table-gâ—sture_a and_o express_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o account_v a_o additional_a sacrament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 4._o and_o last_o suppose_v that_o a_o independent_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o church-covenant_n shall_v signify_v his_o assent_n by_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o no_o less_o than_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n that_o be_v of_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o be_v engage_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o instate_a in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v never_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n now_o from_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o our_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o the_o infant_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v think_v a_o add_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o that_o of_o baptism_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o convocation_n c._n 30._o declare_v that_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_a the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v etc._n etc._n now_o say_v they_o baptism_n be_v itself_o a_o seal_n of_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o dedicate_a the_o infant_n by_o our_o own_o invent_a way_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v add_v a_o new_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o dedication_n may_v proper_o signify_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o first_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o a_o declaration_n of_o what_o the_o church_n think_v of_o a_o baptise_a person_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o this_o declaration_n that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o church_n be_v evident_a if_o we_o compare_v the_o office_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o canon_n together_o both_o the_o rubric_n and_o canon_n say_v that_o baptism_n be_v complete_a without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v express_o say_v we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n and_o upon_o that_o do_v sign_n it_o with_o the_o cross_n so_o that_o the_o child_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v within_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n before_o it_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o cross_n since_o therefore_o the_o person_n be_v dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptism_n be_v acknowledge_v complete_a without_o or_o before_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n we_o can_v be_v think_v to_o dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o to_o dedicate_v by_o the_o cross_n again_o but_o the_o dedication_n by_o the_o cross_n must_v be_v something_o very_o distinct_a from_o the_o dedication_n of_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o dedication_n and_o the_o other_o the_o dedication_n itself_o so_o that_o this_o be_v plain_o no_o other_o than_o a_o declaration_n the_o church_n make_v of_o what_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o and_o what_o engagement_n he_o lie_v under_o which_o declaration_n be_v therefore_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n we_o receive_v this_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o in_o baptism_n the_o minister_n alone_o as_o the_o immediate_a agent_n of_o christ_n pronounce_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n i_o baptise_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o office_n of_o baptism_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vii_o objection_n against_o our_o communion-office_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n answer_v though_o the_o communion-office_n for_o the_o gravity_n and_o holiness_n thereof_o be_v prefer_v by_o the_o dissenter_n before_o all_o other_o office_n in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o past_o free_a from_o exception_n for_o i._o it_o be_v object_v against_o it_o that_o the_o petition_n in_o the_o prayer_n before_o consecration_n that_o our_o sinful_a body_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o by_o his_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n wash_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n imply_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v great_a efficacy_n than_o his_o body_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o only_o the_o body_n by_o christ_n body_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o priest_n say_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v give_v for_o thou_o preserve_v thy_o body_n and_o soul_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o church_n teach_v that_o the_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n flow_v from_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v the_o mention_v of_o one_o alone_o exclude_v the_o other_o for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v sometime_o of_o the_o bread_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o and_o sometime_o of_o the_o wine_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o yet_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o he_o mean_v both_o ii_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o deliver_v the_o element_n into_o every_o person_n be_v hand_n with_o a_o form_n of_o word_n recite_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v but_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o christ_n word_n for_o the_o evangelist_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o then_o what_o may_v be_v particular_o say_v or_o do_v to_o every_o one_o will_v be_v sufficient_o relate_v in_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v or_o speak_v to_o all_o 2._o suppose_v that_o our_o practice_n do_v vary_v from_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o defend_v as_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o dinnertime_n and_o not_o at_o supper_n which_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v not_o scruple_n 3._o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n matth._n 28.19_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o when_o great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a together_o the_o form_n of_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v express_v several_o to_o every_o person_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v do_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherefore_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n herein_o be_v no_o way_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o abate_v the_o solemnity_n of_o its_o administration_n see_v falkner_n be_v libert_n eccles_n p._n 218_o etc._n etc._n iii_o the_o last_o and_o great_a objection_n be_v against_o the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o large_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o his_o example_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a for_o its_o being_n no_o table-gesture_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n 5._o that_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n first_o then_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n for_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o express_a command_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o if_o authority_n do_v not_o restrain_v our_o liberty_n we_o may_v either_o sit_v kneel_z or_o stand_v without_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_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 which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v in_o several_a place_n etc._n place_n matth._n 26.26_o etc._n etc._n mark_v 14.22_o etc._n etc._n luke_n 22.19_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n be_v the_o representative_n
sort_n of_o stipulation_n which_o at_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o because_o if_o they_o renounce_v it_o the_o covenant_n be_v as_o void_a as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o a_o implicit_a stipulation_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v likely_a have_v not_o respect_n to_o all_o baptism_n or_o baptism_n in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o adult_n proselyte_n who_o the_o minister_n use_v to_o interrogate_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o interrogate_v adult_a proselyte_n now_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o tertullian_n 18._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr baptism_n cap._n 18._o make_v mention_n of_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n for_o child_n at_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n make_v parent_n etc._n etc._n stipulate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o 3._o their_o see_v selden_n de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o minor_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o child_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o matth._n 18.6_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n may_v also_o probable_o allude_v to_o all_o baptism_n because_o child_n may_v be_v answer_v for_o by_o other_o person_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n i._o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o baptise_a infant_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v of_o which_o some_o think_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a but_o since_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o and_o consequent_o be_v new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o since_o i_o say_v they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o and_o since_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3.5_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o our_o church_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v unless_o the_o ordinance_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v of_o none_o effect_v towards_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v object_v that_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o covenant_n or_o act_n in_o their_o name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o surety_n be_v procure_v by_o the_o parent_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o parent_n may_v act_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant_n the_o surety_n have_v all_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o parent_n can_v give_v they_o 2._o the_o church_n do_v hereby_o take_v great_a security_n that_o the_o infant_n shall_v be_v religious_o bring_v up_o inasmuch_o as_o beside_o their_o parent_n a_o obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o other_o also_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o if_o the_o parent_n shall_v die_v or_o be_v negligent_a the_o surety_n be_v engage_v to_o admonish_v the_o child_n and_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o better_a advantage_n of_o do_v so_o than_o other_o person_n and_o in_o this_o age_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a reproof_n be_v so_o general_o omit_v it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o defect_n be_v this_o way_n a_o little_a supply_v but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a that_o the_o opportunity_n thereof_o and_o obligation_n thereto_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v seldom_o practise_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v keep_v and_o not_o where_o it_o be_v break_v and_o if_o the_o dissenter_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o that_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o may_v remove_v this_o objection_n themselves_o by_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o observe_v it_o thus_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o example_n as_o for_o the_o interrogatory_n put_v to_o the_o surety_n and_o their_o answer_n they_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o what_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o that_o infant_n do_v stand_v engage_v to_o perform_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n this_o be_v the_o know_a meaning_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o misunderstanding_n iii_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dislike_v be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n against_o which_o it_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o our_o retain_v of_o it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o that_o it_o seem_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o christ_n right_a who_o alone_o may_v institute_v sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o first_o pretence_n though_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v our_o retain_v of_o it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o we_o consider_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v common_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o those_o corruption_n for_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n tertullian_n mil._n tertullian_n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o practice_n which_o tradition_n have_v introduce_v custom_n have_v confirm_v and_o the_o believer_n faith_n have_v observe_v and_o maintain_v which_o word_n together_o with_o his_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a mention_n of_o it_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o montanist_n forty_o year_n after_o he_o and_o about_o 200_o after_o christ_n origen_n 38._o origen_n hom._n 2._o in_o psal_n 38._o mention_n those_o who_o at_o their_o baptism_n be_v sign_v with_o this_o sign_n and_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o st._n basil_n 27._o basil_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o give_v this_o usage_n the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o fix_v law_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v prevail_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v before_o st._n basil_n and_o very_o near_o if_o not_o contemporary_a with_o tertullian_n himself_o not_o only_o speak_v very_o familiar_o of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n but_o have_v some_o expression_n that_o will_v now_o seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unwarrantable_a and_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o father_n have_v save_v he_o from_o be_v question_v about_o it_o he_o 175._o he_o see_v cyprian_n de_fw-fr lap_n p._n 169._o adv_n demet._n p._n 203._o de_fw-la unit._fw-la p._n 175._o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o baptism_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o it_o complete_v every_o sacrament_n the_o great_a the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o usage_n be_v manifest_a nay_o the_o father_n frequent_o use_v be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n for_o be_v baptise_a i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o st._n cyril_n st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n austin_n who_o sprinkle_v their_o writing_n with_o the_o common_a mention_n of_o this_o ceremony_n and_o oftentimes_o frame_v argument_n for_o a_o good_a life_n from_o this_o very_a sign_n upon_o their_o forehead_n only_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o remark_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a have_v his_o direction_n probable_o from_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o sign_n the_o great_a banner_n in_o his_o war_n with_o this_o encouragement_n that_o by_o this_o he_o shall_v overcome_v that_o this_o dream_n or_o vision_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a reality_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o success_n of_o that_o prince_n army_n under_o it_o and_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n will_v by_o so_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n countenance_n such_o a_o rite_n as_o this_o already_o use_v in_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v resent_v it_o before_o as_o superstitious_a or_o any_o way_n unwarrantable_a i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o petulant_a against_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v sometime_o signalise_v by_o very_o renown_v miracle_n as_o
not_o his_o life_n too_o dear_a nor_o his_o blood_n too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o for_o our_o sake_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n it_o follow_v 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o require_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n for_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n necessary_o require_v a_o table-gesture_n then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n do_v as_o well_o require_v all_o other_o formality_n that_o be_v essential_a either_o to_o all_o civil_a feast_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o all_o feast_n as_o they_o obtain_v among_o we_o and_o consequent_o we_o must_v carve_v and_o drink_v one_o to_o another_o etc._n etc._n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o we_o always_o do_v at_o other_o feast_n but_o this_o our_o dissenter_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v nor_o do_v they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o other_o formality_n of_o a_o feast_n though_o they_o be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n as_o sit_v be_v it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n that_o one_o of_o the_o guest_n and_o the_o principal_a one_o too_o shall_v fill_v out_o the_o wine_n and_o break_v the_o bread_n and_o distribute_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o society_n but_o this_o the_o dissenter_n general_o allow_v of_o and_o practice_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n to_o sit_v from_o the_o table_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o room_n in_o all_o public_a feast_n there_o be_v several_a table_n provide_v when_o one_o be_v not_o big_a enough_o to_o receive_v the_o guest_n and_o yet_o the_o dissenter_n general_o receive_v in_o their_o pew_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o church_n and_o think_v one_o table_n be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o capable_a of_o receive_v the_o twenty_o part_n of_o the_o communicant_n in_o some_o large_a parish_n and_o numerous_a assembly_n and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o few_o that_o they_o may_v come_v up_o to_o and_o sit_v at_o the_o table_n they_o general_o be_v against_o it_o especial_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o think_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o observe_v that_o formality_n though_o constant_o practise_v at_o common_a and_o civil_a entertainment_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n to_o be_v sorrowful_a to_o mourn_v and_o grieve_v at_o a_o feast_n be_v as_o indecent_a and_o unsuitable_a as_o to_o laugh_v at_o a_o funeral_n but_o sure_o our_o dissenter_n will_v not_o say_v that_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o a_o penitent_a and_o break_a spirit_n to_o come_v with_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n which_o cause_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o torment_v to_o our_o dear_a and_o great_a friend_n our_o ever_o bless_a redeemer_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o agony_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o garden_n the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o deadly_a cup_n the_o torture_n he_o endure_v on_o the_o cross_n with_o a_o deep_a sympathy_n and_o trouble_v for_o the_o occasion_n they_o will_v not_o sure_o i_o say_v affirm_v that_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n be_v improper_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o feast_n which_o we_o solemnize_v in_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n for_o our_o sake_n this_o sacrament_n be_v also_o call_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o consequent_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o require_v the_o evening_n as_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o our_o dissenter_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o communicate_v at_o noon_n again_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v a_o table-gesture_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o common_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n for_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o natural_a and_o civil_a thing_n to_o spiritual_a or_o conclude_v that_o because_o they_o agree_v in_o their_o name_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o feast_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o common_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o such_o a_o gesture_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o one_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o the_o other_o i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o right_n and_o worthy_a receive_n because_o the_o dissenter_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v worthy_o receive_v stand_v though_o stand_v be_v no_o common_a table-gesture_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o urge_v that_o no_o gesture_n beside_o sit_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n and_o that_o to_o use_v any_o other_o gesture_n will_v profane_v the_o ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n call_v the_o passover_n a_o feast_n exod._n 12.14_o and_o yet_o he_o command_v the_o israelite_n to_o celebrate_v it_o with_o their_o loin_n gird_v their_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n and_o their_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v all_o sign_n of_o haste_n but_o no_o table-gesture_n either_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o egyptian_n now_o to_o say_v that_o god_n enjoin_v gesture_n unsuitable_a to_o that_o ordinance_n be_v to_o call_v his_o wisdom_n in_o question_n and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v in_o its_o nature_n admit_v of_o several_a gesture_n be_v to_o yield_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v for_o then_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n will_v admit_v of_o several_a too_o and_o consequent_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v only_o a_o feast-gesture_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o it_o 3._o kneel_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o it_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a gesture_n to_o express_v reverence_n humility_n and_o gratitude_n by_o which_o holy_a affection_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o since_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v adore_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o his_o wonderful_a kindness_n to_o we_o therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v fit_a to_o express_v our_o veneration_n be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o bow_v the_o knee_n be_v proper_a because_o it_o be_v a_o external_a sign_n of_o reverence_n 3._o since_o lift_v up_o our_o hand_n and_o eye_n and_o employ_v our_o tongue_n in_o utter_v god_n praise_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n why_o shall_v kneel_v be_v think_v unsuitable_a which_o be_v only_o glorify_v god_n with_o another_o part_n of_o our_o body_n 4._o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v his_o gesture_n in_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o to_o observe_v that_o he_o then_o pray_v kneel_v luke_n 22.41_o and_o sure_o no_o sober_a person_n will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v improper_a to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n where_o we_o commemorate_v those_o suffering_n part_n of_o which_o he_o endure_v upon_o his_o bend_a knee_n 5._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o can_v think_v kneel_v a_o unbecoming_a gesture_n at_o it_o if_o a_o grateful_a hearty_a sense_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n and_o of_o the_o manifold_a benefit_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v purchase_v with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n if_o a_o mind_n deep_o humble_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o gild_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v any_o mercy_n at_o all_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o we_o have_v by_o numberless_a and_o heinous_a crime_n so_o high_o provoke_v and_o incense_v against_o we_o if_o such_o a_o inward_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n become_v we_o at_o this_o holy_a feast_n which_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v then_o sure_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o reverential_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n will_v become_v we_o too_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o submissive_a lowly_a deportment_n of_o body_n suit_n with_o this_o solemnity_n as_o well_o as_o a_o humble_a lowly_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o church_n prayer_n church_n see_v the_o declaration_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o communion_n service_n in_o the_o b._n of_o com._n prayer_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o her_o injunction_n in_o require_v all_o the_o communicant_n to_o kneel_v viz._n for_o a_o signification_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n therein_o give_v to_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o
descend_v to_o be_v looker_n on_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v of_o their_o courage_n and_o behaviour_n at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o give_v their_o attendance_n to_o grace_v that_o solemnity_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o ancient_a writer_n theodoret_n agree_v who_o in_o a_o dialogue_n between_o a_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o a_o heretic_n bring_v in_o orthodoxus_n thus_o discourse_v of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o mysterious_a symbol_n or_o sign_n in_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n bread_n and_o wine_n depart_v not_o from_o their_o proper_a nature_n for_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o former_a essence_n and_o keep_v their_o former_a shape_n and_o form_n and_o approve_v themselves_o both_o to_o our_o sight_n and_o touch_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v before_o edit_fw-la before_o dialog_n 2._o to._n 4._o p._n 85._o paris_n edit_fw-la but_o they_o be_v consider_v for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v make_v that_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o their_o spiritual_a signification_n and_o that_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o they_o be_v consecrate_v and_o be_v believe_v and_o adore_v aâ—_n those_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v which_o word_n plain_o import_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o consecrate_a element_n be_v receive_v with_o a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v we_o that_o such_o a_o behaviour_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o manifest_a instance_n in_o all_o the_o ancient_n against_o that_o absurd_a doctrine_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o obstinate_o believe_v at_o this_o very_a day_n than_o what_o theodoret_n give_v we_o in_o the_o word_n abovementioned_a last_o to_o allege_v no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a father_n that_o story_n which_o gregory_n nazianzen_n edit_fw-la nazianzen_n oâ—at_n in_o laud._n gorgon_n p._n 187._o paris_n edit_fw-la relate_v concern_v gorgonia_n will_v much_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v say_v viz._n that_o be_v sick_a and_o have_v use_v several_a medicine_n in_o vain_a at_o last_o she_o resolve_v upon_o this_o course_n she_o go_v in_o the_o stillness_n of_o the_o night_n to_o the_o public_a church_n and_o have_v with_o her_o some_o of_o the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o she_o have_v reserve_v at_o home_n she_o fall_v down_o on_o her_o knee_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n pray_v to_o he_o who_o she_o adore_v and_o in_o conclusion_n be_v heal_v i_o be_o not_o much_o concern_v whether_o the_o reader_n will_v believe_v or_o censure_v this_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o famous_a father_n have_v record_v it_o and_o commend_v his_o sister_n for_o the_o way_n she_o take_v for_o her_o recovery_n this_o be_v home_o to_o my_o purpose_n and_o clear_o discover_v that_o gorgonia_n do_v kneel_v or_o at_o least_o use_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n when_o she_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o without_o doubt_n in_o communicate_v she_o observe_v the_o same_o posture_n that_o other_o general_o do_v in_o public_a she_o do_v that_o in_o her_o sickness_n which_o all_o other_o use_v to_o do_v in_o their_o health_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v she_o kneel_v down_o for_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o she_o come_v to_o beg_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n in_o the_o public_a church_n and_o at_o the_o altar_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_n the_o place_n of_o prayer_n she_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o misbehaviour_n and_o make_v use_n of_o a_o singular_a posture_n different_a from_o what_o be_v general_o use_v by_o christian_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o same_o place_n to_o communicate_v and_o pray_v over_o the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o prevail_a and_o effectual_a way_n of_o pray_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o render_v god_n favourable_a to_o they_o and_o to_o prevail_v with_o he_o above_o all_o other_o prayer_n which_o they_o offer_v at_o any_o other_o time_n or_o in_o any_o other_o place_n so_o much_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o greek_a father_n who_o be_v man_n eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n in_o their_o day_n and_o great_a light_n and_o ornament_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n with_o these_o the_o latin_a father_n full_o agree_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v our_o present_a case_n and_o of_o these_o i_o will_v only_o mention_v two_o though_o more_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o those_o very_a eminent_a and_o illustrious_a person_n have_v in_o great_a veneration_n by_o the_o then_o present_a age_n wherein_o they_o flourish_v and_o by_o succeed_a generation_n the_o first_o be_v 12._o be_v ambros_n de_fw-fr sp._n sanct._n l._n 3._o c._n 12._o st._n ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n in_o a_o book_n he_o write_v concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o inquire_v after_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o pslamist_n when_o he_o exhort_v man_n to_o exalt_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o worship_v his_o footstool_n he_o give_v we_o the_o sense_n in_o these_o word_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o show_v for_o what_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o that_o mystery_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o by_o the_o footstool_n therefore_o be_v the_o earth_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o by_o the_o earth_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o at_o this_o day_n too_o we_o adore_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n worship_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n st._n austin_n bishop_n of_o hippo_n comment_n on_o the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o thus_o he_o resolve_v that_o question_n how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o earth_n his_o footstool_n may_v be_v worship_v without_o impiety_n because_o he_o take_v earth_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o flesh_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o he_o take_v flesh_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o mary_n and_o because_o he_o converse_v here_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o give_v we_o his_o very_a flesh_n to_o eat_v unto_o salvation_n now_o there_o be_v none_o who_o eat_v that_o flesh_n but_o first_o worship_v we_o have_v find_v then_o how_o this_o footstool_n may_v be_v adore_v so_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_v by_o adore_v that_o we_o real_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o of_o these_o primitive_a bishop_n we_o may_v lawful_o adore_v at_o the_o mystery_n though_o not_o the_o mystery_n themselves_o at_o the_o sacrament_n though_o not_o the_o sacrament_n themselves_o the_o creator_n in_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v sanctify_v not_o the_o creature_n itself_o as_o a_o late_a 732._o late_a phil._n mornay_n du_fw-fr plessis_n de_fw-fr missa_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 7._o p._n 732._o protestant_a writer_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o quality_n among_o the_o french_a distinguish_v upon_o the_o forecited_a word_n of_o saint_n ambrose_n i_o think_v it_o appear_v evident_a from_o these_o few_o instance_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n at_o the_o communion_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v a_o cloud_n of_o other_o witness_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a so_o to_o do_v either_o to_o prove_v or_o clear_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n but_o since_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o clog_v the_o discourse_n with_o numerous_a reference_n and_o appeal_v to_o antiquity_n it_o will_v but_o obscure_v the_o argument_n and_o tend_v in_o all_o likelihood_n rather_o to_o confound_v and_o distaste_v than_o convince_v and_o gratify_v the_o reader_n by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o allege_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v sufficient_o justify_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n for_o if_o the_o ancient_n do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n use_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n which_o be_v very_o plain_a they_o do_v then_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n no_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o kneel_v be_v never_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o will_v be_v plain_a if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a upon_o that_o heavy_a charge_n which_o some_o of_o the_o fierce_a but_o less_o prudent_a adversary_n of_o kneel_v have_v exhibit_v against_o it_o they_o object_n against_o kneel_v as_o be_v a_o adore_a gesture_n for_o they_o affirm_v 1.3_o affirm_v gillesp_n p._n 166_o 172._o altar_n damas_n p._n 801._o rutherf_n divine_a right_n of_o ch._n gou._n c._n 1._o qu._n 5._o sect._n 1.3_o that_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v before_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v formal_a idolatry_n so_o
by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n and_o not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dread_n of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v he_o and_o that_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n 3._o it_o be_v excessive_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a it_o rob_v a_o man_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a 4._o it_o be_v scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o scrupulous_a man_n go_v on_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o scruple_n every_o thing_n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o for_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n 5._o this_o needless_a scruple_v have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o chief_o respect_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o three_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 1._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_a or_o most_o offensive_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o pray_v do_v not_o god_n principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n or_o will_v he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v we_o because_o he_o dislike_v the_o garment_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n or_o habit_n which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religious_a performance_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursom_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o dutiful_a child_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o we_o shall_v lay_v out_o our_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o idifferent_a and_o inferior_a nature_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_v this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n for_o say_v st._n paul_n ver_fw-la 18._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o
best_a policy_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a that_o can_v be_v establish_v will_v have_v some_o flaw_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v bear_v and_o tolerate_v some_o inconvenience_n will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n arise_v that_o never_o can_v be_v foresee_v or_o provide_v against_o and_o to_o make_v alteration_n upon_o every_o emergent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v often_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o pretend_v to_o cure_v by_o it_o let_v the_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o government_n discipline_n public_a worship_n be_v most_o exact_a and_o blameless_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v fault_n in_o governor_n and_o minister_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o men._n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o this_o world_n a_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n that_o consist_v only_o of_o saint_n in_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v amiss_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o advantage_n against_o it_o man_n must_v be_v willing_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o put_v candid_a construction_n and_o favourable_a interpretation_n upon_o thing_n and_o not_o strain_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o they_o 6._o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v not_o conquer_v a_o man_n scruple_n then_o let_v he_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o act_n against_o they_o but_o here_o i_o easy_o imagine_v some_o ready_a present_o to_o ask_v i_o do_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o such_o scrupulous_a person_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a thing_n and_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n will_v be_v altogether_o unpracticable_a if_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o suspend_v join_v himself_o to_o it_o till_o he_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o expediency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v or_o be_v in_o use_n in_o that_o church_n for_o indeed_o private_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o convenient_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-goverment_n discipline_n or_o public_a worship_n any_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n of_o state_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n belong_v to_o superior_n and_o if_o they_o appoint_v what_o be_v indecent_a or_o inconvenient_a they_o only_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o inferior_n who_o join_v with_o such_o worship_n or_o yield_v to_o such_o injunction_n not_o plain_o sinful_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o encourage_v man_n to_o venture_v blindfold_a on_o sin_n or_o to_o neglect_v any_o reasonable_a care_n of_o their_o action_n but_o if_o people_n raise_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n they_o can_v start_v before_o they_o proceed_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o manifest_a impiety_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v plain_o nor_o by_o any_o easy_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o can_v but_o occasion_v infinite_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_v to_o man_n mind_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a conscience_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o persuade_v that_o what_o be_v require_v be_v forbid_v by_o god_n because_o by_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o light_n and_o doubtful_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o full_o satisfy_v about_o our_o conformity_n to_o all_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n we_o may_v presume_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a unless_o they_o plain_o appear_v to_o we_o otherwise_o if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o this_o principle_n will_v introduce_v popery_n and_o make_v people_n without_o any_o examination_n submit_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o their_o superior_n please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o popery_n which_o god_n have_v manifest_o forbid_v which_o render_v our_o separation_n from_o it_o necessary_a whereas_o we_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a only_a doubtful_a or_o rather_o not_o so_o good_a as_o may_v be_v devise_v and_o this_o sure_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.14_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a it_o be_v unclean_a do_v he_o not_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v v._o 23._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o answer_v yes_o but_o then_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n i_o suppose_v the_o person_n tolerable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o he_o have_v some_o little_a exception_n against_o it_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o which_o case_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o very_o weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n of_o though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-plays_a or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischieâ—_n 1._o all_o fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o except_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a