one_o and_o the_o same_o 3._o and_o then_o three_o we_o may_v lawful_o observe_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o command_n or_o example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o table-gesture_n be_v good_a and_o this_o principle_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o have_v some_o command_n or_o example_n for_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a batter_a engine_n which_o have_v be_v constant_o employ_v against_o the_o ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o puritanisme_n do_v consist_v 1681._o as_o bishop_n sanderson_n notes_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v our_o brethren_n not_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o table-gesture_n as_o they_o love_v the_o life_n of_o their_o cause_n i_o be_o sure_a no_o great_a argument_n can_v be_v afford_v of_o a_o rout_v baffle_v cause_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o see_v the_o patron_n of_o it_o run_v up_o and_o down_o in_o confusion_n and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n sometime_o to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n then_o to_o his_o example_n when_o drive_v out_o there_o then_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o civil_a custom_n and_o about_o again_o to_o the_o example_n for_o thus_o the_o author_n of_o the_o forementioned_a tract_n do_v thus_o much_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o question_n propose_v for_o the_o resolution_n whereof_o i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o so_o we_o may_v true_o understand_v what_o gesture_n be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o it_o 2._o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o absolute_o require_v and_o necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v 3._o that_o kneel_v be_v very_o comely_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o no_o table-gesture_n 4._o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o ancient_a father_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o be_v maintain_v and_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v it_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n first_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o and_o banquet_n by_o the_o ancient_a greek_a father_n because_o of_o that_o provision_n and_o entertainment_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v for_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n it_o be_v style_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n either_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n at_o suppertime_n at_o night_n or_o because_o it_o represent_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o a_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a supper_n and_o feast_n though_o it_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n between_o this_o holy_a feast_n and_o civil_a feast_n and_o the_o show_v wherein_o it_o lie_v will_v in_o part_n explain_v its_o nature_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o feast_n and_o include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o plenty_n good_a company_n and_o mirth_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o the_o sacrament_n be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n proper_o a_o banquet_n a_o feast_n but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a one_o consist_v of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o benefit_n communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o all_o true_a believer_n signify_v by_o and_o tender_v under_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o even_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o consider_v as_o a_o feast_n and_o be_v necessary_a ingredient_n into_o all_o feast_n whatsoever_o it_o very_o much_o differ_v from_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n for_o though_o there_o be_v plenty_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o dish_n to_o gratify_v our_o palate_n or_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n as_o other_o feast_n do_v and_o particular_o the_o passover_n do_v where_o the_o body_n be_v fill_v and_o feast_v as_o well_o as_o the_o mind_n the_o provision_n wherewith_o our_o lord_n have_v furnish_v out_o his_o table_n be_v not_o of_o a_o earthly_a and_o perish_a but_o of_o a_o heavenly_a and_o immortal_a nature_n even_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o spiritual_o feast_v upon_o alas_o if_o we_o only_o fix_v our_o eye_n and_o thought_n upon_o what_o be_v place_v on_o the_o table_n and_o those_o small_a portion_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n allot_v we_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v without_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n as_o 3._o our_o church_n exhort_v we_o to_o do_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o her_o communion-office_n to_o those_o heavenly_a and_o invisible_a good_a thing_n couch_v under_o and_o signify_v by_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o that_o we_o see_v that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o feast_n or_o can_v by_o the_o help_n of_o any_o figure_n but_o a_o irony_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n esteem_v that_o a_o feast_n where_o there_o be_v not_o meat_n enough_o to_o fill_v his_o mouth_n nor_o drink_v enough_o to_o quench_v his_o thirst_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n therefore_o of_o those_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n not_o the_o body_n of_o worthy_a communicant_n be_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v of_o which_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v but_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v and_o may_v true_o be_v call_v a_o feast_n or_o banquet_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n other_o the_o greek_a father_n call_v it_o a_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o the_o table_n a_o mystical_a table_n and_o the_o cup_n the_o cup_n of_o mystery_n and_o the_o sacrament_n take_v it_o all_o together_o be_v by_o they_o style_v the_o mystical_a supper_n the_o mystery_n and_o mystery_n as_o present_v one_o thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o another_o to_o the_o mind_n 2._o as_o plenty_n be_v one_o necessary_a ingredient_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n so_o also_o be_v choice_n and_o select_a company_n feast_n be_v make_v in_o expectation_n of_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n a_o man_n may_v dine_v alone_o but_o in_o proper_a and_o ordinary_a speech_n no_o man_n be_v say_v to_o feast_n alone_o now_o though_o the_o sacrament_n do_v resemble_v our_o common_a feast_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o have_v obtain_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o guest_n communicant_n which_o phrase_n do_v natural_o import_v number_n or_o society_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o person_n be_v that_o constitute_v this_o society_n and_o with_o who_o communion_n be_v hold_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o spiritual_a feast_n will_v further_o appear_v and_o true_o our_o communion_n be_v with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n though_o principal_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o master_n of_o this_o feast_n 18._o in_o and_o through_o who_o we_o all_o have_v access_n by_o one_o spirit_n to_o the_o father_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v this_o high_a and_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o honour_n of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v a_o friendly_a correspondence_n and_o converse_n with_o he_o at_o his_o table_n be_v found_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o thankful_o commemorate_v at_o this_o solemnity_n by_o which_o we_o who_o be_v afar_o off_o be_v make_v nigh_o 13._o as_o the_o same_o divine_a writer_n have_v it_o moreover_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o all_o faithful_a christian_n and_o worthy_a communicant_n the_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n who_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o cleanse_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o that_o which_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o such_o communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o external_n garb_n or_o ornament_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o penitent_a humble_a charitable_a thankful_n and_o obedient_a heart_n 3._o another_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o feast_n be_v mirth_n and_o joy_n which_o imply_v also_o good_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o too_o the_o sacrament_n resemble_v our_o common_a feast_n but_o then_o the_o joy_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o flow_v from_o different_a cause_n not_o from_o what_o we_o taste_n and_o see_v not_o from_o our_o appetite_n and_o fancy_n please_v and_o tickle_v with_o the_o richness_n and_o variety_n of_o dish_n which_o
the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v &_o resolve_v part_n i._n wherein_o these_o query_n be_v consider_v i._o whether_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o different_a gesture_n ii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o that_o example_n which_o our_o lord_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n iii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n and_o freeman_n collins_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o case_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n kneel_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a doubt_n which_o may_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n arise_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v at_o present_a much_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a dissenter_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o resolution_n of_o these_o follow_a query_n 1._o whether_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o some_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o different_a posture_n 2._o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o that_o example_n which_o our_o lord_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n 3._o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o altogether_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n 4._o whether_o kneel_v command_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n 5._o whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v because_o this_o gesture_n be_v first_o 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 1._o whether_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o a_o transgression_n against_o some_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v another_o gesture_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n our_o only_a recourse_n must_v be_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n deliver_v and_o enact_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v collect_v and_o record_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o command_n there_o extant_a concern_v the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n we_o shall_v upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o but_o before_o i_o give_v in_o my_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n whatsoever_o be_v enjoin_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v prepetual_o use_v by_o all_o christian_n throughout_o all_o age_n without_o any_o alteration_n that_o can_v never_o be_v nullify_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o earthly_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o when_o once_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v any_o way_n signify_v and_o declare_v that_o such_o and_o such_o positive_a law_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o and_o unalterable_o observe_v than_o those_o law_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v changeable_a must_v remain_v in_o full_a force_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o change_n from_o the_o law_n of_o men._n it_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o the_o most_o dare_a presumption_n for_o any_o earthly_a prince_n any_o council_n any_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o to_o oppose_v the_o know_a will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o this_o case_n nothing_o can_v take_v off_o the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o such_o law_n but_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n which_o first_o pass_v they_o into_o law_n thus_o much_o be_v grant_v and_o premise_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o question_v propose_v god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o establish_v the_o unalterable_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v that_o among_o all_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v not_o any_o express_a command_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o we_o be_v leave_v perfect_o at_o our_o liberty_n by_o god_n to_o use_v what_o comely_a gesture_n we_o please_v either_o sit_v thing_n kneel_v or_o stand_v and_o if_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n do_v not_o restrain_v our_o liberty_n we_o may_v use_v any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a gesture_n without_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o perhaps_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v very_o strange_a and_o false_a to_o many_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o judge_v charitable_o their_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n have_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v impose_v on_o themselves_o by_o the_o write_n and_o assertion_n of_o other_o man_n who_o person_n they_o have_v have_v in_o great_a admiration_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o secure_a of_o this_o truth_n that_o i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v the_o chapter_n and_o verse_n wherein_o any_o command_n be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o popish_a principle_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o swallow_v all_o for_o gospel_n which_o she_o affirm_v to_o be_v so_o though_o very_o mischievous_a in_o its_o consequence_n be_v not_o so_o popish_a that_o be_v so_o ill_o as_o to_o pin_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o sleeve_n of_o particular_a man_n and_o rely_v bare_o on_o the_o word_n and_o credit_n of_o any_o one_o man_n who_o we_o high_o esteem_v of_o what_o party_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o for_o this_o be_v to_o create_v a_o pope_n to_o ourselves_o and_o make_v every_o man_n who_o we_o fancy_n infallible_a this_o be_v to_o make_v two_o more_o than_o six_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o man_n outweigh_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o be_v nothing_o near_o so_o liable_a to_o deception_n i_o do_v desire_v therefore_o to_o be_v trust_v by_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o matter_n under_o present_a consideration_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n trust_v no_o man_n eye_n or_o judgement_n where_o you_o be_v able_a to_o use_v your_o own_o but_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o berean_o 11._o so_o high_o commend_v by_o st._n paul_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o i_o say_v and_o assert_v if_o this_o course_n be_v general_o follow_v it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o the_o compose_v those_o difference_n and_o cure_v those_o division_n that_o at_o present_a be_v on_o foot_n among_o we_o occasion_v by_o several_a tenet_n and_o opinion_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o mean_n a_o great_a many_o which_o pass_v for_o divine_a oracle_n and_o doctrine_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o whimsy_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n with_o this_o cautionary_a advice_n i_o may_v fair_o dismiss_v this_o question_n as_o be_v full_o answer_v and_o leave_v all_o my_o reader_n to_o disprove_v i_o if_o they_o can_v but_o because_o some_o may_v pretend_v they_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o other_o want_v of_o skill_n and_o other_o be_v not_o endue_v with_o patience_n enough_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v this_o matter_n thorough_o as_o it_o ought_v i_o will_v yield_v all_o the_o charitable_a assistance_n i_o be_o able_a towards_o their_o relief_n by_o do_v the_o work_n to_o their_o hand_n my_o business_n then_o at_o present_a be_v this_o to_o collect_v and_o present_v to_o your_o view_n all_o those_o place_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o and_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v any_o command_n which_o tie_v we_o up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n sit_v suppose_n or_o stand_v and_o not_o kneel_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o evangelist_n who_o give_v we_o a_o perfect_a narrative_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n
and_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o salvation_n let_v we_o therefore_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o strict_a examination_n 26._o st._n matthew_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o they_o be_v eat_v jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v 27._o take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o saying_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o 28._o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n 29._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v not_o drink_v henceforth_o of_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o that_o day_n when_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a with_o you_o in_o my_o father_n kingdom_n 30._o and_o when_o they_o have_v sing_v a_o hymn_n they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o account_n which_o st._n mark_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o as_o they_o do_v eat_v 22._o jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v to_o they_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n 23._o and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o it_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o 24._o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 25._o which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v drink_v no_o more_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o that_o day_n that_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 26._o and_o when_o they_o have_v sing_v a_o hymn_n they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o saint_n mark_n deliver_v concern_v the_o lord_n supper_n saint_n luke_n with_o very_o little_a variation_n thus_o describe_v the_o matter_n and_o he_o take_v bread_n 19_o and_o give_v thanks_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v give_v for_o you_o 20._o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o likewise_o also_o the_o cup_n after_o supper_n say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o you_o this_o evangelist_n indeed_o make_v mention_n of_o another_o cup_n which_o our_o lord_n take_v and_o after_o he_o have_v bless_v it_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o and_o withal_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v which_o cup_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o passover_n 26._o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v consult_v and_o compare_v the_o 15_o 16_o 17_o and_o 18._o verse_n of_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v that_o cup_n wherewith_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o begin_v the_o paschal_n feast_n talmud_n which_o they_o bless_a or_o consecrate_a in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n bless_a be_v god_n who_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o whereas_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v drink_v no_o more_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v never_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n with_o they_o any_o more_o after_o that_o time_n but_o their_o next_o festival_n meeting_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o our_o lord_n be_v drink_v another_o cup_n after_o this_o which_o he_o consecrate_a to_o another_o use_n and_o signification_n in_o the_o sacrament_n ver._n 20._o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o light_a this_o divine_a writer_n afford_v we_o concern_v the_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremone_n which_o our_o lord_n use_v himself_o at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o establish_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o for_o st._n john_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n by_o our_o lord_n all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o his_o write_n relate_v to_o the_o passover_n or_o 6._o according_a to_o the_o learned_a dr._n lightfoot_n to_o what_o pass_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a meal_n in_o bethany_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o many_o other_o judicious_o urge_v by_o he_o because_o the_o disciple_n think_v when_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v to_o he_o ver._n 27._o that_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o that_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o judas_n who_o keep_v the_o bag_n to_o buy_v those_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o against_o the_o feast_n viz._n the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o passage_n and_o that_o discourse_v relate_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n be_v transact_v at_o a_o ordinary_a and_o common_a supper_n and_o indeed_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n which_o st._n john_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o write_v his_o gospel_n and_o which_o throughout_o he_o constant_o pursue_v viz._n to_o add_v out_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n several_a remarkable_a passage_n especial_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n in_o their_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n life_n action_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n there_o be_v another_o passage_n in_o st._n john_n gospel_n 53._o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a divine_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v respect_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o not_o at_o that_o time_n institute_v when_o those_o mysterious_a word_n be_v utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 54._o and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o whoso_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 55._o for_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o 56._o he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o now_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o his_o suffering_n and_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v receive_v the_o token_n and_o sign_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o blood_n shed_v for_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o reward_v by_o he_o as_o his_o friend_n these_o be_v all_o the_o place_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o act_n and_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divinely-inspired_n author_n among_o all_o their_o write_n there_o be_v but_o one_o place_n which_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o epist._n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 11._o where_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o he_o receive_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n himself_o viz._n 23._o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v 24._o take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o 25._o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o take_v the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v supp_v say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o 26._o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o for_o as_o often_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 or_o show_v you_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v there_o be_v several_a other_o place_n wherein_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v mention_v 21._o and_o describe_v by_o several_a name_n and_o title_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o 20._o which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o omit_v 46._o and_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consult_v at_o his_o leisure_n 7._o and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o that_o trouble_n if_o they_o do_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v against_o kneel_v
in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v and_o then_o i_o leave_v this_o to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n how_o they_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n such_o as_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v before_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n how_o they_o will_v ever_o answer_v to_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n their_o live_n and_o die_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o express_a command_n of_o his_o give_v a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o mere_o because_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o authority_n be_v cross_v to_o their_o private_a will_n and_o fancy_n but_o not_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o serious_a and_o sincere-hearted_n person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o not_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o law_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n use_v that_o gesture_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o provide_v we_o will_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o either_o sit_v or_o stand_v that_o be_v any_o way_n but_o that_o which_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o conduct_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a which_o be_v no_o where_o command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n cannotâ—_n nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v and_o limit_v by_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n leave_v free_a for_o we_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v without_o sin_n become_v sinful_a to_o we_o when_o impose_v by_o humane_a authority_n it_o be_v remote_a from_o my_o business_n to_o show_v how_o weak_a and_o false_a a_o principle_n this_o be_v and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o but_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o tenent_n to_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o who_o hold_v and_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v receive_v kneel_v which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v safe_o do_v plain_o own_o that_o as_o to_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n for_o we_o to_o use_v or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n give_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o principle_n this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n it_o can_v not_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v as_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o any_o one_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o who_o judgement_n and_o example_n will_v i_o presume_v sway_n much_o with_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o not_o be_v sufficient_o purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o other_o neighbour-churche_n be_v and_o who_o stand_v once_o engage_v in_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o the_o example_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n abroad_o and_o see_v whether_o she_o ought_v to_o reform_v the_o gesture_n prescribe_v at_o the_o sacrament_n 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_n friesland_n they_o stand._n the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustan_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 lithuany_n and_o the_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 augsburg_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 both_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 enjoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetick_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_v gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a 1573._o for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arrian_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 1578._o who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n 1583._o 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_v moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o â—hese_fw-mi socinian_n 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 do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o harmon_n these_o article_n be_v settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n holl._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 both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v or_o imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v