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parent_n and_o tutor_n when_o we_o be_v child_n and_o that_o this_o belief_n take_v so_o early_o a_o possession_n of_o our_o mind_n grow_v up_o into_o such_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o mistake_v it_o for_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o that_o our_o inclination_n to_o religion_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o this_o belief_n be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o say_v that_o our_o natural_a passion_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o desire_v be_v not_o implant_v in_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v only_o owe_v to_o the_o impression_n of_o external_n object_n and_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v light_n and_o external_n object_n to_o be_v see_v a_o man_n will_v see_v without_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v hear_v without_o ear_n for_o what_o our_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o inclination_n and_o passion_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o external_n impression_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o quick_a perception_n of_o they_o no_o belief_n or_o opinion_n whatsoever_o can_v put_v any_o new_a inclination_n into_o our_o mind_n to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a inclination_n to_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o excite_v some_o inclination_n which_o lay_v dormant_a in_o we_o and_o which_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o before_o but_o to_o put_v new_a inclination_n into_o we_o be_v to_o create_v new_a power_n and_o faculty_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o since_o this_o inclination_n to_o religion_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o so_o universal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o can_v result_v from_o any_o notion_n and_o opinion_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n from_o without_o nor_o do_v at_o all_o depend_v on_o they_o for_o some_o man_n can_v baffle_v their_o reason_n and_o think_v they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v all_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n when_o they_o can_v silence_v and_o conquer_v their_o inclination_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o this_o the_o atheist_n feel_v and_o endeavour_n to_o laugh_v away_o as_o a_o mere_a childish_a superstition_n whereas_o be_v this_o inclination_n owe_v to_o opinion_n and_o prejudice_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v more_o strong_a and_o more_o last_a than_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o our_o modern_a atheist_n who_o pretend_v such_o a_o intimate_a knowledge_n and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o nature_n will_v be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n if_o they_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n and_o interpretation_n of_o those_o strong_a impression_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o feel_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o
i_o can_v imagine_v what_o they_o have_v reasonable_o to_o object_n against_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v have_v no_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n for_o those_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n can_v believe_v themselves_o accountable_a to_o any_o but_o themselves_o in_o these_o matter_n while_o they_o conceal_v their_o own_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o be_v they_o deny_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o civility_n and_o respect_n to_o man_n to_o common_a and_o receive_v opinion_n and_o to_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o may_v be_v very_o great_a for_o who_o know_v how_o god_n may_v work_v upon_o their_o mind_n at_o such_o a_o time_n how_o they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o public_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o this_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n who_o know_v how_o god_n may_v direct_v the_o preacher_n and_o put_v such_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n as_o may_v pierce_v their_o soul_n and_o dispel_v those_o mist_n and_o fog_n which_o cloud_v their_o understanding_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a this_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o public_a instruction_n which_o be_v very_o often_o the_o cause_n but_o be_v a_o very_a unlikely_a cure_n of_o atheism_n but_o last_o i_o think_v at_o least_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o fulsome_a and_o nauseous_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n of_o our_o day_n to_o turn_v great_a reformer_n of_o religion_n to_o set_v up_o a_o mighty_a cry_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o whatever_o reformation_n of_o 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sinfulness_n of_o irreligion_n second_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o desert_n religious_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o practical_a atheist_n man_n who_o though_o they_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 very_o seldom_o think_v of_o he_o and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o please_v he_o and_o make_v he_o their_o friend_n and_o though_o they_o believe_v their_o soul_n shall_v survive_v their_o body_n and_o be_v either_o very_a happy_a or_o very_o miserable_a hereafter_o yet_o be_v so_o wretched_o careless_a so_o brutish_o unconcern_v for_o time_n to_o come_v as_o to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o a_o future_a state_n to_o use_v no_o diligence_n to_o escape_v the_o eternal_a misery_n or_o to_o obtain_v the_o eternal_a reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o i_o have_v but_o two_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o these_o man_n to_o convince_v and_o to_o persuade_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n of_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o prepare_v for_o a_o eternal_a state_n now_o the_o natural_a method_n of_o proceed_v be_v first_o to_o convince_v and_o then_o to_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n i_o shall_v represent_v to_o they_o the_o evil_a danger_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o first_o the_o evil_a and_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o now_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o these_o man_n profess_v to_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v his_o worship_n 1._o for_o irreligion_n be_v as_o great_a if_o not_o a_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o than_o atheism_n itself_o a_o atheist_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o irreligious_a man_n contemn_v and_o slight_v god_n who_o be_v he_o own_v the_o one_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o other_o reproach_n his_o nature_n the_o atheist_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n the_o irreligious_a man_n own_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v but_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o a_o god_n that_o be_v will_v not_o worship_v he_o as_o god_n for_o religious_a worship_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o live_v in_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o it_o make_v a_o mere_a titular_a and_o mock-god_n of_o he_o and_o argue_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptuous_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o include_v a_o denial_n of_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n the_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n both_o as_o they_o give_v that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a only_a to_o god_n to_o creature_n and_o too_o often_o to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o as_o they_o worship_v god_n by_o such_o ridiculous_a or_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o make_v a_o dishonourable_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o yet_o even_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v some_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n which_o be_v more_o than_o these_o man_n do_v who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o at_o all_o second_o to_o deny_v or_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o high_a injustice_n it_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n what_o be_v his_o natural_a right_n what_o be_v due_a from_o we_o and_o what_o alone_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v who_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o and_o so_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n for_o all_o perfection_n by_o a_o natural_a right_n challenge_v a_o proportionable_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a perfection_n a_o sovereign_a worship_n we_o can_v see_v nor_o hear_v of_o a_o excellent_a man_n but_o it_o excite_v in_o we_o a_o great_a esteem_n love_n or_o reverence_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o he_o excel_v and_o prompt_v we_o to_o say_v what_o we_o know_v in_o his_o commendation_n and_o it_o be_v account_v injustice_n among_o man_n to_o deny_v each_o other_o their_o just_a praise_n and_o how_o much_o great_a injustice_n be_v it_o to_o deny_v god_n his_o essential_a glory_n that_o incommunicable_a worship_n which_o natural_o belong_v to_o such_o incommunicable_a perfection_n indeed_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a not_o to_o admire_v that_o which_o be_v great_a nor_o to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o to_o fear_v and_o reverence_n that_o which_o be_v powerful_a for_o our_o passion_n be_v natural_o determine_v to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o not_o to_o discover_v those_o perfection_n which_o be_v notorious_a and_o visible_a be_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o not_o to_o love_v or_o fear_v and_o admire_v they_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n be_v account_v dulness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o a_o vicious_a defect_n in_o our_o will_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o perfection_n have_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o some_o proportionable_a respect_n and_o therefore_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n natural_o challenge_v the_o high_a veneration_n since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a relation_n between_o natural_a perfection_n and_o
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 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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
world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o this_o too_o for_o such_o man_n will_v not_o only_o miss_v of_o heaven_n but_o sink_v into_o hell_n a_o place_n of_o endless_a torment_n where_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o no_o hope_n so_o well_o may_v our_o saviour_n ask_v that_o question_n what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v more_o of_o our_o care_n and_o industry_n than_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o sincere_a and_o devout_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n those_o person_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v god_n friend_n and_o favourite_n who_o do_v not_o worship_v he_o and_o those_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o can_v relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o who_o forsake_v christian-assembly_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n several_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o discipline_n other_o there_o be_v who_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n but_o they_o think_v they_o can_v worship_n god_n as_o well_o at_o home_o as_o at_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o place_n which_o make_v their_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o effectual_a but_o god_n hear_v we_o wherever_o we_o pray_v and_o be_v always_o please_v even_o with_o the_o single_a and_o private_a devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o world_n be_v now_o so_o well_o store_v with_o good_a book_n that_o they_o can_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o read_v at_o home_n to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o if_o they_o go_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o i_o need_v not_o observe_v how_o many_o there_o be_v who_o act_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n i._n e._n who_o seldom_o or_o never_o come_v to_o church_n though_o how_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n at_o home_n i_o know_v not_o but_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o with_o too_o many_o a_o warm_a bed_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o a_o bottle_n of_o wine_n in_o the_o afternoon_n serve_v instead_o even_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o a_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_v this_o be_v i_o shall_v brief_o expostulate_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v as_o they_o say_v that_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n very_o acceptable_o at_o home_n without_o attend_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n suppose_v the_o case_n to_o be_v equal_a in_o itself_o consider_v yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o why_o shall_v you_o prefer_v your_o own_o private_a before_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n can_v you_o serve_v god_n at_o least_o as_o well_o at_o church_n as_o you_o do_v at_o home_o and_o public_a worship_n have_v be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o religion_n do_v it_o become_v a_o modest_a man_n to_o affront_v so_o general_a a_o custom_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n yet_o at_o least_o have_v no_o hurt_n in_o it_o and_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v not_o only_o consent_v in_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o have_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o pay_v their_o join_a and_o public_a acknowledgement_n to_o their_o universal_a lord_n and_o father_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v these_o man_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n who_o deny_v or_o neglect_v it_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o religious_a man_n to_o oppose_v so_o universal_a a_o belief_n and_o to_o incur_v the_o public_a censure_n of_o insidelity_n and_o irreligion_n especial_o since_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o to_o neglect_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o though_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a make_v public_a assembly_n a_o duty_n and_o private_a devotion_n when_o we_o ought_v and_o may_v attend_v on_o public_a assembly_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v take_v it_o well_o of_o any_o man_n how_o devout_a soever_o he_o be_v in_o private_a who_o will_v rather_o affront_v the_o universal_a practice_n found_v upon_o as_o universal_a a_o consent_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o be_v think_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o insidel_n will_v rather_o trample_v upon_o all_o humame_n authority_n than_o join_v with_o his_o fellow-creature_n and_o subject_n and_o neighbour_n in_o the_o public_a act_n of_o his_o worship_n put_v the_o case_n any_o of_o you_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o very_a numerous_a offspring_n and_o that_o without_o any_o express_a command_n from_o you_o most_o of_o your_o child_n shall_v agree_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n to_o visit_v you_o together_o once_o a_o week_n to_o ask_v your_o blessing_n and_o pay_v their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o your_o great_a care_n of_o they_o in_o their_o education_n and_o in_o that_o liberal_a provision_n you_o have_v make_v for_o they_o but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o your_o child_n shall_v choose_v to_o come_v alone_o to_o you_o in_o private_a when_o no_o body_n see_v they_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o come_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o they_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o with_o undutifulness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o such_o a_o neglect_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o private_a acknowledgement_n from_o those_o who_o refuse_v the_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a address_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v acceptance_n from_o god_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n how_o devout_a soever_o we_o be_v alone_o nay_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o private_a devotion_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o public_a suppose_v they_o be_v perform_v with_o equal_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o mind_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n public_a worship_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n good_a company_n in_o all_o case_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v we_o great_a briskness_n and_o vigour_n of_o mind_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o devout_a soul_n who_o breath_n forth_o their_o ardent_a desire_n to_o god_n be_v enough_o to_o fire_v our_o cold_a and_o chill_a spirit_n and_o good_a man_n receive_v warmth_n and_o quickness_n from_o each_o other_o and_o grow_v into_o great_a ardour_n and_o transport_n hypocrite_n have_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o devotion_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o good_a company_n but_o good_a man_n themselves_o who_o have_v a_o true_a and_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n many_o time_n experience_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o this_o respect_n between_o their_o private_a retirement_n and_o the_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o though_o we_o can_v produce_v no_o express_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o public_a worship_n yet_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o prevail_v with_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n not_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o indeed_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v that_o a_o true_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n do_v private_a devotion_n may_v be_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o these_o man_n own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v never_o the_o true_a cause_n for_o man_n who_o do_v hearty_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n will_v choose_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o solemn_a manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n but_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o this_o very_a pretence_n from_o they_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v our_o obligation_n to_o public_a worship_n 1._o and_o first_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o it_o now_o worship_n signify_v all_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o immediate_o respect_v god_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n and_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_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 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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 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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
age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o all_o form_n of_o religion_n whatever_o religious_a rite_n be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n natural_a reason_n condemn_v as_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a but_o whatever_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v condemn_v that_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o the_o law_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v not_o make_v so_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o institution_n but_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n or_o to_o pay_v such_o a_o false_a worship_n to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n consist_v in_o false_a notion_n repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n and_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o use_v or_o not_o use_v very_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o by_o a_o abuse_a fancy_n and_o ill_o instruct_v conscience_n they_o imprint_v either_o a_o religious_a or_o sinful_a character_n upon_o they_o either_o think_v they_o shall_v please_v god_n or_o fear_v they_o shall_v displease_v he_o by_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a advance_v towards_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o religious_a ceremony_n which_o though_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o plain_a positive_a law_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o only_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n than_o they_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n let_v we_o all_o serious_o consider_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o to_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_n the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o that_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o sober_a liturgy_n or_o decent_a ceremony_n 2._o what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o countenance_n both_o 1._o what_o the_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v religion_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n he_o seem_v principal_o to_o design_n 1._o to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n 2._o to_o strip_v it_o of_o all_o type_n and_o shadow_n 3._o to_o deliver_v religion_n from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o superstitious_a observance_n 4._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o substance_n circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o religion_n between_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a and_o the_o instrumental_a and_o external_n part_n of_o worship_n 1._o our_o saviour_n great_a design_n be_v to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n the_o jewish_a worship_n consist_v in_o so_o many_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o wash_n purification_n sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o homage_n of_o the_o external_a man._n if_o they_o do_v but_o worship_n god_n at_o the_o right_a place_n and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o take_v little_a care_n of_o inward_a devotion_n but_o now_o our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oppose_v to_o external_a and_o bodily_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a worship_n god_n can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o to_o a_o typical_a worship_n of_o which_o more_o present_o or_o to_o such_o external_a worship_n as_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o man_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v offer_v up_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n if_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o far_o we_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o oppose_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o man_n do_v sink_v down_o into_o a_o external_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o raise_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o owe_v either_o to_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n but_o to_o a_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a mind_n extemporary_a and_o conceive_a prayer_n have_v indeed_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o for_o i_o suppose_v few_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o inspiration_n and_o though_o extemporary_a prayer_n may_v more_o heat_v the_o fancy_n there_o may_v be_v more_o serious_a devotion_n and_o piety_n in_o use_v a_o form_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n without_o set_v our_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n what_o to_o say_v a_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n and_o do_v as_o much_o confine_n and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o all_o but_o the_o speaker_n as_o a_o book-prayer_n do_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a devotion_n at_o best_a which_o owe_v its_o heat_n and_o passion_n not_o to_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o god_n but_o to_o a_o musical_a voice_n earnestness_n in_o the_o speaker_n surprise_v invention_n or_o popular_a rhetoric_n 2._o our_o saviour_n design_n be_v to_o strip_v religion_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n he_o do_v not_o indeed_o do_v this_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n because_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n be_v not_o end_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o fulfil_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o state_n till_o christ_n die_v nor_o do_v his_o apostle_n do_v it_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o in_o all_o place_n but_o yield_v to_o jewish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o indulge_v jewish_n convert_v in_o their_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o moysaicall_a rite_n tho_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o gentile_a church_n to_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o bondage_n which_o occasion_v a_o great_a many_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n but_o the_o abrogation_n of_o moysaicall_a and_o typical_a ceremony_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o prohibition_n of_o all_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o christian_a worship_n because_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v very_o different_a the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n be_v type_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o to_o retain_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n &_o use_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o when_o the_o antitype_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o use_n of_o a_o type_n but_o now_o a_o few_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v neither_o burdensome_a for_o their_o number_n to_o encumber_v religion_n and_o clog_n and_o shackle_v our_o devotion_n nor_o signify_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n &_o design_n of_o christianity_n but_o add_v to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o may_v withal_o suggest_v pious_a and_o devout_a thought_n to_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o a_o typical_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n together_o with_o the_o
a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n london_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxi_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o belove_a parishioner_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o st._n george_n botolphlane_n and_o st._n botolph-billingsgate_n grace_n peace_n and_o truth_n be_v multiply_v my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n i_o hope_v we_o be_v all_o sensible_a of_o that_o great_a account_n we_o must_v short_o give_v to_o god_n of_o all_o our_o action_n which_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n both_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v it_o neither_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o interest_n prejudice_n and_o partiality_n in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o many_o dangerous_a mistake_v in_o religion_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o any_o impetuous_a lust_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o it_o that_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o to_o you_o make_v i_o concern_v as_o i_o love_v my_o own_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n of_o you_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n fit_v with_o great_a ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o office_n yet_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o can_v charge_v myself_o with_o any_o wilful_a neglect_n either_o in_o inform_v myself_o or_o instruct_v you_o i_o be_o as_o careful_a as_o i_o can_v not_o to_o mistake_v myself_o and_o resolve_o honest_a not_o to_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n from_o you_o though_o in_o this_o age_n plain_a and_o free_a deal_n meet_v with_o no_o great_a encouragement_n the_o great_a hindrance_n i_o have_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o ministry_n among_o you_o be_v that_o many_o of_o you_o who_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o attend_v my_o instruction_n as_o i_o be_o to_o instruct_v you_o and_o must_v as_o certain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o neglect_n as_o i_o must_v of_o i_o do_v yet_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n withdraw_v your_o self_n from_o your_o parish_n church_n and_o make_v it_o in_o that_o way_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o my_o duty_n to_o you_o i_o have_v send_v this_o little_a book_n to_o wait_v on_o you_o at_o your_o house_n and_o to_o invite_v you_o to_o our_o communion_n to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o mistake_v and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o have_v keep_v you_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o since_o some_o of_o you_o who_o do_v not_o forsake_v my_o ministry_n be_v yet_o guilty_a of_o other_o neglect_v which_o be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o have_v here_o admonish_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n and_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a consideration_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o i_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n which_o be_v design_v for_o your_o instruction_n as_o general_o useful_a as_o may_v be_v and_o take_v a_o large_a scope_n than_o i_o hope_v have_v be_v necessary_a have_v it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o your_o private_a use_n since_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o nor_o the_o world_n think_v that_o i_o charge_v you_o with_o all_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o i_o there_o reprove_v but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n guilty_a of_o they_o all_o and_o possible_o this_o book_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o such_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o pray_v god_n they_o may_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o plain_a but_o seasonable_a instruction_n but_o whatever_o other_o man_n do_v i_o think_v i_o may_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n expect_v from_o you_o that_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v and_o consider_v this_o discourse_n i_o have_v contrive_v it_o to_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o fear_v some_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v fit_v to_o every_o capacity_n for_o as_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n among_o man_n so_o i_o do_v not_o scrupulous_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o low_a be_v as_o st._n paul_n speak_v a_o debtor_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o of_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n above_o your_o reach_n do_v not_o present_o fling_v the_o book_n away_o for_o you_o will_v find_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a concernment_n fit_v to_o very_o ordinary_a understanding_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o may_v think_v sharp_a or_o severe_a god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o anger_v any_o man_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a severity_n but_o there_o be_v some_o severe_a truth_n which_o yet_o must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v speak_v if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o good_a and_o those_o patient_n who_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o cure_n must_v perish_v under_o more_o gentle_a remedy_n i_o only_o beg_v this_o requital_n of_o my_o pain_n and_o care_n of_o you_o that_o if_o you_o have_v any_o objection_n against_o what_o be_v offer_v if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n you_o do_v not_o understand_v you_o will_v consult_v i_o in_o it_o if_o you_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o thing_n let_v i_o know_v it_o first_o before_o you_o publish_v it_o to_o other_o and_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v have_v a_o care_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n but_o comply_v with_o your_o duty_n and_o rejoice_v that_o you_o be_v deliver_v from_o any_o mistake_v i_o beseech_v god_n give_v you_o a_o good_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o heart_n obedient_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o preserve_v you_o blameless_a until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n w._n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n page_z 1_o what_o religious_a worship_n be_v page_z 3_o of_o public_a worship_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o forsake_v public_a assembly_n page_z 4_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o church_n page_z 7_o the_o difference_n between_o schism_n and_o heresy_n page_z 9_o what_o be_v a_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n page_z 15_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n page_n 17_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n page_n 18_o some_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v page_n 20_o part_v 1_n chapter_n 1._o section_n 1._o concern_v speculative_a atheist_n pag._n 28_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 29_o what_o natural_a inclination_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o education_n pag._n 30_o inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n natural_a and_o yet_o idolatry_n and_o polytheism_n not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n pag._n 32_o how_o natural_a inclination_n to_o religion_n prove_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n imprint_v on_o man_n mind_n pag._n 35_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n be_v contrary_n to_o good_a manner_n a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n pag._n 40_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n expose_v such_o scoffer_n to_o contempt_n pag._n 42_o to_o deride_v religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o man_n interest_n as_o be_v injurious_a to_o public_a society_n pag._n 45_o to_o affront_n god_n more_o dangerous_a than_o mere_a atheism_n pag._n 46_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n pag._n 48_o atheist_n shall_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n pag._n 50_o non_n intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n pag._n 52_o section_n 2._o concern_v the_o practical_a atheist_n pag._n 53_o irreligion_n as_o great_a a_o affront_n to_o god_n as_o atheism_n pag._n 54_o not_o to_o worship_n be_v great_a injustice_n pag._n 56_o irreligion_n the_o most_o sordid_a ingratitude_n pag._n 65_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n a_o obligation_n to_o religious_a worship_n pag._n 73_o section_n 3._o 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 pag._n 82_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n pag._n 91_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 98_o every_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n fit_v to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o soul_n pag._n 99_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o
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
of_o external_a worship_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n how_o we_o can_v pray_v either_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n since_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o no_o one_o duty_n be_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o say_v while_o man_n have_v such_o wild_a unpracticable_a notion_n in_o their_o head_n which_o when_o they_o be_v pursue_v to_o their_o last_o issue_n overthrow_v all_o manner_n of_o external_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o end_n in_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o quakerism_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o comprehension_n and_o concession_n and_o while_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o think_v it_o as_o innocent_a a_o thing_n to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n as_o to_o go_v from_o one_o parish-church_n to_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o sense_n what_o a_o necessary_a duty_n christian_a communion_n be_v and_o what_o a_o damn_v sin_n schism_n be_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o do_v sincere_o and_o cordial_o desire_v to_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n must_v earnest_o exhort_v persuade_v and_o convince_v as_o well_o as_o yield_v and_o comply_v the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v all_o in_o from_o the_o grow_a power_n and_o secret_a conspiracy_n of_o the_o popish_a faction_n make_v all_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o call_v aloud_o for_o union_n our_o dissenter_n who_o never_o do_v nor_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o unite_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o cry_n against_o popery_n and_o their_o design_n of_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v this_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o accomplish_v their_o end_n and_o have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o libel_v church_n and_o churchman_n to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o state_n this_o have_v put_v many_o worthy_a son_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v impatient_a to_o hear_v their_o mother_n revile_v and_o slander_v upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n from_o their_o rude_a calumny_n and_o yet_o to_o express_v their_o readiness_n to_o comply_v and_o unite_v upon_o such_o term_n when_o ever_o public_a authority_n shall_v see_v fit_a as_o will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v our_o constitution_n the_o first_o they_o have_v do_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o sober_a reply_n and_o how_o fruitless_a their_o charity_n be_v in_o attempt_v the_o second_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o will_v convince_v all_o man_n who_o can_v patient_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o term_n of_o concord_n but_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o not_o ambitious_a to_o thrust_v myself_o into_o this_o scuffle_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o disputant_n but_o make_v a_o close_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o i_o hope_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n be_v a_o little_a over_o may_v prove_v a_o more_o powerful_a conviction_n to_o all_o well-meaning_a man_n than_o the_o best_a and_o most_o unanswerable_a reason_n have_v hitherto_o do_v part_n i._o concern_v those_o who_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n chap._n i._n contain_v a_o address_n and_o exhortation_n to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n sect_n i._o some_o proposal_n make_v to_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n 1._o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o whole_o forsake_v religious_a assembly_n 4._o that_o they_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n first_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o christian_a assembly_n out_o of_o profaneness_n for_o want_v of_o any_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n first_o the_o speculative_a second_o the_o practical_a atheist_n first_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n despise_v his_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o fear_v or_o religious_a adoration_n those_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v in_o prudence_n conceal_v their_o atheism_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n in_o perform_v all_o the_o external_n act_v of_o worship_n but_o yet_o few_o atheist_n have_v so_o much_o wit_n or_o good_a breed_n as_o not_o to_o affront_v the_o universal_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a dispute_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n nor_o attempt_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o not_o worship_v god_n by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v this_o require_v a_o large_a discourse_n than_o my_o present_a design_n will_v allow_v and_o have_v be_v already_o do_v more_o than_o once_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n by_o much_o better_a pen_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v three_o or_o four_o very_a fair_a and_o reasonable_a proposal_n to_o they_o first_o that_o they_o will_v once_o more_o serious_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a inclination_n there_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o argue_v now_o from_o natural_a notion_n and_o anticipation_n or_o those_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o mankind_n because_o the_o atheist_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v only_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o education_n and_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v have_v such_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n in_o our_o head_n if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v they_o though_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o these_o principle_n shall_v first_o come_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n who_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o man_n and_o how_o he_o come_v so_o ready_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o so_o careful_o to_o propagate_v they_o to_o posterity_n and_o it_o seem_v strange_a how_o mankind_n shall_v so_o universal_o assent_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n etc._n etc._n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o agreeable_a to_o the_o make_v and_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o not_o to_o be_v natural_a notion_n but_o i_o say_v to_o let_v pass_v this_o now_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v these_o man_n to_o consult_v a_o little_a with_o the_o inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o natural_a impression_n the_o necessary_a effort_n impetus_fw-la and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n as_o a_o stone_n natural_o fall_v downward_o and_o the_o fire_n as_o natural_o ascend_v now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o education_n shall_v put_v new_a inclination_n or_o new_a passion_n into_o our_o mind_n education_n may_v direct_v our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n to_o unnatural_a object_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o make_v new_a inclination_n and_o passion_n than_o it_o can_v make_v a_o new_a soul_n now_o among_o all_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o strong_a and_o invincible_a than_o the_o inclination_n to_o religion_n to_o worship_v something_o or_o other_o as_o a_o god_n though_o the_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o some_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o river_n and_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o god_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o universal_a inclination_n to_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o this_o universal_a consent_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o impulse_n and_o tendency_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n than_o to_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o reason_n always_o join_v the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n together_o but_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o blind_a and_o confuse_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o thrust_v forward_o to_o such_o a_o act_n without_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o its_o object_n just_a as_o the_o appetite_n
god_n open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o make_v they_o and_o cure_v their_o soul_n of_o that_o most_o fatal_a and_o mortal_a disease_n which_o make_v they_o beast_n here_o and_o devil_n hereafter_o second_o another_o proposal_n i_o will_v make_v to_o these_o man_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o impudent_o attempt_v to_o laugh_v god_n and_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v sport_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n account_v sacred_a that_o they_o will_v not_o profane_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o turn_v they_o into_o ridicule_n or_o obscene_a and_o impious_a burlesque_fw-la this_o possible_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a odd_a proposal_n to_o these_o man_n who_o think_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o justify_v their_o atheism_n by_o make_v religion_n look_v ridiculous_o but_o yet_o have_v i_o to_o deal_v with_o reasonable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v atheist_n i_o will_v not_o despair_v of_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o proposal_n for_o first_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a manner_n require_v from_o they_o no_o well-bred_a man_n will_v choose_v to_o put_v a_o public_a affront_n upon_o his_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n though_o he_o see_v they_o daily_o guilty_a of_o great_a folly_n and_o indiscretion_n the_o law_n of_o conversation_n require_v we_o to_o treat_v all_o man_n with_o just_a respect_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v of_o different_a make_v and_o size_n and_o their_o fortune_n and_o way_n of_o life_n very_o different_a from_o our_o own_o much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o modest_a man_n endure_v the_o thought_n of_o affront_a mankind_n or_o laugh_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v or_o establish_v by_o a_o universal_a consent_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v as_o very_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n as_o the_o tale_n of_o faries_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a reverence_n due_a to_o humane_a nature_n at_o least_o from_o man_n and_o since_o all_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n except_v some_o few_o wise_a and_o cautious_a atheist_n have_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o have_v honour_v he_o with_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o be_v of_o god_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o nay_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o public_a government_n in_o all_o nation_n one_o religion_n or_o other_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n so_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o only_o laugh_v at_o the_o dream_n and_o dotage_n of_o single_a man_n but_o at_o the_o unite_a counsel_n and_o most_o mature_a resolve_n of_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a boldness_n but_o of_o very_o little_a wit_n or_o manner_n a_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v his_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n when_o he_o find_v himself_o oppose_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o world_n but_o if_o this_o do_v not_o make_v he_o of_o the_o common_a opinion_n yet_o at_o least_o he_o will_v not_o rude_o contradict_v it_o but_o not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n be_v affront_v by_o these_o man_n when_o they_o laugh_v at_o such_o public_a constitution_n at_o religion_n consider_v as_o establish_v by_o law_n so_o much_o do_v such_o man_n recede_v from_o the_o hobbs_n principle_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o though_o he_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o religion_n in_o itself_o yet_o think_v it_o something_o considerable_a when_o it_o become_v the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n nor_o authority_n of_o law_n can_v command_v respect_n from_o some_o man_n without_o a_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v soon_o teach_v they_o better_a manner_n than_o ever_o they_o will_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n of_o atheism_n nay_o to_o laugh_v at_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o at_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o to_o affront_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o government_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o sage_a philosopher_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a man_n of_o all_o age_n among_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n no_o man_n express_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o epicurus_n indeed_o deny_v his_o providence_n which_o be_v only_o a_o more_o civil_a way_n of_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n though_o he_o pretend_v to_o worship_v he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o infinite_a but_o idle_a and_o unactive_a perfection_n socrates_n die_v a_o martyr_n for_o religion_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n do_v both_o acknowledge_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o late_a philosopher_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o question_v but_o there_o be_v one_o so_o that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o the_o mistake_n mere_o of_o a_o few_o ignorant_a unphilosophical_a head_n but_o have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v such_o learned_a patron_n as_o at_o least_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v laugh_v at_o by_o man_n of_o the_o least_o modesty_n and_o good_a breed_n second_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n to_o consider_v how_o little_a they_o consult_v their_o own_o reputation_n in_o laugh_v at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a thing_n for_o some_o few_o man_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a to_o think_v to_o out-laugh_v all_o the_o world_n the_o loud_a laughter_n will_v always_o be_v on_o that_o side_n right_a or_o wrong_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a number_n though_o indeed_o all_o man_n have_v such_o a_o veneration_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o such_o abuse_n and_o affront_v of_o religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o provoke_v man_n to_o laughter_n as_o to_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o indignation_n no_o man_n can_v endure_v with_o patience_n to_o hear_v that_o expose_v to_o contempt_n which_o he_o admire_v and_o adore_v such_o atheistical_a scoffer_n be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n all_o man_n but_o such_o like_o themselves_o abhor_v and_o scorn_v they_o fly_v their_o company_n hate_v their_o very_a name_n as_o traitor_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o great_a pest_n of_o humane_a conversation_n and_o the_o reproach_n and_o shame_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v any_o wise_a man_n let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o they_o will_v who_o design_n to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n as_o methinks_v those_o above_o all_o other_o shall_v desire_v who_o expect_v nothing_o hereafter_o think_v this_o the_o best_a way_n to_o happiness_n to_o forfeit_v the_o love_n and_o friendship_n of_o all_o man_n who_o love_n and_o worship_n god_n or_o make_v any_o show_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n that_o he_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n banish_v himself_o from_o humane_a conversation_n or_o render_v it_o very_o unpleasant_a and_o uneasy_a i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o expect_v to_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o very_o cunning_a man_n by_o unsettle_v foundation_n and_o break_v a_o merry_a jest_n upon_o religion_n but_o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v judge_n of_o these_o matter_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o look_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o that_o man_n infallible_o forfeit_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o understanding_n who_o set_v up_o for_o atheism_n atheist_n may_v make_v a_o scene_n and_o theatre_n for_o themselves_o and_o admire_v and_o applaud_v one_o another_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n despise_v they_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a depth_n and_o subtlety_n to_o raise_v objection_n and_o start_v difficulty_n which_o a_o man_n of_o very_o mean_a part_n may_v do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trial_n of_o judgement_n to_o answer_v they_o which_o the_o atheist_n it_o seem_v can_v do_v when_o man_n be_v so_o over-subtil_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v these_o plain_a and_o obvious_a demonstration_n which_o convince_v all_o mankind_n and_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o ploughman_n such_o subtlety_n be_v never_o admire_v but_o despise_v and_o as_o for_o wit_n it_o be_v so_o very_o undecent_a to_o jest_v with_o grave_n and_o serious_a matter_n that_o though_o it_o have_v never_o so_o much_o salt_n it_o be_v nauseous_a and_o offensive_a to_o sober_a mind_n no_o man_n admire_v his_o wit_n who_o abuse_v his_o prince_n his_o father_n or_o his_o friend_n profane_a wit_n be_v the_o easy_a of_o all_o as_o
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
purpose_n to_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o any_o form_n of_o religion_n for_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v after_o all_o and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a be_v of_o no_o religion_n as_o not_o of_o the_o right_n but_o if_o these_o man_n do_v but_o wise_o consider_v of_o what_o infinite_a concernment_n true_a religion_n be_v they_o will_v conclude_v quite_o otherwise_o that_o see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o will_v use_v the_o great_a diligence_n and_o honesty_n to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v those_o mistake_v which_o be_v mere_o the_o error_n of_o their_o understanding_n when_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o bias_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o false_a religion_n upon_o a_o design_n will_v be_v accept_v for_o his_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a father_n and_o very_o ready_a to_o pardon_v all_o invincible_a mistake_v when_o they_o be_v not_o make_v invincible_a by_o our_o own_o fault_n but_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o find_v the_o right_a be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o traveller_n when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o cross_a way_n shall_v resolve_v to_o go_v no_o far_o for_o fear_v he_o shall_v mistake_v the_o right_a road_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o get_v home_o if_o he_o go_v no_o far_o other_o be_v so_o tire_v with_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o hard_a labour_n all_o the_o week_n that_o true_o they_o must_v make_v sunday_n a_o holy_a day_n not_o for_o devotion_n but_o for_o rest_n and_o pastime_n as_o a_o holy_a day_n common_o now_o signify_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v go_v to_o church_n which_o will_v tire_v they_o more_o than_o all_o their_o week_n work_v do_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o feel_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o their_o body_n and_o must_v take_v care_n of_o they_o but_o their_o soul_n must_v shift_v for_o themselves_o they_o can_v bear_v hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n but_o never_o consider_v who_o can_v dwell_v with_o devour_a fire_n who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n but_o more_o of_o this_o present_o such_o kind_n of_o foolish_a reason_n as_o these_o make_v man_n neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v any_o man_n act_n or_o reason_n so_o weak_o in_o his_o worldly_a affair_n he_o will_v be_v beg_v for_o a_o fool_n if_o he_o be_v worth_a the_o keep_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v these_o man_n of_o the_o evil_a danger_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n 2._o let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o exhort_v all_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v sottish_o unconcern_v what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o soul_n after_o death_n whether_o they_o shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o all_o man_n who_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o their_o life_n to_o get_v heaven_n who_o be_v impatient_o desirous_a to_o see_v god_n and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o who_o be_v afraid_a of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o of_o be_v banish_v from_o his_o presence_n i_o say_v these_o man_n be_v serious_a and_o hearty_a in_o their_o religion_n they_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o though_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o natural_a debt_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n yet_o god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v so_o order_v all_o the_o part_n of_o worship_n that_o we_o may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o act_n worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o serve_v and_o supply_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o worship_n of_o innocent_a creature_n consist_v principal_o in_o praise_v that_o great_a wise_a and_o bountiful_a maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n be_v fit_v to_o a_o lapse_v state_n to_o heal_v and_o recover_v our_o soul_n restore_v we_o to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o new_a and_o glorious_a reward_n since_o we_o be_v sinner_n god_n have_v make_v it_o one_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o give_v we_o great_a encouragement_n to_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o they_o and_o can_v any_o man_n who_o love_v his_o soul_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v careless_a in_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n must_v thou_o die_v eternal_o sinner_n unless_o thou_o obtain_v thy_o pardon_n from_o god_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o lie_v prostrate_a in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o reserve_v this_o work_n for_o thy_o last_o breath_n when_o thou_o be_v so_o hasty_a to_o procure_v a_o pardon_n from_o thy_o prince_n when_o thou_o have_v only_o forfeit_v a_o perish_a estate_n or_o a_o mortal_a life_n i_o think_v i_o shall_v see_v thou_o run_v with_o all_o speed_n to_o church_n for_o fear_v thou_o shall_v come_v too_o late_o to_o offer_v up_o thy_o confession_n and_o prayer_n with_o the_o congregation_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o pray_v for_o thou_o and_o to_o receive_v that_o revive_a absolution_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o humble_a penitent_n confess_v and_o pray_v sinner_n and_o since_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n our_o manifold_a and_o great_a sin_n may_v just_o discourage_v we_o from_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o god_n god_n have_v in_o infinite_a mercy_n provide_v a_o great_a highpriest_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o have_v command_v we_o to_o come_v to_o he_o in_o his_o name_n and_o shall_v we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o our_o saviour_n intercession_n by_o neglect_v to_o beg_v pardon_n in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o great_a highpriest_n be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n incense_a and_o perfume_v with_o his_o own_o merit_n but_o this_o suppose_n that_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n have_v no_o part_n nor_o interest_n in_o his_o intercession_n he_o be_v a_o advocate_n for_o none_o but_o those_o who_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o since_o our_o nature_n be_v great_o corrupt_v and_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o unable_a to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o beg_v the_o supply_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o who_o ask_v he_o and_o when_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n how_o liable_a we_o be_v to_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n and_o how_o easy_o we_o be_v conquer_v by_o they_o and_o know_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v ever_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n unless_o we_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v any_o man_n who_o love_v his_o soul_n expose_v himself_o naked_a and_o unarm_v to_o a_o tempt_a world_n and_o devil_n without_o so_o much_o as_o beg_v the_o auxiliary_a force_n and_o divine_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v but_o shall_v never_o have_v without_o you_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o promote_v your_o secular_a interest_n when_o a_o city_n be_v besiege_v by_o powerful_a and_o numerous_a enemy_n they_o send_v ambassador_n to_o their_o ally_n and_o confederate_n and_o will_v never_o want_v help_n for_o want_n of_o ask_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o become_v the_o triumph_n and_o the_o scorn_n and_o a_o prey_n to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_v of_o cry_v to_o god_n to_o save_v we_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v the_o holy_a feast_n of_o his_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n as_o a_o conveyance_n of_o new_a life_n and_o grace_n to_o we_o and_o have_v those_o man_n any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o any_o honour_n for_o their_o crucify_a lord_n who_o deny_v themselves_o so_o inestimable_a a_o privilege_n of_o feast_v on_o the_o symbol_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n which_o seal_v to_o all_o
worthy_a communicant_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o more_o firm_o unite_v they_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o actuate_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o very_o unmindful_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o god_n in_o great_a goodness_n have_v appoint_v a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v and_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o attend_v their_o instruction_n and_o though_o i_o hope_v in_o such_o a_o age_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o christian_n so_o know_v that_o they_o need_v not_o be_v teach_v their_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v 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which_o may_v have_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o they_o in_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n they_o be_v in_o very_o good_a earnest_n to_o get_v this_o world_n but_o be_v very_o indifferent_a and_o unconcerned_a about_o the_o next_o so_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o be_v expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n for_o god_n so_o they_o immediate_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o virtue_n of_o they_o be_v see_v in_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n in_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o make_v we_o holy_a here_o and_o eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n let_v we_o constant_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o love_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o great_a concernment_n in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o for_o to_o love_v our_o soul_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o man_n the_o body_n be_v only_o the_o organ_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o state_n of_o its_o pilgrimage_n but_o it_o be_v our_o soul_n only_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n or_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a so_o be_v the_o man_n and_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v happy_a this_o they_o seek_v with_o unwearied_a endeavour_n this_o make_v all_o that_o bustle_n and_o stir_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o man_n be_v a_o catch_n after_o happiness_n and_o scramble_n for_o it_o why_o then_o you_o say_v what_o be_v the_o dispute_n and_o difficulty_n since_o all_o man_n do_v love_v their_o soul_n that_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o soul_n that_o relish_v happiness_n or_o be_v the_o subject_a wherein_o happiness_n dwell_v this_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o very_a few_o man_n love_v their_o soul_n for_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o twofold_a happiness_n one_o as_o it_o live_v in_o this_o gross_a body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n another_o as_o it_o live_v without_o it_o in_o a_o separate_a state_n or_o receive_v it_o again_o refine_a and_o purge_v make_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a body_n now_o as_o the_o soul_n dwell_v in_o these_o earthly_a body_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v mighty_o please_v with_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o such_o object_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o happiness_n which_o most_o man_n be_v fond_a of_o in_o this_o world_n which_o tempt_v they_o to_o all_o those_o sensual_a lust_n which_o st._n john_n comprise_v under_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o dwell_v in_o this_o body_n be_v not_o its_o most_o perfect_a state_n it_o be_v to_o dwell_v but_o a_o little_a while_n in_o this_o body_n and_o then_o can_v enjoy_v these_o bodily_a pleasure_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o that_o be_v call_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o life_n and_o commensurate_a to_o a_o eternal_a duration_n so_o that_o the_o controversy_n in_o short_a be_v this_o whether_o we_o will_v prefer_v a_o imperfect_a unsatisfactory_a momentary_a happiness_n or_o such_o a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o big_a our_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v last_v to_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o this_o choice_n for_o can_v a_o immortal_a be_v who_o be_v to_o live_v eternal_a age_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o perish_a joy_n as_o wax_v old_a and_o expire_v in_o half_a a_o age_n it_o will_v be_v think_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o immortal_a creature_n shall_v grow_v weary_a of_o life_n and_o be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o after_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o much_o more_o reasonable_a desire_n than_o to_o choose_v such_o a_o happiness_n as_o will_v last_v but_o sixty_o or_o eighty_o year_n when_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n be_v much_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o a_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a worldling_n every_o one_o contemn_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o prodigal_n who_o spend_v a_o fair_a estate_n in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o waste_v away_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n in_o poverty_n and_o beggary_n and_o yet_o three_o or_o four_o year_n pleasure_n bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n but_o threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n have_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o eternity_n be_v there_o no_o other_o punishment_n of_o such_o folly_n but_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n to_o find_v no_o suitable_a object_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n but_o to_o languish_v perpetual_o with_o pine_v and_o unsatisfy_a desire_n yet_o this_o be_v like_o the_o pain_n of_o perpetual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n somewhat_o worse_o than_o the_o delay_n of_o hope_n even_o the_o torment_n of_o despair_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o worse_o still_o than_o this_o for_o such_o man_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n will_v be_v convince_v what_o happiness_n it_o be_v they_o have_v lose_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o shut_v out_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v victorious_a saint_n who_o have_v triumph_v over_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n all_o the_o smile_n flattery_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n clothe_v with_o body_n of_o pure_a light_n and_o reward_v with_o immarcessible_a crown_n of_o glory_n sing_v eternal_a halelujah_n to_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o when_o all_o the_o toy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v go_v and_o pass_v and_o nothing_o be_v present_a but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o it_o will_v infinite_o more_o afflict_v they_o to_o think_v they_o have_v miss_v of_o heaven_n than_o it_o will_v do_v now_o to_o lose_v their_o estate_n and_o honour_n and_o let_v slip_v any_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o make_v themselves_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o
〈◊〉_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
run_v headlong_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n with_o themselves_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n lest_o tell_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v call_v bitterness_n and_o rail_a for_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vile_a and_o lewd_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o again_o and_o think_v themselves_o slander_v if_o they_o do_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o tender_a conscience_n never_o teach_v man_n to_o revile_v and_o reproach_v their_o governor_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o infamous_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n st._n jude_n give_v a_o great_a many_o hard_a word_n to_o some_o man_n in_o his_o day_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o apply_v to_o any_o in_o we_o who_o despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o but_o these_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o woe_n unto_o they_o for_o they_o have_v go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o cain_n and_o run_v greedy_o after_o the_o error_n of_o balaam_n for_o reward_n and_o perish_v in_o the_o gainsaying_n of_o core_n these_o be_v spot_n in_o your_o feast_n of_o charity_n when_o they_o feast_v with_o you_o feed_v themselves_o without_o fear_n cloud_n be_v they_o without_o water_n carry_v about_o of_o wind_n tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n rage_v wave_n of_o the_o sea_n foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n wander_v star_n to_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o that_o admirable_a rule_n of_o st._n austin_n in_o answer_n to_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n whoever_o correct_v what_o he_o can_v 2._o by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n and_o shut_v out_o or_o lays_z aside_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o amendment_n as_o far_o as_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o modest_o disallow_v and_o yet_o uphold_v what_o can_v be_v part_v with_o without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a peacemaker_n sect_n ii_o contain_v 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 i_o shall_v now_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a principle_n which_o may_v contribute_v towards_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n the_o thing_n common_o object_v to_o drive_v away_o our_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o like_a which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a and_o uncommand_v thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o we_o have_v always_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o break_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o religious_a office_n they_o can_v never_o produce_v any_o yet_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a never_o can_v and_o if_o man_n will_v abuse_v and_o scare_v themselves_o with_o some_o fanciful_a application_n of_o scripture_n and_o remote_a and_o illogical_a consequence_n there_o be_v no_o help_n that_o i_o know_v of_o since_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a work_n to_o answer_v all_o such_o cavil_n for_o man_n who_o can_v make_v objection_n without_o any_o just_a reason_n may_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n return_n answer_v too_o without_o end_n therefore_o the_o best_a and_o short_a way_n i_o can_v think_v of_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v satisfy_v all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o raise_v objection_n against_o any_o thing_n yet_o those_o objection_n must_v prove_v fallacious_a which_o contradict_v other_o great_a and_o apparent_a truth_n and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o these_o four_o general_a head_n first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n three_o the_o example_n of_o christ._n four_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a worship_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n thus_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o argue_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o 24._o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o wise_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o 2._o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o brief_o to_o our_o present_a case_n can_v any_o man_n who_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o creature_n for_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanks-givings_a to_o he_o in_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a form_n of_o word_n can_v god_n be_v please_v with_o the_o volubility_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o quickness_n of_o fancy_n or_o variety_n of_o invention_n more_o than_o with_o devout_a affection_n than_o with_o a_o soul_n inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n and_o possess_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o offer_v up_o itself_o to_o he_o in_o few_o grave_n and_o considerate_a word_n will_v a_o father_n reject_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n if_o as_o often_o as_o he_o want_v require_v he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n when_o he_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n do_v a_o prince_n like_o a_o long_a extemporary_a harangue_n when_o his_o subject_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o he_o or_o a_o short_a and_o well_o compose_v petition_n the_o wise_a man_n i_o be_o sure_a tell_v we_o that_o few_o and_o become_v word_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o more_o expressive_a of_o that_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v only_o a_o external_a signification_n of_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o mankind_n before_o god_n make_v any_o other_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n than_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a judge_n in_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o express_a positive_a law_n make_v about_o it_o revelation_n may_v suggest_v new_a matter_n for_o our_o prayer_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o powerful_a and_o prevail_a name_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n but_o word_n and_o posture_n and_o other_o external_a circumstance_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o express_o determine_v by_o revelation_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o humane_a prudence_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o rule_n for_o these_o matter_n before_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o alter_v this_o rule_n by_o a_o plain_a positive_a law_n it_o must_v be_v our_o rule_n still_o for_o we_o have_v no_o better_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v our_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o discover_v his_o will_n to_o we_o partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o partly_o by_o revelation_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o his_o creature_n for_o follow_v the_o best_a reason_n they_o have_v nay_o for_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o public_a reason_n and_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n whoever_o only_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n must_v certain_o judge_v it_o fit_a to_o meditate_v before_o hand_n and_o to_o take_v word_n with_o we_o when_o we_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n than_o to_o venture_v say_v any_o thing_n which_o come_v next_o and_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n condemn_v any_o external_a ceremony_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o a_o useful_a signification_n but_o have_v teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o use_v they_o in_o all_o
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
the_o very_a case_n the_o apostle_n mention_n for_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v either_o the_o worship_a angel_n ver_fw-la 18._o which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o humility_n that_o such_o mean_a and_o guilty_a creature_n dare_v not_o immediate_o approach_v to_o god_n without_o the_o intercession_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n or_o those_o ordinance_n and_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o 20_o 21._o which_o he_o call_v the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n ver_fw-la 22._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v either_o the_o jewish_a law_n of_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o pythagorean_n abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o woman_n or_o from_o eat_v any_o live_a creature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a both_o of_o they_o these_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n but_o indeed_o be_v not_o true_a wisdom_n nor_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n such_o as_o their_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n their_o fast_n penance_n and_o pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v make_v substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n be_v never_o reckon_v among_o they_o till_o now_o by_o any_o ancient_a or_o modern_a expositor_n now_o though_o will-worship_n be_v in_o this_o place_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o these_o thing_n condemn_v as_o part_n of_o will-worship_n yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o as_o have_v nothing_o in_o her_o worship_n like_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v not_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o will-worship_n any_o far_a than_o the_o apostle_n have_v apply_v it_o or_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v analogous_a to_o what_o he_o condem_n for_o will-worship_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o have_v the_o least_o ill_a character_n affix_v to_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o accusation_n be_v superstition_n a_o name_n which_o be_v at_o all_o adventure_n give_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o man_n dislike_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o name_n of_o reproach_n serve_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o argument_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o at_o hand_n thus_o to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n to_o wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v all_o superstitious_a ceremony_n and_o so_o they_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v who_o most_o frequent_o use_v this_o word_n without_o understand_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o no_o man_n need_v be_v at_o any_o great_a trouble_n to_o vindicate_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n than_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o will_v soon_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n in_o apply_v it_o now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o tully_n be_v render_v superstitio_fw-la be_v by_o st._n austin_n call_v demonum_fw-la cultus_fw-la the_o worship_n of_o demon_n that_o be_v of_o angel_n or_o dead_a man_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n at_o athens_n when_o he_o observe_v the_o inscription_n of_o 22._o their_o altar_n to_o a_o unknown_a god_n say_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v more_o superstitious_a than_o other_o i._n e._n that_o they_o worship_v more_o god_n or_o demon_n than_o other_o heathen_a nation_n and_o possible_o with_o more_o devotion_n and_o religious_a observance_n but_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o great_a dread_n and_o fear_n of_o their_o demon_n and_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v make_v equivalent_a to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dread_n or_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v super_v this_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o consequent_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o for_o which_o reason_n epicurus_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n yet_o he_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v maker_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o humane_a affair_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n he_o reject_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d superstitious_a fearer_n of_o the_o deity_n hence_o he_o represent_v the_o design_n of_o his_o philosophy_n to_o be_v to_o deliver_v man_n from_o superstition_n that_o they_o may_v live_v without_o fear_n of_o any_o invisible_a power_n or_o infernal_a judge_n of_o who_o their_o poet_n especial_o tell_v such_o frightful_a and_o tragical_a story_n and_o therefore_o in_o other_o place_n superstition_n be_v make_v by_o he_o equivalent_a to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n after_o death_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n superstition_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o nickname_n for_o religion_n or_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n but_o this_o be_v so_o troublesome_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o atheistical_a philosopher_n that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o deliver_v himself_o and_o mankind_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o future_a account_n as_o in_o our_o age_n for_o the_o fame_n reason_n too_o many_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o laugh_v and_o droll_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n that_o they_o may_v live_v secure_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o though_o every_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o few_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n stick_v close_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o different_a for_o they_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v as_o to_o despise_v his_o power_n and_o therefore_o they_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a dread_n of_o god_n as_o a_o observer_n of_o their_o action_n and_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o he_o but_o as_o of_o a_o powerful_a domineer_a imperious_a tyrant_n and_o therefore_o maximus_n tyrius_n make_v this_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o religious_a and_o superstitious_a man_n that_o a_o religious_a man_n go_v to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o servile_a fear_n and_o horror_n which_o we_o now_o common_o oppose_v to_o a_o filial_a fear_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o love_n and_o reverence_n as_o a_o son_n love_v and_o honour_n his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o superstitious_a man_n be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o god_n as_o a_o powerful_a tyrant_n hence_o plutarch_n observe_v that_o a_o atheist_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o superstitious_a man_n wish_v there_o be_v none_o and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o superstition_n make_v man_n fear_n god_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o flatter_v he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a temper_n of_o fear_n to_o fawn_v and_o crouch_v and_o by_o the_o base_a and_o most_o servile_a submission_n to_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o imperious_a lord_n and_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o those_o who_o be_v proud_a severe_a and_o imperious_a to_o love_v to_o be_v flatter_v and_o therefore_o those_o man_n who_o look_v on_o god_n only_o as_o almighty_a power_n which_o be_v soon_o provoke_v and_o can_v be_v resist_v hope_v to_o appease_v so_o angry_a a_o be_v by_o some_o servile_a and_o flatter_a submission_n whence_o it_o be_v maximus_n tyrius_n represent_v a_o true_o pious_a man_n as_o god_n friend_n and_o a_o superstitious_a man_n as_o his_o flatterer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o superstitious_a man_n be_v this_o that_o a_o true_o religious_a man_n be_v one_o who_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o this_o servile_a fear_n of_o god_n he_o love_v he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a be_v and_o secure_o hope_v in_o he_o as_o the_o most_o kind_a father_n and_o bountiful_a benefactor_n and_o delight_n to_o pay_v he_o such_o homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n but_o a_o superstitious_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v in_o love_n with_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o which_o he_o fear_v god_n will_v punish_v he_o for_o but_o can_v and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o fear_v god_n and_o flatter_v he_o and_o invent_v such_o art_n to_o appease_v
a_o offend_a and_o angry_a deity_n as_o a_o slave_n will_v do_v to_o pacify_v his_o lord_n and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o that_o which_o we_o call_v superstitious_a worship_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o superstitious_a man_n pay_v to_o god_n to_o appease_v his_o anger_n and_o to_o flatter_v he_o into_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o for_o superstition_n be_v proper_o seat_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o religion_n be_v and_o that_o be_v a_o superstitious_a worship_n which_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o superstition_n as_o that_o be_v true_a religious_a worship_n which_o express_v the_o sincere_a devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o those_o numerous_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o heathen_n at_o least_o they_o be_v abuse_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o superstitious_a mind_n to_o appease_v their_o angry_a god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n instead_o of_o their_o own_o especial_o those_o barbarous_a sacrifice_n of_o man_n and_o child_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a shall_v ever_o have_v any_o other_o original_a than_o superstition_n for_o man_n must_v be_v in_o a_o horrible_a dread_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o entertain_v very_o frightful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o before_o they_o can_v either_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o offer_v or_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o such_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o same_o original_a be_v owe_v their_o worship_n of_o demon_n and_o inferior_a deity_n as_o intercessor_n for_o they_o to_o the_o more_o powerful_a god_n for_o man_n who_o be_v afraid_a endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o the_o friend_n they_o can_v to_o a_o powerful_a adversary_n and_o it_o not_o only_o make_v a_o show_n of_o humility_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o man_n dare_v not_o go_v direct_o to_o god_n but_o employ_v his_o great_a minister_n to_o speak_v for_o they_o but_o it_o signify_v also_o a_o great_a dread_n of_o he_o for_o have_v man_n right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o they_o will_v be_v no_o more_o afraid_a to_o pray_v to_o he_o than_o a_o child_n be_v to_o ask_v his_o father_n for_o what_o he_o want_v thus_o superstitious_a man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o appease_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o sin_n endeavour_v to_o court_n and_o flatter_v he_o with_o a_o arbitrary_a and_o external_a worship_n either_o with_o a_o pompous_a show_n such_o as_o be_v their_o carry_v the_o image_n of_o their_o god_n in_o procession_n which_o be_v so_o magnificent_a a_o sight_n that_o many_o christian_n be_v tempt_v to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o which_o be_v condemn_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o with_o public_a feast_n and_o sport_n their_o solennes_n ludi_fw-la institute_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n in_o which_o so_o many_o ancient_a christian_n suffer_v martyrdom_n or_o frequent_a wash_n and_o purification_n or_o external_a severity_n to_o their_o body_n as_o whip_n and_o cut_v themselves_o till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o as_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n do_v or_o by_o prostitute_v their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n and_o defile_v themselves_o in_o honour_n of_o their_o wanton_a deity_n or_o by_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n and_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o severe_a and_o troublesome_a method_n in_o these_o and_o suchlike_a thing_n consist_v that_o superstitious_a worship_n which_o the_o heathen_n pay_v to_o their_o god_n in_o such_o external_a rite_n as_o be_v expensive_a costly_a or_o troublesome_a which_o they_o think_v apt_a and_o proper_a to_o atone_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o flatter_v their_o angry_a god_n into_o a_o good_a like_n of_o they_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n their_o worship_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o real_a and_o substantial_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o design_v and_o have_v no_o tendency_n in_o they_o to_o make_v they_o more_o like_a to_o god_n or_o to_o do_v any_o real_a honour_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n but_o be_v a_o external_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n like_o the_o crouching_n and_o fawn_n of_o slave_n to_o their_o imperious_a lord_n and_o thus_o a_o superstitious_a mind_n may_v turn_v even_o divine_a institution_n into_o a_o superstitious_a worship_n as_o the_o hypocritical_a jew_n do_v who_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o signification_n of_o those_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n appoint_v but_o dote_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o think_v to_o please_v god_n with_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o they_o they_o glory_v in_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o make_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o descend_v from_o abraham_n by_o carnal_a generation_n but_o take_v no_o care_n to_o imitate_v the_o faith_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n they_o boast_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a symbol_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o and_o residence_n among_o they_o though_o they_o make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n they_o punctual_o observe_v their_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o solemn_a assembly_n though_o they_o defile_v themselves_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n insomuch_o that_o god_n abhor_v his_o own_o worship_n as_o much_o as_o the_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o though_o he_o institute_v it_o himself_o yet_o deny_v that_o he_o require_v it_o from_o they_o when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v 11._o require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n and_o thus_o profess_a christian_n may_v and_o do_v turn_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n into_o the_o gross_a superstition_n when_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n that_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o hear_v sermon_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o which_o be_v to_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n to_o purify_v their_o mind_n from_o all_o earthliness_n and_o sensuality_n and_o thereby_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o spiritual_a world_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o superstition_n be_v not_o proper_o in_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o mind_n divine_a institution_n may_v be_v abuse_v to_o superstitious_a purpose_n and_o humane_a institution_n which_o be_v mere_a matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n may_v be_v use_v without_o superstition_n the_o superstition_n of_o heathen_n jew_n and_o christian_n differ_v in_o their_o act_n but_o agree_v in_o their_o principle_n too_o great_a a_o fear_n and_o flattery_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v we_o may_v collect_v some_o plain_a rule_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v superstitious_a and_o what_o not_o and_o when_o we_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o superstition_n and_o when_o not_o for_o 1._o then_o man_n be_v certain_o superstitious_a when_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v please_v or_o displease_v god_n mere_o by_o do_v or_o not_o do_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n by_o any_o arbitrary_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o think_v that_o god_n may_v be_v flatter_v by_o external_a and_o insignificant_a compliment_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v displease_v with_o we_o for_o do_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v argue_v a_o superstitious_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o he_o so_o that_o we_o dare_v not_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o restrain_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v to_o forbid_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v or_o at_o least_o not_o forbid_v be_v more_o certain_o a_o act_n of_o superstition_n than_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v for_o man_n may_v do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v without_o any_o superstitious_a conceit_n about_o it_o but_o they_o can_v forbid_v do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v without_o place_v religion_n in_o not_o do_v it_o and_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n with_o it_o which_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v certain_o superstitious_a 2._o then_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v institute_v by_o
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that_o when_o he_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o he_o in_o his_o own_o palace_n concern_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o hear_v it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v very_o long_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o sit_v down_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o consult_v our_o ease_n 33._o while_o we_o hear_v any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n to_o hear_v religious_a discourse_n stand_v and_o what_o will_v that_o religious_a emperor_n have_v think_v to_o have_v see_v christian_n in_o public_a assembly_n pray_v sit_v and_o indeed_o i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o universal_a practice_n of_o sit_v when_o we_o sing_v psalm_n for_o psalm_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v as_o much_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o equal_o require_v a_o posture_n of_o devotion_n thus_o uncover_v the_o head_n have_v at_o least_o among_o christian_n be_v always_o 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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 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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