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june_n 28_o that_o you_o can_v pick_v and_o choose_v and_o use_v what_o you_o think_v fit_a and_o refuse_v the_o rest_n but_o must_v as_o traveller_n on_o the_o king_n highway_n keep_v the_o road_n and_o not_o break_v out_o of_o it_o to_o escape_v any_o foul_a way_n sir_n there_o be_v some_o creature_n so_o apt_a to_o wander_v that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n though_o it_o be_v much_o more_o safe_a to_o keep_v in_o the_o ancient_a liege-way_n than_o to_o break_v out_o of_o it_o and_o if_o you_o meet_v with_o no_o worse_a passage_n in_o the_o public_a road_n than_o in_o the_o public_a prayer_n you_o will_v have_v little_a cause_n to_o complain_v either_o of_o foul_a or_o rough_a way_n but_o be_v it_o fit_a think_v you_o for_o man_n to_o
esteem_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o renegade_n or_o deserter_n of_o religion_n who_o wilful_o abstain_v and_o alienates_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o it_o by_o which_o you_o plain_o see_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n and_o founder_n of_o your_o sect_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n letter_n xi_o sir_n have_v in_o the_o former_a letter_n assert_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o enjoin_v form_n of_o prayerupon_o all_o person_n and_o occasion_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o likewise_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o your_o plea_n and_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o antiquity_n of_o form_n to_o see_v how_o we_o may_v adjust_a matter_n there_o and_o here_o i_o find_v you_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o grant_v any_o thing_n for_o fear_v of_o give_v countenance_n to_o liturgy_n and_o disparage_v the_o great_a diana_n of_o extempore-prayer_n for_o you_o will_v scarce_o allow_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v his_o prayer_n for_o a_o form_n or_o that_o it_o have_v be_v use_v as_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n lest_o other_o form_n shall_v gain_v credit_n and_o get_v ground_n by_o such_o a_o concession_n thereby_o verify_v the_o observation_n of_o our_o late_a glorious_a martyr_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ch._n 16._o concern_v the_o lord_n prayer_n that_o its_o great_a gild_n be_v to_o be_v the_o warrant_n and_o original_a pattern_n of_o all_o set_a liturgy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o here_o you_o say_v we_o be_v wont_v to_o lay_v the_o first_o stone_n in_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o conformity_n and_o where_o can_v we_o better_o lay_v it_o than_o on_o the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n and_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o we_o derive_v the_o original_a of_o form_n much_o high_o even_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n for_o the_o learned_a fagius_n make_v it_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o time_n of_o enoch_n ult._n gen._n 4._o ult._n when_o man_n begin_v public_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o jewish_a writer_n 4.26_o gen._n 4.26_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v use_v all_o along_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n from_o whence_o our_o bless_a saviour_n derive_v he_o yea_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o affect_v novelty_n and_o variation_n that_o he_o take_v every_o sentence_n of_o his_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a form_n then_o in_o use_n 6.9_o vol._n 2._o p._n 158._o idem_fw-la on_o matth._n 6.9_o as_o have_v be_v full_o prove_v by_o dr._n lightfoot_n and_o other_o learned_a men._n for_o when_o christ_n disciple_n ask_v he_o to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o they_o he_o give_v they_o no_o new_a prayer_n but_o the_o same_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o year_n and_o half_a before_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n partly_o as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v because_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o and_o partly_o because_o a_o better_a can_v not_o be_v give_v and_o yet_o you_o tell_v i_o that_o we_o build_v more_o upon_o this_o prayer_n than_o it_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o bear_v how_o so_o we_o build_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o use_v this_o and_o other_o form_n compose_v by_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v well_o enough_o bear_v that_o and_o that_o so_o much_o at_o least_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o christ_n practice_n and_o command_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o warrant_v these_o thing_n no_o say_v you_o it_o be_v design_v only_o for_o a_o directory_n to_o frame_v other_o prayer_n by_o and_o not_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o word_n but_o be_v it_o design_v think_v you_o only_o for_o a_o directory_n for_o extempore-prayer_n or_o rather_o be_v it_o not_o a_o direction_n to_o frame_v other_o public_a form_n by_o if_o you_o search_v into_o antiquity_n you_o will_v find_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o the_o former_a whereas_o all_o christian_a church_n have_v through_o every_o age_n make_v use_v of_o it_o for_o the_o latter_a hence_o a_o very_a learned_a author_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o authentic_a liturgy_n and_o we_o in_o particular_a be_v ground_v upon_o and_o draw_v up_o by_o the_o lord_n prayer_n all_o the_o collect_v for_o grace_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o three_o first_o petition_n the_o prayer_n for_o all_o earthly_a blessing_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o request_n for_o our_o daily_a bread_n the_o confession_n and_o litany_n for_o pardon_n and_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o evil_n upon_o the_o three_o last_o petition_n and_o the_o thanksgiving_n hymn_n and_o praise_n upon_o the_o doxology_n and_o here_o though_o in_o honour_n to_o our_o master_n we_o use_v this_o prayer_n as_o a_o form_n in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o likewise_o make_v it_o the_o pattern_n and_o platform_n of_o all_o our_o other_o prayer_n and_o part_n of_o devotion_n yet_o you_o ask_v i_o as_o wise_a question_n sc_n whether_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o no_o other_o no_o sir_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o my_o saviour_n and_o other_o prayer_n compose_v and_o establish_v according_a to_o that_o excellent_a platform_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o my_o superior_n but_o how_o say_v you_o can_v we_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o make_v it_o a_o invariable_a part_n of_o our_o devotion_n when_o the_o same_o word_n be_v not_o use_v in_o both_o the_o evangelist_n that_o record_v it_o for_o there_o be_v a_o variation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o petition_n in_o the_o four_o st._n matthew_n have_v it_o give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n st._n luke_n give_v we_o day_n by_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n in_o the_o 5_o the_o one_o have_v forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n as_o we_o forgive_v our_o debtor_n the_o other_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n for_o we_o also_o forgive_v they_o that_o be_v indebt_v unto_o we_o and_o what_o be_v more_o material_a say_v you_o in_o st._n luke_n the_o doxology_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o but_o sir_n may_v not_o the_o difference_n of_o copy_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n easy_o occasion_n so_o small_a a_o alteration_n and_o be_v we_o not_o infinite_o behold_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o hand_v it_o down_o to_o we_o through_o so_o many_o age_n with_o so_o little_a variation_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v own_a with_o thankfulness_n than_o to_o be_v make_v a_o cavil_v against_o the_o use_n of_o it_o may_v not_o this_o day_n which_o be_v speak_v every_o day_n in_o various_a copy_n easy_o change_v into_o day_n by_o day_n be_v there_o any_o material_a difference_n between_o sin_n and_o debt_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n which_o you_o grant_v import_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v this_o a_o just_a pretence_n for_o lay_v aside_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o perfect_a model_n of_o devotion_n and_o whereas_o the_o doxology_n mention_v by_o the_o one_o be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o which_o may_v be_v ascribe_v either_o to_o the_o different_a occasion_n or_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o transcriber_n our_o church_n seem_v wise_o to_o have_v comply_v with_o both_o by_o use_v it_o sometime_o with_o and_o sometime_o without_o it_o but_o why_o shall_v you_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o grant_v the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o form_n in_o the_o same_o word_n sure_o there_o be_v some_o mystery_n in_o this_o which_o be_v but_o a_o objection_n of_o yesterday_n and_o never_o till_o very_o late_o call_v in_o question_n by_o any_o why_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o it_o be_v by_o endeavour_v to_o weaken_v the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o a_o form_n to_o shake_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o form_n and_o if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o different_a and_o vary_a expression_n there_o it_o will_v give_v some_o countenance_n to_o your_o other_o new_a and_o belove_a variation_n but_o it_o will_v become_v you_o sir_n to_o have_v better_a thought_n and_o likewise_o to_o make_v better_a use_n of_o this_o divine_a form_n than_o to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v it_o to_o such_o bad_a end_n consider_v what_o high_a presumption_n it_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o this_o prayer_n as_o
they_o do_v but_o walk_v on_o still_o in_o darkness_n and_o sit_v in_o the_o very_a region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n one_o will_v think_v the_o bare_a mention_v of_o these_o thing_n shall_v fill_v you_o with_o blush_a and_o make_v you_o ashamed_a of_o such_o unparalleled_a pride_n and_o folly_n but_o you_o have_v a_o worse_a charge_n than_o all_o this_o against_o liturgy_n and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o breed_v nothing_o but_o looseness_n and_o laziness_n in_o those_o that_o use_v they_o and_o give_v your_o reason_n for_o it_o too_o which_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o my_o next_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n aug._n 25_o 1697._o letter_n xiii_o to_o j._n m._n sir_n i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v of_o late_a to_o compromise_n matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o show_v how_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o main_n and_o rectify_v some_o few_o mistake_v that_o create_v and_o continue_v the_o difference_n hope_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o bring_v thing_n to_o some_o good_a issue_n but_o 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puny_a slanderer_n to_o cast_v a_o little_a dirt_n here_o and_o there_o but_o like_o a_o wholesale_n calumniator_n strike_v home_o and_o fall_v foul_a upon_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o ever_o since_o she_o have_v retain_v liturgy_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v cherish_v only_o a_o pack_n of_o loose_a and_o idle_a drone_n this_o you_o say_v you_o have_v affirm_v and_o like_o a_o undaunted_a champion_n that_o scorn_v to_o flinch_v you_o will_v stand_v to_o it_o and_o prove_v it_o too_o and_o that_o first_o from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o looseness_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o any_o accidental_a fault_n occasion_v by_o the_o neligence_n of_o some_o person_n but_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o liturgy_n and_o whosoever_o use_v they_o must_v unavoidable_o fall_v into_o these_o enormity_n brave_o charge_v and_o if_o you_o pursue_v this_o well_o you_o must_v 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pious_a and_o well_o compose_v form_n no_o say_v you_o a_o musician_n will_v be_v weary_a if_o he_o have_v constant_o the_o same_o instrument_n and_o tune_n variety_n please_v in_o diet_n novelty_n affect_v in_o recreation_n and_o commonness_n dull_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v entertain_v as_o much_o with_o variety_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o fancy_n of_o a_o fiddler_n with_o new_a tune_n and_o we_o must_v have_v as_o much_o change_n and_o novelty_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o in_o our_o diet_n and_o recreation_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v grow_v weary_a of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o admirable_a way_n think_v you_o to_o keep_v man_n firm_a and_o stable_a in_o their_o religion_n to_o be_v daily_o ring_v change_n and_o put_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n every_o day_n into_o new_a phrase_n have_v not_o this_o variety_n of_o prayer_n already_o beget_v a_o variety_n of_o opinion_n do_v not_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v giddiness_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o have_v we_o not_o find_v confusion_n enough_o already_o from_o this_o principle_n but_o you_o must_v needs_o cherish_v it_o to_o breed_v more_o but_o must_v all_o man_n necessary_o be_v lazy_a that_o use_v a_o liturgy_n then_o what_o a_o parcel_n of_o idle_a lazy_a person_n have_v all_o former_a christian_n be_v through_o every_o age_n that_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n only_o in_o the_o old_a mumpsimus_n of_o form_n without_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o invent_v or_o make_v any_o new_a prayer_n of_o their_o own_o this_o sir_n be_v a_o calumny_n sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o wound_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o cut_v through_o all_o generation_n but_o be_v there_o no_o take_v pain_n in_o prayer_n without_o the_o invention_n and_o study_n of_o new_a word_n do_v not_o the_o principal_a work_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o take_v pain_n with_o the_o heart_n to_o keep_v that_o close_a and_o intent_n upon_o the_o duty_n which_o 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show_v they_o to_o be_v very_o just_a and_o impartial_a judge_n however_o since_o such_o weak_a or_o rather_o wilful_a person_n who_o be_v impatient_a of_o truth_n and_o resolve_v to_o shut_v both_o their_o eye_n and_o ear_n against_o it_o do_v thereby_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v prejudice_v and_o incompetent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n the_o whole_a matter_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o better_a judgement_n of_o more_o know_v and_o lessbyass_v reader_n farewell_n letter_n i._o to_o j._n m._n sir_n i_o receive_v another_o packet_n of_o letter_n from_o you_o in_o which_o i_o find_v you_o try_v your_o skill_n in_o make_v some_o reply_v to_o my_o former_a letter_n concern_v the_o gift_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v you_o sensible_a by_o degree_n and_o to_o that_o end_n all_o that_o you_o offer_v in_o they_o of_o any_o moment_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o due_a time_n and_o order_n 1_o first_o then_o for_o the_o letter_n that_o 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different_a way_n of_o address_v or_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n viz._n 1._o the_o first_o be_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o inward_a desire_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v very_o true_o and_o proper_o style_v prayer_n and_o be_v all_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o be_v with_o the_o lip_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o and_o this_o may_v be_v rather_o call_v vain_a talk_n and_o babble_v than_o pray_v to_o he_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o lip_n together_o that_o be_v when_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o tongue_n accompany_v each_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n use_v in_o public_a whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v our_o great_a creator_n now_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v distinguish_v the_o one_o be_v a_o ability_n of_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n in_o holy_a desire_n unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n the_o other_o be_v a_o ability_n of_o express_v those_o desire_n and_o put_v they_o into_o fit_a word_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o the_o gift_n of_o speech_n utterance_n and_o elocution_n the_o use_n whereof_o in_o prayer_n be_v to_o help_v we_o to_o join_v together_o in_o our_o request_n and_o to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n and_o this_o be_v far_o better_a do_v in_o the_o know_v consider_v word_n of_o godly_a form_n than_o the_o sudden_a effusion_n of_o free_a prayer_n sir_n if_o you_o well_o consider_v and_o digest_v this_o your_o eye_n may_v soon_o open_v and_o discern_v between_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o speech_n and_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o one_o as_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o other_o the_o confound_a of_o these_o two_o different_a thing_n have_v confound_v your_o notious_a about_o it_o whereas_o the_o distinguish_n between_o they_o will_v show_v you_o the_o different_a nature_n and_o place_n of_o both_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o attend_v to_o because_o the_o want_n of_o it_o have_v lead_v many_o into_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_v for_o he_o that_o can_v use_v most_o new_a word_n and_o have_v the_o best_a faculty_n of_o change_v and_o vary_v phrase_n be_v by_o too_o many_o think_v to_o pray_v best_a and_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o you_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o and_o will_v have_v study_v and_o practise_v by_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v nothing_o else_o than_o this_o faculty_n of_o variation_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o hindrance_n than_o furtherance_n of_o true_a devotion_n and_o yet_o you_o seem_v to_o put_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n chief_o in_o it_o for_o you_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o same_o word_n be_v apt_a to_o deaden_a and_o cloy_v and_o that_o all_o man_n be_v delight_v with_o variety_n and_o new_a thing_n and_o to_o 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of_o humane_a life_n best_a attain_v their_o end_n by_o change_n and_o variety_n but_o must_v we_o be_v give_v to_o change_v too_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o hunt_v about_o for_o new_a word_n and_o phrase_n when_o we_o address_v to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n almighty_n be_v take_v with_o new_a thing_n since_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o they_o be_v occasion_v chief_o from_o suddenness_n and_o surprise_n and_o therefore_o can_v affect_v he_o to_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v new_a and_o we_o find_v wise_a man_n who_o be_v govern_v more_o by_o judgement_n than_o fancy_n be_v but_o little_o affect_v with_o such_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v only_o
vulgar_a mind_n and_o such_o as_o be_v most_o lead_v by_o imagination_n that_o be_v thus_o take_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o sound_n of_o word_n and_o seek_v about_o for_o variety_n of_o expression_n now_o this_o be_v a_o weakness_n in_o they_o which_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o cherish_v and_o encourage_a that_o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o use_v your_o best_a skill_n to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n neither_o expect_v nor_o be_v delight_v with_o these_o thing_n for_o true_a religion_n incline_v still_o to_o the_o do_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o constant_a reverence_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o by_o a_o daily_a continue_a practice_n desire_v the_o same_o blessing_n in_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v be_v more_o sober_o and_o religious_o devout_a and_o find_v better_a acceptance_n with_o he_o than_o he_o that_o love_v and_o labour_n for_o new_a word_n and_o think_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v accept_v without_o a_o multitude_n or_o variety_n of_o expression_n the_o study_n whereof_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o distract_v than_o compose_v the_o mind_n in_o this_o duty_n indeed_o where_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v do_v any_o new_a thing_n either_o by_o send_v some_o new_a judgement_n or_o calamity_n or_o by_o bestow_v some_o new_a mercy_n or_o deliverance_n here_o in_o our_o public_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n there_o must_v be_v such_o new_a word_n as_o may_v suit_v such_o occasion_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n the_o pious_a care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o governor_n be_v never_o want_v to_o make_v a_o due_a and_o suitable_a provision_n for_o we_o on_o such_o occasion_n but_o for_o the_o constant_a matter_n of_o our_o daily_a prayer_n and_o praise_n there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o new_a word_n but_o only_o to_o bring_v new_a heart_n and_o good_a affection_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o old_a well-digested_a word_n and_o composure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o our_o saviour_n pray_v three_o time_n most_o earnest_o use_v the_o same_o word_n so_o that_o these_o can_v neither_o hinder_v the_o earnestness_n nor_o the_o efficacy_n of_o true_a devotion_n in_o the_o prayer_n that_o christ_n give_v his_o disciple_n and_o in_o all_o the_o prayer_n he_o put_v up_o himself_o he_o have_v leave_v no_o command_n or_o example_n for_o such_o unnecessary_a variation_n but_o rather_o the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o how_o you_o will_v excuse_v it_o from_o superstition_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o many_o and_o new_a word_n or_o displease_v without_o they_o which_o be_v to_o place_n religion_n in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v at_o your_o hand_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o doctrinal_a necessity_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o will-worship_n and_o superstition_n as_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n solomon_n have_v show_v that_o to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n 10.19_o prov._n 10.19_o and_o a_o instance_n of_o great_a folly_n 5.2_o eccles_n 5.2_o and_o therefore_o will_v that_o our_o word_n unto_o god_n shall_v be_v few_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n condemn_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5._o matth._n 5._o or_o much_o speak_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o all_o that_o imitate_v they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o change_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o a_o command_n or_o encouragement_n for_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n 6.18_o ephes_n 6.18_o that_o be_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n expound_v of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n but_o be_v understand_v by_o none_o 2.12_o 1_o tim_n 2.12_o of_o extempore_o or_o vary_v prayer_n so_o that_o to_o make_v it_o a_o ministerial_a duty_n to_o pray_v without_o book_n and_o to_o put_v the_o vulgar_a upon_o beat_v their_o brain_n for_o new_a phrase_n as_o a_o more_o spiritual_a way_n of_o pray_v can_v be_v excuse_v from_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n yea_o a_o learned_a and_o ingenious_a divine_a have_v show_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n for_o the_o misrepresentation_n of_o god_n and_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o that_o misrepresentation_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n now_o to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n with_o new_a and_o vary_a phrase_n in_o prayer_n be_v to_o misrepresent_v he_o and_o to_o take_v he_o for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o and_o by_o offer_v up_o such_o prayer_n we_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o that_o image_n and_o false_a representation_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o excuse_v this_o practice_n from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n yea_o such_o person_n not_o only_o represent_v god_n under_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o man_n but_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o represent_v under_o 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church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v ignorant_o swerve_v i_o be_o you_o in_o all_o true_a affection_n m._n h._n july_n 24_o 1697._o letter_n ii_o sir_n i_o considere_v in_o my_o last_o the_o letter_n relate_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o find_v nothing_o of_o moment_n object_v against_o they_o that_o may_v need_v or_o deserve_v a_o far_a answer_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o letter_n that_o relate_v to_o form_n of_o prayer_n about_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v viz._n one_a their_o lawfulness_n and_o two_o their_o expediency_n and_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v thing_n to_o some_o good_a issue_n i_o will_v show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v agree_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o compromize_v matter_n where_o we_o differ_v 1._o first_o then_o we_o be_v agree_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o
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be_v by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n lay_v aside_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n soon_o go_v with_o it_o for_o man_n fall_v a_o pray_v one_o against_o another_o and_o when_o the_o pale_n of_o the_o church_n be_v take_v away_o the_o gross_a blasphemy_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a division_n in_o point_n of_o worship_n immediate_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o the_o enemy_n take_v opportunity_n to_o sow_v those_o tare_n that_o can_v be_v root_v out_o to_o this_o day_n this_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o lament_v by_o some_o sober_a presbyterian_o themselves_o particular_o by_o dr._n tuckâ—ey_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o 2_o tim._n i._o 13._o and_o mr._n edward_n in_o his_o gangraena_fw-la to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o far_o we_o agree_v about_o the_o enjoin_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v you_o further_o by_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o your_o mistake_n where_o you_o differ_v but_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o i_o find_v you_o question_v the_o authority_n that_o command_v these_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v examine_v in_o my_o next_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n august_n 14_o 1697._o letter_n v._n sir_n i_o have_v be_v comprise_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o about_o the_o injunction_n of_o form_n by_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o enjoin_v they_o on_o all_o person_n and_o occasion_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o likewise_o how_o fit_a it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n order_n and_o uniformity_n shall_v join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o no_o other_o but_o because_o you_o have_v some_o exception_n against_o the_o authority_n that_o thus_o impose_v they_o i_o must_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v or_o adjust_a that_o matter_n for_o in_o you_o of_o june_n 28_o you_o will_v have_v i_o tell_v you_o who_o we_o mean_v by_o superior_n and_o who_o or_o what_o those_o ruler_n be_v that_o christ_n have_v vest_v with_o such_o a_o vast_a authority_n as_o to_o command_v a_o invariable_a form_n and_o the_o rather_o you_o say_v because_o we_o be_v divide_v in_o this_o point_n among_o ourselves_o one_o part_n of_o the_o disputer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v the_o king_n the_o external_n civil_a governor_n but_o the_o bishop_n the_o internal_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n etc._n etc._n sir_n i_o know_v none_o of_o the_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n divide_v in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o show_v from_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a presbyterian_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o be_v imagine_v to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o see_v what_o power_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n about_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o what_o be_v peculiar_a to_o those_o spiritual_a officer_n and_o minister_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v you_o will_v see_v plain_o who_o be_v those_o ruler_n and_o superior_n that_o may_v command_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o first_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a such_o be_v that_o of_o preach_v the_o word_n administer_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o power_n of_o absolution_n ordination_n confirmation_n excommunication_n and_o the_o like_a this_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o commission_n be_v peculiar_o direct_v and_o confine_v to_o they_o no_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v authority_n of_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o when_o
vzziah_n the_o king_n will_v venture_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o priest_n office_n we_o read_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o he_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o thou_o uzziah_n to_o burn_v incense_n unto_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o son_n of_o aaron_n who_o be_v consecrate_a to_o burn_v incense_n 1_o chron._n 26.18_o herein_o i_o suppose_v we_o be_v all_o agree_v and_o i_o know_v of_o none_o but_o erastus_n that_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a who_o i_o think_v have_v few_o or_o no_o follower_n 2._o second_o there_o be_v a_o external_n political_n power_n of_o protect_v order_v and_o well-governing_a the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n only_o who_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o we_o for_o good_a and_o a_o avenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n rom._n 13.4_o and_o as_o king_n vzziah_n be_v blame_v for_o meddle_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o be_v peter_n check_v for_o draw_v the_o sword_n and_o command_v to_o put_v it_o up_o as_o a_o weapon_n that_o appertain_v not_o to_o he_o matt._n 26.52_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a power_n the_o one_o appoint_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o inward_a the_o other_o upon_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o both_o ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o edify_a and_o well-ordering_a of_o his_o church_n as_o for_o the_o minister_n power_n in_o spiritualibus_fw-la or_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o the_o sacred_a function_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n but_o the_o magistrate_n power_n circa_n spiritualia_fw-la i._n e._n whether_o it_o extend_v to_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o cause_n be_v the_o knot_n to_o be_v untie_v for_o the_o clear_n whereof_o i_o must_v show_v wherein_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o church-matter_n do_v main_o consist_v that_o we_o way_n see_v how_o we_o agree_v about_o it_o 1._o and_o first_o the_o prince_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n of_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o this_o end_n chief_o be_v the_o sword_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n which_o he_o be_v therefore_o require_v not_o to_o bear_v in_o vain_a rom._n 13.3_o 4._o but_o to_o draw_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o 1_o pet._n 2.14_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n province_n and_o duty_n to_o maintain_v the_o church_n in_o its_o right_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o in_o that_o fullness_n of_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v communicate_v to_o it_o hence_o king_n be_v style_v nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n nurse_n mother_n to_o the_o church_n isai_n 49.23_o and_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o under_o their_o power_n and_o protection_n we_o weigh_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1_o tim._n 1_o 2._o v._o this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n 2._o second_o the_o prince_n have_v a_o power_n of_o regulate_v and_o well-ordering_a matter_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n 24._o 2_o chron._n 29.5_o 24._o as_o keep_v ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o their_o respective_a office_n and_o duty_n preserve_v the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n from_o sacrilege_n and_o profanation_n establish_v a_o regular_a and_o uniform_a way_n of_o divine_a service_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o 31.4_o 2_o chron._n 31.4_o provide_v and_o secure_v a_o convenient_a maintenace_n to_o such_o as_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n he_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v in_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n 5.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o these_o thing_n we_o find_v practise_v and_o commend_v in_o all_o the_o good_a king_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n who_o take_v care_n to_o remove_v the_o impediment_n and_o encourage_v the_o exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n again_o prince_n may_v and_o aught_o as_o viceroy_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o suppress_v schism_n and_o purge_v it_o from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n to_o this_o end_n they_o may_v guard_v it_o with_o good_a law_n and_o may_v likewise_o convene_v the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n to_o meet_v in_o synod_n and_o convocation_n to_o consult_v and_o agree_v upon_o such_o canon_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v and_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o some_o bold_a obstinate_a person_n may_v despise_v and_o slight_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v thereby_o be_v render_v ineffectual_a therefore_o three_o three_o the_o prince_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o ratify_v and_o enforce_v such_o wholesome_a law_n by_o temporal_a sanction_n and_o penalty_n thereby_o correct_v such_o disorderly_a member_n and_o punish_v the_o breach_n and_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o constitution_n this_o we_o find_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a king_n and_o emperor_n ever_o since_o they_o become_v christian_n for_o when_o the_o church_n be_v either_o corrupt_v by_o error_n or_o infest_a by_o schism_n they_o interpose_v their_o power_n to_o put_v a_o check_n to_o such_o disorder_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o imperial_a edict_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o council_n call_v by_o their_o authority_n and_o enforce_v by_o civil_a coertion_n put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o spread_v and_o increase_v of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o the_o spiritual_a rod_n of_o excommunication_n have_v indeed_o terror_n enough_o in_o it_o to_o be_v dread_v of_o all_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n yet_o because_o too_o many_o be_v so_o harden_v in_o their_o schism_n and_o error_n as_o not_o to_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o it_o the_o secular_a prince_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o second_v the_o spiritual_a with_o the_o temporal_a rod_n to_o awe_v such_o offender_n with_o corporal_a correction_n as_o be_v fearless_a and_o insensible_a of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o word_n because_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n therefore_o king_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v the_o guardian_n and_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 14._o protector_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n perform_v in_o it_o to_o effect_v which_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o directive_n and_o mandatory_a power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o give_v rule_n about_o it_o but_o likewise_o a_o coactive_a and_o compulsory_a power_n to_o make_v they_o observe_v without_o which_o they_o can_v never_o attain_v their_o end_n all_o this_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o most_o eminent_a presbyterian_o in_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la regiminis_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la 9_o jus_fw-la diu._n c._n 9_o and_o the_o same_o be_v acknowledge_v likewise_o by_o mr._n baxter_n 99_o plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 30_o 99_o both_o in_o his_o plea_n for_o peace_n and_o treatise_n of_o episcopacy_n now_o these_o concession_n be_v abundant_o enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n 193._o epise_v p._n 144_o 192_o 193._o for_o if_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n in_o convocation_n and_o be_v likewise_o ratify_v and_o enforce_v by_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o authority_n that_o enjoin_v they_o and_o you_o may_v be_v satisfy_v from_o hence_o who_o those_o superior_n and_o ruler_n be_v that_o may_v command_v a_o invariable_a form_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n you_o question_v and_o i_o hope_v be_v now_o to_o your_o satisfaction_n answer_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o unlawfulness_n in_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o you_o have_v already_o grant_v you_o may_v easy_o see_v a_o strong_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o you_o to_o use_v those_o that_o be_v command_v and_o no_o other_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o you_o ask_v what_o if_o the_o king_n shall_v command_v one_o translation_n version_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o bishop_n another_o who_o must_v we_o obey_v sir_n this_o in_o our_o case_n be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v because_o all_o authority_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a agree_v in_o the_o prescribe_a form_n and_o we_o hope_v they_o will_v never_o clash_n or_o interfere_v in_o that_o or_o any_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o church_n or_o state_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v which_o god_n forbid_v you_o must_v know_v that_o though_o christ_n erect_v a_o stand_a form_n of_o spiritual_a government_n
in_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o never_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o control_v the_o command_a power_n of_o prince_n in_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o leave_v all_o such_o thing_n entire_o to_o their_o disposal_n and_o determination_n and_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n ever_o claim_v such_o a_o power_n or_o suffer_v for_o disobey_v in_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v but_o one_o limitation_n assign_v of_o our_o obedience_n and_o that_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n if_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prince_n clash_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o there_o the_o prince_n have_v no_o right_a to_o be_v obey_v because_o his_o will_n be_v counter-manded_n by_o a_o superior_a authority_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o give_v the_o least_o offence_n to_o secular_a power_n in_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n will_v yet_o yield_v no_o obedience_n in_o thing_n forbid_v by_o the_o express_a will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o matter_n between_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o so_o in_o the_o case_n between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n where_o if_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o one_o clash_n with_o the_o temporal_a power_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v manifest_a which_o must_v yield_v the_o inferior_a power_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o st._n peter_n style_v king_n and_o emperor_n supreme_a in_o their_o dominion_n and_o a_o supreme_a you_o know_v can_v have_v no_o superior_a power_n upon_o earth_n to_o control_v or_o over-rule_v he_o but_o though_o the_o king_n say_v some_o be_v supreme_a in_o temporal_a affair_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v a_o superior_a power_n to_o he_o in_o church-matter_n this_o be_v the_o power_n that_o be_v claim_v and_o usurp_v by_o the_o pope_n over_o christian_a king_n and_o emperor_n and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o pope_n that_o put_v in_o their_o claim_n to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o will_v fain_o take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o put_v it_o into_o their_o own_o but_o st._n peter_n from_o who_o the_o first_o claim_n as_o his_o successor_n express_o assert_n king_n to_o be_v supreme_a in_o their_o dominion_n without_o limitation_n or_o exception_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o what_o authority_n have_v any_o to_o except_v where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v no_o exception_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n from_o who_o the_o latter_a claim_n have_v no_o where_o limit_v or_o circumscribe_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o prince_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o king_n have_v need_n look_v well_o to_o the_o right_n of_o their_o crown_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o unjust_a pretension_n and_o encroachment_n of_o both_o beside_o what_o mad_a work_n must_v two_o coordinate_a supremacy_n make_v in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n for_o since_o sacred_a and_o civil_a matter_n be_v many_o time_n so_o closes_o twist_v and_o inter-woven_a together_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v separate_v or_o distinguish_v what_o sharp_a and_o unavoidable_a contest_v must_v frequent_o arise_v about_o they_o and_o if_o these_o two_o rival-supreams_a differ_v about_o the_o extent_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o power_n what_o shall_v the_o subject_n do_v who_o can_v possible_o obey_v or_o please_v both_o for_o since_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n the_o serve_v of_o the_o one_o will_v be_v the_o despise_n of_o the_o other_o which_o may_v draw_v on_o he_o the_o displeasure_n of_o both_o and_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v style_v himself_o a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n shall_v lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n in_o our_o way_n and_o leave_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n 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some_o measure_n satisfy_v your_o demand_n and_o remove_v your_o exception_n against_o the_o authority_n that_o enjoin_v they_o but_o when_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n you_o be_v wont_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o injustice_n and_o severity_n of_o their_o law_n and_o to_o cry_v out_o of_o persecution_n when_o you_o suffer_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o how_o just_o this_o be_v do_v must_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o to_o serve_v you_o m._n h._n august_n 10_o 1697._o letter_n vi._n sir_n i_o show_v in_o my_o last_o what_o that_o authority_n be_v that_o lawful_o may_v and_o have_v enjoin_v form_n of_o prayer_n together_o with_o the_o equity_n and_o obligation_n of_o those_o law_n that_o require_v they_o my_o next_o task_n must_v be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o justice_n of_o those_o penalty_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rather_o do_v because_o i_o find_v you_o talk_v much_o of_o goal_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o other_o hardship_n which_o you_o have_v endure_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o you_o complain_v most_o bitter_o and_o frequent_o of_o persecution_n as_o if_o you_o live_v under_o nero_n or_o dioclesian_n and_o feel_v all_o the_o torture_n that_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o or_o as_o good_a a_o cause_n too_o all_o which_o be_v do_v mere_o to_o derive_v a_o odium_n upon_o the_o law_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o great_a pity_n and_o liberty_n for_o yourselves_o and_o here_o i_o must_v observe_v a_o double_a artifice_n which_o i_o find_v you_o make_v use_n of_o the_o one_o to_o evade_v the_o duty_n the_o other_o the_o penalty_n of_o these_o law_n to_o effect_v the_o first_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v the_o injunction_n of_o superior_n not_o by_o the_o style_n of_o
well_o yea_o i_o think_v much_o better_a within_o the_o church_n than_o out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o good_a law_n make_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o guard_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o rudeness_n and_o irreverence_n of_o sectary_n and_o schismatic_n be_v to_o suffer_v as_o a_o evil_a doer_n and_o the_o great_a malefactor_n may_v as_o well_o complain_v of_o their_o suffering_n as_o any_o other_o in_o such_o case_n such_o suffering_n can_v give_v none_o any_o comfort_n here_o nor_o entitle_v they_o to_o any_o reward_n hereafter_o yea_o they_o be_v rather_o the_o beginning_n of_o sorrow_n and_o the_o before_o runner_n of_o future_a and_o far_o grater_n punishment_n indeed_o the_o impatience_n you_o betray_v under_o they_o show_v they_o to_o be_v found_v on_o a_o bad_a bottom_n and_o that_o you_o do_v not_o expect_v from_o they_o the_o crown_n of_o martysdom_n for_o 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form_n do_v but_o fall_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o own_o rashness_n and_o folly_n but_o whilst_o you_o make_v such_o heavy_a complaint_n of_o easy_a and_o just_a punishment_n design_v mere_o to_o preserve_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o to_o reform_v your_o private_a error_n you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o far_o great_a and_o more_o unjust_a suffering_n that_o befall_v the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a rebellion_n and_o that_o not_o for_o the_o breach_n but_o observance_n of_o good_a law_n and_o a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o their_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n what_o miserable_a outrage_n and_o violence_n be_v offer_v to_o their_o person_n what_o rapine_n plunder_n oppression_n and_o spoil_n be_v make_v of_o their_o good_n and_o estate_n and_o have_v nicknamed_a they_o malignant_n there_o be_v no_o cruelty_n too_o great_a to_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v too_o long_o and_o too_o sad_a a_o story_n to_o relate_v the_o doleful_a tragedy_n act_v upon_o the_o prince_n peer_n and_o people_n and_o how_o the_o three_o kingdom_n groan_v under_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o a_o outrageous_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n but_o because_o you_o may_v read_v these_o thing_n in_o sundry_a author_n and_o particular_o in_o a_o book_n call_v angliae_fw-la ruina_fw-la or_o mercurius_n rusticus_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o on_o this_o sad_a subject_n but_o shall_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o in_o short_a then_o you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o suffering_n you_o complain_v of_o and_o if_o it_o can_v stand_v the_o trial_n of_o reason_n now_o you_o may_v well_o think_v it_o will_v much_o less_o bear_v the_o severe_a trial_n of_o the_o last_o day_n if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o just_a and_o necessary_a penalty_n of_o good_a law_n do_v not_o flatter_v yourself_o with_o the_o name_n or_o reward_n of_o persecution_n but_o rather_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o they_o by_o return_v to_o your_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n that_o you_o may_v avoid_v unnecessary_a trouble_n here_o and_o far_o great_a danger_n and_o punishment_n hereafter_o but_o you_o have_v two_o or_o three_o plea_n more_o to_o shift_v off_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n viz._n a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o plea_n of_o conscience_n the_o plea_n of_o moderation_n and_o the_o plea_n of_o toleration_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v consider_v in_o order_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n sept_n 11_o 1697._o letter_n vii_o sir_n i_o considere_v in_o my_o last_o your_o plea_n of_o persecution_n whereby_o you_o have_v endeavour_v to_o evade_v the_o just_a and_o necessary_a punishment_n of_o wholesome_a law_n i_o come_v now_o to_o another_o plea_n by_o which_o you_o seek_v to_o cast_v off_o all_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o that_o be_v your_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o you_o can_v very_o discreet_o judge_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o you_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v and_o this_o judgement_n though_o never_o so_o false_a ill_o ground_v and_o erroneous_a shall_v give_v you_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la and_o justify_v your_o disobedience_n to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o that_o consequence_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o examine_v in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n let_v we_o see_v then_o where_o this_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v lodge_v and_o how_o it_o be_v manage_v in_o order_n to_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n to_o which_o purpose_n pray_v consult_v your_o letter_n of_o june_n the_o 23th_o where_o you_o will_v find_v these_o word_n i_o see_v you_o lodge_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a decent_a and_o expedient_a in_o these_o matter_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o superior_n yes_o sir_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o apparent_o unlawful_a indecent_a and_o inexpedient_a for_o since_o somebody_o must_v have_v the_o 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than_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n plain_o indifferent_a yet_o some_o man_n can_v or_o will_v not_o think_v they_o so_o because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o observe_v they_o yea_o they_o have_v a_o far_o fetch_v if_o the_o indifferency_n of_o they_o too_o plain_o appear_v and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o impose_v of_o they_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o make_v they_o necessary_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a by_o which_o artifice_n their_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n shall_v rob_v the_o magistrate_n of_o all_o judgement_n and_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n then_o two_o if_o the_o question_n say_v you_o be_v about_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a than_o every_o one_o must_v have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n allow_v they_o of_o course_n so_o that_o by_o this_o device_n the_o magistrate_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n 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that_o be_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o for_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o which_o we_o be_v free_v any_o further_a than_o we_o be_v prescribe_v to_o by_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n as_o god_n minister_n and_o viceroy_n upon_o earth_n when_o i_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v thus_o right_o inform_v in_o these_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o good_a firm_a and_o well-grounded_n conscience_n and_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n and_o this_o be_v a_o healthy_a and_o find_v temper_n of_o mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o the_o mind_n be_v ill_o inform_v and_o unsettle_a take_v thing_n lawful_a for_o unlawful_a and_o unlawful_a thing_n for_o lawful_a abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n as_o sinful_a which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v as_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o do_v other_o thing_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n and_o necessity_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v as_o extempore_o and_o vary_v prayer_n this_o be_v a_o entangle_v and_o perplex_a conscience_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n insomuch_o that_o to_o be_v act_v by_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o any_o find_a principle_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n but_o by_o the_o wrong_a measure_n of_o fancy_n humour_n and_o mistake_v opinion_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a sickly_a weak_a and_o unsound_a state_n of_o mind_n which_o will_v lead_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o erroneous_a doubt_v and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n the_o three_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v be_v best_a cure_v and_o rid_v of_o they_o and_o first_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v be_v judge_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o likewise_o when_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a and_o forbid_v by_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v yet_o 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he_o can_v avoid_v whilst_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o error_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a and_o grievous_a snare_n and_o where_o a_o man_n be_v real_o entangle_v with_o it_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n he_o deserve_v pity_n now_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o because_o our_o mind_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o alter_v our_o mind_n and_o bring_v it_o right_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v bring_v humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n free_a from_o pride_n passion_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o prejudice_n not_o mislead_v by_o interest_n humour_n or_o vain_a conceit_n but_o willing_a to_o learn_v and_o receive_v satisfaction_n confult_v our_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o some_o other_o able_a divine_n that_o may_v be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o direct_v we_o weigh_v the_o argument_n on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n as_o well_o as_o those_o against_o it_o use_v as_o much_o of_o the_o prescribe_a form_n as_o we_o lawful_o may_v and_o go_v with_o authority_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v if_o this_o be_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o do_v there_o will_v be_v few_o separatist_n or_o dissenter_n for_o satisfaction_n this_o way_n may_v soon_o be_v have_v and_o wherein_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n will_v soon_o reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o he_o two_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v when_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o suspense_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o hang_v as_o it_o be_v in_o aequilibrio_fw-la have_v argument_n sometime_o persuade_v it_o one_o way_n and_o sometime_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n which_o way_n to_o incline_v in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v a_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o superior_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o authority_n shall_v turn_v the_o scale_n and_o that_o lay_v aside_o the_o doubt_n we_o shall_v do_v the_o thing_n command_v for_o in_o doubtful_a matter_n the_o safe_a course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v now_o since_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n be_v certain_a and_o the_o particular_a matter_n of_o the_o command_n only_o doubtful_a reason_n will_n that_o we_o choose_v a_o certainty_n before_o a_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o superior_n must_v over-rule_v and_o a_o certain_a duty_n take_v place_n of_o a_o uncertain_a doubt_n this_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v act_v against_o conscience_n for_o here_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o suspense_n and_o have_v not_o determine_v or_o pass_v sentence_n either_o way_n it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o against_o the_o conscience_n than_o with_o it_o and_o the_o weight_n of_o government_n must_v be_v esteem_v very_o light_a if_o it_o can_v carry_v it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n so_o that_o if_o any_o do_v but_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o expediency_n of_o prescribe_v form_n the_o injunction_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o discard_v those_o doubt_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v yes_o he_o that_o do_v a_o thing_n doubt_o wherein_o he_o be_v under_o no_o command_n but_o be_v leave_v free_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o eat_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n just_o incur_v the_o peril_n of_o damnation_n because_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n in_o a_o thing_n wherein_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o but_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v not_o full_o persuade_v but_o have_v only_o some_o doubt_n about_o it_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o guide_v his_o doubt_n and_o do_v as_o he_o be_v command_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o damnation_n for_o if_o he_o do_v amiss_o in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fault_n of_o the_o governor_n who_o require_v it_o and_o not_o he_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v in_o such_o case_n to_o obey_v three_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v when_o the_o mind_n be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o have_v some_o slight_a fear_n and_o scruple_n about_o it_o this_o be_v a_o crazy_a and_o weak_a temper_n of_o mind_n proceed_v from_o melancholy_a or_o too_o great_a timorousness_n occasion_v by_o read_v some_o sort_n of_o book_n and_o converse_v with_o some_o ill_o instruct_v person_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v needless_a fear_n and_o objection_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o come_v near_o to_o your_o case_n for_o though_o you_o be_v reasonable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a yet_o you_o entertain_v yourself_o and_o feed_v other_o with_o some_o unreasonable_a jealousy_n and_o scruple_n about_o they_o such_o be_v they_o about_o the_o calendar_n the_o rule_n for_o find_v easter_n the_o version_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o some_o expression_n in_o the_o rubric_n and_o other_o office_n together_o with_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o they_o which_o little_a cavil_n or_o scruple_n like_o the_o fly_n of_o egypt_n be_v still_o buzz_v about_o your_o ear_n for_o i_o find_v they_o mention_v almost_o in_o every_o letter_n no._n sir_n be_v pretty_a will_n satisfy_v in_o the_o main_n if_o you_o canâ—…_n otherwise_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o scruple_n it_o will_v be_v your_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n too_o to_o throw_v they_o clear_v off_o as_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o decent_a and_o public_a constitution_n without_o mind_v the_o clamour_v and_o importunity_n of_o they_o for_o if_o great_a doubt_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o
governor_n certain_o such_o little_a scruple_n ought_v not_o to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o but_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n say_v you_o if_o well_o mind_v will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o difference_n and_o indeed_o so_o it_o will_v if_o it_o be_v well_o understand_v and_o observe_v for_o the_o thing_n discourse_v of_o in_o that_o chapter_n be_v thing_n not_o only_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o leave_v so_o as_o to_o their_o use_n as_o the_o eat_n of_o herb_n and_o sundry_a sort_n of_o meat_n the_o observe_v of_o day_n and_o the_o like_a in_o which_o every_o one_o have_v their_o liberty_n no_o superior_a power_n have_v interpose_v either_o to_o command_v or_o forbid_v they_o in_o which_o case_n they_o sin_v not_o in_o use_v or_o austain_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o use_v this_o liberty_n either_o way_n but_o the_o case_n with_o we_o be_v very_o different_a for_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o leave_v so_o as_o to_o our_o judgement_n about_o they_o yet_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n which_o be_v to_o sway_v and_o over-rule_v in_o these_o matter_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o thing_n leave_v arbitrary_a and_o indifferent_a to_o we_o about_o which_o man_n may_v and_o do_v entertain_v some_o scruple_n as_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n lend_v upon_o usury_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v under_o no_o command_n man_n may_v do_v in_o they_o as_o they_o think_v most_o convenient_a here_o the_o case_n be_v parallel_n with_o we_o and_o the_o roman_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n direction_n about_o the_o one_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o other_o but_o as_o for_o form_n of_o prayer_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superior_n for_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o become_v our_o duty_n to_o observe_v they_o and_o our_o sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o hope_v give_v you_o some_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n i_o shall_v next_o consider_v your_o notion_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n sept._n 28_o 1697._o letter_n ix_o sir_n we_o have_v see_v that_o neither_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o plea_n of_o conscience_n can_v null_a the_o obligation_n or_o dispense_v with_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o your_o notion_n of_o moderation_n can_v do_v towards_o it_o whether_o that_o will_v not_o take_v off_o some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o allow_v we_o to_o observe_v only_o so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o you_o so_o frequent_o cry_v up_o moderation_n which_o be_v a_o plausible_a term_n for_o some_o abatement_n you_o talk_v much_o of_o a_o due_a temper_n towards_o dissenter_n by_o which_o you_o mean_v no_o doubt_n the_o indulge_v they_o in_o their_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o to_o draw_v in_o some_o churchman_n of_o your_o side_n you_o often_o commend_v such_o as_o fail_v and_o falter_v in_o their_o duty_n for_o moderate_a men._n now_o because_o the_o apostle_n will_v 4.5_o phil._n 4.5_o that_o our_o moderation_n shall_v be_v know_v unto_o all_o man_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o virtue_n that_o we_o may_v right_o know_v ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o other_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v note_n first_o that_o moderation_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o god_n creature_n or_o keep_v the_o mean_a in_o eat_v or_o drink_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n which_o help_v to_o regulate_v our_o appetite_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o necessary_a action_n and_o refreshment_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o useful_a virtue_n yet_o it_o fall_v not_o under_o our_o present_a consideration_n second_o moderation_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o well-governing_a our_o passion_n and_o affection_n keep_v they_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o run_v into_o inordinacy_n or_o excess_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o meekness_n or_o gentleness_n which_o teach_v man_n to_o moderate_v their_o anger_n and_o regulate_v all_o other_o passion_n by_o fix_v they_o upon_o right_a object_n and_o keep_v they_o within_o their_o due_a measure_n and_o proportion_n this_o likewise_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o high_o conduce_v both_o to_o the_o public_a and_o private_a peace_n three_o moderation_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o mild-interpreting_a and_o execute_v of_o law_n construe_v they_o in_o the_o more_o favourable_a sense_n and_o abate_v the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o they_o injuria_fw-la summum_fw-la jus_o summa_fw-la injuria_fw-la which_o in_o many_o case_n will_v be_v great_a injury_n and_o oppression_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o equity_n which_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n and_o extremity_n of_o law_n and_o give_v all_o those_o allowance_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o reason_n and_o intention_n of_o they_o this_o too_o be_v a_o great_a virtue_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o good_a government_n of_o all_o society_n these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o only_o approve_a sense_n of_o moderation_n but_o beside_o these_o some_o have_v late_o start_v a_o new_a and_o wild_a notion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o rise_v of_o our_o unhappy_a schism_n and_o dissension_n since_o which_o some_o have_v take_v moderation_n for_o a_o pare_n off_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v too_o far_o with_o the_o dissenter_n from_o it_o thus_o he_o that_o prevaricate_v and_o perform_v his_o duty_n by_o half_n by_o curtail_v and_o cut_v short_a the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n mangle_v and_o leave_v out_o what_o part_n he_o please_v of_o they_o in_o the_o public_a ministration_n he_o that_o baptize_v without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o many_o time_n neglect_v the_o decent_a habit_n and_o gesture_n appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o divine_a service_n such_o a_o one_o be_v style_v and_o frequent_o pass_v for_o a_o moderate_a man_n and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o darling_n of_o the_o dissenter_n for_o we_o shall_v hear_v they_o commend_v their_o moderation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o plain_a reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o they_o do_v just_a as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o that_o be_v by_o neglect_v some_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n they_o give_v they_o some_o countenance_n in_o reject_v all_o yea_o they_o take_v these_o half_a conformist_n to_o be_v inward_a approver_n of_o their_o way_n they_o think_v and_o say_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v with_o they_o and_o will_v glad_o come_v to_o they_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o advantage_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o church_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o '_o they_o now_o this_o beside_o the_o hollowness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o conformity_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o moderation_n for_o it_o harden_v dissenter_n in_o their_o schism_n betray_v the_o church_n and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o assault_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o its_o great_a enemy_n again_o he_o that_o conform_v to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o long_a pulpit-prayer_n before_o sermon_n hasty_o run_v over_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v more_o room_n for_o his_o long-winded_a conception_n he_o go_v for_o a_o moderate_a man_n and_o many_o such_o you_o tell_v i_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o who_o you_o have_v some_o acquaintance_n and_o for_o who_o you_o have_v no_o small_a honour_n sir_n i_o hope_v the_o number_n of_o those_o man_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o you_o imagine_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n give_v they_o no_o leave_n or_o encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o practice_n for_o this_o will_v we_o in_o our_o pulpit-prayer_n to_o use_v either_o those_o concise_a word_n mention_v in_o the_o canon_n or_o some_o short_a form_n of_o our_o own_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o we_o find_v the_o father_n before_o their_o sermon_n have_v only_o some_o vota_fw-la pacis_fw-la or_o benediction_n of_o the_o people_n or_o some_o short_a ejaculation_n implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o homily_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n
augustine_n etc._n etc._n where_o you_o will_v find_v either_o a_o short_a collect_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n use_v without_o variation_n or_o else_o only_a a_o invitation_n to_o prayer_n like_o the_o bid_v prayer_n mention_v in_o the_o canon_n yea_o your_o great_a friend_n mr._n calvin_n constant_o use_v one_o short_a form_n before_o sermon_n which_o conclude_v still_o with_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o you_o may_v find_v it_o record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n indeed_o when_o our_o liturgy_n be_v so_o well_o store_v with_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a prayer_n suit_v to_o all_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o when_o we_o have_v spend_v near_o a_o hour_n in_o offer_v they_o up_o unto_o god_n for_o all_o that_o can_v be_v think_v fit_a for_o christian_n to_o pray_v for_o what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v for_o beginning_n a_o new_a harangue_n in_o the_o pulpit_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n or_o make_v a_o fresh_a address_n in_o vary_a phrase_n for_o they_o unless_o we_o think_v that_o god_n be_v either_o to_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o multitude_n or_o charm_v with_o the_o novelty_n of_o expression_n in_o both_o which_o we_o entertain_v low_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o yea_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o needless_a but_o very_o mischievous_a practice_n and_o have_v do_v the_o church_n great_a harm_n for_o this_o slight_a perfunctory_a way_n of_o read_v the_o prayer_n have_v occasion_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o and_o put_v people_n in_o love_n with_o vary_a extempore_o effusion_n which_o though_o not_o half_a so_o sound_a either_o for_o matter_n or_o sense_n be_v yet_o recommend_v to_o they_o by_o a_o more_o affectionate_a delivery_n insomuch_o as_o when_o they_o behold_v the_o minister_n cold_a dull_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o desk_n and_o all_o life_n and_o flame_n in_o the_o pulpit_n they_o begin_v to_o think_v mean_o of_o the_o saint_n languid_a devotion_n of_o the_o one_o and_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o seem_a earnestness_n 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notion_n of_o moderation_n and_o how_o unjust_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o take_v off_o the_o obligation_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n to_o public_a order_n and_o constitution_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o your_o plea_n of_o toleration_n to_o see_v what_o that_o can_v do_v towards_o it_o and_o here_o the_o great_a thing_n you_o insist_v upon_o be_v a_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n for_o exempt_v protestant_n subject_n from_o the_o penalty_n of_o some_o law_n by_o which_o you_o conceive_v that_o the_o conventicle_n stand_v upon_o as_o good_a legal_a and_o firm_a ground_n as_o the_o church_n and_o will_v have_v the_o people_n believe_v your_o preach_v in_o separate_a meeting_n as_o much_o establish_v as_o our_o public_a assembly_n but_o with_o what_o little_a show_n of_o reason_n this_o be_v affirm_v
if_o we_o can_v pray_v as_o well_o or_o better_a without_o it_o when_o it_o be_v main_o give_v because_o we_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o now_o here_o you_o ask_v again_o for_o you_o so_o far_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o you_o write_v that_o you_o lay_v it_o down_o by_o query_n rather_o than_o position_n i_o say_v you_o ask_v far_o whether_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o a_o prescribe_v form_n be_v to_o last_o beyond_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o not_o be_v there_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n or_o authority_n to_o limit_v it_o only_o to_o that_o time_n do_v not_o our_o saviour_n say_v absolute_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o its_o be_v temporary_a what_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o pretend_v the_o precept_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v out_o of_o date_n may_v not_o this_o artifice_n make_v void_a all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o fix_v 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prayer_n or_o of_o one_o common_a prayer_n compose_v by_o it_o for_o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v vary_v every_o day_n they_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v one_o prayer_n and_o against_o this_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o objection_n in_o the_o second_o century_n when_o i_o cite_v the_o testimony_n of_o lucian_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n you_o except_v against_o he_o because_o he_o be_v a_o scoff_v pagan_a but_o sir_n may_v not_o a_o scoffer_n be_v a_o good_a witness_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o scoff_v at_o be_v not_o the_o atheist_n and_o the_o deist_n good_a witness_n of_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o present_a age_n though_o themselves_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o deny_v the_o one_o and_o deride_v the_o other_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o tertullian_n st._n cyprian_n and_o other_o father_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n though_o you_o struggle_v and_o labour_v hard_a to_o say_v something_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o so_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_n or_o truth_n that_o it_o need_v no_o answer_n and_o you_o be_v so_o choke_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n and_o other_o divine_n abroad_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o home_o who_o both_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n themselves_o and_o recommend_v the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o form_n to_o other_o that_o you_o wise_o enough_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o say_v much_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o a_o friend_n i_o think_v you_o be_v better_o yield_v this_o point_n than_o wrangle_v any_o more_o about_o it_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o hope_v pretty_a well_o clear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o the_o same_o word_n i_o shall_v next_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o antiquity_n and_o use_n of_o liturgy_n compose_v by_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n aug._n 19_o 1697._o letter_n xii_o sir_n i_o show_v in_o my_o last_o the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v intend_v as_o a_o form_n and_o so_o use_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o likewise_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o disuse_n and_o contempt_n which_o some_o have_v cast_v upon_o it_o though_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o our_o unhappy_a and_o divide_a age_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o task_n necessary_a in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o say_v against_o the_o antiquity_n of_o liturgy_n and_o other_o form_n of_o prayer_n compose_v by_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o pretty_a conceit_n of_o you_o concern_v liturgy_n in_o your_o letter_n of_o july_n the_o 6_o for_o find_v they_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o ancient_a father_n you_o think_v fit_a to_o put_v in_o your_o claim_n to_o they_o and_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v not_o so_o much_o of_o a_o book_n of_o prescribe_v stint_a form_n as_o of_o unwritten_a and_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o the_o public_a ministration_n alas_o what_o will_v not_o some_o man_n say_v or_o do_v to_o help_v out_o a_o bad_a cause_n but_o where_o sir_n in_o any_o of_o the_o father_n be_v extempore_o prayer_n so_o much_o as_o mention_v much_o less_o style_v a_o liturgy_n or_o make_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v when_o it_o consist_v only_o of_o present_a and_o sudden_a conception_n be_v not_o the_o ancient_a liturgy_n the_o set_v and_o stand_a office_n of_o public_a and_o solemn_a devotion_n that_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o people_n who_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o they_o and_o have_v often_o recourse_n to_o they_o and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v say_v of_o extempore_o prayer_n where_o neither_o minister_n nor_o people_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o before_o nor_o scarce_o remember_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o after_o but_o in_o this_o and_o likewise_o in_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o liturgy_n of_o st._n peter_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n james_n though_o you_o vain_o think_v you_o have_v do_v great_a feat_n and_o make_v some_o new_a discovery_n to_o the_o utter_a confound_v of_o liturgy_n yet_o it_o be_v all_o take_v out_o of_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o reasonable_a account_n why_o some_o nonconforming_a minister_n refuse_v to_o perform_v their_o ministerial_a act_n of_o solemn_a and_o public_a worship_n by_o the_o prescribe_v form_n of_o other_o and_o likewise_o out_o of_o a_o posthumous_n piece_n of_o mr._n david_n clarkson_n both_o which_o book_n be_v so_o full_o answer_v and_o refute_v the_o one_o by_o dr._n falkner_n in_o his_o vindication_n of_o liturgy_n the_o other_o by_o dr._n comber_n in_o his_o original_a and_o use_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o refer_v you_o to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o valuable_a antiquity_n say_v you_o but_o the_o three_o first_o century_n and_o 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that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v keep_v entire_a without_o any_o schism_n or_o division_n in_o it_o to_o which_o end_n they_o have_v leave_v a_o strict_a charge_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n which_o can_v only_o be_v by_o join_v together_o in_o one_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n and_o now_o what_o think_v you_o sir_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o dissenter_n and_o nonconformist_n nay_o have_v they_o not_o leave_v a_o example_n of_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o show_v a_o exact_a compliance_n with_o all_o the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n not_o only_o of_o divine_a but_o humane_a and_o ecclesiastical_a appointment_n use_v in_o it_o and_o will_v our_o saviour_n think_v you_o approve_v 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who_o publish_v these_o thing_n have_v a_o fire_n brand_n in_o his_o tail_n why_o so_o why_o for_o show_v mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n jenkins_n the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o those_o division_n whence_o they_o come_v and_o whither_o they_o tend_v and_o caution_v they_o against_o the_o evil_a and_o mischief_n of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o cry_v fire_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n than_o silent_o suffer_v it_o to_o spread_v and_o put_v a_o whole_a kingdom_n into_o a_o combustion_n and_o yet_o your_o read_n of_o fire_n and_o sword_n throughout_o the_o book_n render_v say_v you_o the_o story_n the_o more_o suspect_v sir_n there_o be_v no_o fire_n or_o sword_n in_o that_o book_n that_o tend_v to_o destroy_v but_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o guard_v paradise_n serve_v
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