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england_n ceremony_n church_n rite_n 3,560 5 9.9325 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59850 A practical discourse of religious assemblies by Will. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1681 (1681) Wing S3322; ESTC R27485 148,095 402

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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
prevail_v with_o some_o honest_a but_o less_o think_v man_n to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v those_o which_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a do_v here_o shall_v be_v to_o answer_v some_o hard_a word_n and_o ill_a name_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o worship_n and_o show_v how_o ignorant_o and_o injurious_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n such_o be_v these_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n these_o be_v hard_a word_n which_o very_o few_o people_n understand_v and_o therein_o the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o first_o will-worship_n now_o when_o man_n charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o will-worship_n they_o general_o understand_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n now_o this_o i_o absolute_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o will-worship_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consist_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o expound_v they_o to_o the_o people_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o sing_v psalm_n and_o administer_a the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o which_o be_v express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v will-worship_n in_o this_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n use_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o not_o will-worship_n we_o do_v not_o think_v wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n nor_o expect_v to_o please_v god_n by_o any_o external_a dress_n or_o habit_n but_o we_o think_v it_o a_o decent_a garb_n for_o those_o to_o use_v who_o minister_n in_o holy_a thing_n we_o do_v not_o think_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o act_n but_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o not_o kneel_v to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o express_v that_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o mind_n which_o become_v such_o a_o mysterious_a worship_n and_o as_o a_o posture_n suitable_a to_o those_o prayer_n which_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v we_o put_v up_o to_o heaven_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o design_v as_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n it_o be_v not_o a_o dedicate_a and_o covenant_a sign_n which_o respect_v god_n but_o at_o most_o a_o engage_v sign_n which_o respect_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n much_o less_o will-worship_n to_o institute_v any_o new_a kind_a or_o species_n of_o worship_n be_v certain_o unlawful_a as_o to_o make_v any_o new_a object_n of_o worship_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a representation_n such_o as_o a_o picture_n and_o image_n or_o invisible_a being_n as_o angel_n and_o deisied_a man_n a_o numerous_a company_n of_o who_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o new_a act_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o frequent_a wash_n purgation_n sacrifice_n pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a action_n which_o be_v no_o where_o determine_v by_o god_n may_v and_o must_v be_v determine_v either_o by_o our_o own_o prudence_n or_o by_o the_o prudence_n of_o our_o governor_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o will-worship_n because_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v design_v for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v further_a that_o this_o word_n will-worship_n be_v find_v but_o once_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o very_a wise_a and_o learned_a man_n question_n whether_o in_o that_o place_n will-worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o ill_a thing_n the_o word_n be_v these_o which_o 23._o thing_n have_v indeed_o a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n not_o in_o any_o honour_n of_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o they_o observe_v that_o will-worship_n be_v join_v with_o two_o other_o very_a good_a thing_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v external_a severity_n and_o mortification_n to_o keep_v down_o the_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n not_o to_o pamper_v it_o with_o high_a nourishment_n nor_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o follow_v not_o in_o honour_n in_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o honour_n as_o st._n hierom_n observe_v signify_v take_v care_n of_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n strictness_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n in_o suppress_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o lust_n and_o the_o least_o inclination_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v forbid_v or_o censure_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o will-worship_n be_v for_o there_o be_v as_o much_o appearance_n of_o his_o condemn_v one_o as_o tother_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o expound_v this_o to_o signify_v only_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o that_o suppose_n that_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a thing_n and_o part_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n when_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o good_a gain_v a_o reputation_n of_o wisdom_n by_o be_v like_o they_o for_o that_o which_o make_v these_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o will-worship_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n by_o will-worship_n we_o must_v understand_v voluntary_a worship_n which_o answer_v to_o free-will-offering_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o yet_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o man_n do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o deny_v themselves_o those_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o god_n allow_v in_o order_n to_o some_o spiritual_a end_n to_o refine_v and_o purge_v their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o more_o perfect_a attainment_n in_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o countenance_v this_o interpretation_n that_o all_o the_o superstition_n in_o the_o world_n do_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v man_n and_o pass_v for_o excellent_a attainment_n in_o religion_n under_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o free-will-offering_n of_o do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o whereby_o they_o think_v they_o so_o high_o merit_v of_o god_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o become_v his_o peculiar_a favourite_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n think_v to_o do_v by_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n by_o their_o frequent_a wash_n purification_n fast_n and_o tything_n even_o mint_n and_o cummin_n thus_o the_o papist_n do_v by_o their_o fast_n pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n but_o the_o mistake_n be_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n because_o though_o at_o first_o it_o look_v like_o the_o noble_a generous_a worship_n of_o free-will-offering_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o though_o under_o the_o law_n freewill_n offering_n be_v not_o command_v which_o have_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o freewill_n offer_v yet_o there_o be_v direction_n give_v what_o such_o person_n shall_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o case_n they_o do_v offer_v at_o all_o and_o in_o particular_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o blemish_n 17._o in_o it_o which_o signify_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o such_o instance_n as_o we_o know_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o man_n spend_v their_o zeal_n in_o some_o voluntary_a superstition_n which_o can_v please_v god_n such_o thing_n have_v only_o a_o show_n a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n in_o voluntary_a worship_n because_o though_o their_o worship_n be_v voluntary_a and_o so_o far_o commendable_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v
god_n or_o not_o when_o they_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o the_o bare_a external_a performance_n of_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v external_a in_o religion_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n with_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o hope_v to_o flatter_v he_o and_o to_o compound_v with_o he_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o inward_a vital_a principle_n of_o religion_n by_o external_a hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a 1._o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n who_o hope_v to_o please_v god_n and_o obtain_v his_o favour_n only_o by_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o 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be_v well_o reward_v for_o reform_v religion_n with_o infinite_a pain_n and_o labour_n and_o to_o their_o utmost_a peril_n it_o cost_v many_o martyr_n their_o life_n and_o will_v have_v make_v the_o crown_n to_o shake_v have_v it_o not_o be_v secure_a by_o a_o omnipotent_a hand_n and_o all-seeing_a providence_n and_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v for_o nothing_o for_o we_o be_v not_o get_v out_o of_o babylon_n yet_o that_o command_n still_o lie_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o our_o ancestor_n believe_v it_o do_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v our_o reformer_n who_o be_v so_o sincere_a and_o honest_a who_o spare_v no_o pain_n and_o fear_v no_o danger_n to_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o retain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a leaven_n as_o make_v it_o unsafe_a for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o partake_v in_o such_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o papist_n shall_v be_v such_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o rome_n and_o look_v so_o kind_o upon_o our_o new_a thorough-reformer_n but_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o point_v of_o popery_n be_v still_o retain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n o_o say_v they_o that_o be_v quick_o do_v the_o very_a office_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o relic_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o very_a first_o institution_n of_o it_o have_v be_v popish_o affect_v for_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v have_v a_o episcopal_a power_n and_o authority_n we_o find_v no_o christian_a church_n without_o bishop_n till_o the_o reformation_n that_o be_v for_o 1500_o year_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o 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antichristian_a usurpation_n but_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v popish_a i_o beseech_v you_o wherein_o as_o it_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n then_o our_o saviour_n teach_v man_n popery_n for_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n must_v be_v rank_a popery_n which_o consist_v only_o of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n compose_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o be_v there_o any_o remain_v of_o popish_a worship_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v there_o any_o prayer_n to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v our_o prayer_n conceal_v from_o we_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o we_o say_v what_o petition_n we_o put_v up_o to_o god_n do_v you_o find_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n or_o any_o relic_n of_o it_o in_o our_o liturgy_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n for_o our_o reform_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n who_o purge_v our_o worship_n from_o all_o these_o abomination_n but_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o popery_n still_o this_o i_o will_v in_o part_n grant_v but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o mass-book_n be_v not_o popery_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o creed_n ten_o commandment_n and_o lord_n prayer_n be_v part_n of_o popery_n the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o you_o must_v consider_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o true_a church_n corrupt_v and_o degenerate_v from_o its_o primitive_a institution_n for_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o inferior_a in_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o several_a age_n after_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o its_o great_a degeneracy_n it_o retain_v some_o small_a
that_o all_o external_a thing_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o their_o end_n and_o use._n those_o be_v innocent_a and_o laudable_a custom_n which_o serve_v a_o good_a end_n either_o help_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n or_o make_v the_o worship_n more_o grave_a and_o solemn_a provide_v it_o be_v not_o in_o forbid_a instance_n 4._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n be_v a_o great_a vindication_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o we_o have_v not_o a_o plain_a and_o express_a rule_n example_n which_o be_v great_a and_o good_a one_o have_v the_o authority_n and_o face_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o will_v desire_v any_o better_a example_n than_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n some_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n and_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n which_o they_o say_v be_v express_o forbid_v 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and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o if_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristianism_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v antichristian_a for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a order_n i_o know_v not_o what_o authority_n any_o man_n have_v to_o alter_v it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n think_v that_o communion_n safe_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n other_o except_z against_o form_n of_o prayer_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o old_a in_o use_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n i_o be_o much_o of_o s._n chrysostoms_n opinion_n that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o age_n of_o miracle_n extraordinary_a &_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o there_o be_v of_o healing_n and_o prophesy_v and_o work_a miracle_n not_o that_o every_o christian_a have_v these_o gift_n any_o more_o than_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o inspire_a prayer_n for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n which_o make_v it_o needless_a in_o that_o age_n to_o have_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o when_o i_o see_v that_o age_n of_o miracle_n return_v again_o i_o will_v glad_o renounce_v liturgy_n to_o join_v in_o inspire_a prayer_n but_o as_o miracle_n cease_v so_o do_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o then_o as_o the_o same_o father_n observe_v the_o church_n worship_v god_n in_o allow_a form_n to_o be_v sure_a so_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o and_o if_o we_o can_v trace_v it_o to_o its_o first_o original_a for_o want_v of_o early_a record_n in_o those_o matter_n yet_o i_o think_v he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a scrupulous_a man_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o constantine_n day_n who_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o his_o soldier_n which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a he_o will_v have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n use_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v till_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o reformation_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o it_o for_o the_o lutheran_n and_o bohemian_a church_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n and_o holland_n have_v their_o liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o if_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v by_o mr._n calvin_n himself_o till_o some_o jesuit_n in_o masquerade_n first_o set_v up_o that_o way_n of_o conceive_a and_o extemporary_a prayer_n on_o purpose_n to_o break_v good_a order_n in_o our_o church_n as_o we_o well_o be_v assure_v by_o very_o firebrand_n credible_a testimony_n other_o scruple_n significant_a ceremony_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n we_o find_v such_o in_o use_n which_o be_v now_o disuse_v as_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n much_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o censure_v than_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o yet_o be_v retain_v for_o several_a age_n in_o the_o church_n in_o tertullian_n and_o st._n cyprian_n time_n we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o symbolical_a and_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o they_o they_o frequent_o cross_v themselves_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o baptize_v person_n be_v clothe_v in_o white_a and_o thence_o whitsunday_n receive_v its_o name_n because_o that_o be_v a_o solemn_a time_n for_o baptism_n when_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v clothe_v with_o white_a garment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v you_o abundance_n of_o such_o instance_n which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o mention_v they_o in_o st._n augustine_n time_n ceremony_n be_v grow_v so_o numerous_a that_o he_o very_o much_o complain_v not_o of_o the_o significancy_n and_o symbolicalness_n but_o of_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o but_o never_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n himself_o januar._n but_o advise_v other_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n of_o any_o church_n where_o they_o come_v though_o different_a from_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v there_o never_o be_v any_o schism_n occasion_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o significant_a ceremony_n till_o of_o late_a among_o we_o and_o it_o will_v a_o little_a startle_v a_o modest_a man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o must_v have_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a from_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o this_o day_n these_o thing_n careful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v must_v needs_o tend_v to_o compose_v man_n mind_n and_o reduce_v those_o who_o be_v go_v astray_o into_o the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v rather_o venture_v err_v with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o present_a age_n than_o break_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a communion_n to_o follow_v some_o upstart_n new_a light_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v lead_v i_o right_n sect_n iii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v some_o popular_a cavil_n and_o exception_n which_o too_o often_o
the_o very_a case_n the_o apostle_n mention_n for_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v either_o the_o worship_a angel_n ver_fw-la 18._o which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o humility_n that_o such_o mean_a and_o guilty_a creature_n dare_v not_o immediate_o approach_v to_o god_n without_o the_o intercession_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n or_o those_o ordinance_n and_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o 20_o 21._o which_o he_o call_v the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n ver_fw-la 22._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v either_o the_o jewish_a law_n of_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o pythagorean_n abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o woman_n or_o from_o eat_v any_o live_a creature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a both_o of_o they_o these_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n but_o indeed_o be_v not_o true_a wisdom_n nor_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n such_o as_o their_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n their_o fast_n penance_n and_o pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v make_v substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n be_v never_o reckon_v among_o they_o till_o now_o by_o any_o ancient_a or_o modern_a expositor_n now_o though_o will-worship_n be_v in_o this_o place_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o these_o thing_n condemn_v as_o part_n of_o will-worship_n yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o as_o have_v nothing_o in_o her_o worship_n like_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v not_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o will-worship_n any_o far_a than_o the_o apostle_n have_v apply_v it_o or_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v analogous_a to_o what_o he_o condem_n for_o will-worship_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o have_v the_o least_o ill_a character_n affix_v to_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o accusation_n be_v superstition_n a_o name_n which_o be_v at_o all_o adventure_n give_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o man_n dislike_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o name_n of_o reproach_n serve_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o argument_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o at_o hand_n thus_o to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v all_o superstitious_a ceremony_n and_o so_o they_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v who_o most_o frequent_o use_v this_o word_n without_o understand_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o no_o man_n need_v be_v at_o any_o great_a trouble_n to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n than_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o will_v soon_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n in_o apply_v it_o now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o tully_n be_v render_v superstitio_fw-la be_v by_o st._n austin_n call_v demonum_fw-la cultus_fw-la the_o worship_n of_o demon_n that_o be_v of_o angel_n or_o dead_a man_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n at_o athens_n when_o he_o observe_v the_o inscription_n of_o 22._o their_o altar_n to_o a_o unknown_a god_n say_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v more_o superstitious_a than_o other_o i._n e._n that_o they_o worship_v more_o god_n or_o demon_n than_o other_o heathen_a nation_n and_o possible_o with_o more_o devotion_n and_o religious_a observance_n but_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o great_a dread_n and_o fear_n of_o their_o demon_n and_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v make_v equivalent_a to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dread_n or_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v super_v this_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o consequent_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o for_o which_o reason_n epicurus_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n yet_o he_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v maker_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o humane_a affair_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n he_o reject_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d superstitious_a fearer_n of_o the_o deity_n hence_o he_o represent_v the_o design_n of_o his_o philosophy_n to_o be_v to_o deliver_v man_n from_o superstition_n that_o they_o may_v live_v without_o fear_n of_o any_o invisible_a power_n or_o infernal_a judge_n of_o who_o their_o poet_n especial_o tell_v such_o frightful_a and_o tragical_a story_n and_o therefore_o in_o other_o place_n superstition_n be_v make_v by_o he_o equivalent_a to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n after_o death_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n superstition_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o nickname_n for_o religion_n or_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n but_o this_o be_v so_o troublesome_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o atheistical_a philosopher_n that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v himself_o and_o mankind_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o future_a account_n as_o in_o our_o age_n for_o the_o fame_n reason_n too_o many_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o laugh_v and_o droll_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n that_o they_o may_v live_v secure_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o though_o every_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o few_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n stick_v close_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o different_a for_o they_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v as_o to_o despise_v his_o power_n and_o therefore_o they_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a dread_n of_o god_n as_o a_o observer_n of_o their_o action_n and_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o he_o but_o as_o of_o a_o powerful_a domineer_a imperious_a tyrant_n and_o therefore_o maximus_n tyrius_n make_v this_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o religious_a and_o superstitious_a man_n that_o a_o religious_a man_n go_v to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o servile_a fear_n and_o horror_n which_o we_o now_o common_o oppose_v to_o a_o filial_a fear_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o love_n and_o reverence_n as_o a_o son_n love_v and_o honour_n his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o superstitious_a man_n be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o god_n as_o a_o powerful_a tyrant_n hence_o plutarch_n observe_v that_o a_o atheist_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o superstitious_a man_n wish_v there_o be_v none_o and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o superstition_n make_v man_n fear_n god_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o flatter_v he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a temper_n of_o fear_n to_o fawn_v and_o crouch_v and_o by_o the_o base_a and_o most_o servile_a submission_n to_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o imperious_a lord_n and_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o those_o who_o be_v proud_a severe_a and_o imperious_a to_o love_v to_o be_v flatter_v and_o therefore_o those_o man_n who_o look_v on_o god_n only_o as_o almighty_a power_n which_o be_v soon_o provoke_v and_o can_v be_v resist_v hope_v to_o appease_v so_o angry_a a_o be_v by_o some_o servile_a and_o flatter_a submission_n whence_o it_o be_v maximus_n tyrius_n represent_v a_o true_o pious_a man_n as_o god_n friend_n and_o a_o superstitious_a man_n as_o his_o flatterer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o superstitious_a man_n be_v this_o that_o a_o true_o religious_a man_n be_v one_o who_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o this_o servile_a fear_n of_o god_n he_o love_v he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a be_v and_o secure_o hope_v in_o he_o as_o the_o most_o kind_a father_n and_o bountiful_a benefactor_n and_o delight_n to_o pay_v he_o such_o homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n but_o a_o superstitious_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v in_o love_n with_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o which_o he_o fear_v god_n will_v punish_v he_o for_o but_o can_v and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o fear_v god_n and_o flatter_v he_o and_o invent_v such_o art_n to_o appease_v
name_n have_v confine_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n and_o favour_n to_o such_o assembly_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n for_o he_o have_v express_o promise_v that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o 20._o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a charter_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o certain_o be_v strong_a the_o more_o universal_a the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n be_v for_o if_o christ_n will_v be_v present_a with_o two_o or_o three_o who_o assemble_v in_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o agree_v to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o god_n much_o more_o when_o so_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v confederated_a in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n in_o the_o same_o word_n how_o powerful_a will_v the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o a_o whole_a national_a church_n be_v to_o procure_v those_o blessing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o want_v for_o if_o unity_n and_o consent_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o please_v to_o god_n the_o great_a this_o consent_n be_v the_o more_o please_a it_o must_v be_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o private_a christian_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v confederated_a by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o public_a worship_n have_v the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a order_n and_o government_n if_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o particular_a minister_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o prevalent_a how_o much_o more_o those_o prayer_n which_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o church_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n even_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o single_a minister_n which_o can_v so_o well_o be_v say_v of_o any_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o to_o observe_v good_a order_n in_o our_o religious_a worship_n do_v man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v soon_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o such_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o prefer_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n before_o any_o prayer_n of_o a_o private_a composition_n or_o any_o sudden_a extempore_o effusion_n for_o public_a prayer_n prescribe_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o offer_v up_o by_o a_o public_a minister_n be_v always_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o virtual_o contain_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n public_a baptism_n be_v now_o very_o much_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n most_o people_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a needless_a and_o troublesome_a ceremony_n to_o carry_v their_o child_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o to_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o private_a chamber_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v with_o little_a company_n and_o with_o little_a noise_n as_o prevail_v as_o this_o custom_n now_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o very_a late_a date_n even_o in_o this_o church_n it_o seem_v to_o owe_v its_o original_n to_o the_o dispute_v about_o ceremony_n for_o when_o some_o man_n scruple_v godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o avoid_v this_o they_o baptize_v their_o child_n private_o at_o home_n without_o either_o when_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o conscientious_a conformist_n as_o can_v dispense_v with_o his_o rule_n and_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n forbid_v those_o who_o still_o retain_v their_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o partake_v in_o a_o prevail_a schism_n be_v force_v to_o retire_v into_o private_a too_o and_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n at_o home_n and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o break_v a_o custom_n upon_o what_o occasion_n soever_o it_o be_v at_o first_o begin_v that_o which_o necessity_n occasion_v be_v continue_v by_o some_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o state_n by_o other_o to_o save_v charge_n and_o trouble_v which_o may_v be_v much_o better_o save_v by_o public_a baptism_n by_o other_o out_o of_o softness_n and_o tenderness_n a_o kind_n and_o indulgent_a mother_n dare_v not_o expose_v a_o young_a infant_n to_o the_o cold_a air_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o send_v it_o to_o nurse_n i_o can_v never_o hear_v any_o thing_n plead_v for_o this_o practice_n that_o deserve_v a_o answer_n that_o which_o make_v this_o custom_n prevail_v be_v that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o great_a decency_n and_o fitness_n and_o the_o many_o advantage_n of_o public_a baptism_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o brief_o represent_v by_o public_a baptism_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o fitness_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v our_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v public_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n i_o know_v of_o whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n but_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o be_v do_v in_o private_a other_o which_o require_v some_o public_a solemnity_n and_o it_o be_v as_o undecent_a to_o do_v a_o public_a action_n i._n e._n a_o action_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n private_o as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o private_a action_n in_o public_a now_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o public_a nature_n which_o concern_v a_o who'e_n society_n and_o such_o be_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o efficacy_n indeed_o of_o baptism_n depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v right_o administer_v do_v not_o lose_v its_o virtue_n for_o want_v of_o some_o due_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o those_o who_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o give_v all_o christian_a office_n their_o due_a solemnity_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v that_o baptism_n contain_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o public_a own_n of_o his_o religion_n no_o adult_n person_n be_v ever_o admit_v to_o baptism_n without_o a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o as_o learned_a man_n think_v st._n peter_n call_v baptism_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o 21._o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v examine_v about_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o indeed_o infant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o their_o sponsor_n and_o surety_n be_v who_o undertake_v for_o their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o certain_o the_o public_a church_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a place_n for_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n to_o baptize_v our_o child_n private_o look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n than_o to_o destroy_v