglect_v or_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o this_o worship_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o when_o you_o join_v in_o the_o pulpit_n prayer_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o compose_v grave_a and_o serious_a pious_a and_o ardent_a yet_o it_o look_v more_o like_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n than_o of_o the_o church_n for_o you_o join_v only_o with_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o such_o a_o prayer_n but_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o that_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n prescribe_v by_o public_a authority_n we_o join_v with_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n offer_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o have_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n and_o those_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n who_o make_v light_a of_o this_o why_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o religious_a assembly_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o may_v as_o well_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o about_o the_o same_o hour_n which_o in_o ancient_a time_n be_v observe_v for_o private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a devotion_n offer_v up_o their_o private_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o themselves_o and_o one_o another_o for_o god_n can_v hear_v they_o all_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o their_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n together_o and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v as_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a as_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o great_a company_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n have_v appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o god_n in_o his_o
and_o reverence_n for_o their_o spirial_a guide_n this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o only_o a_o word_n by_o the_o by_o for_o my_o own_o profession_n but_o let_v it_o be_v for_o who_o it_o will_v religion_n never_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v like_a to_o flourish_v when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v when_o their_o counsel_n be_v slight_v and_o contemn_v their_o office_n be_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o soul_n and_o unless_o man_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o it_o render_v their_o office_n useless_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o reverence_v their_o counsel_n reproof_n and_o censure_n and_o to_o apply_v to_o they_o in_o all_o case_n which_o concern_v their_o soul_n now_o when_o man_n have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o instruction_n it_o make_v they_o natural_o reverence_v their_o judgement_n and_o advise_v with_o they_o in_o all_o difficult_a case_n a_o thing_n much_o out_o of_o use_n now_o and_o we_o see_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n of_o too_o many_o 4._o by_o the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n those_o may_v learn_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v too_o old_a indeed_o to_o be_v catechize_v but_o yet_o very_o much_o want_v it_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a to_o think_v how_o ignorant_a many_o man_n be_v of_o the_o very_a first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n indeed_o but_o be_v never_o catechize_v all_o our_o sermon_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v upon_o these_o man_n who_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v religion_n unless_o you_o teach_v they_o as_o you_o do_v child_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o their_o age_n and_o long_a profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a and_o modest_a way_n of_o instruct_v these_o man_n be_v to_o instruct_v child_n when_o they_o be_v present_a which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o do_v not_o disdain_v instruction_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o and_o so_o conclude_v this_o argument_n that_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o instruct_v child_n i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o think_v that_o i_o only_o mean_v such_o young_a child_n as_o be_v just_o able_a to_o repeat_v the_o catechism_n by_o heart_n but_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v any_o other_o answer_n to_o what_o you_o ask_v but_o what_o they_o find_v in_o their_o book_n such_o child_n as_o these_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o instruction_n nor_o can_v it_o much_o edify_v the_o congregation_n to_o hear_v they_o repeat_v imperfect_o the_o word_n of_o the_o catechism_n but_o i_o principal_o mean_v such_o young_a man_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o learning_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o and_o make_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n at_o least_o with_o a_o little_a help_n and_o instruction_n we_o live_v now_o in_o a_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v think_v a_o reproach_n for_o those_o to_o be_v catechize_v who_o be_v get_v out_o of_o their_o hanging-sleeve_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o learn_v a_o trade_n they_o think_v themselves_o too_o old_a to_o learn_v their_o religion_n but_o be_v religion_n then_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o youth_n of_o sixteen_o or_o seventeen_o be_v past_o his_o catechism_n be_v it_o a_o great_a reproach_n at_o such_o a_o age_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v to_o learn_v arithmetic_n and_o merchant_n account_n i_o ready_o grant_v such_o young_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v treat_v like_o child_n to_o be_v make_v repeat_v only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o catechism_n as_o schoolboy_n do_v their_o lesson_n but_o there_o be_v a_o manly_a way_n of_o instruction_n which_o will_v not_o unbecome_v their_o year_n but_o much_o contribute_v to_o their_o increase_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n can_v this_o point_n be_v once_o gain_v to_o persuade_v parent_n and_o master_n to_o send_v such_o to_o be_v catechize_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o instruction_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o see_v very_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o so_o much_o despise_v and_o neglect_a duty_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o last_o miscarriage_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o general_a neglect_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n this_o practice_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n restore_v among_o we_o and_o we_o now_o with_o joy_n observe_v more_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a communion_n than_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n last_o pass_v yet_o this_o hold_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o those_o great_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n who_o neglect_v it_o whole_o or_o communicate_v very_o seldom_o thus_o to_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o christianity_n and_o infinite_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o the_o most_o beneficial_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o indeed_o one_o will_v think_v that_o there_o need_v nothing_o else_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o so_o advantageous_a a_o duty_n but_o true_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o my_o present_a design_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o large_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v bring_v what_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v and_o 1._o show_v you_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o 2._o examine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n or_o occasion_n which_o tempt_v man_n to_o such_o a_o neglect_n 1._o the_o great_a evil_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o this_o be_v by_o explain_v those_o many_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o we_o to_o a_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o this_o mysterious_a feast_n 1._o and_o i_o shall_v first_o argue_v from_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o certain_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o a_o stand_n and_o necessary_a duty_n to_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o his_o disciple_n now_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o feast_n run_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o command_n so_o st._n matthew_n tell_v we_o as_o they_o be_v eat_v 28._o viz._n the_o feast_n of_o the_o passeover_n jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v take_v eat_z this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o same_o account_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n 25._o give_v of_o it_o and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n so_o do_v st._n paul_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o revelation_n from_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o those_o man_n at_o least_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n who_o never_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n if_o it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o sin_n to_o break_v a_o plain_a express_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o very_o great_a number_n there_o be_v of_o such_o man_n in_o our_o church_n if_o at_o least_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o call_v christ_n lord_n and_o master_n but_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o there_o be_v two_o very_a considerable_a aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v his_o last_o and_o die_a command_n which_o usual_o have_v great_a sacredness_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o though_o it_o be_v but_o the_o command_n nay_o but_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o friend_n this_o command_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o night_n wherein_o he_o be_v betray_v when_o he_o be_v just_a about_o to_o offer_v his_o soul_n in_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v to_o encounter_v with_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n with_o rage_n and_o malice_n with_o the_o shame_n and_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a requital_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n that_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o die_a command_n 2._o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o numerous_a troublesome_a expensive_a ceremony_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n