descend_v to_o be_v looker_n on_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v of_o their_o courage_n and_o behaviour_n at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o give_v their_o attendance_n to_o grace_v that_o solemnity_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o ancient_a writer_n theodoret_n agree_v who_o in_o a_o dialogue_n between_o a_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o a_o heretic_n bring_v in_o orthodoxus_n thus_o discourse_v of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o mysterious_a symbol_n or_o sign_n in_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n bread_n and_o wine_n depart_v not_o from_o their_o proper_a nature_n for_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o former_a essence_n and_o keep_v their_o former_a shape_n and_o form_n and_o approve_v themselves_o both_o to_o our_o sight_n and_o touch_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v before_o edit_fw-la before_o dialog_n 2._o to._n 4._o p._n 85._o paris_n edit_fw-la but_o they_o be_v consider_v for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v make_v that_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o their_o spiritual_a signification_n and_o that_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o they_o be_v consecrate_v and_o be_v believe_v and_o adore_v aâ—_n those_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v which_o word_n plain_o import_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o consecrate_a element_n be_v receive_v with_o a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v we_o that_o such_o a_o behaviour_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o manifest_a instance_n in_o all_o the_o ancient_n against_o that_o absurd_a doctrine_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o obstinate_o believe_v at_o this_o very_a day_n than_o what_o theodoret_n give_v we_o in_o the_o word_n abovementioned_a last_o to_o allege_v no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a father_n that_o story_n which_o gregory_n nazianzen_n edit_fw-la nazianzen_n oâ—at_n in_o laud._n gorgon_n p._n 187._o paris_n edit_fw-la relate_v concern_v gorgonia_n will_v much_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v say_v viz._n that_o be_v sick_a and_o have_v use_v several_a medicine_n in_o vain_a at_o last_o she_o resolve_v upon_o this_o course_n she_o go_v in_o the_o stillness_n of_o the_o night_n to_o the_o public_a church_n and_o have_v with_o her_o some_o of_o the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o she_o have_v reserve_v at_o home_n she_o fall_v down_o on_o her_o knee_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n pray_v to_o he_o who_o she_o adore_v and_o in_o conclusion_n be_v heal_v i_o be_o not_o much_o concern_v whether_o the_o reader_n will_v believe_v or_o censure_v this_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o famous_a father_n have_v record_v it_o and_o commend_v his_o sister_n for_o the_o way_n she_o take_v for_o her_o recovery_n this_o be_v home_o to_o my_o purpose_n and_o clear_o discover_v that_o gorgonia_n do_v kneel_v or_o at_o least_o use_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n when_o she_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o without_o doubt_n in_o communicate_v she_o observe_v the_o same_o posture_n that_o other_o general_o do_v in_o public_a she_o do_v that_o in_o her_o sickness_n which_o all_o other_o use_v to_o do_v in_o their_o health_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v she_o kneel_v down_o for_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o she_o come_v to_o beg_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n in_o the_o public_a church_n and_o at_o the_o altar_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_n the_o place_n of_o prayer_n she_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o misbehaviour_n and_o make_v use_n of_o a_o singular_a posture_n different_a from_o what_o be_v general_o use_v by_o christian_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o same_o place_n to_o communicate_v and_o pray_v over_o the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o prevail_a and_o effectual_a way_n of_o pray_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o render_v god_n favourable_a to_o they_o and_o to_o prevail_v with_o he_o above_o all_o other_o prayer_n which_o they_o offer_v at_o any_o other_o time_n or_o in_o any_o other_o place_n so_o much_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o greek_a father_n who_o be_v man_n eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n in_o their_o day_n and_o great_a light_n and_o ornament_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n with_o these_o the_o latin_a father_n full_o agree_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v our_o present_a case_n and_o of_o these_o i_o will_v only_o mention_v two_o though_o more_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o those_o very_a eminent_a and_o illustrious_a person_n have_v in_o great_a veneration_n by_o the_o then_o present_a age_n wherein_o they_o flourish_v and_o by_o succeed_a generation_n the_o first_o be_v 12._o be_v ambros_n de_fw-fr sp._n sanct._n l._n 3._o c._n 12._o st._n ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n in_o a_o book_n he_o write_v concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o inquire_v after_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o pslamist_n when_o he_o exhort_v man_n to_o exalt_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o worship_v his_o footstool_n he_o give_v we_o the_o sense_n in_o these_o word_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o show_v for_o what_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o that_o mystery_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o by_o the_o footstool_n therefore_o be_v the_o earth_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o by_o the_o earth_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o at_o this_o day_n too_o we_o adore_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n worship_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n st._n austin_n bishop_n of_o hippo_n comment_n on_o the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o thus_o he_o resolve_v that_o question_n how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o earth_n his_o footstool_n may_v be_v worship_v without_o impiety_n because_o he_o take_v earth_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o flesh_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o he_o take_v flesh_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o mary_n and_o because_o he_o converse_v here_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o give_v we_o his_o very_a flesh_n to_o eat_v unto_o salvation_n now_o there_o be_v none_o who_o eat_v that_o flesh_n but_o first_o worship_v we_o have_v find_v then_o how_o this_o footstool_n may_v be_v adore_v so_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_v by_o adore_v that_o we_o real_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o of_o these_o primitive_a bishop_n we_o may_v lawful_o adore_v at_o the_o mystery_n though_o not_o the_o mystery_n themselves_o at_o the_o sacrament_n though_o not_o the_o sacrament_n themselves_o the_o creator_n in_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v sanctify_v not_o the_o creature_n itself_o as_o a_o late_a 732._o late_a phil._n mornay_n du_fw-fr plessis_n de_fw-fr missa_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 7._o p._n 732._o protestant_a writer_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o quality_n among_o the_o french_a distinguish_v upon_o the_o forecited_a word_n of_o saint_n ambrose_n i_o think_v it_o appear_v evident_a from_o these_o few_o instance_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n at_o the_o communion_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v a_o cloud_n of_o other_o witness_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a so_o to_o do_v either_o to_o prove_v or_o clear_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n but_o since_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o clog_v the_o discourse_n with_o numerous_a reference_n and_o appeal_v to_o antiquity_n it_o will_v but_o obscure_v the_o argument_n and_o tend_v in_o all_o likelihood_n rather_o to_o confound_v and_o distaste_v than_o convince_v and_o gratify_v the_o reader_n by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o allege_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v sufficient_o justify_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n for_o if_o the_o ancient_n do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n use_v a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n which_o be_v very_o plain_a they_o do_v then_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n no_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o kneel_v be_v never_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o will_v be_v plain_a if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a upon_o that_o heavy_a charge_n which_o some_o of_o the_o fierce_a but_o less_o prudent_a adversary_n of_o kneel_v have_v exhibit_v against_o it_o they_o object_n against_o kneel_v as_o be_v a_o adore_a gesture_n for_o they_o affirm_v 1.3_o affirm_v gillesp_n p._n 166_o 172._o altar_n damas_n p._n 801._o rutherf_n divine_a right_n of_o ch._n gou._n c._n 1._o qu._n 5._o sect._n 1.3_o that_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v before_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v formal_a idolatry_n so_o
but_o i_o affirm_v that_o several_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v in_o god_n word_n thus_o numb_a 6.23_o etc._n etc._n the_o priest_n be_v command_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n in_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o deut._n 21.7_o 8._o the_o people_n be_v enjoin_v to_o say_v be_v merciful_a o_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o 26.13_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v bring_v etc._n etc._n look_v down_o from_o thy_o holy_a etc._n etc._n david_n also_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n appoint_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n for_o the_o public_a service_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o title_n of_o many_o of_o they_o and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o title_n at_o all_o yet_o we_o find_v they_o be_v deliver_v by_o david_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o asaph_n and_o his_o brethren_n for_o form_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n 1_o chron._n 16.7_o and_z according_o hezekiah_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o 2_o chron._n 29.30_o this_o liturgy_n also_o be_v renew_v by_o ezra_n ezr._n 3.10_o 11._o beside_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o he_o do_v as_o plain_o prescribe_v that_o very_a form_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a nay_o have_v he_o say_v use_v this_o form_n it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o expressive_a of_o his_o intention_n to_o impose_v it_o as_o a_o form_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o a_o form_n but_o only_o a_o pattern_n or_o directory_n of_o prayer_n because_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 6.9_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v 1._o when_o the_o same_o matter_n be_v mention_v ambiguous_o in_o one_o text_n and_o plain_o in_o another_o than_o the_o doubtful_a or_o ambiguous_a text_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o plain_a one_o now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d matt._n 6.9_o may_v be_v as_o well_o translate_v pray_v in_o these_o word_n as_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o i_o confess_v we_o can_v certain_o know_v from_o that_o text_n whether_o christ_n command_v we_o to_o use_v that_o very_a form_n or_o one_o like_o it_o but_o then_o the_o word_n luke_n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o express_v a_o command_n to_o use_v that_o very_a form_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v plain_a and_o therefore_o the_o other_o text_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o they_o 2._o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o prayer_n not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o directory_n but_o of_o a_o form_n have_v he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o directory_n he_o will_v have_v bid_v they_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n whereas_o he_o give_v they_o a_o form_v prayer_n and_o bid_v they_o say_v it_o and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o he_o intend_v we_o shall_v use_v it_o as_o a_o form_n since_o he_o give_v it_o as_o such_o 3._o though_o the_o word_n in_o st._n matthew_n be_v only_o a_o directory_n yet_o those_o in_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o former_a be_v deliver_v in_o the_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o his_o baptism_n but_o the_o latter_a upon_o another_o quite_o different_a occasion_n in_o the_o three_o year_n after_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o disciple_n understand_v those_o in_o st._n matthew_n only_o as_o a_o directory_n and_o request_v our_o saviour_n afterward_o to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n for_o 4._o the_o occasion_n of_o christ_n give_v they_o this_o prayer_n in_o st._n luke_n be_v their_o request_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 it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n to_o teach_v their_o disciple_n a_o particular_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o st._n john_n have_v do_v the_o same_o and_o the_o disciple_n desire_v that_o christ_n will_v do_v so_o too_o for_o neither_o st._n john_n nor_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o to_o pray_v but_o their_o request_n be_v that_o christ_n will_v give_v they_o his_o particular_a form_n according_a to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n and_o this_o form_n he_o give_v they_o which_o we_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n do_v prescribe_v it_o as_o a_o form_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o instruct_v and_o enable_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o say_v they_o before_o christ_n ascension_n the_o disciple_n have_v ask_v nothing_o in_o his_o name_n joh._n 16.24_o but_o all_o prayer_n after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n 14.13_o 14._o &_o 16.23_o now_o this_o prayer_n have_v nothing_o of_o his_o name_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v use_v after_o his_o ascension_n and_o according_o say_v they_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o the_o disciple_n use_v this_o form_n but_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o he_o prescribe_v this_o form_n only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o not_o for_o continual_a use_n and_o if_o we_o may_v pronounce_v christ_n institution_n to_o be_v null_a without_o his_o authority_n than_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v temporary_a prescription_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n whatever_o christ_n have_v institute_v without_o limitation_n of_o time_n do_v always_o oblige_v 2._o that_o his_o not_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n into_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o he_o never_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v use_v after_o his_o ascension_n for_o to_o pray_v in_o christ_n name_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o his_o mediation_n depend_v upon_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o prayer_n may_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o christ_n name_n though_o we_o do_v not_o name_v he_o thus_o without_o doubt_n the_o disciple_n pray_v in_o his_o name_n act_v 4.24_o though_o his_o mediation_n be_v not_o mention_v it_o be_v true_a his_o name_n be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n because_o when_o he_o give_v it_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v and_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n till_o after_o his_o ascension_n but_o now_o that_o he_o be_v ascend_v we_o can_v as_o well_o offer_v it_o in_o his_o name_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v express_v in_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v so_o frame_v that_o now_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o mediation_n be_v to_o be_v more_o full_o explain_v we_o can_v offer_v it_o at_o all_o but_o in_o and_o through_o his_o mediation_n for_o god_n be_v peculiarly_a our_o father_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o christ_n not_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n prove_v that_o he_o do_v not_o design_n it_o for_o a_o stand_a form_n 3._o that_o though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n either_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v it_o for_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v from_o the_o silence_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v as_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n though_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o those_o who_o live_v near_a the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o they_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a do_v always_o use_v this_o form_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o believe_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v so_o now_o that_o this_o prayer_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o stand_a form_n to_o be_v perpetual_o use_v appear_v from_o tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n st._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n st._n cyril_n cat._n mist_n 5._o st._n jerom._n in_o pelag._n l._n 3._o st._n austin_n hom._n 42.50_o epist_n 59_o st._n chrysost_o de_fw-fr simult_n st._n gregory_n ep._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 6._o and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o who_o believe_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o to_o be_v perpetual_o oblige_v can_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v constant_o use_v in_o the_o apostolic_a age._n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v
very_o strange_a that_o have_v the_o institution_n be_v temporary_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n shall_v never_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a high_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o constant_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n without_o the_o least_o warrant_v so_o to_o do_v either_o from_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v object_v yet_o far_o that_o though_o form_n of_o god_n appoint_v may_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v yet_o form_n of_o man_n composure_n ought_v not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o appoint_v new_a scripture_n for_o public_a instruction_n because_o the_o inspire_a person_n do_v so_o as_o we_o may_v appoint_v new_a form_n for_o public_a worship_n because_o they_o do_v so_o but_o this_o objection_n also_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o objection_n allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o otherwise_o god_n must_v have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n nay_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v his_o form_n be_v a_o tacit_n approbation_n of_o other_o form_n that_o be_v prescribe_v before_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o god_n but_o by_o man_n too_o for_o the_o jew_n use_v several_a form_n of_o human_a composure_n in_o their_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o disapprove_v they_o that_o he_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o own_o disciple_n which_o form_n as_o mr._n gregory_n have_v prove_v he_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a form_n in_o who_o book_n the_o several_a part_n and_o clause_n of_o it_o be_v extant_a almost_o verbatim_o to_o this_o day_n and_o certain_o have_v he_o disapprove_v their_o form_n as_o evil_a and_o sinful_a he_o will_v never_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o prayer_n out_o of_o they_o since_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o form_n in_o such_o circumstance_n signify_v his_o approbation_n of_o other_o form_n it_o be_v plain_a either_o that_o he_o approve_v what_o be_v evil_a or_o that_o form_n be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o this_o objection_n must_v allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o public_a form_n to_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o useful_a for_o otherwise_o god_n who_o always_o act_v for_o wise_a end_n and_o use_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n will_v never_o have_v prescribe_v any_o form_n and_o certain_o what_o be_v once_o useful_a be_v useful_a still_o for_o 1._o we_o be_v now_o dull_a and_o carnal_a enough_o to_o need_v form_n and_o 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v one_o to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o gospel-state_n 3._o that_o this_o objection_n must_v also_o allow_v that_o god_n prescribe_v form_n by_o inspire_a person_n may_v be_v lawful_o imitate_v by_o we_o provide_v we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o governor_n may_v prescribe_v form_n as_o long_o as_o form_n be_v useful_a 4._o that_o though_o governor_n may_v prescribe_v form_n after_o god_n example_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o prescribe_v they_o as_o scripture_n or_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o as_o spiritual_a governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n after_o god_n example_n but_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o by_o inspire_a person_n so_o they_o may_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n after_o god_n example_n but_o can_v pretend_v to_o do_v it_o by_o inspiration_n they_o have_v god_n example_n for_o do_v the_o action_n but_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o inspiration_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o without_o manifest_a falsehood_n and_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n example_n will_v warrant_v for_o the_o one_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v they_o false_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o other_o thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n be_v authorize_v by_o god_n example_n to_o prescribe_v other_o when_o they_o judge_v they_o useful_a ii_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v prescribe_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o conceive_v or_o extempore_o prayer_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v extempore_o and_o therefore_o form_n have_v a_o better_a claim_n to_o divine_a authority_n than_o they_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o wheresoever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o our_o own_o conception_n and_o word_n but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o certain_o when_o god_n command_v man_n to_o pray_v by_o his_o own_o form_n they_o do_v pray_v vocal_o though_o not_o in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o here_o let_v i_o take_v notice_n that_o dissenter_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o call_v the_o use_v a_o form_n not_o prayer_n but_o read_v a_o prayer_n but_o sure_o the_o levites_n do_v real_o pray_v when_o they_o use_v the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o asaph_n and_o so_o do_v the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o form_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o vocal_a prayer_n for_o vocal_a prayer_n consist_v in_o the_o speak_n of_o our_o devout_a affection_n to_o god_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n but_o they_o pretend_v that_o whatsoever_o instance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o form_n in_o old_a time_n god_n have_v declare_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v pray_v by_o our_o own_o gift_n of_o utterance_n for_o the_o future_a now_o methinks_v have_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o pray_v by_o form_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o express_a prohibition_n of_o it_o especial_o since_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v form_n and_o philo_n the_o victim_n p._n 483._o and_o the_o modern_a rabbin_n own_o the_o same_o they_o be_v also_o a_o people_n most_o tenacious_a of_o their_o custom_n and_o therefore_o need_v to_o be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o form_n have_v our_o lord_n design_v to_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o his_o worship_n nay_o the_o essenes_n who_o of_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v most_o ready_o embrace_v christianity_n have_v certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o josephus_n observe_v de_fw-fr bell._n jud._n l._n 2._o c._n 7._o p._n 783._o now_o when_o those_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o form_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o have_v christ_n intend_v they_o shall_v use_v they_o no_o long_o he_o will_v not_o have_v give_v they_o express_v warning_n of_o they_o but_o when_o instead_o of_o so_o do_v he_o bid_v they_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v they_o think_v but_o that_o he_o design_v they_o shall_v still_o use_v a_o form_n as_o they_o do_v before_o be_v not_o that_o his_o design_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o he_o take_v no_o care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o but_o that_o i_o may_v full_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n i_o shall_v examine_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o dissenter_n think_v it_o do_v god_n say_v they_o have_v promise_v we_o a_o ability_n to_o utter_v our_o mind_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v by_o form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o intention_n but_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o this_o ability_n which_o they_o pretend_v be_v promise_v for_o the_o purpose_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v a_o common_a gift_n which_o god_n have_v no_o more_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n than_o to_o any_o other_o end_n of_o utterance_n and_o elocution_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o omit_v the_o use_v it_o in_o prayer_n be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n than_o to_o omit_v the_o use_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o just_a and_o lawful_a occasion_n however_o because_o they_o urge_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v design_v mere_o for_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v they_o 1._o they_o urge_v zach._n 12.10_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n the_o hebrew_n word_n translate_v supplication_n do_v always_o say_v they_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n must_v imply_v communicate_v a_o ability_n to_o pray_v vocal_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n be_v no_o
more_o restrain_v to_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o any_o other_o word_n that_o signify_v prayer_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v psal_n 28.2_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n when_o i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n do_v not_o necessary_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hebraiâ—â—_n and_o may_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o my_o supplication_n or_o prayer_n for_o so_o gen._n 4.10_o it_o be_v say_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n cry_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o blood_n have_v no_o real_a voice_n to_o cry_v with_o but_o cry_v just_a as_o mental_a prayer_n do_v in_o other_o place_n the_o word_n signify_v both_o mental_a and_o vocal_a prayer_n indifferent_o psal_n 86.6_o &_o 6.9_o or_o prayer_n in_o general_n jer._n 31.9_o but_o suppose_v the_o word_n be_v always_o use_v for_o vocal_a prayer_n yet_o sure_o the_o promise_n of_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n intend_v a_o much_o great_a good_a than_o the_o gift_n of_o extempore_o utterance_n in_o prayer_n of_o which_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o what_o be_v that_o great_a good_a but_o the_o gift_n of_o heavenly_a affection_n in_o prayer_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n crying_z abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o and_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n rom._n 8.15_o and_o that_o these_o text_n prove_v we_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v vocal_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o pray_v by_o form_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o these_o word_n oblige_v we_o to_o cry_v vocal_o to_o god_n by_o our_o own_o gift_n than_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v in_o all_o our_o vocal_a prayer_n to_o cry_v to_o he_o in_o these_o word_n abba_n father_n because_o that_o be_v the_o cry_n which_o the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o make_v and_o the_o text_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o express_v for_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o 2._o i_o deny_v that_o cry_n here_o do_v necessary_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n for_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o word_n apply_v to_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o voice_n at_o all_o thus_o the_o stone_n will_v immediate_o cry_v out_o luke_n 19.40_o and_o the_o labourer_n hire_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v to_o god_n james_n 5.4_o and_o indeed_o cry_v to_o god_n have_v the_o same_o latitude_n with_o prayer_n which_o include_v both_o vocal_a and_o mental_a 3._o suppose_v that_o cry_n abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n signify_v vocal_a prayer_n yet_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o assurance_n as_o to_o a_o merciful_a father_n and_o this_o we_o may_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o form_n as_o otherwise_o for_o if_o we_o never_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n but_o when_o we_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o when_o we_o join_v with_o a_o public_a extempore_o prayer_n than_o when_o we_o join_v with_o a_o public_a form_n because_o we_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n in_o neither_o it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o gift_n of_o utterance_n which_o say_v they_o be_v give_v for_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o preach_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n be_v miraculous_a and_o particular_a to_o the_o primitive_a age_n this_o gift_n say_v saint_n chrysostom_n hom._n 24._o ad_fw-la eph._n c._n 6._o be_v that_o which_o christ_n promise_v mark_v 13.11_o by_o which_o the_o disciple_n speak_v without_o premeditation_n and_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v the_o inspire_v word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o gift_n no_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v pretend_v to_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n act._n 2.4_o and_o the_o dissenter_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n as_o that_o of_o utterance_n they_o be_v both_o extraordinary_a but_o say_v they_o though_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o yet_o some_o have_v and_o therefore_o god_n require_v such_o to_o pray_v by_o their_o gift_n and_o not_o by_o a_o form_n for_o he_o require_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v the_o gift_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o but_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o to_o minister_v the_o gift_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o and_o that_o have_v gift_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o and_o if_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o general_a than_o they_o must_v exercise_v their_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o in_o particular_a now_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o timothy_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o episcopal_a power_n which_o he_o be_v exhort_v to_o exercise_v diligent_o for_o at_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o holy_a ghost_n point_v out_o the_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n as_o the_o 13.2_o the_o clem._n 1_o epist_n ad_fw-la corinth_n chrysost_n in_o act._n 13.2_o father_n testify_v for_o this_o reason_n the_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v he_o by_o prophecy_n it_o be_v give_v also_o with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o these_o two_o circumstance_n prove_v that_o the_o gift_n be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v but_o the_o gift_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n bestow_v upon_o he_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n at_o god_n particular_a appointment_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v how_o do_v this_o text_n prove_v that_o we_o must_v use_v a_o gift_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n in_o our_o own_o word_n as_o for_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o rom._n 12.6_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o they_o against_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o than_o they_o will_v make_v as_o much_o against_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o any_o other_o form_n 2._o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o text_n be_v to_o stir_v man_n up_o to_o diligence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o several_a office_n viz._n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n a_o priest_n a_o deacon_n and_o a_o rich_a man._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o word_n gift_n do_v oftentimes_o signify_v a_o office_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v rather_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o ability_n than_o a_o office_n yet_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o office_n because_o the_o very_a have_v ability_n do_v as_o much_o put_v a_o man_n into_o the_o office_n of_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a as_o if_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o to_o it_o by_o a_o solemn_a ordination_n 3._o suppose_v that_o by_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o mean_v office_n but_o only_a ability_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o exercise_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v to_o be_v use_v 1_o cor._n 14.2_o 6_o 19_o 40._o as_o it_o be_v particular_o plain_a by_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n vers_fw-la 23_o 26_o 28._o now_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o exercise_v our_o gift_n but_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o edification_n than_o we_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o any_o far_a than_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o since_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n in_o public_a worship_n do_v as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v tend_v more_o to_o edification_n than_o pray_v extempore_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o suspend_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o those_o text_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v prove_v nothing_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v that_o antiquity_n do_v the_o same_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v 1._o by_o answer_v those_o authority_n which_o be_v object_v by_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n 2._o by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v use_v in_o those_o age_n by_o a_o short_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o justin_n martyr_n say_v apol._n 2._o p._n 98._o that_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o communion_n pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a capacity_n either_o as_o governor_n and_o minister_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o as_o ordinary_a and_o lay-communicants_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o governor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n their_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v it_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o he_o design_v it_o to_o break_v and_o distribute_v it_o and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v and_o bless_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n love_n but_o what_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o in_o all_o the_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v altogether_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v silence_n be_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o no_o gesture_n be_v ever_o command_v at_o all_o but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v this_o he_o do_v by_o those_o word_n command_v they_o to_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v eat_z drink_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o institution_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v this_o gesture_n only_o and_o not_o several_a other_o circumstance_n which_o he_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o the_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper-room_n in_o a_o private-house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n in_o the_o company_n of_o twelve_o at_o most_o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o there_o do_v to_o sit_v 2._o even_o the_o two_o last_o of_o those_o circumstance_n be_v general_o allow_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o observe_v by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o gesture_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o expresl_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o do_v this_o respect_v only_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o action_n that_o be_v specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n nay_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v that_o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v command_v for_o there_o be_v many_o serious_a and_o sincere_a person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n they_o can_v use_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o they_o think_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n i_o have_v already_o confute_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o grant_v they_o can_v use_v the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v be_v it_o not_o enjoin_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a they_o do_v thereby_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n for_o any_o particular_a posture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west-friesland_n they_o stand_v the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustane_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuania_n and_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ausbourg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n injoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetic_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o 1583._o three_o 1._o at_o cracow_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1573._o 2._o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3._o wiadislaw_n 1583._o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_a gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a holl._n french_a harmon_n 4._o synod_n of_o holl._n do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o these_o article_n be_v so_o settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n
son_n of_o god_n will_v strike_v a_o man_n almost_o natural_o into_o the_o humble_a posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o if_o any_o reverence_n be_v due_a at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_o sure_a sit_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a posture_n to_o express_v it_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o gesture_n best_o answer_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n do_v best_a suit_n it_o be_v nature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v best_a esteem_v of_o if_o we_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o kneel_v do_v best_a answer_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o think_v i_o have_v full_o prove_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o the_o dissenter_n maintain_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o name_n table_n in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n for_o they_o call_v the_o place_n on_o which_o the_o consecrate_a element_n stand_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o eucharist_n they_o call_v a_o oblation_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o what_o connexion_n i_o pray_v be_v there_o between_o a_o altar_n or_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o table-gesture_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o etc._n indeed_o dispute_v against_o kneel_v arg_v 1._o p._n 6._o â—6_n etc._n etc._n say_v that_o kneel_v or_o a_o adoring-gesture_n be_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o guest_n and_o debar_v we_o the_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o social_a admittance_n and_o social_a entertainment_n that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o purpose_n of_o christ_n who_o intention_n be_v to_o dignify_v we_o by_o set_v we_o at_o his_o table_n and_o much_o more_o of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o father_n think_v otherwise_o as_o the_o phrase_n they_o use_v and_o the_o title_n they_o give_v the_o sacrament_n plain_o demonstrate_v they_o call_v it_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o kingly_a royal_a and_o most_o divine_a supper_n which_o import_n deference_n distance_n and_o respect_n on_o our_o part_n the_o dreadful_a sacrifice_n the_o venerable_a and_o unbloody_a sacrifice_n the_o wonderful_a and_o terrible_a mystery_n the_o royal_a spiritual_n holy_a formidable_a tremendous_a table_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n be_v in_o their_o language_n call_v the_o most_o mysterious_a most_o holy_a food_n and_o nutriment_n the_o most_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o place_n where_o the_o table_n stand_v the_o most_o holy_a part_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o allusion_n to_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n the_o bread_n in_o particular_a they_o style_v the_o bread_n of_o god_n the_o cup_n the_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a the_o royal_a and_o dreadful_a cup._n they_o advise_v the_o communicant_n to_o reverence_n these_o holy_a mystery_n to_o come_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v with_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n with_o silence_n and_o downcast_a eye_n to_o keep_v their_o joy_n within_o and_o to_o approach_v the_o table_n with_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o humility_n imaginable_a how_o can_v these_o speech_n consist_v with_o that_o social_n familiar_a carriage_n at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o patron_n of_o the_o table-gesture_n contend_v for_o as_o the_o privilege_n of_o guest_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n four_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o prove_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o our_o custom_n at_o present_a be_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o use_v a_o adore_v posture_n first_o then_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o gesture_n be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o contend_v for_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n and_o particular_o sit_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v sit_v to_o be_v a_o very_a irreverent_a posture_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o laodicean_n synod_n find_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o lord_n supper_n forbid_v the_o say_v feast_n and_o the_o lie_v upon_o couch_n in_o the_o church_n as_o their_o manner_n be_v at_o those_o feast_n the_o same_o practice_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n c._n 28._o and_o the_o decree_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o six_o trullian_n council_n c._n 74._o and_o that_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n now_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v forbid_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v from_o the_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n the_o animosity_n and_o excess_n that_o accompany_v those_o feast_n justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n say_v we_o rise_v up_o together_o and_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n apol._n 2._o from_o whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v but_o in_o most_o other_o place_n they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o lesson_n or_o in_o sermon-time_n as_o appear_v plain_o from_o what_o philostorgius_n 29._o philostorgius_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 3._o p._n 29._o observe_v of_o theophilus_n a_o indian_a bishop_n that_o among_o several_a irregularity_n which_o he_o correct_v in_o those_o church_n he_o particular_o reform_v this_o that_o the_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v when_o the_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v unto_o they_o and_o sozomen_n 19_o sozomen_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 7._o c._n 19_o note_n it_o as_o a_o very_a unusual_a thing_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rise_v up_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v optatus_n bishop_n of_o milevis_n optat._n milevis_n de_fw-fr schism_n donat._n l._n 4._o see_v also_o albaspin_n not_o in_o optat._n cite_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o 50._o psalm_n and_o apply_v it_o home_o to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n after_o this_o manner_n thou_o sit_v and_o speak_v against_o thy_o brother_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o place_n god_n reprove_v he_o that_o sit_v and_o defame_v his_o brother_n and_o therefore_o such_o evil_a teacher_n as_o you_o say_v he_o be_v more_o particular_o point_v at_o in_o the_o text_n for_o the_o people_n be_v not_o license_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n now_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n to_o stand_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o particular_o at_o the_o lesson_n and_o sermon_n parmenianus_n may_v easy_o have_v retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o optatus_n as_o conclude_v nothing_o against_o he_o in_o particular_a but_o what_o may_v be_v charge_v in_o common_a upon_o all_o private_a christian_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o 12._o he_o de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 12._o tertullian_n reprove_v it_o as_o a_o ill_a custom_n that_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n and_o a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o have_v these_o word_n add_v thereunto_o the_o sin_n of_o irreverence_n which_o the_o very_a heathen_a if_o they_o do_v perceive_v well_o and_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v will_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o if_o it_o be_v irreverent_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o and_o to_o confront_v one_o who_o you_o have_v a_o high_a respect_n and_o veneration_n for_o how_o much_o more_o irreligious_a be_v this_o gesture_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o angel_n of_o prayer_n yet_o stand_v by_o unless_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o upbraid_v god_n that_o prayer_n have_v tire_v we_o eusebius_n also_o 4._o also_o de_fw-fr vit._n constant_n l._n 4._o commend_v constantine_n because_o when_o he_o be_v present_a at_o a_o long_a panegyric_n concern_v christ_n sepulchre_n and_o be_v solicit_v to_o sit_v down_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o say_v it_o be_v unfit_a to_o attend_v upon_o any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n with_o ease_n and_o softness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o consonant_a to_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o discourse_n about_o divine_a thing_n shall_v be_v hear_v stand_v thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o sit_v or_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o fit_v to_o be_v use_v in_o divine_a service_n except_o at_o
and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n she_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o christian_n ii_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v the_o dissenter_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o say_v they_o we_o read_v leu._n 18.2_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n now_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o vast_a difference_n of_o our_o circumstance_n from_o those_o of_o the_o israelite_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v unlike_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n the_o thing_n forbid_v from_o verse_n 5_o the_o to_o 24_o the_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o act_n of_o uncleaness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o those_o particular_n in_o say_v v._o 24_o the_o defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o part_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o and_o they_o be_v therefore_o forbid_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n do_v after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o canaanite_n because_o they_o be_v the_o do_n of_o those_o people_n who_o they_o be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o imitate_v even_o in_o their_o great_a immorality_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o other_o place_n god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n to_o imitate_v the_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14.2_o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o eyebrow_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o indifferent_a neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n misbecome_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n be_v leu._n 19.19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle_n gender_v with_o a_o diverse_a kind_a thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o they_o be_v forbid_v not_o because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v object_v also_o that_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n hos_fw-la 2.16_o 17._o to_o call_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o baali_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a name_n and_o signify_v only_o my_o lord_n because_o that_o word_n be_v abuse_v in_o be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o idol_n baal_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forbid_v the_o name_n baali_n because_o a_o idol_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o he_o be_v call_v baal_n in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o also_o jah_n which_o the_o heathen_n use_v for_o a_o idol_n but_o because_o the_o word_n baali_n signify_v a_o unkind_a husband_n or_o lord_n such_o as_o baal_n be_v to_o his_o worshipper_n whereas_o god_n promise_v he_o will_v be_v call_v ishi_n that_o be_v a_o tenderly-loving_a husband_n for_o he_o design_v to_o be_v kind_a to_o his_o people_n israel_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o next_o verse_n signify_v idol_n which_o god_n there_o promise_v to_o destroy_v but_o suppose_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n to_o call_v he_o baal_n for_o the_o future_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v because_o of_o their_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o baal_n lest_o by_o use_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o worship_v he_o again_o whereas_o our_o ceremony_n be_v use_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n without_o any_o superstition_n or_o idolatry_n and_o we_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o return_v to_o popery_n by_o retain_v they_o well_o but_o they_o say_v it_o appear_v from_o scripture-precept_n and_o example_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v in_o idolatrous_a and_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o no_o abuse_n of_o any_o gesture_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o manifest_a idolatry_n do_v render_v that_o gesture_n simple_o evil_a and_o for_o ever_o after_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n suppose_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a become_v sinful_a by_o a_o abuse_n of_o it_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a but_o by_o accident_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o somewhat_o else_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n for_o if_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n after_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n become_v absolute_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o the_o jew_n sin_v in_o offer_v sacrifice_n erect_v altar_n burn_a incense_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n bow_v down_o themselves_o before_o he_o wearing_z a_o linen_n garment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o observe_v other_o thing_n and_o rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n if_o the_o dissenter_n say_v they_o except_z all_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v command_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n i_o reply_v that_o such_o a_o exception_n avail_v nothing_o for_o if_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o idolatry_n make_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o destroy_v that_o relation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v once_o abuse_v must_v ever_o remain_v so_o that_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n can_v undo_v what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o clear_v it_o from_o ever_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o command_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n that_o a_o bare_a conformity_n with_o idolater_n in_o use_v those_o rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o practise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n be_v not_o simple_o sinful_a or_o formal_a idolatry_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n have_v oblige_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o express_a command_n to_o commit_v sin_n and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o strict_o and_o severe_o prohibit_v in_o other_o place_n in_o truth_n such_o a_o position_n will_v plain_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o this_o principle_n intrenche_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o may_v judge_v who_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10.25_o etc._n etc._n that_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o to_o eat_v whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o a_o gesture_n
with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o we_o 16._o we_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o rom._n 14.19_o 1_o thess_n 5.11_o eph._n 4.12_o 16._o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o whatever_o may_v be_v urge_v the_o apostle_n conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v and_o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o in_o a_o word_n what_o st._n austin_n and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o epist_n 118_o &_o 86._o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n must_v oblige_v a_o good_a man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o distraction_n it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n for_o instance_n what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v a_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5.1_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a person_n plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n by_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v a_o man_n liberty_n more_o damage_v when_o restrain_v by_o superior_n than_o when_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o superiour_n command_n restrain_v it_o perpetual_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v his_o own_o liberty_n suppose_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v damnify_v though_o it_o be_v restrain_v for_o his_o whole_a life_n for_o say_v he_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 1_o cor._n 8.13_o and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consistent_a with_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o christian_n liberty_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o freedom_n from_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o jewish_a law_n lay_v upon_o man_n this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o i_o think_v that_o in_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o judaisme_n but_o we_o must_v note_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v not_o in_o our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o act_n of_o observe_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v so_o not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a convert_v and_o if_o they_o can_v observe_v some_o judaical_a rite_n without_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n certain_o we_o may_v safe_o use_v a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o establish_v church_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v those_o person_n who_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o a_o few_o harmless_a imposition_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n from_o she_o but_o because_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a objection_n against_o some_o particular_a thing_n impose_v by_o she_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o general_a but_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n which_o relate_v to_o single_a instance_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o next_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o dissenter_n judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o by_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o 3._o by_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o require_v we_o to_o produce_v some_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v needless_a because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n however_o for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v command_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o extempore_o prayer_n i._o then_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n command_v we_o to_o use_v none_o but_o form_n