as_o we_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n neither_o will_n say_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o in_o other_o word_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n answer_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o command_n since_o 1._o we_o be_v sure_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v put_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o most_o apposite_a and_o comprehensive_a word_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o whole_o to_o lay_v they_o aside_o for_o other_o be_v plain_o to_o decline_v the_o choice_n of_o word_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o substitute_n less_o apposite_a of_o our_o own_o to_o express_v those_o petition_n in_o 2._o the_o more_o particular_o any_o thing_n be_v command_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o may_v be_v the_o more_o confident_a that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o since_o therefore_o we_o be_v particular_o command_v when_o we_o pray_v to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n 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speak_v in_o the_o syriac_a or_o vulgar_a hebrew_n and_o the_o evangelist_n write_v their_o gospel_n in_o greek_a now_o in_o the_o syriack_n one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n express_v both_o those_o different_a word_n which_o the_o evangelist_n use_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n as_o debt_n and_o trespass_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a but_o a_o seem_a difference_n between_o they_o all_o the_o different_a word_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v iv._o as_o we_o have_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n so_o we_o have_v the_o like_a example_n for_o join_v voice_n upon_o occasion_n in_o offer_v these_o word_n general_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o people_n join_v in_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n yet_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v also_o on_o some_o 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etc._n if_o this_o prayer_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v as_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v than_o the_o whole_a assembly_n be_v inspire_v together_o not_o only_o to_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o likewise_o to_o utter_v the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o it_o have_v attest_v the_o fitness_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n pronounce_v the_o same_o prayer_n together_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v in_o our_o christian_a assembly_n god_n will_v not_o have_v give_v we_o this_o example_n if_o the_o people_n be_v always_o to_o join_v in_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o our_o public_a prayer_n it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o here_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o have_v lead_v they_o to_o do_v a_o indecent_a thing_n or_o a_o thing_n unfit_a for_o god_n worship_n 4._o st._n paul_n and_o silas_n join_v also_o their_o voice_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xuj_o 25_o and_o at_o midnight_n paul_n and_o silas_n pray_v and_o sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o prisoner_n hear_v they_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o they_o sing_v their_o prayer_n which_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o on_o that_o account_n join_v their_o voice_n i_o confess_v the_o original_a favour_n this_o inference_n but_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o apostle_n sing_v their_o prayer_n together_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o they_o may_v likewise_o say_v they_o together_o for_o we_o find_v the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n offer_v not_o only_o their_o praise_n together_o but_o their_o prayer_n also_o so_o rev._n vi_fw-mi 10_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v how_o long_o
it_o be_v certain_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o sit_v but_o lie_v at_o table_n when_o he_o do_v eat_v his_o usual_a meal_n suppose_v then_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o his_o posture_n of_o eat_v we_o ought_v to_o lie_v as_o he_o do_v but_o none_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o do_v so_o or_o practice_v this_o way_n since_o then_o all_o party_n change_v it_o sure_o we_o do_v better_a that_o change_v it_o into_o the_o religious_a way_n of_o eat_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n with_o adoration_n than_o other_o that_o change_v our_o saviour_n way_n into_o sit_v the_o common_a way_n of_o our_o eat_v 3._o we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v for_o our_o practice_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o at_o a_o common_a supper_n when_o he_o institute_v this_o sacrament_n but_o at_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v a_o sacramental_a eat_v and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a posture_n prescribe_v for_o it_o ex._n twelve_o 11_o and_o though_o some_o think_v but_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o observe_v this_o yet_o it_o be_v own_v they_o observe_v another_o which_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v and_o be_v reckon_v religious_a however_o it_o be_v speak_v that_o our_o saviour_n perform_v this_o eat_v with_o several_a religious_a ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n such_o be_v that_o we_o find_v luke_n xxii_o 17_o and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o say_v take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o this_o cup_n be_v different_a from_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n which_o be_v institute_v vers_fw-la 20._o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v christ_n we_o ought_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o way_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o different_a from_o our_o common_a meal_n 4_o but_o four_a the_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o go_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n 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since_o the_o change_n of_o the_o action_n from_o eat_v to_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n sufficient_o signify_v and_o infer_v it_o there_o be_v no_o notice_n take_v of_o our_o saviour_n rise_v at_o all_o from_o the_o table_n by_o any_o of_o the_o three_o evangelist_n that_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o john_n xiii_o 4_o that_o he_o do_v rise_v from_o that_o supper_n and_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n and_o sit_v down_o again_o vers._n 12._o and_o so_o he_o may_v rise_v to_o bless_v and_o distribute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o common_a table-posture_n rather_o the_o contrary_n seem_v probable_a so_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o reason_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o as_o fit_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o like_a case_n last_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n severe_o reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o their_o irreverence_n in_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o damnation_n for_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v for_o receive_v it_o as_o their_o common_a food_n without_o distinguish_v between_o they_o by_o a_o reverend_n and_o religious_a receive_v it_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o a_o due_a distinction_n between_o it_o and_o our_o common_a food_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n with_o as_o much_o reverence_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o altar_n at_o which_o they_o never_o sit_v down_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o sacred_a action_n as_o to_o bodily_a worship_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v and_o ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v as_o unjust_a to_o suspect_v or_o accuse_v we_o of_o worship_v the_o lord_n table_n or_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n because_o we_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o it_o be_v to_o accuse_v the_o jew_n of_o worship_v their_o altar_n or_o sacrifice_n because_o they_o worship_v before_o they_o as_o god_n command_v they_o to_o do_v 2_o king_n xviii_o 22_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o give_v we_o true_a submission_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o these_o inward_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o our_o church_n have_v appoint_v by_o bodily_a worship_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o god_n have_v approve_v and_o holy_a man_n have_v practise_v in_o scripture_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o bodily_a worship_n i._o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o you_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o to_o compare_v your_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o first_o as_o to_o your_o principle_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o allow_v bodily_a adoration_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o you_o can_v but_o discern_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o make_v it_o the_o most_o proper_a peculiar_a act_n thereof_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o chap._n iu._n sect._n 1._o n_o o._n 1.2.3_o in_o your_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 21._o prayer_n reading_n scripture_n etc._n etc._n sing_v psalm_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v reckon_v up_o as_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o not_o a_o word_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n your_o directory_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v it_o out_o but_o exclude_v it_o by_o require_v all_o to_o enter_v the_o assembly_n and_o to_o take_v their_o seat_n and_o place_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v themselves_o towards_o one_o place_n or_o other_o that_o be_v without_o bow_v themselves_o at_o all_o a_o rule_n direct_o opposite_a to_o natural_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v christ_n peculiar_o present_a in_o their_o assembly_n which_o yet_o the_o author_n of_o your_o directory_n profess_v to_o do_v in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o they_o forbid_v all_o adoration_n let_v we_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o compare_v their_o rule_n with_o god_n word_n you_o have_v the_o bible_n in_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v your_o privilege_n to_o use_v it_o the_o scripture_n say_v o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n let_v we_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n your_o directory_n say_v let_v we_o enter_v the_o assembly_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v where_o notwithstanding_o it_o allow_v that_o we_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n appear_v in_o god_n presence_n sure_o you_o can_v but_o see_v this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v aside_o but_o to_o contradict_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n ii_o your_o practice_n be_v conformable_a to_o your_o principle_n for_o 1._o at_o your_o thanksgiving_n or_o praise_n you_o neither_o bow_v nor_o stand_v up_o 2._o whereas_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v use_v to_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o faith_n you_o have_v cast_v out_o of_o your_o religious_a assembly_n not_o only_o this_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n themselves_o so_o material_a a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v
bring_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n in_o their_o religious_a performance_n 3._o my_o three_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o suppose_v no_o serious_a consider_v person_n among_o you_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o celebrate_n it_o so_o seldom_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o your_o meeting_n and_o the_o people_n backwardness_n in_o receive_v it_o be_v very_o great_a fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o you_o shall_v press_v home_o to_o your_o people_n the_o danger_n of_o their_o neglect_n and_o represent_v to_o they_o true_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o so_o as_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o a_o professor_n or_o a_o religious_a person_n that_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n come_v up_o to_o the_o scripture-precedent_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o withal_o so_o order_v the_o celebration_n thereof_o that_o every_o one_o may_v have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n to_o receive_v as_o the_o first_o christian_n do_v which_o in_o your_o present_a way_n of_o manage_v be_v impossible_a from_o whence_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a you_o be_v not_o the_o scripture-way_n and_o therefore_o need_v reformation_n 4._o let_v i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v order_v by_o your_o directory_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o ordinary_o one_o chapter_n of_o each_o testament_n be_v read_v at_o every_o meeting_n and_o sometime_o more_o i_o think_v you_o can_v dispense_v with_o this_o rule_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o just_a censure_n from_o all_o that_o have_v a_o true_a value_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o inform_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o your_o meeting_n in_o this_o diocese_n where_o it_o be_v observe_v to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n and_o offence_n of_o your_o brethren_n i_o know_v the_o people_n be_v fond_a of_o sermon_n and_o lecture_n of_o human_a composure_n than_o of_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n in_o its_o naked_a simplicity_n but_o you_o know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a humour_n in_o they_o and_o god_n forbid_v any_o that_o claim_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v indulge_v they_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v maintain_v a_o due_a reverence_n in_o the_o people_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o think_v we_o may_v expect_v your_o conformity_n to_o we_o in_o this_o particular_a 5._o i_o suppose_v you_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o sober_a nonconformist_n do_v own_o that_o occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o people_n have_v better_a come_v to_o our_o worship_n at_o least_o where_o he_o that_o officiate_n be_v of_o ability_n and_o sobriety_n than_o sit_v at_o home_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o frequent_v no_o assembly_n at_o all_o and_o you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o many_o thousand_o in_o these_o part_n neglect_v all_o public_a worship_n and_o many_o suffer_v their_o child_n to_o die_v unbaptise_v for_o want_v of_o minister_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o justice_n due_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o these_o poor_a people_n and_o to_o our_o common_a christianity_n to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o we_o both_o in_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n as_o far_o as_o your_o brethren_n in_o england_n have_v allow_v it_o on_o such_o occasion_n 6._o you_o be_v sensible_a that_o among_o those_o protestant_n that_o dissent_v from_o our_o church_n some_o be_v congregational_a and_o other_o presbyterian_o you_o of_o this_o diocese_n where_o i_o be_o concern_v profess_v to_o be_v of_o this_o latter_a sort_n and_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o own_v that_o by_o christ_n appointment_n the_o particular_a church_n in_o convenient_a district_n ought_v according_a to_o scripture-precedent_n to_o associate_v under_o one_o government_n and_o these_o again_o to_o unite_n themselves_o into_o great_a combination_n of_o provincial_n and_o national_a church_n the_o difference_n between_o you_o and_o we_o be_v concern_v these_o particular_a district_n namely_o whether_o the_o government_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o presbytery_n with_o a_o bishop_n as_o precedent_n and_o governor_n by_o christ_n appointment_n or_o in_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n absolute_o equal_a so_o then_o we_o both_o own_o national_a and_o provincial_a church_n as_o well_o as_o single_a worship_a congregation_n but_o the_o congregational_a dissenter_n deny_v that_o christ_n institute_v any_o other_o church_n beside_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o affirm_v that_o all_o other_o church_n such_o as_o classical_a provincial_a or_o national_a be_v human_a invention_n and_o that_o every_o single_a congregation_n be_v independent_a and_o may_v indeed_o keep_v a_o fair_a correspondence_n with_o its_o neighbour_n congregation_n but_o be_v not_o under_o any_o common_a government_n with_o they_o these_o last_o be_v the_o avow_a principle_n of_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n mr._n job_n mr._n humphrys_n mr._n boyse_n mr._n alsop_n mr._n clerkson_n and_o general_o of_o all_o the_o late_a defender_n of_o the_o dissenter_n cause_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o now_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o these_o principle_n of_o they_o be_v much_o more_o different_a from_o your_o principle_n than_o we_o be_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o material_a for_o it_o be_v possible_a on_o your_o principle_n and_o we_o to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o to_o keep_v up_o some_o value_n for_o excommunication_n and_o other_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n since_o he_o who_o be_v censure_v in_o one_o church_n can_v be_v receive_v into_o another_o neither_o with_o you_o nor_o we_o whereas_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n he_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v in_o one_o congregation_n may_v remove_v to_o another_o or_o set_v up_o one_o for_o himself_o if_o he_o please_v at_o the_o worst_a if_o he_o shall_v it_o will_v be_v count_v but_o a_o irregularity_n these_o principle_n be_v destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o common_a cause_n and_o our_o learned_a man_n have_v careful_o answer_v all_o the_o principal_a writer_n of_o that_o sort_n so_o that_o no_o book_n of_o that_o kind_n have_v remain_v unanswered_a but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v mere_a repetition_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o answer_v before_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o of_o you_o have_v of_o late_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o this_o important_a truth_n though_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o humble_a advice_n concern_v church-government_n which_o i_o suppose_v you_o approve_v do_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o their_o title_n of_o classical_a assembly_n now_o we_o think_v in_o justice_n to_o your_o own_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o you_o ought_v to_o warn_v your_o people_n against_o those_o book_n that_o maintain_v principle_n contrary_a to_o we_o both_o at_o least_o not_o to_o bear_v they_o in_o hand_n that_o those_o book_n write_v against_o we_o make_v for_o you_o for_o this_o will_v appear_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o insincerity_n as_o well_o as_o ingratitude_n and_o will_v tempt_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o encourage_v principle_n destructive_a to_o your_o own_o cause_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o book_n manifest_o be_v in_o this_o very_a point_n so_o they_o do_v but_o serve_v a_o turn_v and_o strengthen_v your_o party_n among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n 6._o last_o i_o think_v we_o may_v just_o expect_v from_o you_o a_o ready_a concurrence_n with_o we_o to_o beat_v down_o such_o vice_n and_o immorality_n as_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v against_o our_o common_a christianity_n such_o as_o adultery_n fornication_n blasphemy_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n and_o since_o the_o bishop_n court_n be_v legal_o impower_v to_o punish_v these_o and_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o yet_o will_v not_o appear_v or_o submit_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v excommunicate_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o you_o in_o these_o case_n be_v not_o to_o encourage_v such_o sinner_n in_o their_o obstinacy_n or_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o communion_n among_o you_o whilst_o they_o lie_v under_o such_o censure_n which_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o reform_v in_o some_o measure_n these_o cry_v vice_n these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v instanced_a in_o which_o we_o may_v concur_v in_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o opinion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o one_o
direct_v concern_v they_o particular_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o relation_n to_o those_o direction_n and_o example_n and_o three_o the_o practice_n of_o protestant-dissenters_a chap._n i._o of_o praise_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v they_o i._n first_o then_o as_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n require_v the_o use_n of_o the_o psalm_n in_o offer_v up_o praise_n to_o god_n we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n 2_o chron._n xxix_o 30_o hezekiah_n the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o sing_v praise_n to_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o of_o asaph_n and_o they_o sing_v with_o gladness_n this_o command_n of_o hezekiah_n proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o he_o the_o same_o way_n of_o praise_v god_n continue_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o after_o that_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o more_o positive_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n v._n 19_o speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n and_o col._n iii._o 16_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v and_o make_v melody_n with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v but_o by_o the_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o place_n be_v mean_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v leave_v for_o this_o purpose_n to_o the_o church_n ii_o though_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o sing_v of_o psalm_n yet_o in_o some_o case_n they_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v they_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o require_v we_o to_o do_v so_o such_o as_o psal._n cxviii_o 2_o let_v israel_n now_o say_v that_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o let_v the_o house_n of_o aaron_n now_o say_v and_o let_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n now_o say_v etc._n etc._n because_o these_o expression_n be_v poetical_a may_v be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o mean_v sing_v though_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o restrain_v the_o general_a command_n of_o say_v or_o speak_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o sing_v only_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n several_a sacred_a hymn_n particular_o of_o hannah_n the_o bless_a virgin_n zacharias_n and_o simeon_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n rev._n seven_o 12_o &_o xi_o 17_o which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o respective_o and_o the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o story_n do_v not_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v sing_v from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o where_o people_n can_v sing_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n but_o where_o through_o any_o defect_n of_o nature_n or_o art_n they_o can_v sing_v decent_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o say_v only_o people_n ought_v not_o by_o this_o indulgence_n to_o be_v encourage_v to_o neglect_v sing_v altogether_o or_o to_o think_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o they_o when_o by_o a_o little_a pain_n or_o industry_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o art_n of_o decent_o perform_v it_o in_o his_o service_n iii_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o word_n of_o god_n recommend_v to_o we_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n in_o prose_n for_o our_o praise_n god_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o song_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n of_o zacharias_n or_o simeon_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o in_o prose_n and_o such_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o bless_a which_o they_o be_v represent_v sing_v in_o the_o revelation_n particular_o chap._n v._n 9_o &_o chap._n xv_o 3_o as_o to_o the_o hebrew_n psalm_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v poetical_a but_o the_o poetry_n of_o they_o consist_v rather_o in_o the_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n than_o in_o any_o certain_a measure_n or_o verse_n which_o those_o that_o have_v search_v most_o narrow_o into_o they_o have_v yet_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v a_o indifferent_a reader_n but_o whatever_o poetry_n there_o may_v be_v in_o they_o we_o can_v not_o find_v by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a translation_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o church_n in_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n time_n or_o in_o the_o age_n immediate_o follow_v that_o they_o or_o the_o first_o christian_n do_v sing_v any_o thing_n in_o verse_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o sing_v hymn_n in_o prose_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a scriptural_a warrant_n for_o the_o use_v of_o verse_n or_o metre_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n perhaps_o some_o may_v fancy_v that_o verse_n or_o measure_n be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o those_o country_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o sing_v their_o song_n in_o prose_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n poetry_n and_o verse_n be_v then_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o psalm_n be_v translate_v in_o great_a request_n and_o at_o the_o high_a perfection_n when_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pen_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o example_n therein_o of_o their_o use_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o this_o proceed_v from_o choice_n not_o necessity_n for_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v think_v verse_n necessary_a for_o divine_a psalm_n we_o may_v presume_v he_o will_v have_v inspire_v some_o of_o the_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n when_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v so_o common_a either_o to_o translate_v the_o psalm_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o verse_n or_o else_o to_o compose_v some_o of_o the_o other_o hymn_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a after_o that_o way_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o have_v be_v do_v it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o presumption_n that_o we_o may_v praise_v god_n as_o acceptable_o in_o prose_n as_o in_o verse_n and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n further_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v general_o write_v their_o prophecy_n and_o their_o hymn_n to_o their_o god_n in_o verse_n we_o know_v not_o but_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v fit_a that_o such_o as_o be_v inspire_v by_o he_o shall_v decline_v that_o way_n of_o record_v their_o prophecy_n or_o praise_n iv._o as_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v we_o the_o use_n of_o psalm_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n so_o they_o encourage_v we_o to_o offer_v those_o praise_n by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o best_a example_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v even_o the_o bless_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n so_o isa._n vi_fw-la 3_o and_o one_o cry_v unto_o another_o holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a through_o the_o whole_a revelation_n be_v i_o think_v constant_o represent_v praise_v god_n after_o this_o manner_n so_o chap._n seven_o 9_o where_o the_o multitude_n that_o represent_v the_o people_n cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n vers_n 10._o salvation_n to_o our_o god_n which_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb._n and_o then_o the_o angel_n and_o elder_n who_o represent_v the_o clergy_n perform_v their_o part_n vers_n 12._o saying_n amen_n blessing_n and_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o may_v be_v unto_o our_o god_n they_o be_v represent_v the_o same_o way_n answer_v one_o another_o chap._n nineteeen_o 1_o i_o hear_v a_o great_a voice_n of_o much_o people_n in_o heaven_n say_v alleluia_n this_o they_o repeat_v vers_n 3._o than_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n represent_v as_o before_o the_o clergy_n answer_v vers_n 4._o amen_n alleluia_n then_o vers_n 5._o a_o voice_n come_v out_o of_o the_o throne_n say_v praise_v our_o god_n upon_o which_o vers_fw-la 6._o the_o people_n resume_v their_o part_n and_o answer_v alleluia_n for_o the_o lord_n omnipotent_a reign_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o this_o be_v take_v by_o allusion_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n praise_v god_n on_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n of_o teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n which_o suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v share_n in_o they_o either_o by_o turn_n or_o by_o bear_v a_o part_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o psalm_n contain_v many_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n as_o well_o as_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n recommend_v they_o to_o christian_n
the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n very_o inconvenient_a and_o be_v likewise_o a_o late_a invention_n of_o our_o own_o never_o use_v by_o any_o foreign_a church_n either_o popish_a or_o reform_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v be_v take_v up_o to_o supply_v the_o negligence_n and_o laziness_n of_o people_n who_o will_v not_o now_o as_o former_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o get_v psalm_n by_o heart_n or_o so_o much_o as_o procure_v book_n or_o learn_v to_o read_v they_o 5._o notwithstanding_o your_o directory_n require_v the_o voice_n in_o sing_v psalm_n to_o be_v tuneable_a and_o grave_o order_v yet_o you_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n which_o be_v a_o natural_a mean_n to_o help_v the_o voice_n and_o make_v it_o tuneable_a and_o be_v use_v by_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n but_o have_v also_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o press_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o these_o part_n where_o so_o many_o for_o want_v of_o be_v use_v to_o they_o have_v entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o and_o some_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v affect_v by_o they_o yet_o the_o make_v they_o unlawful_a be_v against_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o be_v on_o that_o account_n a_o dangerous_a superstition_n and_o encroachment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 6._o the_o same_o superstition_n and_o encroachment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v to_o praise_n god_n in_o sing_v or_o say_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v such_o noble_a precedent_n out_o of_o scripture_n but_o even_o to_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a last_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o appear_v you_o have_v altogether_o lay_v aside_o the_o psalm_n in_o prose_n and_o the_o other_o scripture_n hymn_n that_o be_v of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o saint_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v no_o where_o use_v by_o you_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n but_o in_o their_o stead_n you_o have_v substitute_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v a_o few_o verse_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o human_a composure_n without_o scripture-example_n or_o precedent_n and_o sing_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o ancient_a practice_n much_o less_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o be_v pure_o and_o immediate_o a_o invention_n of_o men._n iv._o the_o case_n then_o between_o our_o church_n and_o you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o think_v impartial_o stand_v thus_o our_o church_n praise_v god_n every_o day_n with_o five_o or_o six_o psalm_n beside_o other_o hymn_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n and_o method_n and_o yet_o be_v desert_v and_o condemn_v by_o you_o in_o this_o very_a point_n as_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n whereas_o you_o who_o only_o praise_v he_o in_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o a_o few_o verse_n and_o in_o a_o method_n of_o your_o own_o find_v out_o persuade_v yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a from_o human_a invention_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n serious_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o for_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v what_o all_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o god_n will_v judge_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o you_o in_o earnest_n lie_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o reflect_v on_o they_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o they_o will_v at_o least_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o be_v modest_a in_o your_o censure_n of_o we_o your_o brethren_n and_o prevent_v your_o judge_n much_o less_o condemn_v we_o or_o our_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n as_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o chap._n ii_o of_o prayer_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o main_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o christian_n which_o i_o observe_v be_v prayer_n or_o supplication_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o rule_n direction_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o judge_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n distinct_o by_o themselves_o such_o as_o confession_n supplication_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n 1._o confession_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o aggravate_v it_o be_v common_o look_v on_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n and_o proper_a to_o introduce_v our_o supplication_n now_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v express_a command_n to_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o confession_n so_o deuteron_n xxvi_o 3_o thou_o shall_v go_v unto_o the_o priest_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o profess_v this_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o i_o be_o come_v unto_o the_o country_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o our_o forefather_n to_z give_v we_o and_o then_o the_o offerer_n be_v to_o make_v his_o confession_n vers_n 5_o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v and_o say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v my_o father_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n of_o the_o person_n vnworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n together_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o set_n &_o prepare_a word_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o solomon_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n for_o the_o penitent_a israelite_n 1_o king_n viij_o 47_o which_o word_n we_o find_v according_o apply_v in_o psal._n cvi_fw-la 6_o and_o make_v part_n of_o a_o large_a form_n of_o confession_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o captivity_n as_o solomon_n design_v they_o which_o appear_v from_o the_o 47th_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o psalm_n take_v from_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 1_o chro._n xuj_o 35_o and_o daniel_n in_o his_o form_n of_o confession_n in_o captivity_n chap._n ix_o vers_fw-la 5._o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v arbitrary_o to_o choice_n or_o discretion_n though_o other_o word_n may_v be_v join_v with_o they_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o enlarge_v or_o vary_v the_o form_n many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o be_v use_v and_o daily_o repeat_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n psal._n li._n be_v the_o form_n of_o confession_n david_n prepare_v and_o use_v for_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o he_o not_o only_o use_v it_o himself_o but_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o master_n of_o his_o choir_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o it_o psal._n lxxviii_o be_v a_o general_a confession_n for_o the_o whole_a people_n set_v forth_o at_o large_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o ingratitude_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n and_o this_o not_o as_o a_o pattern_n but_o as_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a service_n all_o which_o show_v we_o that_o address_n to_o god_n in_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v a_o warrant_n to_o we_o that_o he_o approve_v that_o our_o confession_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n 2._o the_o second_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v supplication_n for_o good_a thing_n and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o a_o form_n of_o word_n deut._n xxvi_o 13_o 15._o then_o thou_o shall_v say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n look_v down_o from_o thy_o holy_a habitation_n from_o heaven_n and_o bless_v thy_o people_n israel_n and_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o as_o thou_o swear_v unto_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n so_o hos._n fourteen_o 2_o take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n moses_n in_o the_o wilderness_n use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o psal._n xc_o which_o have_v this_o title_n a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n
the_o man_n of_o god_n when_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o left_a to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o in_o our_o supplication_n such_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o manner_n of_o address_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v intercession_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o now_o blessing_n be_v a_o eminent_a sort_n of_o intercession_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o this_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o command_n of_o god_n numb_a vi_fw-la 23_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o earnest_a intercession_n with_o god_n for_o his_o people_n and_o the_o form_n and_o word_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o mean_a ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v only_o now_o suppose_v by_o some_o to_o need_v the_o help_n of_o form_n but_o by_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n the_o chief_a priest_n from_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n approve_v that_o manner_n of_o address_n in_o our_o blessing_n and_o intercession_n for_o one_o another_o not_o only_o from_o mean_a people_n but_o from_o the_o great_a 4._o the_o four_o part_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o petition_n for_o avert_v evil_a common_o call_v deprecation_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v several_a form_n prescribe_v by_o god_n joel_n i_o 14_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n alas_o for_o the_o day_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v god_n commandment_n for_o another_o form_n joel_n two_o 17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n in_o this_o part_n of_o prayer_n though_o common_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o such_o as_o seem_v least_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o form_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n ii_o and_o according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n though_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n use_v the_o same_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n always_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n thus_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o concern_v moses_n num._n x._o 35_o when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o moses_n say_v rise_v up_o lord_n and_o let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v and_o let_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n unto_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o one_o set_v constant_a form_n of_o word_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o long_o as_o the_o occasion_n of_o repeat_v they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v suspect_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o word_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o moses_n confine_v himself_o to_o this_o form_n i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o prayer_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o such_o pathetic_a significant_a and_o move_a word_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o furnish_v we_o with_o they_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v by_o any_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n such_o be_v the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 9_o 10_o 12_o etc._n etc._n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o constant_a service_n and_o liturgy_n perform_v in_o their_o temple_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o i_o former_o quote_v 2_o chron._n xxix_o 30._o iii_o but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v these_o command_n and_o example_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o so_o plentiful_a a_o measure_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o 1._o i_o think_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o they_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o consist_v in_o psalm_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o in_o some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o use_v in_o their_o daily_a service_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n at_o that_o scripture_n time_n now_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v frequent_o present_a at_o their_o service_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o approve_v the_o manner_n of_o addressing_z themselves_o to_o god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n 2._o but_o our_o saviour_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n with_o impartial_a man_n by_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n for_o we_o find_v his_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o by_o direct_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o find_v he_o say_v when_o you_o pray_v speak_v what_o shall_v then_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o hour_n without_o take_v think_v about_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n that_o be_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o his_o sake_n mat._n x._o 19_o but_o in_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n he_o prescribe_v they_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v it_o luke_n xi_o 2_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o use_v these_o word_n when_o they_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o express_v it_o in_o clear_a term_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o religious_a person_n among_o the_o jew_n offer_v up_o constant_o prayer_n to_o god_n we_o see_v it_o in_o david_n psal._n lv_o 17_o and_o in_o daniel_n chap._n vi_fw-la 10_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o duty_n nor_o in_o skill_n to_o perform_v it_o since_o we_o find_v that_o other_o devout_a person_n of_o their_o time_n have_v their_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n iii._o 1_o therefore_o what_o they_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v they_o absolute_o or_o in_o general_a to_o pray_v but_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n proper_a to_o his_o institution_n as_o they_o see_v the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n and_o john_n have_v proper_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o the_o lord's-prayer_n as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o main_a point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o as_o a_o constant_a badge_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v when_o ever_o you_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n your_o usual_a prayer_n which_o religious_a custom_n have_v teach_v you_o as_o jew_n and_o disciple_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o john_n whether_o in_o secret_n or_o public_a add_v this_o always_o to_o your_o other_o prayer_n for_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n to_o you_o of_o those_o duty_n privilege_n and_o qualification_n which_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o my_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n from_o your_o heavenly_a father_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o persevere_v in_o they_o the_o lords-prayer_n be_v therefore_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n impose_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o
the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v man_n from_o stir_v up_o or_o use_v the_o gift_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o 2._o other_o of_o you_o go_v further_o and_o affirm_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o speak_v public_o to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o join_v their_o voice_n but_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o he_o upon_o these_o principle_n you_o forsake_v our_o worship_n and_o many_o of_o you_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o present_v at_o our_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n therefore_o that_o you_o shall_v understand_v what_o the_o scripture_n determine_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o our_o worship_n which_o you_o thus_o forsake_v be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v and_o these_o principle_n of_o your_o worship_n and_o your_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n i_o can_v see_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v your_o forsake_v our_o assembly_n to_o god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v each_o of_o these_o principle_n apart_o ii_o and_o first_o for_o that_o position_n of_o your_o directory_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o promise_n or_o foundation_n it_o have_v in_o scripture_n i_o profess_v to_o you_o serious_o that_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n ay_o can_v make_v i_o never_o can_v find_v any_o such_o promise_v make_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o meet_v any_o dissenter_n that_o be_v able_a to_o show_v any_o such_o exclusive_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n if_o then_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v there_o be_v not_o be_v it_o not_o too_o much_o presumption_n in_o the_o compiler_n of_o your_o directory_n to_o obtrude_v this_o doctrine_n on_o the_o world_n or_o persuade_v people_n to_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o neglect_v the_o help_n of_o form_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o nay_o as_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n for_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v prayer_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o command_n in_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o worship_n or_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o conceive_v extemporary_a or_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o example_n in_o a_o settle_a ordinary_a congregation_n where_o it_o be_v practise_v if_o then_o you_o can_v show_v none_o of_o these_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o promise_n nor_o command_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o worship_n build_v on_o it_o a_o vanity_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v seven_o 7_o if_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o confute_v a_o adversary_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v sufficient_a but_o this_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o point_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v both_o grateful_a and_o instructive_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o they_o and_o set_v it_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v under_o the_o follow_a head_n iii_o 1._o first_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o whoever_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o faith_n sincerity_n fervency_n love_n humility_n conformity_n to_o god_n will_n understanding_n and_o decency_n of_o expression_n pray_v acceptable_o to_o he_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whoever_o pray_v without_o these_o do_v want_v it_o 2._o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v attain_v these_o grace_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o beget_v they_o in_o we_o 3._o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o acquire_v by_o natural_a mean_n a_o ability_n to_o express_v himself_o decent_o in_o prayer_n though_o he_o can_v so_o acquire_v faith_n or_o any_o other_o inward_a grace_n so_o that_o decency_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o always_o a_o part_n of_o it_o 4._o i_o say_v that_o one_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n may_v have_v all_o these_o qualification_n and_o therefore_o his_o prayer_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o the_o dissenter_n 1._o from_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n which_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v how_o be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v use_v the_o answer_n be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n as_o a_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v other_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v also_o use_v as_o a_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o understanding_n faith_n reverence_n and_o other_o grace_n necessary_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n 2._o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o dissenter_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o turn_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n into_o metre_n and_o then_o sing_v they_o line_n by_o line_n after_o the_o minister_n as_o for_o example_n the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o psalm_n run_v thus_o in_o the_o translation_n they_o use_v give_v ear_n unto_o my_o word_n o_o lord_n my_o meditation_n weigh_v hear_v my_o loud_a cry_n my_o king_n my_o god_n for_o i_o to_o thou_o will_v pray_v this_o be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o any_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o by_o their_o use_v it_o as_o they_o do_v they_o plain_o practice_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o do_v further_o also_o allow_v that_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o praise_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n with_o sing_v and_o that_o they_o may_v repeat_v their_o form_n of_o prayer_n after_o the_o minister_n with_o what_o reason_n then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v against_o we_o that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n sing_v in_o verse_n and_o after_o the_o minister_n read_v it_o be_v commendable_a but_o the_o same_o say_v or_o sing_v in_o prose_n be_v unlawful_a 5._o extemporary_a conceive_a prayer_n may_v want_v these_o spiritual_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n as_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o that_o contend_v most_o for_o they_o and_o they_o often_o be_v manifest_o deficient_a be_v sometime_o perform_v without_o reverence_n or_o decency_n of_o expression_n and_o by_o some_o even_o without_o understanding_n and_o where_o these_o qualification_n be_v find_v other_o may_v be_v want_v the_o scripture_n observe_v that_o a_o man_n may_v make_v long_a prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o mind_n dispose_v to_o devour_v widow_n house_n he_o may_v want_v faith_n humility_n fervency_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n and_o therefore_o such_o prayer_n be_v not_o always_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 6._o therefore_o when_o god_n promise_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n to_o his_o people_n zach._n twelve_o 10_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o enable_v all_o man_n who_o be_v god_n child_n to_o conceive_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o mouth_n convenient_a desire_n without_o a_o form_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o every_o one_o to_o who_o god_n give_v a_o heart_n and_o disposition_n to_o pray_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o who_o from_o this_o principle_n offer_v up_o his_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n pray_v acceptable_o and_o he_o that_o offer_v they_o without_o that_o principle_n though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o unpremeditated_a and_o extemporary_a word_n be_v reject_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o grace_n the_o heart_n the_o disposition_n and_o ability_n to_o pray_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n such_o a_o man_n prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v great_o superstitious_a to_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o if_o god_n give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o pray_v and_o by_o his_o providence_n have_v provide_v we_o a_o form_n
the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o all_o good_a people_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o will_v retrieve_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v suggest_v but_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v some_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n because_o they_o will_v but_o exasperate_v and_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o perform_v extempore_o ridiculous_a which_o ill_a man_n may_v extend_v as_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v to_o expose_v devotion_n in_o general_a such_o be_v the_o indecent_a expression_n which_o sometime_o fall_v from_o person_n that_o pray_v thus_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o some_o preacher_n have_v too_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o serious_a person_n even_o among_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o print_v some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o those_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v print_v will_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v nor_o much_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a men._n but_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o ill_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o ridicule_fw-la one_o another_o devotion_n whatever_o it_o be_v v._o there_o remain_v yet_o the_o three_o opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o they_o advance_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n far_o from_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o require_v we_o rom._n xv_o 6_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n we_o produce_v this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n join_v their_o voice_n and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o condemn_v it_o or_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v charge_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o your_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n which_o be_v all_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o head_n after_o what_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o contrary_a practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v faithful_o examine_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n that_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o compare_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n way_n of_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o service_n the_o dissenter_n have_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n lay_v aside_o god_n command_n and_o desert_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o a_o immediate_a invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o entreat_v you_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o show_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o thereby_o literal_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o jew_n mark_v seven_o 7_o of_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o that_o superstition_n condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n col._n two_o 21_o which_o say_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v which_o teach_v to_o forbear_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a after_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o it_o that_o you_o may_v deliver_v your_o soul_n chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o christian_a assembly_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o examine_v this_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o consider_v first_o what_o direction_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o shall_v compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o they_o and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n first_o then_o god_n have_v positive_o command_v we_o to_o read_v his_o word_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n so_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v jos._n viij_o 35_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v which_o joshua_n read_v not_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n neither_o be_v this_o confine_v to_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o sabbath_n service_n in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n xiii_o 14_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n vers_fw-la 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n mean_v undoubted_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o st._n james_n act_n xv_o 21_o of_o moses_n his_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n ii_o this_o read_v the_o law_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n provide_v for_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o people_n immediate_o sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a reformation_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o restore_a this_o ordinance_n thus_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 29_o that_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o he_o read_v in_o their_o ear_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o like_a be_v observe_v of_o ezra_n neh._n viij_o 3_o and_o he_o read_v therein_o before_o the_o street_n that_o be_v before_o the_o water-gate_n from_o morning_n until_o midday_n before_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o that_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n give_v by_o themselves_o be_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o law_n be_v constant_o read_v to_o they_o afterward_o public_o in_o their_o synagogue_n so_o powerful_o do_v god_n bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o preserve_v those_o that_o use_v they_o from_o error_n and_o sin_n iii_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o like_a order_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o read_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a elder_n as_o it_o be_v before_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v as_o well_o as_o to_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspire_v write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n col._n
four_o 16_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o also_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n since_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o christian_a law_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o read_v in_o the_o first_o christian_n assembly_n i_o may_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n iv._o this_o public_a read_v the_o law_n be_v of_o so_o great_a reputation_n that_o it_o be_v term_v preach_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xv_o 21_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n the_o word_n preach_v have_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o signify_v proper_o to_o declare_v or_o proclaim_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o herald_n or_o crier_n proclaim_v the_o law_n or_o order_n of_o a_o king_n hence_o only_a those_o that_o proclaim_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v it_o before_o or_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v preach_v be_v distinguish_v from_o teach_v and_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n though_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v call_v preach_v yet_o interpret_n they_o apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o people_n from_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a be_v never_o call_v by_o that_o name_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o disciple_n act_n xx_o 7_o when_o he_o only_o in_o probability_n make_v a_o sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n as_o be_v usual_a now_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o original_a of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o translate_v preach_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v here_o but_o discourse_v dispute_v speak_v or_o reason_v so_o it_o be_v translate_v in_o act_n xvii_o 2_o 17._o xviii_o 19_o nineteeen_o 8_o 9_o heb._n twelve_o 5_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o original_a word_n which_o proper_o signify_v preach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v proper_o preach_v the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o it_o before_o and_o the_o second_o be_v when_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o peodle_n as_o a_o crier_n do_v a_o proclamation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o word_n himself_o but_o read_v it_o in_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o in_o short_a the_o scripture_n be_v sermon_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n be_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o read_n of_o which_o to_o the_o people_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n of_o god_n and_o where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v due_o observe_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o makâ—_n they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o hear_v they_o with_o humility_n and_o attention_n be_v a_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o tim._n three_o 16_o 17._o v._o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o great_a solemnity_n it_o be_v observe_v nehem._n viij_o 5_o when_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n with_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o i_o find_v it_o general_o agree_v that_o both_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n stand_v up_o whilst_o the_o law_n be_v read_v though_o not_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v read_v or_o teach_v hence_o it_o be_v observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o that_o our_o saviour_n stand_v up_o for_o to_o read_v and_o vers._n 20._o after_o close_v the_o book_n that_o he_o sit_v down_o to_o teach_v hence_o rev._n v_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o highpriest_n with_o a_o book_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o lamb_n as_o his_o minister_n take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o declare_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o vers._n 8._o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n the_o angel_n join_v with_o they_o vers._n 11._o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n verse_n 13._o from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n with_o adoration_n and_o praise_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o read_n the_o law_n confession_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v intermix_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o neh._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o day_n and_o another_o four_o part_n they_o confess_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n vi_o we_o find_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n understand_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o people_n be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n their_o language_n be_v change_v and_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o least_o universal_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v first_o write_v therefore_o when_o ezra_n read_v in_o the_o law_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o ezra_n read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n neh._n viij_o 7_o and_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n and_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o their_o place_n so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o this_o custom_n continue_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n first_o the_o hebrew_a text_n be_v read_v and_o then_o a_o translation_n or_o paraphrase_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n for_o read_v the_o original_n in_o public_a assembly_n such_o a_o custom_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o people_n without_o a_o translation_n therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o the_o church_n but_o order_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 27_o let_v one_o interpret_v but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o we_o find_v that_o after_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o enlargement_n or_o comment_n on_o some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v constant_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v rather_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o have_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a provision_n for_o such_o enlargement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o exhortation_n from_o it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xiii_o 15_o to_o send_v to_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n that_o message_n we_o find_v there_o you_o man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o st._n paul_n suppose_v he_o who_o teach_v and_o he_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v distinct_a from_o he_o that_o rule_v
it_o be_v that_o some_o people_n can_v endure_v our_o service_n but_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o praise_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n will_v gratify_v they_o every_o meeting_n with_o a_o new_a prayer_n without_o trouble_v they_o with_o such_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n as_o they_o think_v old_a which_o be_v incomparable_o better_a only_o the_o itch_a ear_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n foretold_v be_v please_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disgust_v the_o repetition_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v that_o of_o angel_n food_n psa._n lxxviii_o 25_o num._n xxi_o 5_o &_o xi_o 6_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n and_o the_o business_n of_o the_o true_o conscientious_a to_o check_v and_o curb_v this_o humour_n in_o the_o people_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o discouragement_n the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n instead_o of_o comply_v with_o they_o have_v constant_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n and_o levity_n where_o they_o find_v they_o guilty_a but_o as_o aaron_n to_o please_v the_o israelite_n make_v the_o golden_a calf_n so_o some_o minister_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n have_v change_v god_n institution_n to_o please_v their_o people_n and_o lest_o out_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a read_n of_o god_n word_n because_o their_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v who_o behave_v themselves_o most_o like_a the_o minister_n of_o christ_n we_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o read_n god_n word_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v hear_v or_o forbear_v or_o they_o that_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o lay_z aside_o god_n command_n to_o oblige_v and_o gain_v they_o chap._n iu._n of_o bodily_a worship_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n be_v visible_a or_o bodily_a adoration_n such_o among_o we_o be_v uncover_v the_o head_n bowing_n kneel_v and_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o open_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o express_v the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o these_o attribute_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o head_n i_o will_v keep_v myself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o consider_v first_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o three_o examine_v the_o dissenter_n practise_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o find_v a_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a worship_n in_o public_a psal._n xcv_o 6_o o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o public_a worship_n let_v we_o come_v before_o his_o presence_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o this_o bow_v or_o kneel_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v literal_o not_o figurative_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o sing_v thanksgiving_n and_o psalm_n be_v all_o literal_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o understanding_n bow_v and_o kneel_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n than_o the_o other_o ii_o the_o same_o bodily_a worship_n be_v require_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o grave_a image_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v command_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n that_o the_o negative_a commandment_n include_v in_o they_o the_o contrary_a positive_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o first_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o to_o have_v any_o other_o god_n before_o the_o lord_n it_o require_v we_o to_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o our_o only_a god_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o command_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o which_o rule_n when_o the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n xx_o 5_o forbid_v we_o in_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o it_o require_v we_o to_o practise_v the_o contrary_a duty_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n to_o bow_v down_o to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v he_o both_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n therefore_o as_o he_o that_o either_o bow_n or_o kneel_v or_o use_v any_o posture_n of_o reverence_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n break_v the_o second_o commandment_n so_o do_v he_o who_o on_o occasion_n of_o public_a worship_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o use_v some_o such_o posture_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o instance_n without_o some_o posture_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o kneel_v to_o a_o image_n without_o pray_v to_o it_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o one_o be_v idolatry_n and_o the_o other_o sacrilege_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o give_v what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o a_o image_n or_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o himself_o we_o be_v equal_o robber_n of_o god_n we_o deny_v he_o his_o honour_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sacrilege_n i_o wish_v all_o concern_v may_v serious_o consider_v and_o amend_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a iii_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n command_n and_o from_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o he_o require_v or_o approve_v in_o his_o worship_n now_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v any_o one_o sit_v at_o his_o devotion_n but_o on_o all_o occasion_n of_o worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n the_o people_n of_o god_n stand_v kneel_v bow_v or_o prostrate_v themselves_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o 2_o sam._n seven_o 8_o that_o king_n david_n then_o go_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o here_o the_o original_a word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o signification_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o remain_v stay_v or_o abode_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o according_o it_o be_v thus_o translate_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n particular_o gen._n xxii_o 5_o &_o xxiv_o 55_o &_o xxix_o 19_o 1_o king_n twelve_o 2_o this_o place_n therefore_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o that_o practice_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o holy_a man_n worship_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o mind_n iv._o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a t._n our_o saviour_n undoubted_o be_v the_o best_a example_n we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v what_o he_o do_v and_o approve_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o bow_v the_o body_n with_o kneel_v and_o prostration_n as_o well_o as_o with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n so_o mat._n xxvi_o 39_o and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v o_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o luk._n xxii_o 41_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o as_o he_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n so_o he_o accept_v the_o same_o from_o man_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n thus_o the_o wise_a man_n worship_v he_o in_o his_o cradle_n mat._n two_o 11_o when_o they_o see_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n mary_n they_o fall_v down_o etc._n etc._n thus_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o mark_v v_o 22_o when_o he_o see_v he_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o return_v he_o thanks_o luke_n xvii_o 16_o thus_o his_o belove_a mary_n come_v into_o his_o presence_n john_n xi_o 32_o and_o matth._n xxviii_o 9_o they_o
the_o follow_a deduction_n 1._o the_o altar_n be_v of_o old_a the_o lord_n table_n adoration_n from_o whence_o his_o attendant_n be_v feed_v mal._n i._n 7_o you_o offer_v pollute_v bread_n upon_o my_o altar_n and_o you_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o pollute_v thou_o in_o that_o you_o say_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v contemptible_a 2._o on_o this_o account_n the_o israelite_n come_v to_o the_o altar_n and_o worship_v before_o it_o as_o be_v god_n table_n on_o which_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v present_v as_o his_o meat_n of_o which_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o partake_v so_o 2_o chron._n vi_fw-la 12_o and_o he_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n vers_fw-la 13._o and_o kneel_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o 1_o king_n viij_o 54_o he_o arise_v from_o before_o the_o altar_n from_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o kneel_v of_o solomon_n be_v only_o because_o he_o offer_v up_o a_o prayer_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o a_o pray_a posture_n for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o be_v present_a at_o any_o sacrifice_n to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o command_v 2_o king_n xviii·22_n you_o shall_v worship_v before_o this_o altar_n in_o jerusalem_n literal_o you_o shall_v bow_v down_o yourselves_o 3._o the_o communion-table_n be_v call_v the_o lord's-table_n 1_o cor._n x._o 21_o 4._o the_o israelite_n partake_v of_o the_o altar_n be_v propose_v as_o a_o example_n for_o our_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n 1_o cor._n x._o 16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 18._o behold_v israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o they_o which_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n 5._o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o religious_a eat_v with_o bodily_a worship_n it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o our_o saviour_n psal._n xxii_o 29_o all_o they_o that_o be_v fat_a upon_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o favour_a and_o happy_a servant_n of_o god_n here_o called_z in_o vers_n 26._o the_o meek_a shall_v eat_v and_o worship_n since_o then_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o a_o relious_a eat_v at_o the_o lords-table_n with_o worship_n and_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v such_o a_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v our_o worship_v when_o we_o eat_v 2._o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o by_o it_o we_o show_v his_o death_n till_o he_o come_v the_o same_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o worship_n our_o saviour_n for_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o psal._n xlv_o 11_o if_o ever_o then_o we_o be_v to_o worship_v our_o saviour_n it_o be_v certain_o when_o we_o come_v to_o he_o in_o the_o near_a approach_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n and_o with_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v admit_v of_o to_o remember_v and_o adore_v he_o for_o the_o great_a act_n of_o love_n that_o can_v be_v extend_v towards_o we_o even_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o by_o feed_v on_o he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o worship_n he_o with_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o mind_n on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v when_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o this_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o poland_n to_o oblige_v all_o their_o member_n to_o receive_v kneel_v or_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o socinian_o who_o refuse_v to_o pay_v any_o worship_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o celebrate_v his_o supper_n sit_v the_o word_n of_o their_o general_n synod_n be_v these_o corpus_fw-la confession_n p._n 236._o quod_fw-la attinet_fw-la ad_fw-la caeremonias_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n the_o decree_n some_o time_n ago_o discuss_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o sandomir_n and_o the_o conclusion_n make_v and_o repeat_v in_o the_o general_n synod_n of_o cracow_n and_o petrokow_n be_v also_o approve_a in_o this_o session_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o vladislaw_n vizt_v that_o sit_v at_o the_o lord's-table_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o poland_n or_o lithuania_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o communion_n for_o this_o ceremony_n though_o indifferent_a as_o other_o be_v be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o infidel_n arrian_n only_o who_o place_n themselves_o in_o a_o equal_a throne_n with_o the_o lord_n since_o then_o sit_v have_v creep_v into_o some_o of_o our_o church_n chief_o by_o the_o occasion_n and_o countenance_n of_o those_o who_o have_v miserable_o fall_v from_o we_o and_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o we_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o those_o congregation_n and_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o will_v change_v sit_v into_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o we_o protestant_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o europe_n even_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v administer_v to_o the_o communicant_n stand_v or_o kneel_v with_o a_o protestation_n against_o bread-worship_n use_v by_o the_o papist_n both_o which_o rite_n as_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o use_v in_o some_o church_n we_o leave_v free_a and_o approve_v without_o blame_v or_o give_v offence_n to_o those_o who_o use_v either_o this_o synod_n be_v hold_v june_n 19_o the_o 1583._o the_o synod_n of_o petrokow_n above_o mention_v hold_v june_n 1.2.3_o 1578._o pa._n 234._o express_v itself_o in_o these_o word_n because_o those_o traitorous_a fugitive_n from_o we_o to_o arianism_n who_o change_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v to_o imitate_v christ_n without_o discretion_n be_v the_o first_o author_n among_o we_o of_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n contrary_a to_o the_o rite_n use_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n through_o europe_n therefore_o we_o reject_v this_o ceremony_n as_o proper_a to_o they_o who_o treat_v as_o well_o christ_n as_o his_o sacrament_n irreverent_o as_o indecent_a and_o irreligious_a and_o very_o offensive_a to_o well_o mean_v people_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o church_n reckon_v sit_v a_o ceremony_n and_o a_o ceremony_n of_o a_o ill_a signification_n and_o original_a and_o not_o use_v by_o any_o protestant_a church_n in_o their_o time_n iu._n but_o i_o find_v most_o people_n acknowledge_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o and_o grant_v if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o we_o how_o we_o will_v receive_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o with_o adoration_n but_o say_v they_o obedience_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n we_o be_v command_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v and_o he_o institute_v and_o his_o disciple_n receive_v it_o in_o a_o table_n posture_n and_o therefore_o so_o ought_v we_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n reason_n and_o decency_n seem_v to_o recommend_v another_o posture_n to_o we_o now_o to_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o find_v bring_v from_o scripture_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o prevail_v with_o most_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o require_v nor_o be_v it_o convenient_a to_o imitate_v all_o that_o christ_n do_v neither_o the_o time_n nor_o the_o number_n of_o receiver_n nor_o the_o posture_n be_v obligatory_a to_o we_o as_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor_fw-la xi_o 23._o who_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n concern_v this_o sacrament_n mention_n only_o our_o saviour_n take_v bread_n give_v thanks_o and_o break_v it_o and_o then_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n etc._n etc._n without_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o number_n of_o receiver_n his_o posture_n or_o be_v at_o supper_n nay_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o this_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o a_o common_a supper_n or_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o he_o observe_v that_o supper_n be_v do_v when_o he_o take_v the_o cup._n our_o saviour_n posture_n therefore_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v no_o wise_a obligatory_a to_o we_o it_o not_o be_v any_o part_n of_o what_o st._n paul_n profess_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n concern_v this_o sacrament_n 2._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o religious_a eat_v be_v accompany_v with_o bodily_a worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o table_n posture_n from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v it_o kneel_v
together_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n though_o by_o their_o misbehaviour_n they_o so_o corrupt_v the_o ordinance_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v his_o supper_n if_o one_o shall_v now_o reprove_v christian_n who_o they_o observe_v to_o mis-behave_a themselves_o in_o church_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v to_o you_o for_o one_o be_v talk_v and_o another_o be_v sleep_v will_v not_o every_o body_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reprover_n the_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v aught_o to_o be_v one_o end_v of_o their_o come_n together_o and_o then_o sure_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n give_v we_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o in_o his_o opinion_n eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n ought_v to_o be_v one_o constant_a end_n of_o our_o come_n together_o which_o be_v further_o manifest_v from_o the_o advice_n he_o give_v they_o vers._n 33._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o one_o end_v therefore_o of_o their_o come_n together_o be_v as_o child_n come_v together_o in_o a_o family_n at_o meal-time_n that_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v at_o their_o father_n table_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n in_o this_o verse_n he_o call_v come_v together_o to_o eat_v intimate_v that_o a_o main_a end_n of_o their_o come_n together_o into_o one_o place_n be_v to_o eat_v 3._o when_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n come_v to_o be_v fix_v to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o break_v of_o bread_n be_v likewise_o bring_v to_o the_o same_o day_n so_o act_v xx_o 7_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o from_o which_o word_n we_o may_v conclude_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v the_o disciple_n time_n of_o public_a worship_n second_o that_o the_o break_v of_o bread_n or_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o there_o have_v be_v some_o dispute_n raise_v about_o change_a the_o day_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o last_o to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o this_o place_n be_v usual_o produce_v to_o justify_v the_o change_n and_o sure_o the_o same_o place_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n on_o that_o day_n as_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o day_n itself_o instead_o of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o wilful_o pass_v the_o lord's-day_n without_o it_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n direct_v we_o to_o do_v 4._o i_o have_v endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o use_v such_o argument_n only_o as_o the_o mean_a person_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o from_o their_o bibles_n yet_o in_o a_o controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o command_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o some_o positive_a duty_n i_o take_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o to_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n of_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o a_o state_v assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o i_o think_v there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o that_o nature_n in_o all_o antiquity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o appeal_v to_o those_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o it_o the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n we_o 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it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o the_o minister_n consecrate_a the_o element_n every_o lord's-day_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o antiquity_n yet_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o few_o or_o none_o to_o receive_v with_o he_o but_o be_v often_o force_v to_o receive_v alone_o this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n and_o a_o fall_n from_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o abuse_n by_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v as_o former_o corrupt_v her_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n and_o decree_v it_o lawful_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v alone_o yet_o this_o abuse_n show_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v constant_o reckon_v the_o lord's-supper_n as_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o christian_a assembly_n on_o solemn_a day_n and_o sure_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o 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4_o or_o 3_o at_o the_o least_o communicate_v with_o the_o priest_n so_o where_o 3_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o minister_n may_v proceed_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n every_o lord's-day_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o three_o therefore_o make_v a_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o obstinacy_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o shall_v hinder_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a from_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o therefore_o our_o church_n have_v take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o by_o order_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o communion-service_n be_v read_v every_o lord's-day_n both_o with_o design_n to_o put_v all_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o accommodate_v such_o as_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o herein_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v order_v that_o in_o cathedral_n and_o collegiate_n church_n and_o college_n where_o there_o be_v many_o priest_n and_o deacon_n they_o shall_v all_o receive_v the_o communion_n every_o sunday_n at_o the_o least_o 3._o that_o every_o parishioner_n shall_v communicate_v at_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n whereof_o easter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o sure_o such_o as_o can_v fit_v themselves_o so_o often_o must_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n be_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n 4._o last_o as_o to_o our_o practice_n we_o have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o universal_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v celebrate_v thrice_o every_o year_n and_o where_o either_o our_o persuasion_n argument_n or_o entreaty_n can_v prevail_v with_o our_o people_n we_o have_v monthly_a communion_n and_o in_o city_n and_o large_a town_n by_o the_o change_a the_o monthly_a day_n in_o several_a church_n people_n that_o be_v devout_o dispose_v have_v opportunity_n of_o receive_v weekly_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o our_o church_n want_v not_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v many_o such_o 5._o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o to_o hold_v solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o communicate_v be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n and_o come_v in_o by_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n and_o slacken_v of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o root-out_a and_o reform_v this_o popish_a practice_n entire_o yet_o we_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n and_o by_o god_n blessing_n may_v say_v we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o take_v that_o for_o ordinary_a which_o have_v a_o constant_a fix_a time_n for_o its_o observation_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o our_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o i_o very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o shall_v have_v bring_v our_o people_n before_o now_o to_o the_o scripture-order_n of_o constant_a weekly_n communicate_v have_v not_o the_o ill_a example_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n encourage_v they_o in_o their_o negligence_n and_o weaken_v our_o discipline_n for_o our_o church_n order_v non-communicants_a to_o be_v present_v and_o punish_v and_o our_o minister_n do_v not_o general_o flatter_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sin_n or_o dissemble_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o point_n but_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o by_o sermon_n admonition_n and_o treatise_n purposely_o publish_v to_o this_o intent_n press_v they_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v blameless_a before_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v it_o our_o fault_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o people_n be_v not_o reform_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v accuse_v of_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o of_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n in_o this_o particular_a though_o we_o be_v yet_o too_o far_o short_a of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o institution_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n about_o frequency_n of_o communicate_v i._o i_o come_v now_o according_a to_o my_o former_a method_n to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o and_o entreat_v you_o to_o examine_v with_o i_o your_o principle_n and_o practice_n by_o these_o scripture-rule_n and_o example_n and_o here_o first_o i_o must_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o you_o have_v no_o fix_a or_o set_v time_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n on_o the_o contrary_a your_o directory_n order_n that_o the_o time_n how_o often_o this_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v may_v be_v consider_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o church-governor_n of_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v any_o ordinary_a constant_a part_n of_o god_n service_n it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o each_o congregation_n to_o determine_v as_o in_o other_o occasional_a thing_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v of_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n or_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o which_o yet_o they_o determine_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o every_o lord_n day_n have_v they_o make_v the_o same_o rule_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n they_o have_v indeed_o conform_v to_o the_o scripture-precedent_n and_o may_v have_v pretend_v to_o some_o reformation_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n altogether_o discretionary_a i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v direct_o against_o what_o we_o find_v practise_v in_o scripture_n ii_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v your_o teacher_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v this_o abuse_n and_o innovation_n have_v fall_v into_o another_o practice_n as_o unprecedent_v in_o scripture_n the_o exclude_v this_o sacrament_n entire_o from_o your_o ordinary_a solemn_a meeting_n and_o true_o in_o this_o point_n you_o seem_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o the_o papist_n order_n the_o element_n to_o be_v consecrate_v every_o lord_n day_n and_o distribute_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v it_o but_o your_o teacher_n neither_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o people_n nor_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o afford_v a_o opportunity_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v constant_a receiver_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o multiply_v the_o abuse_n introduce_v by_o popery_n instead_o of_o reform_v they_o iii_o they_o rare_o press_v their_o people_n to_o communicate_v they_o have_v few_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o many_o of_o they_o condemn_v our_o zeal_n for_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o constant_a communion_n precedent_v in_o scripture_n i_o must_v further_o make_v you_o sensible_a that_o your_o practice_n be_v yet_o worse_o than_o your_o principle_n your_o directory_n own_v that_o the_o communion_n or_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v celebrate_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o as_o with_o all_o other_o indefinite_a rule_n they_o signify_v only_o that_o people_n may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v in_o the_o case_n no_o body_n can_v certain_o tell_v what_o frequent_o many_o often_o or_o convenient_a signify_v and_o therefore_o where_o only_o these_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o rule_n it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o very_a case_n for_o when_o people_n be_v relax_v from_o the_o particular_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o our_o church_n by_o the_o first_o break_v off_o of_o those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n from_o we_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o whole_o for_o several_a year_n by_o some_o congregation_n and_o at_o last_o too_o many_o come_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o constant_a necessity_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o reckon_v a_o great_a thing_n among_o many_o of_o you_o if_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o a_o communion_n be_v celebrate_v in_o one_o of_o your_o meeting_n nay_o among_o some_o of_o