it_o be_v that_o some_o people_n can_v endure_v our_o service_n but_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o praise_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n will_v gratify_v they_o every_o meeting_n with_o a_o new_a prayer_n without_o trouble_v they_o with_o such_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n as_o they_o think_v old_a which_o be_v incomparable_o better_a only_o the_o itch_a ear_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n foretold_v be_v please_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disgust_v the_o repetition_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v that_o of_o angel_n food_n psa._n lxxviii_o 25_o num._n xxi_o 5_o &_o xi_o 6_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n and_o the_o business_n of_o the_o true_o conscientious_a to_o check_v and_o curb_v this_o humour_n in_o the_o people_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o discouragement_n the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n instead_o of_o comply_v with_o they_o have_v constant_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n and_o levity_n where_o they_o find_v they_o guilty_a but_o as_o aaron_n to_o please_v the_o israelite_n make_v the_o golden_a calf_n so_o some_o minister_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n have_v change_v god_n institution_n to_o please_v their_o people_n and_o lest_o out_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a read_n of_o god_n word_n because_o their_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v who_o behave_v themselves_o most_o like_a the_o minister_n of_o christ_n we_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o read_n god_n word_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v hear_v or_o forbear_v or_o they_o that_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o lay_z aside_o god_n command_n to_o oblige_v and_o gain_v they_o chap._n iu._n of_o bodily_a worship_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n be_v visible_a or_o bodily_a adoration_n such_o among_o we_o be_v uncover_v the_o head_n bowing_n kneel_v and_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o open_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o express_v the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o these_o attribute_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o head_n i_o will_v keep_v myself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o consider_v first_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o three_o examine_v the_o dissenter_n practise_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o find_v a_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a worship_n in_o public_a psal._n xcv_o 6_o o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o public_a worship_n let_v we_o come_v before_o his_o presence_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o this_o bow_v or_o kneel_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v literal_o not_o figurative_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o sing_v thanksgiving_n and_o psalm_n be_v all_o literal_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o understanding_n bow_v and_o kneel_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n than_o the_o other_o ii_o the_o same_o bodily_a worship_n be_v require_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o grave_a image_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v command_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n that_o the_o negative_a commandment_n include_v in_o they_o the_o contrary_a positive_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o first_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o to_o have_v any_o other_o god_n before_o the_o lord_n it_o require_v we_o to_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o our_o only_a god_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o command_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o which_o rule_n when_o the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n xx_o 5_o forbid_v we_o in_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o it_o require_v we_o to_o practise_v the_o contrary_a duty_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n to_o bow_v down_o to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v he_o both_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n therefore_o as_o he_o that_o either_o bow_n or_o kneel_v or_o use_v any_o posture_n of_o reverence_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n break_v the_o second_o commandment_n so_o do_v he_o who_o on_o occasion_n of_o public_a worship_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o use_v some_o such_o posture_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o instance_n without_o some_o posture_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o kneel_v to_o a_o image_n without_o pray_v to_o it_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o one_o be_v idolatry_n and_o the_o other_o sacrilege_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o give_v what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o a_o image_n or_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o himself_o we_o be_v equal_o robber_n of_o god_n we_o deny_v he_o his_o honour_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sacrilege_n i_o wish_v all_o concern_v may_v serious_o consider_v and_o amend_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a iii_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n command_n and_o from_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o he_o require_v or_o approve_v in_o his_o worship_n now_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v any_o one_o sit_v at_o his_o devotion_n but_o on_o all_o occasion_n of_o worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n the_o people_n of_o god_n stand_v kneel_v bow_v or_o prostrate_v themselves_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o 2_o sam._n seven_o 8_o that_o king_n david_n then_o go_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o here_o the_o original_a word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o signification_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o remain_v stay_v or_o abode_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o according_o it_o be_v thus_o translate_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n particular_o gen._n xxii_o 5_o &_o xxiv_o 55_o &_o xxix_o 19_o 1_o king_n twelve_o 2_o this_o place_n therefore_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o that_o practice_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o holy_a man_n worship_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o mind_n iv._o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a t._n our_o saviour_n undoubted_o be_v the_o best_a example_n we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v what_o he_o do_v and_o approve_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o bow_v the_o body_n with_o kneel_v and_o prostration_n as_o well_o as_o with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n so_o mat._n xxvi_o 39_o and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v o_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o luk._n xxii_o 41_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o as_o he_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n so_o he_o accept_v the_o same_o from_o man_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n thus_o the_o wise_a man_n worship_v he_o in_o his_o cradle_n mat._n two_o 11_o when_o they_o see_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n mary_n they_o fall_v down_o etc._n etc._n thus_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o mark_v v_o 22_o when_o he_o see_v he_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o return_v he_o thanks_o luke_n xvii_o 16_o thus_o his_o belove_a mary_n come_v into_o his_o presence_n john_n xi_o 32_o and_o matth._n xxviii_o 9_o they_o
the_o follow_a deduction_n 1._o the_o altar_n be_v of_o old_a the_o lord_n table_n adoration_n from_o whence_o his_o attendant_n be_v feed_v mal._n i._n 7_o you_o offer_v pollute_v bread_n upon_o my_o altar_n and_o you_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o pollute_v thou_o in_o that_o you_o say_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v contemptible_a 2._o on_o this_o account_n the_o israelite_n come_v to_o the_o altar_n and_o worship_v before_o it_o as_o be_v god_n table_n on_o which_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v present_v as_o his_o meat_n of_o which_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o partake_v so_o 2_o chron._n vi_fw-la 12_o and_o he_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n vers_fw-la 13._o and_o kneel_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o 1_o king_n viij_o 54_o he_o arise_v from_o before_o the_o altar_n from_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o kneel_v of_o solomon_n be_v only_o because_o he_o offer_v up_o a_o prayer_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o a_o pray_a posture_n for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o be_v present_a at_o any_o sacrifice_n to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o command_v 2_o king_n xviii·22_n you_o shall_v worship_v before_o this_o altar_n in_o jerusalem_n literal_o you_o shall_v bow_v down_o yourselves_o 3._o the_o communion-table_n be_v call_v the_o lord's-table_n 1_o cor._n x._o 21_o 4._o the_o israelite_n partake_v of_o the_o altar_n be_v propose_v as_o a_o example_n for_o our_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n 1_o cor._n x._o 16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 18._o behold_v israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o they_o which_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n 5._o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o religious_a eat_v with_o bodily_a worship_n it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o our_o saviour_n psal._n xxii_o 29_o all_o they_o that_o be_v fat_a upon_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o favour_a and_o happy_a servant_n of_o god_n here_o called_z in_o vers_n 26._o the_o meek_a shall_v eat_v and_o worship_n since_o then_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o a_o relious_a eat_v at_o the_o lords-table_n with_o worship_n and_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v such_o a_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v our_o worship_v when_o we_o eat_v 2._o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o by_o it_o we_o show_v his_o death_n till_o he_o come_v the_o same_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o worship_n our_o saviour_n for_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o psal._n xlv_o 11_o if_o ever_o then_o we_o be_v to_o worship_v our_o saviour_n it_o be_v certain_o when_o we_o come_v to_o he_o in_o the_o near_a approach_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n and_o with_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v admit_v of_o to_o remember_v and_o adore_v he_o for_o the_o great_a act_n of_o love_n that_o can_v be_v extend_v towards_o we_o even_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o by_o feed_v on_o he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o worship_n he_o with_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o mind_n on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v when_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o this_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o poland_n to_o oblige_v all_o their_o member_n to_o receive_v kneel_v or_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o socinian_o who_o refuse_v to_o pay_v any_o worship_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o celebrate_v his_o supper_n sit_v the_o word_n of_o their_o general_n synod_n be_v these_o corpus_fw-la confession_n p._n 236._o quod_fw-la attinet_fw-la ad_fw-la caeremonias_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n the_o decree_n some_o time_n ago_o discuss_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o sandomir_n and_o the_o conclusion_n make_v and_o repeat_v in_o the_o general_n synod_n of_o cracow_n and_o petrokow_n be_v also_o approve_a in_o this_o session_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o vladislaw_n vizt_v that_o sit_v at_o the_o lord's-table_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o poland_n or_o lithuania_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o communion_n for_o this_o ceremony_n though_o indifferent_a as_o other_o be_v be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o infidel_n arrian_n only_o who_o place_n themselves_o in_o a_o equal_a throne_n with_o the_o lord_n since_o then_o sit_v have_v creep_v into_o some_o of_o our_o church_n chief_o by_o the_o occasion_n and_o countenance_n of_o those_o who_o have_v miserable_o fall_v from_o we_o and_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o we_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o those_o congregation_n and_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o will_v change_v sit_v into_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o we_o protestant_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o europe_n even_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v administer_v to_o the_o communicant_n stand_v or_o kneel_v with_o a_o protestation_n against_o bread-worship_n use_v by_o the_o papist_n both_o which_o rite_n as_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o use_v in_o some_o church_n we_o leave_v free_a and_o approve_v without_o blame_v or_o give_v offence_n to_o those_o who_o use_v either_o this_o synod_n be_v hold_v june_n 19_o the_o 1583._o the_o synod_n of_o petrokow_n above_o mention_v hold_v june_n 1.2.3_o 1578._o pa._n 234._o express_v itself_o in_o these_o word_n because_o those_o traitorous_a fugitive_n from_o we_o to_o arianism_n who_o change_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v to_o imitate_v christ_n without_o discretion_n be_v the_o first_o author_n among_o we_o of_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n contrary_a to_o the_o rite_n use_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n through_o europe_n therefore_o we_o reject_v this_o ceremony_n as_o proper_a to_o they_o who_o treat_v as_o well_o christ_n as_o his_o sacrament_n irreverent_o as_o indecent_a and_o irreligious_a and_o very_o offensive_a to_o well_o mean_v people_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o church_n reckon_v sit_v a_o ceremony_n and_o a_o ceremony_n of_o a_o ill_a signification_n and_o original_a and_o not_o use_v by_o any_o protestant_a church_n in_o their_o time_n iu._n but_o i_o find_v most_o people_n acknowledge_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o and_o grant_v if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o we_o how_o we_o will_v receive_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o with_o adoration_n but_o say_v they_o obedience_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n we_o be_v command_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v and_o he_o institute_v and_o his_o disciple_n receive_v it_o in_o a_o table_n posture_n and_o therefore_o so_o ought_v we_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n reason_n and_o decency_n seem_v to_o recommend_v another_o posture_n to_o we_o now_o to_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o find_v bring_v from_o scripture_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o prevail_v with_o most_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o require_v nor_o be_v it_o convenient_a to_o imitate_v all_o that_o christ_n do_v neither_o the_o time_n nor_o the_o number_n of_o receiver_n nor_o the_o posture_n be_v obligatory_a to_o we_o as_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor_fw-la xi_o 23._o who_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n concern_v this_o sacrament_n mention_n only_o our_o saviour_n take_v bread_n give_v thanks_o and_o break_v it_o and_o then_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n etc._n etc._n without_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o number_n of_o receiver_n his_o posture_n or_o be_v at_o supper_n nay_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o this_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o a_o common_a supper_n or_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o he_o observe_v that_o supper_n be_v do_v when_o he_o take_v the_o cup._n our_o saviour_n posture_n therefore_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v no_o wise_a obligatory_a to_o we_o it_o not_o be_v any_o part_n of_o what_o st._n paul_n profess_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n concern_v this_o sacrament_n 2._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o religious_a eat_v be_v accompany_v with_o bodily_a worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o table_n posture_n from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v it_o kneel_v
you_o it_o be_v often_o omit_v for_o several_a year_n together_o and_o in_o some_o place_n for_o ten_o or_o more_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v say_v your_o people_n general_o have_v too_o little_a sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o and_o your_o minister_n indulge_v they_o so_o far_o in_o this_o corruption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v comfortable_o among_o you_o and_o with_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o professor_n to_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o never_o receive_v at_o all_o and_o by_o the_o best_a enquiry_n i_o can_v make_v i_o can_v not_o compute_v that_o one_o in_o ten_o that_o go_v to_o your_o meeting_n ever_o receive_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n notwithstanding_o christ_n positive_a command_n to_o do_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o so_o unhappy_o be_v man_n over-seen_a in_o lay_v aside_o the_o command_v of_o god_n for_o their_o own_o invention_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o find_v that_o i_o be_v mistake_v in_o 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religious_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v much_o contribute_v to_o our_o live_n easy_o with_o one_o another_o and_o take_v off_o that_o uncharitableness_n which_o our_o religious_a dissension_n be_v apt_a to_o cause_n among_o we_o however_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v reckon_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o success_n in_o my_o office_n if_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o profess_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o to_o his_o institution_n in_o their_o worship_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n to_o the_o conform_v laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o laity_n who_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o place_v i_o among_o you_o and_o to_o give_v i_o a_o inspection_n over_o you_o and_o it_o 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his_o humour_n in_o they_o then_o in_o observe_v god_n commandment_n if_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n you_o will_v find_v that_o most_o of_o all_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o fondness_n and_o violent_a inclination_n of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o and_o that_o the_o church_n governor_n do_v long_o oppose_v they_o and_o be_v bring_v with_o difficulty_n at_o last_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a purgatory_n the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n half_a communion_n be_v present_a at_o church_n assembly_n without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o worship_v the_o host_n be_v all_o vulgar_a practice_n at_o first_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o general_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v they_o but_o be_v human_a invention_n the_o people_n be_v so_o violent_a for_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o withstand_v they_o so_o that_o if_o the_o governor_n they_o have_v will_v not_o comply_v the_o people_n do_v set_v up_o those_o that_o will_v now_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v with_o all_o seriousness_n whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v something_o like_o this_o in_o your_o own_o case_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n it_o be_v plain_a you_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o practice_n against_o the_o opinion_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o all_o do_v settle_v liturgy_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o reform_a this_o knox_n do_v in_o scotland_n who_o lyturgy_n we_o have_v ready_a to_o produce_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o successor_n and_o yet_o condemn_v form_n of_o prayer_n as_o
four_o 16_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o also_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n since_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o christian_a law_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o read_v in_o the_o first_o christian_n assembly_n i_o may_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n iv._o this_o public_a read_v the_o law_n be_v of_o so_o great_a reputation_n that_o it_o be_v term_v preach_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xv_o 21_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n the_o word_n preach_v have_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o signify_v proper_o to_o declare_v or_o proclaim_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o herald_n or_o crier_n proclaim_v the_o law_n or_o order_n of_o a_o king_n hence_o only_a those_o that_o proclaim_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v it_o before_o or_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v preach_v be_v distinguish_v from_o teach_v and_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n though_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v call_v preach_v yet_o interpret_n they_o apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o people_n from_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a be_v never_o call_v by_o that_o name_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o disciple_n act_n xx_o 7_o when_o he_o only_o in_o probability_n make_v a_o sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n as_o be_v usual_a now_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o original_a of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o translate_v preach_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v here_o but_o discourse_v dispute_v speak_v or_o reason_v so_o it_o be_v translate_v in_o act_n xvii_o 2_o 17._o xviii_o 19_o nineteeen_o 8_o 9_o heb._n twelve_o 5_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o original_a word_n which_o proper_o signify_v preach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v proper_o preach_v the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o it_o before_o and_o the_o second_o be_v when_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o peodle_n as_o a_o crier_n do_v a_o proclamation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o word_n himself_o but_o read_v it_o in_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o in_o short_a the_o scripture_n be_v sermon_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n be_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o read_n of_o which_o to_o the_o people_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n of_o god_n and_o where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v due_o observe_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o makâ—_n they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o hear_v they_o with_o humility_n and_o attention_n be_v a_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o tim._n three_o 16_o 17._o v._o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o great_a solemnity_n it_o be_v observe_v nehem._n viij_o 5_o when_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n with_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o i_o find_v it_o general_o agree_v that_o both_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n stand_v up_o whilst_o the_o law_n be_v read_v though_o not_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v read_v or_o teach_v hence_o it_o be_v observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o that_o our_o saviour_n stand_v up_o for_o to_o read_v and_o vers._n 20._o after_o close_v the_o book_n that_o he_o sit_v down_o to_o teach_v hence_o rev._n v_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o highpriest_n with_o a_o book_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o lamb_n as_o his_o minister_n take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o declare_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o vers._n 8._o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n the_o angel_n join_v with_o they_o vers._n 11._o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n verse_n 13._o from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n with_o adoration_n and_o praise_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o read_n the_o law_n confession_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v intermix_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o neh._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o day_n and_o another_o four_o part_n they_o confess_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n vi_o we_o find_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n understand_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o people_n be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n their_o language_n be_v change_v and_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o least_o universal_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v first_o write_v therefore_o when_o ezra_n read_v in_o the_o law_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o ezra_n read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n neh._n viij_o 7_o and_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n and_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o their_o place_n so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o this_o custom_n continue_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n first_o the_o hebrew_a text_n be_v read_v and_o then_o a_o translation_n or_o paraphrase_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n for_o read_v the_o original_n in_o public_a assembly_n such_o a_o custom_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o people_n without_o a_o translation_n therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o the_o church_n but_o order_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 27_o let_v one_o interpret_v but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o we_o find_v that_o after_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o enlargement_n or_o comment_n on_o some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v constant_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v rather_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o have_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a provision_n for_o such_o enlargement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o exhortation_n from_o it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xiii_o 15_o to_o send_v to_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n that_o message_n we_o find_v there_o you_o man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o st._n paul_n suppose_v he_o who_o teach_v and_o he_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v distinct_a from_o he_o that_o rule_v
it_o to_o god_n for_o to_o do_v so_o must_v natural_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o awe_n and_o sense_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n in_o our_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o proceed_v too_o often_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o awe_n 6._o to_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o language_n of_o gesture_n rather_o more_o significant_a and_o move_a than_o that_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o he_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a make_v of_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o more_o awaken_v and_o affect_v by_o see_v a_o whole_a congregation_n on_o their_o knee_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n than_o to_o see_v they_o sit_v or_o lean_v whilst_o their_o petition_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n word_n therefore_o and_o gesture_n be_v only_o different_a part_n of_o the_o language_n whereby_o we_o express_v and_o communicate_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o one_o another_o and_o both_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o nature_n and_o command_v by_o scripture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o who_o lay_v aside_o gesture_n do_v sin_n against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o lay_v aside_o word_n i_o hearty_o wish_v you_o and_o all_o dissenter_n will_v consider_v this_o which_o if_o you_o do_v i_o assure_v myself_o you_o will_v perceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o moment_n and_o neither_o condemn_v our_o bodily_a adoration_n nor_o continue_v your_o own_o what_o i_o must_v call_v irreverence_n 3._o but_o three_o some_o allege_v for_o their_o omit_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v bodily_a adoration_n in_o his_o service_n but_o that_o to_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v in_o the_o congregation_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o they_o that_o they_o judge_v they_o be_v better_o omit_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o these_o person_n do_v give_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o practice_n for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v before_o it_o be_v of_o old_a the_o reason_n of_o people_n neglect_v god_n service_n and_o matter_n of_o their_o complaint_n against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o weariness_n mal._n i._n 13_o but_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o sin_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o our_o ease_n than_o to_o change_v they_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o our_o natural_a corruption_n to_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n with_o that_o which_o cost_v we_o nothing_o and_o without_o trouble_n and_o most_o be_v willing_a to_o save_v their_o pain_n as_o well_o as_o their_o money_n in_o his_o service_n but_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o have_v little_a heart_n and_o affection_n to_o it_o if_o they_o have_v it_o will_v not_o seem_v a_o trouble_n to_o they_o to_o show_v it_o by_o all_o the_o outward_a demonstration_n that_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o a_o devout_a heart_n bow_v the_o body_n bend_v the_o knee_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n in_o prayer_n without_o any_o trouble_n and_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o own_o heart_n that_o find_v these_o demonstration_n of_o reverence_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n uneasy_a to_o they_o this_o very_a pretence_n ought_v to_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o negligence_n and_o dead-heartedness_n of_o people_n towards_o god_n service_n that_o have_v banish_v these_o bodily_a adoration_n out_o of_o it_o we_o think_v it_o no_o disadvantage_n to_o our_o church_n that_o we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o your_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v much_o easy_a than_o we_o to_o such_o as_o be_v present_a at_o it_o it_o be_v much_o less_o trouble_n to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o value_n for_o religion_n to_o come_v into_o a_o assembly_n and_o there_o sit_v down_o and_o lap_v his_o cloak_n about_o he_o without_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o word_n or_o gesture_n that_o may_v disturb_v his_o sleep_n or_o worldly_a thought_n than_o to_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n every_o moment_n to_o signify_v his_o attention_n by_o some_o word_n or_o gesture_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v remark_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n for_o his_o negligence_n and_o irreverence_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o our_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o some_o leave_v we_o and_o go_v where_o they_o may_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o negligent_a more_o secure_o 4._o i_o confess_v in_o the_o four_o place_n there_o be_v some_o that_o excuse_v themselves_o more_o handsome_o for_o not_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o we_o want_v conveniency_n we_o have_v no_o room_n to_o kneel_v to_o these_o we_o answer_v that_o where_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v omit_v out_o of_o necessity_n not_o negligence_n or_o contempt_n we_o believe_v god_n will_v not_o impute_v it_o to_o they_o neither_o do_v we_o accuse_v they_o for_o it_o but_o then_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o general_a reason_n of_o omit_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n among_o you_o for_o first_o it_o be_v not_o your_o custom_n to_o kneel_v in_o your_o public_a worship_n though_o you_o have_v conveniency_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o practice_n in_o all_o your_o meeting_n in_o which_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v that_o any_o one_o kneel_v on_o the_o contrary_a you_o condemn_v we_o who_o do_v 2._o when_o you_o want_v conveniency_n for_o kneel_v you_o may_v stand_v at_o your_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o scripture-posture_n as_o well_o as_o kneel_v you_o may_v bow_v your_o body_n when_o you_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n you_o may_v continue_v vncover_v whilst_o in_o it_o but_o you_o omit_v all_o these_o as_o well_o as_o kneel_v and_o thereby_o plain_o show_v that_o your_o neglect_n in_o this_o point_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o choice_n not_o necessity_n 3._o if_o kneel_v at_o public_a prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o provide_v conveniency_n for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o sin_n to_o suffer_v any_o part_n of_o god_n service_n to_o be_v omit_v for_o want_n of_o care_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o provide_v conveniency_n for_o kneel_v as_o for_o sit_v in_o public_a assembly_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o careful_a most_o people_n be_v to_o provide_v seat_n for_o their_o ease_n and_o how_o negligent_a to_o make_v any_o provision_n for_o kneel_v it_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a a_o sign_n whatever_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v much_o more_o zealous_a for_o their_o ease_n then_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o what_o conveniency_n be_v it_o that_o man_n desire_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o to_o have_v as_o much_o conveniency_n as_o st._n paul_n and_o his_o congregation_n have_v when_o they_o kneel_v on_o the_o shore_n act._n xx_o if_o they_o have_v the_o devotion_n of_o st._n paul_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o imitate_v his_o example_n be_v you_o follower_n say_v he_o of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ._n st._n paul_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o sure_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v his_o except_o we_o think_v ourselves_o grow_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v or_o prefer_v our_o ease_n to_o our_o duty_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o be_v that_o your_o neglect_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o most_o solemn_a of_o all_o christian_a ordinance_n the_o lord_n supper_n do_v harden_v you_o against_o reverence_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o if_o reverence_n be_v not_o think_v necessary_a in_o that_o duty_n it_o may_v well_o seem_v unnecessary_a in_o any_o other_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o lord's-supper_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v the_o frequency_n of_o celebrate_v it_o i._o the_o five_o main_n and_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v treat_v concern_v the_o preparation_n requisite_a in_o the_o receiver_n or_o any_o of_o those_o other_o circumstance_n which_o be_v general_o agree_v on_o as_o necessary_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o concern_v which_o so_o many_o excellent_a treatise_n be_v extant_a i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o one_o point_n and_o that_o be_v the_o frequency_n of_o it_o as_o a_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o examine_v first_o what_o the_o institution_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n teach_v we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a second_o compare_v our_o practice_n therewith_o and_o three_o the_o practice_n
4_o or_o 3_o at_o the_o least_o communicate_v with_o the_o priest_n so_o where_o 3_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o minister_n may_v proceed_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n every_o lord's-day_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o three_o therefore_o make_v a_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o obstinacy_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o shall_v hinder_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a from_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o therefore_o our_o church_n have_v take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o by_o order_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o communion-service_n be_v read_v every_o lord's-day_n both_o with_o design_n to_o put_v all_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o accommodate_v such_o as_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o herein_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v order_v that_o in_o cathedral_n and_o collegiate_n church_n and_o college_n where_o there_o be_v many_o priest_n and_o deacon_n they_o shall_v all_o receive_v the_o communion_n every_o sunday_n at_o the_o least_o 3._o that_o every_o parishioner_n shall_v communicate_v at_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n whereof_o easter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o sure_o such_o as_o can_v fit_v themselves_o so_o often_o must_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n be_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n 4._o last_o as_o to_o our_o practice_n we_o have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o universal_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v celebrate_v thrice_o every_o year_n and_o where_o either_o our_o persuasion_n argument_n or_o entreaty_n can_v prevail_v with_o our_o people_n we_o have_v monthly_a communion_n and_o in_o city_n and_o large_a town_n by_o the_o change_a the_o monthly_a day_n in_o several_a church_n people_n that_o be_v devout_o dispose_v have_v opportunity_n of_o receive_v weekly_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o our_o church_n want_v not_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v many_o such_o 5._o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o to_o hold_v solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o communicate_v be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n and_o come_v in_o by_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n and_o slacken_v of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o root-out_a and_o reform_v this_o popish_a practice_n entire_o yet_o we_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n and_o by_o god_n blessing_n may_v say_v we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o take_v that_o for_o ordinary_a which_o have_v a_o constant_a fix_a time_n for_o its_o observation_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o our_o public_a 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the_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v accuse_v of_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o of_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n in_o this_o particular_a though_o we_o be_v yet_o too_o far_o short_a of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o institution_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n about_o frequency_n of_o communicate_v i._o i_o come_v now_o according_a to_o my_o former_a method_n to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o and_o entreat_v you_o to_o examine_v with_o i_o your_o principle_n and_o practice_n by_o these_o scripture-rule_n and_o example_n and_o here_o first_o i_o must_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o you_o have_v no_o fix_a or_o set_v time_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n on_o the_o contrary_a your_o directory_n order_n that_o the_o time_n how_o often_o this_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v may_v be_v consider_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o church-governor_n of_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v any_o ordinary_a constant_a part_n of_o god_n service_n it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o each_o congregation_n to_o determine_v as_o in_o other_o occasional_a thing_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v of_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n or_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o which_o yet_o they_o determine_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o every_o lord_n day_n have_v they_o make_v the_o same_o rule_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n they_o have_v indeed_o conform_v to_o the_o scripture-precedent_n and_o may_v have_v pretend_v to_o some_o reformation_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n altogether_o discretionary_a i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v direct_o against_o what_o we_o find_v practise_v in_o scripture_n ii_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v your_o teacher_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v this_o abuse_n and_o innovation_n have_v fall_v into_o another_o practice_n as_o unprecedent_v in_o scripture_n the_o exclude_v this_o sacrament_n entire_o from_o your_o ordinary_a solemn_a meeting_n and_o true_o in_o this_o point_n you_o seem_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o the_o papist_n order_n the_o element_n to_o be_v consecrate_v every_o lord_n day_n and_o distribute_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v it_o but_o your_o teacher_n neither_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o people_n nor_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o afford_v a_o opportunity_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v constant_a receiver_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o multiply_v the_o abuse_n introduce_v by_o popery_n instead_o of_o reform_v they_o iii_o they_o rare_o press_v their_o people_n to_o communicate_v they_o have_v few_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o many_o of_o they_o condemn_v our_o zeal_n for_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o constant_a communion_n precedent_v in_o scripture_n i_o must_v further_o make_v you_o sensible_a that_o your_o practice_n be_v yet_o worse_o than_o your_o principle_n your_o directory_n own_v that_o the_o communion_n or_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v celebrate_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o as_o with_o all_o other_o indefinite_a rule_n they_o signify_v only_o that_o people_n may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v in_o the_o case_n no_o body_n can_v certain_o tell_v what_o frequent_o many_o often_o or_o convenient_a signify_v and_o therefore_o where_o only_o these_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o rule_n it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o very_a case_n for_o when_o people_n be_v relax_v from_o the_o particular_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o our_o church_n by_o the_o first_o break_v off_o of_o those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n from_o we_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o whole_o for_o several_a year_n by_o some_o congregation_n and_o at_o last_o too_o many_o come_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o constant_a necessity_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o reckon_v a_o great_a thing_n among_o many_o of_o you_o if_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o a_o communion_n be_v celebrate_v in_o one_o of_o your_o meeting_n nay_o among_o some_o of_o
effectual_o upon_o you_o than_o those_o carnal_a and_o servile_a motive_n do_v on_o other_o let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o encourage_v and_o entreat_v you_o to_o do_v it_o more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o decline_v none_o of_o those_o art_n which_o be_v allowable_a when_o apply_v to_o gain_v the_o people_n to_o truth_n and_o holiness_n but_o very_o wicked_a when_o employ_v to_o divide_v and_o seduce_v they_o 5._o let_v i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o you_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o of_o a_o party_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o mind_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o religion_n more_o than_o those_o difference_n that_o be_v often_o of_o little_a concern_v in_o themselves_o and_o be_v insist_v on_o only_o as_o the_o occasion_n and_o badge_n of_o those_o people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o separate_v themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v up_o little_a 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some_o of_o they_o have_v even_o join_v with_o those_o enemy_n to_o pull_v down_o our_o constitution_n but_o yet_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o we_o be_v in_o less_o hazard_n from_o they_o whilst_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o great_a and_o common_a obligation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n then_o if_o we_o shall_v leave_v this_o expose_v to_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n to_o guard_v ourselves_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o such_o back_n friend_n we_o must_v therefore_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o they_o but_o the_o other_o the_o great_a and_o common_a truth_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v our_o main_a business_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o remark_n proper_a to_o my_o present_a subject_n but_o i_o know_v your_o own_o prudence_n and_o observation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o suggest_v they_o to_o you_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v my_o prayer_n for_o you_o that_o god_n will_v increase_v your_o wisdom_n and_o zeal_n and_o effectual_o turn_v they_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n to_o the_o dissent_v minister_n of_o derry_n but_o as_o to_o you_o my_o brethren_n that_o disow_v my_o communion_n and_o authority_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o what_o i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o may_v receive_v some_o prejudices_fw-la from_o my_o station_n and_o character_n with_o which_o you_o seem_v offend_v yet_o reason_n be_v reason_n from_o who_o soever_o it_o proceed_v and_o i_o only_o desire_v that_o you_o will_v weigh_v serious_o what_o i_o have_v here_o offer_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o convince_v you_o yet_o let_v i_o pray_v you_o to_o reflect_v thus_o far_o on_o the_o matter_n as_o to_o remember_v that_o all_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o make_v and_o that_o it_o become_v you_o and_o all_o good_a man_n at_o least_o to_o treat_v our_o service_n with_o respect_n since_o we_o believe_v and_o think_v we_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v clear_o 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therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v this_o manner_n of_o treatment_n and_o whatever_o book_n use_v it_o we_o need_v trouble_v our_o self_n no_o further_o with_o it_o for_o it_o certain_o be_v write_v only_o to_o serve_v a_o party_n and_o not_o truth_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o in_o justice_n i_o think_v i_o may_v request_v of_o you_o which_o be_v that_o in_o your_o worship_n and_o practice_n you_o will_v not_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o seem_v great_a than_o real_o it_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o a_o thing_n confess_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mere_o because_o observe_v by_o we_o be_v sure_o very_o far_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v hope_v that_o you_o will_v not_o indulge_v your_o people_n in_o such_o affect_a distance_n that_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o make_v party_n irreconcilable_a and_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n than_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o any_o christian._n and_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v my_o mind_n the_o better_a in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o few_o instance_n that_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v inoffensive_a and_o in_o which_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v your_o compliance_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o be_v own_v in_o your_o large_a catechism_n to_o be_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n as_o a_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v other_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v also_o use_v as_o a_o prayer_n and_o in_o your_o directory_n it_o be_v recommend_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o i_o be_o inform_v that_o you_o my_o brethren_n of_o this_o diocese_n who_o separate_v from_o our_o communion_n do_v universal_o neglect_v it_o and_o thereby_o confirm_v your_o hearer_n in_o a_o opinion_n too_o common_a among_o they_o that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v learn_v but_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o difference_n from_o we_o in_o practice_n where_o we_o real_o agree_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o your_o sit_v at_o public_a prayer_n may_v be_v a_o second_o instance_n in_o which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v some_o reformation_n it_o be_v a_o very_a irreverent_a thing_n in_o itself_o against_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v and_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o your_o best_a casuist_n particular_o of_o dr._n ames_n de_fw-fr conscientia_fw-la lib._n 4·_fw-la cap._n 18._o sessio_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la gestus_fw-la orandi_fw-la quia_fw-la nullam_fw-la exprimit_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o scripture_n approbatur_fw-la that_o be_v sit_v be_v not_o of_o itself_o a_o posture_n of_o prayer_n because_o it_o express_v no_o reverence_n neither_o be_v it_o approve_v in_o scripture_n yet_o i_o understand_v that_o this_o be_v the_o general_a posture_n in_o which_o your_o people_n offer_v their_o public_a prayer_n and_o either_o because_o it_o be_v for_o their_o ease_n or_o because_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o seem_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n on_o outward_a performance_n or_o last_o lest_o you_o shall_v be_v like_o we_o you_o indulge_v they_o in_o it_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o ignorant_a that_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o superstition_n in_o we_o to_o kneel_v at_o our_o prayer_n and_o be_v averse_a to_o our_o service_n among_o other_o reason_n because_o this_o be_v require_v at_o it_o which_o notion_n i_o suppose_v you_o yourselves_o do_v not_o approve_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v that_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v your_o people_n better_o and_o