church-communion_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n they_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o a_o church_n or_o no_o notion_n of_o one_o church_n or_o know_v not_o wherein_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n consist_v and_o these_o man_n think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o they_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n at_o all_o or_o that_o they_o secure_v themselves_o from_o schism_n by_o communicate_v sometime_o with_o one_o church_n and_o sometime_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v choose_v their_o church_n according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o change_v again_o when_o ever_o their_o humour_n alter_v but_o i_o hope_v who_o ever_o consider_v careful_o what_o i_o have_v now_o write_v and_o attend_v to_o those_o passionate_a exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o brotherly_a love_n which_o can_v be_v preserve_v but_o in_o one_o communion_n which_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o fellow_n member_n will_v not_o only_o hearty_o pray_v to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n to_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n but_o will_v be_v careful_a how_o he_o divide_v the_o church_n himself_o and_o will_v use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o heal_v the_o present_a schism_n and_o division_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o end_n a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n sir_n i_o be_o very_o sorry_a that_o my_o silence_n and_o patience_n have_v be_v mistake_v by_o you_o for_o a_o affront_n and_o neglect_v which_o be_v such_o a_o provocation_n as_o i_o find_v some_o sort_n of_o great_a mind_n can_v bear_v but_o yet_o that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o little_a mercy_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o have_v not_o a_o answer_n before_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v your_o first_o letter_n in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n as_o you_o desire_v because_o i_o believe_v your_o objection_n be_v such_o as_o no_o body_n be_v concern_v in_o but_o yourself_o and_o i_o can_v think_v it_o decent_a to_o trouble_v so_o numerous_a a_o auditory_a with_o every_o particular_a man_n conceit_n i_o do_v not_o answer_v your_o second_o letter_n because_o by_o the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o i_o easy_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v end_v in_o a_o public_a quarrel_n and_o if_o i_o must_v be_v in_o print_n i_o henceforth_o resolve_v to_o correct_v the_o press_n myself_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o print_v my_o private_a letter_n for_o i_o but_o yet_o i_o call_v at_o mr._n r_n shop_n whither_o you_o direct_v i_o several_a time_n to_o have_v invite_v you_o to_o a_o private_a conference_n but_o can_v never_o see_v he_o till_o i_o accidental_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o street_n the_o same_o day_n i_o receive_v the_o present_a of_o your_o print_a letter_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o print_v those_o discourse_n which_o you_o hear_v i_o preach_v be_v because_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o press_n before_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o pulpit_n and_o before_o i_o dream_v of_o your_o terrible_a query_n and_o be_v print_v and_o preach_v exact_o by_o the_o same_o copy_n except_v the_o introduction_n to_o fit_v they_o to_o a_o text_n which_o you_o know_v be_v very_o convenient_a for_o a_o sermon_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o send_v you_o one_o of_o those_o tract_n when_o it_o be_v print_v be_v because_o i_o do_v hope_v you_o may_v have_v have_v understanding_n enough_o upon_o a_o careful_a perusal_n of_o it_o when_o it_o lay_v before_o you_o to_o have_v answer_v those_o objection_n which_o you_o make_v against_o it_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v and_o now_o sir_n i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o content_n of_o your_o first_o letter_n you_o have_v make_v some_o repetition_n of_o what_o i_o discourse_v and_o a_o very_a good_a repetition_n to_o be_v do_v by_o memory_n which_o give_v you_o the_o commendable_a character_n of_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a hearer_n but_o when_o you_o have_v the_o discourse_n before_o you_o in_o print_n you_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o have_v depend_v upon_o your_o memory_n but_o to_o have_v give_v i_o my_o own_o again_o in_o my_o own_o word_n and_o order_n and_o with_o that_o dependence_n and_o connexion_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o that_o discourse_n consist_v and_o to_o have_v apply_v your_o query_n distinct_o to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n which_o they_o relate_v to_o have_v you_o do_v this_o you_o will_v either_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v resolve_v your_o own_o query_n or_o will_v more_o effectual_o have_v convince_v i_o of_o my_o mistake_n or_o at_o least_o have_v give_v your_o reader_n better_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o pertinency_n of_o what_o you_o say_v but_o now_o you_o have_v only_o give_v we_o a_o heap_n of_o query_n which_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o know_v to_o what_o they_o relate_v as_o for_o your_o repetition_n the_o reader_n who_o desire_v satisfaction_n may_v compare_v they_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v which_o be_v exact_o the_o same_o with_o what_o i_o preach_v and_o as_o for_o your_o query_n you_o know_v how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o ask_v question_n however_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o to_o what_o they_o belong_v and_o give_v as_o plain_a and_o short_a a_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o i_o can_v for_o i_o assure_v you_o i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n now_o to_o write_v a_o long_a book_n upon_o this_o argument_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o after_o your_o repetition_n of_o what_o you_o can_v remember_v or_o what_o you_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o my_o sermon_n you_o give_v we_o a_o very_o mistake_v summary_n of_o it_o to_o sum_v up_o say_v you_o what_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o force_n of_o all_o 4._o p._n 4._o this_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n invest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o receive_v member_n into_o his_o church_n upon_o his_o term_n and_o with_o such_o rite_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n have_v no_o right_n to_o any_o of_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n this_o power_n be_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n derive_v upon_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o national_a church_n wherefore_o all_o other_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n within_o this_o nation_n be_v usurper_n and_o all_o the_o laity_n baptise_a by_o their_o pastor_n not_o be_v due_o admit_v into_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o they_o be_v usurper_n and_o traitor_n to_o that_o power_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o in_o a_o right_a line_n durus_fw-la hic_fw-la sermo_n have_v you_o not_o tell_v the_o world_n in_o your_o title-page_n that_o you_o be_v a_o layman_n to_o make_v your_o triumph_n over_o a_o poor_a undo_v dr._n of_o divinity_n the_o more_o glorious_a i_o shall_v have_v take_v you_o to_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o some_o new_a sect_n of_o conjectural_a divine_n and_o true_o you_o be_v so_o happy_a in_o your_o guess_n that_o i_o believe_v few_o man_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o outdo_v you_o in_o this_o art_n for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o all_o this_o matter_n in_o that_o discourse_n which_o you_o pretend_v to_o sum_v up_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o i_o that_o to_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o refer_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o short_a paragraph_n which_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v and_o leave_v the_o most_o fanciful_a reader_n to_o try_v his_o skill_n to_o sum_v it_o up_o as_o you_o have_v do_v have_v before_o assert_v that_o god_n only_o can_v constitute_v a_o church_n i_o add_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o only_a 5._o resolut_a of_o case_n p._n 5._o visible_a way_n god_n have_v of_o form_v a_o church_n for_o i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v and_o invest_v some_o person_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o convenant_n according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o such_o covenant-rite_n and_o
275._o hierom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o infant-baptism_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n furthermore_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o the_o pelagian_o never_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant-communion_n as_o they_o do_v of_o infant-baptism_n all_o which_o thing_n consider_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o near_o the_o like_a evidence_n in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v for_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a evidence_n for_o the_o constant_a successive_a and_o general_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n that_o there_o be_v for_o infant-baptism_n so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o because_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n or_o mystery_n of_o initiation_n of_o which_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a it_o be_v institute_v chief_o for_o a_o initiatory_a sign_n to_o solemnize_v the_o admission_n of_o the_o baptise_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o seal_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v upon_o the_o second_o and_o four_o question_n be_v equal_o answer_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o profess_v believer_n confession_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o accidental_a circumstantial_o which_o be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o not_o to_o baptism_n itself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o communion_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o institute_v for_o a_o sacrificial_a feast_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v but_o second_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o that_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o tradition_n be_v fair_o and_o genuine_o interpretable_a for_o it_o but_o this_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o one_o text_n john_n 6._o 53._o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o which_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o it_o but_o in_o a_o proleptical_a sense_n the_o lord_n supper_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o institute_v by_o he_o or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n contain_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o wherefore_o though_o this_o text_n be_v literal_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n as_o st._n augustine_n first_o interpret_v it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v strain_v to_o infant-communion_n because_o infant_n can_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a banquet_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o custom_n of_o communicate_v infant_n prevail_v by_o degree_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n as_o full_o answer_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n and_o as_o be_v found_v upon_o more_o and_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o much_o more_o noble_a tradition_n than_o infant-communion_n be_v but_o three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o the_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o infant-circumcision_n and_o infant-baptism_n answer_v as_o a_o pattern_n unto_o that_o under_o the_o law_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o pattern_n under_o it_o which_o answer_v so_o to_o infant-communion_n because_o a_o child_n never_o partake_v of_o the_o 27._o the_o the_o the_o exod._n 12._o 26_o 27._o passover_n before_o he_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o take_v his_o father_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o to_o go_v up_o from_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o inquire_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o service_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v old_a enough_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o understand_v that_o than_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o it_o be_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o will_v if_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o confirm_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o christian_a child_n be_v usual_o much_o old_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v before_o they_o communicate_v which_o be_v mere_o accidental_a because_o it_o require_v a_o ripe_a reason_n to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a deliverance_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n both_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o understand_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a meaning_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v annual_o keep_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o speak_v yet_o more_o full_o of_o infant-communion_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o 〈◊〉_d valid_o valid_o valid_o theodoret._n therapeut_n serm._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v a_o most_o emphatical_a declaration_n that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o indies_n or_o or_o or_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n still_o be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o lawful_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o of_o profess_v believer_n can_v be_v as_o for_o the_o original_a of_o this_o custom_n it_o be_v not_o know_v when_o it_o begin_v probable_o it_o come_v in_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n to_o grow_v person_n present_o after_o their_o baptism_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v so_o tender_a towards_o infant_n as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n rather_o than_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o right_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o excuse_n of_o those_o uncharitable_a man_n who_o will_v rather_o destroy_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a so_o high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v above_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o infant-baptism_n which_o i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o reserve_v for_o this_o place_n be_v take_v from_o their_o incapacity_n to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n unto_o god_n for_o say_v these_o man_n all_o who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v for_o their_o part_n as_o well_o as_o god_n do_v for_o his_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n say_v that_o the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v 21._o 1_o ep._n 3._o 21._o have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o how_o can_v infant_n restipulate_v or_o what_o conscience_n can_v be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v what_o the_o covenant_n mean_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v as_o former_o that_o it_o be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o infant-baptism_n for_o the_o infant_n
not_o every_o sincere_a christian_a by_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o god_n rather_o hope_v to_o be_v confirm_v in_o goodness_n and_o to_o receive_v far_a assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o strengthen_v he_o against_o sin_n and_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o subdue_v it_o than_o trouble_n himself_o with_o fear_n which_o be_v either_o without_o ground_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n we_o can_v sure_o entertain_v so_o unworthy_a a_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o do_v institute_v the_o sacrament_n not_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o as_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o our_o ruin_n and_o damnation_n this_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n into_o a_o cup_n of_o deadly_a poison_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n all_o then_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v that_o upon_o this_o consideration_n man_n shall_v be_v quicken_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fortify_v their_o resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o solemn_o renew_v every_o time_n they_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n but_o not_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n which_o may_v contribute_v to_o make_v we_o good_a therefore_o as_o a_o learned_a divine_a say_v very_o well_o this_o sacrament_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o none_o but_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o but_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v engage_v to_o use_v their_o best_a diligence_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o person_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n since_o they_o be_v already_o in_o so_o bad_a a_o state_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n concern_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2._o second_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o that_o so_o much_o obj._n 2_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o clear_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o refrain_v from_o it_o second_o that_o a_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o render_v we_o unfit_a at_o present_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o three_o that_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o the_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o immediate_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o preparation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v clear_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o hope_v this_o objection_n be_v full_o answer_v 1._o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o than_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o receive_v it_o for_o who_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a and_o in_o all_o degree_n and_o respect_n due_o qualify_v to_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n who_o can_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_o fit_a to_o approach_v god_n altar_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o best_a man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o every_o imperfection_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o enter_v into_o by_o baptism_n and_o be_v go_v solemn_o to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v by_o our_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n we_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o main_a qualify_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o way_n for_o we_o to_o be_v more_o fit_a be_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n frequent_o that_o by_o this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o god_n appoint_v by_o this_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v nourish_v in_o goodness_n and_o new_a strength_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v continual_o derive_v to_o we_o for_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o more_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n and_o if_o we_o will_v neglect_v the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistence_n we_o may_v tire_v ourselves_o with_o our_o devotion_n and_o fill_v heaven_n with_o vain_a complaint_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o this_o importunity_n obtain_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n like_o lazy_a beggar_n that_o be_v always_o complain_v and_o always_o ask_v but_o will_v not_o work_v will_v do_v nothing_o to_o help_v themselves_o and_o better_o their_o condition_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o like_a to_o move_v the_o pity_n and_o compassion_n of_o other_o if_o we_o expect_v god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n we_o must_v work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o careful_a use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n that_o excellent_a degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o man_n will_v have_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o insist_v upon_o have_v the_o end_n before_o they_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n that_o may_v further_o they_o in_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o render_v we_o unfit_a at_o present_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n yet_o do_v it_o by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o one_o fault_n may_v draw_v on_o another_o but_o can_v never_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v our_o great_a fault_n that_o we_o be_v whole_o unprepared_a and_o no_o man_n can_v claim_v any_o benefit_n by_o his_o fault_n or_o plead_v it_o in_o excuse_n or_o extenuation_n of_o it_o a_o total_a want_n of_o preparation_n and_o a_o absolute_a unworthiness_n be_v impenitency_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n a_o resolution_n to_o continue_v a_o bad_a man_n not_o to_o quit_v his_o lust_n and_o to_o break_v off_o that_o wicked_a course_n he_o have_v live_v in_o but_o be_v this_o any_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o will_v not_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o with_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o a_o father_n command_v his_o son_n to_o ask_v he_o blessing_n every_o day_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v it_o he_o but_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v undutiful_a to_o he_o in_o his_o other_o action_n and_o life_n in_o open_a disobedience_n forbid_v he_o to_o come_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o excuse_v himself_o from_o ask_v his_o father_n blessing_n because_o he_o be_v undutiful_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o this_o be_v just_a the_o case_n of_o neglect_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v and_o the_o blessing_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n because_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o
thing_n itself_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a and_o imitable_a by_o we_o if_o god_n do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o some_o end_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o we_o to_o do_v the_o same_o provide_v we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o to_o imitate_v god_n be_v not_o only_o our_o privilege_n but_o our_o duty_n but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o imitate_v he_o if_o so_o far_o as_o our_o power_n extend_v we_o do_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v when_o we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n since_o therefore_o god_n as_o supreme_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n have_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n because_o they_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a those_o who_o he_o have_v substitute_v to_o govern_v for_o he_o be_v thereby_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o prescribe_v they_o too_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v so_o so_o that_o god_n prescribe_v they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v useful_a and_o that_o they_o be_v useful_a be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o prescribe_v they_o also_o because_o for_o that_o reason_n god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v they_o and_o certain_o our_o spiritual_a governor_n who_o be_v in_o god_n stead_n be_v sufficient_o warrant_v to_o do_v as_o god_n have_v do_v when_o they_o have_v god_n own_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o against_o this_o i_o know_v nothing_o can_v be_v object_v but_o only_o that_o common_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o separation_n viz._n that_o god_n himself_o have_v forbid_v the_o prescribe_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o or_o about_o his_o worship_n but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v for_o it_o no_o other_o form_n ought_v to_o be_v prescribe_v but_o what_o be_v of_o his_o own_o indite_v and_o prescription_n the_o falseness_n of_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o case_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o the_o objection_n strike_v with_o equal_a force_n against_o extemporary_a word_n which_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v as_o against_o form_n of_o word_n which_o he_o have_v not_o prescribe_v for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v part_v 1._o and_o shall_v yet_o further_o prove_v hereafter_o pray_v extempore_o by_o our_o own_o gift_n of_o expression_n be_v no_o more_o prescribe_v by_o god_n than_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v no_o more_o prescribe_v by_o he_o than_o the_o word_n of_o form_n so_o that_o if_o the_o latter_a may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v not_o prescribe_v by_o he_o neither_o may_v the_o former_a and_o indeed_o he_o who_o pray_v extempore_o do_v as_o much_o prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o word_n to_o the_o people_n in_o public_a worship_n as_o he_o who_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n their_o devout_a desire_n and_o affection_n be_v equal_o confine_v to_o this_o particular_a set_a of_o expression_n in_o both_o and_o if_o each_o single_a presbyter_n may_v prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o word_n to_o the_o people_n which_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v they_o how_o much_o more_o may_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n admit_v therefore_o that_o such_o word_n may_v be_v prescribe_v in_o prayer_n as_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v his_o prescribe_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n to_o prescribe_v they_o when_o they_o have_v his_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v four_o and_o last_o that_o though_o it_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n by_o inspire_a person_n have_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v prescribe_v they_o upon_o god_n reason_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o therefore_o they_o may_v prescribe_v they_o as_o scripture_n or_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o brief_o to_o instance_n in_o another_o case_n because_o god_n the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n have_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v it_o by_o inspire_a person_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o govern_v it_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v it_o too_o but_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v either_o that_o they_o shall_v instruct_v it_o by_o inspire_a person_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v pretend_v to_o instruct_v it_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v to_o instruct_v it_o viz._n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o the_o best_a purpose_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n with_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o they_o can_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v to_o instruct_v it_o by_o inspire_a person_n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o it_o so_o neither_o ought_v they_o to_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o to_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v they_o to_o his_o church_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o church-governor_n to_o prescribe_v they_o too_o but_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o they_o to_o prescribe_v they_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n for_o they_o may_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o prescribe_v they_o that_o god_n have_v viz._n because_o they_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a for_o public_a devotion_n but_o they_o can_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o prescribe_v they_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n because_o that_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o manifest_a cheat_n for_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o it_o have_v they_o the_o same_o common_a reason_n with_o god_n for_o both_o his_o example_n will_v warrant_v they_o not_o only_o to_o prescribe_v they_o but_o to_o prescribe_v they_o as_o scripture_n and_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o since_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o prescribe_v they_o as_o scripture_n viz._n because_o they_o can_v without_o manifest_v falsehood_n and_o presumption_n which_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o applicable_a to_o the_o bare_a and_o simple_a prescribe_v they_o therefore_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o if_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o latter_a they_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o former_a also_o have_v thus_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o brethren_n it_o remain_v that_o suppose_v that_o principle_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o god_n have_v command_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o universal_o conclude_v against_o the_o admit_v form_n of_o prayer_n into_o his_o worship_n because_o he_o himself_o have_v command_v some_o form_n and_o by_o command_v they_o have_v license_v and_o authorize_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n to_o prescribe_v other_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o general_a head_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o suppose_v this_o principle_n viz._n that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o he_o do_v conclude_v against_o form_n of_o prayer_n it_o equal_o conclude_v against_o conceive_v or_o extempore_o prayer_n because_o these_o be_v no_o more_o command_v by_o god_n than_o form_n nay_o indeed_o as_o to_o public_a worship_n have_v much_o less_o claim_n to_o divine_a authority_n than_o form_n but_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a the_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o at_o all_o command_v yet_o this_o we_o assert_v make_v no_o more_o against_o they_o than_o it_o do_v against_o extempore_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o god_n require_v we_o to_o pray_v extempore_o or_o to_o utter_v our_o affection_n in_o prayer_n in_o our_o own_o conception_n and_o expression_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o confident_o assert_v by_o our_o brethren_n that_o wheresoever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o our_o own_o conception_n and_o word_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o so_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v before_o viz._n that_o god_n have_v command_v man_n to_o pray_v in_o sundry_a form_n of_o his_o own_o composure_n and_o sure_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o they_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v vocal_o in_o god_n conception_n and_o word_n they_o can_v not_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v vocal_o in_o their_o own_o thus_o far_o therefore_o our_o brethren_n must_v grant_v if_o they_o will_v be_v determine_v by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o command_n to_o pray_v vocal_o
disparagement_n at_o all_o to_o the_o minister_n office_n upon_o these_o account_n 1._o although_o the_o formal_a word_n of_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n be_v utter_v by_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o litany_n that_o which_o the_o minister_n utter_v be_v the_o other_o part_n and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n 2._o that_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v begin_v by_o the_o minister_n not_o only_o in_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n first_o of_o all_o but_o in_o that_o prayer_n remember_v not_o lord_n our_o offence_n and_o spare_v we_o good_a lord_n and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o o_o lord_n god_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v utter_v the_o formal_a word_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o people_n take_v they_o all_o afterward_o from_o he_o except_v only_o the_o word_n of_o that_o petition_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o 3._o they_o be_v but_o these_o two_o short_a and_o know_v petition_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n upon_o the_o utter_n of_o which_o by_o the_o people_n the_o weight_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v the_o people_n any_o vocal_a part_n in_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n i_o know_v not_o what_o petition_n be_v more_o proper_a for_o they_o than_o such_o as_o these_o as_o for_o the_o repetition_n of_o they_o there_o be_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o there_o be_v still_o new_a and_o distinct_a matter_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o they_o be_v a_o great_a relief_n to_o attention_n and_o mind_v the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o and_o evident_o contribute_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o affectionate_a and_o ardent_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o desire_v those_o weighty_a thing_n we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o this_o prayer_n i_o can_v almost_o appeal_v to_o the_o keen_a of_o our_o adversary_n if_o that_o petition_n good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o be_v apply_v but_o once_o in_o gross_a to_o the_o deprecation_n and_o supplication_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o litany_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o let_v our_o attention_n fall_v and_o to_o forget_v the_o meaning_n and_o to_o languish_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o of_o those_o prayer_n than_o as_o it_o be_v now_o order_v but_o 4._o i_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o offer_v up_o these_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o minister_n have_v the_o principal_a and_o guide_v part_n in_o that_o he_o utter_v all_o the_o distinct_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o the_o people_n do_v not_o whereas_o he_o utter_v word_n of_o invocation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o now_o i_o desire_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v whether_o if_o the_o people_n be_v to_o utter_v that_o which_o be_v the_o minister_n part_v now_o and_o the_o minister_n to_o say_v that_o only_o which_o be_v they_o they_o will_v not_o have_v more_o grievous_o complain_v that_o the_o minister_n authority_n be_v slight_v in_o the_o whole_a design_n since_o he_o seem_v only_o to_o learn_v from_o the_o people_n what_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n with_o what_o mind_n we_o come_v to_o consider_v any_o thing_n if_o with_o prejudice_n and_o dislike_n we_o be_v then_o ready_a to_o turn_v all_o that_o be_v reasonable_o produce_v in_o favour_n for_o it_o into_o a_o argument_n of_o distaste_n and_o that_o seem_v unreasonable_a with_o the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o displease_v if_o this_o have_v be_v instead_o of_o the_o other_o but_o sure_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o impartiality_n and_o if_o need_v be_v with_o candour_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o if_o the_o difficulty_n of_o do_v so_o be_v see_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o do_v the_o contrary_a even_o among_o man_n otherwise_o good_a we_o have_v the_o great_a need_n to_o entreat_v of_o god_n to_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o rescue_v we_o from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n in_o the_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o do_v not_o intimate_v this_o any_o way_n in_o affectation_n of_o seem_v not_o to_o need_v this_o exhortation_n myself_o but_o remember_v my_o own_o frailty_n i_o do_v hereupon_o admonish_v myself_o as_o well_o as_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o there_o be_v any_o bias_n upon_o my_o judgement_n in_o that_o esteem_n i_o declare_v myself_o to_o have_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o believe_v myself_o to_o be_v bias_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v much_o more_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o security_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v incline_v rather_o to_o judge_n too_o favourable_o of_o public_a rule_n than_o to_o value_v they_o beneath_o their_o just_a worth_n and_o usefulness_n but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o of_o all_o the_o prayer_n in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a composition_n i_o shall_v be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o the_o litany_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v there_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n apt_a to_o excite_v our_o most_o intense_a and_o servant_n desire_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n while_o the_o minister_n lead_v the_o people_n to_o pray_v against_o those_o several_a sin_n and_o evil_n which_o a_o christian_a be_v most_o concern_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o convenient_a period_n the_o congregation_n with_o one_o voice_n cry_v out_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o while_o the_o minister_n lead_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o those_o particular_a blessing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o one_o voice_n cry_v out_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n these_o prayer_n seem_v to_o be_v offer_v with_o such_o affection_n as_o i_o be_o not_o well_o able_a to_o express_v by_o any_o ordinary_a instance_n in_o offer_v they_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o passionate_o concern_v as_o a_o malefactor_n upon_o his_o knee_n that_o beg_v his_o own_o life_n the_o whole_a office_n be_v frame_v with_o respect_n both_o to_o matter_n and_o contrivance_n for_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o utmost_a devotion_n of_o good_a christian_n and_o for_o the_o warm_n of_o the_o cold_a heart_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o such_o a_o disposition_n it_o be_v then_o most_o fit_a to_o express_v our_o charity_n by_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o distinct_o and_o particular_o as_o public_a prayer_n will_v bear_v and_o this_o the_o fullness_n of_o this_o prayer_n do_v admirable_o provide_v for_o as_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v who_o consider_v it_o without_o aversion_n and_o prejudice_n against_o it_o which_o i_o pray_v god_n deliver_v all_o well_o mean_v people_n from_o that_o they_o may_v not_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o concern_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o people_n join_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o indeed_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n be_v because_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o honest_a person_n be_v very_o confident_a that_o in_o this_o thing_n at_o least_o our_o liturgy_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_n to_o such_o person_n give_v reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o for_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v commend_v but_o because_o upon_o this_o occasion_n the_o part_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o litany_n be_v last_o mention_v i_o shall_v now_o speak_v brief_o to_o some_o other_o objection_n against_o the_o litany_n which_o be_v common_o make_v the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v that_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o deadly_a sin_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o deadly_a now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v by_o some_o true_o enough_o say_v that_o these_o word_n do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v a_o distinction_n between_o sin_n that_o be_v and_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o deadly_a but_o admit_v that_o such_o a_o distinction_n be_v intend_v yet_o i_o think_v no_o understanding_n christian_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v offend_v with_o it_o by_o deadly_a sin_n a_o protestant_a mean_n all_o such_o sin_n as_o put_v a_o man_n out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n but_o all_o
jean_n uniformity_n in_o answer_n to_o dr._n hammond_n and_o it_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v contrary_n rather_o privative_n say_v jean_n and_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v not_o indecent_a the_o other_o can_v be_v decent_a and_o if_o the_o action_n may_v be_v perform_v decent_o without_o what_o be_v call_v decent_a then_o that_o which_o we_o call_v so_o be_v not_o decent_a as_o suppose_v it_o be_v plead_v that_o a_o surplice_n be_v decent_a but_o if_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o indecent_a and_o the_o service_n may_v be_v perform_v decent_o without_o it_o than_o that_o vestment_n be_v not_o decent_a in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o concern_v myself_o in_o a_o tedious_a and_o nice_a dispute_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o contrariety_n and_o privative_n but_o ready_o grant_v the_o opposition_n which_o they_o insist_v upon_o betwixt_o decent_a and_o indecent_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o deny_v the_o whole_a they_o infer_v from_o it_o and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o our_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o decency_n and_o indecency_n but_o about_o thing_n decent_a and_o indecent_a and_o although_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v oppose_v as_o above_o say_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o thing_n controvert_v but_o that_o thing_n different_a may_v be_v both_o of_o they_o decent_a as_o for_o example_n he_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v comely_a and_o grave_a to_o preach_v in_o a_o gown_n and_o that_o they_o look_v therefore_o for_o 18._o pag._n 18._o no_o institution_n but_o now_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o for_o if_o a_o person_n may_v preach_v decent_o without_o a_o gown_n than_o it_o can_v be_v decent_a to_o preach_v with_o it_o because_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v contrary_n and_o if_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o indecent_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v without_o it_o must_v he_o say_v then_o to_o preach_v with_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a so_o again_o what_o decency_n be_v to_o indecency_n that_o be_v reverence_n to_o irreverence_n but_o he_o say_v that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v decent_a for_o say_v he_o no_o 13._o pag._n 36._o pag._n 13._o dissenter_n refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v because_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a and_o reverent_a but_o it_o can_v be_v neither_o of_o these_o by_o his_o argument_n for_o they_o also_o affirm_v that_o it_o may_v be_v decent_o and_o reverent_o receive_v though_o they_o do_v not_o kneel_v and_o therefore_o the_o contrary_a to_o kneel_v being_n not_o indecent_a kneeling_z can_v be_v decent_a and_o thus_o i_o may_v run_v on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v argue_v from_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o order_n the_o ground_n of_o he_o and_o the_o other_o mistake_v be_v that_o they_o argue_v from_o the_o kind_n to_o the_o individual_n of_o the_o kind_n as_o if_o one_o individual_a be_v as_o much_o opposite_a to_o the_o other_o as_o kind_a to_o kind_n whereas_o the_o individual_n be_v mutable_a thing_n which_o the_o guise_n of_o country_n and_o custom_n etc._n etc._n alter_v and_o two_o thing_n different_a in_o use_n or_o figure_n or_o the_o like_a may_v be_v both_o of_o they_o decent_a as_o to_o wear_v a_o cloak_n or_o a_o coat_n in_o secular_a business_n a_o cloak_n gown_n or_o surplice_n in_o religious_a solemnity_n according_a as_o the_o custom_n be_v therefore_o the_o brethren_n at_o the_o savoy_n let_v this_o curious_a 62._o proceed_n at_o the_o savoy_n p._n 62._o speculation_n fall_v and_o grant_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n decent_a and_o orderly_a when_o the_o opposite_a species_n be_v not_o undecent_a or_o disorderly_a and_o a_o great_a than_o they_o say_v it_o be_v comely_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o then_o state_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o marry_v and_o yet_o without_o doubt_n it_o be_v 35._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 35._o not_o think_v uncomely_a to_o marry_v too_o which_o yet_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v say_v if_o our_o author_n way_n of_o argue_v have_v be_v of_o any_o force_n after_o all_o this_o pert_a discourse_n against_o thing_n institute_v we_o be_v little_o concern_v not_o only_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o thing_n mere_o institute_v by_o man_n in_o our_o church_n except_o the_o cross_n which_o lay-communion_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o but_o also_o because_o even_o that_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v force_v to_o look_v this_o way_n be_v not_o now_o institute_v but_o be_v receive_v as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o and_o be_v not_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o institution_n but_o of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a command_n betwixt_o which_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n as_o mr._n jean_n 80._o against_o dr._n hammond_n pag._n 80._o right_o observe_v there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o institution_n and_o commandment_n or_o appointment_n for_o though_o every_o institution_n be_v a_o commandment_n or_o appointment_n yet_o every_o commandment_n or_o appointment_n be_v not_o a_o institution_n and_o hence_o a_o church_n in_o a_o place_n may_v command_v and_o appoint_v the_o uniform_a observance_n of_o ceremony_n institute_v unto_o its_o hand_n by_o the_o church_n in_o former_a age_n as_o for_o such_o particular_a thing_n as_o be_v owe_v to_o mere_a institution_n which_o i_o produce_v in_o the_o above_o say_a tract_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o use_n and_o signification_n i_o shall_v keep_v they_o in_o my_o eye_n though_o i_o lay_v they_o aside_o for_o the_o present_a to_o come_v to_o his_o next_o head_n nothing_o though_o necessary_a or_o convenient_a or_o 2._o prop._n 2._o comely_a aught_o to_o be_v use_v in_o and_o much_o less_o appropriate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v all_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v therein_o only_o as_o they_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o humane_a act_n this_o he_o assert_v not_o only_o in_o the_o proposition_n which_o he_o draw_v from_o his_o general_a position_n but_o also_o elsewhere_o so_o he_o say_v that_o they_o comply_v with_o mere_a necessary_a or_o conventent_a circumstance_n 23._o pag._n 23._o either_o of_o action_n or_o such_o or_o such_o action_n consider_v abstract_o from_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v 1._o they_o must_v not_o be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n so_o he_o say_v those_o who_o stumble_v at_o the_o surplice_n as_o not_o 15._o pag._n 15._o many_o do_v or_o the_o cross_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o eucharist_n scruple_n to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n so_o again_o the_o minister_n must_v wear_v his_o surplice_n in_o his_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o sign_n with_o the_o cross_n within_o the_o complex_fw-la act_n of_o worship_n for_o he_o after_o it_o with_o prayer_n conclude_v the_o action_n the_o people_n must_v kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v what_o then_o why_o then_o they_o be_v unlawful_a now_o how_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n as_o posture_n habit_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v use_v without_o particular_n or_o how_o those_o particular_n can_v be_v use_v in_o worship_n lawful_o and_o yet_o be_v unlawful_a because_o use_v in_o worship_n i_o understand_v not_o for_o then_o sit_v will_v be_v unlawful_a if_o alike_o require_v and_o a_o gown_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n unlawful_a and_o the_o lay_v the_o hand_n on_o the_o book_n unlawful_a at_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v a_o prayer_n annex_v and_o at_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v imply_v and_o all_o civil_a usage_n in_o worship_n will_v be_v unlawful_a and_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o what_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v dr._n ames_n and_o other_o do_v think_v that_o such_o usage_n which_o may_v ordinary_o 12._o pag._n 12._o be_v use_v in_o other_o humane_a action_n of_o a_o grave_a nature_n may_v be_v use_v in_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v so_o use_v be_v no_o more_o than_o appendant_o to_o the_o action_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v sensible_a that_o this_o will_v not_o do_v and_o that_o unless_o he_o can_v make_v the_o be_v use_v in_o worship_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o worship_n to_o be_v a_o act_n or_o a_o part_n of_o it_o he_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a and_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v attempt_v it_o it_o will_v be_v but_o to_o disparage_v the_o cause_n he_o make_v a_o second_o adventure_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v appropriate_v to_o worship_n be_v unlawful_a some_o of_o they_o can_v but_o look_v for_o a_o institution_n 12._o pag._n 12._o for_o a_o garment_n mean_v the_o surplice_n which_o they_o must_v be_v tie_v to_o use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o restrain_v from_o the_o wear_n of_o at_o other_o time_n now_o because_o this_o will_v open_v a_o gap_n too_o wide_o for_o he_o to_o stand_v in_o and_o will_v condemn_v place_n as_o
3._o §._o 3._o know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o main_a thing_n he_o herein_o object_n against_o respect_v edification_n in_o handle_v of_o which_o he_o thus_o sum_v up_o my_o sense_n of_o it_o our_o author_n will_v not_o have_v we_o judge_v of_o edification_n from_o what_o most_o improve_v christian_n in_o 33._o case_n examine_v pag._n 33._o knowledge_n and_o grace_n but_o from_o what_o tend_v most_o to_o public_a order_n as_o if_o i_o speak_v of_o order_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o as_o exclusive_a of_o a_o christian_n improvement_n whereas_o i_o plain_o say_v and_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o asunder_o as_o together_o the_o meaning_n and_o design_n of_o what_o i_o say_v be_v to_o show_v that_o christian_n be_v to_o consider_v themselves_o as_o member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o not_o to_o think_v their_o own_o edification_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o it_o to_o this_o he_o say_v several_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a representation_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o proposition_n 1._o we_o must_v consider_v that_o edification_n be_v not_o the_o lay_v a_o foundation_n but_o a_o build_n upon_o it_o and_o so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o break_a order_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o edification_n as_o there_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o which_o will_v warrant_v and_o do_v oblige_v to_o the_o one_o will_v not_o warrant_v nor_o oblige_v to_o the_o other_o this_o will_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o what_o this_o reverend_a author_n confident_o assert_n we_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o man_n to_o keep_v up_o any_o such_o human_a 34._o pag._n 34._o bound_n of_o order_n ought_v to_o omit_v mean_n by_o which_o he_o may_v improve_v his_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o habit_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o assertion_n of_o his_o he_o make_v edification_n and_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n as_o necessary_a as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n 2._o we_o must_v consider_v as_o i_o then_o observe_v that_o order_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o edification_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o happen_v 36._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n p._n 36._o a_o dispute_n betwixt_o observe_v order_n and_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n or_o grace_n it_o be_v betwixt_o mean_n and_o mean_n betwixt_o what_o be_v for_o edification_n in_o one_o way_n and_o what_o be_v for_o it_o in_o another_o and_o not_o betwixt_o what_o be_v for_o and_o what_o 35._o case_n examine_v pag._n 35._o be_v against_o edification_n as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o understand_v 3._o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v a_o dispute_n betwixt_o mean_n and_o mean_n the_o less_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o great_a and_o what_o be_v most_o for_o edification_n be_v to_o yield_v to_o that_o which_o be_v least_o 4._o that_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o any_o particular_a member_n for_o what_o the_o less_o be_v to_o the_o great_a that_o be_v a_o member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o a_o person_n can_v serve_v and_o improve_v himself_o without_o damage_n to_o the_o public_a he_o be_v rather_o to_o sit_v down_o without_o that_o improvement_n than_o to_o do_v mischief_n to_o the_o community_n for_o the_o obtain_n it_o and_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v not_o without_o mean_n sufficient_a for_o salvation_n he_o be_v in_o that_o case_n to_o recede_v from_o some_o further_a attainment_n in_o do_v which_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n he_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n so_o that_o however_o our_o author_n may_v 18._o rom._n 14._o 18._o seem_v to_o shelter_v himself_o under_o the_o phrase_n of_o human_a order_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o no_o church_n can_v subsist_v without_o it_o and_o he_o 35._o case_n examine_v p._n 34._o 35._o that_o take_v away_o order_n take_v away_o the_o church_n and_o he_o that_o say_v a_o person_n ought_v to_o throw_v it_o down_o to_o improve_v his_o soul_n take_v away_o order_n he_o must_v pardon_v i_o if_o i_o think_v that_o he_o talk_v without_o consideration_n for_o he_o that_o talk_v of_o edification_n of_o particular_a soul_n in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o build_n they_o up_o as_o member_n of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o member_n of_o a_o church_n without_o be_v unite_v as_o a_o church_n or_o of_o a_o church_n without_o any_o mean_n to_o unite_v it_o do_v to_o return_v he_o his_o own_o word_n but_o discourse_n of_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o what_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a his_o own_o congregation_n if_o he_o have_v one_o shall_v at_o every_o turn_n put_v into_o practice_n of_o all_o which_o if_o this_o will_v not_o etc._n case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n p._n 41_o 42._o case_n of_o lay-commun_a p_o 39_o etc._n etc._n convince_v he_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o impartial_o to_o view_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n quote_v by_o himself_o from_o the_o apostle_n as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o controvert_v tract_n and_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o answer_v or_o have_v be_v since_o discourse_v of_o in_o another_o case_n the_o four_o enquiry_n in_o the_o tract_n aforesaid_a be_v how_o 4._o §._o 4._o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o which_o head_n i_o show_v what_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o authority_n whether_o ecclestiastical_a or_o civil_a in_o answer_n to_o which_o our_o author_n take_v up_o the_o case_n of_o 39_o case_n examine_v p._n 39_o imposition_n and_o propound_v two_o question_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v these_o q._n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n to_o determine_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o his_o people_n q._n 2._o whether_o in_o case_n they_o make_v any_o such_o law_n the_o people_n may_v without_o sin_n obey_v they_o as_o for_o the_o first_o he_o say_v there_o and_o elsewhere_o we_o 40._o pag._n 5._o 9_o 17._o 32._o 40._o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a worship_n thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o any_o human_a determination_n and_o again_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n no_o superior_n may_v restrain_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n we_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v in_o this_o first_o question_n for_o our_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v not_o so_o much_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o superior_n power_n in_o what_o case_n they_o may_v lawful_o command_v as_o in_o what_o we_o may_v lawful_o obey_v but_o yet_o because_o he_o have_v herein_o offer_v somewhat_o like_o a_o argument_n and_o because_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o will_v make_v way_n for_o the_o second_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o into_o consideration_n to_o render_v his_o argument_n the_o more_o complete_a i_o shall_v repair_v to_o a_o forego_v part_n of_o his_o book_n and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o he_o say_v here_o and_o he_o thus_o represent_v it_o we_o can_v be_v full_o of_o our_o brother_n mind_n that_o in_o the_o 9_o pag._n 9_o worship_n of_o god_n superior_n may_v determine_v circumstance_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n god_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o take_v a_o lamb_n or_o a_o kid_n turtle-dove_n or_o young-pigeon_n etc._n etc._n we_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a reasonable_a world_n whether_o moses_n after_o this_o may_v have_v make_v a_o law_n command_v the_o jew_n to_o use_v none_o but_o kid_n and_o only_a turtle-dove_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o controlment_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n if_o not_o let_v not_o our_o b._n think_v it_o strange_a if_o we_o judge_v the_o same_o of_o word_n in_o prayer_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o argument_n i_o find_v offer_v long_o since_o by_o dr._n ames_n 300._o ames_n ames_n ames_n fresh_a suit_n part_n 2._o p._n 300._o and_o which_o be_v so_o considerable_a in_o our_o author_n opinion_n that_o he_o often_o repeat_v it_o elsewhere_o 41._o elsewhere_o elsewhere_o elsewhere_o pag._n 17._o 30._o 32._o 39_o 41._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o one_a i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n under_o the_o law_n
yet_o they_o help_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o so_o do_v suppose_v that_o the_o case_n wherein_o they_o thus_o act_n be_v a_o case_n of_o pure_a doubt_n and_o there_o be_v no_o persuasion_n on_o either_o side_n and_o withal_o that_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o proceed_v be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n with_o his_o proceed_n the_o truth_n be_v when_o all_o be_v say_v every_o man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o discretion_n and_o if_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n he_o have_v he_o be_v not_o culpable_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o measure_n these_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n can_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o another_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v why_o i_o do_v mention_n they_o at_o all_o since_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v they_o seem_v altogether_o unpracticable_a for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o probability_n or_o sinfulness_n in_o a_o action_n that_o we_o here_o talk_v of_o and_o much_o less_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o balance_v these_o thing_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a from_o thence_o to_o form_v a_o good_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v at_o all_o for_o the_o determine_a man_n in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v give_v these_o because_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o these_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o man_n have_v to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o in_o these_o case_n and_o i_o trust_v also_o they_o will_v not_o be_v whole_o useless_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o the_o purpose_v they_o be_v intend_v because_o all_o may_v hereby_o at_o least_o learn_v thus_o much_o viz._n what_o method_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o action_n in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v false_a notion_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o particular_a sin_n and_o so_o may_v sometime_o make_v false_a application_n of_o these_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o they_o have_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v since_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o act_n in_o doubtful_a case_n according_a to_o what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o do_v endeavour_v it_o but_o to_o render_v these_o rule_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n more_o intelligible_a and_o more_o useful_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o give_v my_o reader_n a_o specimen_fw-la both_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o particular_a case_n and_o likewise_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v what_o light_n they_o give_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o choose_n his_o way_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n he_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o since_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o room_n to_o give_v every_o particular_a rule_n a_o several_a instance_n i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o one_o case_n under_o which_o i_o may_v consider_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n i_o have_v now_o represent_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o celebrate_a case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o which_o we_o have_v not_o a_o great_a or_o a_o more_o frequent_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o doubt_n in_o any_o case_n among_o we_o and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o by_o the_o discussion_n of_o this_o case_n divert_v my_o reader_n against_o his_o will_n from_o the_o main_a argument_n i_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o so_o mark_v in_o the_o print_n that_o every_o one_o may_v without_o trouble_n if_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o read_v it_o pass_v it_o over_o as_o a_o long_a parenthesis_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o point_n this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o to_o take_v they_o frequent_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o be_v his_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v constant_o under_o great_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o grievous_a notorious_a sin_n lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n unrepented_a of_o much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o some_o vicious_a course_n which_o he_o be_v unwilling_a that_o his_o new_a vow_n at_o his_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v divorce_v he_o from_o for_o indeed_o he_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o live_v honest_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n but_o this_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v not_o so_o devout_a a_o christian_n nor_o live_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a a_o life_n as_o he_o think_v become_v the_o partaker_n of_o such_o heavenly_a food_n or_o perhaps_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o to_o so_o feel_v a_o sense_n and_o contrition_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n or_o such_o ardour_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o every_o worthy_a communicant_a aught_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o or_o perhaps_o he_o want_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n so_o comfortable_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o he_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o last_o place_n his_o mind_n be_v so_o haunt_v with_o a_o company_n of_o idle_a and_o naughty_a fancy_n especial_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o serious_a that_o he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a profanation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o it_o in_o such_o circumstance_n these_o or_o such_o like_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o trouble_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v several_a time_n endeavour_v to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a condition_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o satisfy_v himself_o nor_o get_v over_o these_o difficulty_n what_o now_o must_v this_o man_n do_v he_o will_v fain_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o dare_v not_o receive_v it_o as_o look_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v unqualify_v for_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n he_o deny_v his_o attendance_n on_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o doubt_v he_o sin_n on_o that_o account_n if_o he_o do_v come_v he_o doubt_v he_o approach_v unworthy_o and_o so_o sin_n upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o this_o what_o course_n the_o man_n be_v to_o take_v for_o the_o cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o this_o suppose_v the_o man_n after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n can_v cure_v or_o remove_v his_o doubt_n what_o he_o must_v do_v must_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o must_v he_o forbear_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v do_v and_o yet_o which_o of_o they_o soever_o he_o choose_v he_o fear_v he_o sin_n if_o the_o former_a have_v be_v the_o question_n the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v thus_o that_o the_o man_n be_v to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o get_v better_a instruction_n and_o information_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n and_o about_o the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o it_o particular_o those_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o pass_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n upon_o himself_o and_o so_o occasion_n all_o the_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o once_o come_v right_o to_o understand_v these_o point_n his_o doubt_n will_v of_o themselves_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o man_n will_v be_v perfect_o satisfy_v that_o as_o his_o case_n be_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v he_o may_v without_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n in_o the_o world_n at_o any_o time_n approach_v to_o the_o holy_a
case_n and_o we_o have_v a_o easy_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n before_o we_o viz._n that_o since_o a_o great_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v before_o a_o less_o when_o a_o man_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v his_o unworthiness_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v customary_o and_o habitual_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v this_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a well_o but_o some_o say_v how_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o st._n paul_n doctrine_n who_o express_o affirm_v that_o whoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v 29._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 29._o damnation_n to_o himself_o can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o dreadful_a sin_n than_o that_o which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v actual_o damn_v he_o certain_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o that_o a_o man_n run_v a_o much_o less_o hazard_n in_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o than_o in_o venture_v to_o receive_v while_o he_o have_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o he_o receive_v unworthithy_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o brief_o answer_v such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o all_o along_o suppose_v in_o our_o case_n be_v in_o no_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o receive_v unworthy_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o st._n paul_n use_v this_o term._n for_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n that_o he_o so_o severe_o censure_v in_o the_o corinthian_n be_v their_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o so_o little_a a_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v about_o that_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o common_a food_n 22._o ibid._n v._o 29._o v._n 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o meeting_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o use_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o eat_v or_o tipple_a house_n some_o of_o they_o revel_v it_o there_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o go_v away_o drink_v from_o these_o religious_a assembly_n all_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o text._n but_o i_o hope_v none_o among_o we_o especial_o none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o doubtful_a about_o their_o be_v due_o qualify_v do_v profane_a the_o sacrament_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o further_a perhaps_o the_o damnation_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o denounce_v be_v not_o so_o frightful_a as_o be_v common_o apprehend_v for_o all_o that_o he_o say_v if_o either_o the_o original_a or_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o english_a bibles_n be_v consult_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o mean_v hereby_o in_o all_o probability_n that_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o affront_v our_o lord_n instistution_n by_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a meat_n do_v by_o this_o his_o profaneness_n draw_v severe_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o himself_o for_o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o many_o be_v weak_a and_o 30._o ver._n 30._o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o be_v fall_v asleep_o but_o here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n much_o less_o of_o any_o man_n be_v put_v into_o that_o state_n by_o thus_o receive_v unworthy_o unless_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v visit_v with_o god_n judgement_n in_o this_o world_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n as_o to_o the_o next_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o very_a place_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a viz._n in_o the_o 32._o verse_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o judge_v in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n i._n e._n with_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o life_n but_o further_a admit_v st._n paul_n in_o these_o word_n to_o mean_a damnation_n in_o the_o usual_a sense_n yet_o still_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v come_v to_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o whosoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v thus_o unworthy_o as_o the_o corinthian_n do_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o case_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o that_o pray_v or_o hear_v unworthy_o he_o that_o fast_n or_o give_v alm_n unworthy_o in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o in_o any_o instance_n perform_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unworthy_o i_o say_v such_o a_o man_n according_a to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o his_o own_o damnation_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o damnation_n that_o communicate_v unworthy_o in_o the_o sacrament_n though_o indeed_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n damnable_a and_o may_v prove_v actual_o so_o to_o he_o unless_o either_o by_o a_o particular_a or_o general_a repentance_n he_o obtain_v god_n pardon_n for_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o man_n will_v for_o these_o reason_n think_v it_o adviseable_a to_o leave_v off_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o the_o only_a consequence_n he_o will_v draw_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o perform_v they_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v the_o sin_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v as_o great_a and_o as_o damnable_a as_o we_o reasonable_o can_v suppose_v it_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o we_o contend_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o total_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o damnable_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o unworthy_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o that_o partake_v not_o at_o all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v much_o increase_n that_o damnation_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v full_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o speak_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o much_o great_a sin_n of_o transgress_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n than_o of_o observe_v that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v though_o with_o much_o unworthiness_n i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o further_a with_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o encourage_v any_o to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o due_a qualification_n or_o from_o extenuate_v any_o man_n sin_n that_o come_v unworthy_o unworthy_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o melancholy_a scrupulous_a person_n yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o live_v in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o a_o renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n and_o withal_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o even_o the_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n voluntary_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o partake_n in_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v for_o all_o that_o think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n from_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o too_o much_o consider_v how_o often_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o with_o our_o case_n in_o the_o three_o place_n therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v give_v to_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o
what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o but_o further_a let_v if_o you_o please_v the_o common_a translation_n be_v retain_v let_v the_o text_n be_v interpret_v of_o one_o that_o doubt_v and_o not_o of_o one_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v make_v nothing_o against_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o plain_a that_o what_o st._n paul_n here_o call_v doubt_v be_v in_o our_o way_n of_o speak_v a_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n my_o meaning_n be_v this_o the_o doubt_v which_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o that_o where_o a_o man_n judgement_n be_v suspend_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o doubt_v and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v with_o but_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o doubt_v strengthen_v with_o so_o many_o probability_n that_o it_o want_v but_o very_o little_a of_o a_o persuasion_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o it_o be_v a_o real_a persuasion_n though_o with_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n in_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o man_n have_v so_o strong_a conviction_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o eat_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o so_o little_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v yet_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o degree_n more_o probable_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o that_o this_o now_o be_v the_o case_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o exception_n from_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v he_o that_o doubt_v say_v the_o text_n be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v that_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o i_o show_v before_o now_o how_o can_v that_o be_v if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n persuade_v that_o his_o eat_n be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v certain_a no_o man_n can_v be_v further_o condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v any_o action_n than_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o action_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n to_o say_v therefore_o that_o a_o man_n be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o eat_v must_v of_o necessity_n imply_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v his_o eat_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v more_o than_o simple_o douht_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n well_o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o this_o very_a chapter_n let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o but_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o action_n he_o take_v in_o hand_n be_v a_o lawful_a action_n or_o else_o he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n there_o be_v therefore_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v interpret_v this_o text_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o doubt_v the_o apostle_n himself_o direct_v we_o so_o to_o do_v by_o this_o passage_n this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o our_o way_n of_o expound_v this_o text_n and_o probable_o it_o be_v with_o a_o respect_n to_o that_o passage_n that_o so_o many_o interpreter_n have_v translate_v it_o as_o they_o have_v do_v but_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o just_a reason_n from_o thence_o so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o question_n or_o rather_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o question_n with_o any_o one_o who_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o design_n or_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o passage_n the_o passage_n be_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n one_o man_n say_v he_o esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n so_o we_o render_v it_o but_o how_o true_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o come_n in_o of_o these_o word_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o write_v they_o as_o we_o will_v now_o make_v they_o to_o express_v it_o be_v certain_o none_o of_o his_o business_n in_o this_o place_n to_o oblige_v the_o contend_a party_n to_o get_v full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o several_a way_n and_o then_o all_o will_v be_v right_a for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o that_o already_o among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o his_o meaning_n here_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n they_o act_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n they_o sin_v against_o conscience_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v certain_o false_a it_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o his_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o design_v in_o this_o passage_n to_o persuade_v both_o the_o contend_a party_n quiet_o to_o permit_v each_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n which_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v their_o duty_n without_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o this_o now_o be_v a_o meaning_n that_o perfect_o suit_v with_o all_o the_o other_o good_a advice_n he_o give_v they_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o this_o meaning_n he_o do_v express_v in_o as_o apt_a word_n as_o can_v be_v think_v on_o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o satisfy_v with_o his_o own_o persuasion_n the_o original_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o preposition_n as_o be_v read_v in_o some_o good_a copy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o say_v grotius_n be_v a_o hebrew_n way_n of_o expression_n and_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o this_o cuique_fw-la fruatur_fw-la sva_fw-la sententia_fw-la let_v every_o man_n enjoy_v his_o own_o opinion_n or_o as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a must_v proper_o translate_v vnusquisque_fw-la in_o svo_fw-la sensu_fw-la abundet_fw-la i_o e._n let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n or_o last_o as_o the_o commentary_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n ambrose_n vnusquisque_fw-la remittatur_fw-la suis_fw-la consiliis_fw-la let_v every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n also_o both_o st._n crysostome_n and_o theodoret_n do_v expound_v this_o passage_n this_o interpretation_n though_o it_o be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o in_o our_o english_a bible_n yet_o express_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o original_a text_n as_o well_o as_o that_o and_o withal_o have_v better_a authority_n to_o recommend_v it_o but_o that_o which_o we_o chief_o stand_v upon_o be_v that_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v necessary_o require_v this_o interpretation_n for_o in_o truth_n if_o this_o passage_n be_v render_v the_o common_a way_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v import_v that_o every_o man_n in_o every_o case_n be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o the_o precept_n here_o give_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v either_o reasonable_a or_o possible_a it_o be_v certain_o no_o more_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o all_o his_o doubt_n than_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o please_v when_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o doubt_v nay_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o man_n duty_n to_o doubt_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o judgement_n in_o suspense_n when_o the_o weight_n of_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n equal_a as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v upon_o clear_a evidence_n or_o rather_o in_o that_o case_n a_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o doubt_v he_o can_v reasonable_o nay_o he_o can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o i_o think_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n we_o be_v upon_o viz._n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o our_o sense_n but_o only_o with_o a_o resolve_a one_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v from_o hence_o against_o our_o assertion_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o false_a exposition_n of_o the_o text._n but_o though_o this_o be_v as_o i_o think_v the_o true_a
for_o fear_n of_o offence_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o place_n hic_fw-la charitatis_fw-la rationem_fw-la haberi_fw-la decet_fw-la sed_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la arras_n our_o charity_n to_o our_o brother_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n displease_v god_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n and_o action_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o man_n of_o ill-disposed_a or_o weak_a mind_n false_a consequence_n and_o unjust_a inference_n may_v be_v strain_v from_o they_o as_o we_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v abuse_v into_o a_o argument_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v set_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o st._n luke_n 2._o 24._o but_o still_o this_o do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n nor_o can_v it_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n duty_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o such_o uncertain_a contingent_a thing_n as_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o construction_n other_o shall_v make_v of_o our_o action_n or_o the_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v draw_v from_o they_o god_n almighty_a in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o law_n have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o accidental_a event_n that_o may_v happen_v either_o through_o the_o weakness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o command_n without_o any_o allowance_n from_o he_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o foresee_v those_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o our_o do_v our_o duty_n it_o can_v therefore_o never_o be_v that_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v give_v any_o real_a scandal_n and_o whatever_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o my_o do_v of_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v it_o imputable_a to_o i_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o fault_n for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v one_o to_o disobey_v god_n in_o obey_v he_o but_o they_o alone_o be_v chargeable_a who_o be_v offend_v by_o it_o now_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a injunction_n of_o our_o superior_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o another_o bible_n out_o of_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o god_n will_n for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n more_o plain_o command_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o press_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o five_o commandment_n that_o the_o conformity_n require_v by_o our_o church_n contain_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unlawful_a must_v be_v grant_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n from_o all_o which_o the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v since_o we_o may_v not_o redeem_v a_o scandal_n by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n since_o god_n have_v plain_o require_v our_o submission_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o i_o now_o discourse_v with_o that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o competent_a authority_n and_o be_v lawful_a i_o say_v the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n refuse_v to_o conform_v only_o for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o this_o argument_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v any_o of_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o brother_n safety_n by_o wound_v his_o own_o soul_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o lawful_a authority_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a but_o then_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o load_v the_o conclusion_n with_o some_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o pretend_v follow_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v ensue_v upon_o it_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o brief_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o those_o precept_n which_o contain_v only_a ritual_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o those_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o do_v respect_v the_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o together_o can_v be_v observe_v we_o must_v neglect_v or_o violate_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a that_o this_o be_v true_a even_o of_o some_o command_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n do_v produce_v that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n now_o if_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n under_o moses_n law_n yet_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o positive_a injunction_n of_o man_n that_o concern_v only_o the_o external_o and_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n to_o yield_v to_o the_o royal_a and_o indispensable_a law_n of_o charity_n of_o which_o this_o duty_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a part_n thus_o say_v mr._n jean_n in_o his_o second_o part_n of_o scholastical_a divinity_n what_o law_n of_o any_o earthly_a wight_n whatsoever_o concern_v ceremony_n can_v be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o command_v of_o god_n touch_v the_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o these_o external_o of_o his_o worship_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a work_n of_o mercy_n if_o therefore_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o work_n of_o mercy_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o man_n sure_o then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o trash_n of_o human_a invention_n to_o yield_v unto_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o there_o do_v happen_v any_o such_o interfering_n between_o two_o command_n of_o god_n the_o one_o positive_a the_o other_o moral_a the_o positive_a aught_o always_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n ought_v certain_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o moral_a command_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a obligation_n they_o cease_v to_o bind_v we_o either_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o when_o they_o plain_o hinder_v our_o performance_n of_o any_o moral_a duty_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o church_n be_v presume_v to_o dispense_v with_o its_o order_n as_o god_n almighty_n do_v allow_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n in_o such_o circumstance_n but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o where_o the_o necessity_n be_v urgent_a and_o extreme_a the_o sin_n we_o must_v otherwise_o commit_v evident_a and_o certain_a and_o at_o last_o our_o obedience_n be_v dispense_v withal_o only_o for_o that_o one_o time_n thus_o in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n our_o saviour_n st._n matth._n 12._o 5._o acquit_v david_n and_o his_o follower_n of_o all_o blame_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o hunger_n do_v eat_v of_o the_o shewbread_n which_o otherwise_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v but_o have_v they_o take_v a_o particular_a fancy_n to_o that_o bread_n and_o refuse_v to_o have_v eat_v of_o any_o other_o because_o that_o best_a agree_v with_o their_o stomach_n and_o be_v most_o please_a to_o their_o palate_n can_v we_o think_v our_o saviour_n will_v have_v so_o easy_o excuse_v they_o or_o which_o be_v near_o to_o our_o case_n because_o god_n do_v prefer_v act_n of_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n where_o both_o can_v not_o be_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v justify_v any_o man_n whole_o leave_v off_o sacrifice_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n invent_v another_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o more_o expedient_a than_o sacrifice_a or_o choose_v another_o place_n to_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a for_o all_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o city_n be_v we_o may_v leave_v our_o prayer_n forsake_v the_o church_n to_o save_v
at_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n make_v use_v of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n by_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o testimony_n which_o be_v quote_v by_o learned_a man_n upon_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n look_v upon_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o a_o stand_a form_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v perpetual_o use_v by_o christian_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o who_o believe_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o to_o be_v perpetual_o oblige_v can_v not_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v constant_o use_v in_o the_o apostolic_a age._n and_o my_o think_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o have_v the_o institution_n be_v temporary_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n shall_v never_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a high_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o constant_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n without_o the_o least_o warrant_v so_o to_o do_v either_o from_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n by_o all_o this_o therefore_o it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n there_o have_v be_v form_n of_o prayer_n institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o be_v that_o true_a which_o our_o brethren_n affirm_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o conclude_v against_o the_o admission_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n since_o there_o be_v form_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v but_o they_o object_v yet_o far_o that_o all_o that_o this_o prove_v be_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o god_n appointment_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o worship_n which_o no_o body_n doubt_n of_o but_o from_o hence_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o man_n may_v appoint_v form_n of_o humane_a composure_n for_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o god_n prescribe_v be_v immediate_o dictate_v by_o he_o to_o those_o inspire_a person_n who_o deliver_v they_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o appoint_v new_a scripture_n for_o public_a instruction_n because_o those_o inspire_a person_n do_v so_o as_o to_o appoint_v new_a form_n for_o public_a worship_n now_o because_o i_o perceive_v this_o objection_n be_v very_o much_o insist_v on_o by_o our_o brethren_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o return_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a answer_n to_o it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o this_o objection_n allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n second_o that_o it_o must_v allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o public_a form_n to_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o good_a and_o useful_a three_o it_o must_v also_o allow_v that_o god_n prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n by_o inspire_a person_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o a_o warrant_n for_o our_o imitation_n as_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a and_o lawful_o imitable_a by_o we_o four_o that_o though_o it_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n by_o inspire_a person_n have_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o the_o church_n may_v prescribe_v they_o upon_o god_n reason_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o therefore_o it_o may_v prescribe_v they_o as_o scripture_n or_o divine_a inspiration_n first_o that_o this_o objection_n allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v lawful_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o intrinsic_a evil_n and_o to_o have_v no_o contrariety_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o the_o eternal_a rule_n and_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n for_o this_o objection_n grant_v as_o it_o do_v that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n must_v either_o admit_v that_o god_n may_v do_v and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v intrinsical_o evil_a and_o repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n or_o grant_v that_o the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n have_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v his_o form_n be_v a_o tacit_n approbation_n of_o other_o form_n that_o be_v prescribe_v before_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o god_n but_o by_o man_n too_o for_o though_o beside_o those_o form_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o doctor_n tell_v we_o of_o sundry_a form_n of_o humane_a composure_n that_o be_v use_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o disapprove_v either_o they_o or_o that_o which_o john_n baptist_n teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o late_a he_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o own_o disciple_n which_o form_n of_o he_o as_o our_o learned_a gregory_n have_v prove_v he_o collect_v out_o of_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v then_o use_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o who_o book_n the_o several_a part_n and_o clause_n of_o it_o be_v extant_a almost_o verbatim_o to_o this_o day_n and_o certain_o have_v he_o disapprove_v their_o form_n as_o evil_a and_o sinful_a he_o will_v never_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o prayer_n out_o of_o '_o they_o since_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o form_n but_o have_v also_o give_v it_o under_o such_o circumstance_n as_o do_v plain_o signify_v his_o approbation_n of_o other_o form_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o either_o he_o have_v approve_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a or_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o evil_a second_o that_o this_o objection_n must_v allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o public_a form_n to_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o good_a and_o useful_a for_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v he_o be_v direct_v to_o do_v by_o his_o own_o infallible_a wisdom_n which_o always_o proceed_v upon_o the_o best_a reason_n and_o propose_v the_o best_a end_n of_o action_n to_o he_o and_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o compass_v and_o obtain_v they_o when_o therefore_o we_o grant_v that_o god_n have_v do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n we_o must_v either_o allow_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o some_o excellent_a end_n and_o purpose_n or_o suppose_v that_o he_o do_v not_o consult_v his_o wisdom_n in_o it_o or_o that_o his_o wisdom_n be_v mistake_v he_o therefore_o who_o allow_v that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n must_v either_o blaspheme_v his_o wisdom_n or_o grant_v the_o prescribe_v they_o to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o prescribe_v they_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a only_o at_o that_o time_n and_o under_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v prescribe_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n may_v be_v good_a and_o useful_a the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v be_v a_o carnal_a dull_a and_o stupid_a people_n and_o yet_o under_o the_o time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o gospel-state_n which_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a the_o prescribe_v they_o may_v not_o only_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a but_o become_v hurtful_a and_o injurious_a to_o which_o in_o short_a i_o answer_v one_a that_o suppose_v it_o be_v the_o carnality_n dulness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o render_v form_n so_o useful_a to_o they_o i_o doubt_v that_o as_o to_o those_o particular_n the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o much_o alter_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a still_o and_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v we_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o very_o dull_a and_o carnal_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o as_o it_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n we_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_o refine_v from_o dulness_n and_o carnality_n but_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v still_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o we_o but_o 2_o this_o objection_n allow_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v form_n of_o prayer_n prescribe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v also_o prescribe_v one_o in_o the_o new_a for_o all_o successive_a age_n to_o pray_v by_o and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o must_v either_o blaspheme_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o prescribe_v what_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a or_o grant_v the_o prescription_n of_o form_n to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o the_o jewish_a but_o also_o for_o the_o gospel-state_n three_o this_o objection_n must_v also_o allow_v that_o god_n prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n by_o inspire_a person_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o a_o warrant_n for_o our_o imitation_n as_o the_o
that_o the_o minister_n shall_v read_v all_o as_o he_o do_v other_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v recite_v the_o psalm_n and_o other_o godly_a hymn_n with_o the_o minister_n by_o way_n of_o answer_v in_o turn_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v with_o we_o more_o or_o less_o in_o most_o place_n for_o when_o the_o people_n rise_v up_o to_o do_v this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o solemn_a praise_v of_o god_n this_o be_v much_o near_o to_o sing_v wherein_o the_o people_n be_v allow_v to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o god_n vocal_a praise_n than_o the_o minister_n recite_v all_o himself_o and_o shut_v out_o the_o people_n from_o any_o part_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v object_v particular_o against_o the_o recite_v of_o one_o verse_n of_o the_o psalm_n by_o the_o minister_n and_o another_o by_o the_o people_n that_o the_o people_n verse_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v to_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n since_o in_o the_o confuse_a murmur_n of_o so_o many_o voice_n nothing_o can_v be_v distinct_o hear_v now_o if_o our_o brethren_n shall_v admit_v of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v in_o vindication_n of_o these_o responsal_n i_o hope_v this_o objection_n will_v not_o be_v insist_v upon_o i_o grant_v that_o which_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o congregation_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o then_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v utter_v by_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v well_o enough_o understand_v by_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o book_n or_o who_o be_v acquaint_v competent_o well_o with_o the_o psalm_n themselves_o i_o need_v not_o say_v much_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n because_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v by_o every_o one_o that_o make_v it_o if_o he_o can_v read_v and_o will_v bring_v a_o book_n along_o with_o he_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a as_o be_v pretend_v for_o they_o also_o to_o take_v those_o verse_n which_o be_v utter_v by_o those_o that_o be_v near_o they_o if_o they_o will_v careful_o attend_v and_o i_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v that_o some_o devout_a people_n that_o can_v never_o read_v have_v attain_v to_o a_o ability_n of_o recite_v most_o of_o the_o psalm_n without_o book_n by_o often_o hear_v they_o in_o those_o church_n where_o they_o be_v alternate_o recite_v which_o show_v that_o the_o murmur_n be_v not_o so_o confuse_v but_o that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v hear_v ditinct_o enough_o to_o be_v understand_v if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o then_o they_o that_o can_v read_v may_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v more_o quicken_v than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v to_o learn_v to_o read_v however_o to_o attend_v and_o to_o learn_v the_o psalm_n without_o book_n that_o they_o also_o may_v bear_v their_o part_n vocal_o with_o the_o congregation_n in_o god_n praise_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o psalm_n be_v recite_v alternate_o in_o those_o church_n only_o where_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n can_v read_v very_o few_o except_v for_o by_o the_o way_n this_o method_n of_o read_v the_o psalm_n be_v not_o command_v but_o every_o parish_n church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v she_o own_o custom_n about_o it_o in_o the_o country_n parish_n the_o minister_n general_o recite_v all_o which_o way_n i_o do_v not_o think_v so_o convenient_a as_o that_o of_o responsal_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o give_v before_o but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o breach_n among_o we_o about_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o which_o one_o way_n may_v perhaps_o be_v more_o convenient_a in_o one_o respect_n and_o the_o contrary_a more_o convenient_a in_o another_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o altogether_o dwell_v upon_o consideration_n that_o favour_v our_o own_o opinion_n but_o attend_v also_o to_o those_o that_o may_v be_v offer_v for_o another_o and_o put_v the_o best_a construction_n upon_o it_o especial_o in_o favour_n of_o a_o public_a rule_n or_o a_o receive_a custom_n this_o be_v more_o christian-like_a and_o will_v be_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n soul_n and_o for_o our_o own_o comfort_n at_o last_o than_o to_o strain_v our_o utmost_a wit_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o to_o aggravate_v inconvenience_n against_o the_o law_n or_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n where_o we_o live_v this_o that_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o law_n impose_v on_o all_o the_o church_n of_o our_o national_a communion_n but_o a_o custom_n of_o some_o of_o they_o which_o i_o think_v good_a to_o descend_v that_o they_o who_o think_v not_o so_o high_o well_o of_o it_o as_o i_o do_v may_v not_o yet_o break_v communion_n with_o those_o that_o use_v it_o and_o i_o hope_v our_o brethren_n who_o grant_v the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o vocal_a praise_n will_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o utter_v the_o psalm_n by_o responsal_n but_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v concern_v the_o difficulty_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v and_o that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a reason_n for_o this_o pretence_n see_v the_o psalm_n be_v the_o most_o know_a part_n in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o if_o those_o few_o who_o can_v read_v will_v be_v careful_a they_o may_v reap_v great_a benefit_n by_o attend_v to_o the_o congregation_n as_o some_o have_v do_v till_o themselves_o have_v be_v able_a to_o recite_v the_o psalm_n 2._o if_o they_o grant_v it_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v join_v in_o vocal_a praise_n i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v dispute_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o expedience_n of_o their_o join_n with_o the_o minister_n sometime_o in_o vocal_a prayer_n it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v a_o reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v disallow_v if_o that_o be_v allow_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v some_o example_n and_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o one_o but_o not_o for_o the_o other_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o that_o the_o express_a warrant_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o one_o be_v a_o imply_v warrant_v for_o the_o other_o unless_o a_o man_n will_v say_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v in_o god_n worship_n for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o express_v and_o particular_a warrant_n which_o though_o a_o man_n may_v say_v when_o he_o be_v oppose_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o he_o like_v not_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o say_v it_o when_o he_o come_v to_o defend_v his_o own_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n that_o no_o man_n will_v stand_v by_o though_o sometime_o he_o may_v take_v it_o up_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v we_o a_o perfect_a account_n of_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n either_o in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christian_n nor_o to_o prescribe_v a_o form_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n several_a thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o religious_a assembly_n of_o christian_n first_o of_o all_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o those_o time_n and_o several_a that_o be_v fit_a enough_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n service_n when_o miracle_n shall_v cease_v and_o of_o both_o sort_n some_o be_v intimate_v in_o st._n paul_n two_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n but_o no_o man_n that_o understand_v these_o thing_n will_v say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o intimate_v there_o or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v in_o their_o worship_n this_o or_o that_o custom_n from_o hence_o that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o write_v that_o they_o observe_v it_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v use_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o i_o suppose_v they_o be_v very_o few_o who_o will_v therefore_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v use_v or_o not_o we_o be_v able_a to_o show_v that_o the_o people_n join_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n with_o the_o minister_n be_v very_o ancient_o practise_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o christian_n julian_n the_o apostate_n appoint_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o heathen_a to_o be_v recite_v in_o part_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o know_a custom_n 3._o naz._n orat._n 3._o of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v general_o practise_v before_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o primitive_a way_n it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o it_o
never_o say_v that_o in_o this_o place_n the_o thing_n forbid_v be_v moral_o evil_a but_o the_o contrary_n but_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n forbid_v in_o deut._n 14._o 1._o he_o show_v that_o they_o be_v moral_o evil_a nor_o be_v your_o bare_a say_n that_o that_o place_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o sense_n a_o confutation_n of_o he_o and_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o text_n which_o you_o desire_v your_o author_n to_o consider_v in_o these_o word_n 12._o word_n word_n word_n p._n 12._o but_o because_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o he_o can_v find_v no_o other_o text_n that_o make_v more_o if_o so_o much_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o sir_n but_o to_o consider_v hos_n 2._o 16_o 17._o and_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o that_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o ishi_n and_o shall_v call_v i_o no_o more_o baali_n for_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o name_n of_o baalim_fw-la out_o of_o her_o mouth_n and_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v remember_v by_o their_o name_n now_o upon_o this_o text_n you_o say_v that_o baali_n be_v a_o very_a good_a name_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o self_n what_o do_v it_o signify_v more_o than_o my_o lord_n adonai_n be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n by_o which_o name_n it_o be_v never_o unlawful_a to_o call_v god_n but_o because_o the_o idol_n be_v call_v baal_n god_n abhor_v it_o though_o he_o allow_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v by_o another_o name_n of_o the_o same_o significancy_n nor_o will_v i_o believe_v our_o author_n himself_o own_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n under_o the_o name_n of_o baali_n now_o because_o you_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o this_o text_n you_o shall_v have_v the_o full_a answer_n and_o 1._o i_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n give_v the_o jew_n a_o prohibition_n no_o more_o to_o call_v he_o baali_n but_o make_v they_o a_o gracious_a promise_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o what_o go_v before_o that_o the_o word_n be_v a_o promise_n viz._n by_o the_o two_o forego_v verse_n wherein_o god_n promise_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o plague_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n that_o be_v upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n and_o to_o give_v they_o again_o happy_a day_n and_o then_o he_o say_v thou_o shall_v call_v i_o ishi_n and_o shall_v call_v i_o no_o more_o baali_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v call_v i_o no_o more_o by_o a_o name_n of_o fear_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v but_o by_o a_o name_n of_o love_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v this_o signify_v sponsus_fw-la benignus_n but_o that_o durus_fw-la &_o imperiosus_fw-la maritus_fw-la or_o dominus_fw-la such_o as_o baal_n be_v to_o his_o worshipper_n as_o the_o critic_n will_v tell_v you_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v a_o occasion_n give_v you_o from_o my_o severe_a usage_n of_o you_o to_o call_v i_o by_o a_o name_n that_o signify_v a_o harsh_a lord_n or_o he_o will_v not_o be_v to_o they_o like_o such_o a_o lord_n as_o baal_n be_v but_o he_o will_v show_v they_o the_o kindness_n of_o a_o tender_o love_a husband_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 2._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n meaning_n be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o use_v that_o word_n baal_n because_o idolater_n use_v it_o and_o a_o idol_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o than_o they_o may_v not_o use_v the_o name_n jah_n neither_o because_o the_o heathen_n use_v the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o will_v god_n have_v call_v himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o baal_n as_o you_o will_v find_v he_o do_v isa_n 54._o 5._o if_o you_o consult_v your_o hebrew_a bible_n as_o that_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o husband_n 3._o whereas_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o name_n of_o baalim_fw-la out_o of_o her_o mouth_n and_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v remember_v by_o their_o name_n the_o follow_a critic_n do_v give_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o they_o as_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o favour_n your_o purpose_n this_o be_v liveleius_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o church_n idolatry_n shall_v be_v abolish_v calvin_n be_v i_o will_v cause_v my_o people_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o their_o lie_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o my_o law_n the_o exposition_n of_o vatablus_n be_v this_o by_o baalim_fw-la god_n understand_v the_o various_a image_n of_o baal_n which_o have_v various_a name_n according_a to_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v erect_v as_o there_o be_v many_o jupiter_n among_o the_o heathen_n and_o whereas_o you_o say_v because_o the_o idol_n be_v call_v baal_n god_n abhor_v that_o name_n i_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o that_o to_o think_v god_n can_v abhor_v a_o good_a name_n mere_o because_o of_o its_o have_v be_v give_v to_o a_o idol_n speak_v a_o childish_a notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o that_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v but_o after_o all_o this_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n here_o forbid_v the_o jew_n to_o call_v himself_o for_o the_o future_a by_o the_o name_n of_o baal_n this_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o affect_v our_o author_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v be_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o idol_n baal_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o take_v his_o name_n into_o their_o mouth_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v tempt_v by_o use_v it_o to_o worship_v he_o again_o but_o our_o author_n have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v you_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o be_v fetch_v from_o hence_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ceremony_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o since_o they_o be_v use_v without_o any_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n by_o the_o ancient_a father_n before_o they_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o rome_n they_o may_v not_o return_v to_o their_o first_o use_n the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v perfect_o remove_v and_o moreover_o no_o danger_n arise_v from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o member_n of_o our_o church_n of_o return_v to_o popery_n but_o in_o your_o 13._o your_o your_o your_o p._n 13._o next_o page_n you_o find_v fault_n with_o our_o author_n for_o assert_v as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o 28_o page_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o inclination_n in_o the_o member_n of_o our_o church_n to_o go_v over_o to_o that_o of_o rome_n nor_o have_v any_o such_o inclination_n be_v observe_v ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n as_o be_v in_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o need_v i_o show_v you_o the_o impertinency_n of_o your_o answer_n to_o this_o passage_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o people_n now_o be_v more_o devout_o incline_v i_o very_o much_o doubt_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n than_o than_o now_o to_o be_v averse_a to_o it_o have_v more_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o they_o than_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o heart_n of_o all_o be_v by_o nature_n now_o as_o bad_a as_o then_o but_o 1._o do_v it_o argue_v that_o our_o people_n be_v more_o devout_o incline_v than_o the_o jew_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o incline_v to_o idolatry_n man_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o devotion_n in_o their_o temper_n may_v have_v no_o inclination_n at_o all_o to_o some_o certain_a vice_n but_o i_o need_v only_o to_o ask_v you_o whether_o the_o turk_n be_v a_o devout_a sort_n of_o people_n than_o the_o jew_n than_o be_v or_o whether_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o devout_a now_o than_o they_o be_v then_o because_o as_o every_o body_n know_v they_o both_o have_v at_o present_a not_o only_o no_o inclination_n but_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n to_o idolatry_n and_o so_o have_v have_v for_o many_o age_n 2._o what_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v more_o miraculous_a operation_n among_o they_o etc._n etc._n do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v necessary_o as_o much_o incline_v to_o idolatry_n as_o they_o be_v why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o turk_n as_o much_o incline_v or_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o have_v no_o more_o miraculous_a operation_n among_o they_o than_o we_o have_v among_o we_o 3._o what_o though_o our_o heart_n be_v as_o bad_a by_o nature_n as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n be_v must_v we_o needs_o be_v therefore_o as_o much_o incline_v to_o idolatry_n as_o they_o be_v why_o then_o i_o ask_v again_o be_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o
any_o moment_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o under_o this_o twofold_a head_n 1._o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o retain_v of_o it_o still_o among_o we_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o that_o church_n ii_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o introduce_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o warranty_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a offensive_a invasion_n of_o his_o right_n who_o royal_a prerogative_n alone_o it_o be_v to_o institute_v what_o sacrament_n he_o please_v in_o his_o church_n under_o these_o two_o head_n i_o think_v may_v be_v fair_o comprehend_v all_o those_o objection_n our_o brethren_n have_v offer_v against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n at_o least_o all_o those_o that_o be_v any_o thing_n material_a insomuch_o that_o if_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o can_v be_v remove_v we_o may_v fair_o hope_v none_o of_o the_o sober_a and_o conscientious_a dissenter_n but_o will_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o maintain_v the_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o candour_n and_o clearness_n that_o become_v the_o design_n of_o this_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o discourse_n that_o have_v be_v publish_v of_o this_o kind_n viz._n to_o convince_v and_o not_o reproach_n or_o provoke_v any_o to_o effect_v if_o possible_a the_o happy_a agreement_n and_o consequent_o enlarge_v and_o strengthen_v the_o interest_n of_o good_a men._n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v think_v fit_a not_o to_o quote_v the_o writing_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o rather_o to_o represent_v the_o objection_n as_o what_o be_v in_o general_a avow_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o whole_a party_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v here_o offer_v that_o have_v not_o be_v already_o with_o great_a learning_n and_o integrity_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o many_o assertor_n of_o our_o church_n yet_o perhaps_o the_o bring_v this_o under_o one_o view_n without_o the_o warmth_n or_o salt_n of_o a_o adversary_n may_v not_o prove_v altogether_o vain_a and_o ineffectual_a i._o i_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o retain_v of_o it_o still_o among_o we_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o that_o church_n i_o must_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o material_a figure_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v indeed_o abuse_v to_o very_o idolatrous_a purpose_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o even_o the_o aereal_a sign_n of_o it_o to_o purpose_n superstitious_a and_o ridiculous_a enough_o and_o if_o what_o we_o do_v in_o use_v this_o sign_n in_o baptism_n be_v real_o chargeable_a with_o popery_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o detest_v and_o reject_v it_o the_o objection_n therefore_o at_o the_o first_o view_n look_v plausible_o enough_o when_o it_o thus_o charge_v this_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n paganism_n itself_o be_v hardly_o more_o odious_a nor_o in_o truth_n for_o some_o very_a good_a reason_n among_o wise_a man_n more_o ridiculous_a and_o intolerable_a there_o be_v scarce_o any_o part_n of_o popery_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o dpravation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o rule_n such_o a_o defeat_n to_o the_o great_a purpose_n and_o end_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n that_o it_o deserve_v well_o enough_o the_o good_a man_n just_a abhorrency_n which_o he_o may_v reasonable_o express_v when_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o any_o real_a danger_n of_o the_o snare_n but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o easy_a and_o natural_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o person_n that_o otherwise_o mean_v honest_o enough_o to_o humour_v a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a offence_n against_o popery_n into_o groundless_a suspicion_n upon_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o such_o tendency_n at_o all_o in_o they_o and_o upon_o these_o first_o suspicion_n not_o only_o to_o startle_v and_o grow_v a_o little_a shy_a and_o nice_a but_o to_o determine_v themselves_o in_o resolve_v &_o unmoveable_a prejudices_fw-la that_o have_v have_v effect_n ill_a enough_o for_o upon_o this_o design_v man_n have_v make_v their_o advantage_n upon_o every_o trifle_a occasion_n give_v out_o the_o word_n and_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o what_o it_o have_v be_v their_o humour_n or_o interest_n to_o desire_v a_o change_n in_o and_o this_o probable_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o this_o case_n in_o hand_n the_o accusation_n have_v be_v draw_v against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v very_o popish_a and_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o this_o accusation_n have_v beget_v in_o some_o honest_a mind_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o seem_v invincible_a how_o unreasonable_o therefore_o this_o charge_n be_v lay_v against_o our_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n may_v appear_v when_o we_o have_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v much_o more_o ancient_a than_o the_o first_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ii_o that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v in_o our_o church_n have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o romish_a ritual_n iii_o last_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v great_o abuse_v this_o ceremony_n to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n of_o superstition_n yet_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o continue_v the_o reform_a use_n of_o it_o still_o among_o we_o that_o have_v profess_o separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n i._o consider_v we_o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v much_o more_o ancient_a than_o the_o first_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o will_v be_v understand_v as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v put_v that_o church_n under_o the_o imputation_n of_o what_o we_o now_o call_v popery_n for_o that_o there_o be_v some_o deprave_a custom_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o so_o that_o of_o rome_n perhaps_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o in_o very_o early_a day_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o st._n paul_n rebuke_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o from_o what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o his_o revelation_n to_o st._n john_n condemn_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n so_o that_o when_o i_o say_v the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o first_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o mean_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o those_o corruption_n in_o she_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o have_v just_o esteem_v she_o a_o apostatise_v church_n more_o ancient_a than_o either_o the_o introduction_n of_o image_n their_o multiplication_n of_o sacrament_n their_o pretension_n to_o supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n or_o any_o of_o those_o superstitious_a rite_n in_o worship_n by_o which_o we_o distinguish_v that_o church_n as_o popish_a and_o brand_v it_o as_o false_a and_o antichristian_a as_o to_o this_o therefore_o i_o know_v none_o of_o our_o dissent_v age._n by_o which_o phrase_n the_o apostle_n in_o truth_n mean_v the_o secret_a working_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o that_o age._n brethren_n however_o for_o a_o shift_n in_o argument_n they_o may_v talk_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n beginning_n to_o work_v betimes_o and_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n *_o that_o yet_o do_v profess_o charge_v any_o signal_n apostasy_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o least_o for_o the_o first_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n not_o to_o the_o age_n wherein_o st._n austin_n flourish_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o church_n that_o may_v be_v communicate_v with_o at_o that_o time_n notwithstanding_o that_o father_n complain_v of_o the_o superfaetation_n of_o ceremony_n even_o then_o which_o at_o least_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v very_o burdensome_a and_o yet_o for_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o of_o year_n before_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o tertullian_n such_o mention_n of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n that_o make_v it_o very_o plain_a it_o have_v be_v a_o customary_a thing_n long_o before_o his_o time_n also_o and_o
blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_o primitive_a christian_n signalise_v their_o profession_n with_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v intermix_v with_o rome_n in_o any_o usage_n of_o worship_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v the_o least_o savour_n of_o idolatry_n superstition_n or_o false_a religion_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reform_v whole_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_o jealous_a of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o be_v of_o superstition_n will_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o those_o fantastic_a antipathy_n as_o to_o abolish_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n mere_o because_o it_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o papist_n if_o some_o other_o very_o substantial_a reason_n do_v not_o put_v in_o its_o claim_n against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o govern_v themselves_o in_o these_o temperate_a and_o unbyast_a method_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v justify_v themselves_o to_o their_o adversary_n or_o the_o world_n or_o have_v make_v it_o so_o evident_a as_o by_o their_o wise_a management_n they_o do_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v from_o the_o mere_a urgency_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o wantonness_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o where_o any_o mean_v honest_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o those_o do_v that_o dissent_n from_o we_o in_o this_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o reason_n very_o well_o awake_v that_o the_o mere_a charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o any_o dispute_v point_n may_v not_o so_o prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o thing_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o debate_n and_o mature_a consideration_n second_o the_o other_o head_n of_o objection_n against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v that_o it_o seem_v the_o introduce_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o warranty_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a offensive_a invasion_n of_o his_o right_n who_o royal_a prerogative_n alone_o it_o be_v to_o institute_v what_o sacrament_n he_o please_v in_o his_o church_n this_o objection_n seem_v to_o point_v at_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o with_o respect_n in_o common_a to_o all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o worship_n which_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o antecedent_o prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o to_o do_v this_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v general_o affirm_v it_o a_o bold_a and_o unwarrantable_a intrusion_n upon_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n that_o be_v in_o prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n all_o their_o mode_n and_o usage_n in_o worship_n from_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vary_v or_o deviate_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v in_o any_o one_o circumstance_n this_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o further_o notice_n of_o than_o as_o it_o may_v necessary_o intermix_v itself_o with_o the_o question_n particular_o in_o hand_n about_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n partly_o because_o i_o will_v keep_v as_o strict_o as_o may_v be_v to_o this_o distinct_a case_n and_o especial_o because_o this_o case_n of_o do_v nothing_o in_o or_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o in_o his_o word_n have_v be_v another_o province_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n itself_o which_o our_o brethren_n will_v make_v their_o main_a instance_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v make_v direct_o against_o it_o they_o do_v unquestionable_o take_v up_o some_o usage_n wherein_o moses_n have_v give_v no_o antecedent_n direction_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v not_o unlawful_a upon_o that_o account_n because_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v not_o only_o not_o blame_v or_o accuse_v they_o of_o encroachment_n or_o superstition_n but_o himself_o practise_v &_o comply_v with_o they_o this_o among_o many_o other_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v up_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o their_o synagogue_n worship_n and_o upon_o another_o occasion_n may_v be_v further_o insist_v on_o by_o and_o by_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o be_v no_o rule_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o add_v the_o inexpediency_n and_o unfitness_n of_o this_o rule_n to_o the_o very_a oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v to_o diffuse_v itself_o among_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o people_n who_o do_v so_o infinite_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o both_o in_o their_o custom_n and_o in_o the_o signification_n of_o those_o custom_n too_o that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v a_o vast_a and_o bulky_a digest_v of_o law_n indeed_o that_o must_v have_v suit_v all_o country_n be_v every_o circumstance_n and_o punctilio_n in_o divine_a worship_n to_o have_v be_v antecedent_o prescribe_v all_o this_o have_v be_v with_o so_o much_o clearness_n make_v out_o by_o several_a hand_n that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v at_o this_o time_n of_o the_o day_n our_o brethren_n do_v not_o expect_v or_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o further_a conviction_n in_o this_o point_n and_o seem_v in_o some_o measure_n agree_v that_o this_o position_n of_o they_o will_v not_o hold_v water_n it_o be_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n therefore_o that_o will_v fall_v more_o direct_o under_o our_o consideration_n at_o this_o present_a and_o that_o be_v that_o our_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n do_v seem_v to_o run_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o mean_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a invisible_a grace_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o redeemer_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dedicate_a mean_n to_o consecrate_v we_o to_o god_n that_o it_o signify_v our_o covenant_a engagement_n and_o be_v as_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o represent_v christ_n die_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o signify_v our_o be_v list_v under_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o baptism_n that_o it_o add_v another_o sacrament_n to_o baptism_n and_o that_o it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o engage_v sign_n in_o our_o first_o and_o solemn_a covenant_v with_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v real_o oblige_v by_o baptism_n be_v more_o express_o affix_v to_o that_o airy_a sign_n than_o to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o many_o other_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o we_o may_v find_v intersperse_v in_o the_o several_a writing_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n where_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o dispute_v this_o ceremony_n this_o of_o the_o cross_n have_v at_o least_o the_o semblance_n of_o a_o sacrament_n be_v indeed_o the_o only_a objection_n the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n insist_v upon_o in_o their_o exception_n against_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o present_a liturgy_n as_o to_o this_o therefore_o first_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v that_o the_o word_n sacrament_n itself_o have_v be_v so_o well_o agree_v upon_o among_o we_o the_o father_n have_v use_v it_o so_o much_o at_o large_a in_o their_o writing_n that_o it_o will_v sometime_o be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o our_o brethren_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n by_o which_o several_a other_o exception_n have_v be_v make_v may_v have_v disallow_v and_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o word_n by_o no_o mean_n scriptural_a but_o pagan_a and_o heathenish_a however_o since_o by_o a_o long_a reception_n of_o the_o word_n into_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v agree_v on_o all_o side_n what_o the_o sense_n and_o acceptation_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n will_v be_v to_o show_v 1._o what_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n and_o then_o 2._o to_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o as_o our_o church_n never_o do_v design_n or_o intend_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n to_o make_v a_o new_a sacrament_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o have_v not_o any_o semblance_n of_o a_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n that_o both_o side_n be_v agree_v in_o first_o as_o to_o our_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrament_n i_o must_v presume_v our_o church_n in_o her_o public_a catechism_n have_v give_v that_o definition_n of_o it_o which_o no_o reform_v church_n but_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o that_o be_v
public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o least_o notice_n take_v by_o without_o any_o complaint_n or_o opposition_n from_o any_o particular_a person_n either_o in_o the_o then_o present_a or_o succeed_a generation_n 3_o the_o primitive_a church_n esteem_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n as_o that_o which_o deserve_o challenge_v from_o they_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o reverence_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o pay_v and_o express_v either_o with_o their_o soul_n or_o body_n this_o be_v clear_a partly_o from_o those_o honorary_a title_n they_o bestow_v upon_o this_o ordinance_n and_o adorn_v it_o with_o which_o import_v the_o great_a deference_n and_o the_o most_o awful_a regard_n imaginable_a partly_o from_o that_o tedious_a 58._o see_v part_n 1._o p._n 58._o and_o severe_a discipline_n which_o she_o exercise_v the_o catechuman_n and_o penitent_n with_o before_o she_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o fit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a mystery_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n so_o only_o as_o to_o behold_v it_o and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o those_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o by_o worthy_a communicant_n over_o the_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v heretofore_o account_v a_o high_a honour_n and_o privilege_n but_o to_o make_v one_o at_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o pledge_n of_o our_o lord_n love_v be_v esteem_v the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o extremity_n of_o honour_n and_o happiness_n that_o a_o christian_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n heretofore_o with_o shame_n and_o reproach_n be_v it_o speak_v to_o our_o stupid_o wicked_a and_o degenerate_a age_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a curse_n and_o punishment_n that_o can_v be_v inflict_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o communicant_a to_o have_v a_o freedom_n of_o access_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o most_o ample_a reward_n that_o can_v be_v propound_v the_o sum_n of_o a_o christian_n hope_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o his_o wish_n during_o his_o abode_n here_o 4._o for_o stand_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n both_o at_o their_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o clear_a testimony_n extant_a in_o pure_a antiquity_n that_o a_o man_n must_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n not_o to_o see_v this_o truth_n who_o be_v never_o so_o little_a conversant_a in_o the_o record_n of_o those_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o man_n it_o must_v be_v height_n of_o folly_n or_o impudence_n to_o deny_v it_o the_o bare_a assert_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a because_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o particular_n will_v swell_v this_o discourse_n beyond_o measure_n and_o beside_o it_o will_v be_v a_o needless_a labour_n since_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o sit_v or_o the_o common_a table-gesture_n 191._o gillesp_n disp_n against_o en._n po._n cer._n point_n 1660._o p._n 190_o 191._o do_v frank_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o stand_v be_v a_o posture_n general_o use_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o her_o religious_a assembly_n both_o at_o their_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o at_o the_o communion-service_n howsoever_o i_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o say_v something_o concern_v this_o matter_n under_o the_o follow_a particular_a 5_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n though_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 50_o day_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n they_o observe_v stand_v yet_o at_o other_o time_n use_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v at_o their_o public_a devotion_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o decree_n pass_v in_o the_o first_o general_a council_n assemble_v at_o nice_a in_o word_n to_o this_o effect_n because_o there_o be_v some_o 325._o can_v 20_o about_o the_o year_n 325._o which_o kneel_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n that_o be_v between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n it_o be_v therefore_o ordain_v by_o this_o holy_a synod_n that_o when_o we_o pay_v our_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n we_o observe_v a_o stand_a gesture_n to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o uniform_a and_o agreeable_a custom_n may_v be_v maintain_v or_o secure_v through_o all_o church_n by_o which_o canon_n provision_n be_v make_v against_o kneel_v not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o inconvenient_a and_o unbecoming_a gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o as_o be_v a_o irregular_a and_o unfit_a posture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o such_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n as_o be_v there_o specify_v viz._n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n when_o for_o any_o christian_n to_o stand_v be_v to_o cross_v the_o general_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n for_o this_o council_n do_v not_o you_o must_v note_v introduce_v and_o establish_v any_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o endeavour_v by_o its_o authority_n to_o keep_v alive_a and_o in_o credit_n a_o ancient_a custom_n which_o they_o see_v begin_v to_o be_v neglect_v by_o some_o christian_n and_o from_o that_o clause_n in_o the_o canon_n because_o there_o be_v some_o which_o kneel_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n infer_v that_o kneel_v be_v the_o posture_n that_o be_v general_o use_v at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n for_o if_o stand_v have_v be_v general_o observe_v by_o all_o church_n in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n at_o all_o other_o time_n as_o well_o as_o those_o mention_v in_o the_o decree_n what_o occasion_n or_o necessity_n have_v there_o be_v for_o such_o a_o injunction_n whereby_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o constant_o and_o universal_o do_v before_o there_o be_v a_o passage_n in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o question_n and_o answer_n in_o justin_n martyr_n which_o will_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n and_o give_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o alter_v their_o posture_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v 468._o respon_n ad_fw-la quest_n 115._o p._n 468._o say_v he_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n both_o of_o our_o fall_n by_o sin_n and_o our_o resurrection_n and_o restitution_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n that_o for_o six_o day_n we_o pray_v upon_o our_o knee_n be_v in_o token_n of_o our_o fall_n by_o sin_n but_o that_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n we_o do_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n do_v symbolical_o represent_v our_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n this_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o be_v a_o custom_n derive_v from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o which_o he_o cite_v irenaeus_n in_o his_o book_n concern_v easter_n that_o it_o be_v ancient_a appear_v from_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o irenaeus_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v 198._o an._n dom._n 198._o by_o apostolical_a authority_n or_o at_o least_o by_o custom_n have_v obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n we_o esteem_v ephes_n die_fw-la dominico_fw-la jejunium_fw-la nefas_fw-la ducimus_fw-la vel_fw-la de_fw-la geniculis_fw-la adorare_fw-la tert._n de_fw-fr cor._n mil._n c._n 3._o 206._o col._n agrip._n edit_n 1617._o epiph._n exposit_n fid._n cathol_a p._n 1105._o edit_n par._n flor._n an._n dom._n 390._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n hieronym_n prolog_n comment_fw-fr in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n it_o a_o great_a act_n of_o wickedness_n or_o villainy_n either_o to_o fast_o or_o kneel_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o intimate_v too_o that_o fast_v and_o kneel_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n be_v both_o lawful_a and_o customary_a at_o other_o time_n to_o who_o testimony_n if_o we_o join_v that_o of_o another_o father_n who_o live_v some_o time_n after_o the_o first_o general_n nicene_n council_n we_o need_v not_o produce_v any_o more_o witness_n to_o clear_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v that_o of_o epiphanius_n in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n where_o he_o certify_v that_o the_o weekly_o state_v fast_n of_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n be_v diligent_o keep_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o whole_a year_n round_o except_v the_o fifty_o day_n of_o pentecost_n on_o which_o they_o do_v not_o kneel_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o fast_o appoint_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o custom_n be_v as_o both_o st._n jerome_n and_o st._n augustin_n attest_v because_o all_o that_o space_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v a_o time_n of_o
strong_o enforce_v upon_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o prayer_n which_o among_o they_o be_v better_o compose_v and_o more_o fervent_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o there_o be_v better_o frame_v and_o order_v to_o affect_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o true_o christian_n man_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v explain_v and_o premise_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n will_v be_v find_v true_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o question_n stand_v be_v false_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o better_a edification_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o apt_a and_o fit_a the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n 2._o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o use_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n for_o edification_n the_o first_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o induction_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n reducible_a to_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o her_o creed_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o allow_v which_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a contain_v all_o necessary_n and_o fundamental_o in_o religion_n nothing_o defective_a in_o vital_n or_o integral_n to_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a church_n christ_n that_o found_v his_o church_n best_o know_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o her_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v contain_v in_o her_o creed_n whatever_o be_v fundamental_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o by_o easy_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o will_v we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n upon_o earth_n the_o constitution_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o government_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o law_n the_o time_n of_o account_n and_o retribution_n the_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n to_o confirm_v these_o we_o may_v read_v they_o at_o large_a in_o holy_a writ_n and_o find_v wise_o sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n who_o article_n to_o help_v the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v short_a and_o few_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o dulness_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v manifest_a and_o plain_a they_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o suppose_v before_o or_o include_v in_o or_o follow_v from_o that_o brief_a creed_n the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o 1_o john_n 4._o 15._o 5._o 5._o whatever_o be_v any_o way_n reveal_v by_o god_n as_o necessary_a be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n nothing_o that_o be_v nice_a and_o obscure_a fit_a only_a for_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a be_v bring_v into_o our_o creed_n all_o who_o article_n be_v primitive_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n none_o of_o they_o pure_o speculative_a or_o curious_a but_o plain_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v but_o yesterday_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o truth_n but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o the_o highpriest_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fringe_n of_o his_o garment_n we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o this_o will_v save_v they_o and_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v disguise_v or_o deface_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o descend_a age_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a shape_n and_o complexion_n we_o cast_v out_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n out_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o niceness_n out_o of_o our_o creed_n that_o creed_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a day_n of_o christianity_n believe_v and_o be_v secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v no_o more_o that_o faith_n this_o church_n maintain_v which_o will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n she_o lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o solemn_a intention_n of_o all_o religion_n our_o creed_n our_o prayer_n our_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o devotion_n her_o creed_n be_v such_o that_o all_o its_o article_n so_o direct_o or_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lead_v unto_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o no_o man_n can_v firm_o believe_v they_o but_o they_o must_v ordinary_o influence_n his_o manner_n and_o better_a his_o conversation_n and_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o creed_n his_o life_n be_v not_o mend_v he_o either_o ignorant_o and_o gross_o mistake_v their_o consequence_n or_o be_v wilful_o desperate_a our_o church_n public_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n no_o act_n of_o devotion_n however_o set_v off_o with_o zeal_n and_o passion_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o if_o obedience_n be_v want_v afterward_o be_v but_o scene_n and_o show_n such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n which_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n and_o story_n in_o magnify_v and_o praise_v in_o sigh_v and_o repeat_v but_o in_o the_o production_n of_o mercy_n charity_n and_o justice_n and_o such_o excellent_a virtue_n she_o make_v no_o debate_n between_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o argue_v nice_o about_o the_o preference_n nor_o dispute_v critical_o the_o mode_n how_o joint_o they_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o plain_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n she_o not_o only_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o to_o a_o conversation_n of_o equal_a firmness_n and_o solidity_n her_o festival_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o virtue_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n her_o ceremony_n which_o be_v principal_o design_v for_o decency_n may_v also_o remind_v we_o of_o those_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n her_o collect_v and_o petition_n be_v for_o grace_n to_o subdue_v our_o folly_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o lash_v the_o sturdy_a into_o sobriety_n and_o goodness_n and_o her_o homily_n be_v plain_o and_o smart_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o persuade_v a_o true_a christian_a deportment_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a she_o flatter_v and_o lull_v no_o man_n asleep_o in_o vice_n but_o tell_v all_o secure_a sinner_n plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o receive_v aright_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolve_v that_o their_o person_n be_v not_o justify_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o purify_v themselves_o and_o be_v real_o just_a and_o good_a she_o neither_o use_v nor_o allow_v any_o nice_a distinction_n in_o plain_a duty_n to_o baffle_v our_o obedience_n nor_o suffer_v a_o cunning_a head_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o teach_v man_n learned_o to_o sin_n but_o urge_v plain_a virtue_n lay_v down_o distinct_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o teach_v by_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n without_o call_v they_o mean_a duty_n or_o ordinary_a morality_n to_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n she_o set_v no_o abstruse_a and_o fantastic_a character_n nor_o any_o mark_n who_o truth_n must_v be_v fetch_v in_o by_o long_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o mean_a christian_a can_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n press_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n not_o only_o thereby_o enforce_v peace_n and_o justice_n pity_n and_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o kindness_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o she_o make_v king_n safe_a and_o subject_n more_o secure_a condemn_v both_o tyranny_n and_o disobedience_n parent_n more_o obey_v and_o