be_v the_o more_o know_v and_o judicious_a and_o of_o best_a repute_n among_o they_o either_o for_o piety_n or_o learning_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v more_o book_n of_o church_n of_o england_n divine_v and_o other_o foreign_a divine_n who_o own_o communion_n with_o she_o than_o of_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o shall_v i_o be_v so_o uncharitable_o judge_v and_o my_o friend_n who_o go_v along_o with_o i_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o apostate_n and_o as_o have_v bad_a end_n and_o design_n and_o as_o some_o of_o they_o i_o hear_v suggest_v against_o i_o that_o i_o do_v it_o for_o a_o live_n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v their_o uncharitable_a judgement_n i_o neither_o be_v nor_o yet_o be_o so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o for_o a_o worldly_a live_n as_o some_o imagine_v and_o as_o other_o wish_v and_o desire_n i_o mean_v of_o my_o adversary_n among_o the_o quaker_n who_o have_v prophesy_v of_o my_o outward_a as_o well_o as_o inward_a ruin_n and_o long_v to_o have_v their_o false_a prophecy_n accomplish_v against_o i_o but_o god_n have_v hitherto_o disappoint_v they_o and_o preserve_v i_o and_o i_o from_o ruin_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o for_o which_o i_o bless_v his_o name_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v preserve_v i_o to_o the_o end_n why_o shall_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o live_n incline_v i_o more_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o to_o the_o dissenter_n have_v i_o join_v with_o they_o i_o may_v have_v get_v a_o live_n among_o they_o perhaps_o more_o plentiful_a by_o the_o people_n gratuity_n than_o by_o a_o set_a maintenance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o last_o way_n of_o live_v i_o think_v be_v the_o more_o honourable_a and_o less_o obnoxious_a to_o many_o great_a temptation_n and_o every_o way_n as_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n i_o find_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o army_n who_o captain_n be_v our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n call_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o suppose_v there_o be_v two_o army_n in_o the_o field_n the_o one_o very_o great_a and_o numerous_a the_o other_o far_o less_o in_o number_n as_o suppose_v the_o one_o thirty_o thousand_o the_o other_o ten_o pray_v tell_v i_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o safe_a for_o we_o all_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o one_o common_a cause_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o body_n of_o the_o army_n then_o in_o several_a party_n to_o straggle_v and_o keep_v asunder_o from_o it_o or_o entrench_v by_o themselves_o the_o like_a be_v our_o present_a case_n both_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o call_v protestant_a dessenter_n profess_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o one_o common_a cause_n against_o papist_n turk_n and_o jew_n deist_n and_o atheist_n and_o other_o guilty_a of_o vile_a heresy_n in_o a_o spiritual_a warfare_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o more_o prudent_a and_o safe_a to_o unite_v together_o in_o one_o body_n of_o christian_a society_n and_o communion_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o strong_a especial_o see_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o more_o judicious_a and_o moderate_a of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v not_o in_o any_o material_n either_o of_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n but_o the_o very_a same_o as_o they_o have_v confess_v have_v not_o these_o division_n and_o separation_n have_v bad_a effect_n weaken_v the_o protestant_a interest_n strengthen_v the_o papist_n yea_o and_o deist_n and_o atheist_n and_o loose_a and_o scandalous_a person_n who_o take_v occasion_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n on_o either_o side_n by_o observe_v the_o great_a heat_n and_o annimosity_n and_o bitter_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o differ_a party_n i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o answer_v what_o i_o think_v they_o will_v object_v main_o against_o my_o reason_n above_o give_v they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o parity_n or_o equality_n on_o both_o side_n be_v the_o same_o my_o reason_n will_v be_v good_a but_o they_o will_v allege_v there_o be_v a_o great_a disparity_n and_o inequality_n the_o dissenter_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o several_a particular_n as_o one_a in_o doctrine_n two_o in_o manner_n of_o worship_n three_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 4thly_a church_n government_n which_o say_v the_o dissenter_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n among_o they_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o every_o one_o of_o which_o i_o think_v to_o say_v something_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o touch_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n the_o quaker_n except_v they_o profess_v to_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v sign_v or_o profess_v themselves_o willing_a to_o sign_n to_o her_o article_n second_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o dissenter_n contend_v for_o shall_v be_v whole_o by_o a_o extempore_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o she_o allow_v that_o minister_n before_o and_o after_o sermon_n may_v pray_v without_o a_o set_a form_n either_o read_v or_o repeat_v from_o the_o bare_a memory_n by_o use_v their_o sanctify_a part_n and_o gift_n of_o understanding_n to_o conceive_v prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o she_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n compose_v by_o pious_a man_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n both_o ancient_a and_o late_a but_o for_o the_o great_a conveniency_n and_o profitableness_n of_o they_o yea_o and_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o many_o respect_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n leave_v every_o one_o to_o their_o christian_a freedom_n whether_o to_o use_v or_o not_o use_v set_v form_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o private_a devotion_n but_o to_o this_o i_o say_v the_o most_o pious_a as_o well_o as_o judicious_a who_o the_o dissenter_n esteem_v so_o and_o repute_v as_o their_o father_n and_o other_o that_o repute_v they_o not_o so_o yet_o will_v allow_v that_o they_o be_v very_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a man_n have_v own_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o lawfulness_n but_o the_o great_a conveniency_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n calvin_n one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o the_o protestant_a reformer_n be_v for_o they_o as_o i_o prove_v to_o you_o some_o time_n ago_o prayer_n quod_fw-la ad_fw-la formulam_fw-la precum_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n note_v that_o i_o great_o approve_v that_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o pastor_n to_o depart_v in_o their_o function_n both_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unskilfulness_n of_o some_o and_o also_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o may_v be_v more_o certain_o know_v and_o last_o to_o put_v a_o check_n to_o the_o insolent_a liberty_n of_o some_o who_o affect_v certain_a innovation_n so_o than_o it_o behove_v there_o be_v a_o set_a or_o fix_a catechism_n a_o set_a admininistration_n of_o sacrament_n also_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o his_o express_a word_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n epist_n 87._o the_o protestant_a church_n abroad_o in_o germany_n holland_n poland_n sweden_n denmark_n and_o france_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n and_o yet_o i_o think_v the_o dissenter_n here_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o their_o worship_n be_v whole_o carnal_a dead_a and_o without_o life_n or_o spirit_n as_o many_o of_o they_o do_v now_o argue_v against_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o life_n and_o spirituality_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o mode_n or_o form_n of_o the_o word_n whether_o set_v or_o extempore_o say_v all_o sound_n and_o judicious_a christian_n but_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o fervour_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o therefore_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n may_v be_v very_o formal_a dead_a and_o dry_a and_o a_o prayer_n in_o a_o set_a form_n may_v be_v very_o lively_a powerful_a and_o effectual_a as_o the_o experience_n of_o thousand_o daily_a confirm_v and_o suppose_v the_o dissenter_n will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o judge_v that_o calvin_n prayer_n at_o geneva_n in_o set_a form_n and_o luther_n in_o wittenberg_n and_o all_o the_o other_o protestant_n prayer_n in_o set_a form_n be_v bare_o formal_a carnal_a dead_a and_o dry_a and_o the_o bless_a protestant_n prayer_n who_o die_v martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n reign_n that_o use_v set_a form_n yea_o many_o of_o these_o now_o in_o use_n which_o will_v
be_v great_a uncharitableness_n will_v they_o dare_v to_o judge_v so_o of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o set_a form_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o three_o first_o century_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o church_n history_n before_o popery_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n or_o will_v they_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o censure_v the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o her_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n who_o have_v set_a form_n of_o worship_n both_o for_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a manner_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n with_o the_o priest_n join_v with_o they_o in_o vocal_a prayer_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o li_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v clear_a from_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o no_o doubt_n their_o assembly_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n consist_v of_o a_o great_a mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a sincere_a and_o hypocritical_a see_v psal_n 50._o 15_o 16._o this_o be_v speak_v not_o to_o priest_n only_o but_o to_o the_o people_n and_o isai_n 29._o 13._o where_o the_o lord_n blame_v not_o the_o people_n simple_o for_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o that_o while_o they_o do_v give_v he_o that_o outward_a part_n of_o worship_n they_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o he_o and_o give_v he_o not_o the_o internal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o external_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o internal_a be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o external_a as_o the_o body_n of_o it_o this_o clear_o show_v what_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n than_o be_v and_o that_o the_o people_n that_o assemble_v do_v real_o pray_v vocal_o with_o the_o priest_n and_o that_o they_o do_v offer_v unto_o god_n the_o calf_n of_o their_o lip_n according_a to_o hos_fw-la 14._o 2._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o christian_n in_o their_o assembly_n be_v command_v to_o offer_v up_o unto_o god_n the_o fruit_n of_o their_o lip_n heb._n 13._o 15._o and_o though_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n be_v there_o only_o mention_v yet_o no_o doubt_n prayer_n be_v also_o understand_v and_o be_v as_o real_a a_o duty_n for_o the_o people_n to_o practice_v as_o that_o of_o praise_n and_o if_o people_n may_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o use_v set_a form_n as_o they_o do_v in_o sing_v david_n psalm_n in_o public_a congregation_n all_o of_o they_o some_o anabaptist_n except_v why_o may_v they_o not_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o set_a form_n if_o the_o set_a form_n quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n in_o sing_v why_o shall_v it_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v it_o in_o pray_v it_o be_v indeed_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n that_o persuade_v i_o that_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n set_a form_n be_v necessary_a because_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o external_a worship_n as_o well_o as_o the_o internal_a by_o confess_v pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o in_o common_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o lip_n as_o in_o believe_v in_o one_o common_a faith_n with_o their_o heart_n be_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n unto_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o whereas_o they_o say_v the_o minister_n mouth_n when_o he_o pray_v be_v the_o people_n mouth_n unto_o god_n in_o public_a prayer_n as_o this_o be_v allow_v that_o sometime_o so_o it_o be_v but_o to_o say_v it_o be_v always_o and_o must_v be_v always_o so_o be_v without_o ground_n yea_o be_v hurtful_a and_o prejudicial_a for_o so_o as_o god_n be_v deny_v that_o external_a service_n from_o the_o people_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o of_o adoration_n the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o privilege_n and_o a_o great_a benefit_n unto_o they_o to_o speak_v unto_o god_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o by_o a_o proxy_n always_o when_o they_o pray_v and_o if_o prayer_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o private_a for_o all_o christian_a people_n it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o duty_n or_o rather_o much_o more_o in_o public_a we_o be_v command_v to_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o greek_a word_n in_o both_o place_n signify_v a_o joint_a confession_n simul_fw-la dicere_fw-la to_o say_v together_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v one_o another_o faith_n that_o we_o hold_v it_o fast_o but_o by_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o join_v together_o in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n vocal_o and_o with_o word_n of_o mouth_n to_o confess_v what_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o be_v command_v and_o as_o with_o one_o mind_n so_o with_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n rom._n 15._o 6._o this_o one_o mind_n be_v the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o many_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o mouth_n be_v not_o one_o simple_a mouth_n of_o the_o minister_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v one_o single_a mind_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o many_o mouth_n even_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n by_o the_o organ_n of_o speech_n when_o due_o perform_v both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a than_o many_o do_v well_o understand_v and_o especial_o in_o public_a both_o for_o their_o own_o good_a and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o although_o our_o prayer_n neither_o vocal_a nor_o mental_a move_v god_n proper_o speak_v yet_o they_o move_v ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v in_o our_o vocal_a prayer_n as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v he_o do_v so_o assist_v all_o good_a christian_n though_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o prophet_n that_o motion_n kindle_v a_o celestial_a fire_n both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o that_o hear_v we_o and_o if_o one_o mouth_n so_o divine_o move_v kindle_v a_o little_a many_o mouth_n so_o move_v will_v kindle_v a_o great_a deal_n st._n james_n tell_v we_o the_o tongue_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v set_v on_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o that_o one_o tongue_n be_v like_o a_o little_a spark_n of_o fire_n that_o kindle_v a_o great_a matter_n james_n 3._o 5._o and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o as_o well_o conclude_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o godly_a man_n be_v enkindle_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n yea_o it_o stand_v with_o good_a reason_n that_o holy_a angel_n who_o be_v present_a in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v move_v with_o the_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o know_v our_o inward_a state_n and_o thought_n as_o man_n know_v our_o thought_n by_o our_o word_n when_o we_o sincere_o express_v they_o for_o angel_n know_v not_o our_o thought_n immediate_o but_o mediate_o either_o by_o audible_a word_n or_o by_o some_o soft_a and_o gentle_a motion_n of_o our_o bodily_a organ_n of_o speech_n also_o it_o stand_v with_o good_a reason_n from_o scripture_n authority_n that_o our_o bless_a mediator_n jesus_n christ_n not_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v man_n in_o our_o nature_n now_o in_o heaven_n glorify_v be_v real_o move_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o prayer_n both_o mental_a and_o vocal_a of_o the_o faithful_a heb._n 4._o 15._o we_o find_v in_o the_o revelation_n that_o after_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n i._n e._n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n have_v sing_v together_o their_o anthem_n the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n i._n e._n the_o governor_n answer_v with_o their_o antiphone_fw-la and_o the_o angel_n answer_v both_o with_o they_o rev._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10._o compare_v with_o rev._n 5._o from_o ver_fw-la 8._o to_o 12._o now_o if_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n shall_v have_v a_o part_n join_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o answer_v he_o sometime_o by_o say_v amen_o sometime_o by_o other_o fit_a and_o suitable_a word_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o set_a form_n that_o both_o be_v agree_v in_o and_o know_v beforehand_o otherwise_o either_o the_o people_n must_v be_v tie_v to_o his_o form_n which_o however_o extempore_o to_o he_o and_o free_a yet_o to_o they_o be_v a_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n as_o much_o and_o much_o less_o safe_a than_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o form_n they_o have_v former_o know_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o else_o we_o must_v suppose_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v every_o time_n they_o pray_v vocal_o together_o if_o every_o of_o they_o or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o pray_v extempore_o in_o the_o
same_o form_n of_o word_n without_o receive_v it_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o to_o plead_v for_o use_v a_o new_a form_n or_o method_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n every_o time_n that_o man_n pray_v be_v as_o improper_a and_o impertinent_a as_o to_o plead_v that_o every_o time_n we_o eat_v we_o must_v have_v a_o new_a dish_n or_o platter_n to_o eat_v out_o of_o and_o every_o time_n we_o drink_v we_o must_v have_v a_o new_a cup_n to_o drink_v out_o of_o and_o if_o every_o day_n yea_o as_o oft_o every_o day_n as_o we_o pray_v we_o must_v use_v a_o new_a extempore_o form_n we_o may_v as_o well_o plead_v every_o day_n we_o must_v several_a time_n each_o day_n put_v on_o new_a shoe_n and_o new_a apparel_n which_o as_o it_o will_v be_v great_a waste_n so_o will_v it_o be_v very_o uneasy_a the_o method_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n whether_o extempore_o or_o in_o a_o set_a form_n be_v as_o remote_a a_o accident_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n either_o for_o matter_n or_o life_n as_o a_o dish_n or_o a_o platter_n be_v to_o the_o meat_n put_v into_o it_o or_o a_o cup_n to_o the_o drink_n that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o same_o meat_n may_v be_v as_o good_a as_o when_o put_v into_o another_o dish_n and_o the_o drink_n as_o good_a as_o in_o another_o cup_n and_o as_o several_a habit_n of_o garment_n may_v suit_v the_o same_o person_n so_o several_a form_n of_o prayer_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o external_a form_n may_v suit_v the_o same_o prayer_n both_o as_o to_o matter_n and_o life_n as_o grace_n do_v sometime_o cause_v a_o variety_n in_o our_o word_n of_o prayer_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o so_o mere_a humane_a art_n can_v and_o do_v most_o frequent_o cause_v a_o variety_n for_o by_o mere_a humane_a art_n six_o word_n can_v be_v vary_v some_o hundred_o of_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o matter_n remain_v the_o same_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o many_o who_o think_v they_o who_o pray_v in_o great_a variety_n of_o word_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n they_o pray_v most_o by_o the_o spirit_n or_o with_o grace_n for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o mere_a art_n without_o grace_n so_o it_o frequent_o be_v so_o do_v and_o thereby_o many_o be_v great_o deceive_v especial_o when_o it_o be_v varnish_v with_o great_a seem_a show_n of_o fervour_n by_o gesture_n and_o tone_n that_o move_v and_o stir_v the_o natural_a and_o animal_n passion_n and_o affection_n but_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v hear_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n object_v by_o some_o against_o the_o matter_n of_o common_a prayer_n 1._o where_o the_o people_n say_v there_o be_v no_o health_n in_o we_o but_o that_o be_v no_o more_o offensive_a than_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o direct_v his_o step_n i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n as_o of_o himself_o but_o of_o the_o lord_n so_o there_o be_v no_o health_n in_o we_o nor_o in_o any_o man_n but_o what_o be_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o we_o original_o but_o by_o derivation_n and_o participation_n from_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n 2._o that_o they_o still_o be_v pray_v from_o seven_o to_o seventy_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o miserable_a offender_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v only_o make_v by_o the_o quaker_n all_o other_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v sinner_n and_o consequent_o as_o in_o themselves_o miserable_a and_o continual_o need_v god_n mercy_n for_o as_o st._n james_n say_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o as_o st._n john_n say_v if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o but_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v do_v so_o as_o daniel_n esdras_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a remission_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o public_a manner_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o great_a day_n of_o assize_n what_o remission_n the_o best_a now_o have_v be_v but_o like_o the_o criminal_n pardon_n from_o the_o king_n that_o he_o have_v by_o himself_o in_o secret_a that_o be_v not_o so_o authentic_a till_o it_o be_v proclaim_v in_o open_a court_n at_o the_o assize_n 3._o some_o object_n against_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o common_a prayer_n we_o be_v tie_v and_o bind_v with_o the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o i_o think_v none_o of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o quaker_n except_v can_v well_o so_o object_n many_o of_o who_o common_o in_o their_o prayer_n say_v they_o must_v carry_v about_o with_o they_o a_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n to_o the_o grave_a which_o i_o think_v be_v more_o than_o what_o be_v here_o object_v against_o i_o think_v it_o be_v more_o safe_a and_o warrantable_a according_a to_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o some_o remainder_n of_o sin_n remain_v in_o the_o faithful_a especial_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o original_a defilement_n by_o adam_n fall_n as_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o remain_a part_n of_o those_o habit_n of_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v by_o our_o actual_a transgression_n than_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n remain_v in_o they_o if_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o complex_n of_o vicious_a habit_n contract_v by_o actual_a sin_n which_o the_o saint_n be_v say_v to_o have_v put_v off_o by_o regeneration_n as_o when_o the_o body_n or_o bulk_n of_o a_o great_a tree_n be_v cut_v down_o with_o its_o bough_n branch_n twig_n and_o bearer_n yet_o the_o stump_n and_o root_n or_o some_o part_n of_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o ground_n which_o if_o due_a care_n be_v not_o take_v continual_o to_o mortify_v suppress_v and_o subdue_v will_v spring_v up_o again_o to_o which_o that_o in_o hebr._n 12._o 15._o seem_v plain_o to_o refer_v and_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o a_o remain_a part_n root_n or_o seed_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v say_v by_o st._n john_n 1_o john_n 1._o 8._o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o this_o remainder_n of_o sin_n god_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o suffer_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o faithful_a though_o he_o pardon_v the_o gild_n of_o it_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v they_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o still_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v it_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o their_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o way_n of_o spiritual_a conflict_n and_o warfare_n against_o three_o grand_a enemy_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n that_o so_o through_o the_o victory_n that_o the_o faithful_a obtain_v by_o the_o victorious_a power_n of_o god_n grace_n their_o reward_n may_v be_v the_o great_a which_o yet_o be_v still_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n according_a to_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 5._o and_o if_o a_o man_n also_o strive_v for_o mastery_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o not_o that_o sin_n either_o in_o less_o or_o more_o be_v any_o proper_a cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o virtue_n yet_o as_o in_o natural_a effect_n one_o natural_a agent_n common_o work_v the_o more_o powerful_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o contrary_a agent_n if_o that_o contrary_a agent_n be_v not_o too_o powerful_a its_o agency_n serve_v but_o to_o excite_v the_o other_o the_o more_o effectual_o against_o it_o as_o heat_n be_v increase_v by_o cold_a and_o a_o little_a water_n cast_v into_o fire_n increase_v the_o flame_n now_o that_o this_o remain_a part_n root_n or_o seed_n of_o sin_n with_o what_o other_o be_v contract_v by_o the_o daily_a indeliberate_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n involuntary_a infirmity_n that_o the_o faithful_a be_v obnoxious_a to_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o chain_n whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v and_o bind_v in_o part_n though_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o be_v loose_v and_o set_v free_a from_o the_o reign_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o virtue_n and_o prevalency_n of_o god_n grace_n as_o when_o a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o in_o his_o whole_a body_n by_o strong_a fetter_n of_o iron_n be_v loose_v from_o the_o great_a and_o heavy_a of_o they_o in_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o member_n yet_o some_o less_o chain_n or_o chain_n remain_v that_o though_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v hinder_v his_o act_n and_o walk_v yet_o do_v in_o part_n incommode_v and_o retard_v he_o this_o be_v fit_o represent_v by_o what_o be_v report_v
a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o turners-hall_n the_o 5_o the_o of_o may_v 1700._o by_o george_n keith_n in_o which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o join_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o some_o addition_n and_o enlargement_n make_v by_o himself_o london_n print_v by_o w._n bowyer_n for_o brab_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n and_o char._n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n at_o the_o west-end_a of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o mr._n keith_n last_o sermon_n at_o turners-hall_n may_v the_o 5_o the_o 1700._o 1_o peter_z iii._o 16._o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o you_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a that_o false_o accuse_v your_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n the_o last_o lord_n day_n i_o make_v the_o former_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o subject_a of_o what_o i_o then_o say_v in_o this_o place_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v only_o let_v i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o i_o tell_v you_o who_o be_v then_o present_a that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o under_o which_o term_n hope_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n of_o a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a be_v comprehend_v and_o understand_v our_o whole_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o all_o our_o religious_a action_n and_o performance_n for_o all_o which_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n or_o ground_n why_o we_o so_o believe_v hope_v act_n and_o why_o we_o so_o profess_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n so_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v the_o like_a reason_n or_o ground_n of_o the_o same_o to_o other_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o we_o which_o yet_o suffer_v some_o limitation_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o repeat_v to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o the_o same_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v to_o embrace_v the_o same_o way_n with_o we_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v we_o instrumental_a by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o produce_v that_o effect_n or_o at_o least_o to_o put_v to_o silence_v their_o unjust_a clamour_n against_o we_o but_o the_o chief_a thing_n be_v with_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o own_o conscience_n that_o what_o we_o so_o believe_v hope_v or_o act_n be_v true_a and_o right_a be_v approve_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v peace_n in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o 16_o verse_n i_o purpose_v to_o answer_v these_o three_o question_n i._n what_o conscience_n be_v ii_o what_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v and_o how_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n iii_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v according_a to_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o guide_v to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v conscience_n be_v that_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o our_o reasonable_a soul_n or_o mind_n that_o can_v and_o do_v reflect_v on_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n both_o present_a and_o past_a so_o as_o to_o judge_v and_o determine_v concern_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v real_o or_o apparent_o right_a or_o wrong_n good_a or_o evil_n justifiable_a or_o reprovable_a hence_o rom._n 2._o 15._o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n to_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o to_o the_o second_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v several_a thing_n altogether_o necessary_a to_o denominate_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o be_v good_a 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o enlighten_v conscience_n with_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o true_a knowledge_n whereby_o to_o know_v what_o be_v right_a and_o good_a or_o wrong_n and_o evil_n a_o ignorant_a conscience_n can_v be_v good_a 2._o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n of_o man_n to_o what_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o duty_n either_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v necessary_a to_o denominate_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n for_o though_o true_a conviction_n and_o knowledge_n be_v necessary_a yet_o that_o alone_o without_o obedience_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o denominate_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v good_a even_o though_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_v to_o constitute_v and_o denominate_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v good_a 3._o the_o conscience_n that_o be_v purge_v and_o justify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n that_o be_v outward_o shed_v through_o faith_n in_o that_o blood_n rom._n 3._o 25._o and_o where_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o whole_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v know_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o conscience_n only_o of_o such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o say_v that_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v good_a see_v heb._n 9_o 13_o 14._o for_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n and_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o heifer_n sprinkle_v the_o unclean_a sanctifi_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n rom._n 3._o 25._o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o general_o in_o all_o who_o have_v it_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o write_a word_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n we_o have_v by_o he_o as_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o word_n be_v the_o outward_a word_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o preacher_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o rom._n 10._o 14._o and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v hence_o the_o word_n even_o the_o doctrinal_a word_n be_v call_v the_o incorruptible_a seâ—â—_n of_o which_o true_a believer_n be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o according_a to_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o and_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n compare_v his_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n to_o the_o husbandman_n that_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o ground_n matth._n 13._o 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a quaker_n great_a among_o the_o quaker_n many_o who_o think_v they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o this_o blood_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o faith_n in_o it_o they_o will_v have_v the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n only_o within_o they_o they_o find_v no_o need_n of_o have_v the_o conscience_n sprinkle_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n without_o they_o nay_o they_o argue_v against_o it_o as_o a_o impossible_a notion_n not_o consider_v that_o this_o sprinkle_v be_v spiritual_o by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o any_o material_a application_n also_o they_o have_v a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o faith_n they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o write_a word_n or_o any_o outward_a mean_n or_o help_v to_o have_v this_o faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o the_o spirit_n or_o light_n within_o alone_z do_v all_o the_o light_n within_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o light_n within_o they_o be_v whole_a christ_n god_n and_o man_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o bone_n they_o need_v no_o christ_n without_o they_o nor_o no_o write_a word_n without_o they_o they_o can_v preach_v pray_o believe_v without_o book_n without_o all_o outward_a help_n they_o need_v no_o crutch_n as_o some_o argue_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o call_v they_o crutch_n to_o lame_a person_n which_o whole_a and_o sound_a man_n need_v not_o so_o other_o make_v no_o more_o of_o the_o write_a word_n the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o outward_o deliver_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o as_o crutch_n which_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o at_o all_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o write_a word_n at_o all_o or_o any_o outward_a word_n they_o ask_v where_o we_o find_v a_o write_a word_n in_o scripture_n i_o tell_v they_o i_o find_v it_o in_o john_n 15._o 25._o where_o christ_n call_v a_o short_a