what_o pass_v 6._o john_n 13._o from_o ver._n 1._o to_o 31._o vid._n hor._n heb._n tal._n p._n 300._o and_o mat._n 26._o 6._o between_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a meal_n in_o bethany_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o many_o other_o judicious_o urge_v by_o he_o because_o the_o disciple_n think_v when_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v to_o he_o ver._n 27._o that_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o that_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o judas_n who_o keep_v the_o bag_n to_o buy_v those_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o against_o the_o feast_n viz._n the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o passage_n and_o that_o discourse_v relate_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n be_v transact_v at_o a_o ordinary_a and_o common_a supper_n and_o indeed_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n which_o st._n john_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o write_v his_o gospel_n and_o which_o throughout_o he_o constant_o pursue_v viz._n to_o add_v out_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n several_a remarkable_a passage_n especial_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n in_o their_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n life_n action_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n there_o be_v another_o passage_n in_o st._n john_n gospel_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o 53._o john_n 5._o 53._o many_o learned_a divine_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v respect_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o not_o at_o that_o time_n institute_v when_o those_o mysterious_a word_n be_v utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v 54._o ver._n 54._o his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o whoso_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o 55._o ver._n 55._o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o 56._o ver._n 56._o drink_v my_o blood_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o now_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o his_o suffering_n and_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v receive_v the_o token_n and_o sign_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o blood_n shed_v for_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o reward_v by_o he_o as_o his_o friend_n these_o be_v all_o the_o place_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o act_n and_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divinely-inspired_n author_n among_o all_o their_o write_n there_o be_v but_o one_o place_n which_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 11._o where_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o he_o receive_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n himself_o viz._n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o 24._o ver._n 23._o ver._n 24._o he_o be_v betray_v take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o after_o the_o 25._o ver._n 25._o same_o manner_n he_o take_v the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v supp_v say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o for_o as_o often_o as_o 26._o ver._n 26._o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v or_o show_v you_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v there_o be_v several_a other_o place_n wherein_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v mention_v 7._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 16_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 20._o act_n 2._o 46._o act_n 20._o 7._o and_o describe_v by_o several_a name_n and_o title_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o omit_v and_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consult_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o that_o trouble_n if_o they_o do_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v against_o kneel_v or_o that_o look_v like_o a_o command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o other_o gesture_n let_v we_o now_o look_v back_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o place_n foremention_v and_o see_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o his_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o representative_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a capacity_n either_o as_o governor_n and_o minister_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o as_o ordinary_a and_o lay_v communicant_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o governor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n their_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v it_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o he_o design_v it_o to_o break_v it_o to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o communicant_n as_o he_o give_v it_o they_o and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v the_o cup_n to_o bless_v it_o to_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a that_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v by_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n consider_v as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o consecrate_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o do_v all_o this_o in_o commemoration_n of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n in_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v break_v and_o his_o blood_n to_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o the_o least_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o here_o in_o all_o this_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v altogether_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n its_o silence_n be_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o no_o gesture_n be_v ever_o command_v at_o all_o and_o this_o have_v be_v ingenuous_o confess_v in_o write_v by_o a_o 48._o a_o manuscript_n of_o a_o unknown_a author_n cite_v by_o mr._n paybody_n p._n 48._o great_a enemy_n to_o kneel_v and_o a_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v that_o the_o gesture_n of_o sit_v be_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o not_o express_o command_v but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v object_n that_o when_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o institution_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v this_o he_o do_v by_o those_o word_n command_v they_o to_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v eat_v drink_v etc._n etc._n the_o force_n of_o their_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o if_o it_o have_v any_o force_n at_o all_o our_o saviour_n sit_v at_o the_o passover_n as_o the_o scripture_n plain_o inform_v 14._o mat._n 26._o 20._o mar._n 14._o 18._o luke_n 22._o 14._o we_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v he_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o posture_n when_o he_o institute_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o passover_n therefore_o do_v this_o relate_v to_o and_o include_v the_o gesture_n among_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o miserable_a shift_n which_o tend_v to_o sink_v rather_o than_o support_v their_o cause_n for_o first_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v when_o he_o administer_v answ_n i_o the_o sacrament_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o incline_v we_o to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o those_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v his_o gesture_n only_o and_o not_o several_a other_o circumstance_n which_o he_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n since_o christ_n have_v not_o restrain_v and_o interpret_v these_o word_n do_v
there_o be_v nothing_o answer_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o all_o person_n grant_v this_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a be_v apt_a to_o plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o they_o by_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v but_o now_o if_o a_o person_n may_v recede_v from_o his_o liberty_n and_o yet_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o yet_o his_o liberty_n be_v not_o thereby_o infringe_v why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v also_o little_o infringe_v when_o restrain_v by_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o vast_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o restraint_n and_o restraint_n and_o that_o he_o that_o be_v restrain_v by_o authority_n shall_v have_v his_o liberty_n prejudice_v and_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n 29._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 29._o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v shall_v keep_v entire_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o be_v occasional_a but_o the_o other_o be_v perpetuate_v by_o the_o order_n perhaps_o of_o a_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o all_o order_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o be_v only_o intend_v to_o bond_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n and_o if_o they_o be_v for_o continuance_n that_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n know_v his_o own_o liberty_n and_o where_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n can_v insist_v upon_o it_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o can_v be_v damnify_v though_o for_o his_o whole_a life_n it_o be_v restrain_v for_o thus_o he_o resolve_v if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v which_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v condescend_v to_o if_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o his_o exhortation_n of_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o therefore_o to_o find_v out_o the_o tendency_n of_o his_o exhortation_n its_o fit_a to_o understand_v what_o christian_a liberty_n be_v and_o that_o be_v true_o no_o other_o than_o the_o liberty_n which_o mankind_n natural_o have_v before_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o particular_a institution_n and_o which_o be_v call_v christian_a liberty_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v it_o not_o under_o their_o law_n but_o be_v restrain_v from_o the_o practice_n and_o use_v of_o thing_n otherwise_o and_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a by_o severe_a prohibition_n now_o as_o all_o the_o world_n be_v then_o divide_v into_o jew_n and_o gentile_n so_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v before_o deny_v be_v call_v christian_n because_o by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n all_o these_o former_a restraint_n be_v take_v off_o and_o all_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v enjoy_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o epistle_n do_v show_v to_o warn_v they_o against_o return_v to_o that_o jewish_a state_n and_o against_o those_o who_o hold_v it_o necessary_a for_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n still_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o order_n of_o it_o now_o if_o the_o usage_n of_o a_o church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n or_o have_v the_o same_o tendency_n or_o be_v alike_o necessary_o impose_v as_o those_o of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n than_o christian_n will_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n but_o where_o these_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o liberty_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o compliance_n with_o they_o as_o long_o i_o say_v as_o they_o be_v neither_o peccant_a in_o their_o nature_n nor_o end_v nor_o number_n they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o we_o nor_o be_v our_o liberty_n injure_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o so_o i_o be_o bring_v to_o the_o last_o general_n which_o be_v v._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v not_o either_o a_o duty_n in_o itself_o and_o so_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n or_o else_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o so_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o they_o by_o thing_n require_v i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o lay-member_n of_o it_o for_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n my_o subject_n do_v more_o especial_o respect_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a too_o copious_a for_o i_o to_o follow_v through_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o if_o the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v be_v good_a and_o the_o rule_n before_o give_v be_v fit_a measure_n for_o we_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n by_o for_o by_o these_o we_o shall_v soon_o bring_v the_o cause_n to_o a_o issue_n i_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o our_o church_n for_o be_v defective_a in_o any_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o its_o half-communion_n nor_o of_o any_o practice_n that_o be_v apparent_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o that_o do_v defeat_v the_o end_n of_o any_o institution_n as_o the_o same_o church_n do_v offend_v by_o have_v its_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o its_o ceremony_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sincere_o and_o free_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n entire_o and_o true_o administer_v the_o prayer_n for_o matter_n inoffensive_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o ministration_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n and_o i_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n object_v against_o refer_v either_o to_o time_n or_o form_n or_o gesture_n to_o time_n such_o be_v festival_n or_o day_n set_v apart_o for_o divine_a service_n to_o form_n such_o be_v our_o prayer_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o sacrament_n to_o gesture_n as_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n or_o gospel_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o now_o all_o these_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o moral_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o of_o the_o former_a kind_n be_v day_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v form_n of_o administration_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v and_o use_v again_o these_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n either_o express_o or_o consequential_o and_o have_v nothing_o that_o be_v indecent_a disorderly_a or_o unedifying_a in_o they_o and_o which_o if_o any_o shall_v engage_v his_o own_o opinion_n and_o experience_n in_o he_o will_v be_v answer_v in_o the_o like_a kind_n and_o have_v the_o opinion_n and_o experience_n of_o thousand_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o to_o contradict_v he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o kind_a apparent_a or_o what_o can_v be_v plain_o prove_v as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v there_o can_v then_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n but_o if_o at_o last_o it_o must_v issue_v in_o thing_n inexpedient_a to_o christian_n or_o a_o unlawfulness_n in_o the_o imposure_n be_v either_o of_o these_o fit_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o when_o the_o peace_n of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v break_v by_o it_o a_o lamentable_a schism_n keep_v up_o and_o our_o religion_n bring_v into_o imminent_a hazard_n by_o both_o alas_o how_o near_o have_v we_o be_v to_o ruin_v and_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v how_o near_o be_v we_o to_o it_o consider_v the_o indefatigable_a industry_n the_o unite_a endeavour_n the_o matchless_a policy_n of_o those_o that_o contrive_v and_o desire_v it_o can_v we_o think_v that_o we_o be_v safe_a as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o a_o abide_a reason_n to_o make_v we_o suspect_v it_o and_o that_o our_o division_n be_v both_o foment_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o they_o to_o destroy_v we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o danger_n and_o union_n as_o necessary_a as_o desirable_a shall_v we_o yet_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o or_o irreparable_a by_o a_o obstinate_a contention_n god_n forbid_v o_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o let_v peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o
275._o hierom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o infant-baptism_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n furthermore_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o the_o pelagian_o never_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant-communion_n as_o they_o do_v of_o infant-baptism_n all_o which_o thing_n consider_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o near_o the_o like_a evidence_n in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v for_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a evidence_n for_o the_o constant_a successive_a and_o general_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n that_o there_o be_v for_o infant-baptism_n so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o because_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n or_o mystery_n of_o initiation_n of_o which_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a it_o be_v institute_v chief_o for_o a_o initiatory_a sign_n to_o solemnize_v the_o admission_n of_o the_o baptise_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o seal_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v upon_o the_o second_o and_o four_o question_n be_v equal_o answer_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o profess_v believer_n confession_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o accidental_a circumstantial_o which_o be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o not_o to_o baptism_n itself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o communion_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o institute_v for_o a_o sacrificial_a feast_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v but_o second_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o that_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o tradition_n be_v fair_o and_o genuine_o interpretable_a for_o it_o but_o this_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o one_o text_n john_n 6._o 53._o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o which_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o it_o but_o in_o a_o proleptical_a sense_n the_o lord_n supper_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o institute_v by_o he_o or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n contain_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o wherefore_o though_o this_o text_n be_v literal_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n as_o st._n augustine_n first_o interpret_v it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v strain_v to_o infant-communion_n because_o infant_n can_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a banquet_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o custom_n of_o communicate_v infant_n prevail_v by_o degree_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n as_o full_o answer_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n and_o as_o be_v found_v upon_o more_o and_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o much_o more_o noble_a tradition_n than_o infant-communion_n be_v but_o three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o the_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o infant-circumcision_n and_o infant-baptism_n answer_v as_o a_o pattern_n unto_o that_o under_o the_o law_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o pattern_n under_o it_o which_o answer_v so_o to_o infant-communion_n because_o a_o child_n never_o partake_v of_o the_o 27._o the_o the_o the_o exod._n 12._o 26_o 27._o passover_n before_o he_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o take_v his_o father_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o to_o go_v up_o from_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o inquire_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o service_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v old_a enough_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o understand_v that_o than_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o it_o be_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o will_v if_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o confirm_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o christian_a child_n be_v usual_o much_o old_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v before_o they_o communicate_v which_o be_v mere_o accidental_a because_o it_o require_v a_o ripe_a reason_n to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a deliverance_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n both_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o understand_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a meaning_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v annual_o keep_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o speak_v yet_o more_o full_o of_o infant-communion_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o 〈◊〉_d valid_o valid_o valid_o theodoret._n therapeut_n serm._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v a_o most_o emphatical_a declaration_n that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o indies_n or_o or_o or_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n still_o be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o lawful_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o of_o profess_v believer_n can_v be_v as_o for_o the_o original_a of_o this_o custom_n it_o be_v not_o know_v when_o it_o begin_v probable_o it_o come_v in_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n to_o grow_v person_n present_o after_o their_o baptism_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v so_o tender_a towards_o infant_n as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n rather_o than_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o right_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o excuse_n of_o those_o uncharitable_a man_n who_o will_v rather_o destroy_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a so_o high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v above_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o infant-baptism_n which_o i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o reserve_v for_o this_o place_n be_v take_v from_o their_o incapacity_n to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n unto_o god_n for_o say_v these_o man_n all_o who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v for_o their_o part_n as_o well_o as_o god_n do_v for_o his_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n say_v that_o the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v 21._o 1_o ep._n 3._o 21._o have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o how_o can_v infant_n restipulate_v or_o what_o conscience_n can_v be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v what_o the_o covenant_n mean_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v as_o former_o that_o it_o be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o infant-baptism_n for_o the_o infant_n
can_v or_o will_v do_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n can_v be_v have_v as_o in_o a_o general_a apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n or_o persecution_n for_o religion_n or_o unjust_a excommunication_n but_o what_o be_v god_n ordinary_a method_n and_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o 47._o act_n 2._o 47._o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v observe_v not_o only_o in_o general_n that_o whatever_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v for_o mankind_n it_o be_v for_o they_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n christ_n love_v his_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o 25._o eph._n 5._o 25._o for_o it_o christ_n redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o 28._o act_n 26._o 28._o blood_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o 23._o eph._n 5._o 23._o church_n but_o also_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o apostle_n confine_v the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n upon_o this_o account_n viz._n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_v afford_v 4._o eph._n 4._o 4._o in_o christ_n church_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v it_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o dreadful_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o as_o laugh_v a_o matter_n as_o some_o now_o adays_o make_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o slight_v the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n church_n and_o count_v it_o their_o glory_n and_o saintship_n voluntary_o to_o cut_v off_o themselves_o from_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v a_o far_o different_a opinion_n of_o it_o with_o they_o to_o be_v cast_v apol._n nam_fw-la judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la etc._n etc._n tert._n apol._n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o one_o account_v full_a as_o dreadful_a a_o doom_n as_o the_o other_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o sentence_n be_v rare_o pass_v against_o a_o offender_n but_o with_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 5_o 2._o grief_n and_o sorrow_n in_o he_o that_o be_v force_v to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o those_o against_o who_o it_o be_v past_a use_v the_o most_o ardent_a importunity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v the_o severe_a penance_n in_o order_n to_o be_v restore_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o it_o you_o may_v have_v behold_v they_o kiss_v the_o chain_n of_o imprison_a martyr_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o lazar_n or._n nazion_n 12._o or._n wallow_v at_o the_o temple-door_n on_o their_o knee_n beg_v the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n you_o may_v have_v see_v they_o strip_v and_o naked_a their_o hair_n neglect_v their_o body_n wither_v their_o eye_n deject_v and_o sometime_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o word_n of_o david_n as_o the_o great_a theodosius_n 15._o theod._n h._n eccl._n 5._o c._n 15._o in_o the_o state_n of_o penance_n my_o soul_n cleave_v to_o the_o dust_n quicken_v thou_o i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o thy_o word_n thus_o much_o seem_v to_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o second_o proposition_n but_o that_o our_o passage_n to_o the_o three_o may_v be_v the_o clear_a i_o shall_v add_v a_o little_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n or_o two_o that_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n and_o the_o first_o be_v obj._n do_v not_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n that_o come_v to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n come_v unworthy_o and_o to_o their_o own_o great_a sin_n and_o danger_n no_o less_o than_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o 29._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 27_o 29._o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n and_o can_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o they_o be_v so_o unworthy_a of_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o and_o for_o do_v which_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v so_o severe_o answ_n i_o answer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o all_o even_o the_o best_a man_n in_o a_o strict_a legal_a sense_n be_v unworthy_a and_o that_o even_o of_o common_a mercy_n from_o god_n much_o more_o of_o this_o prime_a duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n every_o man_n in_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n we_o be_v all_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o our_o righteousness_n 5._o psal_n 39_o 5._o be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n the_o meaning_n be_v all_o man_n be_v 5._o isa_n 39_o 5._o sinner_n and_o their_o best_a service_n imperfect_a and_o impure_a but_o then_o the_o right_n they_o have_v to_o this_o privilege_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o worth_n but_o as_o be_v say_v before_o on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o they_o enter_v at_o first_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v please_v to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o people_n 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a and_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o description_n he_o give_v of_o those_o unworthy_a communicant_n 1._o they_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n he_o that_o eat_v this_o loc_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d s._n chrysost_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 27._o dr._n lightf_n in_o loc_n bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n how_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v eat_v it_o still_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o what_o it_o do_v represent_v or_o for_o what_o end_v it_o be_v institute_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o infinite_a value_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n blood_n not_o at_o all_o affect_a with_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o love_n nor_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o altogether_o as_o void_a of_o any_o sincere_a affection_n and_o gratitude_n to_o christ_n for_o that_o mighty_a redemption_n he_o wrought_v for_o mankind_n as_o the_o jew_n and_o pagan_a that_o neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v in_o he_o 2._o they_o be_v open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o schism_n and_o division_n ver_fw-la 18_o 21_o 22_o ver_fw-la pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o christianity_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v usual_o usher_v in_o with_o a_o love-feast_n that_o be_v eat_v just_a before_o it_o but_o so_o unchristian_a be_v these_o corinthian_n that_o every_o one_o take_v before_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n they_o run_v into_o party_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o leave_v the_o place_n they_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o their_o brethren_n the_o rich_a despise_a and_o exclude_v the_o poor_a that_o come_v not_o so_o well_o provide_v as_o they_o from_o their_o feast_n and_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o a_o high_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o poor_a be_v hungry_a whilst_o the_o rich_a feed_v and_o pamper_a their_o body_n to_o excess_n and_o luxury_n when_o you_o come_v together_o say_v he_o this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v no_o fit_a preparation_n for_o it_o for_o in_o eat_v every_o one_o take_v before_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n and_o one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o be_v drunken_a such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o such_o as_o these_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o discourse_n on_o this_o proposition_n have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v this_o indeed_o be_v to_o be_v unworthy_a with_o a_o witness_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o st._n paul_n sometime_o word_n it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o apostasy_n and_o other_o heinous_a sin_n to_o crucify_v 16._o heb._n 6._o 6._o heb._n 10._o 16._o afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o despise_v
condemn_v with_o the_o world_n for_o as_o he_o that_o partake_v worthy_o of_o this_o sacrament_n confirm_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o he_o that_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o due_a reverence_n and_o without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o it_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a continue_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n whilst_o he_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n this_o man_n aggravate_v and_o seal_v his_o own_o damnation_n because_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o by_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o but_o by_o renew_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o as_o it_o be_v crucify_a to_o himself_o afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n and_o when_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v appear_v and_o pass_v final_a sentence_n upon_o man_n such_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a wretch_n as_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o dear_a love_n of_o their_o die_a lord_n nor_o be_v engage_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n by_o all_o the_o tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n with_o pilate_n and_o judas_n with_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o soldier_n who_o be_v the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o as_o those_o who_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o severe_a threaten_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o deter_v all_o those_o from_o their_o sin_n who_o think_v of_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o so_o solemn_a and_o holy_a a_o covenant_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v man_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v man_n forsake_v their_o sin_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o under_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n ii_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o frequent_a observance_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o institution_n for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n yet_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o usage_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n so_o often_o as_o they_o solemn_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n they_o plain_o suppose_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n or_o rather_o imply_v a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v it_o for_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o law_n or_o institution_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n which_o follow_v immediate_o upon_o it_o and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o obligation_n hereunto_o and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o suitable_a practice_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n and_o force_n of_o persuasion_n i_o can_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o among_o christian_n be_v grow_v so_o general_a and_o a_o great_a many_o person_n from_o a_o superstitious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v by_o degree_n fall_v into_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v a_o threefold_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n each_o of_o they_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o of_o the_o great_a force_n imaginable_a to_o engage_v we_o hereunto_o 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o a_o plain_a precept_n and_o most_o solemn_a institution_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o great_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v as_o st._n james_n call_v he_o he_o have_v bid_v we_o do_v this_o and_o s._n paul_n who_o declare_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n admonish_v we_o to_o do_v it_o often_o now_o for_o any_o man_n that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o the_o open_a and_o continue_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o profession_n to_o such_o our_o lord_n may_v say_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v how_o far_o the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o institution_n or_o the_o mistake_n which_o man_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o about_o it_o may_v extenuate_v this_o neglect_n be_v another_o consideration_n but_o after_o we_o know_v our_o lord_n will_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o have_v the_o law_n plain_o lay_v before_o we_o there_o be_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a institution_n from_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n authority_n 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o oblige_v hereunto_o in_o point_n of_o interest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o expect_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o by_o this_o sacrament_n be_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o grace_n and_o assistence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o encourage_v we_o in_o well-doing_n and_o to_o support_v we_o under_o suffering_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o in_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n we_o neglect_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n we_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o confirm_v and_o convey_v these_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n shall_v oblige_v we_o not_o to_o neglect_v so_o excellent_a and_o so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n of_o promote_a our_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n 3._o we_o be_v likewise_o particular_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o careful_a observance_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a thing_n our_o lord_n give_v in_o charge_n when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o man_n use_v religious_o to_o observe_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o die_a friend_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o do_v what_o he_o desire_v but_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n nay_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n of_o all_o mankind_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v himself_o to_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o undergo_v the_o most_o grievous_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o to_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a death_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bitter_a pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o any_o thing_n he_o ask_v of_o we_o who_o be_v go_v to_o do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o this_o so_o little_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o itself_o so_o infinite_o beneficial_a to_o we_o have_v such_o a_o friend_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n bid_v we_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v we_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o when_o he_o have_v only_o commend_v to_o we_o one_o of_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o delightful_a action_n as_o a_o fit_a representation_n and_o memorial_n of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o his_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n when_o he_o have_v only_o enjoin_v we_o in_o a_o thankful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o meet_v at_o his_o table_n and_o to_o remember_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o to_o resolve_v to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v he_o no_o more_o can_v we_o without_o the_o most_o horrible_a ingratitude_n neglect_v this_o die_a charge_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o
question_n propose_v for_o the_o resolution_n whereof_o i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o so_o we_o may_v true_o understand_v what_o gesture_n be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o it_o 2._o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o absolute_o require_v and_o necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v 3._o that_o kneel_v be_v very_o comely_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o no_o table-gesture_n 4._o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o ancient_a father_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o be_v maintain_v and_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v it_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n first_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o and_o banquet_n by_o the_o ancient_a greek_a father_n because_o of_o that_o provision_n and_o entertainment_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v for_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n it_o be_v style_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n either_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n at_o suppertime_n at_o night_n or_o because_o it_o represent_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o a_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a supper_n and_o feast_n though_o it_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n between_o this_o holy_a feast_n and_o civil_a feast_n and_o the_o show_v wherein_o it_o lie_v will_v in_o part_n explain_v its_o nature_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o feast_n and_o include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o plenty_n good_a company_n and_o mirth_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o the_o sacrament_n be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n proper_o a_o banquet_n a_o feast_n but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a one_o consist_v of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o benefit_n communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o all_o true_a believer_n signify_v by_o and_o tender_v under_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o even_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o consider_v as_o a_o feast_n and_o be_v necessary_a ingredient_n into_o all_o feast_n whatsoever_o it_o very_o much_o differ_v from_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n for_o though_o there_o be_v plenty_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o dish_n to_o gratify_v our_o palate_n or_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n as_o other_o feast_n do_v and_o particular_o the_o passover_n do_v where_o the_o body_n be_v fill_v and_o feast_v as_o well_o as_o the_o mind_n the_o provision_n wherewith_o our_o lord_n have_v furnish_v out_o his_o table_n be_v not_o of_o a_o earthly_a and_o perish_a but_o of_o a_o heavenly_a and_o immortal_a nature_n even_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o spiritual_o feast_v upon_o alas_o if_o we_o only_o fix_v our_o eye_n and_o thought_n upon_o what_o be_v place_v on_o the_o table_n and_o those_o small_a portion_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n allot_v we_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v without_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n as_o 3._o as_o as_o as_o so_o st._n cypr._n st._n chrysost_o and_o st._n aug._n expound_v this_o exhort_v of_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o communion_n cyp._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dom._n chrys_n hom._n de_fw-fr encaeniis_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr ver_fw-la relig._n c._n 3._o our_o church_n exhort_v we_o to_o do_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o her_o communion-office_n to_o those_o heavenly_a and_o invisible_a good_a thing_n couch_v under_o and_o signify_v by_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o that_o we_o see_v that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o feast_n or_o can_v by_o the_o help_n of_o any_o figure_n but_o a_o irony_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n esteem_v that_o a_o feast_n where_o there_o be_v not_o meat_n enough_o to_o fill_v his_o mouth_n nor_o drink_v enough_o to_o quench_v his_o thirst_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n therefore_o of_o those_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n not_o the_o body_n of_o worthy_a communicant_n be_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v of_o which_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v but_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v and_o may_v true_o be_v call_v a_o feast_n or_o banquet_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n other_o reason_n reason_n reason_n st._n chrys_n in_o ps_n 90._o greg._n naz._n orat_fw-la 40._o athanasius_n st._n cyril_n hierosol_n catech._n and_o other_o the_o greek_a father_n call_v it_o a_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o the_o table_n a_o mystical_a table_n and_o the_o cup_n the_o cup_n of_o mystery_n and_o the_o sacrament_n take_v it_o all_o together_o be_v by_o they_o style_v the_o mystical_a supper_n the_o mystery_n and_o mystery_n as_o present_v one_o thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o another_o to_o the_o mind_n 2._o as_o plenty_n be_v one_o necessary_a ingredient_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n so_o also_o be_v choice_n and_o select_a company_n feast_n be_v make_v in_o expectation_n of_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n a_o man_n may_v dine_v alone_o but_o in_o proper_a and_o ordinary_a speech_n no_o man_n be_v say_v to_o feast_n alone_o now_o though_o the_o sacrament_n do_v resemble_v our_o common_a feast_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o have_v obtain_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o guest_n communicant_n which_o phrase_n do_v natural_o import_v number_n or_o society_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o person_n be_v that_o constitute_v this_o society_n and_o with_o who_o communion_n be_v hold_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o spiritual_a feast_n will_v further_o appear_v and_o true_o our_o communion_n be_v with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n though_o principal_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o master_n of_o this_o feast_n in_o and_o through_o who_o we_o all_o have_v 18._o eph._n 2._o 18._o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n to_o the_o father_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v this_o high_a and_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o honour_n of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v a_o friendly_a correspondence_n and_o converse_n with_o he_o at_o his_o table_n be_v found_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o thankful_o commemorate_v at_o this_o solemnity_n by_o which_o we_o who_o be_v afar_o off_o be_v make_v nigh_o as_o the_o same_o 13._o eph._n 2._o 13._o divine_a writer_n have_v it_o moreoever_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o all_o faithful_a christian_n and_o worthy_a communicant_n the_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n who_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o cleanse_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o that_o which_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o such_o communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o external_n garb_n or_o ornament_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o penitent_a humble_a charitable_a thankful_n and_o obedient_a heart_n 3._o another_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o feast_n be_v mirth_n and_o joy_n which_o imply_v also_o good_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o too_o the_o sacrament_n resemble_v our_o common_a feast_n but_o then_o the_o joy_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o flow_v from_o different_a cause_n not_o from_o what_o we_o taste_n and_o see_v not_o from_o our_o appetite_n and_o fancy_n please_v and_o tickle_v with_o the_o richness_n and_o variety_n of_o dish_n which_o adorn_v the_o table_n nor_o from_o our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n raise_v and_o ferment_v by_o generous_a wine_n but_o from_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a consideration_n from_o the_o boundless_a and_o unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v and_o belove_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o undertake_v this_o hard_a task_n in_o appear_v clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o at_o last_o humble_v himself_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o our_o sake_n from_o the_o victory_n he_o have_v gain_v for_o we_o over_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n from_o the_o miraculous_a redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v and_o the_o right_n and_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n by_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n this_o be_v
plain_a account_n in_o these_o word_n let_v the_o bishop_n give_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sacrifice_n by_o which_o name_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v call_v in_o primitive_a time_n say_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o that_o receive_v say_v amen_o then_o let_v the_o deacon_n take_v the_o cup_n and_o at_o the_o delivery_n say_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o cup_n of_o life_n and_o let_v he_o that_o drink_v say_v amen_o now_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o constitution_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n adulterate_v yet_o it_o be_v allow_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v very_o sincere_a and_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o pure_a practice_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a time_n that_o they_o give_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a account_n in_o this_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o sacrament_n we_o may_v rest_v full_o satisfy_v from_o the_o concure_a evidence_n of_o other_o ancient_a writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o four_o century_n for_o both_o st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n 1541._o ambr._n de_fw-fr sacr._n lib_n 4._o c._n 5._o p._n 440._o to._n 4._o st._n cyril_n hiero._n catech._n mystag_n 5._o universa_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la accepto_fw-la christi_fw-la sanguine_a dicit_fw-la amen_o resp_n ad_fw-la orosi_fw-la quest_n 49._o to._n 4._o p._n 691._o basil_n 1541._o make_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o people_n say_v amen_o when_o the_o minister_n say_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o st._n austin_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o universal_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o cup_n be_v deliver_v and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n record_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o be_v very_o apposite_a to_o our_o purpose_n i_o will_v set_v down_o for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o novatius_fw-la a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o rightful_a bishop_n cornelius_n set_v up_o for_o himself_o and_o become_v the_o head_n novato_fw-la epist_n cornel._n ad_fw-la fab._n apud_fw-la euseb_n eccles_n hist_o lib._n 6._o c._n 35._o de_fw-la novato_fw-la of_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o unnatural_a schism_n and_o the_o better_a to_o secure_v to_o he_o the_o proselyte_n he_o have_v gain_v he_o alter_v the_o usual_a form_n of_o prayer_n at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o substitute_v a_o new-fangled_a oath_n which_o he_o oblige_v every_o communicant_a to_o take_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o receive_n which_o among_o other_o wicked_a action_n be_v particulary_a take_v notice_n of_o and_o charge_v upon_o he_o by_o cornelius_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o and_o the_o most_o villainous_a innovation_n when_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v say_v he_o to_o offer_v sacrafice_n i._n e._n to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o to_o distribute_v to_o every_o one_o his_o part_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o he_o constrain_v those_o person_n who_o unhappy_o side_v with_o he_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n instead_o of_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n according_a to_o custom_n and_o instead_o of_o say_v amen_o he_o force_v every_o communicant_a when_o he_o receive_v the_o bread_n to_o say_v i_o will_v never_o return_v to_o cornelius_n as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v from_o these_o plain_a instance_n we_o may_v see_v how_o close_o our_o church_n follow_v the_o step_n of_o pure_a antiquity_n in_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o cup_n to_o the_o people_n which_o run_v thus_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n preserve_v thy_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o everlasting_a life_n etc._n etc._n which_o last_o clause_n be_v add_v by_o latter_a time_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n to_o that_o short_a form_n which_o the_o 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devotion_n only_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o all_o that_o space_n of_o time_n that_o fall_v between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n at_o all_o other_o time_n in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n kneel_v be_v their_o worship_a posture_n and_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n every_o day_n and_o particular_o on_o their_o state_v weekly_a fast_n which_o they_o keep_v every_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n when_o to_o stand_v be_v think_v as_o great_a a_o irregularity_n as_o to_o kneel_v be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o last_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v deliver_v and_o receive_v with_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o on_o those_o day_n when_o they_o constant_o pray_v kneel_v all_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v consider_v i_o think_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o be_v what_o i_o assert_v and_o design_v viz._n that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o sit_v be_v general_o condemn_v as_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a gesture_n by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v say_v that_o prostration_n or_o lie_v flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v so_o it_o must_v be_v therefore_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o stand_v or_o kneel_v as_o for_o stand_v all_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v use_v only_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o pentecost_n the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v draw_v not_o from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o from_o the_o day_n and_o festival_n season_n when_o they_o do_v more_o particular_o communicate_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n open_o testify_v their_o belief_n of_o that_o great_a article_n at_o such_o time_n therefore_o they_o choose_v stand_v as_o be_v a_o gesture_n suitable_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o as_o a_o emblem_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o on_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a reason_n to_o invite_v or_o oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o use_v kneel_v that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a posture_n they_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n viz._n stand_v both_o at_o their_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o fifty_o day_n after_o easter_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v usual_a at_o other_o time_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v they_o do_v not_o observe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n at_o all_o other_o time_n viz._n that_o as_o at_o such_o time_n they_o do_v constant_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n so_o they_o do_v also_o constant_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v and_o receive_v in_o a_o prayer_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o premise_n i_o may_v howsoever_o promise_v myself_o thus_o much_o success_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v careful_o weigh_v and_o peruse_v they_o with_o a_o teachable_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n shall_v find_v himself_o much_o more_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o primitive_a church_n use_v at_o some_o time_n to_o kneel_v as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n than_o that_o they_o never_o do_v kneel_v at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o posture_n be_v never_o use_v nor_o hear_v of_o but_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n as_o some_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v have_v confident_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o second_o suppose_v they_o never_o do_v kneel_v as_o we_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o adore_a posture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o present_a
or_o leave_v out_o of_o it_o till_o all_o party_n among_o we_o be_v satisfy_v which_o indeed_o can_v never_o be_v effect_v as_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o our_o become_a more_o true_o christian_n in_o our_o life_n and_o temper_n they_o be_v our_o vicious_a disposition_n more_o than_o our_o different_a apprehension_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n let_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o same_o quarrelsome_a mind_n and_o industrious_o seek_v for_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n before_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o their_o governor_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a it_o be_v plain_a our_o division_n and_o animosity_n will_v not_o can_v cease_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o design_v to_o discourse_v of_o which_o be_v to_o propound_v to_o you_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n may_v get_v rid_v of_o and_o ease_v their_o mind_n of_o such_o scruple_n where_o i_o shall_v especial_o consider_v those_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o communicate_v with_o our_o parish-church_n you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o and_o answer_v the_o particular_a exception_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o constant_a communion_n with_o we_o but_o only_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o advise_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o remove_v those_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o yet_o detain_v so_o many_o in_o a_o state_n of_o utter_a separation_n from_o we_o or_o at_o least_o discourage_v their_o total_a and_o hearty_a join_v with_o we_o which_o charitable_a design_n and_o attempt_v however_o unsuccessful_a i_o may_v be_v in_o it_o yet_o can_v i_o hope_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o any_o who_o conscience_n be_v pester_v with_o such_o scruple_n since_o i_o endeavour_v only_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_v which_o beside_o the_o disservice_n they_o do_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o protestant_a interest_n do_v also_o expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v and_o danger_n from_o the_o public_a law_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o many_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v insist_v only_o on_o these_o follow_v 1._o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n to_o beget_v and_o cherish_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o high_a and_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n almighty_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o as_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v be_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n 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_v to_o he_o as_o also_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v most_o offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o can_v that_o man_n have_v become_v and_o excellent_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o imagine_v that_o god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n habit_n and_o posture_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o service_n and_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n of_o our_o religious_a action_n when_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o true_a devotion_n of_o heart_n a_o sincere_a christian_a prostrate_v himself_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o affection_n beg_v those_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n shall_v refuse_v and_o reject_v his_o petition_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o certain_a prescribe_a form_n of_o word_n shall_v his_o importunate_a renew_a request_n fail_v of_o success_n because_o he_o still_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n and_o read_v his_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n be_v god_n please_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n or_o the_o copiousness_n of_o our_o invention_n or_o the_o elegancy_n of_o our_o phrase_n and_o style_n be_v it_o not_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o god_n principal_o respect_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n or_o can_v we_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v shut_v his_o ear_n against_o the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n because_o offend_v at_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o garment_n in_o which_o the_o minister_n officiate_n suppose_v two_o person_n both_o with_o equal_a preparation_n with_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n one_o of_o they_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a blessing_n and_o out_o of_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n therein_o confer_v upon_o he_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o his_o knee_n in_o the_o humble_a posture_n the_o other_o sit_v or_o stand_v can_v you_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v effectual_a or_o beneficial_a or_o that_o god_n bless_v it_o only_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v or_o that_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o advantage_n to_o he_o if_o he_o also_o have_v receive_v it_o kneel_v to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_n god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursome_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o child_n though_o in_o all_o respect_n most_o dutiful_a to_o he_o and_o every_o way_n deserve_v his_o great_a kindness_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 under_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v exact_o describe_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n at_o all_o to_o vary_v from_o they_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o because_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v typical_a of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o and_o those_o many_o nice_a observance_n that_o be_v appoint_v be_v not_o command_v for_o themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o excellency_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v all_o now_o do_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o everlasting_a righteousness_n the_o only_a thing_n always_o please_v to_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a rational_a service_n god_n now_o expect_v from_o we_o and_o delight_n in_o and_o he_o must_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o very_a fond_a and_o captious_a be_v who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o we_o be_v most_o hearty_a and_o devout_a in_o they_o yet_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o he_o only_o because_o of_o some_o particular_a habit_n or_o gesture_n we_o use_v which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o religious_a performance_n such_o 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_n 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 lay_v out_o your_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v you_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n our_o fierce_a dispute_n and_o debate_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o circumstance_n be_v apt_a to_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n mind_v those_o thing_n most_o in_o
which_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o cure_v our_o scrupulousness_n about_o little_a thing_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o the_o roman_n cap._n 14._o among_o who_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n observe_v or_o not_o observe_v some_o day_n have_v occasion_v as_o much_o trouble_v and_o scruple_n as_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n do_v now_o among_o we_o ver_fw-la 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n or_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_n 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 and_o then_o he_o add_v ver_fw-la 18._o for_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_a of_o men._n thus_o when_o you_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o your_o prayer_n let_v it_o be_v your_o great_a care_n to_o fix_v in_o your_o mind_n a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n infinite_a majesty_n of_o your_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o your_o manifold_a want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o petition_n for_o and_o his_o readiness_n to_o grant_v they_o upon_o your_o humble_a request_n and_o the_o more_o you_o do_v this_o the_o less_o solicitous_a you_o will_v be_v about_o the_o form_n or_o word_n of_o your_o prayer_n he_o that_o mind_v those_o thing_n most_o on_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o christ_n sake_n do_v depend_v will_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o nor_o require_v new_a phrase_n every_o time_n to_o stir_v his_o attention_n or_o to_o raise_v his_o affection_n thus_o let_v man_n be_v very_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a in_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o holy_a communion_n let_v they_o come_v thereunto_o with_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o with_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o true_a charity_n towards_o all_o man_n the_o more_o concern_v they_o be_v about_o these_o necessary_a thing_n the_o less_o afraid_a will_v they_o be_v of_o offend_a god_n by_o kneel_v at_o the_o administration_n or_o come_v up_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o a_o new_a nature_n in_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n which_o make_v a_o man_n real_o better_a and_o more_o like_a unto_o god_n he_o that_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o not_o put_v off_o his_o hat_n or_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o not_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n or_o gospel_n as_o i_o before_o show_v you_o have_v no_o worthy_a thought_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o right_a notion_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o unfeigned_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o our_o brother_n not_o in_o any_o external_a rite_n or_o observance_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o mutable_a and_o be_v different_a in_o several_a church_n 3._o it_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o the_o remove_v these_o scruple_n which_o hinder_v the_o bless_a union_n of_o christian_n among_o we_o if_o man_n be_v but_o real_o willing_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n this_o alone_a will_v go_v half_a way_n towards_o conquer_a they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v fond_a of_o and_o nourish_v their_o doubt_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o converse_v only_o with_o those_o man_n read_v only_o those_o book_n and_o hear_v those_o discourse_n which_o be_v make_v of_o their_o side_n which_o serve_v to_o heighten_v and_o strengthen_v their_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n when_o they_o avoid_v the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n as_o dangerous_a snare_n and_o temptation_n and_o look_v upon_o this_o tenderness_n or_o aptness_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a conscientiousness_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n whereas_o will_v they_o come_v once_o to_o distrust_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v all_o this_o while_n mistake_v will_v they_o calm_o and_o patient_o hear_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v or_o write_v against_o they_o as_o eager_o desire_v and_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o man_n do_v for_o cure_v of_o any_o disease_n they_o be_v subject_a unto_o will_v they_o i_o say_v thus_o diligent_o use_v all_o fit_a mean_n and_o help_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o scruple_n before_o they_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o difficult_a a_o task_n to_o convince_v and_o settle_v such_o teachable_a mind_n if_o therefore_o any_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n against_o any_o thing_n practise_v or_o require_v in_o our_o church_n let_v he_o first_o read_v some_o of_o those_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v write_v with_o all_o the_o fairness_n and_o evidence_n imaginable_a on_o purpose_n to_o explain_v and_o justify_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o usual_o except_v against_o let_v he_o consult_v with_o some_o of_o our_o church_n before_o he_o leave_v it_o let_v he_o honest_o repair_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n or_o some_o other_o who_o he_o have_v in_o great_a estimation_n and_o ingenuous_o open_v his_o mind_n to_o he_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v he_o most_o stumble_v at_o and_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v offer_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n if_o consult_v with_o one_o person_n will_v not_o do_v it_o let_v he_o advise_v with_o other_o and_o try_v this_o often_o before_o he_o condemn_v we_o and_o divide_v from_o we_o will_v man_n do_v this_o serious_o with_o earnest_a desire_n of_o instruction_n without_o doubt_n we_o shall_v have_v far_o few_o separatist_n and_o they_o who_o after_o this_o do_v still_o dissent_v from_o we_o will_v be_v far_o more_o excusable_a in_o it_o than_o otherwise_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o man_n ordinary_o do_v in_o their_o temporal_a affair_n when_o they_o have_v any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n about_o their_o worldly_a concern_v they_o present_o repair_v to_o those_o who_o be_v best_a skill_a and_o most_o able_a to_o resolve_v they_o and_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n they_o common_o acquiesce_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o have_v any_o man_n a_o scruple_n about_o his_o estate_n whether_o it_o be_v firm_o settle_v or_o he_o have_v a_o true_a legal_a title_n to_o it_o the_o way_n he_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o advise_v with_o lawyer_n the_o most_o eminent_a for_o knowledge_n and_o honesty_n in_o their_o profession_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n this_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n he_o can_v have_v that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o safe_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o one_o that_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o custom_n or_o practice_n be_v for_o his_o health_n the_o opinion_n of_o know_a and_o experience_a physician_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o determine_v he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o here_o when_o any_o private_a christian_a be_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v with_o fear_n and_o scruple_n that_o concern_v his_o duty_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o public_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v he_o i_o say_v to_o come_v to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o dispute_v and_o argue_v with_o they_o and_o pert_o to_o oppose_v they_o but_o with_o all_o modesty_n to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n meek_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o receive_v instruction_n humble_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n take_v great_a care_n that_o no_o evil_a affection_n love_v of_o a_o party_n or_o carnal_a interest_n influence_n or_o bias_n their_o judgement_n we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o desire_n man_n to_o pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o priest_n sleeve_n or_o to_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v better_o guide_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o but_o only_o diligent_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v some_o due_a regard_n and_o deference_n to_o their_o