of_o schism_n or_o to_o discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o schism_n lie_v or_o to_o avoid_v it_o without_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o course_n soever_o they_o take_v i_o leave_v all_o such_o case_n to_o god_n who_o know_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n and_o will_v take_v care_n of_o my_o own_o duty_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n and_o not_o hope_v to_o justify_v the_o ordinary_a breach_n of_o know_a law_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o the_o case_n which_o you_o propose_v be_v not_o so_o unanswerable_a a_o difficulty_n as_o you_o imagine_v several_a council_n in_o palestine_n in_o rome_n in_o pontus_n and_o other_o place_n 23._o euseb_n b._n 5._o cap._n 23._o determine_v the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o month_n which_o be_v the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o dispute_v you_o call_v a_o mistake_n in_o arithmetic_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n at_o the_o same_o time_n decree_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n whatever_o day_n of_o the_o week_n it_o fall_v on_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a observation_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n pope_n victor_n upon_o this_o writes_z to_z several_z bishop_n very_o bitter_o against_o they_o and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o excommunicate_v and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o they_o 24._o cap._n 24._o but_o this_o be_v ill_o resent_v by_o other_o bishop_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o particular_o ireneus_fw-la write_v a_o letter_n to_o he_o about_o it_o and_o earnest_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o and_o do_v prevent_v it_o from_o take_v effect_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v eusebius_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v true_a as_o you_o assert_v that_o pope_n victor_n in_o a_o council_n excommunicate_v the_o poor_a asian_o what_o he_o do_v be_v only_o his_o own_o act_n which_o be_v displease_v to_o other_o bishop_n and_o which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o undo_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heat_n and_o warmth_n and_o tendency_n towards_o a_o schism_n but_o no_o schism_n follow_v upon_o it_o among_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o suppose_v pope_n victor_n have_v excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n and_o this_o excommunication_n have_v take_v effect_n this_o can_v not_o make_v the_o asian_a church_n schismatic_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o be_v our_o own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a punishment_n the_o second_o when_o it_o be_v causeless_a be_v schism_n so_o that_o have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n unless_o the_o asian_a church_n upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o excommunication_n can_v not_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o therefore_o any_o one_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o they_o without_o partake_v in_o a_o schism_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o just_a reason_n for_o the_o asian_a church_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o victor_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o do_v as_o ill_o a_o thing_n as_o victor_n have_v do_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o pope_n victor_n have_v set_v they_o a_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v saint_n cyprian_n of_o another_o temper_n when_o he_o and_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v threaten_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o pope_n stephen_n upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o warm_a dispute_n about_o rebaptise_v heretic_n at_o that_o very_a time_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n he_o declare_v his_o resolution_n not_o to_o break_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o bishop_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o therefore_o not_o with_o pope_n stephen_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o rash_a and_o furious_a censure_n and_o conclude_v that_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n be_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o such_o case_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o say_v he_o write_v his_o book_n de_fw-fr bono_fw-mi patientiae_fw-la well_o but_o if_o the_o asiatic_a church_n be_v not_o schismatic_n yet_o pope_n victor_n have_v be_v a_o schismatic_a have_v he_o excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o this_o have_v make_v the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_a christian_n very_a hard_a for_o they_o must_v either_o have_v suspend_v communion_n with_o both_o these_o divide_a church_n and_o live_v without_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o christian_a communion_n or_o they_o must_v have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o church_n or_o have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o have_v maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o both_o that_o be_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n which_o according_a to_o my_o principle_n be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o schismatical_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n by_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatic_a if_o they_o renounce_v his_o communion_n when_o he_o impose_v no_o new_a unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n this_o be_v to_o break_v communion_n with_o their_o own_o bishop_n who_o have_v excommunicate_v they_o if_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unjust_o excommunicate_v this_o be_v to_o separate_a for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n which_o be_v a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o both_o they_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v schismatic_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o more_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v both_o with_o the_o roman_a and_o asian_a church_n without_o schism_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v upon_o these_o principle_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v and_o confirm_v 1._o that_o the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n can_v involve_v his_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n though_o it_o may_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a and_o certain_o since_o bishop_n be_v but_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n that_o other_o man_n be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o his_o personal_a schism_n shall_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o every_o abuse_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v schismatical_a when_o the_o bishop_n be_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n who_o bishop_n be_v a_o schismatic_a without_o communicate_v in_o the_o schism_n and_o therefore_o though_o victor_n have_v schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n the_o christian_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n for_o though_o a_o particular_a church-society_n consist_v in_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n may_v violate_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o communion_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o a_o church_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a fault_n which_o can_v affect_v the_o whole_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a where_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v constitution_n in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o oblige_v the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o people_n for_o shall_v any_o english_a bishop_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_v law_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n or_o shall_v exercise_v any_o authority_n in_o censure_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v not_o allow_v he_o by_o those_o canon_n this_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o bind_v
to_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o and_o though_o such_o a_o bishop_n shall_v do_v any_o schismatical_a act_n the_o church_n be_v not_o schismatical_a because_o he_o do_v not_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o gratify_v his_o own_o humour_n and_o passion_n if_o the_o church_n indeed_o unite_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n as_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v whatever_o the_o bishop_n do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v schismatic_n the_o church_n be_v so_o too_o but_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o schismatical_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o personal_a schism_n of_o bishop_n can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a and_o though_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o empire_n turn_v christian_n have_v not_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o legal_a constitution_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o have_v yet_o a_o constitution_n they_o have_v which_o consist_v either_o of_o apostolical_a rule_n hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o confirm_v by_o long_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o the_o canon_n of_o particular_a council_n which_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v stand_v law_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n provide_v for_o new_a emergent_a difficulty_n and_o antecedent_o to_o all_o these_o positive_a constitution_n they_o be_v all_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o great_a law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v never_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o bishop_n breast_n that_o what_o he_o do_v shall_v be_v think_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o comply_v with_o those_o law_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o those_o day_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v observe_v easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o asian_a church_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n may_v require_v all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o observe_v easter_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o may_v regular_o inflict_v church-censure_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a and_o this_o will_v be_v account_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o canon_n nor_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o foreign_a church_n who_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nay_o there_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o former_a time_n against_o it_o for_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n receive_v polycarp_n a_o asian_a bishop_n to_o communion_n though_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o when_o victor_n schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o this_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a act_n not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v no_o such_o law_n and_o own_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o therefore_o though_o this_o may_v make_v pope_n victor_n a_o schismatic_a it_o can_v not_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n schismatical_a the_o guilt_n go_v no_o far_a than_o victor_n person_n unless_o other_o person_n voluntary_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a by_o abet_v and_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o have_v victor_n persist_v in_o his_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n none_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o approve_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o have_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o have_v be_v innocent_a and_o therefore_o any_o catholic_n peaceable_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n of_o particular_a bishop_n which_o have_v sometime_o end_v in_o formal_a schism_n and_o denounce_v excommunication_n against_o each_o other_o which_o can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a any_o further_a than_o they_o take_v part_n with_o their_o respective_a bishop_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o personal_a schism_n and_o separation_n than_o a_o church_n schism_n neither_o of_o they_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o they_o separate_a from_o each_o other_o communion_n upon_o some_o personal_a quarrel_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v catholic_n bishop_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o yet_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n as_o all_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v but_o have_v not_o the_o evil_a and_o destructive_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n schism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n without_o communicate_v with_o its_o bishop_n or_o can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n when_o schism_n be_v his_o personal_a fault_n our_o communion_n with_o he_o make_v we_o no_o more_o guilty_a of_o it_o than_o of_o any_o other_o personal_a fault_n our_o bishop_n be_v guilty_a of_o while_o we_o take_v care_n to_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o no_o schismatical_a act_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o his_o bishop_n so_o that_o the_o roman_a christian_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n notwithstanding_o pope_n victor_n schismatical_a excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o now_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o remain_v be_v whether_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o asiatic_a church_n notwithstanding_o victor_n have_v excommunicate_v they_o for_o if_o they_o can_v not_o than_o they_o must_v inevitable_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n if_o his_o sentence_n oblige_v they_o to_o deny_v communion_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v 2._o that_o those_o who_o condemn_v the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n do_v in_o so_o do_v own_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v one_o way_n and_o the_o principal_a way_n of_o maintain_v communion_n between_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n who_o can_v actual_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o 3._o that_o victor_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n if_o any_o person_n of_o the_o asian_a communion_n have_v come_v to_o rome_n private_a christian_n can_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o actual_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o own_v their_o communion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o their_o fault_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o church_n and_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a that_o the_o asian_o that_o be_v among_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o communion_n but_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o they_o for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o asian_a christian_n but_o be_v only_o a_o force_a suspension_n of_o communion_n 4._o if_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n shall_v travel_v into_o asia_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v very_o lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o asian_a church_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o the_o sentence_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o and_o the_o roman_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o asia_n be_v not_o under_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o forbear_v
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
and_o the_o same_o 41._o act_n 2._o 41._o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o 3000_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a st._n peter_n exhort_v they_o all_o to_o repent_v in_o order_n to_o it_o but_o whether_o they_o do_v so_o or_o no_o he_o stay_v not_o for_o proof_n from_o their_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n but_o present_o upon_o their_o profess_a willing_a reception_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n one_o may_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o among_o so_o great_a a_o number_n all_o will_v not_o prove_v sincere_a convert_v and_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n 3._o act_n 4._o 34._o act_n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v two_o of_o the_o number_n in_o who_o you_o know_v that_o glad_a reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o gross_a hypocrisy_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n st._n philip_n proceed_v in_o plant_v the_o church_n at_o samaria_n when_o the_o people_n see_v the_o miracle_n he_o do_v give_v heed_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o 12._o act_n 8._o 12._o teach_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o without_o any_o far_a examination_n they_o be_v baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o among_o they_o be_v simon_n magus_n whose_o former_a notorious_a crime_n of_o sorcery_n witchcraft_n and_o blasphemy_n may_v have_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o fear_n to_o the_o holy_a deacon_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o hypocritical_a and_o his_o heart_n not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v afterward_o yet_o upon_o his_o believe_v 20._o act_n 8._o 20._o he_o be_v baptise_a such_o other_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v demas_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n they_o 13._o ver_fw-la 13._o have_v nothing_o it_o seem_v but_o a_o bare_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o entitle_v they_o to_o that_o privilege_n since_o afterward_o as_o we_o read_v the_o one_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n and_o the_o other_o two_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n 3._o this_o appear_v from_o the_o representation_n christ_n have_v 19_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o make_v of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o gospel_n fore-instructing_a his_o disciple_n by_o many_o parable_n that_o it_o shall_v consist_v of_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a it_o be_v a_o field_n wherein_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o a_o net_n wherein_o be_v fish_n of_o all_o sort_n a_o flour_n in_o which_o be_v lay_v up_o solid_a corn_n and_o 47._o mat._n 13._o 24_o 25._o vers_fw-la 47._o light_a chaff_n a_o vine_n on_o which_o be_v fruitful_a and_o barren_a branch_n a_o great_a house_n wherein_o be_v vessel_n of_o gold_n 12._o mat._n 3._o 12._o and_o silver_n and_o vessel_n of_o lesser_a value_n wood_n and_o earth_n 1._o john_n 15._o 1._o a_o marriage_n feast_n where_o be_v wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n 20._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 20._o some_o with_o wedding_n garment_n and_o some_o without_o some_o 25._o mat._n 25._o have_v oil_n and_o some_o but_o empty_a lamp_n st._n hierome_n compare_v it_o to_o noah_n ark_n wherein_o be_v preserve_v beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a when_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v typus_fw-la st._n hier._n dial_n con_fw-mi lucifer_n arca_n noae_n ecclesiae_fw-la typus_fw-la not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n many_o more_o be_v circumcise_a in_o the_o flesh_n than_o what_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v many_o be_v call_v 6._o rom._n 9_o 6._o but_o few_o choose_v he_o declare_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o in_o his_o church_n many_o more_o be_v call_v and_o admit_v into_o it_o by_o baptism_n than_o what_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n or_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o his_o heaven_n 4._o the_o many_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a member_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v plant_v be_v another_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o number_n whereof_o in_o all_o likelihood_n can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o great_a have_v they_o be_v so_o cautious_a and_o scrupulous_a as_o to_o admit_v none_o into_o they_o but_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n they_o think_v to_o be_v real_o holy_a in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v 7._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 34._o ver_fw-la 12._o 2_o cor._n 12._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 7._o many_o that_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o come_v drink_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o be_v fornicator_n unclean_a and_o contentious_a person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n there_o be_v many_o that_o nauseated_a the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o make_v it_o their_o choice_n to_o pick_v and_o eat_v the_o rubbish_n of_o the_o partition_n wall_n which_o christ_n have_v demolish_a the_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n which_o expire_v at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n they_o attempt_v to_o pull_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o to_o give_v a_o resurrection_n to_o they_o they_o be_v so_o much_o go_v off_o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n observe_v day_n and_o month_n and_o 11._o gal._n 3._o 7_o 10_o 11._o time_n and_o year_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o superstition_n st._n paul_n signify_v his_o fear_n of_o quite_o lose_v they_o and_o that_o his_o labour_n be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o in_o vain_a among_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n there_o be_v not_o one_o but_o what_o have_v receive_v such_o member_n into_o it_o that_o be_v either_o very_o cold_a &_o lukewarm_a in_o their_o religion_n or_o by_o their_o vicious_a life_n prove_v a_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o it_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n so_o swarm_v with_o these_o that_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o 4._o rev._n 3._o 1_o 4._o name_n in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v thereby_o enable_v far_o beyond_o what_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n can_v pretend_v to_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a do_v notwistanding_n admit_v many_o mere_a formal_a professor_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o no_o other_o rule_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n be_v practicable_a whether_o person_n be_v real_o holy_a and_o true_o regenerate_v or_o no_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n who_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o they_o may_v through_o want_n of_o judgement_n be_v deceive_v through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v impose_v upon_o through_o humane_a frailty_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n be_v misguide_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n many_o time_n the_o door_n may_v be_v open_v to_o the_o bad_a and_o shut_v against_o the_o good_a now_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christ_n appointment_n which_o be_v either_o impossible_a to_o be_v observe_v or_o in_o observe_v which_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n can_v be_v secure_v from_o act_v wrongful_o and_o injurious_o to_o men._n in_o sum_n christ_n have_v entrust_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o order_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o his_o church_n and_o who_o under_o he_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o these_o be_v but_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o short_a and_o fallible_a understanding_n he_o have_v 7._o 2._o cor._n 4_o 7._o not_o leave_v the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n to_o be_v manage_v sole_o by_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o have_v give_v they_o a_o certain_a public_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o both_o in_o admit_v person_n into_o his_o church_n and_o in_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o one_o the_o rule_n be_v open_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o the_o other_o open_a and_o scandalous_a offence_n prove_v by_o witness_n 2._o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o his_o continuance_n in_o some_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n he_o forfeit_v that_o right_a and_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o behaviour_n he_o be_v actual_o exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n for_o the_o explanation_n and_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n these_o three_o particular_n be_v to_o be_v do_v 1._o what_o be_v
13._o 4._o though_o god_n do_v deny_v this_o privilege_n to_o david_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o give_v he_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v 1._o because_o thing_n be_v not_o settle_v so_o it_o be_v before_o with_o the_o tribe_n therefore_o god_n say_v he_o walk_v with_o they_o 1._o they_o they_o they_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 6_o 7._o vers_fw-la 1._o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o david_n for_o though_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n rest_n which_o be_v about_o the_o 10_o or_o at_o most_o the_o 20_o of_o his_o reign_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o a_o settle_a peace_n and_o therefore_o mr._n pool_n read_v it_o as_o the_o margin_n v._o 11._o i_o will_v cause_v thou_o to_o rest_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o david_n because_o he_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o war_n and_o shed_v much_o blood_n 3._o blood_n blood_n blood_n 1_o chron._n 22._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 28_o 3._o now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o 1._o god_n say_v i_o will_v ordain_v a_o place_n for_o israel_n and_o plant_v they_o etc._n etc._n 9_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o chron._n 17._o 9_o 2._o of_o solomon_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o rest_n and_o i_o will_v give_v he_o peace_n 9_o peace_n peace_n peace_n 1_o chron._n 22._o 9_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o david_n to_o design_n a_o temple_n nor_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n that_o he_o do_v design_n it_o but_o it_o be_v defer_v for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v and_o because_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a now_o because_o the_o author_n have_v refer_v i_o to_o ames_n i_o will_v send_v he_o back_o thither_o and_o let_v he_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v answer_v all_o this_o or_o no._n 26._o aim_n fresh_a suit_n part_n 2._o §._o 6_o and_o 7._o case_n examine_v p._n 26._o as_o for_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n this_o reverend_a person_n say_v it_o lie_v upon_o our_o author_n to_o prove_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_fw-la be_v keep_v as_o a_o religious_a feast_n there_o be_v no_o order_n for_o any_o religious_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v general_o command_v under_o the_o precept_n of_o give_v thanks_o for_o public_a mercy_n i_o shall_v therefore_o undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o a_o religious_a feast_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v 1._o observe_v that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o religious_a feast_n and_o fast_n admit_v of_o the_o same_o general_a proof_n and_o if_o i_o prove_v one_o i_o prove_v the_o other_o 2._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v think_v it_o lawful_a to_o institute_v religious_a feast_n and_o fast_n both_o occasional_a and_o anniversary_n of_o the_o latter_a sort_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n be_v the_o fast_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o 5_o and_o 10_o month_n institute_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n 19_o captivity_n captivity_n captivity_n zech._n 8._o 19_o such_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n institute_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n 59_o maccabee_n maccabee_n maccabee_n 1_o mac._n 4._o 59_o and_o keep_v to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n 22._o saviour_n saviour_n saviour_n john_n 10_o 22._o nay_o to_o this_o very_a day_n among_o they_o jud._n they_o they_o they_o buxtorf_n synag_fw-mi jud._n and_o so_o mordecai_n and_o esther_n do_v establish_v this_o feast_n of_o purim_n and_o the_o jew_n take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o keep_v it_o 29._o it_o it_o it_o est_fw-la 9_o 20_o 27_o 29._o now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a feast_n will_v appear_v 1._o as_o it_o be_v a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o that_o great_a deliverance_n thus_o it_o be_v call_v a_o day_n of_o gladness_n a_o good_a day_n 22._o day_n day_n day_n â—_o 8._o 17._o 9_o 18_o 19_o 22._o which_o mr._n pool_n thus_o paraphrase_v a_o time_n of_o feast_v rejoice_v and_o thanksgiving_n 27._o thanksgiving_n thanksgiving_n thanksgiving_n on_o c._n 8._o 17._o ch._n 9_o 27._o this_o further_a appear_v from_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v say_v the_o text_n that_o the_o memorial_n of_o their_o deliverance_n shall_v not_o perish_v or_o as_o mr._n pool_n because_o they_o have_v see_v and_o feel_v this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n on_o their_o behalf_n 31._o behalf_n behalf_n behalf_n c._n 9_o 25_o 31._o it_o appear_v further_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v portion_n one_o to_o another_o and_o gift_n to_o the_o poor_a 22._o poor_a poor_a poor_a c._n 9_o 22._o which_o say_v pool_n they_o use_v to_o give_v upon_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n of_o which_o see_n neh._n 8._o 10._o and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o person_n of_o such_o signal_n piety_n as_o mordecai_n and_o esther_n shall_v institute_v and_o under_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v shall_v observe_v this_o feast_n only_o as_o a_o day_n of_o civil_a joy_n without_o respect_n to_o god_n that_o wonderful_o bring_v it_o about_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o religious_a feast_n as_o their_o fast_o be_v a_o religious_a fast_o so_o the_o text_n make_v they_o parallel_v they_o confirm_v these_o day_n of_o purim_n etc._n etc._n as_o they_o have_v decree_v for_o themselves_o &_o for_o their_o seed_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o fasting_n &_o their_o cry_n 31._o cry_n cry_n cry_n c._n 10_o 31._o but_o what_o their_o fast_n be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o cry_v here_o speak_v of_o do_v declare_v so_o to_o go_v you_o and_o fast_o pool_n add_v and_o pray_v which_o be_v the_o main_a business_n to_o which_o fast_v be_v only_o a_o help_n 31._o help_n help_n help_n on._n c._n 4._o 16_o and_o 9_o 31._o but_o our_o author_n say_v there_o be_v no_o order_n for_o any_o religious_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o become_v they_o to_o do_v upon_o such_o a_o gracious_a and_o wonderful_a deliverance_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o order_n for_o such_o act_n on_o their_o day_n of_o fast_v be_v they_o not_o therefore_o religious_a nay_o we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n or_o of_o any_o duty_n to_o he_o plain_o express_v and_o shall_v we_o therefore_o esteem_v it_o not_o to_o be_v religious_a and_o canonical_a but_o say_v our_o author_n if_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a feast_n it_o be_v general_o command_v under_o the_o precept_n of_o give_v thanks_o and_o i_o desire_v no_o more_o for_o in_o one_o breath_n he_o have_v yield_v all_o so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v gain_v that_o fix_v and_o anniversary_n festival_n day_n set_v apart_o for_o commemoration_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o we_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o command_n for_o and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o church_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v they_o as_o they_o do_v and_o further_o that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v use_v in_o divine_a worship_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v the_o synagogal_a worship_n to_o this_o he_o reply_v the_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o synagogue_n want_v no_o special_a command_n be_v but_o a_o circumstance_n convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a to_o public_a worship_n consider_v as_o a_o humane_a act._n a_o multitude_n of_o people_n can_v not_o meet_v to_o worship_n god_n together_o without_o a_o fit_a place_n but_o first_o why_o do_v not_o synagogue_n want_v a_o special_a command_n as_o well_o as_o the_o temple_n which_o he_o contend_v for_o for_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o build_v a_o more_o convenient_a place_n for_o one_o already_o institute_v a_o temple_n for_o a_o tabernacle_n or_o to_o build_v place_n for_o which_o they_o have_v as_o he_o yield_v no_o special_a command_n as_o the_o synagogue_n but_o suppose_v they_o need_v not_o a_o command_n for_o synagogue_n because_o a_o multitude_n can_v not_o meet_v together_o without_o a_o fit_a place_n yet_o how_o will_v that_o be_v a_o reason_n that_o the_o worship_v in_o synagogue_n want_v it_o not_o that_o place_n be_v a_o circumstance_n convenient_a and_o that_o synagogue_n be_v fit_a place_n for_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n to_o worship_n in_o we_o grant_v and_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n to_o justify_v the_o building_n and_o use_v such_o place_n without_o a_o special_a command_n yet_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o worship_n so_o and_o so_o order_v in_o those_o place_n what_o be_v that_o to_o day_n and_o hour_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o he_o contend_v against_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o form_n use_v in_o their_o service_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v write_v of_o if_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v justify_v though_o they_o want_v a_o special_a command_n how_o
allowable_a but_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v further_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o this_o point_n he_o may_v have_v it_o abundant_o in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v he_o it_o be_v more_o my_o business_n to_o show_v here_o that_o infant-baptism_n be_v at_o least_o a_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a thing_n to_o prove_v this_o i_o need_v but_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o two_o first_o question_n for_o if_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o it_o neither_o direct_o nor_o consequential_o otherwise_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o as_o great_a latitude_n in_o its_o self_n as_o circumcision_n its_o forerunner_n be_v and_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o one_o age_n more_o than_o one_o sex_n once_o more_o if_o child_n may_v be_v take_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o under_o the_o law_n and_o christ_n never_o say_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v interpret_v to_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o in_o a_o word_n if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n now_o that_o they_o be_v of_o circumcision_n then_o and_o of_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n consign_v unto_o they_o and_o christ_n neither_o by_o himself_o nor_o by_o his_o apostle_n do_v forbid_v the_o church_n to_o satisfy_v and_o fulfil_v this_o their_o capacity_n or_o last_o of_o all_o if_o christ_n have_v only_o appoint_v baptism_n instead_o of_o circumcision_n but_o say_v nothing_o to_o determine_v the_o subject_a of_o it_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o infant-baptism_n must_v at_o least_o be_v lawful_a and_o allowable_a because_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a and_o not_o a_o forbid_a or_o sinful_a thing_n but_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a and_o indifferent_a by_o christ_n it_o may_v like_v other_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v lawful_o appoint_v by_o any_o church_n from_o which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o in_o this_o case_n church_n may_v safe_o differ_v in_o their_o practice_n about_o infant-baptism_n as_o they_o do_v now_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptism_n and_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o church_n which_o do_v practise_v it_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o for_o appoint_v of_o it_o than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o another_o church_n which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o aught_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o for_o not_o appoint_v thereof_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v say_v i_o hope_v with_o sufficient_a moderation_n upon_o supposition_n that_o all_o i_o have_v write_v upon_o former_a question_n do_v but_o satisfactory_o prove_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v only_o lawful_a and_o not_o high_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a but_o than_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a so_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v appoint_v than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o sinful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a now_o as_o to_o the_o requisite_a necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n suppose_v that_o my_o reader_n bear_v in_o memory_n that_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o last_o question_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v with_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o credibility_n that_o christ_n institute_v baptism_n for_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o companion_n practise_v infant-baptism_n i_o must_v here_o entreat_v he_o further_a to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a necessity_n in_o matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n one_o which_o proceed_v from_o plain_n dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n or_o from_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v so_o obvious_a and_o clear_a that_o no_o sober_a man_n can_v mistake_v it_o or_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o another_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o from_o doubtful_a place_n in_o it_o so_o or_o so_o understand_v and_o interpret_v by_o the_o unanimous_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n the_o first_o degree_n of_o necessity_n be_v found_v on_o oftensive_a certainty_n and_o demonstration_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o objection_n and_o the_o second_o be_v found_v upon_o violent_a presumption_n where_o the_o objection_n on_o one_o hand_n be_v insufficient_a to_o move_v or_o at_o least_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n if_o put_v in_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o other_o which_o be_v weigh_v down_o mole_n universatis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o because_o this_o rule_n like_o other_o be_v not_o so_o intelligible_a without_o a_o example_n i_o will_v add_v some_o instance_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o good_a christian_n under_o both_o these_o notion_n of_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o equal_a unto_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a and_o coequal_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v all_o but_o one_o god_n because_o these_o doctrine_n though_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o several_a place_n of_o it_o which_o be_v always_o so_o interpret_v by_o that_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n again_o according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o speak_v or_o write_v because_o natural_a reason_n teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o according_a to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o other_o how_o divine_a and_o orthodox_n and_o ancient_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v because_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o such_o by_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n by_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christian_n to_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n because_o reason_n and_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o the_o second_o sort_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v assemble_v themselves_o periodical_o to_o worship_n god_n on_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n from_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o tehy_a be_v interpret_v to_o this_o sense_n by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o necessity_n church-government_n be_v necessary_a because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a reason_n and_o most_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o other_o how_o divine_a and_o orthodox_n and_o ancient_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v because_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o such_o by_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n church_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n by_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christian_n to_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n because_o reason_n and_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o the_o second_o sort_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v assemble_v themselves_o periodical_o to_o worship_n god_n on_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n from_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v interpret_v to_o this_o sense_n by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n church_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o necessity_n church-governmenr_a be_v necessary_a because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a reason_n and_o
and_o use_v at_o this_o day_n for_o that_o be_v a_o discumb_a or_o lean_v gesture_n on_o the_o left_a side_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n that_o we_o lie_v upon_o couch_n with_o the_o upper_a part_n of_o the_o body_n almost_o erect_v it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o learned_a man_n that_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n at_o the_o passover_n by_o which_o gesture_n they_o distinguish_v this_o festival_n night_n from_o all_o other_o now_o if_o the_o same_o gesture_n be_v use_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o be_v at_o the_o passover_n and_o his_o example_n make_v it_o necessary_a and_o obligatory_a to_o all_o christian_n for_o what_o reason_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n change_v it_o into_o sit_v upright_o according_a to_o our_o civil_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o feast_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o this_o it_o will_v be_v very_o easy_a to_o justify_v kneel_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o they_o shall_v allege_v for_o sit_v and_o our_o change_v the_o gesture_n will_v be_v as_o warrantable_a as_o they_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o alone_o have_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n to_o recede_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n when_o and_o how_o far_o they_o please_v but_o our_o church_n have_v not_o nor_o any_o other_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o say_v sit_v as_o they_o do_v come_v near_a to_o the_o gesture_n use_v by_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o consequent_o as_o be_v suppose_v at_o the_o sacrament_n than_o the_o kneel_v gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n will_v do_v they_o no_o service_n for_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o question_n who_o come_v near_a to_o the_o example_n they_o or_o we_o when_o they_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o vary_v if_o they_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o rule_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o they_o against_o kneel_v equal_o conclude_v against_o all_o other_o gesture_n beside_o what_o he_o himself_o use_v and_o then_o the_o suppose_a gesture_n which_o he_o observe_v bind_v to_o lie_v along_o for_o where_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o go_v by_o but_o his_o pattern_n we_o must_v cut_v exact_o by_o it_o or_o else_o we_o take_v a_o liberty_n to_o do_v that_o of_o our_o own_o head_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o allowance_n that_o be_v we_o leave_v the_o pattern_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v only_o to_o follow_v and_o act_n at_o random_n upon_o our_o own_o head_n and_o then_o the_o pattern_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o justification_n though_o our_o church_n therefore_o do_v not_o strict_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v object_v by_o require_v all_o her_o communicant_n to_o kneel_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v and_o to_o scruple_n communicate_v with_o we_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o but_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o their_o separate_a congregation_n in_o a_o gesture_n different_a from_o what_o our_o lord_n use_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o it_o the_o presbyterian_o if_o one_o may_v argue_v from_o their_o practice_n to_o their_o principle_n lie_v very_o little_a stress_n on_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o they_o general_o choose_v to_o sit_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v stand_v as_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a in_o its_o self_n and_o several_a be_v willing_a to_o receive_v it_o in_o that_o posture_n in_o our_o church_n which_o sure_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o wide_a from_o the_o pattern_n our_o lord_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v set_v we_o whether_o he_o lay_v along_o or_o sit_v upright_o as_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v too_o a_o confess_v variation_n allow_v of_o and_o practise_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n both_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o from_o the_o institution_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o they_o have_v change_v immersion_n or_o dip_v into_o aspersion_n or_o sprinkle_v and_o pour_v water_n on_o the_o face_n baptism_n 19_o mat._n 3._o 16._o mat._n 28._o 19_o by_o immersion_n or_o dip_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o be_v by_o they_o ordain_v and_o use_v to_o represent_v our_o burial_n with_o christ_n a_o death_n unto_o sin_n and_o a_o new_a birth_n 12._o rom._n 6._o 4._o 6._o 11._o col._n 2._o 12._o unto_o righteousness_n as_o st._n paul_n explain_v that_o rite_n now_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o a_o different_a gesture_n from_o that_o which_o be_v use_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n shall_v become_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n that_o it_o be_v more_o unpassable_a than_o the_o alps_n and_o yet_o they_o can_v with_o ease_n and_o cheerfulness_n pass_v by_o as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o christen_v as_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o murmur_n or_o complaint_n sit_v kneel_v or_o stand_v be_v none_o of_o they_o institute_v or_o use_v to_o signify_v and_o represent_v any_o thing_n essential_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o dip_v all_o over_o be_v why_o can_v kneeling_z then_o be_v without_o any_o wrong_n to_o the_o conscience_n as_o safe_o and_o innocent_o use_v as_o sprinkle_v how_o come_v a_o gnat_n to_o use_v our_o saviour_n proverb_n to_o be_v hard_a to_o swallow_v than_o a_o camel_n or_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o public_a prevail_v with_o they_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o as_o mercy_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o infant_n body_n to_o sprinkle_n or_o pour_v water_n on_o the_o face_n contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n 4._o they_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n common_o and_o general_o observe_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v 747._o altar_n dam._n 745._o 747._o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o feast_n in_o egypt_n for_o thus_o the_o command_n run_v exod._n 12._o 11._o and_o thus_o shall_v you_o eat_v it_o with_o your_o loin_n gird_v your_o shoe_n on_o your_o foot_n and_o your_o staff_n in_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o shall_v eat_v it_o in_o haste_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v passover_n this_o say_v the_o hebrew_n doctor_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a law_n suit_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o time_n and_o serve_v for_o that_o night_n only_o and_o do_v not_o oblige_v the_o follow_a generation_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o thus_o they_o comment_v upon_o it_o four_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o law_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v but_o for_o that_o night_n at_o the_o 11._o vid._n mr._n ainsworth_n exod._n 12._o 6._o 11._o passover_n in_o egypt_n 1._o eat_v of_o the_o lamb_n in_o their_o house_n disperse_v in_o egypt_n 2._o take_v up_o of_o the_o lamb_n from_o the_o ten_o day_n 3._o strike_v the_o blood_n on_o their_o door-post_n 4._o eat_v in_o haste_n here_o the_o gesture_n in_o all_o probability_n be_v stand_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v howsoever_o it_o be_v different_a from_o that_o use_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n which_o be_v a_o gesture_n denote_v ease_n and_o rest_v and_o their_o deliverance_n from_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o our_o lord_n compliance_n with_o this_o custom_n may_v teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v to_o this_o practice_n st._n paul_n rule_n well_o suit_n not_o 8._o phil._n 4._o 8._o only_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o just_o and_o lovely_a and_o pure_a and_o honest_a but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n i._n e._n well_o speak_v of_o or_o laudable_a not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o thing_n be_v much_o approve_v of_o in_o common_a esteem_n or_o be_v make_v commendable_a by_o custom_n we_o be_v to_o think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o make_v account_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o conform_v our_o
plain_a account_n in_o these_o word_n let_v the_o bishop_n give_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sacrifice_n by_o which_o name_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v call_v in_o primitive_a time_n say_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o that_o receive_v say_v amen_o then_o let_v the_o deacon_n take_v the_o cup_n and_o at_o the_o delivery_n say_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o cup_n of_o life_n and_o let_v he_o that_o drink_v say_v amen_o now_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o constitution_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n adulterate_v yet_o it_o be_v allow_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v very_o sincere_a and_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o pure_a practice_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a time_n that_o they_o give_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a account_n in_o this_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o sacrament_n we_o may_v rest_v full_o satisfy_v from_o the_o concure_a evidence_n of_o other_o ancient_a writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o four_o century_n for_o both_o st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n 1541._o ambr._n de_fw-fr sacr._n lib_n 4._o c._n 5._o p._n 440._o to._n 4._o st._n cyril_n hiero._n catech._n mystag_n 5._o universa_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la accepto_fw-la christi_fw-la sanguine_a dicit_fw-la amen_o resp_n ad_fw-la orosi_fw-la quest_n 49._o to._n 4._o p._n 691._o basil_n 1541._o make_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o people_n say_v amen_o when_o the_o minister_n say_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o st._n austin_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o universal_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o cup_n be_v deliver_v and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n record_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o be_v very_o apposite_a to_o our_o purpose_n i_o will_v set_v down_o for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o novatius_fw-la a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o rightful_a bishop_n cornelius_n set_v up_o for_o himself_o and_o become_v the_o head_n novato_fw-la epist_n cornel._n ad_fw-la fab._n apud_fw-la euseb_n eccles_n hist_o lib._n 6._o c._n 35._o de_fw-la novato_fw-la of_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o unnatural_a schism_n and_o the_o better_a to_o secure_v to_o he_o the_o proselyte_n he_o have_v gain_v he_o alter_v the_o usual_a form_n of_o prayer_n at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o substitute_v a_o new-fangled_a oath_n which_o he_o oblige_v every_o communicant_a to_o take_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o receive_n which_o among_o other_o wicked_a action_n be_v particulary_a take_v notice_n of_o and_o charge_v upon_o he_o by_o cornelius_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o and_o the_o most_o villainous_a innovation_n when_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v say_v he_o to_o offer_v sacrafice_n i._n e._n to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o to_o distribute_v to_o every_o one_o his_o part_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o he_o constrain_v those_o person_n who_o unhappy_o side_v with_o he_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n instead_o of_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n according_a to_o custom_n and_o instead_o of_o say_v amen_o he_o force_v every_o communicant_a when_o he_o receive_v the_o bread_n to_o say_v i_o will_v never_o return_v to_o cornelius_n as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v from_o these_o plain_a instance_n we_o may_v see_v how_o close_o our_o church_n follow_v the_o step_n of_o pure_a antiquity_n in_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o cup_n to_o the_o people_n which_o run_v thus_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n preserve_v thy_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o everlasting_a life_n etc._n etc._n which_o last_o clause_n be_v add_v by_o latter_a time_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n to_o that_o short_a form_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v every_o christian_n interest_n as_o well_o as_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o such_o a_o prayer_n and_o return_v a_o hearty_a amen_o to_o it_o i_o will_v now_o brief_o sum_v up_o the_o evidence_n that_o have_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o antiquity_n in_o justification_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n and_o observe_v where_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o fix_v and_o what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o and_o in_o this_o order_n it_o lie_v sit_v be_v adjudge_v by_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n a_o very_a unfit_a and_o irreverent_a posture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n when_o they_o be_v solemn_o engage_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v esteem_v the_o most_o solemn_a act_n or_o branch_n of_o christian_a worship_n the_o primitive_a christian_n general_o use_v stand_v at_o their_o public_a devotion_n only_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o all_o that_o space_n of_o time_n that_o fall_v between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n at_o all_o other_o time_n in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n kneel_v be_v their_o worship_a posture_n and_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n every_o day_n and_o particular_o on_o their_o state_v weekly_a fast_n which_o they_o keep_v every_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n when_o to_o stand_v be_v think_v as_o great_a a_o irregularity_n as_o to_o kneel_v be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o last_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v deliver_v and_o receive_v with_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o on_o those_o day_n when_o they_o constant_o pray_v kneel_v all_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v consider_v i_o think_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o be_v what_o i_o assert_v and_o design_v viz._n that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o sit_v be_v general_o condemn_v as_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a gesture_n by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v say_v that_o prostration_n or_o lie_v flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v so_o it_o must_v be_v therefore_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o stand_v or_o kneel_v as_o for_o stand_v all_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v use_v only_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o pentecost_n the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v draw_v not_o from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o from_o the_o day_n and_o festival_n season_n when_o they_o do_v more_o particular_o communicate_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n open_o testify_v their_o belief_n of_o that_o great_a article_n at_o such_o time_n therefore_o they_o choose_v stand_v as_o be_v a_o gesture_n suitable_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o as_o a_o emblem_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o on_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a reason_n to_o invite_v or_o oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o use_v kneel_v that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a posture_n they_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n viz._n stand_v both_o at_o their_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o fifty_o day_n after_o easter_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v usual_a at_o other_o time_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v they_o do_v not_o observe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n at_o all_o other_o time_n viz._n that_o as_o at_o such_o time_n they_o do_v constant_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n so_o they_o do_v also_o constant_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v and_o receive_v in_o a_o prayer_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o premise_n i_o may_v howsoever_o promise_v myself_o thus_o much_o success_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v careful_o weigh_v and_o peruse_v they_o with_o a_o teachable_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n shall_v find_v himself_o much_o more_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o primitive_a church_n use_v at_o some_o time_n to_o kneel_v as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n than_o that_o they_o never_o do_v kneel_v at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o posture_n be_v never_o use_v nor_o hear_v of_o but_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n as_o some_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v have_v confident_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o second_o suppose_v they_o never_o do_v kneel_v as_o we_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o adore_a posture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o present_a
several_a of_o they_o lose_v their_o life_n barrow_n and_o greenwood_n be_v execute_v for_o their_o scandalous_a and_o seditious_a write_n penry_n and_o vdal_n indict_v and_o arraign_v for_o defame_v the_o queen_n government_n in_o a_o scandalous_a book_n write_v against_o the_o suppose_a governor_n as_o they_o call_v they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o which_o they_o be_v both_o cast_n and_o condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o felon_n but_o archbishop_n whitgift_n interpose_v they_o be_v reprieve_v and_o vdal_n suffer_v to_o die_v as_o he_o do_v soon_o after_o in_o his_o bed_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o wise_a and_o wary_a queen_n behold_v schism_n grow_v on_o apace_o and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v tell_v what_o ill_a influence_n it_o be_v like_a to_o have_v both_o upon_o church_n and_o state_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o carry_v a_o straight_a hand_n as_o well_o over_o puritanism_n on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o popery_n on_o the_o other_o and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o she_o charge_v archbishop_n whitgâ—ft_n 29._o sir_n g._n paul_n life_n of_o a._n b._n whitgift_n numb_a 53._o p._n 29._o to_o be_v vigilant_a and_o careful_a to_o reduce_v minister_n by_o their_o subscription_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o settle_a order_n and_o government_n add_v that_o she_o will_v have_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n former_o establish_v of_o all_o man_n due_o to_o be_v observe_v without_o alteration_n of_o the_o least_o ceremony_n but_o nothing_o more_o full_o discover_v her_o judgement_n and_o resolution_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o what_o she_o give_v in_o command_n to_o the_o lord-keeper-puckering_a to_o tell_v the_o parliament_n part_n of_o his_o 109._o dr._n pierce_v new_a discov_n against_o mr._n baxt._n 1659._o ch._n 5._o sect._n 12._o p._n 109._o speech_n transcribe_v and_o publish_v some_o year_n since_o from_o the_o original_a copy_n under_o his_o own_o hand_n write_v by_o a_o eminent_a divine_a of_o this_o church_n be_v as_o follow_v and_o especial_o you_o be_v command_v by_o her_o majesty_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o ear_n be_v give_v or_o time_n afford_v to_o the_o wearisome_a solicitation_n of_o those_o that_o common_o be_v call_v puritan_n wherewithal_o the_o late_a parliament_n have_v be_v exceed_o importune_v which_o sort_n of_o man_n whilst_o in_o the_o giddiness_n of_o their_o spirit_n they_o labour_v and_o strive_v to_o advance_v a_o new_a eldership_n they_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o disturb_v the_o good_a repose_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v as_o well_o ground_v for_o the_o body_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o as_o well_o guide_v for_o the_o discipline_n as_o any_o realm_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v already_o make_v good_a to_o the_o world_n by_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n neither_o answer_v nor_o answerable_a by_o any_o of_o these_o new_a fangle_a refiner_n and_o as_o the_o present_a case_n stand_v it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whethey_a they_o or_o the_o jesuit_n do_v offer_v more_o danger_n or_o be_v more_o speedy_o to_o be_v repress_v for_o albeit_o the_o jesuit_n do_v impoison_v the_o heart_n of_o her_o majesty_n subject_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o conscience_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o obedience_n due_a to_o her_o majesty_n yet_o do_v the_o same_o but_o close_o and_o only_o in_o privy_a corner_n but_o these_o man_n do_v both_o publish_v in_o their_o print_a book_n and_o teach_v in_o all_o their_o conventicle_n sundry_a opinion_n not_o only_o dangerous_a to_o the_o well-setled_n estate_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o realm_n but_o also_o much_o derogatory_n to_o her_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o her_o crown_n as_o well_o by_o etc._n etc._n in_o all_o which_o thing_n however_o in_o many_o other_o point_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v at_o war_n with_o the_o popish_a jesuit_n yet_o by_o the_o separation_n of_o themselves_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o fellow-subject_n and_o by_o abuse_v the_o sacred_a authority_n and_o majesty_n of_o their_o prince_n they_o do_v both_o join_v and_o concur_v with_o the_o jesuit_n in_o open_v the_o door_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o the_o spanish_a invasion_n that_o be_v threaten_v against_o the_o realm_n thus_o far_o he_o by_o her_o majesty_n most_o royal_a pleasure_n and_o wise_a direction_n as_o he_o there_o speak_v to_o which_o let_v i_o add_v that_o the_o speech_n take_v such_o effect_n that_o the_o parliament_n pass_v the_o act_n of_o 35th_o of_o eliz._n the_o severe_a act_n against_o dissenter_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o law_n and_o indeed_o so_o jealous_a be_v the_o queen_n of_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o innovation_n that_o archbishop_n grindall_n only_o for_o give_v too_o much_o encouragement_n to_o prophesying_n which_o be_v behold_v as_o likely_a to_o prove_v nursery_n of_o schism_n and_o faction_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v fall_v under_o her_o displeasure_n and_o be_v sequester_v from_o his_o archiepiscopal_a jurisdiction_n and_o though_o great_a intercession_n be_v make_v in_o his_o behalf_n yet_o can_v he_o never_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o die_a day_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n then_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o proceed_n of_o those_o day_n which_o our_o dissenter_n at_o another_o time_n be_v wont_a so_o much_o to_o magnify_v and_o extol_v nothing_o of_o late_o have_v be_v so_o much_o in_o their_o mouth_n as_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n the_o care_n and_o diligence_n the_o zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o good_a queen_n elizabeth_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o cast_v any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o incomparable_a princess_n who_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o own_o to_o have_v be_v the_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o perfect_a and_o settle_v the_o reformation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o who_o memory_n will_v be_v dear_a and_o precious_a as_o long_o as_o the_o protestant_a name_n have_v a_o be_v in_o england_n but_o i_o only_o take_v notice_n how_o extreme_o partial_a people_n be_v and_o how_o apt_a to_o be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o present_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o to_o be_v always_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o former_a day_n be_v better_a than_o these_o whereas_o suppose_v their_o circumstance_n be_v real_o hard_a than_o they_o be_v and_o hard_a than_o those_o of_o the_o puritan_n in_o former_a time_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o accuse_v the_o government_n of_o rigour_n and_o severity_n towards_o they_o if_o three_o thing_n be_v far_o take_v into_o consideration_n first_o that_o the_o dissenter_n of_o old_a especial_o the_o first_o race_n of_o they_o be_v general_o much_o more_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a than_o those_o of_o latter_a time_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n less_o turbulent_a and_o offensive_a to_o the_o government_n when_o they_o can_v not_o conform_v as_o minister_n they_o yet_o do_v as_o private_a christian_n and_o quiet_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o suspension_n or_o deprivation_n and_o as_o one_o true_o say_v of_o they_o when_o they_o can_v not_o be_v active_a without_o sin_v as_o they_o judge_v they_o can_v be_v passive_a without_o murmur_a they_o meddle_v not_o with_o thing_n without_o their_o line_n nor_o mix_v themselves_o with_o matter_n of_o state_n declare_v that_o king_n have_v 11._o see_v a_o book_n call_v the_o protestation_n of_o the_o king_n supremacy_n 1605._o numb_a 8_o 9_o 11._o power_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o ecclesiastical_a law_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a order_v of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o any_o of_o their_o law_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v command_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o resist_v the_o king_n therein_o but_o peaceable_o to_o forbear_v disobedience_n and_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o where_o that_o can_v be_v obtain_v meek_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o punishment_n they_o general_o come_v to_o church_n and_o do_v not_o run_v into_o separate_a congregation_n nay_o write_v stout_o and_o smart_o against_o those_o who_o begin_v then_o to_o attempt_v a_o separation_n but_o whether_o our_o modern_a dissenter_n have_v observe_v the_o same_o course_n and_o be_v of_o this_o spirit_n and_o temper_n let_v the_o world_n judge_n yea_o let_v themselves_o be_v judge_n in_o the_o case_n second_o sad_a experience_n of_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o government_n to_o take_v all_o just_a and_o lawful_a way_n for_o prevent_v the_o like_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v man_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n then_o discontent_v that_o they_o be_v not_o present_o gratify_v with_o a_o alteration_n discontent_n bring_v on_o
church_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 2._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o to_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o it_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n for_o we_o can_v actual_o join_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o with_o some_o particular_a church_n yet_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v and_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o with_o any_o other_o true_a and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o exercise_n of_o true_a christian_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o catholic_n communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n require_v since_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v more_o peculiarly_a unite_v we_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n than_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n when_o we_o pray_v together_o to_o god_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o do_v not_o challenge_v any_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o member_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n who_o powerful_o intercee_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o for_o we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a but_o for_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o our_o fellow-member_n and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o communion_n of_o prayer_n for_o pray_v with_o one_o another_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o our_o prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n when_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o common_a father_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o the_o same_o common_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o when_o we_o meet_v together_o to_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v as_o at_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o as_o at_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church_n fellowship_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o confederation_n between_o those_o neighbour_n christian_n who_o receive_v together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n than_o with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o sacramental_a bread_n signify_v and_o represent_v all_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o one_o mystical_a body_n for_o which_o he_o offer_v his_o natural_a body_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n and_o our_o eat_n of_o this_o bread_n signify_v our_o union_n to_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n of_o true_a catholic_n not_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n and_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o represent_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o particular_a in_o this_o feast_n to_o make_v it_o a_o private_a feast_n or_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v as_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_n communion_n which_o by_o the_o way_n plain_o show_v how_o groundless_a that_o scruple_n be_v against_o mix_a communion_n that_o man_n think_v themselves_o defile_v by_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n with_o man_n who_o be_v vicious_a for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a profession_n when_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o censure_v and_o remove_v from_o christian_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o their_o communion_n be_v defile_v by_o bad_a man_n who_o communicate_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o congregation_n as_o in_o that_o in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o communicate_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n signify_v no_o other_o communion_n between_o they_o who_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o company_n than_o it_o do_v with_o all_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n consider_v as_o present_v but_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o desire_v yet_o be_v schismatic_n in_o it_o because_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v unless_o we_o will_v except_v independent_o because_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o except_v themselves_o and_o then_o their_o separation_n do_v not_o answer_v its_o end_n which_o be_v to_o avoid_v such_o corrupt_a communion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o gather_a church_n they_o be_v schismatic_n in_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v indeed_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a from_o corrupt_a member_n unless_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v do_v so_o too_o because_o every_o particular_a church_n whether_o diocesan_n or_o national_a have_v power_n to_o reform_v its_o own_o member_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o such_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n but_o it_o do_v prove_v that_o no_o church_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n can_v renounce_v communion_n with_o other_o christian_a church_n or_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n of_o its_o own_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corrupt_a member_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o novatian_a and_o donatist_n schism_n of_o old_a and_o be_v so_o of_o the_o independent_a schism_n at_o this_o day_n 3._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n whole_o result_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o catholic_n communion_n the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o when_o i_o be_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a christian_a church_n as_o no_o member_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n without_o its_o be_v unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n to_o each_o other_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church-communion_n but_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v
be_v church-member_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o church_n authority_n consist_v in_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o all_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n to_o shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_o or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o church_n authority_n will_v signify_v nothing_o be_v not_o external_n and_o actual_a communion_n both_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 5._o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o notion_n of_o separation_n without_o this_o now_o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o separation_n be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o express_a testimony_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o where_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v plain_o signify_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a godly_a separation_n when_o the_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a but_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o 19_o 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o their_o go_v out_o from_o they_o plain_o signify_v their_o forsake_v christian_n assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n admonish_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v in_o which_o he_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o refer_v to_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o thus_o according_o to_o have_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n for_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n feast_n because_o they_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o by_o partake_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20_o 21._o gentile_n sacrifice_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n must_v first_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o we_o have_v any_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v preserve_v his_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n no_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n but_o he_o who_o actual_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o christian_a institution_n a_o state_n of_o communion_n confer_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v but_o actual_a communion_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n be_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o enjoyment_n consist_v in_o act_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o church-communion_n we_o must_v live_v in_o actual_a communion_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dormant_a and_o useless_a right_n which_o we_o never_o bring_v into_o act._n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v non-communion_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o impossibility_n he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o country_n or_o travel_n through_o any_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o can_v enjoy_v actual_a communion_n the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o communion_n continue_v though_o necessity_n may_v suspend_v the_o act._n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v our_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o see_v the_o church_n divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o party_n and_o faction_n which_o refuse_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o presbyterian_o independent_o anabaptist_n quaker_n all_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o some_o conclude_v it_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o divide_a party_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o total_a suspension_n of_o church-communion_n as_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v for_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o divide_a sect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o some_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o opposite_a and_o separate_a communion_n therefore_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o strong_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o hold_v in_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o these_o divide_a communion_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o such_o division_n and_o separation_n excuse_v we_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n actual_a communion_n never_o be_v and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o duty_n long_o together_o for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_a long_o together_o as_o to_o be_v without_o division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o set_v up_o private_a conventicle_n of_o their_o own_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o continue_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n who_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n farewell_n to_o all_o church_n communion_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v any_o man_n indeed_o travel_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o there_o find_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v for_o he_o to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o either_o party_n till_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v which_o party_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o then_o he_o be_v bind_v if_o he_o understand_v their_o language_n to_o communicate_v
suppose_v again_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_o impose_v and_o unavoidable_a than_o separation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o be_v unwarrantable_a but_o to_o make_v this_o the_o more_o uncontrollable_o evident_a i_o shall_v consider_v the_o corruption_n as_o they_o respect_v worship_n or_o discipline_n in_o worship_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o defect_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o in_o the_o ministration_n the_o minister_n and_o those_o that_o join_v with_o it_o and_o show_v that_o these_o do_v not_o disoblige_v from_o communion_n in_o it_o and_o attendance_n upon_o it_o 1._o the_o defect_n of_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v consistent_a with_o communion_n and_o no_o just_a reason_n for_o withdraw_v from_o it_o this_o the_o brownist_n do_v acknowledge_v 7._o apol._n p._n 7._o with_o some_o qualification_n neither_o count_v we_o it_o lawful_a for_o any_o member_n to_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n which_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o call_v 157._o exposit_n on_o 1_o epist_n john_n p._n 157._o shall_v studious_o seek_v to_o cure_v etc._n etc._n so_o mr._n cotton_n suppose_v there_o be_v and_o be_v sundry_a abuse_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o safe_a ground_n of_o separation_n when_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n corrupt_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n their_o sin_n be_v great_a yet_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n 38._o england_n remembrance_n serm._n 2._o p._n 38._o to_o separate_v and_o abhor_v thus_o a_o reverend_a person_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v right_o instruct_v his_o auditor_n a_o mean_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v be_v diligent_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o and_o when_o you_o can_v enjoy_v they_o in_o any_o measure_n according_a to_o god_n will_n though_o not_o altogether_o in_o the_o manner_n you_o desire_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v administer_v in_o etc._n etc._n though_o i_o dare_v not_o advise_v you_o to_o join_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o or_o in_o your_o judgement_n evil_a till_o you_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o yet_o i_o must_v advise_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o from_o what_o be_v good_a and_o god_n own_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o produce_v the_o several_a argument_n use_v by_o they_o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n as_o first_o to_o break_v off_o communion_n or_o to_o refuse_v it_o for_o arg._n 1_o such_o defect_n will_v be_v to_o look_v after_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o this_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o so_o the_o brownist_n do_v declare_v none_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n 36._o confession_n of_o faith_n art_n 36._o right_o gather_v and_o establish_v for_o fault_n and_o corruption_n which_o may_v and_z so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o mortal_a man_n will_v fall_v out_o and_o arise_v among_o they_o and_o mr._n jenkins_n argue_v upon_o this_o principle_n must_v not_o 19_o comment_fw-fr on_o juâ—e_n v._o 19_o he_o who_o will_v forbear_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n till_o it_o be_v altogether_o free_v from_o mixture_n tarry_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n till_o when_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o christ_n will_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o church_n whatsoever_o do_v offend_v this_o be_v it_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n conquer_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o that_o good_a man_n mr._n j._n allen_n and_o keep_v he_o from_o separation_n of_o which_o iii._o his_o life_n p._n iii._o we_o have_v this_o account_n he_o know_v of_o how_o great_a moment_n it_o be_v that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v maintain_v and_o that_o its_o assembly_n shall_v not_o be_v relinquish_v though_o some_o of_o its_o administration_n do_v not_o clear_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o he_o because_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o imperfection_n and_o pollution_n in_o they_o suppose_a or_o real_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n be_v evident_o to_o suppose_v ourselves_o join_v before_o our_o time_n to_o the_o heavenly_a assembly_n or_o to_o have_v find_v such_o a_o one_o upon_o earth_n exempt_a from_o all_o mixture_n and_o imperfection_n of_o worshipper_n and_o worship_n the_o want_n of_o this_o prudent_a consideration_n make_v many_o to_o expect_v more_o than_o can_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o to_o look_v upon_o every_o defect_n or_o corruption_n as_o intolerable_a to_o prevent_v which_o therefore_o mr._n baxter_n do_v give_v this_o advice_n to_o his_o brethren_n teach_v they_o to_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o faulty_a and_o so_o be_v all_o man_n worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o faulty_a worship_n must_v renounce_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o with_o he_o second_o they_o argue_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n arg._n 2_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o defective_a church_n and_o worship_n but_o communicate_v in_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o other_o so_o to_o do_v no_o doubt_v it_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n say_v one_o in_o a_o farewel-sermon_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 95._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94_o 95._o who_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o purity_n in_o god_n worship_n as_o much_o against_o corrupt_a mixture_n of_o man_n invention_n therein_o as_o any_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v use_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o corruption_n bring_v into_o it_o that_o he_o go_v into_o their_o assembly_n not_o to_o join_v in_o any_o worship_n but_o only_o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n be_v not_o where_o write_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n when_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n approve_v of_o and_o justify_v their_o worship_n as_o right_v for_o substance_n that_o salvation_n may_v be_v attain_v therein_o which_o he_o deny_v to_o be_v attainable_a in_o any_o other_o worship_n john_n 4._o 22._o we_o know_v include_v himself_o among_o those_o that_o worship_v god_n aright_o what_o we_o worship_v for_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o 132._o by_o by_o by_o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 132._o many_o that_o christ_n do_v communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o be_v grant_v as_o well_o by_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a as_o 8._o as_o as_o as_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n in_o new-england_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o presbyterial_a way_n and_o yet_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v much_o corrupt_v of_o which_o mr._n hildersham_n do_v give_v a_o 166._o a_o a_o a_o lect._n 35_o on_o john_n p._n 165_o 166._o specimen_fw-la but_o especial_o dr._n 294._o dr._n dr._n dr._n dwelling_v with_o god_n p._n 294._o brian_n there_o be_v many_o great_a corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o priest_n and_o teacher_n be_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a and_o have_v a_o corrupt_a and_o unlawful_a entrance_n into_o their_o call_v and_o the_o people_n be_v like_a to_o the_o priest_n general_o notorious_o and_o obstinate_o ungodly_a and_o the_o worship_n use_v in_o that_o church_n be_v woeful_o corrupt_a many_o superstitious_a ceremony_n the_o observation_n whereof_o be_v more_o strict_o urge_v than_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o temple_n make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n the_o discipline_n and_o censure_n shameful_o abuse_v the_o doctrine_n be_v corrupt_v in_o many_o point_n yet_o the_o word_n tell_v you_o christ_n who_o example_n it_o bind_v you_o to_o follow_v and_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o follower_n of_o he_o in_o all_o imitable_a thing_n make_v no_o separation_n from_o this_o church_n profess_v himself_o a_o memeber_v of_o it_o be_v by_o circumcision_n incorporate_v a_o member_n receive_v baptism_n in_o a_o congregation_n of_o that_o people_n be_v a_o hearer_n of_o their_o common_a service_n and_o their_o teacher_n allow_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o hear_v they_o communicate_v in_o the_o passover_n with_o the_o people_n and_o the_o priest_n no_o more_o do_v his_o apostle_n make_v separation_n from_o this_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n till_o their_o day_n have_v its_o period_n etc._n etc._n by_o their_o example_n it_o appear_v that_o till_o god_n have_v forsake_v a_o church_n no_o man_n may_v forsake_v it_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o ibid._n ibid._n conclude_v from_o hence_o with_o mr._n hildersham_n those_o assembly_n that_o enjoy_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o have_v many_o corruption_n remain_v in_o they_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o none_o of_o the_o faithful_a
we_o what_o they_o real_o be_v for_o among_o those_o saint_n be_v find_v strange_a immortality_n altogether_o contradictory_n to_o the_o sacredness_n of_o their_o vocation_n but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v christ_n love_v the_o church_n 25._o eph._n 5._o 25._o and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n i_o answer_v holiness_n in_o this_o place_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v mean_v a_o real_a and_o inward_a holiness_n but_o then_o by_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a complex_fw-la body_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o in_o this_o world_n be_v real_o though_o imperfect_o holy_a and_o be_v every_o day_n press_v forward_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o or_o else_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o future_a state_n when_o all_o the_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a member_n shall_v be_v by_o death_n and_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n that_o remain_v in_o it_o only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o some_o acceptable_a degree_n holy_a here_o and_o shall_v then_o be_v perfect_v in_o holiness_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o make_v two_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o donatist_n object_v one_o in_o which_o good_a and_o bad_a be_v mingle_v together_o and_o another_o in_o which_o there_o be_v good_a alone_o but_o only_o to_o assign_v two_o different_a state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n the_o one_o in_o this_o world_n compose_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a external_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o all_o by_o vocation_n and_o internal_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o some_o in_o it_o by_o sanctification_n the_o other_o in_o the_o next_o world_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o separation_n make_v betwixt_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o goat_n and_o all_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o complete_o happy_a this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o christ_n shall_v present_v to_o himself_o glorious_a not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n this_o being_n spuposed_a all_o that_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n 2._o that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o his_o continuance_n in_o some_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n he_o have_v forfeit_v that_o right_a and_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v for_o such_o behaviour_n actual_o exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n 3._o that_o some_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o communion_n through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o duâ—_n exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o it_o or_o the_o negligence_n and_o connivance_n of_o the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o it_o give_v no_o such_o cause_n to_o any_o to_o separate_a from_o she_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n etc._n etc._n this_o profession_n in_o grow_v and_o adult_a person_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o themselves_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o person_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v convert_v from_o the_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o jewish_a religion_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o with_o the_o eunuch_n 27._o act_n 8._o 27._o to_o declare_v their_o belief_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o infant_n and_o child_n not_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n by_o their_o parent_n and_o those_o who_o at_o the_o request_n of_o their_o parent_n do_v together_o with_o they_o undertake_v for_o they_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n have_v parent_n in_o their_o child_n so_o entire_a a_o affection_n and_o concern_v for_o their_o good_a and_o happiness_n so_o unquestionable_a a_o authority_n over_o they_o so_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a be_v all_o their_o reasonable_a command_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n will_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o at_o year_n of_o understanding_n take_v upon_o themselves_o what_o their_o parent_n and_o surety_n promise_v for_o they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o profession_n of_o faith_n make_v by_o other_o at_o their_o baptism_n in_o their_o behalf_n may_v in_o a_o favourable_a sense_n be_v reckon_v as_o make_v by_o themselves_o so_o god_n account_v it_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n esteem_v a_o holy_a seed_n and_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a admit_v by_o circumcision_n into_o the_o same_o church_n and_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v for_o admit_v child_n bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o circumcision_n be_v of_o that_o under_o the_o law_n now_o that_o this_o external_a profession_n without_o any_o far_a sign_n of_o save_a grace_n be_v ground_n sufficient_a for_o those_o with_o who_o god_n have_v entrust_v the_o key_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o admit_v person_n into_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o particular_n 1._o this_o be_v the_o qualification_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o founder_n of_o his_o church_n to_o he_o therefore_o do_v it_o appertain_v to_o appoint_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o admission_n into_o it_o and_o what_o these_o be_v we_o may_v learn_v from_o that_o commission_n he_o give_v his_o apostle_n when_o he_o send_v they_o out_o to_o gather_v a_o church_n under_o he_o viz._n the_o become_a his_o disciple_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v all_o nation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disciple_n all_o nation_n now_o a_o disciple_n be_v proper_o one_o not_o that_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o the_o full_a 19_o mat._n 28._o 19_o knowledge_n and_o save_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o order_n to_o his_o being_n far_o teach_v the_o one_o and_o to_o have_v the_o other_o more_o thorough_o wrought_v in_o he_o whether_o man_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o whether_o this_o great_a privilege_n and_o blessing_n of_o church-membership_a will_v be_v effectual_a to_o produce_v in_o they_o that_o regeneration_n and_o new_a creature_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v know_v this_o their_o bare_a profession_n and_o desire_n be_v enough_o to_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o it_o and_o qualification_n for_o it_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n walk_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a even_o when_o they_o live_v with_o he_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v under_o his_o immediate_a direction_n the_o pharisee_n hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptise_a more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o do_v not_o baptise_v 2._o john_n 4._o 2._o but_o his_o disciple_n now_o if_o as_o it_o be_v fame_v abroad_o and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o text_n contradict_v jesus_n disciple_n baptise_a more_o than_o john_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o baptize_v more_o than_o be_v sincere_a when_o we_o read_v that_o so_o few_o not_o above_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o continue_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o 15._o act_n 1._o 15._o 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n afterward_o in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n nothing_o but_o a_o profess_a willingness_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o heart_n be_v require_v by_o they_o in_o order_n to_o it_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v st._n peter_n be_v word_n be_v baptize_v
there_o be_v nothing_o answer_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o all_o person_n grant_v this_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a be_v apt_a to_o plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o they_o by_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v but_o now_o if_o a_o person_n may_v recede_v from_o his_o liberty_n and_o yet_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o yet_o his_o liberty_n be_v not_o thereby_o infringe_v why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v also_o little_o infringe_v when_o restrain_v by_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o vast_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o restraint_n and_o restraint_n and_o that_o he_o that_o be_v restrain_v by_o authority_n shall_v have_v his_o liberty_n prejudice_v and_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n 29._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 29._o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v shall_v keep_v entire_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o be_v occasional_a but_o the_o other_o be_v perpetuate_v by_o the_o order_n perhaps_o of_o a_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o all_o order_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o be_v only_o intend_v to_o bond_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n and_o if_o they_o be_v for_o continuance_n that_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n know_v his_o own_o liberty_n and_o where_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n can_v insist_v upon_o it_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o can_v be_v damnify_v though_o for_o his_o whole_a life_n it_o be_v restrain_v for_o thus_o he_o resolve_v if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v which_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v condescend_v to_o if_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o his_o exhortation_n of_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o therefore_o to_o find_v out_o the_o tendency_n of_o his_o exhortation_n its_o fit_a to_o understand_v what_o christian_a liberty_n be_v and_o that_o be_v true_o no_o other_o than_o the_o liberty_n which_o mankind_n natural_o have_v before_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o particular_a institution_n and_o which_o be_v call_v christian_a liberty_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v it_o not_o under_o their_o law_n but_o be_v restrain_v from_o the_o practice_n and_o use_v of_o thing_n otherwise_o and_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a by_o severe_a prohibition_n now_o as_o all_o the_o world_n be_v then_o divide_v into_o jew_n and_o gentile_n so_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v before_o deny_v be_v call_v christian_n because_o by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n all_o these_o former_a restraint_n be_v take_v off_o and_o all_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v enjoy_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o epistle_n do_v show_v to_o warn_v they_o against_o return_v to_o that_o jewish_a state_n and_o against_o those_o who_o hold_v it_o necessary_a for_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n still_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o order_n of_o it_o now_o if_o the_o usage_n of_o a_o church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n or_o have_v the_o same_o tendency_n or_o be_v alike_o necessary_o impose_v as_o those_o of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n than_o christian_n will_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n but_o where_o these_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o liberty_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o compliance_n with_o they_o as_o long_o i_o say_v as_o they_o be_v neither_o peccant_a in_o their_o nature_n nor_o end_v nor_o number_n they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o we_o nor_o be_v our_o liberty_n injure_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o so_o i_o be_o bring_v to_o the_o last_o general_n which_o be_v v._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v not_o either_o a_o duty_n in_o itself_o and_o so_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n or_o else_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o so_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o they_o by_o thing_n require_v i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o lay-member_n of_o it_o for_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n my_o subject_n do_v more_o especial_o respect_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a too_o copious_a for_o i_o to_o follow_v through_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o if_o the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v be_v good_a and_o the_o rule_n before_o give_v be_v fit_a measure_n for_o we_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n by_o for_o by_o these_o we_o shall_v soon_o bring_v the_o cause_n to_o a_o issue_n i_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o our_o church_n for_o be_v defective_a in_o any_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o its_o half-communion_n nor_o of_o any_o practice_n that_o be_v apparent_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o that_o do_v defeat_v the_o end_n of_o any_o institution_n as_o the_o same_o church_n do_v offend_v by_o have_v its_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o its_o ceremony_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sincere_o and_o free_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n entire_o and_o true_o administer_v the_o prayer_n for_o matter_n inoffensive_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o ministration_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n and_o i_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n object_v against_o refer_v either_o to_o time_n or_o form_n or_o gesture_n to_o time_n such_o be_v festival_n or_o day_n set_v apart_o for_o divine_a service_n to_o form_n such_o be_v our_o prayer_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o our_o sacrament_n to_o gesture_n as_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n or_o gospel_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o now_o all_o these_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o moral_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o of_o the_o former_a kind_n be_v day_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v form_n of_o administration_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v and_o use_v again_o these_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n either_o express_o or_o consequential_o and_o have_v nothing_o that_o be_v indecent_a disorderly_a or_o unedifying_a in_o they_o and_o which_o if_o any_o shall_v engage_v his_o own_o opinion_n and_o experience_n in_o he_o will_v be_v answer_v in_o the_o like_a kind_n and_o have_v the_o opinion_n and_o experience_n of_o thousand_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o to_o contradict_v he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o kind_a apparent_a or_o what_o can_v be_v plain_o prove_v as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v there_o can_v then_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n but_o if_o at_o last_o it_o must_v issue_v in_o thing_n inexpedient_a to_o christian_n or_o a_o unlawfulness_n in_o the_o imposure_n be_v either_o of_o these_o fit_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o when_o the_o peace_n of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v break_v by_o it_o a_o lamentable_a schism_n keep_v up_o and_o our_o religion_n bring_v into_o imminent_a hazard_n by_o both_o alas_o how_o near_o have_v we_o be_v to_o ruin_v and_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v how_o near_o be_v we_o to_o it_o consider_v the_o indefatigable_a industry_n the_o unite_a endeavour_n the_o matchless_a policy_n of_o those_o that_o contrive_v and_o desire_v it_o can_v we_o think_v that_o we_o be_v safe_a as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o a_o abide_a reason_n to_o make_v we_o suspect_v it_o and_o that_o our_o division_n be_v both_o foment_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o they_o to_o destroy_v we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o danger_n and_o union_n as_o necessary_a as_o desirable_a shall_v we_o yet_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o or_o irreparable_a by_o a_o obstinate_a contention_n god_n forbid_v o_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o let_v peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o
of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o all_o case_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n that_o in_o many_o case_n it_o will_v be_v very_o unadvisable_v so_o to_o do_v sure_o i_o be_o that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a life_n no_o wise_a man_n do_v always_o make_v this_o a_o rule_n to_o himself_o we_o see_v a_o hundred_o instance_n every_o day_n where_o man_n venture_v upon_o the_o less_o safe_a and_o the_o more_o hazardous_a side_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o reason_n and_o consideration_n which_o they_o think_v aught_o more_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o general_a speak_n more_o safe_a that_o be_v more_o free_a from_o hazard_n or_o danger_n to_o travel_v on_o foot_n than_o on_o horseback_n to_o stay_v at_o home_n than_o to_o go_v into_o foreign_a country_n to_o traffic_n by_o land_n than_o to_o venture_v one_o stock_n on_o the_o uncertain_a sea_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ease_n and_o expedition_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o first_o case_n and_o the_o improvement_n and_o benefit_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o second_o and_o the_o gain_n and_o profit_n in_o the_o last_o do_v we_o see_v every_o day_n overballance_v the_o consideration_n of_o safety_n in_o these_o case_n and_o determine_v a_o man_n not_o to_o that_o side_n which_o be_v free_a from_o danger_n but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o convenient_a or_o more_o useful_a or_o more_o advantageous_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o to_o those_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v i_o suppose_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o safe_a side_n of_o any_o action_n with_o reference_n to_o conscience_n we_o general_o mean_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o appear_v the_o least_o hazard_n or_o danger_n of_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o safety_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v always_o a_o good_a rule_n for_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o think_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v thus_o put_v and_o thus_o understand_v it_o will_v often_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o rather_o entangle_v he_o further_o in_o difficulty_n than_o help_v he_o out_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o rule_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o all_o his_o action_n to_o keep_v himself_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n he_o can_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o safety_n i_o here_o speak_v of_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v very_o few_o person_n that_o converse_v much_o in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v reason_n almost_o every_o day_n to_o call_v themselves_o to_o account_v for_o transgress_v this_o rule_n for_o they_o do_v every_o day_n engage_v in_o such_o action_n in_o which_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o engage_v in_o they_o thus_o for_o instance_n what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o we_o who_o although_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v prone_a enough_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o intemperance_n in_o eat_v or_o drink_v when_o temptation_n be_v offer_v and_o according_o for_o this_o reason_n do_v most_o serious_o set_v himself_o against_o this_o particular_a sin_n yet_o make_v any_o great_a scruple_n of_o go_v to_o feast_n and_o entertainment_n when_o he_o be_v invite_v by_o other_o nay_o or_o of_o make_v they_o himself_o when_o decency_n or_o civility_n or_o the_o serve_v any_o of_o his_o temporal_a affair_n do_v require_v he_o so_o to_o do_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o thus_o do_v he_o run_v a_o much_o great_a hazard_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n he_o fear_v than_o if_o he_o shall_v forbear_v all_o such_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n of_o intemperance_n many_o other_o instance_n which_o daily_o occur_v in_o humane_a life_n may_v be_v give_v wherein_o good_a man_n nay_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o business_n or_o other_o laudable_a design_n which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o pursue_v frequent_o venture_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o this_o without_o any_o reproach_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o any_o censure_n from_o other_o men._n the_o truth_n be_v god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o secure_v a_o man_n duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o any_o action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o conversation_n preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n or_o if_o you_o will_v danger_n of_o so_o do_v for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o live_v like_o a_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o perform_v the_o common_a office_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o much_o more_o to_o live_v to_o any_o great_a purpose_n for_o the_o serve_v his_o generation_n indeed_o the_o result_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o whoever_o will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a must_v abandon_v all_o secular_a affair_n and_o retire_v to_o a_o cloister_n or_o a_o desert_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o business_n those_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v safe_o venture_v on_o the_o more_o dangerous_a side_n of_o a_o action_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o considerable_a good_a that_o they_o design_n in_o that_o action_n but_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o be_v that_o of_o one_o who_o be_v altogether_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o action_n or_o no._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o business_n be_v now_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o man_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o determine_v themselves_o in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v do_v thus_o far_o i_o think_v come_v home_o to_o that_o business_n that_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v advisable_v in_o any_o case_n to_o forsake_v the_o more_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o action_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o more_o hazardous_a we_o will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o advisable_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n as_o in_o any_o other_o until_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o rule_n for_o doubt_v person_n to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o different_z from_z that_o he_o have_v give_v to_o other_o man_n or_o to_o speak_v the_o thing_n more_o plain_o till_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o doubt_v be_v debar_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o reason_n and_o discretion_n which_o man_n that_o do_v not_o doubt_n be_v allow_v to_o do_v but_o to_o come_v more_o strict_o to_o the_o point_n i_o do_v believe_v there_o do_v abundance_n of_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v frequent_o happen_v in_o which_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n although_o we_o suppose_v he_o never_o so_o honest_a do_v think_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o determine_v himself_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n on_o which_o he_o apprehend_v there_o be_v least_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o will_v often_o forsake_v that_o side_n which_o be_v safe_o in_o this_o sense_n for_o that_o which_o do_v more_o recommend_v itself_o to_o he_o upon_o other_o account_n thus_o for_o instance_n some_o time_n doubtful_a case_n do_v happen_v in_o which_o the_o great_a probability_n on_o one_o side_n will_v turn_v the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a safety_n on_o the_o other_o thus_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o thing_n strangle_v or_o that_o have_v blood_n in_o it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o forbid_v these_o meat_n and_o shall_v repair_v to_o some_o intelligent_a person_n about_o this_o matter_n who_o shall_v give_v he_o such_o a_o account_n of_o those_o text_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o difficulty_n in_o this_o affair_n that_o the_o man_n come_v away_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o all_o kind_n of_o meat_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o that_o any_o be_v forbid_v i_o ask_v now_o whether_o this_o degree_n of_o satisfaction_n have_v not_o weight_n enough_o to_o put_v a_o
authority_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absurd_a as_o may_v by_o some_o be_v imagine_v for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o take_v upon_o trust_n from_o their_o lawful_a teacher_n what_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o themselves_o but_o the_o difficulty_n here_o be_v how_o shall_v a_o private_a christian_a govern_v himself_o when_o the_o very_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n determine_v different_o concern_v these_o matter_n in_o question_n among_o we_o some_o warrant_v and_o allow_v they_o other_o as_o much_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v they_o by_o what_o rule_n shall_v he_o choose_v his_o guide_n to_o which_o i_o brief_o reply_v 1._o as_o for_o those_o who_o scruple_n at_o conformity_n and_o be_v tolerable_o able_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o let_v not_o such_o rely_v bare_o upon_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v equal_o hear_v both_o side_n that_o they_o will_v think_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v some_o sense_n and_o conscience_n too_o as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v somewhat_o for_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o or_o require_v of_o other_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudices_fw-la favour_n to_o or_o admiration_n of_o man_n person_n they_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v propound_v to_o they_o be_v diffident_a of_o their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o indifferent_a to_o either_o part_n of_o the_o question_n that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o change_v their_o mind_n when_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o can_v we_o thus_o prevail_v with_o the_o people_n diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n our_o church_n will_v every_o day_n gain_v more_o ground_n among_o all_o wise_a man_n for_o we_o care_v not_o how_o much_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n our_o people_n have_v so_o they_o be_v but_o humble_a and_o modest_a with_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o desire_v man_n to_o become_v our_o proselyte_n any_o further_a than_o we_o give_v they_o good_a scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o 2._o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o examine_v or_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o few_o of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o separate_v from_o we_o real_o be_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o only_o in_o general_a word_n declaim_v against_o popery_n superstition_n antichristian_a and_o unscriptural_a ceremony_n humane_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n such_o have_v better_a trust_n to_o and_o depend_v on_o those_o minister_n of_o know_a sufficiency_n for_o their_o office_n who_o be_v regular_o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n set_v over_o they_o than_o any_o other_o guide_n or_o teacher_n that_o they_o can_v choose_v for_o themselves_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o safe_a course_n which_o in_o doubtful_a case_n 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and_o like_n and_o they_o teach_v we_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lawful_a minister_n if_o then_o we_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n we_o may_v thank_v our_o own_o wantonness_n for_o it_o and_o be_v more_o severe_o accountable_a for_o such_o mistake_v thus_o let_v a_o man_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o any_o threaten_a disease_n apply_v himself_o rather_o to_o the_o license_v physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n of_o approve_a skill_n and_o honesty_n and_o if_o he_o chance_v to_o miscarry_v under_o they_o yet_o he_o have_v this_o contentment_n that_o he_o use_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a mean_n for_o his_o health_n and_o recovery_n but_o if_o he_o leave_v they_o all_o and_o will_v hearken_v only_o to_o quack_n and_o empiric_n though_o they_o advise_v he_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o other_o prescribe_v if_o under_o their_o hand_n he_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o he_o must_v then_o charge_v his_o own_o perverse_a folly_n or_o idle_a humour_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n 4._o in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o our_o scruple_n we_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a that_o be_v necessary_a or_o our_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v that_o be_v sinful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v that_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n oblige_v we_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4._o 15._o there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n but_o either_o omit_v what_o the_o law_n command_v or_o do_v what_o the_o law_n forbid_v for_o instance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v where_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n where_o fit_v be_v require_v where_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n be_v forbid_v and_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v enjoin_v then_o indeed_o the_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v be_v find_v as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v then_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o read_v prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n must_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n lawful_a and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o scruple_v they_o because_o they_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n nay_o where_o they_o be_v require_v by_o our_o superior_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o convince_a and_o can_v be_v evade_v but_o by_o give_v another_o notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a especial_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v or_o that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o evil_a purpose_n and_o on_o these_o two_o mistake_v be_v chief_o ground_a man_n scruple_n about_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n 1._o that_o only_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v so_o that_o this_o be_v think_v exception_n sufficient_a against_o the_o form_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o where_o command_v in_o scripture_n who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n now_o here_o i_o only_o ask_v where_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v forbid_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o by_o himself_o command_v or_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_n forbid_v either_o by_o general_n or_o particular_a law_n for_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v show_v there_o can_v be_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o pretence_n and_o we_o be_v sufficient_o sure_a that_o no_o such_o place_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a rule_n but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n habit_n and_o gesture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v in_o many_o case_n by_o moses_n law_n and_o yet_o god_n can_v be_v at_o least_o visible_o and_o public_o worship_v without_o they_o if_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o
question_n beside_o that_o it_o can_v serve_v any_o purpose_n of_o piety_n if_o it_o decline_v from_o duty_n in_o any_o instance_n it_o be_v like_o give_v alm_n out_o of_o the_o portion_n of_o orphan_n or_o build_v hospital_n with_o the_o money_n and_o spoil_n of_o sacrilege_n 4._o it_o be_v further_a say_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n if_o determination_n by_o superior_n be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n than_o they_o do_v very_o ill_a that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a determine_v all_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o so_o no_o danger_n may_v be_v leave_v of_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v in_o that_o she_o have_v determine_v so_o many_o indifferent_a thing_n then_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v spare_v all_o his_o direction_n about_o forbearance_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o weak_a brethren_n and_o full_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n and_o so_o 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jew_n nor_o if_o she_o have_v prescribe_v as_o many_o ceremony_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o scandal_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o the_o course_n st._n paul_n take_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o some_o thing_n upon_o good_a reason_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v shall_v abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v and_o offer_v to_o idol_n which_o decree_n i_o presume_v they_o may_v not_o transgress_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o of_o their_o brethren_n who_o may_v take_v offence_n at_o such_o abstinence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o great_a reason_n be_v for_o a_o time_n leave_v at_o liberty_n which_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o those_o the_o apostle_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o though_o afterward_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o when_o that_o reason_n cease_v determination_n be_v make_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o if_o st._n paul_n have_v determine_v the_o dispute_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n one_o way_n they_o who_o have_v follow_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n whatever_o have_v happen_v have_v sure_o be_v free_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o still_o the_o scandal_n have_v not_o be_v prevent_v but_o all_o the_o contrary_a part_n have_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v be_v utter_o estrange_v from_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o that_o case_n for_o governor_n be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n to_o free_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v that_o as_o little_a occasion_n as_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o be_v scandalize_v there_o be_v other_o objection_n offer_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n and_o rutherford_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v follow_v but_o they_o either_o may_v be_v answer_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v or_o else_o they_o chief_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o governor_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o act_n uncharitable_o and_o give_v great_a offence_n contrary_a to_o st._n paul_n rule_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o determinate_o to_o impose_v unnecessary_a rite_n by_o which_o they_o know_v many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v scandalize_v but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o discourse_n of_o though_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o think_v very_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v take_v all_o reasonable_a care_v not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o take_v at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v foresee_v by_o those_o who_o make_v our_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v any_o reason_n against_o the_o first_o establishment_n nor_o 2._o be_v they_o now_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v it_o reasonable_a to_o alter_v public_a law_n make_v with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o deliberation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v dislike_v by_o or_o prove_v offensive_a to_o private_a person_n if_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o then_o can_v never_o be_v any_o settle_a government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n because_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o establishment_n that_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o give_v such_o offence_n they_o who_o now_o take_v offence_n at_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v on_o the_o same_o or_o a_o like_a account_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o whatever_o can_v be_v enjoin_v and_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n will_v be_v good_a against_o any_o establishment_n they_o themselves_o shall_v make_v for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o use_v these_o reason_n against_o their_o own_o establishment_n yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n other_o will_v take_v up_o their_o weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o what_o serve_v to_o destroy_v the_o present_a church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o overthrow_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n so_o that_o whatever_o alteration_n be_v make_v if_o this_o be_v allow_v for_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o it_o viz._n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o man_n take_v at_o the_o present_a constitution_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v and_o new_a offence_n will_v arise_v and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v continual_a change_n and_o alter_v to_o gratify_v the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v any_o one_o party_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o get_v their_o form_n of_o government_n and_o worship_n establish_v by_o law_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v preach_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n we_o do_v now_o to_o they_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o private_a person_n must_v bend_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o law_n to_o private_a person_n that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o be_v offend_v that_o our_o weakness_n proceed_v from_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v instruction_n that_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o be_v govern_v not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n that_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o what_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n appoint_v and_o order_v shall_v be_v present_o abrogate_a or_o change_v out_o of_o compliance_n with_o man_n foolish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v how_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a botht_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v and_o have_v be_v where_o they_o have_v have_v any_o advantage_n and_o what_o little_a consideration_n or_o regard_n they_o have_v have_v of_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o they_o will_v have_v we_o so_o tender_a of_o they_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o precept_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o such_o instance_n though_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o because_o no_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n i_o may_v from_o this_o head_n further_o argue_v that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o our_o parish-church_n upon_o that_o account_n because_o all_o voluntary_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o
i_o believe_v those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o lay-dissenters_a against_o the_o common-prayer_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v have_v wrought_v in_o they_o a_o great_a a_o version_n to_o it_o than_o the_o best_a divine_n of_o that_o way_n intend_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a to_o find_v myself_o mistake_v in_o this_o and_o this_o consideration_n be_v some_o encouragement_n to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o seem_v to_o dislike_v most_o of_o all_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v upon_o the_o plain_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n almost_o whole_o avoid_v appeal_n to_o other_o church_n antiquity_n not_o but_o that_o great_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o by_o it_o but_o because_o they_o be_v very_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o be_v qualify_v to_o examine_v this_o kind_n of_o argument_n and_o the_o like_a i_o say_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n with_o we_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v dislike_v as_o for_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o worship_n or_o a_o sacrament_n of_o man_n make_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o have_v be_v so_o plain_o show_v in_o late_a discourse_n that_o unless_o i_o be_o call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o i_o can_v think_v fit_a to_o trouble_v you_o with_o this_o dispute_n but_o i_o hearty_o desire_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v at_o length_n that_o though_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v defend_v as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v no_o condition_n of_o communion_n because_o the_o people_n be_v not_o require_v to_o sign_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o minister_n only_o as_o for_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a table_n that_o be_v indeed_o every_o communicants_a act_n but_o of_o this_o you_o may_v expect_v a_o discourse_n from_o 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as_o to_o say_v that_o our_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o they_o by_o forbear_v to_o require_v what_o they_o dislike_v as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v will_v our_o case_n bear_v this_o wantonness_n will_v such_o expression_n consist_v with_o our_o duty_n i_o beseech_v they_o by_o what_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o by_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o charity_n they_o have_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n that_o they_o will_v take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o to_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o anger_n and_o all_o passion_n that_o obstruct_v a_o clear_a judgement_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v dispute_v among_o we_o and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v impartial_o what_o we_o have_v say_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n can_v they_o propound_v to_o themselves_o more_o beneficial_a design_n 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shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o prepare_v for_o instruction_n we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o to_o detect_v the_o ill_a design_n of_o dishonest_a man_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o better_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n that_o whatever_o happen_v to_o this_o church_n it_o may_v not_o be_v forsake_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o protection_n amen_n finis_fw-la the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o edition_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 the_o case_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v communion_n therewith_o unlawful_a in_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n we_o will_v first_o premise_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n second_o show_v that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v three_o show_v that_o the_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a first_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o premise_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o
church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o but_o to_o go_v on_o whereas_o our_o author_n say_v of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o the_o three_o other_o follow_v thing_n pag._n 38._o that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o viciousness_n or_o immorality_n in_o any_o of_o they_o to_o make_v they_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n you_o reply_v pag._n 18._o that_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n to_o be_v name_v unlawful_a in_o this_o sense_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v as_o many_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o this_o sense_n as_o there_o be_v thing_n prohibit_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o consult_v our_o expositor_n of_o the_o decalogue_n i_o presume_v you_o will_v find_v those_o thing_n not_o a_o few_o you_o say_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o 18_o page_n that_o it_o trouble_v you_o to_o read_v your_o author_n say_v i_o know_v not_o how_o our_o brethren_n will_v defend_v the_o 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follow_v against_o the_o primitiveness_n of_o our_o episcopacy_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consult_v mr._n chillingworth_n apostolical_a institution_n of_o episcopacy_n demonstrate_v together_o with_o the_o most_o learned_a dean_n of_o st_n paul_n his_o ample_a proof_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n in_o his_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 244_o etc._n etc._n viz._n first_o that_o our_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n which_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n nor_o devise_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n without_o god_n authority_n as_o to_o what_o you_o say_v p._n 19_o about_o liturgy_n viz._n that_o they_o can_v be_v indifferent_a if_o indeed_o as_o our_o author_n speak_v they_o be_v high_o expedient_a to_o be_v universal_o impose_v yea_o necessary_a i_o reply_v you_o have_v not_o catch_v he_o in_o a_o contradiction_n as_o you_o think_v for_o his_o saying_n concern_v liturgy_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 38._o be_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v all_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o tell_v you_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n in_o the_o next_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o viciousness_n or_o immorality_n in_o any_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n now_o be_v it_o a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a consider_v certain_a circumstance_n and_o i_o far_o say_v that_o liturgy_n be_v necessary_a consider_v that_o through_o humane_a weakness_n and_o frailty_n the_o performance_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o that_o solemnity_n and_o gravity_n which_o it_o call_v for_o can_v be_v secure_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v still_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o so_o be_v all_o those_o thing_n too_o which_o god_n be_v positive_a law_n have_v make_v 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church_n of_o god_n may_v make_v it_o unlawful_a and_o i_o also_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v this_o and_o be_o confident_a that_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v make_v not_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o those_o rule_n and_o as_o to_o the_o last_o of_o they_o whatsoever_o church_n please_v to_o take_v offence_n at_o our_o liturgy_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o they_o in_o what_o follow_v you_o profess_v that_o you_o never_o think_v it_o unlawful_a for_o any_o laic_a whole_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o think_v it_o no_o more_o lawful_a for_o a_o clergyman_n nor_o do_v yourself_o ever_o so_o separate_v but_o for_o all_o that_o you_o know_v that_o many_o hundred_o and_o i_o fear_v some_o thousand_o do_v but_o you_o say_v there_o be_v a_o new_a generation_n start_v up_o that_o not_o only_o make_v you_o a_o separatist_n but_o all_o conformable_a minister_n 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of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v the_o shortness_n of_o many_o prayer_n but_o you_o say_v not_o one_o word_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o vindication_n thereof_o but_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o some_o dissenter_n think_v that_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o solomon_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o other_o and_o be_v a_o little_a stumble_v at_o it_o you_o can_v condemn_v they_o but_o you_o must_v needs_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o error_n in_o they_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o short_a prayer_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o there_o be_v many_o more_o short_a than_o there_o be_v long_a prayer_n when_o our_o saviour_n use_v in_o the_o garden_n thrice_o a_o short_a prayer_n than_o be_v any_o one_o in_o our_o service_n and_o when_o the_o form_n he_o leave_v behind_o he_o for_o our_o use_n be_v a_o very_a short_a one_o but_o if_o the_o use_n of_o a_o short_a prayer_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n blame_v but_o the_o use_n of_o several_a such_o in_o the_o same_o service_n instead_o of_o one_o very_o long_a one_o i_o must_v take_v leave_n to_o say_v this_o be_v mere_a wantonness_n and_o whereas_o you_o say_v you_o can_v condemn_v dissenter_n if_o they_o be_v a_o little_a stumble_v at_o it_o i_o say_v to_o be_v stumble_v at_o it_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o one_o pretence_n for_o not_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o little_a stumble_v at_o it_o and_o you_o know_v that_o that_o which_o our_o author_n be_v concern_v to_o do_v be_v to_o persuade_v dissenter_n not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o stumble_v at_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o to_o leave_v our_o communion_n upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o though_o he_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o have_v they_o so_o well_o please_v with_o
but_o do_v know_v why_o many_o of_o our_o festival_n receive_v their_o name_n from_o certain_a saint_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o on_o certain_a day_n meet_v together_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o blessing_n the_o world_n with_o such_o saint_n as_o have_v be_v next_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o most_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o good_a to_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n hear_v those_o chapter_n read_v wherein_o their_o worthy_a deed_n be_v record_v and_o together_o with_o other_o prayer_n put_v in_o one_o for_o grace_n to_o follow_v those_o bless_a example_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n of_o both_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n which_o they_o have_v through_o the_o divine_a grace_n leave_v behind_o they_o what_o sin_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o nay_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o high_o become_v we_o and_o be_v of_o singular_a advantage_n to_o we_o you_o give_v two_o reason_n why_o this_o be_v unlawful_a 1._o because_o god_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v it_o but_o must_v we_o be_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n tell_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a relate_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v when_o the_o idleness_n and_o folly_n of_o that_o doctrine_n have_v be_v over_o and_o over_o expose_v as_o it_o have_v be_v but_o two_o you_o say_v that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o jew_n nor_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o time_n never_o do_v but_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o first_o time_n the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v more_o than_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o st._n stephen_n be_v never_o solemn_o commemorate_a by_o the_o christian_n in_o their_o time_n and_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n commemorate_a before_o they_o be_v martyr_a what_o if_o this_o be_v not_o record_v be_v it_o therefore_o a_o certain_a argument_n that_o it_o never_o be_v you_o find_v not_o i_o think_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o any_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n except_o st._n james_n but_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o first_o time_n the_o primitive_a time_n i_o perceive_v you_o never_o read_v or_o have_v forget_v the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n concern_v policarp'_v martyrdom_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o catholic_a church_n observe_v martyrum_fw-la natalitia_fw-la the_o day_n whereon_o they_o be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n even_o from_o the_o second_o century_n but_o where_o do_v you_o find_v it_o prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n or_o record_v that_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a you_o mean_v those_o by_o the_o first_o time_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o good_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n among_o other_o great_a blessing_n be_v it_o therefore_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o set_a day_n you_o will_v not_o assert_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n in_o short_a sir_n think_v not_o that_o we_o need_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n to_o justify_v our_o do_v of_o that_o which_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n do_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o to_o be_v though_o not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n yet_o high_o become_v we_o and_o praiseworthy_a and_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v dictate_v thereby_o to_o be_v high_o become_v we_o to_o commemorate_v at_o annual_a select_v time_n the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o give_v we_o such_o shine_v light_n as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o meditate_v upon_o christ_n glorify_v in_o they_o who_o with_o admirable_a courage_n first_o preach_v and_o propagate_v his_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o admirable_a patience_n for_o the_o sake_n thereof_o endure_v the_o great_a of_o misery_n and_o calamity_n and_o at_o last_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n 8._o you_o say_v but_o if_o devout_a person_n will_v set_v apart_o day_n you_o may_v have_v say_v too_o will_v observe_v day_n set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o any_o signal_n mercy_n among_o which_o i_o think_v every_o apostle_n be_v a_o most_o signal_n one_o or_o to_o put_v up_o prayer_n for_o any_o people_n in_o distress_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o mock_v god_n in_o give_v he_o a_o holy_a hour_n instead_o of_o a_o holy_a day_n and_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n in_o idleness_n game_n drink_v etc._n etc._n and_o can_v you_o think_v that_o any_o of_o our_o devout_a people_n do_v not_o abhor_v such_o practice_n as_o much_o as_o you_o dissenter_n will_v never_o blame_v or_o condemn_v they_o for_o it_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v have_v say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o since_o authority_n require_v it_o 9_o you_o say_v final_o dissenter_n will_v never_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o true_a keep_n of_o a_o day_n holy_a to_o god_n etc._n etc._n yes_o sure_o they_o will_v if_o it_o be_v a_o saint_n day_n at_o least_o as_o one_o will_v think_v by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v but_o you_o add_v that_o they_o will_v separate_v from_o the_o looseness_n and_o common_o practise_v profanation_n of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v thousand_o of_o those_o that_o be_v no_o dissenter_n i_o hope_v or_o such_o as_o be_v only_o so_o in_o the_o pope_n calendar_n as_o st._n george_n etc._n etc._n now_o you_o will_v sir_n again_o feign_v yourself_o more_o ignorant_a than_o you_o be_v for_o no_o doubt_n you_o know_v as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o st._n george_n his_o day_n be_v no_o church_n of_o england_n holiday_n and_o for_o all_o your_o &c._n &c._n you_o can_v but_o know_v too_o that_o our_o church_n have_v no_o festival-day_n call_v by_o any_o saint_n name_n but_o such_o as_o all_o christian_n own_o for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n except_o those_o innocent_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n before_o they_o be_v of_o age_n to_o know_v he_o we_o have_v indeed_o a_o fastday_n occasion_v by_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o martyr_n who_o we_o deserve_o honour_v as_o a_o great_a saint_n but_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o this_o saint_n stand_v in_o the_o pope_n calendar_n and_o i_o will_v warrant_v you_o never_o shall_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v that_o he_o stand_v in_o you_o however_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o we_o and_o now_o have_v do_v with_o our_o author_n you_o spend_v a_o good_a part_n of_o your_o five_o last_o page_n in_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tend_v to_o the_o compose_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o heal_v our_o wide_a and_o most_o dangerous_a breach_n that_o it_o have_v the_o most_o apparent_a tendency_n to_o the_o make_v they_o irreparable_a beyond_o all_o remedy_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v all_o sober_a people_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a be_v desperate_a to_o observe_v what_o strange_a principle_n be_v take_v up_o of_o late_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o separation_n even_o such_o as_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n will_v have_v think_v very_o wild_a one_o serve_v no_o better_a purpose_n than_o the_o unh_n of_o all_o and_o those_o sir_n which_o you_o here_o lie_v down_o so_o dogmatical_o not_o offer_v any_o proof_n of_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v most_o shameful_o baffle_v by_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o forementioned_a excellent_a book_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o too_o much_o tryre_v with_o scribble_n thus_o long_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n this_o close_a of_o your_o book_n far_o than_o reflect_v upon_o two_o or_o three_o passage_n though_o i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o neither_o as_o a_o defender_n of_o our_o author_n and_o indeed_o to_o deal_v like_o a_o plainhearted_a friend_n with_o you_o it_o be_v but_o the_o other_o day_n before_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o reply_v at_o all_o you_o say_v pag._n 31._o that_o separation_n in_o these_o three_o case_n be_v lawful_a if_o not_o necessary_a your_o first_o case_n be_v when_o such_o error_n be_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v know_v before_o aught_o to_o have_v hinder_v union_n with_o it_o but_o you_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o what_o error_n those_o be_v will_v you_o have_v your_o reader_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o error_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o one_o of_o those_o error_n in_o our_o constitution_n from_o that_o which_o you_o say_v pag._n 30._o viz._n that_o govern_v church_n must_v have_v proper_a officer_n which_o can_v be_v unless_o elect_v by_o
not_o fear_v any_o thing_n of_o humane_a weakness_n but_o trust_v in_o god_n consecrate_a the_o child_n to_o the_o priesthood_n almost_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v the_o light_n thou_o will_v have_v no_o need_n of_o superstitious_a charm_n and_o annulet_n for_o he_o in_o which_o the_o devil_n steal_v to_o himself_o from_o silly_a soul_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n but_o call_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o safe_a and_o excellent_a of_o charm_n and_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d afterward_o afterward_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o far_o the_o baptism_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v baptism_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o infant_n who_o be_v sensible_a neither_o of_o the_o gain_n nor_o loss_n of_o it_o shall_v we_o baptise_v they_o most_o certain_o if_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v without_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o than_o that_o they_o die_v uninitiate_v and_o unconsign_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o circumcision_n which_o be_v administer_v on_o the_o eight_o day_n unto_o infant_n that_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o save_n of_o the_o first-born_a in_o goshen_n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o blood_n on_o the_o lintel_n of_o the_o door_n and_o the_o two_o side-post_n the_o brevity_n which_o i_o design_n in_o this_o treatise_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o recite_v many_o more_o authority_n which_o be_v very_o baptismo_fw-la very_o very_o very_o vid._n testim_fw-la veter_fw-la script_n de_fw-fr baptism_n apud_fw-la cassand_n &_o gerhard_n joh._n voss_n disp_n 14._o de_fw-la baptismo_fw-la numerous_a out_o of_o chrysostom_n ambrose_n jerom_n augustin_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o shall_v rather_o superadd_a some_o consideration_n which_o confirm_v this_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v any_o considerate_a and_o impartial_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o so_o ancient_a and_o universal_a a_o practice_n be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o plant_v of_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o original_o derive_v its_o authority_n from_o they_o for_o first_o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o innovation_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o dangerous_a practice_n which_o will_v in_o time_n un-church_n it_o while_o miracle_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n be_v the_o author_n of_o miracle_n too_o but_o the_o first_o four_o witness_n which_o i_o have_v produce_v for_o infant-baptism_n to_o wit_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_a do_v all_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o miracle_n be_v then_o not_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n 7._o church_n church_n church_n adversus_fw-la haereses_fw-la l._n 2._o cap._n 56_o 57_o &_o euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 5._o cap._n 7._o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v then_o dispossess_v devil_n and_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o prescience_n and_o predication_n and_o of_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n meet_v together_o do_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n often_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o that_o many_o so_o raise_v be_v then_o alive_a in_o the_o church_n nay_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o number_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v innumerable_a which_o the_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o then_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o i_o true_o confess_v it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o heart_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o church_n to_o embrace_v such_o a_o pernicious_a error_n as_o infant-baptism_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o fill_v the_o christian_a world_n with_o mock-christians_a while_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tertullian_n in_o his_o 2._o his_o his_o his_o et_fw-la ad_fw-la scapulam_fw-la c._n 2._o apologetic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v then_o power_n to_o make_v the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_a confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n nay_o he_o challenge_n the_o heathen_n to_o bring_v any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v act_v and_o inspire_v with_o any_o one_o of_o their_o god_n and_o goddess_n who_o they_o worship_v and_o if_o that_o daemon_n god_n or_o goddess_n not_o dare_v to_o tell_v a_o lie_n before_o any_o christian_a shall_v not_o confess_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n than_o they_o shall_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o that_o christian_a upon_o the_o place_n origen_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o celsus_n frequent_o appeal_v to_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o christian_n wrought_v in_o his_o day_n particular_o in_o the_o first_o 34._o first_o first_o first_o cambridge_n edition_n p._n 34._o book_n he_o say_v that_o they_o exorcise_v daemon_n heal_v the_o sick_a and_o foresee_v future_a event_n and_o in_o the_o 376._o the_o the_o the_o p._n 334._o see_v also_o p._n 62_o 80_o 124_o 127_o 376._o seven_o book_n he_o prove_v that_o christian_n do_v not_o their_o miracle_n by_o any_o curious_a magical_a art_n because_o idiot_n or_o illiterate_a man_n among_o they_o do_v by_o nothing_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o adjuration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n banish_v devil_n from_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n rigalt_n men._n men._n men._n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la donatum_fw-la vid._n &_o epist_n ad_fw-la magnum_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la demetrianum_n p._n 202._o ed._n rigalt_n st._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n in_o his_o day_n have_v power_n to_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o deadly_a poison_n to_o restore_v madman_n to_o their_o sense_n to_o force_v devil_n to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o and_o with_o invisible_a stroke_n and_o torment_n to_o make_v they_o cry_v and_o howl_v and_o forsake_v the_o body_n which_o they_o possess_v these_o be_v the_o first_o four_o witness_n which_o i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o the_o church_n can_v yet_o run_v into_o a_o church-destroying_a practice_n within_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o miraculous_a period_n as_o this_o but_o second_o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o be_v derivable_a from_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o apostolical_a practice_n how_o come_v the_o 687._o the_o the_o the_o vid._n vossii_n hist_o pelag._n l._n 2._o pars_fw-la 2_o thes_n 4._o &_o 13._o disp_n de_fw-fr bapt._n thes_n 18._o &_o disp_a 14._o thes_n 4._o cassand_n praefat_fw-la ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n p._n 670._o &_o testim_fw-la veteru_fw-fr de_fw-fr bapt._n parvulorum_fw-la p._n 687._o pelagian_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o innovation_n see_v the_o orthodox_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o infant_n be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o it_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o innovation_n creep_v into_o practice_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o it_o be_v bring_v up_o by_o false-apostle_n and_o false-teacher_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o then_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o which_o they_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o do_v upon_o any_o colourable_a pretence_n that_o they_o practise_v it_o themselves_o and_o own_v it_o for_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o as_o necessary_a for_o child_n obtain_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n but_o three_o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o in_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christian_a church_n or_o be_v derivable_a from_o any_o other_o cause_n than_o apostolical_a tradition_n let_v the_o opposer_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o any_o other_o probable_a way_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o all_o church_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v colony_n of_o the_o same_o mother-church_n or_o have_v correspondence_n with_o one_o another_o by_o their_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v original_a plantation_n and_o betwixt_o which_o there_o be_v likely_a none_o or_o but_o very_o little_a communication_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n and_o want_v of_o intercourse_n betwixt_o the_o country_n where_o 692._o where_o where_o where_o brerewoods_n inquiry_n c._n 23_o cassand_n exposit_n de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt._n infant_n p._n 692._o they_o live_v among_o these_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o abassin-church_n in_o the_o further_a ethiopia_n and_o the_o 20._o the_o the_o the_o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman_n cit_fw-la à _fw-fr vossio_n in_o disp_n 14._o de_fw-la baptismo_fw-la brerewood_n inquiry_n c._n 20._o
great_a signification_n in_o they_o have_v not_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o god_n for_o their_o warranty_n and_o yet_o be_v well_o enough_o receive_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o comply_v with_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o second_o take_v we_o a_o view_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o both_o as_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o late_a reformation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v 1._o we_o may_v observe_v even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o church_n have_v take_v the_o liberty_n of_o make_v use_n of_o one_o rite_n or_o other_o that_o have_v signify_v thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n to_o instance_n in_o a_o twofold_a custom_n primitive_o use_v among_o christian_n that_o look_v much_o more_o sacramental_o than_o our_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o they_o seem_v apostolical_a be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o their_o holy_a writing_n and_o they_o be_v immediate_o annex_v to_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n and_o in_o their_o signification_n bear_v some_o analogy_n with_o what_o that_o sacrament_n itself_o be_v in_o part_n the_o token_n and_o seal_n of_o these_o be_v the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o agapae_n or_o feast_n of_o charity_n the_o holy_a kiss_n be_v perform_v as_o the_o best_a writer_n general_o conceive_v after_o all_o other_o preparation_n immediate_o before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o 352._o dr._n cave_n prim_v christ_n part_n 1_o chap._n 11._o p._n 346._o 352._o lord_n supper_n and_o at_o the_o close_a and_o upshot_n of_o the_o whole_a solemnity_n from_o whence_o tertullian_n give_v it_o the_o term_n of_o signaculum_fw-la orationis_fw-la the_o seal_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o apostle_n be_v suppose_v to_o direct_v to_o when_o he_o enjoin_v the_o corinthian_n 20._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 20._o to_o greet_v one_o another_o with_o a_o holy_a kiss_n and_o this_o be_v keep_v orat_fw-la quae_fw-la oratio_fw-la cum_fw-la divortio_fw-la sancti_fw-la osculi_fw-la integra_fw-la tert._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la up_o with_o that_o reverence_n in_o tertullian_n time_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o if_o the_o service_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n be_v maim_v and_o imperfect_a if_o it_o conclude_v not_o with_o this_o kiss_n this_o be_v use_v in_o token_n of_o the_o mutual_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n that_o christian_n have_v with_o one_o another_o and_o the_o unfeigned_a reconciliation_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o come_v with_o no_o inward_a heartburning_n against_o one_o another_o be_v that_o great_a christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o in_o our_o saviour_n gospel_n and_o after_o that_o by_o his_o apostle_n make_v one_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o professor_n have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o custom_n have_v not_o its_o foundation_n in_o any_o divine_a appointment_n but_o the_o voluntary_a use_n the_o church_n make_v of_o it_o seem_v agree_v to_o on_o all_o hand_n because_o afterward_o it_o be_v not_o only_o prohibit_v by_o some_o council_n but_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n in_o all_o church_n whole_o lay_v aside_o and_o grow_v out_o of_o all_o use_n again_o we_o may_v observe_v as_o to_o that_o custom_n of_o the_o agapae_n or_o feast_n of_o charity_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 21._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 20_o 21._o probable_o be_v celebrate_v immediate_o before_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o in_o some_o age_n afterward_o not_o till_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v finish_v but_o whether_o they_o have_v they_o before_o or_o after_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v great_a signification_n in_o they_o not_o only_o of_o christian_n mutual_a love_n and_o communion_n but_o also_o of_o the_o equal_a regard_n that_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v towards_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a those_o of_o mean_a degree_n and_o quality_n as_o well_o as_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a when_o they_o be_v all_o to_o eat_v free_o together_o at_o one_o common_a meal_n this_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o point_v at_o in_o the_o remark_n he_o make_v upon_o the_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n that_o in_o their_o lovefeast_n every_o one_o take_v before_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n and_o so_o do_v despise_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o those_o that_o have_v house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o shame_v those_o that_o have_v not_o now_o though_o this_o custom_n be_v hallow_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a signification_n in_o it_o and_o be_v from_o the_o first_o so_o annex_v to_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n that_o it_o always_o either_o begin_v or_o conclude_v it_o and_o consequent_o look_v much_o more_o sacramental_o than_o our_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v yet_o be_v it_o plain_a by_o the_o universal_a disuse_n of_o it_o in_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o itself_o never_o be_v esteem_v any_o sacrament_n i_o may_v further_o instance_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o insufflation_n or_o breathe_v upon_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_v 29._o aug._n the_o nupt_a &_o concup_n lib._n 2._o 29._o call_v by_o one_o of_o the_o father_n a_o ancient_a tradition_n which_o they_o use_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o expel_v the_o evil_a spirit_n and_o breathe_v into_o they_o the_o good_a spirit_n this_o seem_v to_o signify_v more_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n than_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o yet_o not_o suspect_v as_o any_o sacrament_n thus_o the_o baptise_a person_n strip_v of_o his_o garment_n in_o token_n that_o he_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o his_o deceitful_a lust_n do_v it_o not_o look_v full_a as_o sacramental_o as_o our_o cross_n in_o baptism_n yet_o we_o find_v it_o ancient_o practise_v without_o any_o jealousy_n of_o invade_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n in_o institute_v holy_a sacrament_n to_o say_v no_o more_o what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o trine_n immersion_n once_o account_v a_o pious_a usage_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o person_n be_v thrice_o dip_v or_o put_v under_o water_n at_o the_o mention_n of_o each_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o beleif_n of_o that_o great_a article_n so_o tertullian_n express_v it_o nam_fw-la nec_fw-la semel_fw-la milit_fw-la advers._fw-la praxeam_n again_o in_o lib_n de_fw-fr coron_n milit_fw-la sed_fw-la ter_z ad_fw-la singula_fw-la nomina_fw-la in_fw-la personas_fw-la singulas_fw-la tingimur_fw-la we_o be_v dip_v not_o once_o but_o three_o time_n at_o each_o name_n and_o so_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o three_o person_n and_o beside_o this_o signification_n of_o the_o three_o person_n by_o this_o threefold_a immersion_n which_o tertullian_n and_o not_o only_o he_o but_o st._n ambrose_n have_v mention_v there_o be_v other_o of_o the_o father_n that_o have_v suppose_v the_o death_n the_o burial_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n together_o with_o his_o be_v in_o the_o grave_a three_o day_n be_v signify_v by_o this_o custom_n and_o yet_o be_v this_o so_o far_o from_o be_v account_v any_o sacrament_n of_o itself_o or_o a_o sacrament_n within_o that_o of_o baptism_n that_o the_o church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o lay_v immersion_n aside_o for_o the_o generality_n and_o the_o threefold_a immersion_n much_o soon_o particular_o in_o spain_n and_o that_o upon_o a_o reason_n that_o make_v the_o single_a dip_v as_o significant_a as_o the_o trine_n have_v be_v when_o it_o be_v in_o use_n viz_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o arrian_n who_o have_v take_v occasion_n from_o this_o threefold_a dip_v in_o baptism_n to_o assert_v the_o three_o distinct_a substance_n pretend_v a_o testimony_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o this_o usage_n much_o such_o a_o reason_n by_o the_o way_n the_o reform_a church_n in_o poland_n govern_v themselves_o by_o when_o in_o a_o general_a synod_n they_o decree_v against_o the_o posture_n of_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o that_o custom_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o first_o by_o the_o arrian_n who_o as_o they_o irreverent_o treat_v christ_n so_o also_o his_o sacred_a appointment_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o view_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o 1578._o synod_n petricov_n an._n 1578._o its_o late_a reformation_n 2._o be_v it_o not_o very_o evident_a that_o in_o none_o of_o our_o late_a reformation_n nay_o even_o in_o those_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o but_o they_o do_v in_o their_o most_o religious_a solemnity_n some_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o symbolical_a action_n that_o have_v great_a signification_n in_o they_o 1._o there_o give_v to_o every_o baptise_a infant_n a_o new_a name_n which_o both_o they_o and_o we_o do_v call_v the_o christian_a name_n this_o seem_v to_o
terrible_a mystery_n the_o royal_a spiritual_n holy_a formidable_a tremendous_a table_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n be_v in_o their_o language_n call_v the_o most_o mysterious_a most_o holy_a food_n and_o nutriment_n the_o most_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o place_n where_o the_o table_n stand_v the_o most_o holy_a part_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o allusion_n to_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n the_o bread_n in_o particular_a they_o style_v the_o bread_n of_o god_n the_o cup_n the_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a the_o royal_a and_o dreadful_a cup._n the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o holy_a father_n advise_v the_o communicant_n to_o reverence_n these_o holy_a mystery_n to_o come_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v with_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n with_o silence_n and_o downcast_a eye_n to_o keep_v their_o joy_n within_o and_o to_o approach_v the_o table_n with_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o humility_n imaginable_a how_o can_v these_o speech_n consist_v with_o that_o social_n familiar_a carriage_n at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o patron_n of_o the_o table-gesture_n contend_v for_o as_o the_o privilege_n of_o guest_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n i_o desire_v our_o nonconform_a brethren_n serious_o to_o consider_v two_o or_o three_o question_n which_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o frame_v a_o honest_a and_o impartial_a answer_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o search_v our_o heart_n and_o tri_v our_o reins_o they_o be_v not_o of_o a_o captious_a nature_n start_v to_o puzzle_v the_o cause_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o contention_n god_n know_v my_o heart_n i_o have_v no_o such_o design_n through_o this_o whole_a discourse_n but_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v resolve_v almost_o at_o first_o sight_n qu._n i._o whether_o of_o two_o or_o three_o gesture_n which_o be_v all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n any_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o use_v by_o we_o when_o we_o can_v use_v another_o without_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v qu._n ii_o whether_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o piety_n or_o prudence_n to_o expose_v yourselves_o and_o family_n to_o danger_n and_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o law_n when_o nothing_o be_v command_v but_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n though_o not_o to_o your_o fancy_n and_o desire_n qu._n iii_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o as_o christian_n oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a for_o we_o 8._o rom._n 15._o 2._o 3_o 8._o to_o do_v and_o use_v and_o be_v high_o please_v and_o grateful_a to_o we_o for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n if_o so_o how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o public_a good_a and_o welfare_n of_o both_o church_n and_o state_n depend_v upon_o such_o self-denial_n qu._n iu._n whether_o it_o be_v pious_o do_v of_o you_o to_o choose_v never_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o deprieve_v yourselves_o of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o that_o heavenly_a feast_n rather_o than_o part_v with_o a_o civil_a circumstance_n such_o as_o a_o table-gesture_n be_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n to_o sit_v at_o feast_n but_o few_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o refuse_v to_o eat_v stand_v and_o go_v hungry_a away_o when_o they_o have_v no_o room_n to_o sit_v down_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v as_o prudent_a at_o this_o spiritual_a feast_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o be_v in_o those_o of_o our_o body_n put_v the_o case_n we_o be_v strict_o prohibit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o use_n of_o a_o table_n or_o a_o tablecloth_n at_o this_o holy_a feast_n and_o we_o can_v not_o receive_v with_o that_o convenience_n as_o now_o we_o may_v will_v you_o end_v your_o day_n in_o a_o continual_a refusal_n and_o never_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n i_o do_v know_v how_o far_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n may_v blind_v and_o transport_v man_n but_o if_o they_o will_v calm_o consider_v this_o matter_n and_o hearken_v to_o reason_n they_o will_v find_v nothing_o to_o justify_v the_o total_a neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n by_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v they_o will_v be_v of_o my_o mind_n for_o i_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o the_o comfortable_a sacrament_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n body_n and_o blood_n i_o will_v receive_v it_o on_o a_o tombstone_n on_o the_o ground_n in_o a_o church_n or_o in_o a_o field_n if_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o be_v right_o observe_v and_o perform_v if_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n shall_v upon_o this_o question_n think_v as_o i_o do_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o table_n in_o this_o case_n which_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n require_v at_o ordinary_a feast_n he_o will_v also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o table-gesture_n and_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v worthy_o without_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._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 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n in_o two_o part_n 11._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 12._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 13._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 14._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 16._o the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v and_o reflect_v back_o upon_o separation_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n some_o seasonable_a reflection_n on_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o late_a plot_n be_v a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o that_o occasion_n by_o w._n sherlock_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n george_n buttolph-lane_n london_n king_n david_n deliverance_n or_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o absalon_n and_o achitophel_n defeat_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n appoint_v for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o late_a fanatical_a plot._n by_o thomas_n long_o b._n d._n one_o of_o the_o
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