the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o be_v before_o note_v and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n say_v a_o 4._o a_o alex._n hales_n de_fw-fr missâ—_n p._n 2._o quest_n 10._o p._n 4._o popish_a author_n which_o our_o dissenter_n urge_v for_o sit_v viz._n because_o the_o apostle_n sit_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o every_o priest_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o partake_v stand_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o kneel_v there_o nay_o if_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o we_o must_v never_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o we_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o convenient_a posture_n such_o as_o kneel_v sit_v discumb_a stand_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o heathen_n and_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unjust_a to_o say_v that_o our_o kneel_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o outward_a element_n when_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n mr._n tomb_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o whatever_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o theod._n p._n 168._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o mr._n bains_n christian_n lett._n 24._o and_o mr._n bayly_n disswas_n c._n 2_o 6._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o make_v sit_v necessary_a or_o forbid_v kneel_v and_z mr._n bains_n ibid._n grant_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o idolatrous_a and_o mr._n cartwright_n who_o think_v it_o inconvenient_a yet_o do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a harmon_n on_o luke_n 22.14_o last_o mr._n baxter_n christian_n dir._n part_n 2._o p._n 111._o quest_n 3._o sect_n 40._o say_v for_o kneel_v i_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n yet_o to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o any_o gesture_n nor_o against_o any_o christ_n be_v example_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_v not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v but_o to_o minister_n and_o but_o to_o a_o family_n to_o twelve_o and_o after_o supper_n and_o on_o a_o thursday_n night_n and_o in_o a_o upper-room_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o and_o 2._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o the_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_v pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n upon_o our_o knee_n chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o agreement_n between_o your_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o can_v think_v communion_n with_o your_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o first_o reformer_n be_v indeed_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v very_o commendable_a and_o a_o good_a beginning_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o age_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o complete_a reformation_n they_o leave_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o popish_a trash_n in_o the_o church_n hope_v by_o degree_n to_o reconcile_v the_o papist_n to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n too_o wide_o and_o too_o much_o prejudice_n or_o estrange_v they_o from_o it_o but_o we_o now_o live_v under_o better_a mean_n have_v great_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o a_o further_o and_o more_o perfect_a amendment_n be_v now_o necessary_a now_o i_o can_v but_o inward_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o love_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n who_o in_o their_o first_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v not_o nice_a or_o scrupulous_a beyond_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o thing_n doubtless_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n enough_o as_o to_o all_o true_a zeal_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n when_o they_o seal_v the_o well-grounded_n offence_n they_o take_v at_o they_o with_o their_o warm_a blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n signalise_v their_o profession_n with_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v intermix_v with_o rome_n in_o any_o usage_n of_o worship_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v the_o least_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n superstition_n or_o false_a religion_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reform_v whole_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_o jealous_a of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o be_v of_o superstition_n will_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o those_o fantastic_a antipathy_n as_o to_o abolish_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n mere_o because_o it_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o papist_n if_o some_o other_o very_o substantial_a reason_n do_v not_o plead_v against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o always_o use_v these_o temperate_a and_o unbiased_a method_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v justify_v themselves_o to_o their_o adversary_n or_o the_o world_n or_o have_v make_v it_o so_o evident_a as_o by_o their_o wise_a management_n they_o do_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v from_o the_o mere_a urgency_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o wantonness_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o where_o any_o mean_v honest_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o those_o do_v that_o dissent_n from_o we_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o reason_n very_o well_o awake_v that_o the_o mere_a charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o any_o dispute_v point_n may_v not_o so_o prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o thing_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o mature_a consideration_n however_o that_o i_o may_v full_o answer_v this_o objection_n draw_v from_o our_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n 2._o that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v 3._o that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o church_n have_v renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o rome_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n power_n but_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o show_v the_o vast_a distance_n between_o they_o first_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deprive_v her_o member_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n and_o miserable_o enslave_v they_o for_o 1._o she_o deny_v they_o all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bind_v they_o all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v her_o infallible_a but_o our_o church_n permit_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a she_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o own_v herself_o to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v a_o most_o slavish_a drudgery_n in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o vain_a and_o childish_a odd_a and_o uncouth_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o a_o man_n will_v wonder_v how_o they_o can_v invent_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o their_o cruel_a penance_n in_o impose_v of_o which_o the_o priest_n be_v arbitrary_a but_o our_o rite_n be_v exceed_v few_o plain_a easy_a grave_a and_o manly_a found_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n long_o before_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n our_o sacrament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o consequent_o we_o be_v not_o burden_v with_o the_o superstitious_a foppery_n of_o the_o other_o five_o popish_a one_o in_o short_a our_o rite_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o
edification_n nor_o do_v our_o church_n impose_v they_o like_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a and_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o changeable_a thing_n as_o for_o our_o penance_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o cruel_a like_o those_o of_o rome_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n subject_n her_o member_n by_o several_a of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o enslave_v passion_n for_o instance_n purgatory_n subject_n they_o to_o fear_n and_o auricular_a confession_n to_o shame_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n expose_v they_o to_o great_a anxiety_n but_o our_o church_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o man_n but_o when_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o make_v satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 4._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v licentious_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o our_o adversary_n can_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v just_o charge_v with_o plain_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n our_o church_n reject_v and_o utter_o abhor_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o image-worship_n invocation_n of_o saint_n transubstantiation_n pardon_n indulgence_n sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n deny_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o vulgar_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n rob_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n prohibit_v marriage_n to_o priest_n merit_n supererogation_n make_v simple_a fornication_n a_o mere_a venial_a sin_n damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o communion_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o church_n that_o more_o severe_o condemn_v all_o instance_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o immorality_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v three_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n to_o show_v this_o in_o all_o particular_n will_v be_v a_o tedious_a task_n therefore_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o office_n of_o infant-baptism_n by_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n before_o they_o go_v into_o the_o church_n after_o many_o preparatory_a prescription_n the_o priest_n be_v dress_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o purple_a robe_n call_v the_o infant_n say_v what_o ask_v thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o godfather_n answer_v faith_n p._n what_o shall_v thou_o get_v by_o faith_n g._n eternal_a life_n p._n if_o thou_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n then_o the_o priest_n blow_v three_o gentle_a puff_n upon_o the_o infant_n be_v face_n and_o say_v go_v out_o of_o he_o o_o unclean_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n then_o cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n and_o breast_n he_o say_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v always_o etc._n etc._n and_o after_o a_o long_a prayer_n the_o priest_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n come_v the_o idle_a and_o profane_a form_n of_o the_o benediction_n of_o salt_n viz._n i_o conjure_v thou_o o_o creature_n of_o salt_n in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o cross_n then_o he_o put_v a_o little_a salt_n into_o the_o infant_n be_v mouth_n say_v take_v thou_o the_o salt_n of_o wisdom_n and_o add_v most_o impious_o be_v it_o thy_o propitiation_n unto_o eternal_a life_n after_o the_o pax_n tecum_fw-la he_o pray_v that_o this_o infant_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o most_o woeful_o be-called_a then_o the_o priest_n cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n say_v and_o this_o sign_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n and_o put_v up_o a_o very_a good_a prayer_n then_o he_o put_v part_n of_o his_o robe_n upon_o the_o infant_n and_o bring_v he_o within_o the_o church_n say_v enter_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o follow_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o the_o paternoster_n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o the_o priest_n take_v spittle_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o therewith_o touch_v the_o infant_n be_v ear_n and_o nostril_n say_v etc._n etc._n then_o he_o conjure_v the_o devil_n again_o say_v be_v pack_v o_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o ask_v the_o infant_n whether_o he_o renounce_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o holy_a oil_n and_o anoint_v the_o infant_n with_o it_o in_o his_o breast_n and_o betwixt_o his_o shoulder_n he_o say_v i_o anoint_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v off_o his_o purple_a robe_n and_o put_v on_o another_o of_o white_a colour_n and_o have_v ask_v four_o more_o question_n and_o receive_v the_o answer_n he_o pour_v water_n thrice_o upon_o the_o child_n head_n as_o he_o recite_v over_o it_o our_o saviour_n form_n of_o baptism_n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o the_o chrism_n or_o holy_a ointment_n he_o anoint_v the_o infant_n upon_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o head_n in_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o cross_n and_o pray_v o_o god_n omnipotent_a etc._n etc._n afterward_o he_o take_v a_o white_a linen_n cloth_n and_o put_v it_o on_o the_o child_n head_n say_v take_v the_o white_a garment_n etc._n etc._n last_o he_o put_v into_o the_o child_n or_o his_o godfather_n hand_n a_o light_a candle_n say_v receive_v the_o burn_a lamp_n etc._n etc._n beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o common_a ritual_a there_o be_v divers_a other_o add_v in_o the_o pastoral_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v and_o now_o if_o any_o man_n will_v read_v our_o office_n of_o baptism_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o unlike_a than_o these_o two_o office_n be_v our_o litany_n indeed_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o dissenter_n as_o savour_v of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a if_o a_o man_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o popish_a one_o the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o consist_v in_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o the_o brevity_n i_o be_o confine_v to_o in_o this_o discourse_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o abide_v any_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n four_o in_o the_o book_n they_o receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v all_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n take_v only_o those_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o all_o protestant_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v true_a she_o read_v some_o part_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o she_o do_v not_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n by_o they_o five_o and_o last_o in_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o find_v their_o whole_a religion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n find_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o her_o own_o infallibility_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o of_o her_o own_o doctrine_n on_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o her_o council_n which_o she_o will_v have_v to_o be_v no_o less_o inspire_v than_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n build_v her_o whole_a religion_n upon_o scripture_n which_o be_v her_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n she_o reverence_n ancient_a general_a council_n but_o do_v not_o think_v they_o infallible_a and_o as_o for_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o church_n claim_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n by_o require_v subscription_n to_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o she_o mean_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o to_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o outward_a submission_n when_o her_o decision_n do_v not_o contradict_v any_o essential_o of_o faith_n or_o manner_n but_o not_o a_o authority_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o infallible_o true_a and_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n it_o be_v true_a she_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o she_o require_v subscription_n as_o a_o test_n of_o this_o belief_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o person_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o undoubted_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o creed_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o as_o to_o the_o motive_n which_o our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v they_o
and_o advancement_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n four_o the_o establish_n of_o contrary_a party_n by_o a_o toleration_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o perfect_a religion_n any_o more_o than_o the_o suffering_n of_o divers_a error_n will_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o reform_v they_o one_o principle_n only_o can_v be_v true_a and_o a_o mixture_n of_o sacred_a and_o profane_a be_v the_o great_a impurity_n five_o many_o dissenter_n be_v not_o like_a to_o improve_v christianity_n because_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o rule_n of_o discretion_n and_o rely_v not_o on_o god_n assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o good_a mean_n but_o depend_v whole_o upon_o immediate_a illumination_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o prudence_n six_o our_o church_n have_v already_o better_a mean_n to_o promote_v pure_a religion_n than_o any_o the_o dissenter_n have_v propose_v any_o church_n may_v be_v improve_v in_o small_a matter_n but_o it_o be_v very_o imprudent_a to_o change_v the_o present_a model_n for_o any_o that_o have_v yet_o be_v offer_v we_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n primitive_a discipline_n decency_n and_o order_n be_v preserve_v we_o have_v as_o many_o true_o pious_a member_n as_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o such_o excellent_a writer_n and_o preacher_n as_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o whereas_o among_o the_o party_n the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n of_o preacher_n be_v deliver_v solemn_o as_o the_o dictate_v of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n i_o may_v add_v also_o that_o the_o dissenter_n doctrine_n of_o god_n secret_a decree_n their_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n without_o a_o bishop_n their_o long_a unstudy_v effusion_n their_o leave_v the_o creed_n out_o of_o the_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n their_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o sometime_o with_o the_o hat_n on_o their_o alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a element_n and_o their_o forbid_v the_o observation_n of_o festival_n be_v not_o so_o conducive_a to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o late_a time_n illegal_o remove_v by_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o alter_v a_o constitution_n but_o it_o be_v extreme_a difficult_a to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o last_a improvement_n to_o conclude_v since_o it_o appear_v that_o dissenter_n be_v not_o like_a to_o obtain_v their_o end_n of_o establish_v themselves_o of_o root_a out_o popery_n and_o promote_a pure_a religion_n by_o overthrow_v the_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o they_o ought_v both_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o endeavour_v after_o union_n with_o it_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a before_o i_o proceed_v to_o explain_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church-communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasinal_a communion_n i._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n in_o opposition_n to_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n for_o though_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o particular_a man_n yet_o those_o man_n be_v consider_v not_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_a into_o a_o regular_a society_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a end_n the_o jewish_a church_n have_v exact_a order_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o union_n and_o order_n of_o its_o part_n be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o body_n but_o a_o spiritual_a building_n holy_a temple_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o church_n be_v one_o body_n in_o opposition_n to_o many_o body_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a which_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a be_v but_o one._n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v but_o one_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n christ_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n joh._n 10.16_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o have_v the_o same_o foundation_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o promise_n the_o same_o privilege_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o separate_a body_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o certain_o where_o everything_o be_v common_a there_o be_v one_o community_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a man_n though_o of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n have_v distinct_a essence_n and_o this_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n but_o where_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o body_n or_o society_n consist_v in_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o if_o no_o christian_a have_v any_o peculiar_a privilege_n then_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n i_o add_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n christian_n be_v call_v the_o choose_a or_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a faith_n law_n rite_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v also_o a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n and_o the_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v one_o society_n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o the_o union_n be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n thus_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o god_n only_o can_v make_v a_o church_n and_o that_o the_o only_a visible_a way_n he_o have_v of_o form_v a_o church_n be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v and_o by_o authorise_v some_o person_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n by_o such_o a_o form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o shall_v institute_v which_o form_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n so_o that_o to_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o visible_o admit_v into_o god_n covenant_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o a_o church-state_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o every_o profess_a christian_a who_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v a_o church-member_n 3._o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_a baptism_n which_o give_v we_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o that_o no_o church-state_n can_v depend_v upon_o human_a contract_n and_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church-covenant_n because_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o only_a covenant_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v and_o why_o then_o do_v the_o independent_o exact_v such_o a_o covenant_n of_o baptise_a person_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o their_o communion_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n which_o already_o consist_v of_o baptise_a person_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o this_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o by_o baptism_n if_o therefore_o a_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v necessary_a than_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v of_o no_o value_n till_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n 6._o that_o if_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o one_o covenant_n than_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o for_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v member_n
3._o some_o be_v offend_v with_o our_o pray_n against_o sudden_a death_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o by_o sudden_a death_n understand_v our_o be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o world_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v for_o sometime_o a_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sudden_a to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n can_v any_o good_a christian_a find_v fault_n with_o the_o petition_n but_o suppose_v that_o by_o sudden_a death_n we_o mean_v what_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o death_n of_o which_o a_o man_n have_v not_o the_o least_o warning_n by_o sickness_n be_v there_o not_o reason_n why_o even_o good_a man_n may_v desire_v not_o to_o die_v sudden_o may_v they_o not_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o draw_v towards_o their_o end_n by_o their_o good_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n make_v impression_n upon_o their_o friend_n companion_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o better_n of_o they_o may_v not_o their_o counsel_n be_v then_o more_o effectual_a with_o they_o than_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v so_o as_o for_o themselves_o may_v not_o the_o warning_n they_o have_v of_o approach_a death_n be_v improve_v to_o make_v they_o more_o sit_v to_o die_v than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o perfect_a health_n in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o think_v himself_o to_o have_v sufficient_o perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o those_o act_n of_o self-examination_n humiliation_n and_o devotion_n by_o which_o good_a man_n improve_v the_o warn_v of_o death_n which_o mortal_a sickness_n or_o extreme_a age_n give_v they_o let_v he_o suspend_v his_o act_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o when_o we_o pray_v god_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sudden_a death·_fw-la 4._o some_o be_v offend_v that_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n holy_a incarnation_n etc._n etc._n by_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n by_o his_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o come_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o say_v this_o be_v swear_v other_o conjure_v and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o when_o we_o say_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o thy_o holy_a incarnation_n and_o by_o thy_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o we_o implore_v christ_n who_o have_v already_o show_v such_o inestimable_a goodness_n towards_o we_o by_o take_v our_o nature_n into_o his_o divinity_n to_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v bury_v to_o rise_v again_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o to_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o we_o and_o by_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o qualify_v the_o apostle_n for_o their_o great_a work_n of_o carry_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n into_o the_o world_n i_o say_v we_o implore_v he_o who_o have_v already_o do_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o we_o plead_v with_o he_o by_o that_o goodness_n which_o he_o have_v already_o give_v we_o such_o great_a demonstration_n of_o by_o those_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o deliver_v we_o by_o his_o powerful_a grace_n from_o those_o evil_n which_o we_o pray_v against_o and_o this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a so_o devout_a and_o affectionate_a so_o humble_a and_o thankful_a a_o way_n of_o pray_v that_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o any_o who_o call_v themselves_o believer_n shall_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v it_o or_o so_o profane_a and_o unlike_a what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v as_o to_o deride_v it_o to_o conclude_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o of_o all_o the_o prayer_n in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n i_o shall_v be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o the_o litany_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n apt_a to_o excite_v our_o most_o intense_a and_o fervent_a desire_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o whole_a office_n be_v frame_v with_o respect_n both_o to_o matter_n and_o contrivance_n for_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o utmost_a devotion_n of_o good_a christian_n and_o for_o the_o warm_n of_o the_o cold_a heart_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o such_o a_o disposition_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o express_v our_o charity_n by_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o distinct_o and_o particular_o as_o public_a prayer_n will_v bear_v chap._n v._o of_o infant-baptism_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o office_n of_o baptism_n i_o think_v it_o be_v proper_a to_o justify_v infant-baptism_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o and_o dislike_v by_o some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o that_o my_o discourse_n concern_v infant-baptism_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n of_o premise_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o original_a of_o the_o jewish_a church_n consider_v pure_o as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v date_v from_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n but_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n from_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n for_o that_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v distinct_a thing_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o distinction_n rom._n 4.13_o gal._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n upon_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v found_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o rom._n 4._o 9th_o to_o the_o 17_o and_o 9.6_o etc._n etc._n gal._n 3.5_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n be_v a_o spiritual_a covenant_n make_v with_o he_o as_o the_o father_n of_o believer_n and_o with_o his_o posterity_n not_o as_o proceed_n from_o he_o by_o natural_a but_o by_o spiritual_a generation_n as_o heir_n of_o his_o faith_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_n we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3.3_o and_o it_o be_v one_o god_n which_o shall_v justify_v the_o circumcision_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n through_o faith_n rom._n 3.30_o and_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n gal._n 3.29_o nay_o it_o will_v far_a appear_v that_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v not_o with_o abraham_n natural_a but_o his_o spiritual_a offspring_n if_o we_o consider_v 3._o that_o the_o initiatory_a sacrament_n into_o it_o be_v circumcision_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n act_v 7.8_o and_o circumcision_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o faith_n or_o faithful_a obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n require_v of_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o which_o they_o promise_v to_o perform_v it_o also_o signify_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n deut._n 10.16_o and_o 30.6_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o 4._o as_o to_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v a_o very_a plain_a account_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o gen._n 17._o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v first_o that_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a see_v exod._n 12.48_o 49._o which_o also_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v not_o to_o his_o natural_a but_o to_o his_o spiritual_a child_n hence_o in_o all_o age_n great_a number_n of_o gentile_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o circumcision_n second_o that_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v child_n from_o circumcision_n that_o he_o order_v that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v defer_v beyond_o the_o 8_o day_n god_n be_v please_v to_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o choose_v the_o child_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o holy_a upon_o their_o account_n this_o be_v ground_n enough_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o for_o god_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o believer_n though_o they_o can_v not_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o faith_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o godfather_n and_o of_o the_o congregation_n under_o which_o he_o be_v circumcise_a be_v believe_v of_o old_a by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o child_n as_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o consent_n see_v seld._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la lib._n 2._o c._n 2._o de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o
shall_v be_v more_o defile_v by_o idolater_n than_o meat_n which_o they_o have_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o why_o shall_v one_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a to_o use_v and_o not_o the_o other_o certain_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v grant_v they_o such_o a_o privilege_n if_o he_o judge_v it_o idolatrous_a to_o use_v what_o idolater_n have_v abuse_v especial_o consider_v that_o he_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n exhort_v they_o earnest_o to_o fly_v from_o idolatry_n 3._o this_o principle_n subject_n the_o mind_n of_o christian_n to_o infinite_a fear_n scruple_n and_o perplexity_n whereas_o the_o true_a and_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o breed_v in_o man_n a_o filial_a cheerful_a frame_n of_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_n or_o quiet_a mind_n to_o give_v we_o a_o free_a easy_a comfortable_a access_n to_o god_n as_o to_o our_o father_n and_o to_o encourage_v every_o good_a man_n to_o a_o diligent_a constant_a and_o frequent_a attendance_n upon_o his_o worship_n by_o the_o delight_n that_o follow_v it_o but_o now_o if_o nothing_o may_v be_v use_v by_o we_o without_o high_o offend_v god_n that_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n who_o see_v not_o what_o trouble_n and_o distraction_n will_v arise_v in_o our_o mind_n hereupon_o when_o we_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o most_o of_o our_o church_n be_v erect_v by_o idolatrous_a papist_n and_o as_o much_o defile_v by_o idolatry_n as_o any_o gesture_n can_v be_v they_o be_v dedicate_v to_o several_a saint_n and_o angel_n who_o image_n be_v once_o set_v up_o and_o adore_v our_o bell_n pew_v font_n desk_n churchyard_n have_v be_v consecrate_v after_o a_o superstitious_a manner_n many_o cup_n flagon_n dish_n communion-table_n have_v be_v give_v and_o use_v by_o idolater_n what_o now_o be_v to_o be_v do_v perhaps_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o if_o certain_a information_n can_v be_v have_v we_o can_v worship_v in_o public_a without_o great_a disquiet_n of_o mind_n 4._o this_o principle_n will_v destroy_v all_o public_a worship_n for_o if_o nothing_o must_v be_v use_v which_o have_v be_v or_o be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o idolater_n by_o engross_a all_o the_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o that_o inward_a veneration_n and_o esteem_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n to_o smother_v our_o devotion_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n frustrate_v the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o true_o this_o work_n be_v already_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o principle_n very_o well_o effect_v for_o kneel_v at_o prayer_n and_o stand_v and_o sit_v and_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o bow_v of_o the_o body_n together_o with_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o sing_v have_v be_v all_o notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n if_o the_o dissenter_n say_v they_o except_z such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n i_o reply_v that_o so_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n hold_v to_o make_v any_o thing_n sinful_a so_o long_o it_o be_v so_o if_o the_o use_n or_o abuse_v of_o any_o thing_n by_o idolater_n make_v it_o simple_o evil_a than_o it_o must_v for_o ever_o remain_v so_o and_o no_o necessity_n whatsoever_o can_v make_v it_o lawful_a so_o that_o this_o principle_n drive_v we_o into_o such_o strait_n that_o we_o must_v sin_v one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o either_o we_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o public_a or_o we_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n if_o we_o do_v and_o though_o of_o two_o evil_n or_o calamity_n the_o least_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v yet_o of_o two_o sin_n neither_o be_v christian_n religion_n flow_v from_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v not_o cross_v one_o another_o but_o be_v even_o and_o consistent_a we_o be_v never_o cast_v by_o god_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v of_o transgress_v one_o law_n by_o the_o observance_n of_o another_o but_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v if_o we_o take_v up_o and_o stick_v to_o this_o principle_n 5._o the_o dissenter_n condemn_v themselves_o in_o what_o they_o allow_v and_o practice_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o rite_n of_o our_o church_n for_o they_o themselves_o do_v use_v without_o scruple_n such_o place_n and_o thing_n and_o posture_n as_o have_v be_v defile_v and_o abuse_v by_o idolater_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v bareheaded_a in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n at_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o do_v idolatrous_a papist_n they_o never_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o kneel_v at_o our_o prayer_n both_o public_a and_o private_a yet_o this_o gesture_n the_o papist_n use_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o the_o cross_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n they_o use_v our_o church_n churchyard_n and_o bell_n and_o never_o think_v they_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o so_o do_v though_o they_o know_v they_o have_v be_v abuse_v nay_o the_o directory_n worship_n directory_n direct_v of_o the_o day_n and_o place_n of_o worship_n declare_v that_o such_o place_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o such_o pollution_n by_o any_o superstition_n former_o use_v and_o now_o lay_v aside_o as_o may_v render_v they_o unlawful_a and_o inconvenient_a mr._n rutherford_n 5.6_o rutherford_n rutherf_n of_o scandal_n q._n 5.6_o say_v of_o bell_n gross_o abuse_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a that_o thereupon_o they_o shall_v be_v difuse_v upon_o which_o the_o reverend_a dr._n falkner_n have_v this_o judicious_a remark_n the_o pretence_n of_o their_o convenient_a usefulness_n will_v be_v no_o better_a excuse_n on_o their_o behalf_n than_o be_v the_o plea_n for_o spare_v the_o best_a of_o the_o amalekite_n cattle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o sacrifice_n when_o god_n have_v devote_v they_o to_o destruction_n for_o if_o god_n as_o they_o say_v have_v command_v that_o all_o such_o thing_n and_o rite_n shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v as_o be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o the_o convenient_a usefulness_n of_o such_o place_n and_o thing_n will_v never_o bear_v they_o out_o 6._o if_o this_o principle_n be_v true_a it_o will_v go_v nigh_o to_o throw_v a_o scorn_n upon_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o reformation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v govern_v themselves_o by_o this_o rule_n some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o public_a confession_n 15._o confession_n confess_v bohem._n art_n 15._o declare_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o retain_v such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v of_o advantage_n to_o faith_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n though_o they_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o any_o synod_n or_o bishop_n or_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o 7._o nay_o this_o principle_n will_v render_v christianity_n impracticable_a because_o there_o be_v no_o circumstance_n no_o instrument_n no_o ministry_n in_o worship_n but_o may_v have_v be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o abuse_v by_o pagan_a or_o romish_a idolatry_n it_o will_v make_v every_o garment_n of_o what_o shape_n or_o of_o what_o colour_n soever_o unfit_a for_o use_v in_o our_o religious_a service_n for_o not_o only_o the_o white_a but_o the_o red_a the_o green_a and_o the_o black_a have_v be_v use_v even_o for_o the_o significancy_n of_o their_o respective_a colour_n by_o the_o gentile_a or_o romanist_n to_o very_o superstitious_a purpose_n in_o divine_a worship_n second_o there_o be_v no_o express_a precept_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o the_o text_n allege_v do_v not_o infer_v it_o for_o 1._o though_o some_o church_n be_v blame_v for_o suffer_v some_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n rev._n 2.14_o 20._o yet_o the_o instance_n be_v impertinent_a because_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o communicate_v in_o idol-worship_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v but_o st._n paul_n declare_v 1_o cor._n 8._o and_o chap._n 10.27_o 28_o 29._o that_o eat_a thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o idol_n in_o cate_v be_v unlawful_a upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o of_o scandal_n 2._o st._n jude_n word_n v._o 23._o hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v by_o the_o flesh_n teach_v we_o indeed_o to_o be_v as_o cautious_a of_o temptation_n to_o sin_n as_o of_o the_o garment_n of_o infect_a person_n but_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n when_o they_o be_v well_o cleanse_v from_o infection_n 3._o though_o the_o
reproof_n not_o on_o thing_n that_o be_v justifiable_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v defend_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o those_o part_n of_o it_o only_o but_o not_o for_o these_o last_o our_o symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n for_o we_o be_v scarce_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o she_o nor_o be_v we_o impose_v as_o necessary_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n severe_o condemn_v the_o jewish_a tradition_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o condemn_v only_o those_o by_o which_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o in_o which_o they_o place_v special_a holiness_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_n 1._o the_o surplice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v solemn_o hallow_a etc._n etc._n but_o we_o use_v it_o only_o for_o distinction_n and_o uniformity_n and_o place_n no_o more_o holiness_n in_o it_o than_o in_o the_o hood_n which_o denote_v degree_n beside_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n minister_n do_v officiate_v in_o white_a garment_n and_o beza_n and_o calvin_n be_v bull._n be_v cont._n westph_n vol._n 1._o p._n 55._o epist_n ad_fw-la bull._n against_o contend_v about_o the_o surplice_n and_o i_o pray_v why_o be_v a_o minister_n be_v linen_n garment_n more_o popish_a than_o a_o lawyer_n be_v gown_n or_o a_o judge_n robe_n our_o famous_a hooker_n 5.228_o hooker_n eccles_n pol._n book_n 5.228_o say_v to_o solemn_a action_n of_o royalty_n and_o justice_n there_o suitable_a ornament_n be_v a_o beauty_n be_v they_o only_o in_o religion_n a_o stain_n 2._o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o use_v by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n she_o enjoin_v numberless_a cross_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o that_o sacrament_n but_o we_o retain_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n and_o have_v abolish_v all_o superstitious_a abuse_n of_o it_o 3._o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v require_v by_o we_o only_o as_o a_o reverend_a gesture_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o this_o kneel_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v perfect_o remove_v the_o papist_n indeed_o kneel_v to_o their_o host_n as_o to_o their_o god_n but_o we_o do_v nothing_o like_o they_o for_o we_o kneel_v not_o to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o at_o our_o receive_v of_o they_o now_o what_o they_o do_v on_o no_o reason_n why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v on_o the_o best_a especial_o when_o our_o church_n declare_v that_o adoration_n of_o the_o of_o the_o element_n be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o disuse_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n because_o the_o papist_n have_v make_v it_o a_o idol_n so_o we_o may_v continue_v our_o reverence_n though_o they_o have_v pay_v it_o adoration_n 4._o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n be_v most_o notorious_o abuse_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o office_n but_o we_o practise_v no_o superstition_n about_o it_o and_o use_v it_o not_o as_o a_o sacramental_a sign_n but_o as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o marriage_n vow_n last_o the_o feast_n and_o fast_n of_o our_o church_n can_v be_v just_o account_v popish_a for_o the_o time_n of_o assemble_v be_v a_o circumstance_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o can_v be_v leave_v to_o particular_a choice_n but_o must_v be_v determine_v in_o common_a and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n must_v be_v determine_v too_o in_o a_o ordinary_a orderly_a assembly_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n when_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o festival_n and_o when_o a_o fast_a as_o to_o the_o keep_v of_o the_o lord's-day_n our_o church_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n unless_o she_o will_v have_v rash_o depart_v from_o apostolical_a observation_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n as_o for_o the_o keep_v of_o easter_n she_o be_v under_o the_o like_a obligation_n the_o annual_a feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n the_o great_a lord's-day_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o weekly_a and_o as_o to_o the_o fast_a of_o good_a friday_n it_o be_v nigh_o as_o early_o as_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n they_o lament_v their_o sin_n our_o saviour_n die_v for_o on_o the_o friday_n before_o as_o constant_o as_o they_o commemorate_a his_o rising_n again_o for_o our_o salvation_n the_o sunday_n after_o and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o those_o two_o great_a day_n with_o more_o devotion_n there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o church_n some_o time_n beforehand_o set_v apart_o for_o better_a recollection_n and_o great_a preparation_n the_o number_n of_o day_n be_v in_o some_o place_n more_o in_o some_o less_o that_o of_o forty_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o western_a country_n and_o therefore_o be_v still_o keep_v and_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v as_o religious_o observe_v as_o it_o be_v pious_o appoint_v whitsunday_n too_o the_o day_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v be_v observe_v always_o and_o universal_o by_o the_o ancient_a church_n only_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o latter_a remembrance_n but_o yet_o before_o popery_n come_v in_o it_o be_v first_o observe_v in_o the_o western_a church_n and_o afterward_o take_v up_o by_o the_o eastern_a in_o st._n chrysostom_n time_n as_o it_o stand_v recommend_v by_o he_o to_o the_o people_n of_o antioch_n other_o time_n beside_o these_o have_v be_v appoint_v for_o our_o religious_a assembly_n in_o which_o beside_o the_o general_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o martyr_n be_v grateful_o remember_v and_o pious_o propose_v those_o day_n be_v call_v common_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n then_o particular_o commemorate_a not_o that_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o the_o saint_n or_o that_o the_o day_n be_v employ_v in_o his_o honour_n but_o because_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o memory_n or_o martyrdom_n we_o come_v together_o as_o to_o pay_v our_o other_o duty_n to_o our_o god_n so_o to_o thank_v he_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o example_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n heretofore_o when_o god_n have_v be_v bountiful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o saint_n increase_v in_o some_o proportion_n the_o day_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v that_o popery_n have_v both_o acknowledge_v saint_n to_o god_n which_o he_o may_v not_o own_v and_o give_v the_o true_a saint_n a_o honour_n which_o they_o must_v disclaim_v but_o with_o we_o the_o number_n of_o those_o day_n be_v not_o great_a than_o what_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n may_v well_o comply_v with_o and_o as_o the_o number_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o large_a so_o their_o sanctity_n sure_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o then_o on_o those_o day_n we_o neither_o beseech_v by_o their_o merit_n nor_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o their_o intercession_n you_o see_v then_o how_o unreasonable_a the_o objection_n of_o popery_n be_v here_o too_o but_o see_v to_o what_o absurdity_n it_o go_v on_o first_o it_o be_v suppose_v popery_n to_o keep_v a_o day_n in_o the_o memory_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o than_o it_o be_v think_v as_o popish_a to_o call_v he_o a_o saint_n a_o great_a person_n at_o geneva_n it_o seem_v presume_v it_o somewhat_o popish_a to_o observe_v sunday_n itself_o and_o consider_v about_o change_v the_o day_n nay_o some_o be_v so_o perverse_o superstitious_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o that_o that_o day_n on_o which_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n remember_v our_o saviour_n bitter_a passion_n have_v seem_v to_o they_o the_o fit_a for_o a_o feast_n and_o the_o time_n universal_o now_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o joyful_a memory_n of_o his_o bless_a nativity_n the_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o fast_a this_o indeed_o be_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n no_o it_o be_v like_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a to_o conclude_v by_o popery_n nothing_o can_v be_v mean_v but_o the_o corruption_n and_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o that_o church_n be_v once_o as_o fair_a speak_v of_o as_o its_o error_n be_v now_o and_o have_v she_o continue_v in_o that_o purity_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v of_o her_o communion_n and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o she_o no_o otherwise_o than_o she_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o herself_o and_o to_o have_v corrupt_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n as_o we_o must_v not_o receive_v the_o evil_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o good_a so_o we_o must_v not_o reject_v the_o
good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o evil._n we_o have_v not_o one_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v pure_o popish_a but_o we_o must_v part_v with_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o our_o religion_n if_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v sinful_a which_o the_o papist_n abuse_n and_o as_o for_o the_o papist_n themselves_z we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o countenance_n they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrong_v by_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v right_a chap._n ix_o the_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n answer_v some_o think_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o real_a saint_n and_o therefore_o find_v many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o none_o but_o true_o unessayed_v person_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o the_o scripture_n apply_v to_o god_n church_n holiness_n in_o scripture_n be_v twofold_a 1._o inherent_a holiness_n and_o that_o can_v be_v in_o none_o proper_o but_o god_n angel_n and_o men._n in_o god_n originally_n as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v in_o who_o all_o excellency_n do_v possess_v infinite_a perfection_n and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n in_o angel_n and_o man_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n 2._o relative_n holiness_n found_v in_o a_o separation_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o common_a use_n and_o a_o appropriate_a it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o sabbath_n be_v holy_a and_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v holy_a and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a that_o be_v a_o society_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n thus_o the_o israelite_n even_o when_o very_o much_o corrupt_v be_v call_v god_n holy_a people_n deut._n 7.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o saint_n though_o there_o be_v strange_a immorality_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o well_o but_o do_v not_o christ_n die_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.27_o that_o be_v real_o holy_a yes_o but_o then_o by_o church_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o either_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v real_o holy_a in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o when_o the_o corrupt_a member_n shall_v be_v utter_o cut_v off_o neither_o be_v this_o to_o make_v two_o church_n but_o only_o to_o assign_v two_o different_a state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n 2._o that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n 3._o that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o first_o then_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n make_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o surety_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o qualification_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n that_o be_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 28.19_o now_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n act_v whilst_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n and_o baptise_a more_o than_o be_v sincere_a for_o of_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v baptise_a not_o above_o 120_o continue_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o 2._o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o act_v afterward_o for_o st._n peter_n baptise_a about_o 3000_o in_o one_o day_n upon_o their_o profess_v the_o word_n act_v 2.41_o though_o all_o will_v not_o probable_o prove_v sincere_a and_o two_o of_o they_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v gross_a hypocrite_n st._n philip_n act_v 8.12_o baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o samaria_n and_o and_o among_o they_o be_v simon_n magus_n who_o the_o holy_a deacon_n may_v just_o suspect_v for_o his_o former_a practice_n and_o who_o hypocrisy_n appear_v afterward_o such_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v demas_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o bare_a profession_n entitle_v they_o to_o that_o privilege_n 3._o christ_n foretell_v 15.1_o foretell_v matth._n 3.12_o and_o 13.24_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 15.1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o compare_v it_o to_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o tare_n a_o net_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o fish_n a_o flour_n of_o corn_n and_o chaff_n etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n say_v 9.6_o say_v rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n and_o christ_n say_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v 4._o the_o many_o corrupt_a member_n 3._o member_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 6._o gal._n 3._o rev._n 3._o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n prove_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o admit_v mere_a formal_a professor_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o think_v it_o god_n will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o no_o other_o rule_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n be_v practicable_a since_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n can_v make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o man_n because_o they_o themselves_o have_v short_a and_o fallible_a understanding_n second_o therefore_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n by_o external_n privilege_n i_o mean_v only_o a_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n be_v internal_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o the_o true_o good_a who_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o water_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n now_o when_o a_o man_n by_o gross_a and_o notorious_a wickedness_n have_v forfeit_v the_o internal_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ought_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o external_n privilege_n also_o but_o till_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o we_o must_v not_o forsake_v the_o church_n ourselves_o to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o because_o till_o then_o his_o right_n to_o they_o remain_v inviolable_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n give_v man_n a_o right_a to_o god_n promise_n as_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v the_o condition_n if_o a_o bare_a federal_a holiness_n give_v man_n a_o relation_n to_o god_n than_o it_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o relation_n not_o that_o unworthy_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o special_a reward_n of_o the_o true_o good_a but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n to_o partake_v of_o those_o external_n blessing_n which_o he_o in_o common_a bestow_v upon_o the_o whole_a family_n 2._o church-membership_n necessary_o imply_v church-communion_n or_o else_o it_o signify_v nothing_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o society_n if_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o 3._o all_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n though_o i_o doubt_v many_o of_o they_o be_v wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o mere_a circumcision_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o its_o most_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n 4._o it_o appear_v that_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a for_o they_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o that_o be_v in_o the_o cup_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o all_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n 10.17_o and_o we_o read_v that_o they_o all_o the_o 3000_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v of_o the_o number_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o
better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o first_o what_o pure_a ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n but_o he_o who_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o he_o like_v best_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_n the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n second_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v separation_n for_o this_o edification_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o particular_a christian_n now_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o text_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 8.1_o and_o 14.5_o 12._o eph._n 2.21_o and_o 4.12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o matth._n 21.42_o act_n 4.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 12_o 19_o and_o 13.10_o now_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o as_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v also_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v edification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v particular_a christian_n one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o firm_a close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4.4_o than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n st._n judas_n v._o 19_o seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o separate_v but_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o pretence_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o particular_a christian_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o think_v he_o can_v edify_v better_o among_o the_o dissenter_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o because_o better_a edification_n can_v be_v have_v in_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o our_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o fit_a our_o constitution_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n second_o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n first_o then_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v fit_a to_o edify_v soul_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o our_o creed_n contain_v all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o nice_a and_o obscure_a matter_n in_o they_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n think_v needful_a that_o be_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o this_o faith_n will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n the_o church_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n when_o firm_o believe_v do_v plain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a she_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o show_v unless_o obedience_n follow_v such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n as_o produce_v excellent_a virtue_n and_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n her_o festival_n commemorate_v the_o virtue_n and_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o excellent_a men._n her_o ceremony_n be_v decent_a her_o prayer_n be_v for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o force_v and_o her_o homily_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o piety_n which_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o she_o tell_v sinner_n plain_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v and_o say_v that_o plain_a virtue_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n so_o exact_o 3._o she_o be_v fit_o constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n because_o she_o give_v we_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o describe_v his_o attribute_n and_o our_o want_n her_o prayer_n be_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o due_a length_n and_o she_o have_v proper_a prayer_n for_o most_o particular_a occasion_n she_o have_v office_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o confirm_v our_o obedience_n the_o office_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n and_o burial_n be_v extreme_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o all_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v such_o that_o she_o make_v religion_n neither_o slovenly_a nor_o too_o gay_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v judge_v all_o her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o they_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o fit_a to_o make_v our_o service_n comely_a and_o true_o whilst_o we_o have_v body_n these_o outward_a help_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a her_o government_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v that_o her_o member_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a and_o if_o all_o vice_n be_v not_o chastise_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o unnecessary_a division_n have_v stop_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a none_o of_o her_o part_n or_o office_n give_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o she_o but_o consider_v all_o thing_n she_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o 14.3_o therefore_o heb._n 6.1_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n second_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n but_o strict_o command_v under_o great_a temporal_a penalty_n to_o direct_v their_o flock_n to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o our_o pastor_n for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o true_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v uncharitable_a our_o protestant_a neighbour_n have_v commend_v our_o government_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v our_o pastor_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o our_o man_n work_n to_o edify_v their_o people_n dissenter_n
themselves_o own_o our_o sermon_n to_o be_v real_o good_a and_o though_o some_o few_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o true_a design_n of_o preach_v yet_o in_o general_a man_n may_v edify_v very_o well_o among_o we_o nor_o have_v there_o be_v for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n a_o clergy_n so_o learned_a pious_a prudent_a and_o industrious_a to_o edify_v man_n soul_n as_o now_o be_v in_o the_o english_a church_n ii_o because_o those_o who_o make_v this_o pretence_n do_v common_o mistake_v better_a edification_n and_o sure_o to_o desert_n the_o plain_a and_o great_a duty_n of_o church-communion_n for_o disputable_a or_o mistake_a edification_n be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n now_o the_o mistake_n of_o these_o man_n be_v principal_o three_o 1._o in_o take_v nice_a notion_n for_o edify_v truth_n he_o that_o discourse_n about_o angel_n separate_a soul_n the_o situation_n of_o paradise_n and_o hell_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v think_v a_o sound_a divine_a than_o he_o that_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n plain_o by_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conversation_n such_o thing_n pass_v with_o too_o many_o for_o save_v truth_n and_o many_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a man_n that_o espouse_v party_n and_o interest_n ready_o embrace_v they_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o have_v itch_a ear_n 2_o tim._n 4.3_o if_o the_o food_n though_o wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v not_o to_o their_o fancy_n they_o complain_v of_o starve_v bring_v but_o a_o honest_a sincere_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o you_o may_v edify_v in_o a_o worse_a church_n than_o we_o but_o otherwise_o the_o best_a doctrine_n will_v be_v insipid_a to_o you_o place_v edification_n in_o the_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n which_o our_o church_n press_v upon_o we_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n for_o these_o thing_n alone_o do_v true_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o these_o all_o religion_n tend_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n rom._n 14.17_o now_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o be_v so_o strong_o enjoin_v and_o zealous_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n we_o need_v not_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o edification_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o other_o nourishment_n be_v spiritual_a pride_n and_o wantonness_n wherefore_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n the_o food_n of_o your_o understanding_n and_o not_o of_o your_o fancy_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o for_o if_o you_o have_v but_o such_o a_o increase_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o hear_v meek_o god_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o pure_a affection_n you_o can_v not_o easy_o fail_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o sinful_a to_o give_v man_n a_o liberty_n to_o run_v from_o any_o establish_a church_n for_o better_a edificaton_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o easy_o mistake_v and_o may_v we_o not_o add_v that_o when_o a_o quarrel_n arise_v from_o a_o unjust_a denial_n of_o the_o minister_n due_n than_o he_o be_v call_v dull_a and_o a_o better_a must_v be_v seek_v elsewhere_o thus_o one_o fault_n help_v out_o another_o and_o defamation_n must_v excuse_v the_o schism_n 2._o in_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o party_n for_o essential_a truth_n this_o those_o man_n do_v that_o be_v wed_v to_o a_o party_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o explain_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o way_n they_o cry_v we_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n truth_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v edify_v they_o be_v weaken_a in_o their_o faith_n the_o early_a and_o best_a christian_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o know_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o man_n be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o old_a way_n otherwise_o they_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obedience_n to_o governor_n which_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o better_a edification_n 3._o in_o take_v sudden_a heat_n and_o warmth_n arise_v from_o melt_a tone_n and_o other_o art_n for_o edification_n whereas_o a_o bright_a or_o a_o lower_a day_n or_o a_o do_v of_o physic_n can_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v often_o happen_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n according_a as_o these_o heat_n and_o bodily_a passion_n be_v stir_v so_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n the_o ministry_n be_v edify_v or_o unprofitable_a but_o sound_n and_o solid_a reason_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o edification_n whereas_o the_o silly_a and_o weak_a who_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o these_o heat_n and_o cold_n be_v inconstant_a and_o turn_v round_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o person_n be_v all_o sail_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o toss_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n iii_o because_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v cause_v endless_a division_n in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v and_o the_o governor_n must_v not_o restrain_v he_o therefore_o people_n may_v run_v from_o teacher_n to_o teacher_n to_o find_v out_o better_a edification_n ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o and_o when_o once_o they_o have_v tear_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o piece_n than_o envy_n detraction_n strife_n murmur_n fierceness_n and_o numberless_a other_o mischief_n will_v come_v in_o and_o that_o which_o divide_v they_o from_o the_o church_n will_v crumble_v they_o into_o endless_a party_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o enemy_n but_o all_o this_o will_v be_v avoid_v if_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o schism_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v paint_v forth_o in_o the_o black_a colour_n iv_o because_o this_o be_v a_o discouragement_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o true_o christian_a ministry_n for_o if_o the_o flock_v run_v from_o a_o pastor_n that_o instruct_v they_o right_o upon_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v it_o not_o cool_v his_o zeal_n check_v his_o labour_n and_o affront_v his_o person_n and_o office_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v to_o the_o best_a pastor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o and_o the_o most_o judicious_a dissenter_n have_v complain_v of_o it_o though_o upon_o this_o principle_n it_o can_v be_v remedy_v because_o the_o people_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o ought_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v scorn_v and_o discountenance_v and_o have_v their_o ministry_n render_v useless_a for_o the_o fancy_n peevishness_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pastor_n be_v idle_a or_o unsound_a in_o doctrine_n i_o answer_v that_o our_o governor_n upon_o a_o just_a and_o modest_a complaint_n will_v quicken_v the_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a and_o correct_v the_o heretical_a pastor_n and_o restore_v the_o flock_n to_o true_a edification_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o separation_n as_o those_o who_o have_v leisure_n may_v find_v in_o these_o book_n of_o they_o which_o i_o have_v quote_v 8._o quote_v see_v hildersh_n lect._n 28_o 29.54_o 58_o 66._o methermeneut_n p._n 71_o 72_o 74._o baxter_n cure_n p._n 359._o his_o defence_n part_v 1._o p._n 85._o his_o farewell-sermon_n continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exer._n serm._n 4._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o burroughs_n irenic_n c._n 12_o 23._o platform_n pref._n p._n 7._o etc._n etc._n 13._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 4._o brinsly_n arraignment_n p._n 48._o cawdry_n independ_v a_o schism_n p._n 50._o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 246._o tuckney_n serm._n on_o act_n 9.31_o jus_fw-la diu._n min._n evangel_n p._n 11_o 12._o letter_n of_o the_o minist_n in_o old-eng_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o new-eng_n p._n 13._o nye'_v case_n of_o great_a use_n p._n 3_o 25._o tombes_n theodul_n c._n 9_o §._o 8._o at_o the_o bottom_n but_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o know_v some_o person_n will_v object_v that_o our_o minister_n be_v unedifying_a preacher_n for_o they_o can_v profit_v by_o their_o sermon_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v these_o man_n full_a satisfaction_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v right_o open_v and_o due_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n so_o that_o the_o hearer_n improve_v in_o christian_a knowledge_n or_o in_o faith_n or_o in_o well-doing_n than_o they_o profit_v by_o that_o sermon_n now_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o improve_v
which_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o action_n be_v this_o measure_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v no_o far_o safe_a than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n now_o this_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o that_o thing_n only_o be_v indifferent_a which_o his_o law_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o mean_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n whether_o declare_v by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v natural_o convince_v of_o some_o thing_n be_v eternal_o good_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n other_o be_v eternal_o evil_a and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n have_v this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o revelation_n too_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o declare_v its_o precept_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o before_o by_o this_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o add_v some_o positive_a law_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o than_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o conscience_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a head_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o these_o head_n and_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n but_o also_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o those_o command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n command_v or_o forbid_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o yet_o by_o inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n iii_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o must_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o four_o proposition_n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n law_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o all_o society_n be_v found_v in_o this_o principal_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n otherwise_o no_o state_n city_n or_o family_n can_v subsist_v happy_o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n command_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v human_a law_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n second_o human_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v we_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n to_o obey_v our_o superior_n conscience_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v man_n because_o therein_o we_o obey_v god_n three_o human_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o they_o four_o though_o human_a law_n general_o speak_v bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o human_a law_n though_o consistent_a with_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o for_o than_o who_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o first_o where_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n or_o second_o where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o argue_v contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n there_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o human_a law_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o in_o other_o case_n so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v transgress_v a_o pure_o human_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n provide_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o ill_a example_n in_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o this_o i_o insist_v upon_o that_o god_n law_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v that_o authority_n be_v hold_v sacred_a and_o therefore_o when_o governor_n insist_v upon_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v trifle_v or_o inconvenient_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o even_o seem_v to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o public_a than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iv_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n and_o here_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v human_a law_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v obey_v in_o church-matter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o make_v law_n about_o religion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o far_o i_o earnest_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o dissenter_n that_o we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n those_o therefore_o who_o think_v they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o come_v to_o church_n than_o to_o obey_v any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v great_o mistake_v because_o they_o break_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v human_a institution_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o human_a law_n a_o divine_a law_n clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n than_o a_o law_n that_o command_v a_o thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v obey_v because_o it_o be_v
by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n and_o not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dread_n of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v he_o and_o that_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n 3._o it_o be_v excessive_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a it_o rob_v a_o man_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a 4._o it_o be_v scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o scrupulous_a man_n go_v on_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o scruple_n every_o thing_n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o for_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n 5._o this_o needless_a scruple_v have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o chief_o respect_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o three_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 1._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_a or_o most_o offensive_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o pray_v do_v not_o god_n principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n or_o will_v he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v we_o because_o he_o dislike_v the_o garment_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n or_o habit_n which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religious_a performance_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursom_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o dutiful_a child_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o we_o shall_v lay_v out_o our_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o idifferent_a and_o inferior_a nature_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_v this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n for_o say_v st._n paul_n ver_fw-la 18._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o
society_n of_o christian_n you_o please_v which_o giddy_a principle_n if_o it_o shall_v prevail_v will_v certain_o throw_v we_o into_o a_o absolute_a confusion_n and_o introduce_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mischief_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o our_o bless_a lord_n found_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o for_o they_o also_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o through_o their_o word_n one_o of_o the_o last_o petition_n which_o he_o then_o put_v up_o among_o diverse_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n that_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o become_v a_o inducement_n to_o move_v man_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n peace_n and_o amity_n and_o a_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v be_v the_o only_a beauty_n strength_n and_o security_n of_o all_o society_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o nourish_a of_o animosity_n and_o run_v into_o opposite_a party_n and_o faction_n do_v mighty_o weaken_v and_o by_o degree_n almost_o unavoidable_o draw_v on_o the_o ruin_n and_o dissolution_n of_o any_o community_n whether_o civil_a or_o sacred_a concord_n and_o union_n therefore_o will_v be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o state_n it_o have_v be_v know_v by_o too_o sad_a a_o experience_n as_o well_o in_o we_o as_o other_o age_n what_o a_o pernicious_a influence_n the_o intestine_a broil_n and_o quarrel_n among_o christian_n have_v have_v they_o have_v be_v the_o great_a stumbling-block_n to_o jew_n turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o their_o conversion_n they_o have_v make_v some_o among_o ourselves_o to_o become_v doubtful_a and_o sceptical_a in_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v lead_v other_o into_o many_o dangerous_a error_n that_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o some_o they_o have_v tempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o natural_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o the_o deity_n and_o embolden_v they_o to_o a_o profess_a atheism_n therefore_o as_o you_o will_v avoid_v the_o harden_v of_o man_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v whole_o ineffectual_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o cautious_a that_o you_o do_v not_o wilful_o divide_v his_o holy_a catholic_a church_n you_o be_v often_o warn_v of_o this_o and_o how_o many_o argument_n do_v st._n paul_n heap_v together_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o how_o pathetical_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v you_o again_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o mutual_a endearment_n that_o christianity_n afford_v if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n in_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n phil._n 2.1_o 2._o these_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o concord_n do_v strict_o oblige_v you_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a of_o you_o they_o that_o have_v the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o heaven_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v into_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o join_v serious_o in_o send_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o participate_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n beside_o the_o many_o strict_a precept_n and_o other_o strong_a obligation_n which_o you_o have_v to_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n die_v that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o john_n 11.52_o and_o do_v you_o not_o then_o contradict_v this_o end_n of_o his_o death_n in_o set_v those_o at_o variance_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o unite_v nay_o may_v you_o not_o be_v say_v to_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o by_o mangle_v and_o divide_v a_o sound_n and_o healthful_a part_n of_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n if_o indeed_o our_o church_n do_v require_v you_o to_o profess_v any_o false_a doctrine_n or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o any_o divine_a command_n you_o be_v bind_v in_o such_o instance_n to_o withdraw_v from_o she_o but_o since_o her_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a you_o be_v indispensable_o engage_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o it_o can_v be_v inculcate_v too_o often_o nothing_o but_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o we_o can_v make_v a_o separation_n lawful_a let_v it_o pity_v you_o at_o least_o to_o see_v the_o ghastly_a wound_n that_o be_v still_o renew_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o division_n be_v persuade_v to_o have_v some_o compassion_n on_o a_o bleed_a church_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v and_o in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o her_o enemy_n by_o the_o unnatural_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v support_v and_o defend_v she_o why_o shall_v you_o leave_v she_o thus_o desolate_a and_o forlorn_a when_o her_o present_a exigency_n require_v your_o most_o cordial_a assistance_n if_o the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n do_v not_o allow_v you_o may_v forsake_v she_o that_o have_v forsake_v he_o but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v object_v against_o she_o since_o she_o exact_v no_o forbid_a thing_n of_o you_o you_o ought_v to_o strengthen_v her_o hand_n by_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n since_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o let_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v any_o long_o a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o happy_a peace_n to_o a_o divide_a church_n a_o considerable_a security_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o probable_o defeat_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o stand_v gape_v after_o all_o and_o hope_n by_o our_o distraction_n to_o repair_v the_o loss_n she_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o reformation_n may_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v all_o wicked_a purpose_n unsuccesful_a and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o love_n heal_v all_o our_o breach_n and_o prosper_v the_o charitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o follow_v after_o peace_n amen_n the_o end_n