direct_v concern_v they_o particular_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o relation_n to_o those_o direction_n and_o example_n and_o three_o the_o practice_n of_o protestant-dissenters_a chap._n i._o of_o praise_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v they_o i._n first_o then_o as_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n require_v the_o use_n of_o the_o psalm_n in_o offer_v up_o praise_n to_o god_n we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n 2_o chron._n xxix_o 30_o hezekiah_n the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o sing_v praise_n to_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o of_o asaph_n and_o they_o sing_v with_o gladness_n this_o command_n of_o hezekiah_n proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o he_o the_o same_o way_n of_o praise_v god_n continue_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o after_o that_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o more_o positive_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n v._n 19_o speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n and_o col._n iii._o 16_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v and_o make_v melody_n with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v but_o by_o the_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o place_n be_v mean_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v leave_v for_o this_o purpose_n to_o the_o church_n ii_o though_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o sing_v of_o psalm_n yet_o in_o some_o case_n they_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v they_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o require_v we_o to_o do_v so_o such_o as_o psal._n cxviii_o 2_o let_v israel_n now_o say_v that_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o let_v the_o house_n of_o aaron_n now_o say_v and_o let_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n now_o say_v etc._n etc._n because_o these_o expression_n be_v poetical_a may_v be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o mean_v sing_v though_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o restrain_v the_o general_a command_n of_o say_v or_o speak_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o sing_v only_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n several_a sacred_a hymn_n particular_o of_o hannah_n the_o bless_a virgin_n zacharias_n and_o simeon_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n rev._n seven_o 12_o &_o xi_o 17_o which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o respective_o and_o the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o story_n do_v not_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v sing_v from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o where_o people_n can_v sing_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n but_o where_o through_o any_o defect_n of_o nature_n or_o art_n they_o can_v sing_v decent_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o say_v only_o people_n ought_v not_o by_o this_o indulgence_n to_o be_v encourage_v to_o neglect_v sing_v altogether_o or_o to_o think_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o they_o when_o by_o a_o little_a pain_n or_o industry_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o art_n of_o decent_o perform_v it_o in_o his_o service_n iii_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o word_n of_o god_n recommend_v to_o we_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n in_o prose_n for_o our_o praise_n god_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o song_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n of_o zacharias_n or_o simeon_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o in_o prose_n and_o such_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o bless_a which_o they_o be_v represent_v sing_v in_o the_o revelation_n particular_o chap._n v._n 9_o &_o chap._n xv_o 3_o as_o to_o the_o hebrew_n psalm_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v poetical_a but_o the_o poetry_n of_o they_o consist_v rather_o in_o the_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n than_o in_o any_o certain_a measure_n or_o verse_n which_o those_o that_o have_v search_v most_o narrow_o into_o they_o have_v yet_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v a_o indifferent_a reader_n but_o whatever_o poetry_n there_o may_v be_v in_o they_o we_o can_v not_o find_v by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a translation_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o church_n in_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n time_n or_o in_o the_o age_n immediate_o follow_v that_o they_o or_o the_o first_o christian_n do_v sing_v any_o thing_n in_o verse_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o sing_v hymn_n in_o prose_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a scriptural_a warrant_n for_o the_o use_v of_o verse_n or_o metre_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n perhaps_o some_o may_v fancy_v that_o verse_n or_o measure_n be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o those_o country_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o sing_v their_o song_n in_o prose_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n poetry_n and_o verse_n be_v then_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o psalm_n be_v translate_v in_o great_a request_n and_o at_o the_o high_a perfection_n when_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pen_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o example_n therein_o of_o their_o use_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o this_o proceed_v from_o choice_n not_o necessity_n for_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v think_v verse_n necessary_a for_o divine_a psalm_n we_o may_v presume_v he_o will_v have_v inspire_v some_o of_o the_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n when_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v so_o common_a either_o to_o translate_v the_o psalm_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o verse_n or_o else_o to_o compose_v some_o of_o the_o other_o hymn_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a after_o that_o way_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o have_v be_v do_v it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o presumption_n that_o we_o may_v praise_v god_n as_o acceptable_o in_o prose_n as_o in_o verse_n and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n further_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v general_o write_v their_o prophecy_n and_o their_o hymn_n to_o their_o god_n in_o verse_n we_o know_v not_o but_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v fit_a that_o such_o as_o be_v inspire_v by_o he_o shall_v decline_v that_o way_n of_o record_v their_o prophecy_n or_o praise_n iv._o as_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v we_o the_o use_n of_o psalm_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n so_o they_o encourage_v we_o to_o offer_v those_o praise_n by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o best_a example_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v even_o the_o bless_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n so_o isa._n vi_fw-la 3_o and_o one_o cry_v unto_o another_o holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a through_o the_o whole_a revelation_n be_v i_o think_v constant_o represent_v praise_v god_n after_o this_o manner_n so_o chap._n seven_o 9_o where_o the_o multitude_n that_o represent_v the_o people_n cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n vers_n 10._o salvation_n to_o our_o god_n which_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb._n and_o then_o the_o angel_n and_o elder_n who_o represent_v the_o clergy_n perform_v their_o part_n vers_n 12._o saying_n amen_n blessing_n and_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o may_v be_v unto_o our_o god_n they_o be_v represent_v the_o same_o way_n answer_v one_o another_o chap._n nineteeen_o 1_o i_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n of_o much_o people_n in_o heaven_n say_v alleluia_n this_o they_o repeat_v vers_n 3._o than_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n represent_v as_o before_o the_o clergy_n answer_v vers_n 4._o amen_n alleluia_n then_o vers_n 5._o a_o voice_n come_v out_o of_o the_o throne_n say_v praise_v our_o god_n upon_o which_o vers_fw-la 6._o the_o people_n resume_v their_o part_n and_o answer_v alleluia_n for_o the_o lord_n omnipotent_a reign_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o this_o be_v take_v by_o allusion_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n praise_v god_n on_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n of_o teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n which_o suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v share_n in_o they_o either_o by_o turn_n or_o by_o bear_v a_o part_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o psalm_n contain_v many_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n as_o well_o as_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n recommend_v they_o to_o christian_n
as_o we_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n neither_o will_n say_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o in_o other_o word_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n answer_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o command_n since_o 1._o we_o be_v sure_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v put_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o most_o apposite_a and_o comprehensive_a word_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o whole_o to_o lay_v they_o aside_o for_o other_o be_v plain_o to_o decline_v the_o choice_n of_o word_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o substitute_n less_o apposite_a of_o our_o own_o to_o express_v those_o petition_n in_o 2._o the_o more_o particular_o any_o thing_n be_v command_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o may_v be_v the_o more_o confident_a that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o since_o therefore_o we_o be_v particular_o command_v when_o we_o pray_v to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n whatever_o other_o prayer_n we_o offer_v to_o god_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v 3._o in_o general_n we_o be_v command_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o desire_n to_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o offer_v this_o prayer_n these_o command_n agree_v very_o well_o together_o and_o therefore_o the_o one_o ought_v not_o to_o justle_v out_o the_o other_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o prayer_n particular_o command_v by_o christ_n for_o other_o of_o our_o own_o compose_n in_o pusuance_n of_o the_o general_a command_n be_v too_o apparent_o to_o prefer_v our_o own_o invention_n to_o god_n command_n 4._o when_o we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n we_o may_v forget_v some_o thing_n we_o may_v mix_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n in_o our_o petition_n and_o this_o too_o often_o appear_v both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o word_v of_o they_o the_o way_n therefore_o to_o supply_v these_o defect_n and_o to_o obtain_v pardon_n for_o our_o infirmity_n be_v to_o use_v our_o lord_n perfect_a prayer_n not_o only_o as_o a_o pattern_n for_o prayer_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o likewise_o as_o a_o form_n necessary_a to_o be_v use_v to_o correct_v what_o may_v be_v amiss_o or_o defective_a in_o our_o own_o prayer_n 5._o they_o who_o lie_v aside_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o lay_v aside_o some_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o also_o particular_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o for_o many_o who_o lie_v aside_o the_o lord_n prayer_n do_v neither_o in_o term_n nor_o substance_n offer_v this_o petition_n to_o god_n nay_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v this_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o pardon_n as_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o they_o public_o dispute_v against_o the_o form_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n though_o christ_n who_o foresee_v the_o objection_n which_o our_o corruption_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v have_v answer_v it_o and_o bind_v it_o upon_o we_o indispensible_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o ask_v forgiveness_n on_o these_o and_o no_o other_o term_n matth._n vi_fw-la 15_o and_o indeed_o if_o such_o a_o sentence_n have_v be_v prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v only_o repeat_v by_o christian_n once_o or_o often_o every_o day_n it_o will_v have_v seem_v but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o mind_v they_o of_o that_o peculiar_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o their_o profession_n we_o see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n think_v fit_a to_o reduce_v their_o doctrine_n or_o instruction_n into_o proverb_n or_o short_a sentence_n to_o be_v get_v by_o heart_n and_o keep_v continual_o in_o memory_n as_o of_o great_a influence_n for_o guide_a man_n life_n and_o action_n and_o such_o sentence_n must_v be_v of_o much_o great_a influence_n when_o repeat_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o these_o in_o our_o lord_n prayer_n be_v require_v to_o be_v last_o this_o prayer_n be_v give_v we_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n a_o summary_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o christian_n and_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n it_o be_v no_o more_o lawful_a to_o alter_v it_o than_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o presumption_n and_o hazard_n to_o substitute_v other_o word_n instead_o of_o christ_n in_o this_o prayer_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v always_o to_o use_v when_o we_o pray_v as_o to_o change_v the_o word_n of_o our_o creed_n or_o as_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o battle_n to_o change_v the_o word_n give_v by_o a_o general_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o retain_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n have_v require_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n we_o find_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o deliver_v by_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o syriac_a or_o vulgar_a hebrew_n and_o the_o evangelist_n write_v their_o gospel_n in_o greek_a now_o in_o the_o syriack_n one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n express_v both_o those_o different_a word_n which_o the_o evangelist_n use_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n as_o debt_n and_o trespass_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a but_o a_o seem_a difference_n between_o they_o all_o the_o different_a word_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v iv._o as_o we_o have_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n so_o we_o have_v the_o like_a example_n for_o join_v voice_n upon_o occasion_n in_o offer_v these_o word_n general_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o people_n join_v in_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n yet_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v also_o on_o some_o occasion_n their_o join_v their_o voice_n 1._o thus_o we_o find_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n judge_n xxi_o 2_o and_o the_o people_n come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o abode_n there_o till_o even_o before_o god_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o weep_v sore_o and_o say_v o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n why_o be_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o israel_n etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n which_o be_v also_o prayer_n in_o great_a part_n as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o people_n be_v general_o allow_v by_o all_o as_o be_v full_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n to_o join_v their_o voice_n so_o moses_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n exod._n xv_o 1_o 3._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o practice_n act_v four_o 24_o where_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o say_v lord_n thou_o be_v god_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o prayer_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v as_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v than_o the_o whole_a assembly_n be_v inspire_v together_o not_o only_o to_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o likewise_o to_o utter_v the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o it_o have_v attest_v the_o fitness_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n pronounce_v the_o same_o prayer_n together_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v in_o our_o christian_a assembly_n god_n will_v not_o have_v give_v we_o this_o example_n if_o the_o people_n be_v always_o to_o join_v in_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o our_o public_a prayer_n it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o here_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o have_v lead_v they_o to_o do_v a_o indecent_a thing_n or_o a_o thing_n unfit_a for_o god_n worship_n 4._o st._n paul_n and_o silas_n join_v also_o their_o voice_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xuj_o 25_o and_o at_o midnight_n paul_n and_o silas_n pray_v and_o sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o prisoner_n hear_v they_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o they_o sing_v their_o prayer_n which_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o on_o that_o account_n join_v their_o voice_n i_o confess_v the_o original_a favour_n this_o inference_n but_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o apostle_n sing_v their_o prayer_n together_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o they_o may_v likewise_o say_v they_o together_o for_o we_o find_v the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n offer_v not_o only_o their_o praise_n together_o but_o their_o prayer_n also_o so_o rev._n vi_fw-mi 10_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v how_o long_o
2_o chron._n xxix_o 26_o neh._n x._o 40_o and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a act_n but_o impose_v on_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v from_o neh._n ix_o 5_o then_o the_o levite_n say_v stand_v up_o and_o bless_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o thus_o praise_v god_n rev._n seven_o 9_o they_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n and_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v salvation_n etc._n etc._n at_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o reader_n and_o people_n use_v the_o same_o posture_n as_o appear_v from_o neh._n viij_o 4_o 5._o and_o ezra_n the_o scribe_n stand_v on_o a_o pulpit_n of_o wood_n and_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o chap._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n which_o our_o saviour_n likewise_o observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o last_o they_o offer_v their_o sacrifice_n with_o bodily_a adoration_n 2_o chron._n xxix_o 27_o and_o when_o the_o burn_a offering_n begin_v the_o song_n of_o the_o lord_n begin_v also_o and_o all_o the_o congregation_n worship_v and_o the_o singer_n sing_v and_o the_o trumpet_n sound_v and_o all_o this_o continue_a until_o the_o burn_a offer_v be_v finish_v the_o word_n as_o be_v observe_v here_o render_v worship_v signify_v literal_o they_o bow_v themselves_o down_o and_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o continue_v prostrate_a or_o kneel_v whilst_o the_o burn_a offer_v be_v offer_v thus_o in_o every_o religious_a performance_n the_o scripture_n have_v take_v particular_a notice_n and_o record_v to_o we_o with_o what_o act_n of_o bodily_a worship_n it_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o bodily_a worship_n let_v we_o in_o next_o place_n compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o this_o representation_n and_o see_v how_o we_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o visible_a worship_n in_o our_o church_n i._n first_o then_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o public_a assembly_n we_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o come_v into_o christ_n presence_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v mat._n xviii_o 21_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v our_o custom_n to_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o bow_v our_o body_n before_o he_o this_o bow_v our_o body_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o for_o his_o service_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o any_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v general_o practise_v by_o good_a people_n as_o very_o decent_a in_o itself_o and_o edify_v to_o other_o our_o bow_v our_o body_n therefore_o at_o our_o come_n into_o a_o christian_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v only_o to_o pay_v that_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o when_o we_o come_v into_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n which_o presence_n he_o have_v promise_v in_o such_o assembly_n some_o indeed_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o term_v our_o thus_o worship_v god_n a_o bow_v to_o the_o altar_n whereas_o our_o church_n express_o declare_v against_o any_o adoration_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n do_v much_o deelare_v against_o do_v it_o to_o the_o altar_n ii_o uncover_v the_o head_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o respect_n among_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o continue_v uncover_v whilst_o the_o assembly_n last_v that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n presence_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n be_v to_o uncover_v their_o foot_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n so_o moses_n and_o joshua_n be_v command_v to_o do_v to_o which_o solomon_n allude_v eccles._n v._n 1_o this_o be_v easy_o practise_v with_o they_o because_o they_o wear_v nothing_o on_o their_o foot_n but_o loose_a shoe_n and_o sandal_n which_o be_v ready_o slip_v off_o and_o this_o continue_a till_o our_o saviour_n time_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o wash_v their_o foot_n when_o they_o come_v into_o house_n luke_n seven_o 44_o uncover_v the_o head_n be_v the_o same_o common_a mark_n of_o respect_n with_o we_o now_o as_o uncover_v the_o foot_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o time_n and_o this_o uncover_v the_o foot_n be_v neither_o practicable_a with_o we_o nor_o any_o note_n of_o respect_n among_o we_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a our_o church_n have_v require_v we_o instead_o of_o it_o to_o uncover_v our_o head_n can._n seven_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o this_o practice_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o digress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o explain_v one_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v his_o head_n uncover_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n not_o as_o a_o note_n of_o respect_n but_o of_o privilege_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 7_o for_o a_o man_n indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o cover_v his_o head_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o woman_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o man._n which_o passage_n do_v not_o primary_o relate_v to_o the_o cover_n the_o head_n but_o the_o face_n by_o a_o veil_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o this_o cover_n the_o face_n be_v a_o note_n of_o respect_n as_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o note_n of_o privilege_n so_o we_o find_v that_o when_o rebecca_n be_v to_o appear_v before_o her_o husband_n gen._n xxiv_o 65_o she_o take_v a_o veil_n and_o cover_v herself_o so_o exod._n iii._o 6_o moses_n hide_v his_o face_n for_o he_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v upon_o god_n and_o elijah_n wrap_v his_o face_n in_o his_o mantle_n when_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v god_n 1_o king_n nineteeen_o 13_o on_o the_o same_o account_v the_o seraphin_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n is._n vi_fw-la 2_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o favour_n to_o be_v allow_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n uncover_v and_o it_o be_v reckon_v as_o such_o 2_o cor._n three_o 18_o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o favour_n may_v not_o appear_v bare-faced_n before_o their_o prince_n but_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v as_o haman_n be_v when_o the_o king_n signify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o he_o ester_n seven_o 8_o now_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o before_o cite_v place_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o man_n be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v allow_v to_o take_v this_o confidence_n before_o god_n which_o be_v deny_v to_o woman_n for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v man_n his_o image_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o this_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v cover_v before_o he_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o man_n glory_n which_o be_v woman_n shall_v be_v cover_v before_o god_n this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o uncover_v the_o of_o head_n in_o use_n with_o we_o now_o which_o be_v only_o a_o mark_n of_o civil_a respect_n and_o that_o peculiar_a to_o man_n and_o not_o to_o woman_n but_o however_o be_v a_o honour_n pay_v to_o man_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n general_a injunction_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o order_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v to_o determine_v what_o particular_a thing_n come_v under_o the_o apostle_n general_a word_n of_o decency_n 3._o we_o stand_v up_o at_o our_o praising_n thanksgiving_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a scripture_n 4._o at_o our_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o at_o our_o prayer_n we_o present_v ourselves_o before_o god_n on_o our_o knee_n by_o order_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n iii_o we_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o worship_a posture_n i_o know_v that_o many_o except_v against_o this_o it_o will_v engage_v i_o in_o a_o long_a discourse_n to_o examine_v it_o full_o perhaps_o god_n may_v hereafter_o give_v i_o a_o opportunity_n to_o discuss_v it_o at_o large_a at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o hint_n at_o the_o scripture-ground_n we_o have_v for_o it_o by_o
it_o be_v certain_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o sit_v but_o lie_v at_o table_n when_o he_o do_v eat_v his_o usual_a meal_n suppose_v then_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o his_o posture_n of_o eat_v we_o ought_v to_o lie_v as_o he_o do_v but_o none_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o do_v so_o or_o practice_v this_o way_n since_o then_o all_o party_n change_v it_o sure_o we_o do_v better_a that_o change_v it_o into_o the_o religious_a way_n of_o eat_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n with_o adoration_n than_o other_o that_o change_v our_o saviour_n way_n into_o sit_v the_o common_a way_n of_o our_o eat_v 3._o we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v for_o our_o practice_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o at_o a_o common_a supper_n when_o he_o institute_v this_o sacrament_n but_o at_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v a_o sacramental_a eat_v and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a posture_n prescribe_v for_o it_o ex._n twelve_o 11_o and_o though_o some_o think_v but_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o observe_v this_o yet_o it_o be_v own_v they_o observe_v another_o which_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v and_o be_v reckon_v religious_a however_o it_o be_v speak_v that_o our_o saviour_n perform_v this_o eat_v with_o several_a religious_a ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n such_o be_v that_o we_o find_v luke_n xxii_o 17_o and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o say_v take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o this_o cup_n be_v different_a from_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n which_o be_v institute_v vers_fw-la 20._o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v christ_n we_o ought_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o way_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o different_a from_o our_o common_a meal_n 4_o but_o four_a the_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o go_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v which_o no_o wise_a appear_v in_o scripture_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o any_o thing_n say_v or_o intimate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o st._n paul_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v true_a whilst_o the_o disciple_n be_v eat_v he_o take_v bread_n but_o after_o that_o he_o give_v thanks_o and_o bless_v it_o and_o then_o he_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n continue_v eat_v whilst_o our_o saviour_n be_v give_v thanks_o and_o blessing_n that_o be_v pray_v our_o saviour_n therefore_o or_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o eat_v but_o give_v thanks_o and_o pray_v whilst_o this_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o probability_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o thanksgiving_n and_o pray_v posture_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o change_n of_o posture_n since_o the_o change_n of_o the_o action_n from_o eat_v to_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n sufficient_o signify_v and_o infer_v it_o there_o be_v no_o notice_n take_v of_o our_o saviour_n rise_v at_o all_o from_o the_o table_n by_o any_o of_o the_o three_o evangelist_n that_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o john_n xiii_o 4_o that_o he_o do_v rise_v from_o that_o supper_n and_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n and_o sit_v down_o again_o vers._n 12._o and_o so_o he_o may_v rise_v to_o bless_v and_o distribute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o common_a table-posture_n rather_o the_o contrary_n seem_v probable_a so_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o reason_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o as_o fit_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o like_a case_n last_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n severe_o reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o their_o irreverence_n in_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o damnation_n for_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v for_o receive_v it_o as_o their_o common_a food_n without_o distinguish_v between_o they_o by_o a_o reverend_n and_o religious_a receive_v it_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o a_o due_a distinction_n between_o it_o and_o our_o common_a food_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n with_o as_o much_o reverence_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o altar_n at_o which_o they_o never_o sit_v down_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o sacred_a action_n as_o to_o bodily_a worship_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v and_o ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v as_o unjust_a to_o suspect_v or_o accuse_v we_o of_o worship_v the_o lord_n table_n or_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n because_o we_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o it_o be_v to_o accuse_v the_o jew_n of_o worship_v their_o altar_n or_o sacrifice_n because_o they_o worship_v before_o they_o as_o god_n command_v they_o to_o do_v 2_o king_n xviii_o 22_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o give_v we_o true_a submission_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o these_o inward_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o our_o church_n have_v appoint_v by_o bodily_a worship_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o god_n have_v approve_v and_o holy_a man_n have_v practise_v in_o scripture_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o bodily_a worship_n i._o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o you_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o to_o compare_v your_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o first_o as_o to_o your_o principle_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o allow_v bodily_a adoration_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o you_o can_v but_o discern_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o make_v it_o the_o most_o proper_a peculiar_a act_n thereof_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o chap._n iu._n sect._n 1._o n_o o._n 1.2.3_o in_o your_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 21._o prayer_n reading_n scripture_n etc._n etc._n sing_v psalm_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v reckon_v up_o as_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o not_o a_o word_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n your_o directory_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v it_o out_o but_o exclude_v it_o by_o require_v all_o to_o enter_v the_o assembly_n and_o to_o take_v their_o seat_n and_o place_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v themselves_o towards_o one_o place_n or_o other_o that_o be_v without_o bow_v themselves_o at_o all_o a_o rule_n direct_o opposite_a to_o natural_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v christ_n peculiar_o present_a in_o their_o assembly_n which_o yet_o the_o author_n of_o your_o directory_n profess_v to_o do_v in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o they_o forbid_v all_o adoration_n let_v we_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o compare_v their_o rule_n with_o god_n word_n you_o have_v the_o bible_n in_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v your_o privilege_n to_o use_v it_o the_o scripture_n say_v o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n let_v we_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n your_o directory_n say_v let_v we_o enter_v the_o assembly_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v where_o notwithstanding_o it_o allow_v that_o we_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n appear_v in_o god_n presence_n sure_o you_o can_v but_o see_v this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v aside_o but_o to_o contradict_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n ii_o your_o practice_n be_v conformable_a to_o your_o principle_n for_o 1._o at_o your_o thanksgiving_n or_o praise_n you_o neither_o bow_v nor_o stand_v up_o 2._o whereas_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v use_v to_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o faith_n you_o have_v cast_v out_o of_o your_o religious_a assembly_n not_o only_o this_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n themselves_o so_o material_a a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v
in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n to_o profess_v solemn_o that_o we_o expect_v no_o happiness_n but_o from_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o free_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o provision_n for_o we_o be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n may_v be_v reckon_v a_o instance_n of_o external_n worship_n and_o according_o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n contain_v such_o confession_n 3._o you_o sit_v general_o at_o your_o public_a prayer_n 4._o at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n you_o sit_v not_o only_o whilst_o you_o receive_v but_o likewise_o at_o the_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n before_o and_o your_o directory_n impose_v this_o posture_n on_o communicant_n though_o contrary_a to_o holy_a scripture_n in_o 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time_n some_o be_v against_o all_o visible_a assembly_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o understand_v this_o place_n as_o some_o do_v that_o all_o bodily_a worship_n be_v exclude_v by_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o worship_n god_n in_o our_o spirit_n or_o mind_n only_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o all_o these_o be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n god_n nowhere_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o next_o to_o they_o the_o silent_a meeting_n of_o the_o quaker_n without_o sacrament_n without_o vocal_a prayer_n or_o praise_n be_v the_o most_o spiritual_a service_n for_o if_o other_o dissenter_n think_v bodily_a worship_n such_o as_o bowing_n kneel_v etc._n etc._n unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a because_o they_o be_v act_n of_o the_o body_n and_o unfit_a on_o that_o account_n to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n why_o may_v not_o the_o quaker_n omit_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v outward_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o nay_o why_o shall_v not_o outward_a teach_v or_o preach_v cease_v since_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o sufficient_a teacher_n and_o have_v promise_v we_o heb._n viij_o 10_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n vers._n 11._o and_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n etc._n etc._n the_o principle_n and_o reason_v be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o these_o and_o will_v justify_v the_o silent_a meeting_n of_o the_o quaker_n nay_o the_o extravagance_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o irreverence_n of_o other_o dissenter_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n so_o as_o one_o place_n may_v not_o contradict_v another_o and_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n show_v we_o that_o god_n require_v our_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o praise_n our_o visible_a sacrament_n and_o adoration_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o interpret_v worship_v in_o the_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v these_o but_o rather_o conclude_v that_o they_o may_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o become_v proper_a for_o spiritual_a worship_n or_o god_n will_v never_o have_v require_v they_o when_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n represent_v the_o worship_n he_o teach_v the_o world_n as_o a_o worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n his_o meaning_n doubtless_o be_v not_o to_o exempt_v we_o from_o worship_v his_o father_n with_o our_o body_n whereof_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o a_o example_n but_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n that_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n be_v only_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o they_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o hearty_a submission_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o every_o act_n be_v more_o or_o less_o acceptable_a as_o it_o have_v more_o or_o less_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o but_o that_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o the_o like_a give_v we_o no_o advantage_n and_o be_v of_o no_o value_n towards_o make_v our_o worship_n acceptable_a this_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n direct_o answer_v our_o saviour_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o samaritan_n woman_n that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o worship_n offer_v to_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v nothing_o more_o acceptable_a for_o be_v offer_v at_o jerusalem_n or_o mount-gerezim_a or_o any_o other_o place_n but_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a all_o place_n be_v alike_o which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o allow_v no_o sacrifice_n or_o oblation_n to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v at_o the_o temple_n and_o consequent_o their_o worship_n derive_v its_o acceptance_n from_o the_o place_n and_o not_o from_o the_o heart_n alone_o of_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o we_o affirm_v therefore_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o heart_n or_o spirit_n that_o our_o worship_n become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o time_n or_o place_n where_o it_o be_v offer_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o our_o acceptance_n but_o that_o in_o whatever_o place_n at_o whatever_o time_n in_o whatsoever_o posture_n we_o offer_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n we_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o but_o then_o we_o say_v likewise_o a_o man_n who_o neglect_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n can_v have_v a_o good_a heart_n towards_o god_n because_o he_o break_v his_o command_n that_o such_o as_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o provide_v a_o convenient_a and_o decent_a place_n and_o set_v it_o apart_o for_o christian_n to_o meet_v and_o to_o perform_v god_n worship_n in_o can_v have_v a_o value_n for_o it_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n want_v faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o that_o 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religious_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v much_o contribute_v to_o our_o live_n easy_o with_o one_o another_o and_o take_v off_o that_o uncharitableness_n which_o our_o religious_a dissension_n be_v apt_a to_o cause_n among_o we_o however_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v reckon_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o success_n in_o my_o office_n if_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o profess_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o to_o his_o institution_n in_o their_o worship_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n to_o the_o conform_v laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o laity_n who_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o place_v i_o among_o you_o and_o to_o give_v i_o a_o inspection_n over_o you_o and_o it_o be_v chief_o on_o your_o account_n that_o i_o have_v write_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o pledge_n and_o testimony_n to_o you_o of_o my_o concern_n for_o you_o and_o make_v my_o care_n to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v among_o you_o i_o hope_v my_o labour_n this_o way_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o to_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o doubtful_a and_o to_o awaken_v you_o all_o to_o diligence_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o your_o religion_n as_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v uncontroverted_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o your_o particular_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v afford_v you_o so_o many_o conveniency_n of_o frequent_v it_o in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v you_o so_o manifest_a 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as_o any_o master_n of_o a_o family_n can_v desire_v to_o offer_v to_o god_n i_o must_v therefore_o most_o earnest_o &_o passionate_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o church_n sake_n and_o your_o own_o that_o you_o will_v add_v diligence_n and_o zeal_n to_o this_o your_o reasonable_a service_n and_o prepare_v your_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a worship_n and_o particular_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o faction_n or_o a_o party_n you_o contend_v for_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o thereupon_o strive_v rather_o to_o outlive_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o then_o to_o out-argue_v they_o let_v the_o innocency_n of_o your_o life_n and_o your_o christian_a moderation_n convince_v they_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o you._n i_o beseech_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o you_o and_o to_o influence_n you_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o of_o worship_v he_o in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o dissenting-laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n that_o dissent_n from_o our_o communion_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o one_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o i_o have_v here_o tender_v to_o you._n i_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o come_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o my_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v take_v this_o way_n to_o inform_v you._n i_o will_v only_o add_v a_o few_o observation_n which_o i_o recommend_v to_o you_o and_o shall_v leave_v the_o success_n entire_o to_o god_n 1._o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o have_v not_o lead_v you_o into_o long_a reason_n or_o the_o intricacy_n of_o human_a learning_n but_o i_o have_v refer_v you_o to_o your_o bibles_n and_o you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o they_o to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o or_o not_o those_o of_o berea_n be_v reckon_v a_o noble_a people_n act_n xvii_o 11_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o pray_v most_o hearty_o to_o god_n to_o give_v you_o a_o part_n in_o that_o nobleness_n of_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v search_v and_o find_v the_o truth_n 2._o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n ever_o will_v be_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v more_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o invention_n then_o of_o what_o god_n command_v if_o we_o look_v 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