Selected quad for the lemma: prayer_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
prayer_n church_n form_n impose_v 2,118 5 9.7547 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26906 The cure of church-divisions, or, Directions for weak Christians to keep them from being dividers or troublers of the church with some directions to the pastors how to deal with such Christians / by Richard Baxter. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1670 (1670) Wing B1234; ESTC R1684 258,570 520

There are 19 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o your_o prejudice_n passion_n or_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n 28._o do_v not_o too_o much_o reverence_v the_o revelation_n impulse_n or_o most_o confident_a opinion_n of_o any_o other_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o sincerity_n or_o holiness_n but_o try_v all_o judicious_o and_o sober_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 29._o take_v heed_n lest_o the_o trouble_n of_o your_o own_o disquiet_v doubt_v mind_n do_v become_v a_o snare_n to_o draw_v you_o to_o some_o uncouth_a way_n of_o cure_n and_o so_o make_v the_o fancy_n of_o some_o new_a opinion_n sect_n or_o practice_n to_o seem_v your_o remedy_n and_o give_v you_o ease_n and_o soperswade_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n 30_o keep_v in_o the_o rank_n of_o a_o humble_a disciple_n or_o learner_n in_o christ_n church_n till_o you_o be_v fit_a and_o call_v to_o be_v teacher_n yourselves_o 31._o grow_v up_o in_o the_o great_a substantial_a practical_a truth_n and_o duty_n and_o grow_v downward_o in_o the_o root_n of_o a_o clear_a belief_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o neither_o begin_v too_o soon_o with_o doubtful_a opinion_n nor_o ever_o lie_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o 32._o lay_v not_o a_o great_a stress_n upon_o your_o different_a word_n and_o manner_n of_o prayer_n than_o god_n have_v lay_v and_o take_v heed_n of_o scorn_v reproach_v or_o slight_v the_o word_n and_o manner_n of_o other_o man_n worship_n when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n accept_v from_o the_o sincere_a where_o the_o case_n about_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v handle_v 33._o when_o you_o be_v sure_o that_o other_o man_n way_n of_o worship_n be_v sinful_a yet_o make_v it_o not_o any_o other_o or_o great_a sin_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o speak_v not_o evil_a of_o so_o much_o in_o it_o as_o be_v good_a and_o slander_v not_o god_n as_o a_o hater_n or_o rejecter_n of_o all_o man_n service_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o infirmity_n or_o as_o a_o partial_a hater_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o other_o and_o not_o you_o 34._o think_v not_o that_o all_o be_v unlawful_o obey_v which_o be_v unlawful_o command_v 35._o think_v not_o that_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n worship_n with_o who_o you_o join_v no_o not_o of_o the_o minister_n or_o congregation_n nor_o that_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v faulty_o perform_v for_o then_o there_o must_v be_v no_o church-communion_n upon_o earth_n where_o be_v more_o about_o extemporary_a prayer_n and_o impose_v form_n 36._o yet_o know_v what_o pastor_n and_o church-communion_n you_o may_v join_v with_o and_o what_o not_o and_o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o to_o make_v no_o difference_n 37._o in_o your_o judge_n of_o discipline_n reformation_n and_o any_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n good_a be_v sure_a your_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o true_a end_n and_o upon_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o not_o on_o either_o of_o they_o alone_o take_v not_o that_o for_o a_o mean_n which_o be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o be_v in_o ●ts_n nature_n destructive_a of_o the_o end_n 38._o neglect_v not_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n much_o less_o renounce_v it_o or_o deny_v it_o but_o yet_o do_v not_o take_v it_o for_o your_o duty_n to_o publish_v all_o which_o you_o judge_v to_o be_v truth_n nor_o a_o sin_n to_o silence_v many_o lesser_a truth_n when_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o welfare_n do_v require_v it_o 39_o know_v which_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o then_o pretend_v not_o any_o lesser_a duty_n against_o these_o great_a though_o the_o least_o when_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v or_o neglect_v 40._o labour_n for_o a_o sound_a judgement_n to_o know_v good_a from_o evil_n lest_o you_o trouble_v yourselves_o and_o other_o by_o mistake_n forsake_v not_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o judicious_a teacher_n nor_o the_o company_n of_o the_o agree_a generality_n of_o the_o godly_a 41._o let_v not_o the_o bare_a fervour_n of_o a_o preacher_n or_o the_o loudness_n of_o his_o voice_n or_o affectionate_a utterance_n draw_v you_o too_o far_o to_o admire_v or_o follow_v he_o without_o a_o proportion_n of_o solid_a understanding_n and_o judiciousness_n 43._o your_o belief_n of_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v make_v your_o own_o and_o not_o take_v mere_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o and_o in_o all_o point_n of_o belief_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n you_o must_v ever_o keep_v company_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n if_o it_o err_v in_o those_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n the_o major_a vote_n must_v be_v your_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o humane_a obedience_n your_o governor_n must_v be_v your_o guide_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a and_o difficult_a speculation_n the_o judgement_n of_o one_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a understanding_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o major_a vote_n 43._o reject_v not_o a_o good_a cause_n because_o it_o be_v own_v by_o some_o bad_a man_n and_o own_o not_o a_o bad_a cause_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o patron_n of_o it_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o person_n when_o you_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o person_n by_o the_o cause_n 44._o yea_o take_v the_o bad_a example_n of_o religious_a man_n to_o be_v one_o of_o your_o most_o perilous_a temptation_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o discover_v what_o be_v the_o special_a sin_n of_o professor_n in_o the_o age_n you_o live_v in_o that_o you_o may_v be_v special_o fortify_v against_o they_o 45._o desire_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n but_o affect_v not_o to_o be_v odd_a and_o singular_a from_o ordinary_a christian_n in_o lawful_a thing_n 46._o when_o you_o have_v to_o do_v only_o with_o stigmatise_v scandalous_a one_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n from_o their_o scandal_n go_v as_o far_o from_o they_o as_o lawful_o you_o can_v but_o with_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o sinner_n who_o conversion_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o seek_v go_v not_o as_o far_o from_o they_o as_o you_o can_v but_o purposely_o study_v to_o come_v as_o near_o they_o as_o lawful_o you_o may_v that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o better_a advantage_n to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n 47._o whenever_o you_o be_v avoid_v any_o error_n forget_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o contrary_a extreme_a to_o be_v avoid_v of_o which_o you_o be_v not_o our_o of_o danger_n 48._o think_v more_o and_o talk_v more_o of_o your_o fault_n and_o fail_n against_o other_o especial_o against_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o pastor_n than_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o fail_n against_o you_o 49._o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o good_a in_o other_o which_o appear_v and_o talk_v rather_o of_o that_o behind_o their_o back_n than_o of_o their_o fault_n 50._o study_v the_o duty_n of_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v more_o than_o of_o reproof_n and_o find_v fault_n 51._o the_o more_o you_o suffer_v by_o ruler_n or_o any_o m●n_z the_o more_o be_v watchful_a lest_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o dishonour_v they_o or_o to_o withdraw_v or_o abate_v the_o love_n which_o be_v their_o due_n 52._o make_v conscience_n of_o heart-revenge_n and_o tongue-revenge_n as_o well_o as_o of_o hand-revenge_n 53._o when_o you_o be_v exasperate_v by_o the_o hurt_n which_o you_o feel_v from_o magistrate_n remember_v also_o the_o good_a which_o the_o church_n receive_v by_o they_o 54._o learn_v to_o suffer_v by_o good_a people_n and_o by_o minister_n and_o not_o only_o by_o ungodly_a people_n or_o by_o magistrate_n 55._o when_o you_o complain_v of_o violence_n and_o persecution_n in_o other_o take_v heed_n lest_o the_o same_o inward_a vice_n work_v in_o you_o by_o church_n cruelty_n and_o dimn_v censure_n against_o they_o or_o other_o persecution_n and_o separation_n often_o have_v the_o same_o cause_n 56._o keep_v still_o in_o your_o eye_n the_o state_n of_o all_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o a_o people_n they_o be_v through_o the_o world_n who_o christ_n have_v communion_n with_o and_o may_v not_o ignorant_o separate_v from_o almost_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n while_o you_o think_v that_o you_o separate_v but_o from_o those_o about_o you_o queres_fw-la about_o separation_n 57_o yet_o ler_n not_o any_o here_o cheat_v you_o by_o the_o bare_a namee_n and_o title_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o papal_a usurp_a head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o must_v you_o dream_v of_o any_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o universal_a
point_n that_o no_o controversy_n or_o opinion_n will_v shake_v his_o faith_n or_o destroy_v his_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n three_o he_o will_v honour_v god_n by_o upright_a practice_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o true_a success_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n his_o religion_n which_o begin_v in_o solid_a faith_n will_v grow_v up_o into_o sincere_a love_n and_o good_a work_n four_o he_o will_v be_v without_o partiality_n a_o lover_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o escape_v temptation_n to_o faction_n and_o division_n because_o his_o religion_n consist_v in_o those_o common_a truth_n and_o duty_n which_o all_o profess_v five_o he_o will_v not_o only_o safe_o receive_v all_o further_a truth_n from_o these_o principle_n but_o all_o his_o knowledge_n and_o dispute_n will_v be_v sanctify_v as_o be_v all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o holiness_n whereas_o he_o that_o take_v the_o contrary_a course_n and_o present_o fall_v to_o the_o study_n of_o by-opinion_n and_o lay_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o will_v prove_v too_o like_o a_o superficial_a hypocrite_n and_o a_o deceiver_n of_o himself_o by_o think_v that_o he_o be_v something_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o gal._n 6._o 5_o 6._o and_o he_o will_v make_v a_o pother_n in_o the_o world_n for_o nothing_o as_o child_n do_v in_o the_o house_n about_o their_o baby_n and_o their_o bauble_n he_o will_v make_v but_o a_o engine_n of_o his_o by-opinion_n to_o destroy_v true_a piety_n and_o christian_a love_n in_o himself_o first_o and_o then_o in_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v he_o he_o will_v first_o make_v himself_o and_o then_o many_o other_o believe_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o proud_a self-conceit_n and_o faction_n and_o he_o will_v be_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o profession_n and_o the_o hardener_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o religious_a be_v but_o a_o few_o ignorant_a whimsical_a fanatic_n these_o be_v too_o sad_a experience_a truth_n direct_v xxxii_o lay_v not_o a_o great_a stress_n upon_o your_o different_a word_n or_o manner_n of_o prayer_n than_o god_n have_v lay_v and_o take_v heed_n either_o of_o scorn_v reproach_v or_o slight_v the_o word_n and_o manner_n of_o other_o man_n worship_n when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n accept_v from_o the_o sincere_a it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o turn_v the_o native_a heat_n of_o religion_n into_o a_o feverish_a outside_n zeal_n about_o word_n or_o circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o they_o or_o against_o they_o o_o what_o a_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o by_o so_o palpable_a a_o trick_n as_o th●s_n the_o devil_n shall_v deceive_v so_o many_o and_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n and_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n i_o know_v that_o one_o party_n will_v cry_v up_o order_n &_o the_o other_o will_v cry_v up_o spirituality_n and_o both_o will_v say_v that_o god_n make_v not_o light_a of_o the_o small_a matter_n in_o religion_n nor_o no_o more_o must_v we_o and_o in_o this_o general_a position_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n but_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v for_o both_o their_o error_n they_o will_v then_o be_v no_o deceit_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v any_o mischief_n some_o thing_n that_o you_o contend_v about_o god_n have_v leave_v whole_o undetermined_a and_o indifferent_a and_o some_o thing_n in_o which_o your_o brother_n err_v his_o error_n be_v so_o small_a a_o fault_n as_o not_o at_o all_o to_o hinder_v his_o acceptance_n with_o god_n nor_o with_o any_o man_n that_o judge_v as_o god_n do_v have_v you_o ever_o understand_v rom._n 14_o &_o 15._o you_o will_v have_v understand_v all_o this_o it_o will_v make_v a_o know_a christian_a weep_v between_o indignation_n and_o compassion_n to_o see_v in_o these_o time_n what_o censure_n and_o worse_a be_v use_v on_o both_o side_n about_o the_o word_v of_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n how_o vile_a and_o unsufferable_a some_o account_n they_o that_o will_v pray_v in_o any_o word_n which_o be_v not_o write_v down_o for_o they_o and_o how_o unlawful_a other_o account_v it_o to_o pray_v in_o their_o impose_v form_n some_o because_o they_o be_v form_n and_o some_o because_o they_o be_v such_o form_n and_o some_o because_o that_o papist_n have_v use_v they_o and_o some_o because_o they_o be_v impose_v when_o god_n have_v give_v they_o no_o command_n but_o to_o pray_v in_o faith_n and_o fervency_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o in_o such_o order_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o matter_n and_o in_o such_o method_n as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o but_o of_o all_o quarrel_n about_o form_n and_o word_n he_o have_v never_o make_v any_o of_o their_o particular_a determination_n no_o more_o than_o whether_o i_o shall_v preach_v by_o the_o help_n of_o note_n or_o study_v the_o word_n or_o speak_v those_o which_o another_o study_a for_o i_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o they_o that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n come_v first_o to_o make_v themselves_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v such_o a_o matter_n as_o they_o do_v of_o their_o several_a word_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n that_o he_o love_v only_o extemporary_a prayer_n as_o some_o think_v and_o hate_v all_o prescribe_a form_n or_o that_o he_o love_v only_o prescribe_v form_n as_o other_o think_v and_o hate_v all_o extemporary_a prayer_n by_o habit_n certain_o in_o christ_n time_n both_o liturgy_n by_o form_n and_o also_o prayer_n by_o habit_n be_v use_v and_o yet_o christ_n never_o interpose_v in_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o condemn_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o he_o condemn_v the_o pharisee_n for_o make_v long_a prayer_n to_o cover_v their_o devour_a widow_n house_n and_o for_o their_o pray_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n but_o whether_o their_o prayer_n be_v a_o liturgy_n and_o set_a form_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v extemporary_a he_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o condemn_v neither_o and_o it_o be_v like_o the_o pharisee_n long_a liturgy_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n worse_o than_o we_o though_o the_o psalm_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n oft_o join_v with_o they_o and_o never_o condemn_v they_o nay_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o jew_n be_v not_o in_o this_o so_o blind_a and_o quarrelsome_a as_o we_o nor_o never_o make_v a_o controversy_n of_o it_o nor_o ever_o presume_v to_o condemn_v either_o liturgy_n or_o prayer_n by_o habit_n i_o shall_v now_o pass_v by_o their_o error_n who_o be_v utter_o against_o public_a prayer_n from_o a_o habit_n as_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o when_o i_o have_v opportunity_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o answer_v the_o contrary_a extreme_a obj._n where_o have_v god_n give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v form_n for_o other_o or_o command_v other_o to_o obey_v they_o answ._n first_o where_o ever_o he_o have_v give_v any_o power_n to_o teach_v their_o inferior_n to_o pray_v who_o can_v do_v it_o in_o a_o better_a way_n he_o have_v give_v parent_n this_o power_n where_o he_o have_v bid_v they_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o parent_n duty_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n to_o pray_v and_o be_v not_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o profitable_a to_o their_o learning_n of_o the_o sense_n may_v they_o not_o teach_v their_o child_n the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o a_o psalm_n though_o it_o be_v a_o form_n and_o why_o not_o then_o other_o word_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o state_n and_o he_o that_o teach_v his_o own_o disciple_n a_o form_n and_o rule_n of_o prayer_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o so_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o say_v to_o his_o apostle_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o by_o make_v they_o teacher_n to_o his_o church_n do_v allow_v they_o to_o teach_v either_o by_o form_n or_o without_o as_o the_o cause_n require_v all_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o to_o preacher_n a_o form_n of_o teach_v and_o when_o we_o read_v a_o chapter_n we_o read_v a_o prescribe_a form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o it_o ha●h_v many_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o form_n of_o baptise_v &_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n i_o answer_v true_a and_o that_o prove_v that_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v more_o infallible_a than_o other_o man_n but_o not_o that_o they_o only_o and_o not_o other_o man_n may_v teach_v by_o the_o way_n of_o form_n all_o the_o book_n of_o sermon_n now_o write_v be_v
so_o many_o prescribe_a word_n or_o form_n of_o teach_v and_o if_o we_o may_v use_v form_n of_o teach_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n why_o not_o also_o form_n of_o pray_v if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v the_o church_n no_o liturgy_n i_o answer_v that_o only_o prove_v that_o no_o one_o be_v universal_o necessary_a nor_o to_o be_v universal_o impose_v but_o not_o that_o therefore_o no_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a may_v we_o not_o now_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o pray_v in_o some_o other_o scripture_n form_n obj._n but_o the_o apostle_n compel_v none_o to_o use_v they_o answ._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n assume_v not_o the_o civil_a sword_n and_o therefore_o so_o compel_v man_n to_o nothing_o but_o yet_o their_o authority_n bind_v the_o conscience_n when_o christ_n say_v when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n he_o bind_v they_o in_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o he_o bid_v they_o though_o he_o force_v they_o not_o but_o second_o tell_v i_o if_o you_o can_v where_o god_n forbid_v you_o to_o use_v good_a and_o lawful_a word_n in_o prayer_n mere_o because_o the_o magistrate_n or_o pastor_n bid_v you_o use_v they_o be_v this_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o honour_v and_o obey_v your_o superior_n do_v nothing_o which_o they_o bid_v you_o do_v though_o otherwise_o lawful_a o_o strange_a exposition_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n if_o you_o command_v your_o child_n to_o learn_v a_o catechism_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n before_o his_o meat_n or_o for_o other_o time_n will_v you_o teach_v he_o to_o say_v father_n or_o mother_n it_o have_v be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o use_v this_o form_n if_o neither_o you_o nor_o any_o body_n have_v bid_v i_o but_o because_o you_o bid_v i_o now_o it_o be_v unlawful_a o_o whither_o will_v not_o partiality_n lead_v man_n obj._n but_o though_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o impose_v form_n on_o child_n yet_o not_o upon_o age_a christian_n answ._n age_a person_n have_v too_o many_o of_o they_o as_o much_o need_n of_o such_o form_n as_o child_n age_n make_v not_o the_o difference_n we_o be_v fain_o to_o teach_v many_o age_a person_n form_n of_o catechism_n as_o well_o as_o child_n why_o not_o therefore_o form_n of_o prayer_n obj._n but_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o impose_v form_n public_o on_o whole_a congregation_n of_o believer_n answ._n all_o sect_n in_o the_o world_n do_v it_o i_o never_o hear_v any_o separatist_n or_o anabaptist_n or_o any_o other_o public_a minister_n but_o he_o impose_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n upon_o all_o the_o congregation_n he_o be_v void_a of_o common_a sense_n that_o think_v that_o his_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v not_o as_o true_o a_o form_n to_o all_o the_o people_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n the_o order_n and_o word_n be_v not_o of_o your_o own_o invention_n but_o invent_v by_o another_o to_o your_o hand_n and_o impose_v upon_o you_o to_o use_v for_o i_o hope_v you_o come_v together_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o hear_v a_o prayer_n only_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v first_o that_o one_o impose_v every_o day_n a_o new_a form_n on_o you_o and_o the_o other_o impose_v every_o day_n the_o same_o second_o and_o that_o one_o tell_v you_o not_o what_o word_n you_o shall_v pray_v in_o before_o you_o hear_v they_o and_o the_o other_o write_v they_o down_o for_o you_o to_o know_v before_o hand_n for_o my_o part_n i_o wonder_v why_o write_v or_o unwritten_a long-premeditated_n or_o sudden_o express_v prayer_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o unlawful_a but_o however_o do_v not_o think_v the_o difference_n to_o lie_v where_o it_o do_v not_o for_o doubtless_o to_o the_o people_n they_o be_v both_o form_n and_o both_o impose_v though_o not_o impose_v by_o the_o same_o person_n and_o authority_n obj._n but_o at_o least_o you_o have_v no_o proof_n for_o impose_v form_n ●n_o the_o minister_n themselves_o ans._n first_o i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o question_v but_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v impose_v by_o god_n himself_o on_o the_o jewish_a minister_n and_o one_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o a_o form_n of_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v impose_v on_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o joel_n 2._o 17._o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v teach_v the_o priest_n second_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o plead_v for_o the_o needless_a impose_v of_o any_o form_n nor_o the_o causeless_a restraint_n of_o extemporarary_a prayer_n i_o have_v full_o bear_v my_o testimony_n against_o that_o in_o due_a season_n but_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_o and_o necessary_o obey_v which_o be_v not_o lawful_o command_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o anon_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o we_o can_v say_v that_o all_o minister_n of_o any_o party_n be_v such_o as_o be_v whole_o above_o the_o need_n of_o form_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o own_o composure_n be_v better_a for_o for_o the_o church_n than_o any_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v they_o by_o other_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n but_o all_o that_o i_o now_o expect_v from_o the_o objector_n be_v that_o they_o tell_v i_o or_o themselves_o what_o proof_n they_o have_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o minister_n only_o to_o use_v a_o impose_v form_n when_o all_o the_o congregation_n else_o may_v use_v it_o answer_v this_o well_o before_o you_o go_v and_o i_o pray_v let_v all_o the_o people_n note_v here_o that_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o form_n even_o a_o new_a one_o every_o day_n may_v be_v lawful_o be_v impose_v upon_o all_o they_o and_o that_o the_o question_n be_v only_o of_o the_o minister_n use_v of_o impose_v form_n obj._n but_o our_o minister_n do_v not_o impose_v their_o prayer_n by_o forc●_n answ._n do_v you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n but_o by_o force_n your_o pastor_n be_v your_o guide_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o god_n have_v impose_v it_o on_o you_o to_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o join_v with_o he_o in_o lawful_a prayer_n and_o what_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v and_o what_o the_o matter_n and_o order_n choose_v for_o that_o time_n time_n the_o speaker_n choose_v for_o you_o and_o so_o he_o bind_v you_o by_o his_o ministerial_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a impose_v though_o he_o compel_v you_o not_o by_o the_o sword_n or_o force_n obj._n but_o christ_n have_v give_v gift_n to_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v they_o and_o they_o use_v they_o not_o when_o they_o use_v impose_v form_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o obey_v man_n against_o christ._n answ._n no_o doubt_v but_o all_o that_o be_v lawful_a minister_n have_v such_o gift_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o essential_a work_n of_o their_o office_n but_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o gift_n have_v very_o great_a variety_n as_o paul_n full_o show_v in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o oft_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o necessary_a gift_n for_o hearty_a acceptable_a prayer_n be_v true_a desire_n excite_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n which_o sometime_o vent_v itself_o but_o by_o sigh_n and_o groan_n rom._n 8._o 16_o 26._o but_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v knowledge_n and_o utterance_n by_o which_o a_o minister_n may_v be_v able_a to_o express_v the_o desire_n and_o want_v of_o the_o people_n unto_o god_n which_o include_v memory_n in_o some_o degree_n even_o as_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n be_v his_o gift_n of_o preach_v and_o some_o have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o worse_a utterance_n and_o some_o have_v better_a utterance_n and_o less_o knowledge_n and_o some_o through_o want_n of_o memory_n be_v defective_a in_o both_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o lawful_a minister_n may_v be_v so_o defective_a in_o their_o own_o gift_n both_o of_o knowledge_n memory_n and_o utterance_n as_o to_o have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o who_o much_o excel_v they_o as_o a_o minister_n who_o have_v tolerable_a gift_n for_o preach_v may_v yet_o need_v the_o write_n of_o other_o man_n before_o hand_n and_o may_v bring_v both_o their_o matter_n and_o method_n into_o the_o pulpit_n yea_o and_o oft_o time_n their_o word_n so_o that_o though_o he_o have_v gift_n yet_o be_v weak_a he_o may_v use_v the_o gift_n of_o other_o i_o have_v be_v counsel_v since_o i_o be_v silence_v to_o compose_v sermon_n myself_o and_o give_v they_o in_o write_v to_o some_o weak_a minister_n that_o have_v a_o excellent_a voice_n and_o utterance_n and_o to_o let_v he_o preach_v they_o and_o real_o if_o i_o have_v not_o know_v that_o such_o have_v good_a book_n enough_o at_o hand_n for_o such_o a_o use_n
i_o think_v i_o shall_v have_v do_v it_o and_o who_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o have_v be_v his_o sin_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o use_n of_o another_o man_n gift_n instead_o of_o his_o own_o and_o i_o have_v hear_v man_n that_o be_v much_o against_o parish_n church_n and_o liturgy_n wish_v that_o some_o unlearned_a man_n of_o good_a utterance_n may_v read_v some_o excellent_a sermon●books_n to_o the_o people_n in_o ignorant_a place_n that_o can_v get_v no_o better_o and_o who_o can_v prove_v the_o read_n of_o a_o homily_n unlawful_a moreover_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o all_o his_o member_n such_o gift_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o place_n as_o well_o as_o to_o minister_n such_o gift_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o they_o and_o the_o place_n of_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n require_v the_o gift_n of_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v the_o family_n and_o they_o be_v as_o true_o oblige_v to_o use_v their_o gift_n as_o minister_n be_v they_o and_o yet_o who_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o parent_n to_o teach_v and_o catechise_v their_o child_n by_o such_o book_n and_o form_n of_o catechism_n as_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o able_a man_n moreover_o prayer_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o and_o special_o of_o the_o head_n of_o family_n and_o therefore_o every_o true_a christian_a have_v gift_n procure_v by_o christ_n for_o so_o much_o as_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v his_o gift_n and_o yet_o those_o gift_n be_v so_o low_a in_o many_o that_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v that_o man_n effective_o a_o enemy_n to_o family_n soul_n and_o prayer_n who_o forbid_v all_o such_o to_o use_v such_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o the_o famous_a divine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o luther_n zwinglius_fw-la melancthon_n calvin_n perkins_n sibbs_n and_o abundance_n of_o nonconformist_n of_o great_a name_n in_o england_n do_v ordinary_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o their_o own_o before_o their_o sermon_n in_o the_o pulpit_n and_o some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o family_n too_o now_o these_o man_n do_v it_o not_o through_o idleness_n or_o through_o temporize_v but_o because_o some_o of_o they_o find_v it_o best_o for_o the_o people_n to_o have_v oft_o the_o same_o word_n and_o some_o of_o they_o find_v such_o a_o weakness_n of_o memory_n that_o they_o judge_v it_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o their_o own_o gift_n now_o beside_o the_o first_o composure_n of_o these_o prayer_n which_o perhaps_o be_v do_v 20_o year_n before_o none_o of_o these_o man_n do_v use_v their_o own_o gift_n any_o mo●e_n than_o if_o they_o have_v use_v a_o form_n compose_v by_o another_o for_o the_o memory_n &_o utterance_n be_v the_o same_o of_o both_o these_o all_o be_v famous_a worthy_a man_n who_o no_o wise_a man_n judge_v to_o be_v insufficient_a for_o the_o ministry_n for_o want_v of_o gift_n but_o if_o such_o as_o these_o may_v so_o many_o year_n forbear_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n much_o more_o may_v far_o weak_a minister_n do_v it_o abundance_n of_o young_a minister_n be_v train_v up_o under_o age_a experience_a divine_n what_o if_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o age_a minister_n use_v the_o day_n before_o as_o find_v they_o fit_a than_o any_o that_o he_o can_v devise_v himself_o must_v he_o forbear_v to_o do_v better_o because_o he_o can_v do_v so_o well_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n alone_o and_o in_o some_o ordinance_n as_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o thing_n must_v be_v daily_o pray_v for_o and_o he_o that_o think_v he_o must_v not_o frequent_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n will_v quite_o corrupt_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n and_o he_o that_o will_v imagine_v that_o he_o must_v have_v always_o new_a word_n will_v at_o last_o have_v new_a thing_n or_o worse_o than_o nothing_o if_o then_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o use_v often_o the_o same_o word_n why_o may_v not_o a_o weak_a minister_n use_v the_o better_a word_n of_o other_o when_o he_o have_v none_o mere_o of_o his_o own_o that_o be_v so_o fit_a nay_o be_v it_o not_o the_o duty_n of_o such_o to_o do_v it_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v god_n service_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o he_o can_v curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n that_o have_v a_o better_a in_o his_o flock_n and_o bring_v that_o which_o be_v corrupt_a but_o to_o utter_v prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o a_o full_a methodical_a and_o congruous_a manner_n and_o in_o word_n suitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v better_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n then_o to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o more_o confuse_a disorderly_a break_a manner_n with_o barrenness_n and_o incongruity_n of_o speech_n but_o this_o l●st_o be_v the_o best_a that_o many_o honest_a minister_n can_v do_v by_o their_o own_o gift_n when_o they_o may_v do_v it_o in_o the_o former_a better_a manner_n by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o gift_n of_o other●_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o such_o man_n so_o far_o to_o use_v other_o gift_n of_o invent_v word_n before_o their_o own_o and_o among_o we_o there_o be_v no_o man_n forbid_v in_o the_o pulptt_n to_o use_v his_o own_o gift_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o pray_v without_o any_o set_a form_n of_o his_o own_o or_o other_o man_n and_o i_o will_v at_o last_o desire_v any_o of_o the_o objector_n but_o to_o name_v that_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o direct_o or_o indirect_o command_v every_o minister_n to_o use_v his_o gift_n of_o invent_v word_n and_o method_n or_o his_o gift_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n every_o time_n that_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o which_o forbid_v to_o use_v the_o gift_n of_o other_o though_o better_a than_o his_o own_o obj._n but_o what_o if_o the_o form_n impose_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o own_o gift_n answ._n first_o that_o may_v be_v below_o one_o man_v own_o invention_n which_o be_v above-anothers_a second_o and_o that_o may_v be_v more_o defective_a than_o your_o own_o invention_n can_v reach_v to_o which_o yet_o may_v be_v more_o desirable_a for_o other_o advantage_n as_o if_o all_o the_o church_n for_o some_o good_a end_n shall_v agree_v to_o to_o use_v one_o mode_n or_o method_n or_o form_n as_o now_o we_o do_v in_o sing_v psalm_n the_o benefit_n of_o that_o concord_n may_v do_v more_o to_o the_o church_n service_n than_o my_o singular_a better_a form_n or_o word_n can_v do_v and_o if_o the_o lawful_a ruler_n command_v i_o that_o which_o perhaps_o i_o can_v somewhat_o exceed_v myself_o i_o shall_v do_v much_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o command_n or_o if_o the_o people_n have_v a_o great_a averseness_n or_o unfitness_n for_o my_o more_o congruous_a word_n than_o for_o other_o more_o fective_a i_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o the_o best_a food_n or_o physic_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stomach_n and_o disease_n but_o especial_o if_o i_o be_o restrain_v from_o the_o public_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o exercise_v of_o any_o of_o my_o ministry_n unless_o i_o will_v use_v a_o more_o disorder_a or_o defective_a form_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o my_o duty_n then_o to_o use_v it_o because_o it_o be_v more_o to_o the_o church_n edification_n in_o a_o word_n god_n have_v bind_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o use_v all_o their_o gift_n to_o the_o church_n great_a edification_n but_o to_o use_v a_o more_o defective_a form_n with_o liberty_n to_o use_v my_o best_a gift_n also_o and_o to_o exercise_v my_o ministry_n public_o to_o all_o be_v more_o to_o the_o church_n edification_n than_o to_o use_v my_o own_o gift_n only_o a_o few_o day_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o then_o to_o lie_v in_o prison_n and_o use_v they_o no_o more_o though_o no_o man_n must_v of_o choice_n prefer_v the_o less_o congruous_a before_o the_o more_o congruous_a when_o he_o be_v free_a which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o sin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o prefer_v a_o less_o congruous_a order_n before_o none_o or_o before_o a_o better_a for_o a_o day_n with_o a_o restraint_n of_o that_o and_o all_o our_o ministry_n hereafter_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v often_o true_o profess_v that_o i_o look_v at_o many_o liturgy_n which_o i_o have_v read_v as_o i_o do_v at_o the_o prayer_n of_o some_o honest_a man_n who_o use_v little_a method_n nor_o very_o meet_a word_n and_o often_o toss_v god_n name_n through_o weakness_n who_o put_v that_o last_o which_o shall_v be_v first_o &_o that_o first_o which_o shall_v be_v last_o but_o yet_o the_o
devise_v strict_a term_n many_o must_v have_v other_o proof_n of_o godliness_n beside_o the_o understanding_n voluntary_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n yea_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o universal_a church_n already_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o its_o privilege_n or_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o they_o here_o give_v the_o church_n no_o certain_a rule_n instead_o of_o christ_n rule_n which_o they_o cast_v by_o but_o one_o man_n require_v one_o account_n and_o another_o require_v another_o and_o the_o rule_n and_o test_n do_v vary_v as_o the_o charity_n or_o prudence_n of_o man_n do_v vary_v this_o be_v a_o superstition_n which_o have_v already_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n and_o be_v go_v on_o still_o to_o do_v worse_o and_o it_o be_v raise_v by_o mistaking-zeal_n three_o that_o none_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o before_o be_v not_o enter_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n may_v by_o baptism_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v a_o superstition_n which_o some_o good_a man_n have_v take_v up_o four_o that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n only_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n may_v not_o in_o transitu_fw-la be_v admit_v to_o communion_n with_o particular_a church_n unless_o he_o bring_v a_o certificate_n from_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o he_o sometime_o be_v a_o member_n five_o that_o the_o pastor_n may_v not_o lawful_o receive_v any_o member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o major_a vote_n of_o the_o people_n six_o that_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o by_o baptism_n receive_v any_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o major_a vote_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n seven_o that_o no_o man_n be_v a_o minister_n or_o commissioned_n officer_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o discipling_n and_o baptise_v of_o those_o without_o the_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v also_o the_o pastor_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o at_o least_o have_v be_v such_o eight_o that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o only_o chasse_v the_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v their_o pastor_n but_o also_o give_v they_o their_o office_n or_o power_n nine_o that_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o church-government_n by_o vote_n ten_o that_o the_o people_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v give_v authority_n to_o man_n to_o be_v minister_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v among_o those_o that_o be_v without_o eleven_o that_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o church_n may_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o ot●er_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o that_o one_o twelve_o that_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n may_v not_o remove_v his_o relation_n to_o another_o church_n when_o his_o occasion_n and_o personal_a benefit_n require_v it_o and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o many_o be_v not_o hurt_v by_o it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o that_o church_n thirteen_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o to_o read_v a_o prayer_n on_o a_o book_n fourteen_o that_o if_o a_o schoolmaster_n impose_v a_o form_n upon_o a_o scholar_n or_o a_o parent_n on_o a_o child_n it_o make_v it_o become_v unlawful_a fifteen_o that_o our_o presence_n make_v we_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o error_n or_o unmeet_a expression_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o public_a worship_n at_o least_o if_o we_o before_o know_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o must_v join_v with_o none_o who_o error_n or_o mis-expression_n we_o know_v of_o before_o sixteen_o that_o as_o oft_o as_o a_o minister_n be_v remove_v from_o his_o particular_a flock_n he_o become_v but_o a_o private_a man_n and_o be_v no_o long_o a_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o christ._n seventeen_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o unworthy_a or_o scandalous_a communicant_n if_o we_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o their_o admission_n be_v not_o by_o our_o fault_n eighteen_o that_o he_o who_o judgement_n be_v against_o a_o diocesan_n church_n may_v not_o lawful_o join_v with_o a_o parish_n church_n if_o the_o minister_n be_v but_o subject_a to_o the_o diocesan_n nineteen_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v unlawful_o command_v be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v obey_v twenty_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n and_o be_v not_o command_v itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o what_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v what_o metre_n and_o what_o tune_n of_o psalm_n shall_v be_v in_o use_n what_o hour_n and_o at_o what_o place_n the_o church_n shall_v meet_v pulpit_n table_n font_n etc._n etc._n print_v the_o bible_n etc._n etc._n divide_v it_o into_o chapter_n verse_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o more_o such_o as_o these_o be_v superstition_n which_o some_o religious_a people_n have_v bring_v up_o and_o among_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n &_o will_v speak_v against_o all_o the_o forementioned_a superstition_n there_o be_v too_o many_o introduce_v which_o they_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o because_o they_o be_v their_o own_o ☞_o as_o that_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n abroad_o who_o have_v only_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ordination_n of_o parochial_a pastor_n and_o not_o of_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v no_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o layman_n that_o therefore_o those_o church_n be_v no_o true_a church_n in_o a_o political_a sense_n and_o as_o organise_v that_o therefore_o their_o baptism_n be_v unlawful_a and_o a_o nullity_n and_o all_o those_o nation_n be_v no_o baptize_v christian_n though_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_n the_o validity_n of_o layman_n baptise_v do_v here_o censure_v more_o easy_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o such_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n from_o such_o minister_n that_o those_o country_n which_o be_v baptize_v by_o such_o shall_v be_v rebaptise_v that_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o shall_v be_v reordained_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o those_o church_n where_o the_o minister_n pray_v only_o from_o a_o habit_n of_o of_o prayer_n call_v extemporary_a without_o a_o fore-known_a form_n because_o they_o know_v not_o but_o he_o mayx_n put_v somewhat_o unlawful_a into_o his_o prayer_n and_o because_o the_o mind_n can_v so_o ready_o try_v and_o approve_v and_o consent_v to_o word_n which_o be_v hasty_o utter_v and_o not_o know_v to_o the_o hearer_n before_o these_o and_o abundance_n other_o superstition_n some_o man_n will_v introduce_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o by_o all_o such_o invention_n father_v upon_o god_n and_o make_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v corrupt_v and_o disquiet_v and_o the_o church_n disturb_v and_o divide_v by_o depart_v from_o primitive_a simplicity_n i_o shall_v only_o now_o propose_v this_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n whether_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o superstition_n of_o they_o may_v not_o run_v the_o round_a as_o other_o superstition_n have_v do_v before_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o what_o if_o the_o next_o age_n shall_v turn_v they_o into_o a_o dead_a formality_n and_o what_o if_o the_o next_o age_n after_o that_o shall_v make_v law_n to_o enforce_v they_o and_o then_o godly_a people_n first_o scruple_n they_o and_o then_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o discern_v superstition_n and_o then_o the_o worst_a man_n b●_n glad_a of_o that_o advantage_n to_o persecute_v those_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o by_o this_o circulation_n if_o the_o same_o man_n who_o invent_v un-ordained_n elder_n new_a and_o needless_a church-covenant_n etc._n etc._n can_v but_o live_v two_o or_o 300_o year_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o cry_v out_o of_o they_o as_o superstitious_a and_o suffer_v persecution_n because_o they_o will_v not_o use_v they_o yea_o there_o be_v among_o you_o now_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n which_o some_o dare_v scarce_o plain_o say_v god_n command_v or_o forbid_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v censorious_a enough_o about_o they_o as_o heretofore_o many_o be_v against_o wear_v the_o hair_n of_o any_o considerable_a length_n against_o wear_v cuff_n upon_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n against_o dress_v meat_n or_o feast_n at_o least_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o feast_v twice_o at_o least_o upon_o a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n of_o man_n appointment_n that_o a_o minister_n shall_v
near_o to_o sinner_n as_o we_o can_v by_o love_n and_o all_o the_o office_n of_o love_n neither_o follow_v they_o in_o any_o sin_n nor_o fly_v from_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a that_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v not_o humour_n and_o disdain_n and_o pride_n but_o true_a necessity_n and_o god_n command_v which_o make_v we_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o we_o do_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v disable_v by_o any_o contrary_a error_n of_o our_o own_o from_o evince_v and_o oppugn_v they_o direct_v xlvii_o when_o ever_o you_o be_v avoid_v any_o error_n or_o sin_n forget_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o contrary_a extreme_a to_o be_v avoid_v of_o which_o you_o be_v in_o danger_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o you_o be_v oppose_v the_o mind_n of_o most_o man_n be_v so_o narrow_a that_o they_o can_v look_v many_o way_n at_o once_o if_o they_o be_v intent_n on_o one_o thing_n they_o forget_v another_o but_o it_o be_v a_o narrow_a bridge_n betwixt_o dangerous_a gulf_n which_o christian_a faith_n and_o obedience_n must_v pass_v over_o and_o he_o that_o look_v on_o the_o one_o side_n with_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o caution_n be_v undo_v if_o he_o look_v not_o also_o on_o the_o other_o the_o common_a way_n of_o avoid_v any_o error_n o●_n vice_n be_v to_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_n and_o on_o those_o term_n satan_n himself_o will_v be_v orthodox_n and_o a_o reformer_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o vice_n i_o give_v you_o some_o instance_n even_o now_o he_o be_v a_o rare_a person_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o happy_a as_o to_o fly_v from_o every_o error_n and_o sin_n with_o a_o impartial_a awaken_v fear_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o judicious_a old_a experience_a christian_n be_v usual_o in_o controversy_n for_o a_o middle_a way_n and_o in_o the_o crowd_n of_o contentious_a sect_n they_o common_o be_v the_o reconciler_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v more_o calm_a and_o moderate_a and_o peaceable_a than_o other_o but_o especial_o because_o they_o have_v see_v the_o error_n on_o both_o extreme_n when_o other_o see_v only_o the_o error_n on_o one_o side_n only_o in_o our_o inclination_n to_o our_o ultimate_a end_n that_o be_v in_o our_o love_n to_o god_n we_o never_o need_v to_o fear_v over_n but_o all_o the_o mean_n may_v be_v pervert_v and_o turn_v into_o sin_n by_o extreme_n many_o that_o observe_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o great_a neglect_n of_o holy_a discipline_n avoid_v this_o error_n by_o turn_v to_o a_o sinful_a separation_n and_o many_o that_o be_v offend_v at_o separation_n avoid_v it_o by_o a_o gross_a neglect_n of_o christian_a discipline_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o needless_a thing_n many_o who_o observe_v how_o heartles_o and_o hypocritical_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v by_o too_o many_o do_v avoid_v it_o by_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o form_n and_o many_o who_o see_v the_o error_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v escape_v it_o by_o turn_v to_o mere_a formality_n and_o deride_v all_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o a_o book_n or_o prescribe_v by_o another_o if_o any_o who_o see_v how_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o infancy_n be_v admit_v to_o adult_v communion_n without_o ever_o understand_v or_o serious_o own_v the_o covenant_n into_o which_o they_o be_v then_o enter_v and_o see_v how_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_v hereby_o do_v avoid_v this_o error_n by_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o many_o that_o see_v the_o error_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n do_v avoid_v it_o by_o countenance_v the_o aforesaid_a church-corruption_n and_o if_o infant_n be_v but_o baptize_v they_o never_o care_v whether_o they_o be_v call_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o the_o solemn_a renew_n and_o own_v of_o their_o covenant_n and_o many_o that_o see_v both_o these_o extreme_n do_v plead_v for_o confirmation_n as_o the_o middle_a way_n but_o they_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o mere_a ceremony_n and_o defeat_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o never_o bring_v the_o baptize_v to_o a_o solemn_a renewall_n of_o their_o holy_a vow_n and_o many_o who_o see_v the_o papist_n abuse_v of_o confirmation_n do_v whole_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o deny_v the_o heal_a use_n aforesaid_a many_o who_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o papal_a tyranny_n dislike_v all_o general_n ministry_n which_o take_v the_o care_n of_o many_o church_n and_o many_o who_o see_v the_o incoherence_n of_o independent_a church_n and_o the_o calamity_n of_o sect_n do_v incline_v to_o papal_a usurpation_n many_o who_o see_v the_o evil_n of_o indepency_n in_o respect_n of_o council_n and_o concord_n be_v incline_v to_o a_o regimental_n dependency_n and_o subordination_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o as_o of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o many_o who_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o god_n ever_o appoint_v such_o a_o regimental_n dependency_n do_v turn_n to_o independency_n in_o point_n of_o council_n and_o concord_n many_o who_o observe_v the_o grossness_n of_o their_o error_n who_o will_v have_v the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o the_o major_a vote_n do_v deny_v the_o people_n the_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o pastor_n and_o be_v guide_v in_o spiritual_n as_o volunteer_n and_o many_o who_o see_v this_o error_n of_o deny_v the_o people_n liberty_n do_v give_v they_o the_o foresaid_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o governor_n of_o themselves_o by_o vote_n many_o who_o hear_v the_o papist_n talk_v so_o much_o of_o merit_n and_o of_o good_a work_n do_v deny_v our_o own_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o repentance_n the_o place_n that_o god_n have_v assign_v they_o in_o order_n to_o pardon_v and_o salvation_n in_o subordination_n to_o christ_n and_o many_o who_o hear_v the_o presumptuous_a boast_n of_o be_v righteous_a by_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n without_o any_o fulfil_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n on_o their_o part_n do_v make_v as_o a_o jest_n of_o impute_a righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o sound_n and_o warrantable_a sense_n and_o do_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o the_o work_n of_o man_n many_o who_o hear_v the_o socinian_o make_v faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v all_o one_o do_v deny_v that_o the_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v a_o give_v up_o the_o soul_n in_o covenant_n to_o christ_n entire_o in_o all_o his_o office_n even_o as_o our_o redeemer_n and_o lord_n and_o so_o a_o engagement_n to_o obedience_n by_o subjection_n and_o many_o that_o hear_v man_n say_v that_o faith_n justify_v we_o only_o as_o a_o instrument_n apprehend_v christ_n satisfaction_n and_o meritorious_a righteousness_n as_o their_o own_o do_v confound_v our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o forget_v that_o the_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v our_o become_a christian_n or_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n which_o we_o make_v in_o baptism_n nothing_o more_a or_o less_o and_o not_o our_o live_n as_o christian_n in_o after_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n or_o effect_v of_o faith_n and_o even_o in_o civil_a thing_n many_o who_o observe_v how_o turkish_n tartarian_a japonian_a china_n and_o other_o heathenish_a and_o infidel_n tyranny_n be_v the_o chief_a resister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o suppresser_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o damnation_n of_o million_o of_o soul_n and_o how_o papal_a tyranny_n and_o muscovian_a and_o spanish_a cruelty_n be_v the_o chief_a maintainer_n of_o ignorance_n and_o unreformedness_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ready_a hereupon_o to_o think_v dishonourable_o of_o monarchy_n itself_o and_o to_o murmur_v at_o the_o power_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o to_o rush_v into_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n and_o many_o that_o see_v the_o mischief_n of_o sedition_n conspiracies●_n and_o rebellion_n be_v ready_a to_o forget_v the_o grand_a and_o heinous_a sin_n of_o tyranny_n and_o the_o calamity_n of_o soul_n and_o church_n and_o kingdom_n thereby_o as_o campanella_n say_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o potestative_a primality_n be_v tyranny_n the_o abuse_n of_o the_o intellective_a primality_n be_v heresy_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o volitive_a primality_n be_v hypocrisy_n though_o indeed_o he_o shall_v have_v mention_v both_o extreme_n in_o a_o word_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o reformer_n who_o fear_v not_o run_v into_o the_o extreme_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o error_n and_o sin_n which_o he_o will_v reform_v direct_v xlviii_o think_v more_o and_o talk_v more_o of_o your_o fault_n and_o fail_n against_o other_o especial_o against_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o minister_n than_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o fail●ngs_n against_o you_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o counsel_n be_v very_o obvious_a and_o past_a contradiction_n another_o man_n sin_n as_o
this_o book_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n and_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v by_o other_o before_o they_o have_v sober_o read_v it_o over_o they_o will_v carry_v about_o the_o sectarian_n report_v of_o it_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o when_o one_o have_v say_v it_o the_o rest_n will_v affirm_v it_o that_o i_o have_v claw_v with_o one_o party_n and_o have_v gird_v at_o the_o other_o and_o have_v seek_v to_o make_v they_o odious_a by_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o reproach_n of_o separation_n and_o of_o censure_v and_o avoid_v the_o ungodly_a and_o that_o be_v lukewarm_a myself_o and_o a_o comply_o with_o sin_n i_o will_v have_v all_o other_o do_v so_o too_o and_o that_o these_o reconciler_n be_v neither_o flesh_n nor_o fish_n and_o attempt_v impossibility_n even_o to_o reconcile_v light_n and_o darkness_n christ_n and_o belial_n and_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n we_o will_v ●ell_v the_o truth_n and_o will_v let_v in_o church-corruption_n out_o of_o a_o over-eager_a desire_n of_o agreement_n and_o when_o they_o have_v all_o do_v neither_o party_n will_v regard_v they_o but_o they_o shall_v fare_v worse_o than_o any_o other_o and_o will_v lose_v both_o side_n while_o they_o be_v for_o neither_o i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o disease_n which_o i_o be_o cure_v to_o send_v forth_o such_o breath_n and_o scent_n as_o these_o and_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o bestow_v a_o word_n to_o answer_v they_o 5._o and_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o sober_a minister_n who_o mark_v more_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o one_o side_n than_o of_o the_o other_o and_o look_v more_o to_o outward_a occurrence_n than_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o soul_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v not_o see_v the_o time_n and_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v see_v will_v think_v that_o though_o all_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v unseasonable_a and_o may_v give_v advantage_n to_o such_o as_o love_v not_o reformation_n and_o to_o they_o i_o shall_v return_v this_o answer_n 1._o that_o if_o we_o stay_v seven_o year_n more_o for_o a_o seasonable_a time_n to_o oppose_v the_o radical_a sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n we_o may_v be_v in_o our_o grave_n and_o the_o sinner_n in_o their_o grave_n and_o the_o sin_n may_v be_v multiply_v and_o root_v past_o all_o hope_n of_o remedy_n and_o why_o may_v you_o not_o as_o well_o stay_v seven_o year_n more_o for_o a_o seasonable_a time_n to_o preach_v down_o all_o other_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o this_o be_v this_o the_o least_o malignant_a or_o least_o dangerous_a sin_n 2._o there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o seasonable_a time_n to_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o sin_n than_o when_o the_o temptation_n to_o it_o be_v the_o great_a when_o it_o be_v most_o grow_a and_o multiply_v among_o we_o when_o god_n have_v be_v so_o heinous_o dishonour_v by_o it_o when_o the_o world_n do_v ring_n of_o it_o when_o many_o volume_n reproach_v they_o for_o it_o and_o when_o the_o sensual_a and_o ungodly_a be_v harden_v by_o it_o in_o their_o scorn_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o apparent_a peril_n of_o their_o damnation_n yea_o more_o to_o turn_v our_o complaint_n from_o our_o lawgiver_n upon_o ourselves_o it_o be_v want_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n that_o have_v silence_v so_o many_o minister_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o all_o the_o confusion_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o see_v and_o undergo_v 6._o but_o there_o be_v many_o sincere_a and_o considerate_a minister_n who_o know_v this_o which_o i_o say_v to_o be_v true_a will_v be_v the_o more_o excite_v by_o it_o to_o lead_v the_o young_a and_o passionate_a sort_n of_o religious_a people_n into_o the_o way_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o danger_n here_o detect_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o direction_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o i_o write_v this_o book_n and_o yet_o to_o end_v as_o i_o begin_v i_o must_v add_v these_o notice_n for_o your_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o this_o be_v not_o my_o first_o attempt_n upon_o this_o work_n but_o the_o progress_n of_o what_o i_o have_v be_v upon_o these_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n about_o fifteen_o or_o sixteen_o year_n ago_o i_o preach_v on_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o saint_n james_n in_o a_o large_a and_o a_o close_a manner_n on_o this_o subject_a than_o here_o i_o write_v because_o the_o time_n then_o call_v i_o to_o it_o 2._o i_o persuade_v no_o christian_a to_o justify_v or_o own_v the_o sin_n or_o the_o least_o defect_n of_o any_o church_n minister_n or_o people_n in_o their_o worship_n or_o in_o their_o life_n though_o i_o persuade_v you_o to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n person_n and_o worship-action_n which_o have_v many_o fault_n for_o on_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o person_n church_n or_o worship_n faultless_a and_o without_o corruption_n i_o justify_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o my_o own_o daily_a prayer_n and_o yet_o i_o never_o pray_v without_o they_o 3._o i_o be_o not_o persuade_v minister_n to_o any_o unwise_a and_o unseasonable_a preach_v against_o the_o divide_v principle_n of_o the_o weak_a when_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o auditory_a more_o require_v other_o doctrine_n much_o less_o to_o exasperate_a rail_n and_o invective_n and_o least_o of_o all_o to_o wrathful_a violence_n but_o only_o with_o prudence_n in_o season_n and_o with_o love_n and_o gentleness_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o the_o truth_n if_o even_o with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a to_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25._o how_o much_o more_o must_v the_o child_n of_o god_n family_n be_v use_v with_o love_n and_o tenderness_n but_o if_o the_o fierceness_n of_o any_o contradict_v what_o i_o say_v i_o only_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o unexperienced_a person_n that_o speak_v it_o but_o one_o who_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v long_o keep_v a_o numerous_a flock_n in_o love_n and_o unity_n and_o peace_n by_o such_o like_a mean_n and_o have_v see_v the_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o the_o contrary_a way_n 4._o while_o i_o say_v so_o much_o in_o this_o treatise_n against_o the_o rash_a censure_v of_o other_o i_o give_v you_o not_o the_o rule_n for_o man_n censure_v of_o themselves_o they_o know_v more_o by_o themselves_o they_o may_v search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o intention_n which_o we_o can_v do_v they_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v more_o suspicious_a &_o censorious_a of_o themselves_o than_o of_o any_o other_o it_o more_o concern_v they_o and_o they_o have_v more_o to_o do_v with_o themselves_o and_o may_v be_v bold_a with_o themselves_o we_o judge_v other_o in_o order_n to_o visible_a church-communion_n by_o visible_a and_o public_a evidence_n but_o in_o order_n to_o their_o preparation_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v direct_v they_o to_o judge_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n 5._o while_o i_o draw_v you_o to_o peace_n and_o moderation_n towards_o other_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o christian_a zeal_n nay_o i_o endeavour_v to_o kill_v that_o which_o will_v kill_v it_o the_o purify_a peculiar_a people_n of_o the_o redeemer_n one_fw-mi zealous_a but_o of_o what_o not_o to_o consume_v and_o destroy_v one_o another_o nor_o to_o hate_v and_o fly_v from_o one_o another_o nor_o to_o vilify_v and_o backbite_v one_o another_o but_o they_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o paul_n will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v good_a work_n gal._n 5._o 22_o 23._o love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n be_v zealous_a in_o love_v all_o christian_n as_o christian_n and_o all_o man_n as_o man_n be_v zealous_a for_o peace_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n rom._n 12._o 18._o be_v zealous_o patient_a gentle_a good_a meek_a temperate_a and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a as_o james_n tell_v you_o and_o remember_v that_o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v there_o envy_n be_v zeal_n in_o the_o original_a but_o our_o translator_n be_v afraid_a lest_o the_o profane_a will_v have_v mistake_v it_o if_o they_o have_v translate_v it_o zeal_n ver_n 16._o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v that_o be_v a_o strive_v contentious_a zeal_n there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n if_o you_o believe_v
and_o sinner_n be_v it_o not_o because_o their_o pride_n and_o superstition_n make_v they_o think_v too_o high_o of_o their_o own_o religiousness_n and_o to_o make_v sin_n and_o duty_n which_o god_n never_o make_v and_o then_o to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a for_o want_v of_o this_o humane_a religiousness_n what_o be_v the_o sin_n condemn_v in_o isa._n 65._o 5._o which_o say_v stand_v by_o thyself_o come_v not_o near_o to_o i_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o what_o mean_v that_o command_n in_o phil._n 2._o 3._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o read_v this_o verse_n over_o upon_o your_o knee_n and_o beg_v of_o god_n ●o_o write_v it_o on_o your_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v wish_v all_o assembly_n of_o divider_n and_o unwarrantable_a separatist_n to_o write_v it_o over_o the_o door_n of_o their_o meeting_n place_n and_o join_v with_o it_o rom._n 12._o 10._o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n in_o honour_n prefer_v one_o another_o that_o be_v before_o yourselves_o but_o special_o read_v and_o study_v jam._n 3._o in_o a_o word_n if_o god_n will_v cure_v the_o church_n of_o religious_a pride_n the_o pride_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n the_o church_n will_v have_v few_o heresy_n and_o contention_n and_o have_v much_o more_o peace_n and_o much_o more_o true_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n itself_o direct_v iii_o overvalue_v not_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o utterance_n nor_o a_o high_a profession_n as_o if_o the_o presence_n or_o absence_n of_o either_o of_o they_o do_v prove_v the_o presence_n or_o absence_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n yet_o i_o shall_v anon_o tell_v you_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o must_v be_v undervalue_v nor_o account_v needless_a useless_a thing_n but_o the_o overvalue_v they_o have_v cause_v great_a distemper_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o communion_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o very_a well_o meaning_n christian_n when_o god_n have_v first_o bring_v i_o from_o among_o the_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o when_o i_o first_o hear_v religious_a person_n pray_v without_o form_n and_o speak_v affectionate_o and_o serious_o of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n i_o think_v very_o that_o they_o be_v all_o undoubted_a saint_n and_o the_o sudden_a apprehension_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o speech_n from_o other_o make_v i_o think_v confident_o that_o the_o one_o sort_n have_v the_o mark_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o other_o have_v nothing_o almost_o of_o god_n at_o all_o till_o ere_o long_o of_o those_o who_o i_o so_o much_o honour_v one_o fall_v off_o to_o sensuality_n and_o to_o persecute_v formality_n and_o another_o fall_v to_o the_o foul_a heresy_n and_o another_o to_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o turbulent_a animosity_n and_o division_n but_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o kingdom_n these_o twenty_o six_o year_n have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n what_o crime_n may_v stand_v with_o high_a profession_n that_o i_o know_v not_o that_o i_o ever_o meet_v with_o the_o man_n that_o will_v deny_v it_o see_v every_o sect_n cast_v it_o upon_o all_o the_o rest_n however_o some_o of_o they_o will_v justify_v themselves_o but_o i_o great_o fear_v lest_o the_o generation_n which_o be_v now_o spring_v up_o and_o know_v not_o those_o man_n nor_o their_o miscarriage_n will_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o dreadful_a warning_n and_o scarce_o believe_v what_o high_a professor_n do_v turn_v the_o proud_a overturner_n of_o all_o government_n and_o resister_n and_o despiser_n of_o ministry_n and_o holy_a order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o most_o rail_a quaker_n and_o the_o most_o filthy_a and_o blaspheme_a ranter_n to_o warn_v all_o the_o world_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v proud_a of_o superficial_a gift_n and_o high_a profession_n and_o that_o he_o that_o stannd_v in_o his_o own_o conceit●_n shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v when_o gift_n 〈◊〉_d utterance_n in_o prayer_n or_o talk_n be_v thus_o overvalue_v and_o high_a profession_n be_v take_v to_o have_v more_o in_o they_o th●n_o they_o have_v man_n present_o moddle_v their_o affection_n and_o then_o the_o church_n according_a to_o these_o misconceivings_a and_o ●_o talkative_a person_n who_o by_o company_n and_o use_n have_v get_v more_o of_o these_o gift_n than_o better_a christian_n shall_v be_v extol_v and_o admire_v when_o many_o a_o humble_a upright_a soul_n that_o want_v such_o utterance_n shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o professor_n and_o so_o to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o know_v that_o though_o profession_n may_v be_v without_o sincerity_n yet_o sincerity_n can_v be_v without_o some_o profession_n when_o there_o be_v opportunity_n to_o make_v it_o and_o i_o know_v that_o grace_n be_v a_o vital_a principle_n and_o like_o fire_n which_o will_v work_v and_o seek_v a_o vent_n if_o you_o will_v restrain_v it_o and_o that_o gift_n of_o utterance_n be_v great_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o lie_v your_o unhappy_a error_n in_o this_o case_n 1._o you_o take_v the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v no_o profession_n at_o all_o because_o there_o be_v want_v a_o profession_n of_o great_a zeal_n and_o forwardness_n when_o as_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n in_o this_o land_n do_v profess_v to_o stand_v to_o their_o baptismal_a covenant_n in_o which_o they_o own_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n he_o that_o true_o understand_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o consent_v to_o it_o do_v perform_v all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n if_o he_o profess_v this_o he_o profess_v both_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o sanctification_n and_o mortification_n and_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian._n how_o then_o can_v you_o say_v that_o these_o be_v no_o professor_n i_o tell_v you_o except_o a_o few_o apostate_n the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n in_o this_o land_n be_v professor_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a professor_n without_o dissemble_v be_v another_o question_n but_o they_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o you_o say_v that_o their_o ignorance_n and_o ungodly_a life_n do_v show_v that_o they_o either_o understand_v not_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n or_o consent_v not_o to_o it_o i_o answer_v mark_v well_o what_o you_o say_v yourselves_o for_o this_o do_v but_o show_v that_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n you_o can_v say_v then_o that_o they_o be_v no_o professor_n but_o that_o they_o be_v dissemble_a professor_n they_o profess_v the_o truth_n they_o do_v not_o true_o and_o upright_o profess_v it_o i_o tell_v you_o all_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o people_n in_o england_n be_v either_o saint_n or_o hypocrite_n see_v how_o i_o have_v move_v this_o to_o they_o in_o my_o treatise_n call_v the_o formal_a hypocrite_n they_o all_o profess_v enough_o to_o save_v they_o if_o they_o sincere_o profess_v it_o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v and_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o drunkard_n a_o swearer_n a_o fornicator_n or_o such_o like_a be_v certain_o a_o hypocrite_n as_o go_v against_o his_o own_o profession_n the_o very_a creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o ten_o commandment_n have_v enough_o to_o condemn_v he_o as_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o will_v you_o now_o come_v in_o and_o justify_v these_o man_n from_o their_o hypocrisy_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v no_o professor_n if_o they_o be_v no_o professor_n they_o can_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n but_o mere_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n i_o know_v that_o those_o be_v the_o high_a sort_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o counterfeit_v the_o high_a zeal_n and_o piety_n by_o the_o high_a profession_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o difference_n in_o degree_n who_o ever_o profess_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n profess_v true_a repentance_n faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o saint_n and_o then_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o will_v exclude_v any_o of_o these_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v not_o be_v because_o they_o be_v no_o professor_n but_o because_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a and_o if_o so_o than_o no_o man_n must_v be_v shut_v out_o but_o upon_o sufficient_a proof_n a_o unproved_a hypocrite_n or_o sinner_n be_v no_o hypocrite_n or_o sinner_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o hypocrite_n be_v always_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n otherwise_o church-communion_n will_v be_v found_v on_o mere_a injustice_n
mystical_a and_o as_o visible_a be_v but_o one_o however_o the_o member_n and_o their_o gift_n and_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v many_o six_o it_o be_v one_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o all_o must_v walk_v in_o seven_o and_o it_o be_v one_o end_n and_o happiness_n which_o we_o all_o expect_v and_o in_o one_o heaven_n that_o we_o must_v meet_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o many_o as_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v one_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o one_o employment_n in_o the_o love_n and_o praise_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n and_o one_o felicitate_v fruition_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o evermore_o therefore_o he_o that_o see_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n or_o faith_n or_o true_a religion_n the_o honour_n and_o benefit_n of_o unity_n and_o the_o shame_n and_o mischief_n of_o division_n may_v appear_v to_o he_o that_o further_o consider_v the_o instance_n which_o follow_v first_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o proportionable_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n do_v signify_v that_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o christ._n he_o that_o be_v unite_v but_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o visible_o by_o baptism_n and_o profession_n unite_v to_o christ_n such_o a_o union_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o joh._n 15._o 2._o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n he_o take_v away_o he_o that_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o mystical_a church_n of_o the_o regenerate_v and_o spiritual_a be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o time_n with_o his_o union_n with_o the_o church_n but_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o it_o he_o that_o be_v divide_v from_o this_o mystical_a church_n can_v possible_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o the_o member_n which_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n be_v also_o separate_v from_o the_o head_n and_o he_o that_o himself_o forsake_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o such_o sorsake_v the_o mystical_a church_n and_o christ_n himself_o for_o to_o forsake_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o such_o be_v to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o spiritual_a but_o you_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n if_o you_o forsake_v and_o refuse_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o such_o for_o though_o a_o man_n may_v be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n before_o he_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n or_o be_v baptize_v and_o without_o baptism_n in_o some_o few_o case_n yet_o so_o he_o can_v be_v if_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o professor_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n both_o as_o mystical_a and_o as_o visible_a as_o spiritual_a and_o as_o profess_v while_o we_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o join_v with_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o some_o particular_a church_n without_o separate_v from_o the_o universal_a but_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o christ._n but_o than_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o all_o profess_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o visible_o subject_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o the_o papist_n call_v the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n that_o be_v the_o universality_n of_o christian_n subject_v to_o one_o vicar_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n either_o constitutive_a or_o govern_v such_o a_o pretend_a head_n be_v a_o usurper_n and_o no_o true_a authorize_v vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o church_n as_o such_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o seduce_v christian_n follow_v such_o a_o traitorous_a usurper_n and_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o christ_n or_o from_o his_o church_n second_o consider_v also_o that_o union_n be_v not_o only_o a_o accident_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v part_n of_o its_o very_a essence_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v no_o church_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v no_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o kingdom_n no_o city_n no_o family_n and_o so_o no_o church_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o unite_a member_n as_o it_o be_v no_o house_n which_o consist_v not_o of_o unite_a part_n and_o he_o be_v no_o member_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v the_o great_a course_n of_o man_n boldness_n in_o divide_v way_n that_o they_o take_v union_n to_o be_v but_o some_o laudable_a accident_n while_o it_o may_v be_v have_v which_o yet_o in_o some_o case_n we_o may_v be_v without_o and_o think_v that_o separation_n be_v tolerable_a fault_n even_o when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v they_o fault_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o unity_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o be_v of_o o●r_n own_o christianity_n read_v 1_o cor._n 12._o ephes._n 4._o three_o remember_v also_o that_o our_o union_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o church_n and_o to_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o such_o communion_n joh._n 15._o 4._o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o if_o a_o man_n abide_v not_o in_o i_o he_o be_v cast_v forth_o as_o a_o branch_n and_o be_v wither_v and_o man_n gather_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o fire_n and_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o col._n 2._o 19_o from_o the_o head_n all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o bond_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n the_o member_n that_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n have_v no_o life_n or_o nourishment_n from_o the_o head_n or_o from_o the_o body_n but_o be_v dead_a he_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v without_o the_o teach_v the_o holy_a worship_n the_o prayer_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n where_o the_o spirit_n do_v come_v and_o out_o of_o the_o society_n which_o christ_n be_v special_o relate_v to_o for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n and_o if_o we_o leave_v his_o hospital_n we_o can_v expect_v the_o presence_n and_o help_n of_o the_o physician_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v a_o pilot_n to_o they_o who_o forsake_v his_o ship_n nor_o a_o captain_n to_o they_o who_o separate_v from_o his_o army_n out_o of_o this_o ark_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o deluge_n and_o no_o place_n of_o rest_n or_o safety_n for_o a_o soul._n four_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n be_v their_o secondary_a strength_n their_o primary_n strength_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o quicken_v they_o and_o their_o secondary_a strength_n be_v their_o union_n among_o themselves_o separation_n from_o christ_n deprive_v man_n of_o the_o first_o and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o second_o a_o army_n be_v strong_a than_o a_o man_n and_o a_o kingdom_n than_o a_o single_a person_n a_o flame_n will_v burn_v more_o strong_o than_o a_o spark_n and_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o ocean_n be_v more_o forcible_a than_o a_o single_a drop_n a_o threefold_a cord_n be_v not_o easy_o break_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o weak_a commonwealth_n do_v seek_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o confederacy_n with_o other_o state_n the_o church_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n both_o for_o their_o number_n their_o concord_n and_o their_o order_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v can_v stand_v union_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o what_o good_a soever_o they_o may_v pretend_v divider_n be_v certain_o the_o weakener_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o those_o mean_n which_o best_o corroborate_v the_o body_n and_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n do_v best_a cure_v many_o particular_a disease_n which_o no_o mean_n will_v c●re_v whilst_o nature_n be_v debilitate_a so_o be_v the_o church_n disease_n best_o cure_v by_o unite_n fortify_v remedy_n which_o will_v be_v increase_v by_o a_o divide_v way_n of_o reformation_n divide_v be_v wound_v and_o unite_n be_v the_o close_n of_o the_o wound_n there_o be_v no_o good_a work_n but_o satan_n be_v a_o pretender_n to_o it_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o destroy_v
furtherance_n of_o the_o right_n and_o successful_a use_n of_o gift_n for_o ordinary_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o the_o heart_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n when_o a_o unexperienced_a hypocrite_n speak_v without_o life_n but_o sometime_o a_o dulness_n and_o want_n of_o utterance_n in_o the_o sincere_a and_o a_o natural_a and_o affect_a fervency_n in_o the_o hypocrite_n with_o a_o voluble_a tongue_n do_v obscure_a this_o difference_n and_o make_v the_o hypocrite_n the_o more_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n direct_v xviii_o understand_v well_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o communion_n with_o all_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o how_o far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o your_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n mystical_a you_o must_v have_v communion_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o regeneration_n the_o same_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o same_o law_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o with_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a you_o must_v have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o ministry_n and_o public_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v universal_o determine_v of_o by_o christ._n and_o though_o you_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n you_o must_v be_v as_o present_v in_o spirit_n by_o consent_n with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n you_o must_v have_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a church_n and_o visible_a communion_n in_o kind_n in_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o kind_a of_o workship_n with_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o l●cal-presential_a communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o you_o be_v present_a and_o with_o any_o other_o where_o your_o presence_n afterward_o may_v be_v needful_a unless_o they_o hinder_v you_o by_o unlawful_a term_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o measure_n of_o communion_n which_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v with_o all_o but_o you_o must_v have_v communion_n with_o all_o man_n as_o a_o man_n and_o with_o neighbour_n as_o a_o neighbour_n and_o with_o relation_n according_a to_o the_o relation_n civil_a or_o domestical_a and_o with_o all_o true_a christian_n as_o a_o true_a christian_a and_o with_o all_o profess_a christian_n as_o a_o profess_a christian_n and_o with_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o you_o be_v a_o part_n as_o a_o part_n of_o that_o church_n and_o with_o your_o bosom_n friend_n and_o intimate_a companion_n as_o a_o friend_n and_o companion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o you_o must_v communicate_v with_o no_o church_n or_o person_n in_o their_o sin_n itself_o and_o yet_o not_o refuse_v their_o communion_n in_o good_a though_o mix_v with_o sin_n you_o must_v own_v all_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a and_o join_v in_o spirit_n by_o consent_n as_o if_o you_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o presence_n and_o make_v all_o their_o prayer_n to_o be_v your_o own_o as_o you_o do_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n where_o you_o be_v present_a if_o there_o be_v disorder_n or_o imperfection_n or_o sinful_a blemish_n in_o their_o prayer_n you_o must_v disow_v all_o those_o fault_n but_o not_o therefore_o disow_v any_o part_n of_o all_o their_o prayer_n which_o be_v good_a but_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o part_n in_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o fail_n and_o here_o you_o may_v perceive_v what_o a_o mischief_n peevish_a separation_n be_v on_o both_o side_n it_o hinder_v you_o from_o pr●ying_v aright_o for_o other_o as_o the_o member_n shall_v do_v for_o all_o the_o body_n and_o it_o hinder_v you_o from_o partake_v in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o most_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n indeed_o god_n may_v hear_v those_o prayer_n for_o you_o which_o you_o yourselves_o disow_v but_o whether_o this_o may_v be_v expect_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o deal_n be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v he_o have_v make_v every_o man_n will_n or_o choice_n the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o his_o participation_n of_o such_o benefit_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o he_o that_o abhor_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o man_n or_o take_v they_o for_o such_o as_o god_n abhor_v or_o will_v not_o accept_v and_o in_o his_o mind_n disow_v all_o participation_n and_o communion_n in_o they_o shall_v yet_o have_v a_o part_n against_o his_o will_n but_o of_o this_o more_o anon_o as_o your_o baptism_n make_v you_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o you_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n so_o your_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v more_o noble_a more_o necessary_a and_o more_o durable_a than_o your_o relation_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v more_o noble_a because_o the_o society_n be_v more_o noble_a the_o whole_a be_v more_o excellent_a than_o a_o little_a part_n it_o be_v more_o necssary_a because_o you_o can_v be_v save_v and_o be_v christian_n without_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o you_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o be_v save_v without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o state_v particular_a church_n it_o be_v more_o durable_a because_o you_o can_v never_o separate_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o without_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n but_o divers_a occasion_n may_v warrant_v your_o removeall_n from_o a_o particular_a church_n live_v not_o therefore_o in_o those_o narrow_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n as_o if_o your_o congregation_n or_o your_o party_n be_v all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o if_o you_o have_v no_o christian_a relation_n to_o any_o other_o minister_n or_o people_n nor_o owe_v any_o duty_n to_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o remember_v that_o all_o christian_n person_n and_o congregation_n be_v but_o the_o member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n direct_v xix_o take_v heed_n of_o engage_v yourselves_o too_o far_o in_o any_o divide_a sect_n or_o of_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o any_o party_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o injury_n of_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o cause_n of_o christianity_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o among_o several_a rank_n of_o christian_n the_o sound_a and_o most_o upright_o be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la their_o communion_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o that_o be_v more_o unsound_a and_o scandalous_a but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prefer_v the_o eye_n or_o hand_n before_o the_o foot_n a_o noble_a member_n before_o a_o more_o ignoble_a and_o another_o thing_n to_o own_o a_o sect_n as_o such_o or_o a_o party_n as_o they_o either_o divide_v from_o other_o or_o take_v up_o a_o divide_v opposite_a interest_n you_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n can_v never_o err_v against_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n nor_o against_o any_o truth_n or_o duty_n necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n for_o then_o the_o church_n be_v no_o church_n and_o then_o christ_n be_v not_o its_o head_n and_o then_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n may_v perish_v and_o then_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n but_o you_o can_v say_v of_o any_o one_o part_n that_o you_o be_v sure_o that_o part_n shall_v never_o fall_v away_o and_o perish_v there_o may_v fall_v out_o a_o necessity_n which_o may_v warrant_v the_o body_n to_o cut_v off_o a_o hand_n or_o leg_n to_o save_v the_o rest_n but_o no_o corporal_a necessity_n can_v warrant_v you_o to_o destroy_v the_o whole_a nor_o any_o one_o member_n to_o forsake_v the_o body_n before_o it_o be_v forcible_o cut_v off_o he_o that_o see_v not_o how_o the_o espouse_v of_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n do_v corrupt_v most_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o lacerate_v and_o deface_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v somewhat_o rare_a to_o meet_v with_o any_o serious_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o deep_o engage_v into_o some_o sect_n or_o side_n or_o party_n as_o to_o darken_v their_o judgement_n and_o pervert_v their_o affection_n as_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o corrupt_v their_o converse_n in_o the_o world_n how_o blind_o do_v such_o look_v on_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o how_o partial_o do_v they_o judge_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o other_o how_o small_a a_o thing_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n to_o excuse_v the_o fault_n of_o any_o of_o their_o party_n and_o how_o small_a and_o common_a a_o good_a seem_v excellent_a in_o they_o and_o how_o perverse_o do_v they_o
be_v very_o few_o that_o take_v their_o impulse_n and_o resolution_n for_o the_o spirit_n answer_v of_o their_o prayer_n but_o they_o have_v before_o a_o understanding_n most_o incline_v to_o that_o opinion_n or_o else_o a_o bias_n upon_o their_o affection_n bend_v they_o that_o way_n or_o something_o in_o themselves_o which_o occasion_v the_o scale_n to_o turn_v that_o way_n obj._n but_o i_o do_v bring_v my_o mind_n to_o a_o pure_a impartiality_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v be_v and_o that_o if_o this_o be_v not_o right_a he_o will_v blast_v it_o and_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v on_o and_o the_o more_o i_o pray_v the_o more_o i_o be_v confirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o right_n answ._n all_o this_o may_v be_v without_o any_o of_o god_n approbation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n which_o you_o think_v be_v his_o answer_n to_o your_o prayer_n for_o while_o you_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v turn_v your_o mind_n from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o right_a yet_o at_o that_o time_n your_o judgement_n be_v incline_v to_o it_o or_o your_o affection_n at_o least_o and_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o speak_v impartial_a word_n in_o prayer_n than_o to_o get_v a_o impartial_a unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o when_o you_o think_v that_o your_o mind_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o impartiality_n alas_o there_o may_v be_v many_o deep_a root_n of_o prejudice_n which_o you_o observe_v not_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o who_o think_v that_o he_o pray_v with_o a_o pure_a impartiality_n but_o his_o opinion_n disposition_n inclination_n interest_n or_o secret_a affection_n do_v bias_n and_o ponderate_a his_o mind_n more_o to_o one_o side_n than_o to_o the_o other_o but_o if_o you_o be_v never_o so_o willing_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n yet_o there_o be_v passion_n in_o you_o and_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n and_o former_a error_n which_o may_v all_o do_v much_o to_o hinder_v you_o from_o know_v it_o and_o may_v breed_v many_o false_a apprehension_n in_o your_o mind_n and_o yet_o may_v cherish_v they_o with_o as_o dear_a a_o espousal_n and_o affection_n as_o if_o they_o be_v certain_o from_o god_n and_o moreover_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o former_a sin_n and_o whether_o god_n for_o any_o of_o they_o may_v leave_v you_o to_o run_v into_o mistake_n you_o know_v not_o or_o whether_o any_o present_a self-conceitedness_n may_v occasion_v he_o to_o leave_v you_o to_o mistake_n but_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o my_o answer_n be_v this_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o reveal_v all_o his_o truth_n to_o you_o because_o you_o desire_v he_o so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o every_o prayer_n of_o you_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o grant_v but_o only_o those_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n his_o will_n be_v either_o his_o decree_n his_o command_n or_o his_o promise_n though_o the_o first_o be_v not_o it_o that_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o your_o prayer_n can_v change_v god_n decree_n the_o will_n of_o his_o command_n do_v more_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o negative_a which_o may_v hence_o be_v gather_v that_o be_v that_o if_o your_o prayer_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n command_n they_o be_v your_o sin_n and_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o his_o grant_n but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o god_n will_v grant_v all_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n but_o only_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n by_o such_o obedience_n but_o he_o will_v give_v you_o that_o or_o something_o which_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a for_o you_o it_o may_v be_v god_n command_v that_o godly_a child_n shall_v pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o their_o sick_a parent_n and_o that_o parent_n pray_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o ungodly_a child_n and_o that_o we_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o obedient_o pray_v for_o but_o it_o be_v his_o promise_a will_n which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o hope_n as_o his_o command_a will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o will_v certain_o give_v we_o now_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o every_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o every_o godly_a person_n that_o ask_v it_o pray_v be_v but_o one_o of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v you_o to_o come_v to_o knowledge_n diligent_a read_v hear_v and_o meditation_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v another_o mean_n even_o to_o dig_v for_o it_o as_o for_o silver_n and_o to_o search_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o do_v and_o wait_v at_o the_o post_n of_o wisdom_n door_n that_o knowledge_n may_v come_v into_o you_o by_o degree_n in_o time_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v you_o true_a understanding_n upon_o your_o prayer_n alone_o without_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o appoint_a mean_n nor_o that_o you_o shall_v attain_v it_o by_o those_o mean_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o desire_v and_o seek_v it_o for_o then_o prayer_n will_v be_v a_o notable_a pretence_n for_o laziness_n and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o labour_n of_o study_n meditation_n or_o conference_n may_v save_v all_o their_o pain_n and_o go_v to_o god_n and_o ask_v wisdom_n of_o he_o and_o he_o will_v give_v it_o they_o even_o as_o idle_a beggar_n think_v without_o work_v to_o get_v a_o alm_n to_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o slothfulness_n if_o instead_o of_o all_o our_o read_n hear_v and_o meditation_n we_o can_v but_o pray_v and_o so_o get_v all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o other_o man_n study_v labour_n and_o wait_v for_o it_o will_v be_v too_o cheap_a a_o way_n to_o wisdom_n solomon_n that_o get_v it_o by_o prayer_n extraordinary_o command_v we_o very_o great_a diligence_n to_o get_v it_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a not_o only_o that_o christ_n increase_v in_o wisdom_n in_o his_o youth_n but_o also_o that_o he_o will_v not_o enter_v upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a till_o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n when_o it_o have_v be_v more_o easy_a for_o christ_n to_o have_v get_v all_o knowledge_n by_o two_o or_o three_o earnest_a prayer_n than_o for_o any_o of_o we_o moreover_o you_o must_v pray_v according_a to_o god_n will_v of_o precept_n not_o only_o in_o the_o matter_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o your_o prayer_n and_o there_o may_v be_v more_o selfishness_n and_o many_o other_o corruption_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o than_o you_o discern_v and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o submissive_o you_o may_v lawful_o pray_v for_o which_o god_n have_v never_o promise_v you_o at_o all_o you_o may_v pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o for_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o your_o relation_n and_o of_o thousand_o of_o other_o which_o god_n will_v not_o give_v you_o otherwise_o all_o the_o relation_n of_o every_o true_a christian_n shall_v be_v save_v yea_o and_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o all_o the_o world_n to_o apply_v all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v you_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o such_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o whether_o you_o shall_v join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o preach_n and_o prayer_n or_o not_o and_o when_o you_o have_v pray_v earnest_o you_o be_v confirm_v for_o one_o way_n and_o against_o the_o other_o and_o perhaps_o all_o this_o be_v but_o to_o be_v confirm_v in_o your_o error_n for_o first_o you_o come_v with_o a_o secret_a prejudice_n second_o or_o you_o come_v with_o distemper_a affection_n or_o with_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o go_v one_o way_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o that_o the_o very_a fear_n do_v much_o to_o cause_v your_o apprehension_n three_o or_o you_o come_v with_o the_o gnilt_n of_o former_a sin_n fo●rthly_o or_o you_o have_v some_o partiality_n on_o your_o spirit_n and_o a_o secret_a inclination_n to_o one_o side_n more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o or_o some_o overvalue_v of_o your_o own_o understanding_n person_n or_o prayer_n five_o or_o you_o be_v lazy_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o think_v god_n must_v teach_v you_o that_o in_o one_o hour_n and_o at_o a_o wish_n or_o prayer_n which_o other_o better_a than_o you_o must_v learn_v with_o prayer_n and_o twenty_o year_n study_n diligence_n and_o patience_n six_o or_o you_o think_v god_n must_v needs_o resolve_v you_o of_o that_o which_o he_o never_o promise_v to_o resolve_v you_o in_o where_o have_v he_o promise_v
matter_n be_v honest_a &_o good_a i_o will_v not_o prefer_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o congregation_n before_o a_o able_a man_n who_o will_v speak_v more_o composed_o &_o agreeable_a to_o the_o matter_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o peevish_a as_o utter_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o one_o but_o as_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v his_o prayer_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o weakness_n no_o more_o will_v 1_n and_o i_o have_v rather_o have_v such_o prayer_n than_o none_o at_o all_o o_o that_o man_n will_v discern_v what_o be_v the_o true_a worth_n of_o prayer_n and_o how_o little_a god_n be_v take_v with_o the_o oratory_n of_o they_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v which_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o prayer_n and_o o_o that_o man_n will_v lay_v no_o great_a stress_n on_o their_o peculiar_a mode_n and_o word_n than_o god_n do_v and_o condemn_v no_o man_n prayer_n further_o than_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o god_n nor_o separate_v from_o any_o further_a than_o god_n reject_v they_o or_o command_v our_o separation_n i_o can_v forbear_v tell_v you_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o sin_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o akind_n of_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n as_o if_o you_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v so_o much_o for_o your_o mod●_n and_o word_n that_o he_o overlook_v all_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o all_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n and_o forget_v all_o his_o love_n to_o his_o people_n so_o that_o christ_n shall_v not_o intercede_v for_o they_o or_o shall_v not_o prevail_v unless_o they_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o mode_n which_o you_o have_v fancy_v to_o be_v best_a whether_o with_o a_o book_n or_o without_o in_o these_o word_n or_o in_o those_o i_o think_v you_o be_v renew_v the_o old_a controversy_n whether_o in_o this_o mount_n or_o at_o jerusalem_n man_n ought_v to_o worship_v and_o know_v not_o that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o god_n will_v neither_o accept_v man_n for_o worship_v at_o this_o mount_n or_o at_o jerusalem_n here_o or_o there_o with_o a_o book_n or_o without_o book_n but_o the_o true_a worshipper_n who_o he_o choose_v do_v worship_n he_o as_o a_o spirit_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o well_o with_o form_n as_o without_o they_o and_o yet_o some_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o bare_o to_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n prayer_n because_o they_o be_v not_o clothe_v just_a as_o their_o own_o they_o will_v also_o break_v jest_n and_o scorn_v at_o they_o and_o take_v this_o for_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o their_o piety_n like_a man_n of_o several_a country_n who_o th●nk_v the_o fashion_n of_o all_o country_n save_o their_o own_o to_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o laugh_v at_o stranger_n as_o if_o they_o be_v clothe_v in_o fool_n coat_n so_o many_o do_v by_o the_o clothing_n of_o other_o man_n devotion_n some_o scorn_n at_o extemporary_a prayer_n and_o some_o scorn_n at_o form_n and_o liturgy_n and_o the_o litany_n they_o call_v conjure_v and_o the_o response_n they_o take_v for_o a_o formal_a jocular_a play_v with_o holy_a thing_n when_o in_o all_o these_o the_o humble_a heavenly_a christian_a be_v lift_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o this_o petulant_a carnal_a kind_n of_o zeal_n i_o remember_v our_o division_n be_v here_o raise_v at_o the_o first_o to_o deride_v the_o common_a prayer_n and_o deride_v they_o that_o use_v it_o be_v too_o common_a with_o some_o kind_n of_o religious_a people_n and_o they_o excuse_v it_o by_o elias_n his_o example_n as_o if_o idolater_n and_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o a_o form_n or_o ceremony_n be_v all_o one_o i_o remember_v how_o some_o of_o the_o contrary_a mind_n be_v inflame_v to_o indignation_n by_o such_o scorn_n when_o they_o be_v go_v into_o the_o church_n in_o london_n and_o hear_v some_o separatist_n that_o look_v in_o at_o the_o church_n door_n say_v the_o devil_n choke_v thou_o be_v thou_o not_o out_o of_o thy_o pottage_n yet_o because_o the_o common_a prayer_n be_v not_o end_v so_o little_o do_v man_n know_v what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o but_o wise_a and_o holy_a mr._n hildersham_n mr._n john_n ●all_n mr._n bradshaw_n mr._n john_n paget_n and_o other_o learned_a nonconformist_n of_o old_a do_v foresee_v and_o great_o fear_v this_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o scorn_n and_o jest_n at_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v about_o god_n worship_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v itself_o unwarrantable_a while_o you_o scorn_v at_o one_o another_o worship_n of_o god_n you_o raise_v a_o bold_a unreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o he●rer●_n and_o perhaps_o before_o you_o be_v aware_a in_o yourselves_o too_o and_o you_o will_v teach_v the_o atheist_n to_o scorn_v you_o all_o unless_o 〈…〉_z where_o the_o very_a object_n be_v to_o be_v deride_v as_o be_v no_o god_n you_o shall_v be_v very_o suspicious_a of_o this_o way_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o the_o gross_a erroneous_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o confute_v it_o in_o a_o way_n that_o more_o express_v our_o reverence_n to_o the_o object_n god_n himself_o &_o our_o respect_n to_o that_o pious_a affection_n which_o may_v be_v engage_v in_o it_o i_o have_v seldom_o see_v the_o best_a temper_a people_n incline_v to_o this_o way_n of_o jest_n at_o other_o man_n manner_n of_o worship_n nor_o have_v i_o observe_v much_o good_a come_v by_o it_o but_o i_o have_v oft_o see_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o young_a proud_a self-conceited_a person_n do_v kindle_v a_o carnal_a divide_v zeal_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o quench_v all_o holy_a sober_a zeal_n and_o love_n together_o direct_v xxxiii_o when_o you_o be_v sure_o that_o other_o man_n way_n of_o worship_n be_v sinful_a yet_o make_v it_o not_o any_o other_o or_o great_a sin_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o speak_v not_o evil_a of_o that_o much_o in_o it_o which_o be_v good_a and_o accuse_v not_o god_n to_o be_v a_o hater_n or_o rejecter_n of_o all_o man_n service_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o infirmity_n as_o st._n james_n say_v 3._o 2._o in_o many_o thing_n we_o ●ffend_v all_o but_o he_o that_o offend_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n be_v the_o perfect_a man_n so_o we_o may_v here_o say_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o many_o particular_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o other_o worship_n we_o all_o offend_v god_n but_o he_o that_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n from_o the_o reproach_v of_o his_o brother_n different_a way_n of_o worship_n may_v prove_v the_o great_a offender_n of_o all_o it_o will_v move_v a_o charitable_a understand_a hearer_n to_o grief_n and_o pity_n to_o read_v and_o hear_v one_o party_n call_v all_o prayer_n by_o habit_n no_o better_a than_o crudity_n whining_n bold_a talk_v to_o god_n and_o nonsense_n and_o whatsoever_o bitter_a scorn_n can_v speak_v and_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v many_o on_o the_o other_o extreme_a to_o call_v the_o liturgy_n no_o less_o than_o idolatry_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o peruse_v a_o judicious_a treatise_n of_o mr._n tomb_n in_o answer_n to_o one_o of_o this_o language_n as_o much_o as_o he_o and_o i_o have_v write_v against_o each_o other_o opinion_n about_o infant_n baptism_n our_o consent_v admonition_n to_o you_o shall_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o be_v accept_v in_o this_o and_o what_o pitiful_a argument_n have_v they_o to_o prove_v this_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n false_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n but_o such_o be_v the_o liturgy_n ergo_fw-la this_o be_v all_o that_o these_o rash_a preacher_n must_v trouble_v the_o church_n and_o seduce_v man_n into_o a_o hate_v factious_a zeal_n with_o but_o what_o mean_v these_o man_n by_o false_a worship_n do_v they_o mean_v worship_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n that_o be_v which_o be_v sinful_a and_o do_v they_o mean_v all_o such_o sinful_a worship_n or_o some_o only_o if_o they_o mean_v all_o such_o sinful_a worship_n than_o these_o word_n of_o they_o be_v idolatry_n for_o they_o be_v part_n of_o their_o preach_n which_o be_v part_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v false_a doctrine_n and_o tend_v to_o man_n perdition_n and_o so_o they_o and_o all_o false_a teacher_n shall_v be_v idolater_n by_o this_o they_o will_v turn_v all_o sin_n in_o worship_n into_o one_o it_o be_v all_o idolatry_n be_v not_o every_o confuse_a prayer_n sinful_a which_o have_v unmeet_a expression_n and_o disorder_a and_o have_v wander_a thought_n and_o dull_a affection_n be_v there_o any_o of_o these_o love-killer_n that_o dare_v say_v they_o pray_v without_o sin_n and_o
error_n be_v a_o common_a cause_n of_o separation_n but_o such_o as_o will_v suffer_v no_o two_o man_n to_o join_v together_o but_o will_v turn_v all_o church_n into_o confusion_n and_o crumble_v they_o to_o dust_n if_o it_o be_v full_o practise_v for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n alive_a that_o worship_v god_n without_o some_o sin_n as_o i_o say_v before_o do_v you_o ever_o pray_v yourselves_o in_o secret_a or_o in_o your_o family_n without_o sin_n must_v all_o separate_v from_o you_o for_o this_o or_o may_v not_o you_o bear_v another_o fail_n as_o patient_o as_o your_o own_o your_o own_o you_o be_v still_o guilty_a of_o because_o they_o be_v your_o own_o but_o not_o of_o another_o man_n which_o you_o can_v help_v if_o i_o believe_v that_o i_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o the_o false_a doctrine_n or_o faulty_a preach_n or_o prayer_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n where_o i_o be_o i_o will_v fly_v from_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o whither_o to_o go_v i_o can_v not_o tell_v obj._n but_o if_o i_o join_v with_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n amiss_o do_v i_o not_o approve_v of_o their_o sin_n or_o signify_v my_o consent_n to_o it_o answ._n approve_v and_o consent_v be_v act_n of_o your_o own_o mind_n and_o whether_o you_o do_v so_o or_o not_o be_v best_a know_v to_o yourself_o but_o it_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o consent_n that_o we_o have_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o i_o say_v that_o our_o presence_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v n●_n profession_n of_o consent_n to_o all_o that_o be_v faulty_a in_o those_o prayer_n why_o do_v you_o not_o offer_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o bare_o affirm_v it_o without_o any_o proof_n i_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o proof_n for_o this_o bare_a assertion_n to_o this_o day_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o disprove_v first_o no_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n take_v that_o for_o my_o profession_n which_o i_o never_o make_v by_o word_n nor_o deed_n according_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o word_n and_o action_n but_o according_a to_o this_o common_a sense_n i_o never_o do_v by_o word_n or_o deed_n profess_v that_o i_o consent_v to_o all_o which_o be_v utter_v by_o the_o pastor_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n second_o when_o the_o profession_n which_o we_o make_v by_o our_o church-communion_a be_v public_o declare_v to_o be_v another_o thing_n total_o distinct_a from_o this_o no_o man_n may_v just_o interpret_v it_o to_o be_v this_o which_o be_v quite_o different_a but_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o we_o profess_v by_o our_o church-communion_n that_o be_v i_o profess_v myself_o only_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o my_o baptism_n when_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o my_o daily_a communion_n with_o it_o and_o i_o profess_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o in_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o i_o pro●ess_v subjection_n to_o the_o particular_a pastor_n of_o that_o church_n as_o christian_a pastor_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n that_o word_n of_o god_n and_o guide_v they_o in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n according_a to_o that_o word_n this_o be_v every_o man_n profession_n in_o his_o church-communion_n and_o no_o more_o unless_o he_o make_v some_o some_o further_a particular_a expression_n of_o more_o as_o every_o sect_n use_v to_o do_v in_o profess_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o party_n why_o then_o shall_v any_o liar_n charge_v i_o to_o make_v a_o profession_n which_o i_o never_o make_v when_o my_o profession_n in_o my_o christian_a communion_n be_v describe_v by_o christ_n himself_o who_o institute_v it_o and_o why_o shall_v i_o turn_v liar_n against_o myself_o and_o say_v that_o my_o presence_n be_v a_o profession_n of_o that_o consent_n which_o i_o never_o make_v the_o least_o profession_n of_o three_o the_o word_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o pastor_n work_n and_o none_o of_o i_o it_o be_v part_n of_o his_o office_n as_o the_o word_v and_o methodize_v of_o his_o sermon_n be_v and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o well_o the_o praise_n be_v not_o i_o but_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o ill_o the_o dispraise_n be_v not_o i_o but_o he_o why_o shall_v any_o hold_v i_o guilty_a of_o another_o man_n fault_n which_o i_o neither_o can_v help_v nor_o belong_v to_o any_o office_n of_o i_o to_o help_v any_o further_a than_o to_o admonish_v he_o four_o i_o do_v not_o profess_v a_o approbation_n and_o consent_n to_o all_o the_o fault_n of_o my_o own_o secret_a or_o family_a prayer_n much_o less_o to_o another_o man_n who_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n i_o have_v disorder_n and_o defect_n and_o incongruity_n and_o other_o fault_n in_o all_o my_o prayer_n and_o if_o my_o very_a speak_n and_o commit_v they_o signify_v not_o my_o approbation_n of_o they_o how_o much_o less_o be_v it_o signify_v where_o it_o be_v not_o i_o but_o another_o man_n that_o speak_v and_o commit_v they_o five_o and_o as_o i_o have_v say_v this_o opinion_n will_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o any_o pastor_n or_o church_n on_o earth_n because_o no_o sin_n must_v be_v approve_v of_o and_o consent_v to_o and_o every_o one_o mix_v sin_n with_o their_o prayer_n obj._n but_o say_v those_o on_o the_o one_o extreme_a if_o i_o join_v with_o one_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o separatist_n a_o anabaptist_n a_o antinomian_a a_o arminian_n etc._n etc._n his_o own_o profession_n do_v before_o hand_n bid_v i_o to_o expect_v not_o only_o that_o the_o manner_n but_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n be_v erroneous_a answ._n first_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o no_o man_n may_v in_o his_o choice_n prefer_v a_o err_a person_n or_o mode_n of_o worship_n before_o a_o better_a second_o but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v not_o who_o you_o shall_v prefer_v but_o who_o you_o may_v join_v with_o it_o be_v not_o his_o error_n that_o be_v you_o nor_o his_o profession_n that_o be_v you_o i_o come_v to_o join_v with_o he_o as_o a_o christian_a pastor_n who_o office_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o while_o man_n be_v the_o agent_n i_o know_v that_o all_o that_o they_o do_v will_v be_v imperfect_a and_o ●aulty_a and_o it_o be_v not_o my_o know_v their_o ●aults_n that_o make_v they_o i_o but_o rather_o may_v preserve_v i_o from_o they_o obj._n but_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v he_o may_v put_v heresy_n or_o blasphemy_n into_o his_o prayer_n when_o i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o will_v say_v before_o i_o hear_v it_o answ._n for_o aught_o you_o know_v your_o physician_n or_o your_o cook_n may_v give_v you_o poison_n and_o your_o nurse_n may_v poison_v your_o child_n but_o though_o that_o shall_v make_v you_o careful_a who_o you_o trust_v yet_o somebody_o must_v be_v trust_v for_o all_o that_o you_o go_v not_o upon_o certainty_n in_o any_o case_n where_o man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v but_o upon_o probability_n man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v disinherit_v in_o their_o own_o profession_n if_o they_o be_v lawful_o call_v to_o it_o by_o cautelous_a and_o able_a trier_n till_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o trust_n and_o as_o he_o will_v not_o mend_v the_o matter_n who_o shall_v make_v a_o law_n that_o no_o physician_n shall_v give_v any_o medicine_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o all_o in_o such_o disease_n and_o that_o fetch_v from_o the_o king_n apothecary_n and_o no_o cook_n shall_v sell_v any_o meat_n but_o what_o be_v dress_v by_o the_o king_n cook_n for_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v poison_v man_n so_o he_o that_o will_v say_v no_o pastor_n shall_v preach_v or_o pray_v but_o in_o prescribe_a word_n lest_o he_o shall_v speak_v heresy_n or_o blasphemy_n will_v but_o destroy_v the_o pastoral_n office_n for_o fear_v lest_o it_o shall_v be_v abuse_v but_o here_o you_o have_v no_o great_a temptation_n to_o this_o error_n because_o though_o a_o man_n may_v poison_v your_o body_n against_o your_o will_n yet_o no_o one_o can_v poison_v your_o soul_n but_o by_o your_o own_o consent_n if_o he_o speak_v word_n of_o heresy_n or_o blasphemy_n if_o you_o disow_v they_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o consent_v not_o to_o they_o they_o be_v none_o of_o you_o nor_o can_v do_v you_o hurt_v they_o may_v be_v your_o temptation_n and_o your_o grief_n but_o they_o be_v not_o your_o sin_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o in_o the_o next_o direction_n how_o far_o they_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v obj._n but_o say_v those_o on_o the_o other_o extreme_a when_o i_o know_v before_o hand_n by_o their_o common-prayer-book_n what_o their_o error_n in_o worship_n be_v and_o yet_o join_v in_o it_o do_v i_o not_o seem_v to_o approve_v it_o
answ._n do_v not_o bare_o affirm_v but_o prove_v that_o all_o fore-known●faults_a of_o the_o pastor_n word_n in_o prayer_n be_v i_o if_o i_o separate_v not_o how_o do_v foreknowing_a they_o make_v they_o i_o take_v heed_n that_o thus_o you_o make_v not_o god_n the_o great_a sinner_n and_o the_o worst_a be_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o god_n fore-knoweth_a all_o man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v present_a when_o they_o commit_v they_o and_o he_o give_v they_o all_o that_o life_n and_o time_n and_o strength_n and_o breath_n by_o which_o they_o do_v they_o and_o he_o have_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o world_n what_o fault_n soever_o be_v in_o the_o word_n or_o form_n he_o do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o any_o such_o fail_n will_v you_o say_v therefore_o that_o god_n approve_v or_o consent_v to_o all_o these_o sin_n i_o know_v before_o hand_n as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o every_o man_n will_v sin_v that_o pray_v either_o by_o defect_n of_o desire_n love_n faith_n or_o fervency_n or_o by_o wander_a thought_n or_o disorder_a word_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o know_v that_o every_o erroneous_a person_n common_o do_v use_v to_o put_v his_o error_n into_o his_o prayer_n and_o preach_v but_o how_o do_v all_o this_o make_v it_o i_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o all_o god_n people_n on_o earth_n as_o i_o have_v occasion_n not_o as_o they_o be_v sinner_n but_o as_o they_o be_v saint_n and_o i_o come_v as_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o though_o both_o they_o and_o i_o do_v bring_v our_o sin_n to_o that_o communion_n and_o i_o foreknow_v they_o yet_o i_o lament_v both_o they_o and_o i_o and_o so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o consent_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v my_o grief_n and_o i_o beg_v forgiveness_n both_o for_o they_o and_o i_o obj._n but_o you_o say_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n office_n to_o word_n his_o own_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n therefore_o prescribe_v form_n destroy_v the_o pastor_n office_n and_o i_o may_v not_o consent_v to_o such_o usurpation_n by_o tyrannical_a man_n answ._n first_o the_o pastor_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n &_o of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n and_o he_o do_v word_n his_o own_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n or_o else_o his_o voice_n can_v not_o conduct_v you_o but_o if_o he_o that_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n do_v take_v the_o help_n of_o other_o in_o word_v they_o that_o do_v not_o destroy_v his_o office_n but_o help_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o if_o a_o weak_a minister_n learn_v a_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o some_o able_a divine_a and_o use_v it_o in_o the_o pulpit_n this_o be_v no_o destroy_v of_o his_o office_n second_o and_o if_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o effect_n of_o minister_n weakness_n shall_v force_v they_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o other_o the_o speaker_n still_o make_v they_o his_o own_o word_n before_o you_o join_v with_o he_o and_o if_o it_o do_v hinder_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o all_o his_o office_n it_o do_v not_o destroy_v it_o obj._n but_o he_o do_v it_o voluntary_o whereas_o the_o weakness_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v involuntary_a answ._n it_o be_v with_o more_o probability_n say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v involuntary_a in_o do_v that_o which_o another_o compel_v he_o to_o do_v than_o that_o which_o no_o man_n but_o himself_o only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o he_o that_o read_v the_o liturgy_n do_v this_o or_o nothing_o but_o no_o body_n say_v to_o a_o err_a weak_a confuse_a minister_n put_v in_o your_o error_n into_o your_o prayer_n or_o pray_v disorderly_a or_o you_o shall_v be_v punish_v every_o separatist_n anabaptist_n and_o antinomian_n do_v too_o willing_o put_v his_o error_n into_o his_o prayer_n obj._n but_o the_o liturgy_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o able_a as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o weak_a minister_n answ._n whether_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o impose_v be_v none_o of_o the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n no_o nor_o whither_o it_o be_v lawful_o use_v by_o the_o speaker_n but_o whether_o you_o may_v lawful_o join_v in_o it_o and_o however_o it_o be_v impose_v till_o the_o minister_n consent_n to_o use_v it_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o it_o and_o when_o he_o do_v consent_n he_o make_v it_o his_o own_o word_n and_o for_o reason_n which_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o he_o do_v choose_v those_o expression_n rather_o than_o other_o even_o because_o he_o must_v use_v those_o or_o none_o so_o that_o he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n and_o it_o be_v his_o personal_a fault_n if_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o use_v those_o word_n and_o none_o of_o you_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o willing_o as_o the_o best_a or_o do_v it_o with_o a_o half_a will_v as_o of_o necessity_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v tyranny_n in_o the_o impose_v they_o or_o not_o you_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o of_o this_o by_o join_v with_o a_o christian_a church_n that_o use_v they_o direct_v xxxvi_o yet_o know_v what_o pastor_n you_o may_v own_o and_o what_o not_o and_o what_o church-communion_n you_o may_v remove_v from_o or_o forbear_v and_o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o to_o make_v no_o difference_n this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o i_o have_v more_o large_o handle_v elsewhere_o and_o can_v give_v you_o now_o but_o these_o brief_a hint_n lest_o i_o be_v too_o tedious_a first_o he_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o able_a to_o do_v the_o essential_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o christian_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o pray_v and_o praise_n god_n with_o they_o and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n oversee_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v no_o minister_n nor_o to_o be_v own_v for_o he_o want_v the_o essential_a qualification_n as_o a_o illiterate_a man_n can_v be_v no_o schoolmaster_n nor_o he_o a_o physician_n a_o pilot_n a_o architect_n who_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o their_o work_n second_o he_o that_o preach_v heresy_n that_o be_v deny_v any_o essential_a point_n of_o christianity_n or_o godliness_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v three_o he_o that_o in_o his_o application_n endeavour_v to_o disgrace_v a_o godly_a life_n and_o to_o dissuade_v the_o people_n from_o it_o on_o false_a pretence_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o life_n of_o wickedness_n be_v a_o traitor_n to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o be_v own_v in_o the_o ministry_n in_o a_o word_n any_o one_o who_o ministry_n be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o destruction_n more_o than_o to_o edification_n and_o to_o do_v more_o harm_n then_o good_a but_o then_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v not_o partiality_n and_o passion_n that_o must_v here_o be_v judge_n nor_o be_v every_o one_o a_o opposer_n of_o godliness_n who_o oppose_v the_o error_n of_o a_o party_n or_o the_o fault_n or_o folly_n of_o godly_a man_n four_o that_o pastor_n or_o church_n who_o will_v not_o let_v you_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v or_o subscribe_v some_o falsehood_n or_o commit_v any_o sin_n of_o wilful_a choice_n do_v drive_v you_o from_o their_o communion_n by_o their_o unlawful_a term_n and_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o be_v the_o separatist_n but_o they_o five_o when_o you_o be_v to_o choose_v what_o minister_n or_o church_n you_o will_v stated_o have_v your_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o you_o shall_v not_o prefer_v a_o less_o reform_a church_n or_o a_o less_o worthy_a pastor_n or_o one_o that_o be_v erroneous_a before_o a_o better_a but_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v most_o to_o your_o true_a edification_n six_o if_o you_o live_v under_o a_o worse_o and_o unreformed_a church_n or_o unprofitable_a minister_n if_o necessity_n hinder_v not_o you_o may_v remove_v your_o dwell_n to_o a_o better_a seven_o and_o where_o church_n be_v near_o and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n or_o disorder_n will_v follow_v it_o you_o may_v join_v with_o another_o church_n without_o remove_v your_o dwell_n but_o this_o you_o may_v not_o do_v when_o the_o hurt_n to_o the_o public_a be_v like_a to_o be_v great_a than_o the_o good_a to_o you_o eight_o and_o you_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o more_o faulty_a church_n and_o minister_n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v communicate_v with_o though_o for_o your_o benefit_n you_o choose_v a_o better_a for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a crime_n of_o sinful_a separation_n but_o sure_o a_o man_n soul_n be_v so_o precious_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v prefer_v the_o great_a help_n for_o their_o salvation_n before_o the_o less_o and_o think_v no_o just_a mean_n too_o dear_a
most_o after_o in_o many_o place_n for_o the_o mere_a affectionate_a manner_n of_o expression_n and_o lowdness_n of_o the_o preacher_n voice_n how_o oft_o have_v i_o know_v the_o able_a preacher_n undervalue_v and_o a_o ignorant_a man_n by_o crowd_n applaud_v when_o i_o that_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o preacher_n ab_fw-la incunabulis_fw-la have_v know_v he_o to_o be_v unable_a well_o to_o answer_v most_o question_n in_o the_o common_a catechism_n and_o i_o dare_v not_o tell_v they_o of_o his_o great_a insufficiency_n and_o ignorance_n for_o fear_v of_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o be_v think_v envious_a at_o other_o man_n acceptance_n i_o have_v know_v poor_a tradesmen_n boy_n have_v a_o great_a mind_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o we_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o country_n contribute_v to_o maintain_v they_o while_o they_o get_v some_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n but_o they_o have_v not_o patience_n to_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n till_o they_o competent_o understand_v their_o business_n there_o and_o yet_o many_o of_o the_o religious_a people_n value_v these_o as_o the_o only_a man_n and_o some_o of_o they_o short_o after_o turn_v to_o some_o whimsical_a sect_n or_o other_o and_o contemn_v the_o minister_n that_o instruct_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o all_o this_o while_n understand_v not_o half_a so_o much_o as_o many_o of_o our_o sober_a auditor_n understand_v this_o prepare_v the_o poor_a people_n to_o be_v hurry_v into_o any_o disorder_n or_o division_n when_o they_o no_o better_o know_v how_o to_o choose_v their_o guide_n direct_v xlii_o your_o belief_n of_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v make_v your_o own_o and_o not_o take_v mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o and_o in_o all_o point_n of_o belief_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n you_o must_v ever_o keep_v company_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n if_o it_o err_v in_o these_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n the_o great_a part_n must_v be_v your_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o humane_a obedience_n your_o governor_n must_v be_v your_o guide_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a and_o difficult_a speculation_n the_o judgement_n of_o one_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a understanding_n and_o clearness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o both_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o major_a vote_n in_o several_a sort_n of_o controversy_n and_o case_n you_o must_v prefer_v several_a sort_n of_o guide_n or_o judge_n it_o be_v a_o grand_a pernicious_a error_n to_o think_v that_o the_o same_o man_n judgement_n must_v be_v most_o follow_v in_o every_o case_n and_o it_o be_v of_o grand_a importance_n to_o know_v how_o to_o value_v and_o vary_v our_o guide_n as_o the_o case_n vary_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n every_o man_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o his_o own_o way_n of_o study_n and_o profession_n than_o wise_a man_n in_o other_o matter_n of_o other_o study_n and_o profession_n as_o a_o lawyer_n be_v to_o be_v value_v in_o the_o law_n more_o than_o the_o able_a and_o most_o illuminate_v divine_a and_o a_o philosopher_n in_o philosophy_n and_o a_o linguist_n in_o the_o tongue_n and_o a_o physician_n in_o physic_n etc._n etc._n for_o instance_n first_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o controversy_n whether_o christ_n be_v god_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o life_n to_o come_v or_o a_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n here_o no_o man_n must_v be_v judge_n because_o if_o you_o be_v christian_n indeed_o it_o be_v past_a controversy_n with_o you_o and_o you_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v convince_v you_o and_o herein_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v your_o associate_n second_o suppose_v it_o be_v make_v a_o controversy_n whether_o you_o shall_v use_v this_o translation_n or_o version_n in_o public_a or_o another_o or_o whether_o you_o shall_v meet_v at_o this_o hour_n or_o that_o at_o this_o place_n or_o that_o what_o word_n of_o prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o public_a what_o person_n you_o shall_v communicate_v with_o in_o public_a and_o what_o not_o etc._n etc._n in_o all_o such_o your_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o ruler_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o their_o judgement_n must_v be_v prefer_v before_o more_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v not_o relate_v to_o you_o three_o suppose_v the_o question_n be_v among_o many_o associate_v church_n whether_o this_o church_n or_o pastor_n be_v to_o be_v disow_v as_o heretical_a or_o own_v by_o the_o rest_n as_o orthodox_n christian_n here_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o those_o associate_v church_n in_o counsel_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v as_o of_o the_o proper_a judge_n four_o suppose_v the_o question_n be_v among_o a_o free_a people_n that_o want_v a_o pastor_n whether_o this_o man_n or_o that_o or_o the_o other_o be_v all_o sufficient_a shall_v be_v the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n here_o the_o major_a vote_n of_o the_o people_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v prefer_v five_o suppose_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o 1_o john_n 5._o 7._o e._n g._n be_v canonical_a scripture_n or_o the_o doxology_n after_o the_o the_o lord_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n here_o a_o few_o learned_a antiquary_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o a_o major_a vote_n or_o council_n unskilled_a in_o those_o thing_n who_o contradict_v they_o six_o suppose_v the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o object_n of_o predestination_n of_o the_o natur●●_n of_o the_o will_n liberty_n of_o the_o concourse_n of_o god_n and_o determine_v way_n of_o grace_n of_o the_o definition_n of_o justification_n faith_n etc._n etc._n here_o a_o few_o well_o study_v judicious_a divine_n must_v be_v prefer_v before_o authority_n and_o majority_n of_o vote_n as_o one_o clear-sighted_a man_n see_v further_a and_o better_o than_o a_o thousand_o that_o have_v dark_a sight_n so_o that_o you_o must_v in_o such_o vary_v your_o guide_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o the_o case_n obedience_n hearken_v most_o to_o authority_n unity_n and_o concord_n must_v depend_v most_o on_o some_o majority_n of_o vote_n hard_a question_n must_v be_v decide_v by_o the_o best_a study_a person_n and_o the_o quick_a clear_a sight_n and_o not_o by_o bare_a command_n or_o vote_n direct_v xliii_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o reject_v a_o good_a cause_n because_o it_o be_v own_v by_o some_o bad_a person_n or_o to_o like_o a_o bad_a cause_n when_o it_o be_v own_v by_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o good_a and_o that_o you_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o cause_n by_o the_o person_n when_o you_o shall_v judge_v of_o the_o person_n ●ather_n by_o the_o faith_n and_o cause_n i_o confess_v when_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o incline_v we_o to_o one_o opinion_n or_o to_o another_o but_o only_o the_o reputation_n of_o they_o that_o hold_v it_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la in_o matter_n of_o mere_a godliness_n the_o judgement_n of_o godly_a man_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o that_o be_v ungodly_a and_o they_o be_v much_o like_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o when_o god_n have_v give_v we_o other_o mean_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v impartial_o make_v use_n of_o they_o it_o too_o oft_o fall_v out_o that_o honest_a people_n be_v like_o stray_a sheep_n if_o one_o leap_v over_o the_o hedge_n the_o rest_n will_v crowd_n and_o strive_v to_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o error_n be_v like_o language_n and_o fashion_n that_o follow_v the_o country_n where_o they_o be_v breed_v the_o religious_a people_n in_o sweden_n and_o denmark_n have_v one_o sort_n of_o error_n in_o holland_n and_o helvetia_n perhaps_o they_o have_v another_o in_o france_n and_o spain_n and_o italy_n they_o have_v other_o in_o greece_n and_o armenia_n and_o ethiopia_n they_o have_v other_o and_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n before_o we_o be_v aware_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o common_a epidemical_a disease_n and_o to_o think_v this_o be_v best_a because_o the_o best_a and_o strict_a people_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o indeed_o sin_n do_v seldom_o get_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n as_o when_o it_o have_v win_v the_o major_a vote_n among_o the_o most_o religious_a sort_n of_o people_n if_o but_o a_o peter_n separate_v barnabas_n and_o many_o more_o will_v follow_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n sometime_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o man_n may_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n and_o many_o ignorant_a person_n be_v apt_a to_o reject_v it_o because_o it_o be_v own_v by_o man_n so_o bad_a but_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o king_n and_o country_n or_o of_o their_o ancestor_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o or_o if_o their_o reputation_n or_o peace_n of_o conscience_n lie_v upon_o it_o or_o if_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o show_v
be_v not_o desperate_a and_o cover_v sin_n instead_o of_o condemn_v without_o proof_n will_v equal_o cure_v they_o both_o and_o let_v i_o yet_o conclude_v with_o this_o double_a protestation_n against_o the_o carp_a slanderer_n who_o use_v to_o falsify_v man_n word_n first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o in_o all_o this_o any_o flattery_n of_o the_o ungodly_a or_o make_v they_o better_a than_o they_o be_v or_o forbear_v plain_a reproof_n or_o church-discipline_n nor_o any_o unlawful_a communion_n with_o the_o wicked_a nor_o countenance_v they_o in_o any_o of_o their_o sin_n nor_o neglect_v to_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n second_o that_o while_o i_o here_o name_n persecution_n my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o mark_v out_o any_o person_n or_o party_n above_o other_o or_o determine_v who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v the_o persecutor_n but_o only_o to_o detect_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o most_o complain_v of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v that_o wherever_o that_o sin_n be_v indeed_o it_o come_v but_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n as_o sinful_a separation_n do_v even_o from_o the_o death_n of_o love_n to_o other_o three_o and_o i_o add_v that_o though_o i_o here_o aggravate_v the_o persecution_n of_o unjust_a excommunication_n or_o separation_n as_o rob_v man_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n yet_o leave_v they_o the_o common_a liberty_n of_o man_n and_o subject_n it_o be_v none_o of_o my_o purpose_n to_o equal_v this_o absolute_o with_o that_o destroy_a cruelty_n which_o leave_v they_o neither_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v so_o much_o liberty_n as_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n may_v enjoy_v or_o as_o paul_n have_v under_o such_o act._n 28._o ult_n direct_v lvi_o keep_v still_o in_o your_o thought_n the_o state_n of_o all_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o a_o people_n they_o be_v through_o the_o world_n who_o christ_n have_v communion_n with_o and_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o ignorance_n to_o separate_v from_o almost_o all_o christ_n church_n while_o you_o think_v that_o you_o separate_v from_o none_o but_o the_o few_o that_o be_v about_o you_o thousand_o of_o well_o mean_v people_n live_v as_o if_o england_n be_v almost_o all_o the_o world_n and_o do_v bold_o separate_v from_o their_o neighbour_n here_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v if_o they_o sober_o consider_v that_o almost_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v worse_o than_o they_o but_o narrow_a mind_n who_o can_v look_v but_o little_a further_o with_o their_o reason_n than_o with_o their_o eyesight_n do_v keep_v out_o at_o once_o both_o truth_n and_o love_n it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n to_o repeat_v and_o yet_o will_v not_o forbear_v to_o repeat_v it_o here_o again_o it_o be_v but_o about_o one_o six_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n who_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v baptize_v beside_o how_o much_o people_v the_o unknown_a part_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v we_o know_v not_o of_o this_o six_o part_n the_o ethiopian_n egyptian_n syrian_n armenian_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o muscovite_n and_o all_o the_o papist_n be_v so_o great_a a_o body_n that_o all_o the_o protestant_n or_o reform_a church_n be_v little_o more_o than_o a_o six_o part_n of_o this_o six_o the_o papist_n be_v about_o a_o four_o or_o five_o part_n and_o the_o other_o christian_n make_v up_o the_o rest_n and_o of_o these_o protestant_n sweden_n denmark_n saxony_n and_o many_o other_o part_n of_o germany_n make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n be_v such_o as_o be_v call_v lutheran_n and_o of_o the_o other_o half_a which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v more_o reform_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o of_o so_o reform_a life_n as_o these_o in_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o among_o these_o how_o great_a a_o number_n be_v they_o that_o you_o separate_v from_o if_o you_o look_v to_o the_o papist_n their_o worship_n be_v by_o the_o mass_n if_o you_o look_v to_o the_o muscovian_o they_o have_v a_o liturgy_n much_o more_o unblamable_a than_o we_o and_o have_v a_o few_o homily_n instead_o of_o preach_v if_o you_o look_v to_o the_o greek_a church_n to_o the_o armenian_n the_o abassine_n and_o all_o the_o eastern_a and_o the_o southern_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o africa_n they_o also_o worship_n god_n by_o liturgy_n much_o more_o liable_a to_o blame_v than_o we_o and_o have_v but_o little_o preach_v among_o they_o beside_o homily_n and_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v common_o far_o more_o ignorant_a than_o the_o worst_a of_o we_o even_o than_o the_o rude_a part_n of_o wales_n if_o you_o look_v to_o the_o lutheran_n they_o have_v liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n and_o image_n in_o their_o church_n though_o not_o adore_v and_o have_v far_o worse_a preacher_n and_o of_o worse_a life_n and_o more_o unprofitable_a preach_n than_o be_v usual_o find_v with_o we_o and_o the_o people_n more_o ignorant_a and_o vicious_a if_o you_o look_v to_o the_o remnant_n call_v the_o more_o reform_a church_n in_o holland_n france_n helvetia_n germany_n though_o they_o have_v much_o less_o of_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n yet_o be_v their_o church-member_n usual_o as_o ignorant_a as_o we_o and_o more_o addict_v to_o intemperance_n and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o scandal_n in_o their_o life_n than_o among_o we_o now_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o we_o daily_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v better_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o better_o i_o will_v only_o entreat_v you_o but_o to_o think_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o that_o to_o answer_v i_o deliberate_o these_o few_o question_n quest._n 1._o do_v you_o believe_v that_o all_o baptize_v profess_a christian_n not_o deny_v any_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n be_v christ_n universal_a visible_a church_n qu._n 2._o do_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o this_o church_n be_v only_o one_o and_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o qu._n 3._o do_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v visible_o to_o separate_v from_o christ_n qu._n 4._o do_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o to_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o to_o many_o hundred_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o any_o one_o part_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o great_a arrogancy_n and_o injury_n to_o man_n and_o unto_o christ_n himself_o qu._n 5._o dare_v you_o say_v before_o god_n let_v i_o have_v no_o part_n in_o any_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o these_o church_n on_o earth_n who_o use_v a_o liturgy_n as_o culpable_a as_o we_o because_o i_o will_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o they_o do_v you_o set_v so_o light_a by_o your_o part_n in_o their_o prayer_n q._n 6._o if_o you_o travel_v or_o live_v in_o abassia_n armenia_n greece_n or_o any_o christian_a country_n where_o their_o worship_n be_v not_o idolatry_n nor_o substantial_o wicked_a nor_o they_o force_v not_o the_o worshipper_n to_o any_o false_a oath_n subscription_n or_o other_o actual_a sin_n will_v you_o refuse_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o all_o public_a worship_v of_o god_n or_o will_v you_o not_o rather_o join_v with_o they_o than_o with_o no_o church_n at_o all_o q●_n 7._o when_o you_o remember_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n that_o now_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v congregate_v and_o be_v call_v upon_o god_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o one_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o one_o faith_n dare_v you_o think_v of_o be_v a_o body_n separate_v from_o they_o all_o and_o can_v you_o think_v that_o christ_n disow_v they_o all_o save_v you_o qu._n 8._o can_v you_o think_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gracious_a nature_n design_n and_o office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cast_v off_o and_o condemn_v so_o many_o hundred_o part_n of_o the_o church-universal_a and_o to_o accept_v that_o one_o part_n only_o which_o you_o join_v with_o judge_n by_o his_o action_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o scripture_n qu._n 9_o if_o there_o be_v b●t_v ten_o person_n of_o your_o mind_n in_o all_o the_o world_n will_v you_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v save_v none_o but_o those_o ten_o or_o accept_v the_o worship_n of_o no_o more_o or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o have_v communion_n with_o none_o but_o those_o ten_o if_o not_o how_o can_v you_o think_v so_o in_o a_o case_n so_o near_o it_o qu._n 10._o can_v you_o prove_v that_o christ_n do_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o world_n which_o you_o separate_v from_o or_o that_o they_o have_v no_o visible_a communion_n with_o he_o or_o
not_o life_n up_o his_o eye_n much_o less_o kneel_v down_o to_o signify_v his_o private_a prayer_n when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o pulpit_n nor_o any_o other_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n that_o no_o prayer_n may_v be_v use_v and_o no_o psalm_n sing_v in_o our_o common_a mix_a assembly_n which_o have_v any_o expression_n which_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a may_v not_o fit_o use_v as_o for_o themselves_o that_o no_o minister_n may_v use_v note_n in_o preach_v to_o help_v his_o memory_n that_o the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n must_v not_o say_v some_o or_o must_v say_v other_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o minister_n into_o each_o man_n hand_n that_o no_o gesture_n but_o sit_v be_v lawful_a at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o wear_v a_o gown_n in_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v command_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o keep_v any_o aniversary_n day_n of_o humiliation_n or_o thanksgiving_n of_o man_n appointment_n that_o just_o such_o and_o such_o hour_n for_o family_n worship_n must_v be_v observe_v by_o all_o or_o as_o other_o say_v that_o no_o set_a time_n or_o number_n of_o family_n prayer_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o preach_v or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n upon_o a_o humane_a holiday_n with_o abundance_n more_o such_o about_o phrase_n and_o gesture_n and_o fashion_n of_o apparel_n and_o custom_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o now_o accuse_v these_o opinion_n of_o superstition_n nor_o tell_v you_o whether_o i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n much_o less_o will_v i_o persuade_v any_o to_o make_v no_o conscience_n how_o they_o order_v these_o or_o any_o other_o the_o small_a circumstance_n of_o their_o life_n obedience_n must_v extend_v to_o the_o small_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o i_o be_o show_v you_o the_o circular_a course_n of_o many_o religious_a people_n in_o the_o world_n suppose_v now_o that_o the_o next_o age_n shall_v make_v strict_a law_n for_o every_o one_o of_o your_o own_o opinion_n in_o all_o these_o point_n and_o that_o the_o religious_a people_n shall_v then_o scruple_n they_o because_o they_o be_v impose_v and_o that_o the_o ruler_n than_o shall_v make_v their_o law_n more_o strict_a and_o that_o all_o the_o common_a people_n shall_v take_v up_o these_o opinion_n and_o all_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o first_o be_v zealous_a for_o they_o shall_v turn_v against_o they_o because_o the_o common_a people_n be_v for_o they_o and_o shall_v call_v they_o popish_a superstition_n and_o shall_v suffer_v imprisonment_n rather_o than_o conform_v to_o they_o i_o pray_v you_o tell_v i_o if_o you_o foresee_v all_o this_o what_o be_v it_o you_o will_v advise_v a_o sober_a christian_n to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o case_n as_o that_o will_v you_o have_v the_o same_o man_n that_o now_o be_v for_o these_o opinion_n cry_v out_o against_o they_o and_o censure_n all_o as_o superstitious_a who_o be_v for_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n on_o that_o account_n why_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o many_o of_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n which_o you_o now_o thus_o avoid_v as_o superstition_n be_v bring_v in_o at_o the_o first_o thus_o by_o the_o most_o religious_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v now_o account_v by_o many_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o all_o because_o that_o man_n take_v up_o their_o opinion_n of_o such_o matter_n in_o religigion_n from_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v for_o they_o and_o avoid_v those_o thing_n with_o prejudice_n and_o scrupulosity_n which_o be_v like_v or_o practise_v or_o command_v by_o those_o who_o they_o think_v ill_o of_o and_o take_v for_o the_o adversary_n of_o religion_n direct_v lix_n if_o through_o the_o fault_n of_o either_o side_n or_o both_o you_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n or_o place_n yet_o preserve_v that_o unity_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o practice_v which_o all_o neighbour_n church_n shall_v maintain_v with_o one_o another_o and_o use_v not_o your_o different_a assembly_n to_o revile_v each_o other_o and_o kill_v your_o love_n all_o distance_n be_v undesirable_a and_o tend_v to_o more_o but_o yet_o our_o unity_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n as_o in_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o life_n many_o occasion_n may_v warrant_v our_o corporal_a distance_n but_o heart-division_n shall_v be_v most_o avoid_v it_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o motive_n upon_o which_o you_o withdraw_v which_o be_v more_o considerable_a than_o the_o local_a distance_n therefore_o on_o one_o side_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o ●nchurch_n and_o unchristen_v any_o with_o who_o we_o do_v not_o corporal_o join_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o revile_v they_o all_o as_o sectary_n and_o separatist_n who_o do_v not_o join_v with_o our_o assembly_n but_o let_v we_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o practice_n before_o we_o peremptory_o judge_v they_o i._o perhaps_o you_o think_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o church-government_n or_o form_n or_o ceremony_n be_v unwarrantable_a and_o such_o and_o such_o oath_n and_o subscription_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o you_o can_v have_v local_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n that_o impose_v they_o if_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o take_v heed_n of_o 〈◊〉_d these_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o pretend_v that_o christ_n disow_v and_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o cast_v out_o you_o by_o impose_v any_o thing_n which_o you_o think_v be_v sin_n yet_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o excommunicate_v not_o they_o if_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o weak_a and_o culpable_a christian_a and_o no-christian_a there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o weak_a and_o culpable_a church_n and_o no-church_n and_o as_o there_o be_v innumerable_a degree_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n strength_n or_o weakness_n in_o particular_a christian_n so_o there_o be_v in_o church_n also_o you_o may_v perhaps_o find_v that_o another_o minister_n be_v more_o profitable_a to_o you_o and_o another_o church_n principle_n more_o please_v to_o you_o and_o their_o discipline_n better_a in_o your_o account_n and_o therefore_o you_o think_v that_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o choose_v the_o best_a for_o your_o personal_a communion_n be_v it_o so_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o modesty_n in_o these_o term_n but_o do_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o you_o turn_v from_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a or_o that_o another_o may_v not_o use_v it_o who_o can_v have_v no_o better_o or_o that_o you_o yourselves_o shall_v not_o rather_o join_v with_o that_o than_o with_o none_o or_o that_o you_o may_v not_o occasional_o sometime_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o your_o more_o ordinary_a communion_n be_v elsewhere_o nor_o do_v not_o disow_v all_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o they_o though_o in_o body_n you_o be_v absent_a but_o when_o ever_o you_o pray_v to_o god_n go_v to_o he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o and_o not_o of_o a_o sect_n only_o pray_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o desire_v a_o part_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a own_o they_o and_o their_o worship_n so_o far_o as_o christ_n ow_v they_o while_o you_o disow_v their_o error_n and_o fail_n yet_o own_o their_o faith_n and_o all_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o worship_n and_o see_v that_o you_o love_v they_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n who_o if_o weak_a be_v yet_o christian_n and_o perhaps_o in_o other_o respect_v better_a than_o you_o to_o say_v nothing_o whether_o it_o be_v they_o or_o you_o that_o be_v in_o the_o right_n you_o like_v not_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n much_o less_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o ethiopian_a and_o yet_o i_o hope_v you_o disow_v not_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n as_o church_n though_o faulty_a and_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o if_o you_o be_v not_o content_a to_o choose_v a_o ordinary_a communion_n most_o suitable_a to_o yourself_o but_o you_o must_v conclude_v that_o such_o be_v no_o minister_n or_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o worship_n be_v not_o accept_v by_o he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o rather_o to_o join_v with_o no_o church_n than_o with_o they_o and_o will_v according_o contemn_v they_o and_o irritate_fw-la and_o alienate_v man_n mind_n against_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o prove_v well_o what_o you_o say_v or_o wonder_v not_o if_o all_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n do_v take_v this_o for_o downright_o odious_a schism_n and_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 5._o 20_o 21._o
with_o authority_n and_o use_v to_o awaken_v they_o with_o a_o he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v do_v yet_o convert_v no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v what_o can_v we_o expect_v upon_o our_o drowsy_a and_o dry_a discourse_n but_o drowsiness_n in_o the_o hearer_n if_o not_o contempt_n five_o and_o alas_o the_o private_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v do_v as_o poor_o by_o too_o many_o who_o do_v pretty_a well_o in_o public_a as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v any_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o employment_n or_o as_o if_o indeed_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o immortality_n and_o preciousness_n of_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n constrain_v they_o not_o to_o do_v the_o public_a part_n somewhat_o better_a they_o will_v become_v contemptible_a burden_n of_o the_o church_n six_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o catechise_v be_v so_o much_o neglect_v that_o few_o of_o the_o people_n understand_v the_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n and_o few_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a method_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n who_o know_v somewhat_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o such_o defect_n and_o languor_n in_o the_o vital_a part_n will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o appear_v in_o the_o external_o seven_o formality_n and_o imagery_n choke_v or_o exclude_v the_o sense_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o most_o necessary_a truth_n they_o that_o teach_v youth_n the_o ●●rds_n of_o the_o catechism_n do_v oft_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v make_v they_o understand_v christian_n and_o leave_v they_o as_o ignorant_a &_o senseless_a of_o the_o importance_n of_o those_o word_n as_o they_o be_v before_o ever_o they_o learn_v they_o the_o foresay_a unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o people_n and_o their_o weakness_n do_v make_v many_o teacher_n lose_v their_o labour_n while_o they_o measure_v the_o common_a people_n by_o themselves_o and_o think_v that_o they_o can_v understand_v such_o word_n as_o they_o themselves_o can_v understand_v when_o they_o little_o know_v how_o utter_o ignorant_a abundance_n be_v of_o the_o matter_n when_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o speak_v all_o the_o word_n by_o rote_n therefore_o experience_n have_v oft_o constrain_v i_o to_o say_v that_o after_o all_o their_o study_n and_o learning_n in_o the_o university_n such_o pastor_n as_o do_v never_o familiar_o converse_v with_o the_o poor_a and_o vulgar_a of_o the_o flock_n and_o try_v the_o exercise_n of_o personal_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n upon_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o many_o controversy_n about_o the_o pastoral_n work_n and_o discipline_n than_o a_o unexperienced_a physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n or_o soldier_n or_o pilot_n in_o many_o case_n of_o their_o profession_n which_o make_v many_o learned_a self-conceiced_n doctor_n become_v the_o plague_n while_o they_o think_v themselves_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o parent_n or_o master_n but_o find_v it_o present_o in_o their_o child_n how_o quick_o they_o will_v learn_v a_o catechism_n and_o therein_o the_o creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o decalogue_n while_o they_o scarce_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o any_o of_o the_o plain_a word_n which_o they_o have_v utter_v and_o we_o find_v it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o too_o many_o of_o the_o age_a also_o and_o therefore_o if_o by_o other_o question_n and_o explication_n you_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o road_n and_o teach_v they_o not_o to_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o the_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o word_n it_o will_v all_o prove_v but_o as_o the_o teach_n of_o a_o parrot_n and_o not_o of_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o catechise_v be_v true_a also_o of_o prayer_n &_o confession_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o the_o hypocrite_n part_n be_v easy_a even_o the_o outside_n form_n and_o lifeless_a image_n but_o it_o be_v the_o inward_a life_n the_o spirit_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o excellent_a heavenly_a and_o difficult_a part_n eight_o and_o some_o make_v a_o formality_n and_o a_o snare_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o extemporary_a expression_n and_o by_o a_o preposterous_a care_n to_o avoid_v all_o form_n they_o teach_v they_o not_o these_o catechism_n form_n with_o that_o diligence_n as_o the_o matter_n do_v require_v but_o leave_v their_o mind_n void_a of_o those_o orderly_a well-setled_n second_o notion_n which_o shall_v help_v the_o first_o and_o thus_o while_o some_o neglect_v the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n of_o christ●anity_n and_o other_o neglect_v the_o form_n or_o body_n of_o it_o betwixt_o they_o both_o it_o be_v too_o much_o neglect_v by_o almost_o all_o nine_o too_o many_o be_v mere_a worldling_n and_o ungodly_a self-seekers_a and_o enter_v upon_o the_o ministry_n but_o as_o a_o trade_n to_o live_v by_o and_o never_o have_v that_o humble_a holy_a mind_n themselves_o which_o they_o expect_v in_o the_o people_n but_o as_o riches_n and_o preferment_n and_o honour_n and_o ease_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o most_o seek_v so_o they_o do_v proportion_n and_o choose_v the_o mean_n according_o and_o when_o they_o have_v thus_o make_v themselves_o contemptible_a and_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o they_o they_o the●_n call_v they_o all_o that_o passion_n can_v suggest_v not_o for_o their_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o for_o cross_v their_o carnal_a end_n and_o interest_n ten_o and_o under_o all_o this_o ignorance_n negligence_n and_o vice_n pride_n make_v too_o many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o all_o that_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o offend_v with_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o fault_n as_o for_o dislike_n they_o scarce_o a_o drunkard_n a_o swearer_n in_o all_o the_o parish_n be_v so_o impatient_a of_o hear_v of_o their_o sin_n as_o many_o of_o these_o high_a mind_a impenitent_a minister_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o endure_v to_o be_v account_v of_o as_o they_o be_v that_o they_o expect_v applause_n and_o great_a veneration_n when_o they_o deserve_v not_o pardon_v and_o they_o think_v they_o be_v neglect_v or_o treat_v unreverent_o if_o their_o ignorance_n be_v not_o call_v wisdom_n and_o their_o hypocrisy_n go_v not_o for_o the_o only_a piety_n and_o their_o carnal_a discourse_n and_o conversation_n for_o which_o god_n threaten_v their_o damnation_n rom._n 8._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 13._o be_v not_o clothe_v with_o some_o fair_a and_o honourable_a name_n and_o when_o they_o have_v thus_o set_v the_o people_n so_o pernicious_a a_o example_n they_o storm_v against_o they_o for_o not_o be_v more_o obedient_a to_o they_o than_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v to_o god_n and_o for_o reject_v the_o precept_n and_o reproof_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o they_o have_v reject_v and_o despise_v before_o their_o face_n i_o humble_o propound_v it_o therefore_o to_o my_o brethren_n that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o people_n who_o despise_v their_o ministry_n and_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o and_o speak_v against_o they_o and_o seek_v after_o other_o teacher_n that_o they_o will_v first_o impartial_o ask_v their_o conscience_n i_o have_v we_o give_v they_o no_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o all_o this_o be_v it_o not_o long_o of_o we_o have_v we_o so_o preach_v so_o private_o oversee_v and_o teach_v they_o and_o so_o live_v as_o that_o all_o this_o confusion_n will_v not_o be_v just_o lay_v at_o our_o door_n when_o we_o have_v first_o true_o clear_v thing_n at_o home_n we_o be_v the_o fit_a than_o to_o expostulate_v with_o our_o people_n and_o when_o we_o have_v pull_v out_o the_o beam_n of_o selfishness_n carnality_n negligence_n and_o pride_n out_o of_o our_o own_o eye_n we_o may_v the_o better_o see_v to_o cast_v the_o mote_n of_o childish_a peevishness_n and_o discontent_n out_o of_o the_o people_n eye_n direct_v ii_o ●t_z be_v needful_a to_o the_o people_n edification_n and_o concord_n that_o their_o pastor_n much_o excel_v they_o in_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n and_o also_o in_o prudence_n holiness_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o mind_n and_o life_n that_o so_o both_o the_o reverence_n of_o their_o call_n and_o person_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o people_n instruct_v by_o their_o example_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o ministration_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o of_o a_o ungodly_a minister_n be_v valid_a and_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o the_o innocent_a people_n forfeit_v not_o their_o privilege_n in_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o effectual_a sacrament_n though_o a_o wicked_a pastor_n may_v forfeit_v his_o own_o acceptance_n and_o reward_n with_o god_n but_o yet_o because_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o so_o innocent_a who_o conscience_n may_v not_o just_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v afflict_v in_o that_o kind_n and_o
of_o israel_n that_o when_o they_o be_v root_v out_o the_o land_n shall_v keep_v her_o sabbath_n be_v that_o a_o mercy_n or_o a_o judgement_n will_v you_o so_o cure_v sabbath-breaking_a and_o disorder_n and_o take_v a_o solitude_n for_o peace_n four_o be_v not_o the_o work_n to_o be_v do_v the_o save_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o shall_v any_o be_v save_v against_o his_o will_n and_o then_o shall_v not_o all_o force_n be_v mere_o such_o as_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o love_n five_o will_v stripe_n change_v the_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n six_o be_v he_o any_o better_a than_o a_o knave_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n who_o will_v say_v or_o swear_v or_o do_v that_o through_o fear_n which_o he_o very_o think_v god_n forbid_v he_o and_o be_v displease_v for_o and_o fear_v it_o may_v damn_v his_o soul_n seven_o be_v it_o the_o honour_n and_o felicity_n of_o so●ls_n to_o be_v such_o or_o of_o church_n or_o kingdom_n to_o be_v compose_v of_o such_o eight_o be_v not_o a_o conscientious_a fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n a_o thing_n well_o please_v to_o he_o and_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n and_o to_o the_o church_n welfare_n and_o to_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o life_n of_o king_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n peace_n and_o be_v there_o not_o then_o great_a cause_n to_o cherish_v it_o though_o not_o the_o error_n that_o abuse_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o all_o care_n be_v use_v to_o cure_v the_o ungodly_a world_n of_o impiety_n and_o ●earedness_n of_o conscience_n which_o make_v they_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o conscience_n be_v once_o debauch_v and_o master_v by_o fear_n and_o the_o people_n be_v bring_v to_o prefer_v their_o their_o fleshly_a interest_n before_o their_o spiritual_a and_o to_o fear_v man_n punishment_n more_o than_o god_n will_v not_o such_o debauch_a conscience_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o make_v such_o man_n the_o master_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o life_n of_o other_o and_o be_v the_o life_n of_o king_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o neighbour_n and_o the_o peac●_n of_o kingdom_n competent_o secure_v where_o god_n be_v not_o fear_v more_o than_o fine_n or_o corporal_a penalty_n nine_o if_o force_n be_v so_o far_o follow_v till_o it_o have_v change_v man_n judgement_n or_o conquer_a conscience_n or_o exterminate_v and_o destroy_v all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o change_v or_o conquer_v who_o differ_v from_o superior_n in_o unnecessary_a thing_n will_v it_o not_o all_o thing_n well_o consider_v prove_v a_o dear_a price_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v at_o much_o cheap_a rate_n be_v not_o the_o most_o conscientious_a necessary_a helper_n of_o the_o ministry_n by_o their_o example_n to_o cure_v the_o unconscionableness_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v countenance_v &_o encourage_v ten_o will_v not_o the_o cessation_n of_o unnecessary_a imposition_n cast_v out_o the_o most_o of_o the_o scruple_n of_o conscientious_a people_n and_o cease_v the_o sad_a division_n of_o the_o church_n if_o rome_n can_v have_v be_v content_a with_o a_o religion_n of_o no_o more_o article_n than_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o will_v on_o those_o term_n have_v hold_v communion_n with_o other_o church_n o_o what_o rend_v and_o ruin_n have_v it_o prevent_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v not_o the_o old_a apostolical_a rule_n and_o term_n sufficient_a to_o the_o safety_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_n be_v those_o worthy_a person_n b._n usher_n b._n hall_n b._n davenant_n b._n morton_n with_o the_o bergii_fw-la the_o crocii_n and_o all_o the_o great_a pacificator_n deceive_v who_o write_v and_o preach_v and_o cry_v out_o to_o the_o world_n that_o so_o much_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n for_o their_o concord_n if_o they_o will_v lay_v it_o upon_o no_o more_o vid._n vsh._n serm_n before_o king_n james_n at_o wansted_n or_o do_v you_o think_v it_o be_v their_o meaning_n let_v all_o ruler_n multiply_v unnecessary_a scruple_v imposition_n in_o their_o own_o dominion_n and_o for_o scruple_v they_o let_v they_o silence_n imprison_v and_o banish_v at_o home_n and_o then_o let_v they_o send_v to_o their_o neighbour_n church_n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o concord_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o subscribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n general_o and_o to_o the_o creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o decalogue_n and_o sacrament_n particular_o be_v term_n sufficient_a to_o this_o end_n suppose_v that_o good_a order_n deconcy_n and_o peace_n be_v keep_v up_o by_o suitable_a discipline_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a and_o why_o will_v not_o this_o serve_v for_o all_o the_o world_n or_o why_o shall_v more_o scruple_v thing_n be_v call_v necessary_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n than_o indeed_o be_v so_o my_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o cause_v i_o to_o write_v all_o the_o rest_n provoke_v i_o to_o touch_v this_o subject_n brief_o which_o will_v scarce_o endure_v to_o be_v touch_v direct_v fourteen_o when_o you_o reprove_v those_o weak_a christian_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n disorder_n or_o division_n reflect_v not_o any_o disgrace_n or_o contempt_n upon_o religion_n and_o conscientious_a strictness_n but_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o proclaim_v the_o innocency_n and_o honour_n of_o serious_a godliness_n lest_o the_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a take_v occasion_n to_o despise_v it_o by_o your_o open_v the_o fault_n of_o such_o as_o be_v take_v for_o the_o zealous_a professor_n of_o it_o honest_a hearer_n take_v most_o notice_n what_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n which_o the_o preacher_n aim_v at_o and_o the_o business_n which_o he_o drive_v on_o some_o man_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o error_n and_o fault_n of_o such_o as_o have_v seem_v serious_o religious_a to_o make_v all_o seriousness_n and_o diligence_n for_o our_o salvation_n to_o seem_v to_o the_o hearer_n to_o be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o not_o only_o a_o needless_a but_o a_o hurtful_a thing_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o a_o ignorant_a carelessness_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o good_a neighbourhood_n quietness_n and_o mirth_n be_v better_a than_o all_o this_o ado_n which_o be_v no_o more_o or_o less_o than_o to_o preach_v for_o atheism_n and_o ungodliness_n in_o practice_n so_o it_o be_v veil_v with_o the_o hypocritical_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o this_o unhappy_a sort_n of_o preacher_n do_v seldom_o miss_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o real_a and_o suppose_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o be_v or_o seem_v religious_a in_o some_o part_n of_o their_o sermon_n and_o familiar_a discourse_n which_o be_v do_v to_o so_o odious_a a_o end_n as_o to_o bring_v serious_a religiousness_n itself_o into_o dislike_n it_o make_v the_o best_a of_o the_o hearer_n abhor_v such_o reflection_n because_o they_o abhor_v the_o scope_n of_o they_o believe_v that_o holiness_n need_v not_o to_o be_v preach_v against_o in_o the_o world_n till_o man_n heart_n be_v more_o incline_v to_o it_o and_o till_o all_o its_o enemy_n abate_v their_o opposition_n and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v yet_o not_o by_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o preach_v against_o holiness_n how_o covert_o soever_o preach_v against_o god_n whereas_o if_o a_o man_n design_n be_v to_o promote_v religion_n the_o sober_a hearer_n though_o partly_o guilty_a will_v bear_v his_o reproof_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o professor_n with_o much_o more_o patience_n when_o they_o see_v it_o be_v for_o god_n and_o godliness_n that_o he_o do_v it_o i_o speak_v by_o experience_n and_o must_v give_v they_o this_o testimony_n that_o i_o have_v many_o and_o many_o a_o time_n pour_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o earnest_a reprehension_n of_o the_o error_n and_o disorder_n of_o rash_a divide_v zeal_n and_o the_o hearer_n have_v take_v all_o with_o patience_n when_o the_o same_o person_n can_v not_o bear_v the_o ten_o part_n so_o much_o from_o some_o preacher_n who_o they_o imagine_v to_o aim_v in_o it_o at_o the_o depress_v of_o the_o honour_n of_o true_a and_o serious_a religion_n therefore_o be_v sure_a what_o sort_n of_o man_n soever_o you_o be_v reprove_v that_o you_o say_v nothing_o which_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o ignorant_a or_o ungodly_a sort_n of_o your_o auditor_n think_v that_o it_o be_v zeal_n or_o strictness_n or_o careful_a diligence_n about_o their_o soul_n which_o you_o condemn_v but_o still_o put_v in_o sufficient_a caution_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a heart_n and_o life_n direct_v xv._n discourage_v not_o the_o religious_a from_o so_o much_o of_o religious_a exercise_n in_o their_o family_n or_o with_o one_o another_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o in_o their_o private_a station_n by_o this_o mean_n many_o pastor_n have_v be_v very_o great_a cause_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o carnal_a and_o selfish_a that_o they_o make_v