be_v capable_a of_o this_o work_n whence_o again_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n make_v man_n for_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o glory_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v make_v a_o world_n and_o place_n no_o creature_n in_o it_o who_o proper_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o know_v and_o worship_v his_o wise_a maker_n and_o bountiful_a lord_n man_n be_v the_o priest_n of_o nature_n who_o offer_v up_o the_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n to_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o natural_a debt_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o god_n do_v expect_v and_o exact_v the_o payment_n of_o it_o from_o we_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n to_o serve_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v for_o god_n do_v not_o make_v such_o and_o such_o nature_n for_o nothing_o either_o to_o be_v unemployed_a or_o employ_v to_o other_o or_o to_o less_o and_o mean_a purpose_n than_o they_o be_v design_v for_o and_o beside_o this_o we_o have_v frequent_a and_o express_v command_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will._n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o prove_v so_o acknowledge_v a_o truth_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o irreligion_n as_o be_v the_o high_a injustice_n to_o our_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n three_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o irreligion_n of_o deny_v or_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n now_o ingratitude_n be_v injustice_n too_o but_o it_o be_v injustice_n to_o a_o benefactor_n that_o be_v it_o consist_v in_o violate_v all_o those_o obligation_n which_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o as_o injustice_n proper_o so_o call_v consist_v in_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n for_o mankind_n general_o account_v the_o obligation_n to_o return_v a_o kindness_n as_o strong_a and_o necessary_a as_o to_o pay_v a_o debt_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o infamous_a among_o man_n than_o a_o ungrateful_a person_n for_o as_o goodness_n be_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o strict_a justice_n so_o ingratitude_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o more_o hateful_a vice_n than_o bare_a injustice_n because_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o great_a good_n as_o goodness_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o ingratitude_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a infamy_n and_o reproach_n because_o it_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o goodness_n now_o among_o man_n injustice_n and_o ingratitude_n may_v be_v separate_v man_n may_v be_v unjust_a but_o not_o ungrateful_a and_o they_o may_v be_v ungrateful_a and_o not_o unjust_a according_a to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o injustice_n for_o man_n may_v wrong_v and_o injure_v those_o who_o never_o do_v they_o any_o kindness_n and_o that_o be_v injustice_n without_o ingratitude_n and_o they_o may_v neglect_v to_o make_v decent_a acknowledgement_n and_o return_v of_o kindness_n without_o injure_v their_o friend_n in_o any_o of_o their_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n and_o that_o be_v ingratitude_n without_o injustice_n but_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v unjust_a to_o god_n without_o be_v ungrateful_a too_o because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o our_o natural_a lord_n but_o our_o great_a benefactor_n and_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o give_v he_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o our_o worship_n and_o obedience_n do_v not_o only_o lay_v on_o we_o the_o obligation_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o gratitude_n to_o worship_v he_o he_o make_v we_o and_o this_o give_v he_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o our_o worship_n because_o he_o be_v our_o natural_a lord_n we_o be_v entire_o he_o and_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v and_o all_o we_o can_v do_v to_o he_o and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o unjust_a to_o deny_v or_o neglect_v his_o worship_n but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o if_o we_o love_v ourselves_o and_o our_o be_v and_o those_o advantage_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o then_o much_o more_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o gratitude_n to_o praise_n and_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v for_o though_o possible_o some_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o we_o before_o we_o have_v a_o be_v yet_o he_o be_v very_o good_a in_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_a ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o injustice_n in_o creature_n not_o to_o praise_v and_o glorify_v their_o maker_n thus_o that_o divine_a and_o heavenborn_a mind_n and_o those_o noble_a and_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o as_o they_o may_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o know_v and_o worship_v god_n so_o make_v religious_a worship_n a_o natural_a piece_n of_o justice_n and_o if_o we_o value_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o think_v it_o any_o advantage_n to_o be_v make_v so_o noble_a a_o order_n of_o being_n gratitude_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n oblige_v we_o to_o employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o that_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v that_o be_v to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o admire_v and_o worship_n god_n the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a be_v and_o the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v ingratitude_n as_o well_o as_o injustice_n to_o our_o maker_n to_o debase_v our_o nature_n to_o make_v they_o stoop_v to_o low_a mean_a and_o vile_a thing_n to_o inherit_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o serpent_n to_o crawl_v upon_o their_o belly_n and_o lick_v up_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o aspire_v towards_o heaven_n to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o be_v and_o to_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o contemplation_n of_o he_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v with_o reference_n to_o that_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v we_o in_o be_v and_o provide_v all_o necessary_n for_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o unseen_a mischief_n both_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n require_v we_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v so_o great_a and_o constant_a a_o benefactor_n these_o be_v all_o expression_n both_o of_o the_o natural_a justice_n and_o bounty_n of_o our_o wise_a maker_n and_o therefore_o lie_v a_o mix_a obligation_n on_o we_o of_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n god_n be_v under_o no_o antecedent_n obligation_n but_o his_o own_o will_n and_o goodness_n to_o make_v a_o world_n but_o if_o he_o do_v resolve_v to_o make_v one_o he_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n to_o make_v every_o creature_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o fit_v to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o to_o make_v some_o creature_n for_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n and_o consequent_o to_o bestow_v very_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n no_o wonder_n that_o it_o lay_v a_o mix_a obligation_n on_o we_o too_o of_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n but_o there_o be_v another_o manifestation_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a grace_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v all_o goodness_n and_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n innocent_a creature_n may_v challenge_v a_o natural_a right_n in_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n and_o bounty_n of_o their_o maker_n but_o a_o traitor_n a_o rebel_n against_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n a_o apostate_n wretch_n who_o have_v abuse_v the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o creator_n can_v challenge_v no_o right_n to_o those_o common_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o his_o creature_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v cause_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o the_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n even_o those_o external_n and_o temporal_a good_a thing_n which_o sinner_n enjoy_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o according_o our_o obligation_n to_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a and_o our_o ingratitude_n in_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o more_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a but_o much_o less_o can_v such_o
name_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n divide_v the_o several_a duty_n of_o religion_n into_o three_o part_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o and_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v to_o honour_v he_o all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o worship_n honour_n god_n as_o they_o signify_v our_o great_a sense_n and_o devout_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v power_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n our_o dependence_n on_o he_o submission_n to_o he_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o such_o as_o be_v great_a and_o venerable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o the_o like_a now_o every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o honour_n be_v always_o the_o great_a the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o have_v great_a and_o admire_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v this_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n honour_v god_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o he_o who_o keep_v these_o thought_n to_o himself_o and_o praise_v god_n so_o private_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o but_o himself_o the_o prophet_n david_n resolve_v to_o make_v his_o praise_n of_o god_n as_o public_a as_o he_o can_v i_o will_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o 22._o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o and_o exhort_v other_o to_o exalt_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o 1._o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o upright_a and_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o worship_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o consist_v in_o honour_v god_n with_o devout_a and_o pious_a affection_n in_o bow_v our_o soul_n before_o he_o and_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a expression_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o honour_n which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a worship_n such_o as_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n fall_v down_o on_o the_o ground_n kneeling_z uncover_v the_o head_n and_o those_o other_o outward_a expression_n of_o devotion_n which_o signify_v the_o humble_a and_o devout_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o though_o these_o external_a sign_n of_o honour_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v in_o private_a and_o closet_n devotion_n so_o it_o be_v with_o due_a caution_n not_o to_o make_v they_o public_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n yet_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o they_o be_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o testify_v our_o concurrence_n and_o agreement_n with_o other_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o god_n know_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o desire_n by_o clothing_n they_o with_o word_n he_o hear_v the_o most_o silent_a breathe_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o he_o in_o a_o audible_a voice_n he_o see_v the_o bend_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o most_o humble_a submission_n and_o prostration_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v of_o this_o by_o bend_v or_o bow_v our_o body_n to_o he_o but_o man_n can_v see_v this_o but_o by_o external_a sign_n nor_o join_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n and_o praise_n without_o word_n so_o audible_o pronounce_v that_o all_o present_a may_v hear_v they_o and_o therefore_o those_o scripture_n which_o require_v these_o external_a sign_n of_o worship_n suppose_v that_o this_o worship_n must_v be_v public_a too_o that_o we_o must_v meet_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v pen_v for_o public_a worship_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o master_n of_o music_n to_o be_v sing_v as_o public_a hymn_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o worship_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o obligation_n much_o more_o strong_a to_o public_a than_o to_o private_a worship_n though_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o especial_o when_o we_o want_v such_o public_a opportunity_n the_o natural_a reason_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v the_o great_a and_o universal_a parent_n and_o benefactor_n and_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o become_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v he_o who_o be_v our_o maker_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o feed_v and_o clothes_v we_o who_o defend_v we_o from_o evil_a who_o encompass_v we_o with_o his_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o most_o of_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o more_o cogent_a reason_n for_o public_a than_o for_o private_a worship_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v those_o particular_a favour_n and_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o private_a worship_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v consider_v a_o private_a as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n as_o a_o universal_a parent_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v worship_v as_o a_o public_a benefactor_n that_o be_v with_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v public_a and_o since_o all_o mankind_n be_v god_n creature_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o bind_v to_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n natural_a reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o give_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o solemnity_n to_o it_o for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o man_n be_v make_v a_o sociable_a creature_n for_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o only_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v his_o high_a end_n and_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n unite_v themselves_o into_o society_n for_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n it_o be_v as_o high_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v unite_v for_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o body_n politic_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o old_a maxim_n of_o government_n that_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a bond_n and_o cement_n of_o civil_a society_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a blessing_n we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o in_o common_a with_o other_o or_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n deliverance_n from_o enemy_n the_o advantage_n of_o good_a government_n and_o all_o other_o national_a mercy_n and_o above_o all_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o god_n be_v defraud_v of_o his_o glory_n if_o our_o acknowledgement_n be_v not_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blessing_n be_v for_o private_a praise_n be_v not_o just_o return_v nor_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o public_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o psalmist_n celebrate_v the_o public_a mercy_n of_o god_n he_o invite_v all_o israel_n to_o join_v in_o his_o praise_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o a_o new_a song_n and_o his_o praise_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n let_v israel_n rejoice_v in_o he_o that_o make_v he_o let_v the_o child_n of_o zion_n be_v joyful_a in_o their_o king_n and_o all_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o mankind_n who_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n and_o nature_n of_o their_o worship_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o make_v their_o worship_n public_a and_o solemn_a and_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n himself_o institute_v and_o ordain_v and_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a instance_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o be_v typical_a also_o of_o the_o christian._n now_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o god_n command_v by_o moses_n be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o public_a manner_n
part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n without_o use_v those_o visible_a sign_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v to_o what_o purpose_n they_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n if_o christian_a worship_n be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o it_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v as_o needless_a a_o addition_n as_o most_o christian_n now_o think_v it_o to_o be_v which_o i_o think_v derogate_v very_o much_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o its_o institution_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n only_o as_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o a_o external_a and_o sensible_a rite_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v fit_v to_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n necessary_a to_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o they_o as_o the_o oblation_n of_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n do_v to_o those_o prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v with_o they_o now_o suppose_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v have_v argue_v thus_o under_o the_o law_n that_o if_o man_n pray_v devout_o to_o god_n though_o they_o offer_v no_o sacrifice_n they_o shall_v be_v accept_v by_o he_o i_o doubt_v this_o will_v have_v be_v call_v despise_v moses_n law_n and_o such_o man_n must_v have_v die_v without_o mercy_n though_o they_o have_v pray_v never_o so_o devout_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 29._o the_o great_a danger_n then_o of_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v that_o such_o a_o neglect_n may_v render_v all_o our_o worship_n unacceptable_a to_o god_n a_o right_a to_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n convey_v in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o pray_v in_o christ_n name_n if_o we_o neglect_v his_o institution_n whereby_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v convey_v to_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v pray_v without_o any_o interest_n in_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o guess_v of_o what_o worth_n such_o prayer_n be_v just_a as_o much_o as_o our_o own_o good_a work_n without_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o god_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o thorough_o convince_v i_o how_o high_o useful_a not_o to_o say_v necessary_a it_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a practice_n to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n as_o often_o as_o we_o meet_v for_o public_a worship_n if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o worship_n true_a christian_a worship_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n as_o understand_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 3._o another_o obligation_n to_o a_o frequent_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o communion_n with_o christ._n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o talk_v of_o than_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n now_o union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n may_v either_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o constant_a state_n and_o relation_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n by_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o he_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o spiritual_a union_n and_o a_o abide_a principle_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n or_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o proper_o apply_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a external_a symbol_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o institute_v as_o a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o all_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a blessing_n to_o we_o and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o holy_a feast_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v our_o eat_n at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v our_o feed_n on_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n 1._o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o eat_v at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o this_o be_v a_o feast_n of_o christ_n own_o appointment_n institute_v by_o he_o on_o purpose_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o so_o answer_v to_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n to_o feast_v upon_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v constant_o observe_v in_o peace-offering_n of_o which_o part_n be_v burn_v upon_o god_n altar_n part_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o part_n be_v eat_v by_o the_o sacrificer_n or_o those_o person_n who_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o peace-offering_n who_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o altar_n behold_v israel_n after_o 18._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 to_o partake_v of_o the_o altar_n signify_v to_o partake_v with_o god_n who_o altar_n it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o have_v part_n with_o he_o for_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n or_o give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o that_o be_v god_n part_n or_o share_n and_o the_o other_o part_n be_v eat_v by_o themselves_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n also_o who_o use_v to_o feast_v on_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o their_o god_n and_o sometime_o invite_v their_o christian_a neighbour_n to_o these_o feast_n who_o not_o sufficient_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o religious_a feast_n many_o time_n go_v as_o to_o common_a friendly_a entertainment_n and_o therefore_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o it_o as_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o christian_a profession_n for_o to_o eat_v of_o a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o that_o be_v whatever_o he_o be_v to_o who_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v now_o the_o gentile_n sacrifice_v to_o devil_n and_o therefore_o to_o eat_v of_o such_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o partake_v with_o devil_n to_o be_v in_o confederacy_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o gentile_n sacrifice_v they_o sacrifice_v to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o shall_v be_v communicant_n with_o they_o you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o 21._o lord_n table_n and_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n that_o be_v it_o be_v as_o irreconcilable_a to_o eat_v at_o the_o table_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_a sacrifice_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o unite_v christ_n and_o false_a heathen_a go_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a feast_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o partake_v with_o christ_n or_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o as_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o altar_n or_o to_o eat_v of_o pagan_a sacrifice_n be_v to_o partake_v with_o devil_n now_o in_o general_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n signify_v by_o these_o religious_a feast_n 1._o a_o covenant_n relation_n that_o such_o person_n who_o feast_v at_o god_n table_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o for_o all_o solemn_a covenant_n even_o between_o man_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n be_v make_v and_o ratify_v by_o sacrifice_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n between_o jacob_n and_o 46._o laban_n and_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o brethren_n gather_v stone_n and_o they_o take_v stone_n and_o make_v a_o heap_n and_o they_o do_v eat_v there_o upon_o the_o heap_n and_o what_o this_o eat_n be_v we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n which_o be_v confirm_v a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o this_o eat_n be_v eat_v a_o sacrifice_n as_o we_o be_v more_o express_o tell_v then_o jacob_n offer_v 54._o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o call_v his_o brethren_n to_o eat_v bread_n and_o they_o do_v eat_v bread_n and_o tarry_v all_o night_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v especial_o between_o god_n and_o man_n thus_o we_o know_v the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o first_o testament_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dedicate_v by_o blood_n and_o the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o people_n the_o 21._o tabernacle_n
great_a concernment_n pag._n 104_o chap._n ii_o concern_v public_a worship_n pag._n 110_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n pag._n 111_o public_a worship_n a_o great_a honour_n to_o god_n than_o private_a devotion_n pag._n 116_o external_n worship_n must_v be_v public_a pag._n 118_o god_n be_v a_o public_a benefactor_n and_o therefore_o public_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o pag._n 120_o public_a worship_n institute_v by_o god_n under_o the_o law_n pag._n 122_o and_o by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n require_v it_o pag._n 125_o this_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o sacrament_n pag._n 126_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 130_o and_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n pag._n 133_o and_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v religion_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iii_o section_n 1._o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o pag._n 138_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n pag._n 139_o 1._o whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n the_o difference_n between_o private_a opinion_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o use_n of_o this_o distinction_n ibid._n 2._o whether_o they_o consider_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n pag._n 151_o 3._o whether_o they_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 4._o how_o they_o come_v to_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 5._o whether_o they_o ever_o impartial_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n pag._n 170_o 6._o how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n pag._n 184_o section_n 2._o some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 188_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n pag._n 190_o 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 193_o 3._o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n pag._n 207_o 4._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n pag._n 208_o section_n 3._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n pag._n 215_o concern_v will-worship_n pag._n 216_o concern_v superstition_n pag._n 222_o the_o church_n of_o england_n charge_v with_o idolatry_n pag._n 235_o and_o with_o popery_n pag._n 236_o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n concern_v parochial_a communion_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n 267_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 281_o chap._n iu_o concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 289_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n 296_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o line_n 26_o read_v apollo_n p._n 9_o l._n 13._o r._n and_o that_o none_o p._n 18._o l._n 15._o r._n that_o they_o either_o p._n 50._o l._n 14._o f._n we_o r._n be_v p._n 105._o l._n 18._o r._n you_o will_v p._n 124._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o p._n 164._o l._n 9_o r._n fell_a p._n 185._o l._n 2._o r._n they_o p._n 208._o l._n 6._o r._n so_o p._n 212._o l._n 11._o f._n if_o r._n that_o p._n 219._o l._n 24._o r._n now_o though_o p._n 224._o l._n 12_o 13._o r._n difficult_a p._n 230._o l._n 5._o r._n have_v p._n 331._o l._n 18._o f._n rule_n r._n rite_n p._n 346._o l._n 28._o f._n truth_n r._n faith_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n the_o introduction_n 1._o contain_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n 2._o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n 3._o the_o seasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o discourse_n 1._o religion_n be_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o mankind_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v god_n the_o most_o excellent_a be_v for_o its_o immediate_a object_n this_o be_v the_o work_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n who_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n admire_v his_o essential_a glory_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o sing_v eternal_a hallelujah_n to_o he_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o unruly_a passion_n and_o appetite_n to_o govern_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o pity_v and_o relieve_v one_o another_o where_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a good_n indeed_o in_o this_o world_n temperance_n and_o charity_n be_v no_o christian_a virtue_n but_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o veneration_n for_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o to_o be_v charitable_a upon_o some_o mean_a consideration_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o god_n as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o serve_v ourselves_o or_o our_o friend_n or_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o we_o do_v out_o of_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o it_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o deity_n which_o may_v as_o effectual_o be_v do_v by_o action_n as_o by_o word_n verbal_a praise_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n be_v mere_a lip-labour_n and_o formal_a compliment_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o produce_v no_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o excite_v in_o we_o devout_a affection_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n but_o yet_o that_o which_o we_o more_o strict_o call_v worship_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o solemn_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n for_o god_n when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o when_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n for_o what_o sincere_a worshipper_n can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o to_o break_v his_o law_n and_o contemn_v his_o authority_n and_o despise_v his_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a semblance_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o some_o bad_a man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o flatter_v god_n be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n it_o be_v only_o a_o external_a imitation_n of_o religious_a worship_n without_o that_o powerful_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o true_o devout_a and_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n so_o public_a worship_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o indeed_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o hold_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n whereon_o all_o church-authority_n depend_v as_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o prove_v by_o a_o assembly_n learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o authority_n to_o take_v in_o and_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n the_o second_o by_o church-censure_n the_o high_a of_o which_o be_v excommunication_n which_o debar_v man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v forsake_v christian_n assembly_n either_o to_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n or_o at_o least_o a_o fair_a step_n towards_o it_o he_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o 23._o faith_n without_o waver_v that_o be_v to_o continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o give_v they_o this_o caution_n not_o
can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_n in_o their_o closet_n or_o family_n 3._o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o the_o second_o part_n be_v design_v to_o correct_v some_o great_a miscarriage_n in_o public_a worship_n which_o some_o who_o profess_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v too_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o such_o as_o these_o 1._o the_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish_n church_n without_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o 2._o irreverence_n in_o worship_n 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 5._o that_o they_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n 6._o that_o either_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o very_o rare_o iii_o the_o very_o name_v these_o thing_n must_v needs_o convince_v all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n how_o seasonable_a this_o discourse_n be_v for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o it_o and_o since_o religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n the_o neglect_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n but_o have_v a_o very_a ill_a aspect_n upon_o public_a affair_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a time_n for_o any_o man_n who_o prefer_v his_o own_o ease_n and_o quiet_v before_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n to_o put_v forth_o to_o sea_n in_o such_o a_o storm_n and_o hurricane_a when_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o ferment_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o cool_a thought_n and_o impatient_a of_o the_o gentle_a reproof_n and_o opposition_n the_o most_o charitable_a design_n be_v misconstrue_v and_o nickname_v and_o whoever_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o mistake_v how_o careful_a soever_o he_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n be_v either_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o persecutor_n but_o these_o thing_n i_o thank_v god_n do_v not_o much_o affect_v i_o and_o shall_v never_o affright_v i_o from_o any_o part_n of_o my_o duty_n i_o value_v a_o good_a name_n as_o much_o as_o other_o man_n but_o be_o content_v to_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v himself_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v by_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v think_v most_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n be_v what_o concern_v the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o present_a establishment_n for_o this_o be_v now_o upon_o all_o occasion_n urge_v and_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o such_o discourse_n but_o can_v it_o be_v think_v unseasonable_a to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o forsake_v christian_a assembly_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n that_o many_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o physician_n when_o the_o patient_n be_v dangerous_o sick_a of_o a_o mortal_a distemper_n thanks_o be_v to_o our_o good_a god_n we_o still_o enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o have_v opportunity_n also_o of_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n how_o effectual_a indeed_o such_o exhortation_n may_v be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n we_o can_v tell_v success_n in_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o fit_a season_n as_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a temper_n of_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o seed_n fall_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o however_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n a_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v when_o and_o as_o it_o may_v and_o i_o think_v there_o never_o be_v great_a necessity_n for_o this_o exhortation_n than_o in_o our_o day_n but_o that_o which_o i_o perceive_v make_v some_o man_n think_v it_o so_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v because_o they_o be_v either_o in_o great_a hope_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o at_o least_o to_o open_v the_o door_n a_o little_a wide_o to_o let_v those_o in_o who_o be_v now_o exclude_v by_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v in_o our_o worship_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o soul_n that_o such_o seasonable_a exhortation_n as_o these_o may_v prove_v very_o unseasonable_a for_o their_o design_n that_o it_o may_v bring_v man_n to_o their_o wit_n and_o make_v they_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v a_o do_v when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v very_o unseasonable_a indeed_o for_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unseasonable_a and_o despicable_a piece_n of_o folly_n and_o modesty_n for_o all_o those_o who_o favour_n zion_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o say_v nothing_o while_o they_o accomplish_v their_o design_n and_o bring_v their_o wicked_a device_n to_o pass_v as_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n who_o only_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o church_n door_n a_o little_a wide_o to_o receive_v more_o honest_a and_o devout_a man_n into_o our_o communion_n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v conceive_v such_o exhortation_n unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n for_o be_v they_o afraid_a that_o such_o discourse_n shall_v so_o far_o satisfy_v all_o man_n in_o our_o communion_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o alteration_n true_o i_o have_v no_o great_a hope_n to_o see_v such_o bless_a effect_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o convince_a discourse_n and_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n ever_o shall_v be_v certain_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v trouble_v at_o it_o since_o the_o great_a end_n they_o design_v viz._n to_o see_v all_o man_n return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_o obtain_v and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o desirable_a to_o see_v man_n rectify_v their_o own_o mistake_v than_o to_o alter_v wholesome_a constitution_n wherein_o there_o be_v always_o great_a danger_n and_o very_o seldom_o any_o great_a success_n witness_v the_o miserable_a confusion_n of_o the_o last_o age._n or_o do_v they_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o unjust_a imputation_n to_o wipe_v off_o that_o dirt_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o she_o by_o her_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o discover_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n without_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o every_o punctilio_n and_o oppose_v all_o reasonable_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n of_o other_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o they_o censure_v and_o revile_v man_n before_o they_o know_v they_o we_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n between_o some_o less_o material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n possible_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o most_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o ready_a to_o any_o reasonable_a compliance_n whenever_o authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a we_o have_v a_o late_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o a_o excellent_a person_n than_o who_o possible_o separation_n no_o man_n ever_o write_v better_o for_o the_o church_n nor_o ever_o hint_v more_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a proposal_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o dissenter_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o dispose_v man_n mind_n to_o peace_n and_o union_n by_o good_a argument_n and_o pious_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n as_o it_o be_v for_o public_a authority_n to_o relax_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n to_o give_v ease_n to_o some_o doubt_v and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o while_o man_n have_v such_o superstitious_a conceit_n that_o god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v with_o do_v or_o not_o do_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o themselves_o consider_v with_o wear_v or_o not_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o use_v or_o not_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n when_o man_n think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o have_v express_o command_v and_o then_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v perform_v any_o one_o duty_n
the_o natural_a passion_n of_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o praise_v he_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n whatever_o wisdom_n power_n or_o goodness_n be_v see_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o vast_a and_o beautiful_a world_n whatever_o perfection_n be_v bestow_v on_o any_o creature_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o great_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o see_v any_o curious_a piece_n of_o paint_v without_o admire_v and_o praise_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o painter_n and_o that_o man_n be_v very_o unjust_a as_o well_o as_o very_o senseless_a who_o can_v look_v upon_o this_o world_n so_o wonderful_a for_o its_o unknown_a extent_n exquisite_a contrivance_n beauty_n uniformity_n infinite_a number_n variety_n and_o perfection_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n and_o not_o adore_v and_o worship_v that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o this_o the_o order_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o material_a being_n be_v visible_a demostration_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o their_o invisible_a cause_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a work_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o the_o humble_a and_o devout_a adoration_n and_o if_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o defraud_v man_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o wise_n and_o great_a and_o good_a action_n it_o be_v much_o great_a injustice_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o independent_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v to_o defraud_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v more_o particular_o that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v god_n creature_n who_o owe_v our_o be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v this_o make_v it_o a_o natural_a debt_n to_o praise_v and_o adore_v the_o god_n who_o make_v we_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v to_o worship_n and_o fall_v 6._o down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n know_v you_o that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v 4._o god_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o we_o be_v his_o people_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n enter_v into_o his_o gate_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o into_o his_o court_n with_o praise_n be_v thankful_a unto_o he_o and_o bless_v his_o name_n for_o since_o god_n make_v we_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o we_o and_o may_v challenge_v our_o homage_n and_o obedience_n as_o a_o just_a debt_n entail_v upon_o our_o nature_n thus_o god_n argue_v a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n 6._o and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n that_o be_v there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o much_o natural_a justice_n in_o pay_v all_o homage_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n as_o it_o be_v account_v among_o man_n for_o child_n to_o honour_v their_o parent_n and_o servant_n their_o master_n and_o therefore_o let_v any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o allow_v god_n the_o same_o right_n in_o his_o creature_n which_o he_o himself_o challenge_v in_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n judge_v how_o unseemly_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o refuse_v to_o love_n and_o honour_n and_o worship_v the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o be_v who_o plant_v a_o vineyard_n and_o eat_v not_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o those_o creature_n who_o his_o own_o hand_n have_v make_v and_o fashion_v so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o our_o homage_n and_o worship_n and_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v we_o from_o pay_v this_o debt_n unless_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v under_o some_o natural_a incapacity_n to_o do_v it_o but_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o debt_n which_o we_o be_v all_o able_a to_o pay_v for_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n endow_v we_o with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o work_n and_o to_o understand_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o with_o such_o a_o principle_n of_o will_n and_o choice_n as_o can_v act_v free_o and_o with_o such_o inward_a passion_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n fear_v and_o reverence_n hope_n and_o affiance_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v wrought_v up_o to_o the_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n he_o have_v give_v we_o eye_n to_o contemplate_v this_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o tongue_n to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o publish_v all_o his_o mighty_a work_n so_o that_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o curious_a and_o diligent_a observer_n of_o god_n work_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n which_o lay_v a_o new_a obligation_n on_o we_o and_o give_v god_n a_o natural_a title_n to_o our_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o make_v we_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o live_v now_o in_o such_o a_o busy_a world_n where_o we_o find_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o provide_v food_n and_o raiment_n and_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o this_o mortal_a state_n or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambition_n and_o lust_n that_o we_o can_v find_v very_o little_a time_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o least_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o do_v but_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a work_n and_o employment_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n for_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o mankind_n have_v preserve_v their_o innocence_n and_o continue_v in_o paradise_n where_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o clothes_n and_o feed_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o garden_n which_o grow_v of_o itself_o without_o plough_v or_o sow_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o food_n without_o any_o art_n of_o cookery_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o bodily_a employment_n but_o to_o look_v to_o the_o garden_n which_o neither_o require_v much_o labour_n nor_o take_v up_o much_o time_n but_o be_v like_o those_o innocent_a diversion_n we_o now_o use_v to_o recreate_v and_o unbend_v our_o mind_n with_o now_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o which_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o mankind_n how_o can_v man_n spend_v their_o time_n but_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n work_n and_o in_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n and_o in_o adore_v the_o great_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n give_v man_n such_o a_o active_a and_o busy_a mind_n to_o dissolve_v in_o sloth_n which_o be_v so_o uneasy_a a_o state_n that_o paradise_n itself_o can_v be_v no_o happiness_n upon_o these_o term_n or_o that_o god_n design_v he_o for_o a_o atheistical_a philosopher_n to_o admire_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n without_o adore_v the_o wise_a creator_n indeed_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o so_o vast_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o mind_n such_o active_a and_o boundless_a passion_n as_o god_n have_v endow_v mankind_n withal_o shall_v be_v whole_o design_v for_o no_o high_a employment_n than_o to_o qualify_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o ploughman_n or_o a_o mechanic_n or_o to_o speak_v the_o great_a thing_n at_o once_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n or_o a_o minister_n of_o state_n such_o a_o mind_n as_o come_v so_o near_o infinity_o as_o that_o of_o man_n be_v certain_o design_v for_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o knowledge_n love_n and_o admiration_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o if_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o end_n for_o which_o creature_n be_v make_v by_o the_o end_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o serve_v it_o be_v evident_a man_n be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v fit_v with_o such_o endowment_n and_o perfection_n of_o mind_n as_o qualify_v he_o to_o be_v a_o worshipper_n and_o if_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v than_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a employment_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o consequent_o the_o last_o and_o high_a end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v make_v nay_o we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o man_n be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o worship_v god_n but_o no_o other_o creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v he_o and_o he_o only_o
escape_v better_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n than_o capernaum_n and_o capernaum_n i_o doubt_v will_v escape_v much_o better_a than_o the_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n and_o profane_a despiser_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o day_n because_o they_o labour_v under_o old_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la which_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v remove_v but_o require_v time_n and_o patience_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o free_a and_o impartial_a reason_n to_o wear_v they_o off_o but_o now_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o many_o age_n when_o man_n be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o first_o and_o early_a instruction_n on_o the_o right_a side_n when_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o cast_v off_o their_o reverence_n for_o god_n and_o to_o silence_n and_o stupify_v their_o clamorous_a conscience_n for_o man_n to_o use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o industry_n to_o turn_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o profane_a scoffer_n at_o religion_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n but_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o will_v receive_v the_o sore_a punishment_n and_o a_o sentence_n as_o amaze_a and_o astonish_v as_o the_o sin_n be_v thus_o i_o have_v represent_v the_o evil_a and_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o if_o these_o man_n do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o they_o profess_v to_o do_v will_v they_o give_v themselves_o time_o serious_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v imagine_v but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o can_v any_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n if_o he_o ever_o consider_v such_o matter_n endure_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o put_v such_o a_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o religious_a worship_n do_v natural_o signify_v he_o know_v what_o a_o sharp_a resentment_n he_o himself_o have_v of_o a_o slight_a or_o neglect_v how_o ill_o he_o take_v it_o if_o man_n industrious_o avoid_v his_o company_n if_o they_o do_v but_o talk_v and_o seem_v to_o mind_v something_o else_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v a_o story_n if_o his_o friend_n neglect_v to_o visit_v he_o and_o turn_v their_o head_n another_o way_n when_o they_o pass_v by_o his_o door_n and_o he_o know_v how_o sensible_a superior_n especial_o be_v of_o such_o neglect_v from_o their_o inferior_n for_o a_o prince_n to_o be_v slight_v by_o his_o subject_n or_o a_o father_n by_o his_o child_n or_o a_o master_n by_o his_o servant_n be_v think_v so_o unsufferable_a a_o rudeness_n as_o can_v be_v too_o severe_o punish_v and_o therefore_o consider_v that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n he_o may_v easy_o conclude_v how_o ill_a god_n take_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v the_o great_a slight_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o he_o and_o argue_v very_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thought_n of_o he_o if_o such_o man_n do_v think_v of_o he_o at_o all_o and_o when_o he_o consider_v also_o how_o many_o obligation_n he_o lie_v under_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o can_v but_o blush_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a injustice_n not_o to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v he_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v about_o he_o he_o think_v it_o great_a injustice_n to_o detract_v from_o the_o praise_n of_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a man_n or_o to_o conceal_v they_o what_o be_v it_o than_o not_o to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o work_n which_o be_v proclaim_v by_o all_o the_o world_n not_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v our_o maker_n who_o make_v we_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n do_v god_n give_v i_o eye_n may_n such_o a_o man_n say_v to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n and_o a_o understanding_n to_o search_v out_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o who_o the_o praise_n of_o all_o be_v due_a that_o when_o i_o have_v find_v he_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o neither_o confess_v his_o power_n nor_o admire_v his_o wisdom_n nor_o praise_v his_o goodness_n do_v he_o give_v i_o a_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o every_o trifle_n and_o never_o to_o be_v silent_a but_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o vocal_a in_o the_o praise_n of_o my_o maker_n how_o ill_o shall_v i_o take_v it_o can_v i_o make_v any_o be_v that_o can_v understand_v or_o speak_v shall_v it_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o owe_v its_o be_v consider_v my_o soul_n how_o thou_o shall_v resent_v the_o neglect_n of_o a_o son_n of_o a_o client_n of_o a_o redeem_a captive_n or_o of_o any_o one_o who_o thou_o have_v oblige_v and_o by_o thy_o bounty_n raise_v from_o a_o low_a to_o a_o splendid_a fortune_n who_o owe_v his_o be_v his_o fortune_n his_o liberty_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o life_n to_o thou_o and_o be_v it_o nothing_o then_o to_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a parent_n lord_n and_o benefactor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v redeem_v thou_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o design_v a_o more_o glorious_a happiness_n for_o thou_o if_o thy_o unjust_a and_o ungrateful_a neglect_n of_o he_o do_v not_o render_v thou_o uncapable_a of_o his_o favour_n but_o how_o unpardonable_a be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v false_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o covenant_n such_o person_n be_v not_o think_v fit_a for_o humane_a conversation_n who_o break_v the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v trust_v but_o yet_o no_o man_n ever_o break_v his_o word_n much_o less_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n but_o when_o he_o expect_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v i_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o god_n a_o covenant_n to_o which_o i_o owe_v all_o my_o hope_n of_o happiness_n all_o the_o good_a i_o now_o enjoy_v and_o all_o that_o i_o expect_v if_o i_o forfeit_v my_o interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n i_o must_v be_v miserable_a and_o perish_v like_o a_o fool_n and_o since_o i_o can_v forfeit_v my_o interest_n without_o break_v my_o covenant_n i_o must_v perish_v like_o a_o apostate_n a_o runagate_n a_o traitor_n or_o like_a one_o who_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v the_o worst_a thing_n but_o deserve_v no_o pity_n and_o be_v it_o so_o grievous_a a_o thing_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v unjust_a to_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o be_v perfidious_a to_o god_n to_o forfeit_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o to_o incur_v his_o hot_a displeasure_n than_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o owe_v all_o to_o he_o that_o i_o have_v and_o that_o i_o expect_v all_o from_o he_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o with_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o these_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n second_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n in_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v wrought_v on_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o justice_n or_o gratitude_n may_v yet_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o more_o brutish_a principle_n of_o fear_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o respect_v both_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o 1._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n now_o whoever_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o govern_v all_o humane_a affair_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o dispose_v of_o our_o several_a fortune_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n must_v needs_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v miserable_a here_o while_o he_o neglect_v to_o adore_v and_o reverence_v the_o sovereign_a and_o unaccountable_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o promise_v even_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o deliverance_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n by_o their_o servant_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n this_o be_v the_o course_n all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v take_v and_o find_v the_o bless_a success_n 15._o of_o it_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o 7._o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o give_v ear_n o_o lord_n unto_o my_o prayer_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o will_v call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o he_o shall_v
all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o natural_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o very_o often_o end_v in_o downright_a atheism_n man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n have_v no_o other_o restraint_n from_o the_o great_a villainy_n but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n their_o own_o natural_a temper_n their_o education_n and_o converse_n and_o suchlike_a consideration_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o can_v keep_v very_o few_o man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n within_o any_o tolerable_a bound_n and_o thus_o man_n run_v into_o the_o wild_a excess_n and_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o stain_v their_o reputation_n till_o they_o grow_v hopeless_a desperate_a and_o impudent_a sinner_n man_n who_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o prayer_n nor_o absent_v themselves_o whole_o from_o christian_a assembly_n do_v what_o they_o can_v find_v great_a check_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o great_a many_o sober_a interval_n they_o can_v say_v their_o prayer_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n but_o their_o conscience_n will_v reproach_v they_o and_o put_v they_o at_o least_o upon_o some_o imperfect_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o when_o they_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o often_o be_v so_o startle_v and_o scare_v and_o labour_n under_o such_o strong_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v any_o long_o and_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o forsake_v those_o man_n who_o attend_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o grace_n but_o sometime_o work_v such_o miraculous_a cure_n as_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o a_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n can_v never_o be_v so_o desperate_a and_o hopeless_a as_o they_o be_v who_o take_v care_n to_o think_v of_o he_o as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o public_a instruction_n that_o they_o may_v sin_v on_o without_o disturbance_n till_o they_o drop_v into_o hell_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a the_o practical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o think_v himself_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a level_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v they_o fool_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o speculative_a but_o of_o the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o though_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o yet_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o he_o that_o be_v wisdom_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 10._o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 10._o the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n now_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n prove_v also_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o that_o which_o contradict_v the_o best_a reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o worship_n god_n found_v on_o the_o high_a wisdom_n what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o to_o undermine_v our_o own_o interest_n to_o lay_v train_n of_o misery_n for_o ourselves_o and_o to_o forfeit_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n that_o be_v curse_v contemptible_a wit_n which_o will_v droll_n away_o a_o man_n life_n and_o his_o soul_n together_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o transform_v a_o man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o then_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v all_o the_o wild_a conceit_n of_o ape_n and_o monkey_n and_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o a_o fox_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man._n he_o may_v have_v a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o wit_n and_o may_v be_v reckon_v the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o be_v fall_v vast_o below_o the_o attainment_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o brute_n creature_n have_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o reason_n fit_v to_o the_o low_a attainment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o they_o common_o reason_n more_o wise_o and_o true_o in_o their_o own_o concern_v than_o irreligious_a man_n do_v in_o they_o but_o they_o can_v know_v god_n nor_o worship_v he_o they_o can_v see_v nor_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n their_o reason_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o be_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o be_v be_v a_o irreligious_a man_n who_o reason_n indeed_o be_v capable_a of_o high_a and_o noble_a flight_n but_o be_v pinion_v down_o and_o confine_v to_o present_v and_o sensible_a object_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n into_o a_o brutish_a state_n now_o if_o that_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o a_o man_n which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o inferior_a creature_n than_o religion_n as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o must_v be_v his_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o wit_n irreligious_a man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o below_o the_o attainment_n nay_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o may_v set_v they_o a_o degree_n above_o the_o wit_n of_o a_o beast_n but_o be_v no_o better_a than_o folly_n in_o a_o man._n 2._o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o folly_n than_o for_o man_n to_o act_v foolish_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o vast_a concernment_n and_o this_o consideration_n impeache_n the_o irreligious_a man_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a folly_n as_o to_o give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o some_o neglect_n to_o worship_n god_n out_o of_o a_o careless_a trifle_a humour_n they_o never_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o he_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n what_o the_o danger_n and_o punishment_n of_o irreligion_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o to_o use_v the_o wise_a thought_n and_o best_a consideration_n we_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n than_o irreligion_n be_v folly_n other_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o it_o disturb_v they_o in_o the_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o put_v a_o great_a many_o black_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n into_o their_o head_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a as_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n and_o run_v down_o a_o precipice_n because_o it_o make_v we_o melancholy_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o see_v our_o danger_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v how_o to_o avoid_v it_o other_o take_v offence_n at_o religion_n because_o they_o see_v a_o great_a many_o hypocrite_n zealous_a pretender_n to_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a never_o mind_n religion_n as_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o mind_v religion_n because_o hypocrite_n pretend_v to_o religion_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o can_v they_o be_v sincere_o religious_a though_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a many_o religious_a man_n who_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o better_a reason_n to_o be_v religious_a without_o hypocrisy_n than_o to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n to_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v not_o hypocrite_n other_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o as_o light_a to_o darkness_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o
that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o their_o several_a sort_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v at_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n by_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v public_a person_n even_o those_o particular_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o particular_a man_n either_o expiatory_a or_o eucharistical_a to_o make_v atonement_n for_o their_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v a_o oblation_n of_o praise_n for_o particular_a mercy_n be_v yet_o offer_v at_o the_o temple_n and_o beside_o this_o they_o have_v sacrifice_n for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o on_o the_o great_a day_n of_o expiation_n which_o be_v not_o for_o any_o particular_a man_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o consider_v they_o all_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o worship_n god_n appoint_v also_o a_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n viz._n the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o public_a place_n for_o worship_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o public_a worship_n god_n also_o institute_v public_a time_n of_o worship_n the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n their_o new_a moon_n and_o annual_a festival_n when_o all_o their_o male_n be_v to_o appear_v three_o time_n a_o year_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o time_n as_o these_o be_v describe_v by_o call_v assembly_n and_o solemn_a meeting_n 13._o because_o than_o they_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n for_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o appoint_v public_a and_o solemn_a time_n for_o private_a worship_n if_o man_n be_v bind_v only_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o private_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o public_a day_n of_o rest_n dedicate_v to_o god_n worship_n for_o every_o man_n may_v take_v his_o own_o time_n for_o it_o as_o he_o find_v most_o convenient_a and_o useful_a but_o fix_v and_o state_v time_n of_o worship_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v public_a worship_n and_o evident_o prove_v that_o solemn_a and_o public_a day_n for_o worship_n be_v not_o sanctify_v mere_o by_o private_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o as_o particular_a person_n but_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o people_n and_o nation_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o himself_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a inheritance_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o it_o concern_v they_o as_o a_o nation_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n and_o a_o national_a religion_n and_o worship_n and_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o god_n institution_n it_o be_v a_o public_a worship_n for_o god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o require_v as_o public_a homage_n from_o they_o as_o other_o prince_n expect_v from_o their_o subject_n as_o public_a i_o say_v though_o he_o can_v challenge_v more_o divine_a regard_v than_o earthly_a prince_n because_o he_o be_v their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o king_n and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n themselves_o be_v frequent_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o use_v to_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n how_o have_v a_o right_a to_o worship_n at_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n let_v we_o then_o three_o consider_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o what_o obligation_n that_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n now_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n which_o be_v so_o often_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n which_o be_v call_v together_o and_o so_o acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o combine_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v pure_o a_o religious_a society_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o temporal_a kingdom_n as_o the_o jew_n expect_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o his_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o society_n of_o man_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christian_a church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o public_a worship_n because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n that_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o religious_a worship_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o whole_o neglect_v or_o despise_v public_a worship_n for_o he_o can_v at_o best_a be_v only_o a_o nominal_a member_n of_o a_o assembly_n who_o neglect_v to_o assemble_v with_o they_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o membership_n to_o frequent_v such_o assembly_n now_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v institute_v a_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n have_v not_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o our_o private_a devotion_n have_v it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a as_o some_o man_n presume_v whether_o we_o worship_v god_n single_o or_o in_o a_o body_n and_o society_n whether_o at_o home_o in_o our_o closet_n or_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o 4._o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v now_o to_o be_v one_o body_n as_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v if_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n signify_v a_o very_a near_a and_o intimate_a union_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n this_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o but_o then_o the_o question_n be_v wherein_o this_o unity_n consist_v some_o place_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o faith_n in_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o in_o have_v a_o mutual_a kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o unite_v christian_n to_o make_v they_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ._n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o there_o may_v be_v great_a dissension_n and_o schism_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a in_o those_o fearful_a schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n who_o differ_v not_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o discipline_n and_o as_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n convince_v we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o man_n may_v exercise_v a_o christian_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o each_o other_o without_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o one_o body_n be_v one_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n must_v of_o necessity_n consist_v in_o one_o communion_n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o separate_v himself_o from_o christian_a communion_n who_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o public_a worship_n when_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o very_a first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o those_o new_a convert_v that_o they_o continue_v 42._o steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o they_o continue_v 46._o daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n here_o you_o see_v the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o true_a description_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v a_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n that_o 3_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o may_v become_v christian_n and_o enter_v into_o our_o society_n and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v give_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n for_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o 13._o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v express_o call_v the_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o common_a table_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n 27._o 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 for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a feast_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n partake_v for_o it_o signify_v not_o only_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o reform_a church_n universal_o condemn_v the_o private_a mass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o priest_n receive_v by_o himself_o and_o true_o private_a devotion_n when_o they_o thrust_v out_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o a_o church_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o those_o sacrament_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n may_v convince_v we_o how_o necessary_a christian_a communion_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n to_o feed_v his_o flock_n to_o pray_v for_o his_o people_n and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v for_o public_a minister_n unless_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n whether_o christian_n frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o have_v invest_v man_n with_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v of_o so_o little_a use_n especial_o since_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o know_v and_o so_o far_o spread_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v long_o since_o dead_a but_o of_o their_o successor_n who_o retain_v their_o office_n and_o power_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o apostolical_a office_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n consist_v which_o christ_n commit_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a consist_v only_o in_o let_v into_o the_o church_n or_o shut_v out_o the_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o administer_a baptism_n which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o external_a judge_n of_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o exercise_v censure_n upon_o offender_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o this_o in_o remove_v such_o man_n from_o christian_a communion_n either_o in_o part_n or_o whole_o for_o a_o time_n or_o for_o ever_o according_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n some_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o christian_a assembly_n but_o lay_v at_o the_o door_n lament_v their_o wickedness_n and_o beg_v their_o prayer_n other_o be_v admit_v to_o public_a instruction_n but_o not_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o catechuman_n those_o who_o be_v public_o instruct_v and_o catechise_v but_o not_o yet_o baptize_v be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a other_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n but_o not_o to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o all_o this_o suppose_n that_o christian_a communion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o a_o great_a privilege_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o punish_v offender_n but_o by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o assembly_n but_o what_o will_v those_o man_n value_v church-censure_n who_o make_v so_o slight_a of_o public_a worship_n as_o daily_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o certain_o these_o man_n be_v great_o mistake_v or_o else_o the_o very_a office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v so_o formidable_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o very_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n since_o man_n may_v as_o well_o worship_n god_n alone_o as_o in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v when_o excommunicate_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o we_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n which_o necessary_o include_v public_a worship_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v 33._o i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o confess_v christ_n be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o only_o in_o word_n though_o too_o many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o own_o will_v not_o confess_v before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o by_o pay_v he_o such_o public_a homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v own_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n for_o thus_o to_o confess_v christ_n signify_v with_o the_o mouth_n 13_o confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n like_o a_o city_n that_o be_v set_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o like_o a_o candle_n place_v in_o a_o candlestick_n 15._o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n but_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v visible_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o public_a and_o visible_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o must_v refer_v to_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o include_v act_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v the_o acknowledge_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o take_v care_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o encourage_v public_a worship_n correct_v public_a abuse_n and_o punish_v the_o neglect_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n religion_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o closet_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o tell_v what_o religion_n they_o be_v of_o they_o may_v be_v pagan_n mahometan_n papist_n or_o infidel_n and_o no_o man_n the_o wise_a if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o encourage_v and_o reform_v religion_n and_o yet_o nothing_o can_v fall_v within_o his_o cognizance_n or_o under_o his_o care_n but_o what_o be_v public_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o care_n of_o
public_a magistrate_n be_v the_o duty_n also_o of_o private_a christian_n possible_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a pain_n in_o prove_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o too_o be_v i_o not_o sensible_a by_o my_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v who_o have_v very_o little_a apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o come_v to_o church_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n and_o sometime_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o careless_a humour_n if_o any_o such_o read_v these_o paper_n i_o will_v desire_v and_o beg_v of_o they_o serious_o to_o consider_v this_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o by_o some_o childish_a and_o sophistical_a reason_n into_o a_o neglect_n so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a to_o their_o soul_n suppose_v you_o do_v real_o as_o some_o i_o fear_v only_o pretend_v spend_v your_o time_n in_o private_a prayer_n and_o read_v and_o meditation_n yet_o can_v you_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v your_o private_a prayer_n when_o they_o signify_v a_o neglect_n if_o not_o a_o contempt_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v so_o much_o more_o please_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o be_v praise_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a soul_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o in_o a_o secret_a corner_n where_o no_o body_n see_v nor_o hear_v we_o can_v you_o think_v your_o single_a prayer_n will_v as_o much_o prevail_v with_o god_n as_o when_o the_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n can_v you_o any_o where_o expect_v such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n while_o we_o attend_v on_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o without_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o they_o when_o there_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o our_o private_a devotion_n without_o neglect_v or_o affront_a public_a worship_n and_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o christian_a assembly_n wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n before_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o long_o and_o thirst_v after_o the_o court_n of_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n iii_o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o sect_n i._o contain_v several_a direction_n to_o such_o man_n whereby_o to_o try_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o forsake_v our_o religious_a assembly_n be_v those_o who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o who_o separate_z for_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o think_v themselves_o bind_v as_o they_o honour_v god_n and_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n to_o avoid_v our_o communion_n now_o these_o man_n deserve_v our_o most_o tender_a regard_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n it_o be_v very_o great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dispute_v the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o excellent_a book_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o instruction_n for_o those_o who_o be_v honest_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v take_v another_o method_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v prove_v more_o effectual_a than_o dispute_v common_o do_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o to_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n three_o to_o remove_v some_o popular_a plea_n and_o objection_n first_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v their_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n offer_v such_o a_o insufferable_a affront_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o carry_v on_o other_o design_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n that_o white_v paint_a sepulchre_n how_o glorious_a a_o profession_n soever_o he_o make_v who_o be_v thus_o rot_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v your_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n i_o shall_v desire_v every_o man_n as_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o hope_n for_o mercy_n at_o the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_n the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a question_n first_o whether_o he_o do_v indeed_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n to_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o case_n where_o he_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n when_o we_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n be_v like_o counterfeit_v the_o king_n be_v broad_a seal_n to_o justify_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n few_o man_n make_v any_o difference_n between_o their_o private_a judgement_n opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v between_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o fancy_n come_v into_o their_o head_n be_v call_v their_o conscience_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n before_o all_o the_o visible_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o last_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o man_n must_v act_v against_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v express_o forbid_v nor_o neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v command_v a_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n whatever_o we_o suffer_v by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o a_o erroneous_a doubt_v scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v improper_o call_v conscience_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o waver_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fruitless_a nicety_n which_o signify_v nothing_o in_o practice_n for_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v it_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v or_o fear_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o contrary_a to_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v 23._o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o this_o distinction_n between_o man_n conscience_n and_o private_a opinion_n between_o their_o judgement_n direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o by_o other_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a measure_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o direct_v our_o practice_n for_o first_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o religious_o careful_a not_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n that_o be_v a_o divine_a authority_n where_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o divine_a law_n command_v or_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o we_o dare_v
not_o displease_v god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o displease_v man_n but_o to_o pretend_v a_o divine_a command_n and_o authority_n when_o we_o have_v none_o be_v like_o prophesy_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o all_o our_o dream_n and_o fancy_n it_o be_v to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o god_n never_o make_v and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n and_o new_a religion_n in_o his_o name_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o dreadful_a woe_n and_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o prophesy_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o tremble_v to_o pretend_v a_o divine_a command_n without_o divine_a authority_n this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n then_o the_o lord_n 14._o say_v unto_o i_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_n lie_v in_o my_o name_n and_o i_o send_v they_o not_o neither_o have_v i_o command_v they_o neither_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o prophesy_v to_o you_o a_o false_a vision_n and_o divination_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o and_o the_o deceit_n of_o their_o heart_n i_o have_v hear_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o 26._o prophesy_v lie_n in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o have_v dream_v i_o have_v dream_v how_o long_o shall_v this_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v lie_n yea_o they_o be_v prophet_n 31._o of_o the_o deceit_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n therefore_o behold_v i_o be_o against_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o steal_v my_o word_n every_o one_o from_o his_o neighbour_n behold_v i_o be_o against_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o use_v their_o tongue_n and_o say_v he_o sai_z behold_v i_o be_o against_o they_o that_o prophesy_v false_a dream_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v tell_v they_o and_o cause_v my_o people_n to_o err_v by_o their_o lie_n and_o by_o their_o lightness_n yet_o i_o send_v they_o not_o nor_o command_v they_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v this_o people_n at_o all_o say_v the_o lord_n now_o though_o we_o understand_v prophesy_v here_o of_o foretell_v future_a event_n in_o god_n name_n without_o any_o revelation_n or_o authority_n from_o he_o yet_o to_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v not_o a_o less_o crime_n than_o to_o prophesy_v dream_n and_o the_o deceit_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o mischief_n which_o these_o false_a prophecy_n do_v consist_v in_o that_o ill_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o man_n life_n that_o they_o hinder_v their_o repentance_n and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o licentious_a or_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o therefore_o to_o preach_v up_o new_a law_n in_o god_n name_n be_v as_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o it_o be_v to_o prophesy_v false_o in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n must_v pretend_v conscience_n any_o further_a than_o the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v be_v to_o prophesy_v false_o in_o god_n name_n when_o they_o can_v show_v no_o such_o law_n extant_a in_o the_o whole_a bible_n you_o pretend_v conscience_n it_o may_v be_v against_o hear_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v or_o be_v present_a when_o the_o minister_n use_v a_o surplice_n in_o divine_a administration_n consider_v now_o whether_o you_o do_v not_o false_o pretend_v a_o divine_a authority_n when_o you_o have_v none_o show_v i_o where_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o a_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n if_o you_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o these_o be_v not_o command_v show_v i_o but_o that_o law_n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o if_o you_o can_v do_v neither_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v then_o consider_v what_o a_o impious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o to_o make_v new_a law_n and_o bind_v they_o upon_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o man_n by_o your_o own_o private_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o much_o heavy_a imposition_n than_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o few_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n those_o who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o comply_v with_o all_o wholesome_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o their_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n do_v not_o usurp_v upon_o god_n authority_n but_o obey_v divine_a law_n as_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n as_o humane_a but_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v our_o governor_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n to_o make_v that_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o god_n never_o make_v so_o viz._n that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v though_o it_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n second_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o the_o mere_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o any_o action_n unless_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o divine_a law_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n when_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o our_o private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n there_o never_o have_v be_v worse_a action_n do_v than_o have_v be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uncharitable_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o conscientious_a pagan_n papist_n or_o mahometan_a and_o if_o to_o act_v according_a to_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v our_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v we_o at_o god_n tribunal_n this_o must_v necessary_o make_v all_o religion_n indifferent_a for_o then_o a_o honest_a pagan_n papist_n or_o turk_n who_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o persuasion_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o most_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n then_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o godly_a and_o devout_a man_n when_o in_o zeal_n for_o their_o law_n they_o crucify_a christ_n and_o persecute_v his_o apostle_n as_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o if_o we_o act_v according_a to_o our_o belief_n but_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o believe_v a_o right_n for_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a conscience_n we_o shall_v wander_v and_o go_v astray_o to_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n these_o blind_a man_n be_v such_o as_o have_v blind_a conscience_n that_o be_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n but_o yet_o may_v very_o sincere_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o very_o safe_o too_o if_o conscience_n right_a or_o wrong_n be_v a_o secure_a guide_n three_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v and_o scruple_n any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o our_o conscience_n do_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o some_o man_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o great_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o value_v themselves_o more_o by_o their_o scruple_n than_o other_o man_n do_v by_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o scruple_n and_o use_v great_a art_n and_o industry_n to_o ensnare_v and_o entangle_v themselves_o but_o i_o confess_v i_o shall_v never_o envy_v any_o man_n this_o attainment_n no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v a_o purblind_a eye_n which_o see_v very_o imperfect_o and_o therefore_o grope_v for_o its_o way_n with_o great_a caution_n and_o fear_n now_o all_o man_n agree_v that_o when_o we_o have_v any_o unnecessary_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n though_o we_o must_v not_o act_v with_o such_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v our_o scruple_n aside_o but_o then_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o man_n can_v have_v scruple_n
law_n of_o moses_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n do_v use_v a_o great_a many_o moysaicall_a rite_n only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o typical_a nature_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o circumcise_v timothy_n not_o in_o token_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n but_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n worship_v in_o the_o temple_n keep_v their_o religious_a festival_n and_o 22_o observe_v their_o law_n but_o no_o christian_n can_v do_v this_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o they_o observe_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o believe_v jew_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n may_v lawful_o observe_v those_o jewish_a custom_n when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o their_o typical_a signification_n it_o can_v be_v a_o fault_n to_o use_v some_o such_o innocent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n as_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o jewish_a ceremony_n innocent_a which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o original_a institution_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n as_o signify_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v how_o much_o more_o innocent_a be_v it_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o white_a garment_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o bend_v our_o knee_n to_o our_o lord_n at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v and_o to_o sign_v our_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o honour_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n and_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o suffer_a religion_n 3._o our_o saviour_n reject_v all_o superstitious_a observance_n which_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a sacredness_n and_o religion_n in_o they_o such_o as_o he_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o wash_a cup_n platter_n and_o hand_n before_o dinner_n thus_o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v 21._o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o their_o abstain_v from_o certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o christ_n fling_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o custom_n they_o take_v up_o with_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o merit_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v great_a number_n of_o they_o such_o as_o pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o custom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v that_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o sorry_a thing_n as_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n but_o christ_n expect_v from_o we_o true_a and_o sincere_a piety_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o superstitious_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n unless_o we_o think_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o hope_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n by_o profess_v poverty_n celibacy_n and_o blind_a obedience_n by_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n in_o lent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o vain_a superstition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o our_o knee_n as_o a_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n not_o as_o meritorious_a superstition_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v often_o declaim_v against_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o st._n paul_n mean_v any_o thing_n like_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o circumstance_n or_o appendage_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o arbitrary_a superstition_n as_o they_o turn_v into_o formal_a act_n of_o religion_n the_o four_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v our_o present_a argument_n the_o difference_n christ_n put_v between_o the_o substantial_a and_o the_o instrumental_a part_n of_o worship_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o any_o ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o decent_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o nothing_o that_o be_v mere_o external_a but_o on_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n express_v in_o such_o become_a word_n and_o behaviour_n as_o may_v make_v it_o visible_a and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o such_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n will_v please_v god_n without_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o she_o own_v no_o such_o principle_n but_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v her_o child_n better_o and_o methinks_v this_o shall_v be_v no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o establish_a worship_n of_o our_o church_n have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v they_o can_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o forsake_v it_o for_o nothing_o but_o a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o sin_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o separation_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v how_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o pray_v always_o by_o a_o form_n or_o to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o justify_v such_o practice_n as_o brief_o to_o point_v to_o some_o few_o thing_n 1._o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o these_o word_n though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o use_v it_o it_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o forbid_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n even_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o a_o form_n as_o a_o form_n can_v be_v unlawful_a 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o yet_o no_o religious_a action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o oft_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n in_o what_o place_n in_o what_o posture_n in_o what_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o word_n in_o baptism_n but_o not_o any_o one_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o must_v be_v some_o circumstance_n for_o every_o action_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a performance_n and_o great_a solemnity_n of_o such_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n leave_v all_o such_o to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o law_n the_o church_n 2._o be_v in_o a_o infant_n state_n like_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n which_o be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o that_o typical_a temple-worship_n be_v exact_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o
prevail_v with_o some_o honest_a but_o less_o think_v man_n to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v those_o which_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a do_v here_o shall_v be_v to_o answer_v some_o hard_a word_n and_o ill_a name_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o worship_n and_o show_v how_o ignorant_o and_o injurious_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n such_o be_v these_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n these_o be_v hard_a word_n which_o very_o few_o people_n understand_v and_o therein_o the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o first_o will-worship_n now_o when_o man_n charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o will-worship_n they_o general_o understand_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n now_o this_o i_o absolute_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o will-worship_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consist_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o expound_v they_o to_o the_o people_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o sing_v psalm_n and_o administer_a the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o which_o be_v express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v will-worship_n in_o this_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n use_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o not_o will-worship_n we_o do_v not_o think_v wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n nor_o expect_v to_o please_v god_n by_o any_o external_a dress_n or_o habit_n but_o we_o think_v it_o a_o decent_a garb_n for_o those_o to_o use_v who_o minister_n in_o holy_a thing_n we_o do_v not_o think_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o act_n but_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o not_o kneel_v to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o express_v that_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o mind_n which_o become_v such_o a_o mysterious_a worship_n and_o as_o a_o posture_n suitable_a to_o those_o prayer_n which_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v we_o put_v up_o to_o heaven_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o design_v as_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n it_o be_v not_o a_o dedicate_a and_o covenant_a sign_n which_o respect_v god_n but_o at_o most_o a_o engage_v sign_n which_o respect_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n much_o less_o will-worship_n to_o institute_v any_o new_a kind_a or_o species_n of_o worship_n be_v certain_o unlawful_a as_o to_o make_v any_o new_a object_n of_o worship_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a representation_n such_o as_o a_o picture_n and_o image_n or_o invisible_a being_n as_o angel_n and_o deisied_a man_n a_o numerous_a company_n of_o who_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o new_a act_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o frequent_a wash_n purgation_n sacrifice_n pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a action_n which_o be_v no_o where_o determine_v by_o god_n may_v and_o must_v be_v determine_v either_o by_o our_o own_o prudence_n or_o by_o the_o prudence_n of_o our_o governor_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o will-worship_n because_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v design_v for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v further_a that_o this_o word_n will-worship_n be_v find_v but_o once_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o very_a wise_a and_o learned_a man_n question_n whether_o in_o that_o place_n will-worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o ill_a thing_n the_o word_n be_v these_o which_o 23._o thing_n have_v indeed_o a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n not_o in_o any_o honour_n of_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o they_o observe_v that_o will-worship_n be_v join_v with_o two_o other_o very_a good_a thing_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v external_a severity_n and_o mortification_n to_o keep_v down_o the_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n not_o to_o pamper_v it_o with_o high_a nourishment_n nor_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o follow_v not_o in_o honour_n in_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o honour_n as_o st._n hierom_n observe_v signify_v take_v care_n of_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n strictness_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n in_o suppress_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o lust_n and_o the_o least_o inclination_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v forbid_v or_o censure_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o will-worship_n be_v for_o there_o be_v as_o much_o appearance_n of_o his_o condemn_v one_o as_o tother_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o expound_v this_o to_o signify_v only_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o that_o suppose_n that_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a thing_n and_o part_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n when_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o good_a gain_v a_o reputation_n of_o wisdom_n by_o be_v like_o they_o for_o that_o which_o make_v these_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o will-worship_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n by_o will-worship_n we_o must_v understand_v voluntary_a worship_n which_o answer_v to_o free-will-offering_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o yet_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o man_n do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o deny_v themselves_o those_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o god_n allow_v in_o order_n to_o some_o spiritual_a end_n to_o refine_v and_o purge_v their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o more_o perfect_a attainment_n in_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o countenance_v this_o interpretation_n that_o all_o the_o superstition_n in_o the_o world_n do_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v man_n and_o pass_v for_o excellent_a attainment_n in_o religion_n under_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o free-will-offering_n of_o do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o whereby_o they_o think_v they_o so_o high_o merit_v of_o god_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o become_v his_o peculiar_a favourite_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n think_v to_o do_v by_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n by_o their_o frequent_a wash_n purification_n fast_n and_o tything_n even_o mint_n and_o cummin_n thus_o the_o papist_n do_v by_o their_o fast_n pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n but_o the_o mistake_n be_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n because_o though_o at_o first_o it_o look_v like_o the_o noble_a generous_a worship_n of_o free-will-offering_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o though_o under_o the_o law_n freewill_n offering_n be_v not_o command_v which_o have_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o freewill_n offer_v yet_o there_o be_v direction_n give_v what_o such_o person_n shall_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o case_n they_o do_v offer_v at_o all_o and_o in_o particular_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o blemish_n 17._o in_o it_o which_o signify_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o such_o instance_n as_o we_o know_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o man_n spend_v their_o zeal_n in_o some_o voluntary_a superstition_n which_o can_v please_v god_n such_o thing_n have_v only_o a_o show_n a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n in_o voluntary_a worship_n because_o though_o their_o worship_n be_v voluntary_a and_o so_o far_o commendable_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v
he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o circumcision_n sacrifice_n legal_a wash_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o like_a and_o have_v only_o institute_v baptism_n as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n which_o can_v be_v think_v grievous_a and_o troublesome_a when_o it_o be_v administer_v but_o once_o to_o a_o man_n for_o his_o life_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o a_o stand_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o deny_v obedience_n to_o one_o easy_a command_n when_o our_o lord_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o such_o a_o grievous_a and_o unsupportable_a yoke_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o as_o much_o as_o man_n talk_v of_o christian_a liberty_n they_o little_o value_v that_o love_n which_o purchase_v it_o it_o at_o so_o dear_a rate_n other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v not_o whole_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o yet_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o communicate_v often_o so_o they_o do_v it_o some_o time_n though_o very_o seldom_o they_o comply_v with_o our_o saviour_n institution_n who_o have_v command_v we_o indeed_o to_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o have_v not_o appoint_v how_o often_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o fix_a and_o settle_a time_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o plain_a argument_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v this_o supper_n as_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n if_o he_o have_v intend_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v receive_v these_o mystery_n only_o on_o some_o set_n and_o solemn_a time_n he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o have_v appoint_v no_o time_n for_o it_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o expect_v from_o christian_n in_o all_o their_o public_a religious_a assembly_n when_o ever_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o thus_o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o never_o meet_v together_o for_o religious_a worship_n but_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v part_n and_o always_o account_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n this_o be_v do_v every_o day_n as_o be_v general_o conclude_v from_o that_o short_a history_n we_o have_v of_o their_o daily_a conversation_n which_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n 46._o in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o eucharistical_a feast_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o custom_n of_o receive_v every_o day_n continue_v some_o age_n after_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n in_o st._n hierom_n time_n and_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n 2._o and_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n denounce_v excommunication_n against_o those_o christian_n who_o come_v to_o church_n to_o join_v in_o other_o religious_a office_n but_o go_v away_o without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n afterward_o as_o man_n zeal_n in_o religion_n decay_v so_o they_o abate_v in_o the_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n and_o from_o every_o day_n it_o come_v to_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o week_n or_o every_o lord_n day_n till_o it_o grow_v so_o dis-used_n that_o the_o church_n be_v force_v to_o make_v provision_n by_o her_o public_a canon_n that_o every_o christian_n shall_v at_o least_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n three_o time_n a_o year_n on_o the_o three_o great_a feast_n of_o the_o church_n christmas_n easter_n and_o whitsunday_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n confine_v it_o to_o no_o time_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o expound_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o understand_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n that_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o a_o excuse_n for_o communicate_v seldom_o that_o i_o want_v a_o fair_a apology_n to_o make_v for_o ourselves_o for_o communicate_v so_o seldom_o as_o once_o a_o month_n unless_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o age_n the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o that_o little_a sense_n man_n have_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v think_v a_o good_a apology_n 2._o for_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o as_o christ_n have_v institute_v this_o holy_a supper_n so_o he_o have_v institute_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n a_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n until_o he_o come_v and_o therefore_o be_v a_o mysterious_a rite_n of_o worship_n as_o all_o sacrifice_n be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o to_o explain_v this_o more_o particular_o though_o brief_o i_o shall_v consider_v this_o holy_a feast_n both_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o as_o it_o respect_v our_o saviour_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o so_o we_o may_v consider_v it_o as_o a_o thanksgiving_n or_o as_o a_o prayer_n 1._o as_o a_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a and_o unexpressible_a goodness_n in_o send_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n and_o offer_v he_o up_o as_o a_o expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n certain_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n which_o take_v pity_n on_o we_o in_o our_o low_a estate_n and_o provide_v a_o ransom_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o redeemer_n for_o we_o who_o so_o love_v the_o 16._o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o when_o so_o proper_a to_o do_v this_o as_o when_o we_o celebrate_v this_o holy_a feast_n when_o we_o commemorate_v the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o must_v needs_o affect_v our_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o stupid_a with_o a_o very_a passionate_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o proper_a sacrament_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n can_v we_o use_v than_o to_o present_v he_o with_o the_o memorial_n of_o his_o stupendous_a love_n to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o we_o retain_v a_o fresh_a sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o it_o that_o we_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n though_o it_o be_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o christ_n suffer_v and_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n you_o can_v more_v effectual_o praise_v any_o man_n than_o to_o show_v the_o visible_a remains_o and_o monument_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o charity_n as_o the_o widow_n weep_v show_v the_o coat_n and_o garment_n 39_o which_o dorcas_n make_v while_o she_o be_v with_o they_o thus_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o speak_v such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o behold_v lord_n here_o be_v the_o token_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o we_o thy_o own_o son_n bleed_v and_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n thy_o eternal_a son_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o who_o thy_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v die_v upon_o the_o cross_n a_o shameful_a accurse_a linger_a torment_a death_n scorn_v and_o reproach_v of_o man_n and_o forsake_v of_o god_n who_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o struggle_v with_o the_o fear_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n without_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a support_n which_o he_o now_o need_v most_o but_o least_o enjoy_v we_o will_v never_o forget_v such_o love_n as_o this_o we_o will_v perpetual_o celebrate_v this_o holy_a feast_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o memorial_n of_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o our_o father_n to_o his_o god_n and_o to_o our_o god_n 2._o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o sacrament_n of_o prayer_n for_o so_o the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n be_v always_o offer_v with_o prayer_n which_o be_v accept_v in_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o man_n can_v not_o every_o day_n attend_v the_o temple_n worship_n especial_o those_o who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o temple_n
yet_o the_o time_n of_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n be_v the_o usual_a hour_n of_o prayer_n observe_v by_o pious_a and_o devout_a man_n who_o send_v up_o their_o prayer_n together_o with_o the_o sacrifice_n thus_o ezra_n tell_v we_o at_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n 5._o i_o fall_v upon_o my_o knee_n and_o spread_v out_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n and_o to_o this_o the_o psalmist_n allude_v let_v my_o 2._o prayer_n be_v set_v before_o thou_o as_o incense_v and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n for_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n we_o can_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v hear_v our_o prayer_n for_o our_o own_o sake_n we_o can_v make_v no_o atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o our_o own_o sin_n nor_o offer_v he_o any_o just_a compensation_n for_o they_o and_o therefore_o under_o the_o law_n god_n appoint_v expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v god_n minister_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v both_o our_o priest_n and_o our_o sacrifice_n the_o acceptation_n of_o our_o prayer_n depend_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n upon_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n for_o with_o his_o own_o 12._o blood_n he_o enter_v once_o into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o we_o must_v now_o go_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n if_o we_o expect_v a_o gracious_a answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n now_o for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o lord_n supper_n institute_v to_o be_v a_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v which_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n be_v to_o put_v he_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o to_o plead_v the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o it_o for_o our_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a prayer_n to_o god_n to_o remember_v the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n and_o to_o be_v propitious_a to_o his_o church_n his_o body_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o therefore_o the_o ancient_a church_n constant_o at_o this_o holy_a supper_n offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n there_o represent_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v a_o commemorative_n sacrifice_n because_o we_o therein_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o altar_n or_o the_o place_n where_o they_o consecrate_v the_o element_n be_v the_o place_n also_o where_o they_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o offer_v their_o prayer_n only_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o institution_n do_v render_v their_o prayer_n prevalent_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o very_a first_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a worship_n we_o find_v break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n join_v together_o the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o prayer_n depend_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o 46._o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o the_o way_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o give_v our_o prayer_n a_o interest_n in_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o offer_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a supper_n with_o the_o sacramental_a remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o lord_n supper_n as_o it_o respect_v christ_n himself_o and_o be_v a_o remembrance_n of_o he_o so_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o peculiar_a worship_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n pay_v he_o as_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o great_a love_n in_o die_v for_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o for_o 1._o this_o signify_v to_o keep_v this_o feast_n as_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o ought_v to_o remember_v our_o saviour_n and_o think_v of_o he_o as_o often_o as_o we_o can_v but_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v a_o public_a celebration_n of_o his_o fame_n and_o memory_n we_o must_v not_o only_o think_v of_o our_o saviour_n as_o we_o do_v of_o a_o absent_a friend_n who_o be_v very_o dear_a to_o we_o but_o we_o must_v remember_v he_o as_o some_o nation_n do_v their_o public_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n with_o solemn_a and_o festival_n joy_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o feast_n institute_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v call_v to_o mind_v his_o noble_a act_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o we_o must_v call_v to_o mind_v his_o great_a and_o astonish_a love_n and_o recount_v all_o his_o victory_n and_o triumph_n over_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n we_o must_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n 12._o who_o be_v slay_v and_o be_v worthy_a to_o receive_v power_n and_o riches_n and_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o blessing_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o religious_a feast_n to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o all_o religious_a festival_n the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n be_v original_o institute_v in_o honour_n of_o the_o great_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o finish_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o six_o day_n and_o rest_v on_o the_o seven_o and_o be_v change_v to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o feast_n of_o the_o passeover_n be_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o that_o deliverance_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v from_o the_o destroy_a angel_n who_o smite_v all_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o egyptian_n but_o spare_v their_o house_n which_o be_v but_o a_o obscure_a type_n of_o our_o great_a deliverance_n by_o christ_n of_o which_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v institute_v as_o a_o perpetual_a memorial_n all_o these_o holy_a feast_n be_v for_o a_o remembrance_n that_o be_v to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n to_o praise_v his_o great_a name_n and_o by_o a_o contemplation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n to_o inflame_v our_o soul_n with_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o wonder_v till_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n grow_v too_o big_a and_o vehement_a to_o be_v suppress_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n but_o break_v forth_o into_o public_a song_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o thus_o we_o must_v remember_v our_o saviour_n in_o this_o holy_a feast_n by_o make_v public_a thankful_a and_o joyful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o great_a and_o mysterious_a love_n and_o all_o the_o mighty_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n when_o our_o saviour_n say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o he_o require_v we_o to_o keep_v this_o feast_n with_o the_o public_a expression_n of_o that_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o bear_v to_o his_o memory_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o as_o a_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o affiance_n in_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n that_o we_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o his_o cross_n nor_o afraid_a of_o any_o suffering_n for_o his_o sake_n 2._o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o peculiar_a worship_n of_o christ_n consider_v as_o a_o god_n incarnate_a the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o uncreated_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o become_v man_n as_o we_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v capable_a to_o dwell_v among_o we_o without_o that_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n which_o his_o unvailed_a glory_n carry_v with_o it_o which_o be_v too_o bright_a and_o dazzle_a for_o mortal_a eye_n to_o gaze_v on_o and_o that_o when_o he_o have_v live_v here_o a_o poor_a despise_a afflict_a life_n in_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o servant_n he_o may_v die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n
for_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o bread_n and_o wine_n that_o he_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o we_o be_v that_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o give_v life_n unto_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o stupendous_a mystery_n which_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o the_o low_a condescension_n of_o eternal_a love_n but_o the_o high_a advancement_n of_o humane_a nature_n above_o the_o glory_n of_o angel_n into_o a_o union_n with_o the_o deity_n itself_o how_o shall_v our_o soul_n triumph_v in_o god-man_n a_o saviour_n of_o our_o own_o race_n and_o stock_n and_o with_o a_o little_a variation_n sing_v the_o song_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n my_o soul_n do_v magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n for_o he_o have_v regard_v the_o low_a estate_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o behold_v from_o henceforth_o all_o generation_n even_o the_o angel_n themselves_o shall_v call_v we_o bless_v for_o he_o that_o be_v mighty_a have_v do_v great_a thing_n to_o we_o have_v magnify_v we_o have_v great_o exalt_v we_o and_o holy_a for_o ever_o bless_v and_o glorify_v be_v his_o name_n how_o zealous_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o advance_v his_o name_n and_o praise_n who_o debase_v who_o humble_v who_o empty_v himself_o and_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n for_o our_o sake_n when_o he_o suffer_v so_o low_a a_o debasement_n by_o become_a man_n and_o have_v so_o great_o exalt_v we_o by_o it_o do_v it_o not_o become_v we_o in_o this_o holy_a feast_n to_o advance_v his_o name_n to_o sing_v his_o praise_n to_o publish_v his_o con_fw-mi descending_z love_n and_o with_o a_o great_a passion_n and_o wonder_n adore_v the_o deity_n clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n how_o shall_v our_o heart_n leap_v within_o we_o when_o we_o see_v such_o a_o visible_a representation_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o incarnate_a deity_n when_o we_o see_v that_o mysterious_a bread_n and_o wine_n which_o represent_v to_o any_o eye_n of_o faith_n a_o god_n incarnate_a a_o god_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o subject_a to_o all_o the_o sinless_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o a_o man_n oh_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v sight_n which_o do_v as_o much_o puzzle_v our_o passion_n as_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v as_o much_o too_o big_a for_o our_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o wonder_n as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o finite_a and_o narrow_a understanding_n and_o yet_o oh_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o such_o love_n and_o condescension_n as_o this_o to_o find_v a_o object_n too_o big_a for_o our_o high_a rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o devotion_n where_o we_o launch_v out_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o word_n and_o thought_n and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o silence_n and_o wonder_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o we_o may_v celebrate_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o incarnate_a god_n 3._o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o proper_a worship_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n for_o here_o we_o see_v his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o feast_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n wherein_o we_o visible_o declare_v and_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o return_v he_o our_o joyful_a praise_n for_o his_o great_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o here_o we_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o as_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n soul_n fire_v with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o transport_v with_o a_o passionate_a admiration_n of_o his_o die_a love_n a_o love_n without_o any_o bound_n or_o measure_n without_o precedent_n or_o example_n a_o love_n strong_a than_o fear_n or_o shame_n or_o death_n a_o love_n which_o have_v no_o cause_n but_o itself_o which_o do_v not_o find_v but_o make_v its_o object_n which_o pity_v we_o when_o we_o do_v not_o pity_v ourselves_o which_o suffer_v such_o hard_a such_o unsufferable_a usage_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o punishment_n which_o they_o have_v deserve_v from_o god_n and_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o love_v he_o who_o have_v love_v we_o first_o than_o live_v to_o he_o who_o have_v die_v for_o we_o and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o we_o bless_a jesus_n thou_o have_v conquer_v thou_o have_v captivate_v we_o by_o thy_o astonish_a love_n we_o be_v thou_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o thou_o take_v the_o entire_a possession_n of_o we_o we_o lay_v ourselves_o and_o our_o dear_a concernment_n at_o thy_o foot_n use_v we_o as_o thou_o please_v we_o have_v no_o great_a ambition_n than_o to_o serve_v thou_o and_o to_o advance_v thy_o name_n and_o glory_n whether_o in_o life_n or_o death_n riches_n or_o poverty_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n we_o will_v follow_v thou_o whither_o soever_o thou_o lead_v we_o though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o will_v rejoice_v that_o we_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o thy_o sake_n and_o account_v the_o reproach_n of_o our_o lord_n great_a riches_n than_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o this_o world_n nay_o in_o this_o holy_a feast_n we_o do_v not_o only_o admire_v and_o praise_v his_o die_a love_n but_o extol_v his_o power_n and_o conquest_n over_o death_n that_o he_o be_v dead_a indeed_o but_o be_v alive_a and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n our_o lord_n be_v rise_v again_o and_o become_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n and_o now_o in_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o see_v the_o eternal_a conquest_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n for_o by_o death_n he_o have_v destroy_v he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n 15._o who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o this_o holy_a table_n we_o feast_v on_o the_o spoil_n of_o death_n this_o be_v that_o bread_n which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n by_o put_v a_o end_n to_o death_n and_o become_v the_o principle_n and_o earnest_n of_o immortality_n glory_n be_v to_o this_o mighty_a conqueror_n who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v not_o detain_v prisoner_n this_o be_v our_o crucify_a lord_n who_o die_v with_o scorn_n and_o ignominy_n but_o rise_v again_o with_o glory_n and_o power_n we_o do_v not_o eat_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o feed_v on_o a_o live_a saviour_n so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o lord_n supper_n contain_v in_o itself_o or_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a worship_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o express_v that_o in_o word_n and_o action_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a sign_n in_o this_o holy_a feast_n we_o can_v beg_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o any_o blessing_n which_o we_o want_v either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a but_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v here_o represent_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o christian_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o incarnate_a and_o crucify_a saviour_n must_v relate_v either_o to_o his_o great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n in_o become_a man_n his_o great_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o or_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o that_o power_n to_o which_o he_o be_v now_o advance_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v either_o signify_v or_o represent_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o that_o question_n how_o often_o we_o shall_v communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v easy_o answer_v by_o another_o how_o often_o we_o be_v bind_v public_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a rule_n for_o worship_n for_o so_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_n to_o call_v it_o for_o want_v of_o a_o more_o proper_a name_n and_o fit_v to_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o often_o repeat_v as_o we_o worship_v our_o saviour_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a without_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o for_o that_o wonderful_a manifestation_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o all_o the_o
and_o i_o live_v by_o the_o father_n so_o he_o that_o eat_v i_o even_o he_o shall_v live_v by_o i_o this_o be_v that_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o as_o your_o father_n do_v eat_v manna_n and_o be_v dead_a he_o that_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n shall_v live_v for_o ever_o where_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o who_o eat_v he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o because_o he_o himself_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o though_o he_o must_v die_v he_o be_v to_o rise_v again_o into_o a_o immortal_a life_n and_o a_o eternal_a kingdom_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v a_o certain_a earnest_n of_o immortality_n to_o those_o who_o feed_v on_o he_o and_o we_o need_v not_o indeed_o doubt_v this_o since_o it_o convey_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o roman_n but_o if_o the_o 11._o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o but_o possible_o some_o may_v object_v that_o all_o this_o which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a supper_n we_o receive_v at_o our_o baptism_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o earnest_n of_o immortality_n for_o so_o we_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v baptize_v as_o well_o as_o 13._o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o 5._o his_o resurrection_n now_o all_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o baptism_n not_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v our_o regeneration_n or_o new_a birth_n we_o be_v raise_v into_o a_o new_a life_n be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v at_o our_o baptism_n and_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n bestow_v on_o we_o as_o the_o author_n and_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n but_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o the_o daily_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v grieve_v he_o and_o make_v he_o withdraw_v from_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n depend_v upon_o our_o diligent_a attendance_n at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o have_v constant_a food_n to_o preserve_v his_o life_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n the_o stay_n and_o support_v of_o life_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o these_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v at_o this_o feast_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o our_o daily_a food_n be_v to_o the_o support_n of_o a_o bodily_a life_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n of_o which_o the_o manna_n be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n now_o we_o know_v manna_n be_v their_o constant_a food_n the_o only_a bread_n they_o have_v which_o signify_v that_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n be_v the_o daily_a support_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n and_o therefore_o we_o know_v the_o ancient_a father_n by_o our_o daily_a bread_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n do_v general_o understand_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o bread_n of_o god_n all_o which_o may_v convince_v we_o from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o institution_n that_o frequent_a communione_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_n in_o holiness_n to_o repair_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o to_o renew_v our_o strength_n and_o vigour_n in_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n after_o a_o relapse_n and_o to_o call_v back_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o as_o bread_n be_v to_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o constant_a repair_n and_o do_v man_n love_v their_o soul_n as_o they_o do_v their_o body_n they_o will_v no_o more_o neglect_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n than_o their_o daily_a food_n 4._o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o therefore_o as_o necessary_a as_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o debar_v any_o person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v to_o shut_v they_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o they_o be_v never_o restore_v to_o full_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n while_o discipline_n be_v preserve_v in_o its_o glory_n and_o vigour_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n no_o christian_a dare_v turn_v his_o back_n upon_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o nine_o part_n in_o ten_o now_o often_o do_v indeed_o they_o can_v not_o well_o communicate_v as_o faithful_a christian_a people_n without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o catechuman_n and_o penitent_n be_v admit_v to_o public_a instruction_n and_o to_o such_o prayer_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o but_o they_o be_v dismiss_v when_o that_o be_v do_v and_o not_o admit_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v in_o full_a peace_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o which_o be_v the_o holy_a supper_n indeed_o st._n paul_n attribute_n the_o union_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o body_n to_o christ_n to_o this_o holy_a feast_n he_o call_v the_o cup_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bread_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o assign_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n 17._o and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o by_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o bread_n for_o we_o be_v one_o bread_n as_o well_o as_o one_o body_n which_o place_v christian_a unity_n in_o a_o joint_a participation_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n this_o also_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n make_v we_o his_o body_n because_o we_o all_o feed_v on_o his_o body_n the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n as_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v with_o his_o body_n which_o both_o show_v we_o how_o necessary_a the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v we_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a supper_n and_o this_o must_v be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o how_o essential_a this_o holy_a supper_n be_v to_o christian_a communion_n as_o unite_n we_o all_o to_o christ_n in_o one_o body_n for_o shame_v then_o let_v not_o those_o man_n cry_v out_o against_o schism_n and_o schismatic_n who_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n which_o be_v most_o essential_a to_o christianity_n it_o be_v a_o much_o less_o evil_a not_o to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n together_o nay_o sometime_o not_o to_o pray_v together_o than_o to_o join_v in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n but_o to_o break_v company_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n where_o if_o ever_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v as_o one_o body_n and_o one_o bread_n to_o set_v up_o altar_n against_o altar_n be_v somewhat_o worse_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o incurable_a schism_n than_o to_o absent_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v excuse_v those_o man_n from_o be_v schismatic_n who_o live_v in_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o can_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v revive_v such_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o christian_a communion_n in_o any_o religious_a office_n be_v a_o privilege_n which_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v and_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v thus_o explain_v our_o obligation_n to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o i_o judge_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o no_o honest_a impartial_a inquirer_n can_v resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o and_o of_o such_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n that_o no_o
sober_a christian_n can_v withstand_v their_o conviction_n i_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v what_o be_v the_o most_o common_a occasion_n of_o or_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v of_o a_o great_a many_o i_o shall_v but_o mention_v two_o very_o brief_o as_o be_v i_o think_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n it_o shall_v have_v so_o ill_a a_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n either_o they_o can_v never_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n or_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o look_v like_o pride_n and_o folly_n to_o think_v that_o we_o must_v be_v worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n they_o must_v all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v above_o our_o desert_n how_o come_v mankind_n to_o be_v worthy_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v die_v for_o they_o and_o have_v god_n advise_v with_o such_o modest_a sinner_n they_o may_v have_v complemented_a away_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o now_o they_o do_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o his_o holy_a supper_n how_o great_a a_o saint_n soever_o thou_o be_v thou_o can_v never_o merit_v such_o favour_n and_o privilege_n as_o these_o for_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n to_o merit_v for_o thou_o and_o how_o great_a a_o sinner_n soever_o thou_o be_v by_o comply_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v quick_o make_v thyself_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o hearty_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o reform_v thy_o life_n and_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n with_o assurance_n to_o receive_v those_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v enable_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o great_a the_o better_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n plain_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o it_o require_v much_o great_a preparation_n of_o mind_n than_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n this_o holy_a supper_n be_v a_o sacred_a mysterious_a rite_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o make_v they_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n be_v you_o then_o when_o you_o come_v to_o church_n fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o if_o not_o you_o must_v neglect_v your_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o be_v fit_a to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n to_o give_v virtue_n and_o prevalency_n to_o your_o prayer_n this_o holy_a supper_n convey_v to_o we_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o spirit_n now_o if_o you_o be_v true_o penitent_a you_o be_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n where_o it_o be_v dispense_v if_o you_o earnest_o desire_v the_o divine_a grace_n you_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o come_v but_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o want_n and_o with_o such_o desire_n as_o a_o hungry_a man_n have_v of_o meat_n and_o here_o you_o shall_v be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o without_o such_o preparation_n as_o these_o we_o can_v neither_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n nor_o to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o yet_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o man_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n shall_v be_v unfit_a to_o approach_v his_o table_n 2._o other_o think_v that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a danger_n in_o approach_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o than_o in_o a_o unworthy_a performance_n of_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o think_v so_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v no_o more_o it_o be_v as_o unpardonable_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o christ_n name_n without_o true_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n and_o serious_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o praise_n god_n without_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n differ_v not_o at_o all_o from_o feast_v at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o his_o die_a love_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o give_v encouragement_n by_o this_o discourse_n to_o wicked_a man_n to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o sacred_a mystery_n when_o they_o be_v discover_v but_o the_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o those_o man_n who_o have_v such_o clear_a innocent_a conscience_n that_o they_o dare_v pray_v to_o god_n need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o case_n they_o be_v in_o they_o defile_v every_o holy_a duty_n they_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n they_o can_v ask_v his_o pardon_n but_o they_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o man_n prayer_n be_v only_o to_o beg_v a_o long_a liberty_n and_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o encouragement_n to_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o and_o so_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n for_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n very_o right_a but_o not_o to_o dispute_v the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n be_v not_o this_o true_a also_o of_o he_o that_o hear_v or_o pray_v unworthy_o do_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a degree_n of_o worthiness_n require_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n than_o there_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o either_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o die_v our_o right_n to_o immortality_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o man_n shall_v content_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o make_v they_o unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o immortal_a life_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o deplorable_a condition_n that_o they_o shall_v neglect_v that_o holy_a feast_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a institute_v mean_n of_o convey_v all_o these_o blessing_n to_o they_o finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v by_o richard_n chiswel_o lord_n bacon_n remain_n octavo_fw-la dr._n puller_n discourse_n of_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n octavo_fw-la dr._n edw._n bagshaw_n discourse_n upon_o select_a text_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_n octavo_fw-la mr._n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n the_o second_o volume_n folio_n his_o large_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n folio_n remark_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o 3_o first_o century_n wherein_o be_v intersperse_v animadversion_n on_o a_o book_n call_v a_o view_n of_o antiquity_n by_o i._o h._n write_a by_o a._n s._n speculum_fw-la baxterianum_n or_o baxter_n against_o baxter_n quarto_fw-la the_o countryman_n physician_n octavo_fw-la dr._n burlace_n history_n of_o the_o irish_a rebellion_n folio_n a_o apology_n for_o a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n write_v by_o ma._n clifford_n esq_n twelve_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n concern_v jesuit_n etc._n etc._n explain_v by_o divers_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o judge_n with_o other_o observation_n thereupon_o by_o william_n cawley_n esq_n folio_n dr._n burnet_n
and_o reverence_n for_o their_o spirial_a guide_n this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o only_o a_o word_n by_o the_o by_o for_o my_o own_o profession_n but_o let_v it_o be_v for_o who_o it_o will_v religion_n never_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v like_a to_o flourish_v when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v when_o their_o counsel_n be_v slight_v and_o contemn_v their_o office_n be_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o soul_n and_o unless_o man_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o it_o render_v their_o office_n useless_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o reverence_v their_o counsel_n reproof_n and_o censure_n and_o to_o apply_v to_o they_o in_o all_o case_n which_o concern_v their_o soul_n now_o when_o man_n have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o instruction_n it_o make_v they_o natural_o reverence_v their_o judgement_n and_o advise_v with_o they_o in_o all_o difficult_a case_n a_o thing_n much_o out_o of_o use_n now_o and_o we_o see_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n of_o too_o many_o 4._o by_o the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n those_o may_v learn_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v too_o old_a indeed_o to_o be_v catechize_v but_o yet_o very_o much_o want_v it_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a to_o think_v how_o ignorant_a many_o man_n be_v of_o the_o very_a first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n indeed_o but_o be_v never_o catechize_v all_o our_o sermon_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v upon_o these_o man_n who_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v religion_n unless_o you_o teach_v they_o as_o you_o do_v child_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o their_o age_n and_o long_a profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a and_o modest_a way_n of_o instruct_v these_o man_n be_v to_o instruct_v child_n when_o they_o be_v present_a which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o do_v not_o disdain_v instruction_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o and_o so_o conclude_v this_o argument_n that_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o instruct_v child_n i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o think_v that_o i_o only_o mean_v such_o young_a child_n as_o be_v just_o able_a to_o repeat_v the_o catechism_n by_o heart_n but_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v any_o other_o answer_n to_o what_o you_o ask_v but_o what_o they_o find_v in_o their_o book_n such_o child_n as_o these_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o instruction_n nor_o can_v it_o much_o edify_v the_o congregation_n to_o hear_v they_o repeat_v imperfect_o the_o word_n of_o the_o catechism_n but_o i_o principal_o mean_v such_o young_a man_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o learning_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o and_o make_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n at_o least_o with_o a_o little_a help_n and_o instruction_n we_o live_v now_o in_o a_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v think_v a_o reproach_n for_o those_o to_o be_v catechize_v who_o be_v get_v out_o of_o their_o hanging-sleeve_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o learn_v a_o trade_n they_o think_v themselves_o too_o old_a to_o learn_v their_o religion_n but_o be_v religion_n then_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o youth_n of_o sixteen_o or_o seventeen_o be_v past_o his_o catechism_n be_v it_o a_o great_a reproach_n at_o such_o a_o age_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v to_o learn_v arithmetic_n and_o merchant_n account_n i_o ready_o grant_v such_o young_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v treat_v like_o child_n to_o be_v make_v repeat_v only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o catechism_n as_o schoolboy_n do_v their_o lesson_n but_o there_o be_v a_o manly_a way_n of_o instruction_n which_o will_v not_o unbecome_v their_o year_n but_o much_o contribute_v to_o their_o increase_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n can_v this_o point_n be_v once_o gain_v to_o persuade_v parent_n and_o master_n to_o send_v such_o to_o be_v catechize_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o instruction_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o see_v very_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o so_o much_o despise_v and_o neglect_a duty_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o last_o miscarriage_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o general_a neglect_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n this_o practice_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n restore_v among_o we_o and_o we_o now_o with_o joy_n observe_v more_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a communion_n than_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n last_o pass_v yet_o this_o hold_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o those_o great_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n who_o neglect_v it_o whole_o or_o communicate_v very_o seldom_o thus_o to_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o christianity_n and_o infinite_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o the_o most_o beneficial_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o indeed_o one_o will_v think_v that_o there_o need_v nothing_o else_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o so_o advantageous_a a_o duty_n but_o true_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o my_o present_a design_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o large_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v bring_v what_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v and_o 1._o show_v you_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o 2._o examine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n or_o occasion_n which_o tempt_v man_n to_o such_o a_o neglect_n 1._o the_o great_a evil_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o this_o be_v by_o explain_v those_o many_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o we_o to_o a_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o this_o mysterious_a feast_n 1._o and_o i_o shall_v first_o argue_v from_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o certain_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o a_o stand_n and_o necessary_a duty_n to_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o his_o disciple_n now_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o feast_n run_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o command_n so_o st._n matthew_n tell_v we_o as_o they_o be_v eat_v 28._o viz._n the_o feast_n of_o the_o passeover_n jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v take_v eat_z this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o same_o account_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n 25._o give_v of_o it_o and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n so_o do_v st._n paul_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o revelation_n from_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o those_o man_n at_o least_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n who_o never_o celebrate_v this_o heavenly_a feast_n if_o it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o sin_n to_o break_v a_o plain_a express_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o very_o great_a number_n there_o be_v of_o such_o man_n in_o our_o church_n if_o at_o least_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o never_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o call_v christ_n lord_n and_o master_n but_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o there_o be_v two_o very_a considerable_a aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v his_o last_o and_o die_a command_n which_o usual_o have_v great_a sacredness_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o though_o it_o be_v but_o the_o command_n nay_o but_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o friend_n this_o command_n he_o give_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o night_n wherein_o he_o be_v betray_v when_o he_o be_v just_a about_o to_o offer_v his_o soul_n in_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v to_o encounter_v with_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n with_o rage_n and_o malice_n with_o the_o shame_n and_o exquisite_a pain_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a requital_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n that_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o die_a command_n 2._o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o numerous_a troublesome_a expensive_a ceremony_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n