one_o and_o the_o same_o 3._o and_o then_o three_o we_o may_v lawful_o observe_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o command_n or_o example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o table-gesture_n be_v good_a and_o this_o principle_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o have_v some_o command_n or_o example_n for_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a batter_a engine_n which_o have_v be_v constant_o employ_v against_o the_o ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o puritanisme_n do_v consist_v 1681._o as_o bishop_n sanderson_n notes_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v our_o brethren_n not_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o table-gesture_n as_o they_o love_v the_o life_n of_o their_o cause_n i_o be_o sure_a no_o great_a argument_n can_v be_v afford_v of_o a_o rout_v baffle_v cause_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o see_v the_o patron_n of_o it_o run_v up_o and_o down_o in_o confusion_n and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n sometime_o to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n then_o to_o his_o example_n when_o drive_v out_o there_o then_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o civil_a custom_n and_o about_o again_o to_o the_o example_n for_o thus_o the_o author_n of_o the_o forementioned_a tract_n do_v thus_o much_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o question_n propose_v for_o the_o resolution_n whereof_o i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o so_o we_o may_v true_o understand_v what_o gesture_n be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o it_o 2._o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o absolute_o require_v and_o necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v 3._o that_o kneel_v be_v very_o comely_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o no_o table-gesture_n 4._o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o ancient_a father_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o be_v maintain_v and_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v it_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n first_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o and_o banquet_n by_o the_o ancient_a greek_a father_n because_o of_o that_o provision_n and_o entertainment_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v for_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n it_o be_v style_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n either_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n at_o suppertime_n at_o night_n or_o because_o it_o represent_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o a_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a supper_n and_o feast_n though_o it_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n between_o this_o holy_a feast_n and_o civil_a feast_n and_o the_o show_v wherein_o it_o lie_v will_v in_o part_n explain_v its_o nature_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o feast_n and_o include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o plenty_n good_a company_n and_o mirth_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o the_o sacrament_n be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n proper_o a_o banquet_n a_o feast_n but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a one_o consist_v of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o benefit_n communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o all_o true_a believer_n signify_v by_o and_o tender_v under_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o even_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o consider_v as_o a_o feast_n and_o be_v necessary_a ingredient_n into_o all_o feast_n whatsoever_o it_o very_o much_o differ_v from_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n for_o though_o there_o be_v plenty_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o dish_n to_o gratify_v our_o palate_n or_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n as_o other_o feast_n do_v and_o particular_o the_o passover_n do_v where_o the_o body_n be_v fill_v and_o feast_v as_o well_o as_o the_o mind_n the_o provision_n wherewith_o our_o lord_n have_v furnish_v out_o his_o table_n be_v not_o of_o a_o earthly_a and_o perish_a but_o of_o a_o heavenly_a and_o immortal_a nature_n even_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o spiritual_o feast_v upon_o alas_o if_o we_o only_o fix_v our_o eye_n and_o thought_n upon_o what_o be_v place_v on_o the_o table_n and_o those_o small_a portion_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n allot_v we_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v without_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n as_o 3._o our_o church_n exhort_v we_o to_o do_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o her_o communion-office_n to_o those_o heavenly_a and_o invisible_a good_a thing_n couch_v under_o and_o signify_v by_o the_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o that_o we_o see_v that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o feast_n or_o can_v by_o the_o help_n of_o any_o figure_n but_o a_o irony_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n esteem_v that_o a_o feast_n where_o there_o be_v not_o meat_n enough_o to_o fill_v his_o mouth_n nor_o drink_v enough_o to_o quench_v his_o thirst_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n therefore_o of_o those_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n not_o the_o body_n of_o worthy_a communicant_n be_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v of_o which_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v but_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v and_o may_v true_o be_v call_v a_o feast_n or_o banquet_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n other_o the_o greek_a father_n call_v it_o a_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o the_o table_n a_o mystical_a table_n and_o the_o cup_n the_o cup_n of_o mystery_n and_o the_o sacrament_n take_v it_o all_o together_o be_v by_o they_o style_v the_o mystical_a supper_n the_o mystery_n and_o mystery_n as_o present_v one_o thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o another_o to_o the_o mind_n 2._o as_o plenty_n be_v one_o necessary_a ingredient_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n so_o also_o be_v choice_n and_o select_a company_n feast_n be_v make_v in_o expectation_n of_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n a_o man_n may_v dine_v alone_o but_o in_o proper_a and_o ordinary_a speech_n no_o man_n be_v say_v to_o feast_n alone_o now_o though_o the_o sacrament_n do_v resemble_v our_o common_a feast_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o have_v obtain_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o guest_n communicant_n which_o phrase_n do_v natural_o import_v number_n or_o society_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o person_n be_v that_o constitute_v this_o society_n and_o with_o who_o communion_n be_v hold_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o spiritual_a feast_n will_v further_o appear_v and_o true_o our_o communion_n be_v with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n though_o principal_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o master_n of_o this_o feast_n 18._o in_o and_o through_o who_o we_o all_o have_v access_n by_o one_o spirit_n to_o the_o father_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v this_o high_a and_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o honour_n of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v a_o friendly_a correspondence_n and_o converse_n with_o he_o at_o his_o table_n be_v found_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o thankful_o commemorate_v at_o this_o solemnity_n by_o which_o we_o who_o be_v afar_o off_o be_v make_v nigh_o 13._o as_o the_o same_o divine_a writer_n have_v it_o moreover_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o all_o faithful_a christian_n and_o worthy_a communicant_n the_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n who_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o cleanse_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o that_o which_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o such_o communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o external_n garb_n or_o ornament_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o penitent_a humble_a charitable_a thankful_n and_o obedient_a heart_n 3._o another_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o feast_n be_v mirth_n and_o joy_n which_o imply_v also_o good_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o too_o the_o sacrament_n resemble_v our_o common_a feast_n but_o then_o the_o joy_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o flow_v from_o different_a cause_n not_o from_o what_o we_o taste_n and_o see_v not_o from_o our_o appetite_n and_o fancy_n please_v and_o tickle_v with_o the_o richness_n and_o variety_n of_o dish_n which_o
and_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o salvation_n let_v we_o therefore_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o strict_a examination_n 26._o st._n matthew_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o they_o be_v eat_v jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v 27._o take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o saying_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o 28._o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n 29._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v not_o drink_v henceforth_o of_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o that_o day_n when_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a with_o you_o in_o my_o father_n kingdom_n 30._o and_o when_o they_o have_v sing_v a_o hymn_n they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o account_n which_o st._n mark_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o as_o they_o do_v eat_v 22._o jesus_n take_v bread_n and_o bless_v and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v to_o they_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n 23._o and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o it_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o 24._o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 25._o which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v drink_v no_o more_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o that_o day_n that_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 26._o and_o when_o they_o have_v sing_v a_o hymn_n they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o saint_n mark_n deliver_v concern_v the_o lord_n supper_n saint_n luke_n with_o very_o little_a variation_n thus_o describe_v the_o matter_n and_o he_o take_v bread_n 19_o and_o give_v thanks_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v give_v for_o you_o 20._o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o likewise_o also_o the_o cup_n after_o supper_n say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o you_o this_o evangelist_n indeed_o make_v mention_n of_o another_o cup_n which_o our_o lord_n take_v and_o after_o he_o have_v bless_v it_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o and_o withal_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o drink_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n until_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v which_o cup_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o passover_n 26._o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v consult_v and_o compare_v the_o 15_o 16_o 17_o and_o 18._o verse_n of_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v that_o cup_n wherewith_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o begin_v the_o paschal_n feast_n talmud_n which_o they_o bless_a or_o consecrate_a in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n bless_a be_v god_n who_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o whereas_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v drink_v no_o more_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v never_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n with_o they_o any_o more_o after_o that_o time_n but_o their_o next_o festival_n meeting_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o our_o lord_n be_v drink_v another_o cup_n after_o this_o which_o he_o consecrate_a to_o another_o use_n and_o signification_n in_o the_o sacrament_n ver._n 20._o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o light_a this_o divine_a writer_n afford_v we_o concern_v the_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremone_n which_o our_o lord_n use_v himself_o at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o establish_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o for_o st._n john_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n by_o our_o lord_n all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o his_o write_n relate_v to_o the_o passover_n or_o 6._o according_a to_o the_o learned_a dr._n lightfoot_n to_o what_o pass_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a meal_n in_o bethany_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o many_o other_o judicious_o urge_v by_o he_o because_o the_o disciple_n think_v when_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v to_o he_o ver._n 27._o that_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o that_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o judas_n who_o keep_v the_o bag_n to_o buy_v those_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o against_o the_o feast_n viz._n the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o passage_n and_o that_o discourse_v relate_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n be_v transact_v at_o a_o ordinary_a and_o common_a supper_n and_o indeed_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n which_o st._n john_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o write_v his_o gospel_n and_o which_o throughout_o he_o constant_o pursue_v viz._n to_o add_v out_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n several_a remarkable_a passage_n especial_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n in_o their_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n life_n action_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n there_o be_v another_o passage_n in_o st._n john_n gospel_n 53._o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a divine_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v respect_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o not_o at_o that_o time_n institute_v when_o those_o mysterious_a word_n be_v utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 54._o and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o whoso_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 55._o for_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o 56._o he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o now_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n and_o his_o suffering_n and_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v receive_v the_o token_n and_o sign_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o blood_n shed_v for_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o reward_v by_o he_o as_o his_o friend_n these_o be_v all_o the_o place_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o act_n and_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divinely-inspired_n author_n among_o all_o their_o write_n there_o be_v but_o one_o place_n which_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o epist._n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 11._o where_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o he_o receive_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n himself_o viz._n 23._o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v 24._o take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o 25._o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o take_v the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v supp_v say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o 26._o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o for_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v or_o show_v you_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v there_o be_v several_a other_o place_n wherein_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v mention_v 21._o and_o describe_v by_o several_a name_n and_o title_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o 20._o which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o omit_v 46._o and_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consult_v at_o his_o leisure_n 7._o and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o that_o trouble_n if_o they_o do_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v against_o kneel_v
this_o say_v the_o hebrew_n doctor_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a law_n suit_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o time_n and_o serve_v for_o that_o night_n only_o and_o do_v not_o oblige_v the_o follow_a generation_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o thus_o they_o comment_v upon_o it_o four_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o law_n 11._o which_o do_v not_o oblige_v but_o for_o that_o night_n at_o the_o passover_n in_o egypt_n 1._o eat_v of_o the_o lamb_n in_o their_o house_n disperse_v in_o egypt_n 2._o take_v up_o of_o the_o lamb_n from_o the_o ten_o day_n 3._o strike_v the_o blood_n on_o their_o door-post_n 4._o eat_v in_o haste_n here_o the_o gesture_n in_o all_o probability_n be_v stand_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v howsoever_o it_o be_v different_a from_o that_o use_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n which_o be_v a_o gesture_n denote_v ease_n and_o rest_v and_o their_o deliverance_n from_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o our_o lord_n compliance_n with_o this_o custom_n may_v teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v 8._o to_o this_o practice_n st._n paul_n rule_n well_o suit_n not_o only_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o just_o and_o lovely_a and_o pure_a and_o honest_a but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n well_o speak_v of_o or_o laudable_a not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v much_o approve_v of_o in_o common_a esteem_n or_o be_v make_v commendable_a by_o custom_n we_o be_v to_o think_v or_o make_v account_n of_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d and_o conform_v our_o practice_n to_o they_o and_o if_o christian_n in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o their_o abode_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n whosoever_o will_v be_v esteem_v and_o reward_v as_o a_o peacemaker_n 9_o and_o avoid_v the_o ill_a reputation_n and_o guilt_n of_o a_o turbulent_a person_n aught_o among_o other_o thing_n careful_o to_o observe_v this_o viz._n to_o submit_v to_o and_o comply_v with_o the_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o thus_o the_o same_o divine_a writer_n after_o he_o have_v argue_v against_o woman_n be_v uncover_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n conclude_v all_o after_o this_o manner_n 6._o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n pray_v by_o the_o way_n let_v this_o be_v observe_v from_o this_o place_n that_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o command_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n or_o else_o st._n paul_n argument_n from_o custom_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o sum_v up_o all_o upon_o this_o second_o query_n see_v that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n see_v his_o bare_a example_n suppose_v he_o do_v sit_v do_v not_o oblige_v we_o in_o conscience_n to_o imitate_v it_o see_v they_o who_o urge_v his_o example_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o even_o in_o that_o particular_a they_o urge_v it_o for_o see_v conformity_n to_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o law_n be_v a_o plain_a conformity_n to_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n consider_v as_o to_o the_o equity_n reason_n and_o spiritual_a mean_v and_o instruction_n of_o it_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o object_v against_o kneel_v and_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n a_o conformity_n to_o it_o as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n query_n iii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o altogether_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n itself_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o premise_v something_o which_o may_v explain_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o discover_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n build_v their_o scruple_n against_o kneel_v as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n by_o a_o table-gesture_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v thus_o much_o that_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ought_v in_o their_o judgement_n to_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n as_o we_o do_v at_o our_o ordinary_a meal_n and_o table_n at_o our_o civil_a feast_n and_o entertainment_n and_o because_o divers_a gesture_n be_v use_v at_o meal_n according_a to_o the_o different_a mode_n and_o custom_n of_o several_a nation_n therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v that_o at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n have_v prescribe_v at_o our_o ordinary_a and_o civil_a meal_n thus_o say_v the_o author_n of_o altar_n damascenum_n a_o stout_a and_o learned_a champion_n for_o a_o table-gesture_n 762._o sit_v cross-legged_a as_o the_o turk_n do_v at_o their_o meal_n will_v be_v among_o they_o if_o they_o be_v convert_v a_o comely_a fashion_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n 4._o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o supper_n a_o feast_n a_o banquet_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o supper_n a_o feast_n a_o banquet-gesture_n and_o such_o a_o gesture_n must_v be_v use_v as_o stand_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n in_o no_o nation_n be_v it_o ever_o hold_v comely_a to_o kneel_v at_o their_o banquet_n reign_n or_o to_o receive_v their_o food_n kneel_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o writer_n and_o great_a patron_n of_o sit_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o kneel_v that_o the_o gesture_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o we_o use_v and_o observe_v at_o our_o ordinary_a table_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o our_o native_a country_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o then_o the_o full_a import_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o query_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n do_v not_o require_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o sit_v and_o not_o kneel_v because_o sit_v and_o not_o kneel_v be_v the_o ordinary_a table-gesture_n according_a to_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o england_n here_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o this_o argument_n for_o sit_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n quite_o overthrow_v the_o two_o former_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o express_a command_n and_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o render_v they_o useless_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o their_o cause_n 1._o for_o they_o do_v say_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n with_o our_o lord_n but_o only_o a_o table-gesture_n though_o never_o so_o different_a from_o that_o which_o he_o use_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n where_o we_o live_v various_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o fashion_n and_o usage_n of_o several_a nation_n at_o their_o common_a feast_n may_v be_v all_o comely_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n according_a to_o this_o argument_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o sit_v because_o christ_n do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o then_o his_o bare_a example_n be_v no_o rule_n to_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n his_o example_n be_v govern_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n before_o the_o paschal_n feast_n be_v over_o and_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o posture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o the_o passover_n say_v they_o and_o that_o be_v sit_v suppose_v this_o what_o follow_v why_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o sit_v too_o after_o his_o example_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n say_v i_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n to_o sit_v at_o our_o meal_n and_o sit_v be_v our_o common_a table-gesture_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v what_o they_o say_v themselves_o 2._o again_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n require_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v that_o in_o particular_a which_o stand_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n and_o the_o gesture_n may_v be_v different_a according_a as_o their_o custom_n differ_v than_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n nor_o oblige_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o place_n to_o observe_v
adorn_v the_o table_n nor_o from_o our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n raise_v and_o ferment_v by_o generous_a wine_n but_o from_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a consideration_n from_o the_o boundless_a and_o unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v and_o belove_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o undertake_v this_o hard_a task_n in_o appear_v clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o at_o last_o humble_v himself_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o our_o sake_n from_o the_o victory_n he_o have_v gain_v for_o we_o over_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n from_o the_o miraculous_a redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v and_o the_o right_n and_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n by_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n this_o be_v the_o secret_a language_n and_o discourse_n of_o every_o devout_a christian_a at_o this_o holy_a feast_n and_o with_o these_o kind_n of_o meditation_n he_o refresh_v and_o delight_v himself_o so_o that_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n true_o and_o proper_o a_o feast_n though_o vast_o different_a from_o common_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n throughout_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v like_o they_o as_o to_o the_o several_a name_n and_o phrase_n by_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v describe_v they_o be_v figurative_a and_o borrow_v from_o civil_a entertainment_n but_o although_o it_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o name_n and_o be_v represent_v by_o phrase_n that_o proper_o suit_n to_o ordinary_a feast_n yet_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v in_o its_o nature_n from_o civil_a banquet_n as_o much_o as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n body_n and_o spirit_n differ_v in_o they_o as_o to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o we_o see_v and_o taste_v they_o be_v only_a sign_n and_o type_n of_o the_o true_a spiritual_a feast_n and_o serve_v to_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o and_o whet_v the_o appetite_n of_o our_o soul_n after_o celestial_a and_o heavenly_a enjoyment_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o inform_v we_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v consider_v bare_o as_o a_o feast_n 2._o for_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o its_o nature_n we_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v that_o it_o be_v a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v particular_o to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o expiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n 26._o 3._o it_o be_v institute_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n our_o great_a benefactor_n and_o redeemer_n where_o we_o meet_v to_o preserve_v a_o eternal_a memory_n of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n to_o bless_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o speak_v good_a of_o his_o name_n and_o thus_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o proper_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n perform_v to_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o flesh_n and_o of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n who_o submit_v himself_o to_o a_o vile_a and_o torment_a death_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o we_o vile_a and_o miserable_a sinner_n 4._o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o mysterious_a rite_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o as_o it_o respect_v god_n the_o father_n have_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o a_o thanksgiving_n and_o a_o prayer_n as_o the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n have_v for_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v signify_v by_o action_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o by_o ceremony_n as_o well_o as_o speech_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o notion_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n tryph._n it_o be_v ancient_o style_v the_o liturgy_n and_o the_o eucharist_n which_o last_o name_n as_o it_o be_v give_v to_o it_o in_o the_o most_o early_a age_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o among_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o day_n 5._o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v institute_v to_o be_v a_o foederal_n or_o covenant_v rite_n between_o god_n and_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n 19_o where_o by_o permit_v we_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o his_o table_n 24._o he_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n and_o in_o a_o covenant-relation_n with_o he_o and_o we_o by_o come_v to_o his_o table_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o his_o presence_n do_v own_o he_o to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o in_o effect_n plight_v our_o troth_n to_o he_o and_o swear_v fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n to_o he_o we_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o as_o we_o ordinary_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o alone_o that_o die_v for_o we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o a_o offer_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n 6._o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v institute_v for_o this_o further_a end_n viz._n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o convey_v and_o apply_v to_o we_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o christ_n offer_v for_o sinner_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o 7._o it_o be_v institute_v to_o be_v a_o sacred_a bond_n of_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o all_o christian_n to_o engage_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o our_o lord_n love_v we_o who_o think_v not_o his_o life_n too_o dear_a nor_o his_o blood_n too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o for_o our_o sake_n this_o be_v a_o short_a and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o serve_v my_o present_a design_n a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o reader_n desire_v to_o see_v these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v but_o touch_v upon_o more_o large_o prove_v and_o explain_v let_v he_o for_o his_o satisfaction_n consult_v those_o two_o excellent_a discourse_n among_o many_o other_o that_o pass_v under_o these_o name_n sherlock_n viz._n 1._o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n 2._o discourse_v of_o religious_a assembly_n howsoever_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o a_o complicate_v nature_n and_o institute_v for_o various_a end_n that_o it_o be_v vast_o different_a both_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o end_n from_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o religious_a feast_n to_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a table-fellowship_n but_o by_o more_o religious_a and_o spiritual_a consideration_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o present_a case_n 2._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o absolute_o require_v and_o necessary_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v a_o table-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o a_o right_n and_o worthy_a receive_v of_o it_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o shall_v offer_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v these_o 1._o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n necessary_o require_v a_o table-gesture_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n equal_o conclude_v for_o all_o other_o formality_n which_o be_v either_o essential_a to_o all_o civil_a feast_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o all_o feast_n as_o they_o obtain_v among_o we_o for_o if_o sit_v be_v necessary_a pure_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n require_v it_o than_o all_o other_o circumstance_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n require_v will_v be_v equal_o necessary_a too_o but_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v of_o this_o nor_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o observe_v all_o other_o formality_n though_o equal_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n as_o sit_v be_v though_o for_o what_o good_a reason_n i_o be_o perfect_o in_o the_o dark_a for_o 1._o as_o they_o omit_v many_o thing_n at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n as_o the_o table-gesture_n be_v so_o they_o observe_v several_a modes_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n stand_v for_o instance_n at_o our_o common_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n it_o be_v very_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o laugh_v to_o talk_v and_o discourse_v together_o to_o congratulate_v one_o another_o welfare_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o state_n of_o absent_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n to_o sit_v with_o the_o head_n cover_v to_o eat_v plentiful_o and_o
drink_v frequent_o to_o carve_v and_o drink_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v further_a necessary_a and_o convenient_a that_o at_o such_o feast_n the_o guest_n shall_v be_v well_o attend_v with_o servant_n and_o waiter_n who_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o table_n with_o those_o who_o be_v invite_v it_o be_v agreeable_a that_o the_o guest_n shall_v if_o they_o please_v help_v themselves_o and_o their_o friend_n where_o they_o like_v and_o yet_o these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n though_o very_o suitable_a to_o and_o common_o practise_v at_o our_o ordinary_a feast_n be_v not_o allow_v of_o nor_o practise_v by_o nor_o urge_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o why_o they_o shall_v plead_v for_o and_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n or_o a_o banquet_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n think_v there_o lie_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o upon_o they_o to_o observe_v other_o formality_n equal_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a feast_n and_o warrant_v by_o custom_n as_o much_o as_o sit_v be_v the_o great_a knot_n of_o the_o question_n and_o that_o which_o puzzle_v i_o i_o confess_v to_o untie_v 2._o they_o observe_v several_a modes_n and_o circumstance_n at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n or_o supper_n nor_o to_o the_o customary_a way_n of_o feast_v among_o we_o for_o example_n the_o sacrament_n say_v they_o be_v a_o feast_n a_o supper_n and_o require_v a_o feast_n a_o supper-gesture_n and_o then_o too_o say_v i_o it_o require_v a_o suppertime_n it_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o it_o be_v institute_v the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o our_o lord_n administer_v it_o at_o even_o and_o that_o late_a at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o paschal_n feast_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o supper_n according_a to_o common_a use_n and_o acception_n require_v the_o evening_n or_o night_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a season_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o communicate_v at_o noon_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n that_o one_o of_o the_o guest_n and_o the_o principal_a one_o too_o shall_v fill_v out_o the_o wine_n and_o break_v the_o bread_n and_o distribute_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o society_n but_o this_o the_o dissenter_n general_o allow_v of_o and_o practice_n at_o the_o holy_a communion_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n to_o sit_v from_o the_o table_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o room_n in_o all_o public_a feast_n there_o be_v several_a table_n provide_v when_o one_o be_v not_o big_a enough_o to_o receive_v the_o guest_n and_o yet_o the_o dissenter_n general_o receive_v in_o their_o pew_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o church_n and_o think_v one_o table_n be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o capable_a of_o receive_v the_o twenty_o part_n of_o the_o communicant_n in_o some_o large_a parish_n and_o numerous_a assembly_n and_o where_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n that_o they_o may_v come_v up_o to_o and_o sit_v at_o the_o table_n they_o general_o be_v against_o it_o especial_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o think_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o observe_v that_o formality_n though_o constant_o practise_v at_o common_a and_o civil_a entertainment_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n to_o be_v sorrowful_a to_o mourn_v and_o grieve_v at_o a_o feast_n be_v as_o indecent_a and_o unsuitable_a as_o to_o laugh_v at_o a_o funeral_n but_o sure_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v not_o say_v that_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o a_o penitent_a and_o a_o break_a spirit_n to_o come_v with_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n which_o cause_v much_o pain_n and_o torment_n to_o our_o dear_a and_o great_a friend_n our_o ever-blessed_n redeemer_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o agony_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o garden_n the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o deadly_a cup_n the_o torture_n he_o endure_v on_o the_o cross_n with_o a_o deep_a sympathy_n and_o trouble_v for_o the_o occasion_n they_o will_v not_o sure_o i_o say_v affirm_v that_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n be_v improper_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n which_o we_o solemnize_v in_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n for_o our_o sake_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o pious_a dissenter_n bring_v along_o with_o they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n such_o a_o temper_n but_o this_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v if_o their_o rule_n hold_v good_a viz._n that_o at_o this_o feast_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a table-fellowship_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o common_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n it_o be_v very_o ill_a logic_n as_o well_o as_o ill_a divinity_n to_o argue_v from_o natural_a and_o civil_a thing_n to_o spiritual_a to_o conclude_v that_o because_o they_o agree_v in_o their_o name_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o example_n when_o any_o man_n who_o have_v lead_v a_o loose_a sensual_a wicked_a life_n be_v awaken_v and_o excite_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o consider_v and_o take_v up_o to_o mind_v heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o breath_n after_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o eternity_n to_o alter_v his_o mind_n and_o his_o manner_n and_o lead_v quite_o another_o life_n from_o what_o he_o do_v before_o this_o person_n be_v in_o scripture-phrase_n say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o but_o if_o we_o will_v go_v about_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a birth_n pure_o by_o the_o correspondency_n it_o hold_v with_o the_o natural_a birth_n and_o argue_v from_o the_o natural_a to_o the_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v entertain_v very_o gross_a and_o silly_a conception_n of_o regeneration_n and_o great_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o how_o ridiculous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o prescribe_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o new_a convert_n or_o a_o newborn_a babe_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n in_o order_n to_o his_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n as_o be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v towards_o infant_n and_o newborn_a babe_n in_o a_o natural_a sense_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o natural_a life_n and_o strength_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v swath_v and_o enter_v into_o a_o milk-dyet_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o way_n as_o reasonable_a as_o to_o prescribe_v sit_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o worthy_a receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a feast_n because_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a feast_n or_o which_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o feast_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ordinary_a and_o common_a feast_n and_o consequent_o such_o a_o gesture_n and_o behaviour_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o requisite_a to_o these_o be_v also_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o use_v a_o common_a tale-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o right_n and_o worthy_a receive_v because_o in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o numerous_a dissenter_n it_o may_v be_v worthy_o receive_v stand_v thus_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o all_o their_o writer_n who_o have_v engage_v against_o kneel_v do_v not_o condemn_v stand_v as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a nor_o esteem_v such_o as_o use_v it_o unworthy_a receiver_n on_o that_o account_n and_o yet_o stand_v be_v no_o common_a table-gesture_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o sit_v as_o the_o only_a agreeable_a gesture_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n object_n and_o that_o to_o use_v any_o other_o gesture_n will_v profane_v the_o ordinance_n i_o offer_v this_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o good_a answer_n answer_n that_o the_o passover_n be_v call_v a_o feast_n by_o god_n himself_o who_o institute_v it_o 14._o and_o yet_o he_o command_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o celebrate_v it_o in_o egypt_n after_o this_o manner_n 11._o with_o their_o loin_n gird_v their_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n and_o their_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n all_o sign_n of_o haste_n indeed_o but_o no_o feast_n or_o table-gesture_n either_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o egyptian_n to_o say_v that_o god_n enjoin_v
gesture_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o not_o act_v upon_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o and_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n after_o he_o have_v create_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v enjoin_v he_o to_o do_v something_o that_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o say_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v in_o its_o nature_n admit_v of_o several_a gesture_n be_v to_o yield_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v for_o then_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n will_v admit_v of_o several_a too_o and_o consequent_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v only_o a_o feast-gesture_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o it_o 3._o kneel_v be_v very_o comely_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o no_o table-gesture_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o every_o honest_a and_o unbiased_a mind_n which_o impartial_o seek_v after_o truth_n by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o kneel_v be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o suitable_a gesture_n for_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o very_o apt_a to_o express_v our_o reverence_n humility_n and_o gratitude_n by_o and_o consequent_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o agreeable_a to_o its_o nature_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o at_o the_o sacrament_n we_o express_v that_o by_o action_n as_o i_o hint_v before_o which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o do_v by_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o solemn_a rite_n of_o christian_a worship_n which_o imply_v prayer_n and_o praise_n it_o include_v all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o blood_n shed_v for_o our_o sin_n we_o do_v commemorate_v represent_v and_o show_v forth_o to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o sacrifice_n which_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n make_v upon_o the_o cross_n we_o feast_v upon_o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o great_a sin-offering_a and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o god_n and_o we_o plead_v with_o he_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o son_n blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o for_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n we_o further_a humble_o entreat_v he_o to_o be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o we_o and_o to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o our_o lord_n purchase_v with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n we_o intercede_v with_o he_o too_o at_o the_o communion_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o all_o our_o fellow-christians_a and_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n may_v receive_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o his_o table_n be_v a_o visible_a and_o powerful_a prayer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a act_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o we_o let_v our_o heavenly_a father_n see_v that_o we_o retain_v a_o deep_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o unexpressible_a love_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o and_o that_o which_o enlivens_fw-la our_o faith_n and_o embolden_v our_o hope_n of_o find_v favour_n and_o acceptance_n at_o his_o hand_n at_o this_o time_n above_o other_o be_v this_o viz._n our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v not_o only_o put_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o present_v and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n over_o the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n all_o this_o our_o action_n signify_v and_o speak_v when_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n who_o understand_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n will_v gainsay_v it_o then_o kneel_v must_v be_v judge_v as_o fit_v and_o convenient_a to_o be_v use_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o signify_v our_o desire_n and_o affection_n by_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o god_n appointment_n as_o when_o we_o do_v it_o by_o word_n that_o be_v when_o we_o say_v our_o prayer_n 2._o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o good_a christian_n will_v grant_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n inward_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o tender_a and_o exceed_o great_a love_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o be_v very_o apt_a and_o meet_a to_o express_v the_o inward_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o can_v be_v think_v unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o that_o be_v a_o religious_a feast_n institute_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o solemn_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n perform_v to_o our_o crucify_a saviour_n our_o meeting_n together_o at_o this_o holy_a feast_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o tell_v of_o all_o his_o wondrous_a work_n perpetuate_v the_o fame_n of_o our_o great_a benefactor_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v throughout_o all_o age_n be_v a_o external_n mark_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o respect_n we_o bear_v towards_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v proper_o speak_v that_o which_o we_o call_v public_a worship_n since_o to_o bow_v our_o knee_n then_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o proper_a mode_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o a_o external_n sign_n of_o reverence_n why_o shall_v a_o adore_a posture_n be_v think_v unmeet_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o in_o its_o nature_n import_v worship_n and_o adoration_n 3._o no_o good_a christian_n of_o what_o party_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o to_o lift_v our_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o employ_v our_o tongue_n in_o utter_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n even_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n why_o then_o shall_v kneeling_z be_v think_v unsuitable_a which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o only_o glorify_v god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o another_o part_n of_o our_o body_n why_o shall_v the_o gesture_n be_v scruple_v at_o more_o than_o the_o voice_n or_o the_o bow_v of_o my_o knee_n be_v esteem_v incongruous_a and_o unfitting_a any_o more_o than_o move_v my_o tongue_n or_o raise_v my_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v advance_v in_o the_o heaven_n by_o god_n the_o father_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o humble_a and_o submissive_a obedience_n here_o on_o earth_n challenge_v from_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a into_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n wherefore_o god_n have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n 11._o that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n 4._o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n death_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o i_o request_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consult_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v our_o saviour_n bodily_a gesture_n or_o deportment_n in_o the_o heat_n and_o extremity_n of_o his_o passion_n wherein_o he_o present_v himself_o before_o his_o father_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n in_o the_o garden_n be_v in_o a_o agony_n he_o offer_v up_o this_o prayer_n to_o his_o father_n 44._o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v but_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o in_o what_o gesture_n of_o body_n do_v his_o perplex_a soul_n utter_v these_o earnest_a supplication_n why_o kneel_v 41._o or_o fix_v his_o knee_n upon_o the_o earth_n now_o though_o we_o may_v remember_v and_o meditate_v on_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n
in_o the_o garden_n when_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o exceed_o sorrowful_a when_o he_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o a_o weak_a and_o low_a estate_n as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v from_o a_o angel_n 43._o though_o i_o say_v this_o may_v be_v do_v sit_v yet_o sure_a no_o sober_a and_o consider_v mind_n will_v say_v that_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o these_o suffering_n with_o bend_a knee_n as_o he_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o improper_a and_o unsuitable_a behaviour_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o sacrament_n where_o our_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o particular_o these_o among_o the_o rest_n 5._o the_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o invaluable_a blessing_n we_o expect_v to_o receive_v by_o our_o worthy_a partake_n of_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n such_o as_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n the_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n we_o can_v think_v kneel_v a_o unmeet_a and_o unbecoming_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o outward_a sign_n and_o pledge_n of_o this_o inward_a and_o invisible_a grace_n if_o a_o graceful_a hearty_a sense_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n and_o of_o the_o manifold_a rich_a benefit_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v purchase_v with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n if_o a_o mind_n deep_o humble_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o gild_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v any_o mercy_n at_o all_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o we_o have_v by_o numberless_a and_o heinous_a crime_n so_o high_o provoke_v and_o incense_v against_o we_o if_o such_o a_o inward_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n become_v we_o at_o this_o holy_a feast_n which_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v then_o sure_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o reverential_a gesture_n of_o our_o body_n will_v become_v we_o too_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o submissive_a lowly_a deportment_n of_o body_n suit_n with_o this_o solemnity_n as_o well_o as_o a_o humble_a lowly_a mind_n prayer_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o church_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o her_o injunction_n in_o require_v all_o her_o communicant_n to_o kneel_v viz._n for_o a_o signification_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n therein_o give_v to_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n 6._o they_o who_o urge_v sit_v as_o necessary_a and_o the_o only_a agreeable_a gesture_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v the_o common_a table-gesture_n must_v make_v the_o sacrament_n either_o the_o same_o with_o a_o ordinary_a and_o common_a feast_n or_o only_o like_o it_o in_o some_o respect_n and_o unlike_o it_o in_o other_o as_o every_o like_a be_v not_o the_o same_o to_o make_v it_o the_o same_o be_v direct_o to_o unhallow_a and_o profane_a the_o ordinance_n 29._o it_o be_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o st._n paul_n charge_v the_o corinthians_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o their_o not_o distinguish_v between_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o a_o common_a meal_n or_o supper_n be_v their_o great_a fault_n which_o he_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o as_o that_o which_o render_v they_o unworthy_a communicant_n which_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o matter_n 34._o if_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o a_o ordinary_a feast_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o same_o gesture_n must_v be_v necessary_o use_v at_o both_o if_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o whole_a nature_n then_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o one_o must_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o other_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o some_o respect_n only_o and_o differ_v in_o other_o but_o not_o in_o their_o whole_a nature_n then_o kneel_v may_v be_v as_o proper_a and_o suitable_a in_o some_o respect_n as_o sit_v be_v in_o other_o for_o though_o the_o civil_a custom_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n be_v allow_v to_o strike_v some_o stroke_n in_o a_o spiritual_a ordinance_n where_o there_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v yet_o other_o respect_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n have_v a_o stroke_n too_o and_o that_o the_o great_a if_o we_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n which_o i_o have_v already_o describe_v and_o if_o upon_o such_o examination_n it_o appear_v that_o kneel_v or_o a_o adore_a gesture_n hold_v fit_v correspondence_n with_o the_o principal_a respect_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n than_o the_o banquet_a gesture_n though_o lawful_a and_o suitable_a in_o some_o less_o respect_n must_v and_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o give_v place_n at_o least_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o only_a agreeable_a and_o necessary_a gesture_n without_o which_o we_o can_v worthy_o communicate_v whatsoever_o gesture_n answer_v the_o principal_a respect_n and_o end_n of_o this_o holy_a feast_n best_a suit_n to_o its_o nature_n and_o consequent_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v best_a esteem_v of_o and_o sway_v more_o with_o we_o than_o any_o other_o if_o we_o will_v whole_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o kneel_v or_o a_o adore_a posture_n do_v best_a answer_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o sacrament_n i_o think_v be_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a if_o the_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v good_a i_o be_o sure_a howsoever_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o sit_v shall_v justle_v our_o kneel_v as_o sinful_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n 14._o let_v mr._n cartwright_n a_o learned_a advocate_n for_o nonconformist_n be_v hear_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o determine_v it_o a_o man_n must_v not_o say_v he_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v when_o he_o can_v have_v it_o otherwise_o 4._o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o ancient_a father_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n as_o be_v maintain_v and_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n at_o present_a which_o will_v appear_v from_o those_o name_n and_o title_n they_o give_v to_o this_o holy_a feast_n and_o first_o i_o observe_v from_o the_o learned_a mr._n mede_n that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o name_n table_n in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n irenaeus_n they_o call_v the_o place_n on_o which_o the_o consecrate_a element_n stand_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o eucharist_n a_o oblation_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n because_o at_o this_o solemnity_n they_o do_v commemorate_v and_o represent_v that_o sacrifice_n which_o christ_n once_o offer_v on_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o eucharist_n conceive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o place_n on_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v of_o a_o altar_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v a_o table-gesture_n there_o be_v not_o that_o strict_a connexion_n and_o relation_n between_o a_o altar_n or_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v between_o a_o feast_n or_o table_n and_o a_o feast_n or_o table-gesture_n 2._o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o entertain_v any_o such_o conceit_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o our_o dissentersdo_n as_o that_o kneel_v or_o a_o adore_a gesture_n be_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o guest_n 37._o and_o debar_v we_o the_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o social_n admittance_n and_o social_n entertainment_n that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o purpose_n of_o christ_n who_o intetion_n be_v to_o dignify_v we_o by_o set_v we_o at_o his_o table_n and_o much_o more_o of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n now_o the_o primitive_a church_n little_o dream_v of_o this_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o communicant_n of_o this_o purpose_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o fellowship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o as_o the_o phrase_n they_o use_v and_o the_o august_n and_o venerable_a title_n they_o give_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n even_o when_o they_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o feast_n and_o supper_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o table_n on_o which_o it_o be_v celebrate_v plain_o demonstrate_v they_o call_v it_o as_o