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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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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 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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
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
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
when_o the_o case_n be_v beyond_o their_o private_a redress_n may_v call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o by_o his_o wise_a counsel_n and_o seasonable_a exhortation_n and_o reproof_n and_o pious_a and_o ardent_a prayer_n may_v convince_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v and_o restore_v they_o by_o repentance_n and_o obtain_v their_o pardon_n or_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v assault_v by_o temptation_n and_o procure_v fresh_a supply_n of_o grace_n for_o they_o we_o see_v indeed_o very_o little_a of_o this_o now_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o few_o man_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o be_v too_o much_o unconcern_v what_o become_v of_o their_o brother_n soul_n they_o think_v every_o man_n must_v look_v to_o himself_o but_o do_v not_o feel_v that_o sympathy_n compassion_n and_o care_n which_o one_o member_n have_v for_o another_o that_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n 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forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o by_o their_o vicious_a life_n but_o though_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a noise_n make_v about_o it_o than_o there_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o since_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n usual_o excommunicate_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o do_v now_o and_o then_o hear_v a_o sermon_n which_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o turk_n heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a mean_n for_o their_o conversion_n yet_o never_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n or_o be_v reject_v when_o know_v yet_o i_o say_v will_v every_o christian_a faithful_o do_v his_o part_n and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a discipline_n shall_v be_v due_o administer_v in_o any_o church-state_n parochial_a communion_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n pure_a it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n but_o some_o of_o his_o neighbour_n must_v know_v it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o congregation_n who_o member_n live_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o each_o other_o and_o rare_o converse_v together_o and_o when_o they_o do_v can_v easy_o put_v on_o great_a reservedness_n and_o caution_n and_o appear_v quite_o other_o man_n than_o their_o common_a conversation_n speak_v they_o to_o be_v love_n and_o unity_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o our_o discipleship_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n 35._o know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o now_o though_o we_o must_v love_v all_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n yet_o neighbour_n have_v the_o great_a reason_n by_o all_o possible_a art_n and_o endearment_n to_o secure_v their_o love_n to_o each_o other_o because_o they_o have_v the_o most_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n if_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v a_o much_o hard_a thing_n to_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n among_o man_n who_o live_v together_o and_o have_v different_a interest_n which_o be_v many_o time_n cross_v to_o each_o other_o than_o among_o those_o who_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o seldom_o see_v one_o another_o and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o firm_a and_o last_a cement_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n than_o christian_a communion_n be_v when_o they_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o put_v up_o their_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o and_o eat_v at_o the_o same_o table_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n this_o be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o love_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o it_o do_v more_o sensible_o endear_v we_o to_o those_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o household_n and_o family_n and_o since_o there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o this_o endearment_n among_o neighbour_n than_o stranger_n parochial_a communion_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o christian_a neighbour_n who_o daily_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o do_v better_a answer_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a communion_n than_o gather_v church_n i_o add_v further_o that_o in_o parochial_a communion_n every_o particular_a christian_a in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o which_o can_v ordinary_o be_v do_v in_o gather_a church_n for_o every_o particular_a man_n belong_v to_o one_o parish_n or_o another_o and_o be_v by_o law_n bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o may_v be_v discover_v and_o correct_v either_o by_o private_a admonition_n or_o public_a censure_n but_o when_o man_n forsake_v their_o parochial_a communion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v of_o this_o church_n or_o of_o that_o or_o of_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a wander_a sheep_n to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o their_o charge_n in_o any_o other_o church-state_n as_o in_o parochial_a communion_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a and_o necessary_a constitution_n and_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n be_v it_o in_o those_o who_o without_o great_a reason_n disturb_v good_a order_n and_o though_o they_o know_v how_o to_o use_v this_o liberty_n wise_o and_o innocent_o themselves_o yet_o give_v a_o ill_a example_n to_o those_o who_o will_v make_v a_o bad_a use_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o and_o that_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o your_o family_n you_o can_v ordinary_o have_v such_o inspection_n over_o your_o child_n and_o servant_n when_o you_o go_v to_o other_o church_n as_o when_o you_o can_v appoint_v they_o their_o seat_n or_o station_n in_o your_o own_o where_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n upon_o they_o and_o observe_v their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n and_o your_o example_n in_o forsake_v your_o own_o church_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o do_v so_o too_o and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o this_o have_v too_o often_o occasion_v the_o debauchery_n of_o many_o otherwise_o hopeful_a young_a man_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o division_n of_o church_n into_o parish-bound_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o parochial_a minister_n be_v not_o found_v on_o any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o high_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church-communion_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n light_o or_o wanton_o to_o violate_v so_o wholesome_a a_o institution_n 2._o because_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o be_v make_v by_o those_o who_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n for_o forsake_v their_o parish_n church_n be_v the_o different_a ability_n of_o preacher_n and_o every_o one_o be_v desirous_a to_o hear_v those_o preacher_n who_o he_o like_v best_o and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o hurt_n in_o it_o i_o shall_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v and_o with_o as_o little_a offence_n as_o may_v be_v consider_v this_o matter_n 1._o and_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o other_o for_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n that_o they_o can_v profit_v more_o by_o nonconforming_a than_o by_o conform_v preacher_n and_o therefore_o forsake_v our_o church_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o separate_v congregation_n and_o methinks_v wife_n and_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o like_o a_o principle_n which_o so_o easy_o lead_v man_n into_o separation_n and_o end_n in_o schism_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o
name_n have_v confine_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n and_o favour_n to_o such_o assembly_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n for_o he_o have_v express_o promise_v that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o 20._o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a charter_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o certain_o be_v strong_a the_o more_o universal_a the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n be_v for_o if_o christ_n will_v be_v present_a with_o two_o or_o three_o who_o assemble_v in_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o agree_v to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o god_n much_o more_o when_o so_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v confederated_a in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n in_o the_o same_o word_n how_o powerful_a will_v the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o a_o whole_a national_a church_n be_v to_o procure_v those_o blessing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o want_v for_o if_o unity_n and_o consent_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o please_v to_o god_n the_o great_a this_o consent_n be_v the_o more_o please_a it_o must_v be_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o private_a christian_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v confederated_a by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o public_a worship_n have_v the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o public_a order_n and_o government_n if_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o particular_a minister_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o prevalent_a how_o much_o more_o those_o prayer_n which_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o church_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n even_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o single_a minister_n which_o can_v so_o well_o be_v say_v of_o any_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o to_o observe_v good_a order_n in_o our_o religious_a worship_n do_v man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v soon_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o such_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o prefer_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n before_o any_o prayer_n of_o a_o private_a composition_n or_o any_o sudden_a extempore_o effusion_n for_o public_a prayer_n prescribe_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o offer_v up_o by_o a_o public_a minister_n be_v always_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o virtual_o contain_v the_o desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n public_a baptism_n be_v now_o very_o much_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n most_o people_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a needless_a and_o troublesome_a ceremony_n to_o carry_v their_o child_n to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o to_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o private_a chamber_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v with_o little_a company_n and_o with_o little_a noise_n as_o prevail_v as_o this_o custom_n now_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o very_a late_a date_n even_o in_o this_o church_n it_o seem_v to_o owe_v its_o original_n to_o the_o dispute_v about_o ceremony_n for_o when_o some_o man_n scruple_v godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o avoid_v this_o they_o baptize_v their_o child_n private_o at_o home_n without_o either_o when_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o conscientious_a conformist_n as_o can_v dispense_v with_o his_o rule_n and_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n forbid_v those_o who_o still_o retain_v their_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o partake_v in_o a_o prevail_a schism_n be_v force_v to_o retire_v into_o private_a too_o and_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n at_o home_n and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o break_v a_o custom_n upon_o what_o occasion_n soever_o it_o be_v at_o first_o begin_v that_o which_o necessity_n occasion_v be_v continue_v by_o some_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o state_n by_o other_o to_o save_v charge_n and_o trouble_v which_o may_v be_v much_o better_o save_v by_o public_a baptism_n by_o other_o out_o of_o softness_n and_o tenderness_n a_o kind_n and_o indulgent_a mother_n dare_v not_o expose_v a_o young_a infant_n to_o the_o cold_a air_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o send_v it_o to_o nurse_n i_o can_v never_o hear_v any_o thing_n plead_v for_o this_o practice_n that_o deserve_v a_o answer_n that_o which_o make_v this_o custom_n prevail_v be_v that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o great_a decency_n and_o fitness_n and_o the_o many_o advantage_n of_o public_a baptism_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o brief_o represent_v by_o public_a baptism_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o fitness_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v our_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o a_o public_a nature_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v public_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n i_o know_v of_o whereby_o to_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n but_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o be_v do_v in_o private_a other_o which_o require_v some_o public_a solemnity_n and_o it_o be_v as_o undecent_a to_o do_v a_o public_a action_n i._n e._n a_o action_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n private_o as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o private_a action_n in_o public_a now_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o public_a nature_n which_o concern_v a_o who'e_n society_n and_o such_o be_v the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o efficacy_n indeed_o of_o baptism_n depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v right_o administer_v do_v not_o lose_v its_o virtue_n for_o want_v of_o some_o due_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o those_o who_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o give_v all_o christian_a office_n their_o due_a solemnity_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v that_o baptism_n contain_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o public_a own_n of_o his_o religion_n no_o adult_n person_n be_v ever_o admit_v to_o baptism_n without_o a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o as_o learned_a man_n think_v st._n peter_n call_v baptism_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o 21._o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v examine_v about_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o public_a it_o be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o indeed_o infant_n who_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o their_o sponsor_n and_o surety_n be_v who_o undertake_v for_o their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o certain_o the_o public_a church_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a place_n for_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n to_o baptize_v our_o child_n private_o look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o root_v out_o christianity_n than_o to_o destroy_v