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-communicants_a 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 and_o distribute_v it_o and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v and_o bless_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n love_n but_o what_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o in_o all_o the_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 it_o be_v 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 but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v that_o when_o our_o lord_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_z drink_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o institution_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v this_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 as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o the_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper-room_n in_o a_o private-house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n in_o the_o company_n of_o twelve_o at_o most_o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o there_o do_v to_o sit_v 2._o even_o the_o two_o last_o of_o those_o circumstance_n be_v general_o allow_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o observe_v by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o gesture_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o expresl_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o do_v this_o respect_v only_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o action_n that_o be_v specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n nay_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v that_o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v command_v for_o there_o be_v many_o serious_a and_o sincere_a person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n they_o can_v use_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o they_o think_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n i_o have_v already_o confute_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o grant_v they_o can_v use_v the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v be_v it_o not_o enjoin_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a they_o do_v thereby_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n for_o any_o particular_a posture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west-friesland_n they_o stand_v the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustane_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuania_n and_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ausbourg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n injoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetic_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o 1583._o three_o 1._o at_o cracow_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1573._o 2._o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3._o wiadislaw_n 1583._o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_a gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a holl._n french_a harmon_n 4._o synod_n of_o holl._n do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o these_o article_n be_v so_o settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n
to_o bring_v their_o own_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o our_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o special_a reason_n draw_v from_o that_o time_n and_o place_n or_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o which_o that_o gesture_n be_v peculiar_a how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v use_v another_o gesture_n if_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v institute_v apart_o from_o the_o passover_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o jew_n eat_v the_o passover_n after_o one_o fashion_n in_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o cease_v give_v occasion_n to_o alter_v it_o in_o canaan_n and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n comply_v with_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o that_o his_o example_n if_o he_o do_v sit_v be_v only_o temporary_a and_o not_o design_v for_o a_o stand_a law_n perpetual_o oblige_v to_o a_o like_a practice_n if_o christ_n act_v upon_o special_a reason_n than_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o let_v they_o produce_v the_o reason_n if_o they_o can_v which_o make_v this_o example_n of_o christ_n of_o general_a and_o perpetual_a use_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o follow_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o talk_v of_o christ_n example_n apart_o from_o all_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o to_o make_v that_o alone_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o christ_n himself_o always_o govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o man_n he_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o natural_a law_n as_o a_o jew_n by_o the_o mosaic_a law_n as_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o gospel-law_n he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v only_o to_o his_o example_n without_o consider_v the_o various_a capacity_n and_o relation_n he_o bear_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o we_o and_o the_o several_a law_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v bind_v which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n we_o shall_v miserable_o mistake_v our_o way_n and_o act_n like_o fool_n when_o we_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v pursuant_n to_o infinite_a wisdom_n thus_o if_o we_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o he_o do_v we_o shall_v thereby_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v if_o his_o example_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n thus_o it_o appear_v that_o christ_n bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o command_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n against_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o for_o our_o saviour_n probable_o use_v a_o lean_v gesture_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v they_o change_v it_o to_o sit_v certain_o our_o change_v the_o gesture_n be_v as_o warrantable_a as_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o sit_v come_v near_o our_o saviour_n gesture_n than_o kneel_v for_o if_o they_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o rule_n they_o must_v not_o vary_v at_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o if_o one_o may_v argue_v from_o their_o practice_n to_o their_o principle_n lie_v very_o little_a stress_n on_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o they_o general_o choose_v to_o sit_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v stand_v as_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o several_a be_v willing_a to_o receive_v it_o in_o that_o posture_n in_o our_o church_n which_o sure_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o wide_a from_o the_o pattern_n our_o lord_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v set_v we_o whether_o he_o lay_v along_o or_o sit_v upright_o as_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v too_o a_o confess_v variation_n allow_v of_o and_o practise_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n both_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o from_o the_o institution_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o they_o have_v change_v dip_v into_o sprinkle_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o those_o who_o scruple_n kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v allow_v of_o this_o great_a change_n in_o baptism_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o public_a prevail_v with_o they_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o much_o as_o mercy_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o infant_n be_v body_n to_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v water_n on_o the_o face_n contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n three_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o supper_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o the_o gesture_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o use_v and_o observe_v at_o our_o ordinary_a table_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o our_o native_a country_n and_o by_o consequence_n we_o ought_v to_o sit_v and_o not_o to_o kneel_v because_o sit_v be_v the_o ordinary_a table-gesture_n according_a to_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o england_n here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o argument_n overthrow_v the_o two_o other_o draw_v from_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o 1._o different_a table-gesture_n be_v use_v in_o different_a country_n and_o therefore_o though_o christ_n do_v sit_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o sit_v after_o his_o example_n unless_o sit_v be_v in_o our_o country_n the_o common_a table-gesture_n 2._o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n require_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o that_o gesture_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v customary_a then_o god_n have_v not_o command_v any_o particular_a gesture_n because_o different_a country_n have_v different_a table-gesture_n however_o i_o shall_v ful_o answer_v this_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o show_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o require_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n 3._o that_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 then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v easy_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o greek_a father_n call_v it_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o banquet_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 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 or_o feast_n though_o it_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n three_o thing_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o feast_n plenty_n good_a company_n and_o mirth_n but_o the_o plenty_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o plenty_n of_o spiritual_a dainty_n and_o the_o company_n consist_v of_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o good_a christian_n and_o the_o mirth_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v in_o its_o nature_n from_o civil_a banquet_n as_o much_o as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n body_n and_o spirit_n differ_v in_o they_o far_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v particular_o to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v also_o institute_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o eternal_a memory_n of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o praise_v our_o great_a benefactor_n it_o be_v also_o a_o covenant_a rite_n between_o god_n and_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o he_o that_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o swear_v fidelity_n to_o he_o we_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o as_o we_o ordinary_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o alone_o that_o die_v for_o we_o it_o be_v also_o a_o mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o last_o it_o be_v institute_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o christian_n to_o engage_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o our_o lord_n love_v we_o who_o think_v
in_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o 5._o church-membership_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o church-communion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n due_o preach_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n join_v with_o those_o of_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n nay_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_n administration_n and_o therefore_o 4.4_o therefore_o act_n 2.47_o eph._n 5.23_o and_o 4.4_o since_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n since_o his_o ordinary_a method_n of_o save_a man_n be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n since_o chriâ—â—_n suffer_v for_o we_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v â—e_v say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o such_o man_n can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v unworthy_a receiver_n but_o 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_n privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o for_o we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o such_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n who_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n 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 because_o they_o 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 if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o receiver_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o confirm_v ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n '_o tâ—s_v true_a that_o none_o but_o convert_v or_o baptise_a person_n must_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v those_o who_o be_v already_o baptise_a to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o holiness_n than_o this_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n for_o what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o the_o sacrament_n represent_v to_o we_o wherein_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o three_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n who_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n in_o sin_v that_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o 24._o in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.39_o and_o 19.18_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o 7_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v grow_v very_o scandalous_a yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n and_o hypocrite_n devour_v widow_n house_n and_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n matth._n 15.6_o 7_o 8._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v a_o separation_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v seat_n say_v he_o all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n 23.2_o 3._o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 11.18_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o and_o 3.3_o and_o 5.1_o and_o 11.18_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o 11.28_o but_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v what_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz._n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strise_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brethren_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridle_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o
sin_n but_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o due_a care_n and_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v not_o pollute_v by_o any_o sinful_a act_n and_o compliance_n of_o your_o own_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o 5._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o church-communion_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o every_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a and_o therefore_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n be_v schismatic_n in_o do_v so_o and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n because_o though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v it_o be_v true_a good_a man_n must_v frequent_o exhort_v and_o advise_v corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n they_o must_v reprove_v they_o with_o prudence_n affection_n and_o calmness_n they_o must_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o their_o reformation_n they_o must_v as_o much_o and_o as_o convenient_o as_o may_v be_v avoid_v their_o company_n especial_o all_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o if_o repeat_v admonition_n either_o private_a or_o before_o one_o or_o two_o more_o will_v not_o do_v then_o they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o by_o it_o be_v more_o public_a reproof_n the_o scandalous_a member_n may_v be_v reclaim_v or_o by_o its_o just_a censure_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n these_o thing_n the_o holy_a scripture_n command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v according_o but_o if_o after_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a christian_n some_o scandalous_a member_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n they_o can_v injure_v those_o person_n that_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n for_o no_o sin_n pollute_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v choose_v by_o he_o noah_n and_o lot_n be_v good_a even_o among_o the_o wicked_a nor_o do_v judas_n defile_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o passover_n the_o good_a and_o bad_a communicate_v together_o not_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o their_o common_a duty_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o sin_n be_v sin_n but_o to_o communicate_v with_o a_o sinner_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o sinful_a can_v be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n but_o this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n and_o show_v only_o that_o sin_n like_o leaven_n be_v of_o a_o very_a spread_a nature_n the_o people_n be_v as_o a_o lump_n and_o a_o wicked_a person_n be_v as_o leaven_n among_o they_o but_o though_o the_o leaven_n be_v apt_a to_o convey_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a lump_n yet_o only_o those_o part_n be_v actual_o leaven_v with_o it_o that_o take_v the_o leaven_n and_o so_o though_o the_o sinner_n by_o his_o bad_a example_n be_v apt_a to_o infect_v other_o yet_o those_o only_o be_v actual_o infect_v who_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o sin_n beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o leave_v their_o assembly_n but_o to_o beware_v that_o they_o take_v no_o leaven_n of_o they_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o you_o be_v unleavened_a 1_o cor._n 5.7_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n be_v as_o sovereign_a a_o antidote_n against_o the_o infection_n as_o the_o bare_a company_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o power_n to_o convey_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v never_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a have_v obtain_v pardon_n for_o the_o wicked_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a uncleaness_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v be_v make_v unclean_a i_o answer_v that_o those_o legal_a pollution_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o whole_a communion_n but_o only_o those_o who_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o any_o such_o pollution_n as_o come_v upon_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o few_o 2._o though_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v the_o priest_n for_o not_o separate_v the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 22.26_o yet_o they_o never_o teach_v that_o the_o whole_a communion_n be_v pollute_v because_o the_o unclean_a come_v into_o the_o congregation_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o priest_n duty_n as_o those_o that_o touch_v the_o unclean_a person_n be_v unclean_a so_o those_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n be_v pollute_v 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o unclean_a person_n that_o do_v not_o purify_v himself_o defile_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pollute_v the_o sanctuary_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v so_o to_o himself_o but_o not_o to_o other_o so_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o but_o not_o of_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n go_v up_o as_o a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o the_o person_n that_o come_v unworthy_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n come_v better_o prepare_v may_v do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v tit._n 1.15_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n but_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o my_o assertion_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o exhortation_n for_o the_o christian_a corinthian_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o heathen_n by_o who_o they_o be_v often_o invite_v to_o their_o idol-feast_n at_o which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n but_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o go_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n who_o ignorance_n may_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o their_o example_n to_o go_v and_o eat_v at_o they_o even_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o honour_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o must_v be_v think_v to_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n because_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a country_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o idol-feast_n at_o all_o 2._o that_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o be_v to_o separate_v be_v no_o better_a than_o unbeliever_n and_o idolater_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n by_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n because_o some_o who_o while_o they_o profess_v christ_n do_v not_o live_v like_o christian_n be_v present_a at_o they_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o a_o pagan_a or_o a_o infidel_n that_o deny_v christ_n and_o worship_n devil_n and_o a_o immoral_a christian_a who_o outward_o own_v christ_n and_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n 3._o that_o the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v be_v the_o abominable_a practice_n use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v
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
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