in_o these_o by_o the_o help_n of_o our_o sermon_n the_o fault_n must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v that_o any_o dissenter_n will_v except_v against_o our_o sermon_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o better_o open_v and_o apply_v than_o in_o our_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o heavenly_a truth_n be_v faithful_o declare_v in_o they_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v rare_o handle_v in_o our_o pulpit_n for_o the_o drift_n of_o our_o preacher_n be_v to_o make_v the_o people_n good_a they_o resolve_v case_n of_o conscience_n and_o press_v the_o motive_n to_o believe_v and_o the_o argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o condemn_v all_o vice_n recommend_v all_o virtue_n and_o apply_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o man_n can_v profit_v where_o such_o 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chance_v to_o go_v to_o church_n treat_v of_o some_o distasteful_a subject_n which_o you_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o be_v it_o not_o schism_n or_o disobedience_n to_o governor_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v such_o sin_n which_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o he_o ought_v to_o treat_v of_o they_o some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o if_o he_o preach_v of_o unity_n and_o obedience_n may_v not_o you_o profit_v by_o it_o i_o doubt_v you_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o your_o own_o minister_n speak_v hard_a word_n of_o conformity_n and_o conformist_n than_o you_o will_v have_v have_v they_o and_o you_o fancy_v you_o can_v profit_v even_o by_o those_o sermon_n why_o then_o shall_v you_o leave_v our_o minister_n because_o they_o press_v some_o duty_n more_o strict_o than_o you_o like_v do_v not_o many_o of_o your_o own_o way_n complain_v of_o their_o unprofitableness_n under_o your_o own_o minister_n which_o arise_v perhaps_o from_o a_o natural_a dulness_n and_o will_v not_o prejudice_v passion_n and_o disaffection_n to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o to_o any_o christian_a doctrine_n hinder_v profit_v much_o more_o than_o natural_a indisposition_n so_o that_o if_o you_o complain_v of_o deadness_n and_o unprofitableness_n under_o our_o ministry_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o many_o do_v under_o your_o own_o you_o shall_v not_o rash_o conclude_v our_o ministry_n to_o be_v unedifying_a but_o rather_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a those_o also_o who_o fancy_n that_o though_o they_o can_v profit_v something_o by_o our_o ministry_n yet_o they_o can_v profit_v more_o by_o other_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o ask_v their_o own_o conscience_n the_o same_o question_n do_v not_o this_o conceit_n arise_v from_o the_o forementioned_a cause_n be_v you_o not_o more_o earnest_o press_v in_o our_o
the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o be_v before_o note_v and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n say_v a_o 4._o a_o alex._n hales_n de_fw-fr missâ—_n p._n 2._o quest_n 10._o p._n 4._o popish_a author_n which_o our_o dissenter_n urge_v for_o sit_v viz._n because_o the_o apostle_n sit_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o every_o priest_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o partake_v stand_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o kneel_v there_o nay_o if_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o we_o must_v never_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o we_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o convenient_a posture_n such_o as_o kneel_v sit_v discumb_a stand_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o heathen_n and_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unjust_a to_o say_v that_o our_o kneel_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o outward_a element_n when_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n mr._n tomb_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o whatever_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o theod._n p._n 168._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o mr._n bains_n christian_n lett._n 24._o and_o mr._n bayly_n disswas_n c._n 2_o 6._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o make_v sit_v necessary_a or_o forbid_v kneel_v and_z mr._n bains_n ibid._n grant_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o idolatrous_a and_o mr._n cartwright_n who_o think_v it_o inconvenient_a yet_o do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a harmon_n on_o luke_n 22.14_o last_o mr._n baxter_n christian_n dir._n part_n 2._o p._n 111._o quest_n 3._o sect_n 40._o say_v for_o kneel_v i_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n yet_o to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o any_o gesture_n nor_o against_o any_o christ_n be_v example_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_v not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v but_o to_o minister_n and_o but_o to_o a_o family_n to_o twelve_o and_o after_o supper_n and_o on_o a_o thursday_n night_n and_o in_o a_o upper-room_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o and_o 2._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o the_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_v pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n upon_o our_o knee_n chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o agreement_n between_o your_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o can_v think_v communion_n with_o your_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o first_o reformer_n be_v indeed_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v very_o commendable_a and_o a_o good_a beginning_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o age_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o complete_a reformation_n they_o leave_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o popish_a trash_n in_o the_o church_n hope_v by_o degree_n to_o reconcile_v the_o papist_n to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n too_o wide_o and_o too_o much_o prejudice_n or_o estrange_v they_o from_o it_o but_o we_o now_o live_v under_o better_a mean_n have_v great_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o a_o further_o and_o more_o perfect_a amendment_n be_v now_o necessary_a now_o i_o can_v but_o inward_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o love_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n who_o in_o their_o first_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v not_o nice_a or_o scrupulous_a beyond_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o thing_n doubtless_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n enough_o as_o to_o all_o true_a zeal_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n when_o they_o seal_v the_o well-grounded_n offence_n they_o take_v at_o they_o with_o their_o warm_a blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n signalise_v their_o profession_n with_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v intermix_v with_o rome_n in_o any_o usage_n of_o worship_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v the_o least_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n superstition_n or_o false_a religion_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reform_v whole_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_o jealous_a of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o be_v of_o superstition_n will_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o those_o fantastic_a antipathy_n as_o to_o abolish_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n mere_o because_o it_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o papist_n if_o some_o other_o very_o substantial_a reason_n do_v not_o plead_v against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o always_o use_v these_o temperate_a and_o unbiased_a method_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v justify_v themselves_o to_o their_o adversary_n or_o the_o world_n or_o have_v make_v it_o so_o evident_a as_o by_o their_o wise_a management_n they_o do_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v from_o the_o mere_a urgency_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o wantonness_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o where_o any_o mean_v honest_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o those_o do_v that_o dissent_n from_o we_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o reason_n very_o well_o awake_v that_o the_o mere_a charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o any_o dispute_v point_n may_v not_o so_o prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o thing_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o mature_a consideration_n however_o that_o i_o may_v full_o answer_v this_o objection_n draw_v from_o our_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n 2._o 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 3._o that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_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 i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o church_n have_v renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o rome_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n power_n but_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o show_v the_o vast_a distance_n between_o they_o first_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deprive_v her_o member_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n and_o miserable_o enslave_v they_o for_o 1._o she_o deny_v they_o all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bind_v they_o all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v her_o infallible_a but_o our_o church_n permit_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a she_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o own_v herself_o to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v a_o most_o slavish_a drudgery_n in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o vain_a and_o childish_a odd_a and_o uncouth_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o a_o man_n will_v wonder_v how_o they_o can_v invent_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o their_o cruel_a penance_n in_o impose_v of_o which_o the_o priest_n be_v arbitrary_a but_o our_o rite_n be_v exceed_v few_o plain_a easy_a grave_a and_o manly_a found_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n long_o before_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n our_o sacrament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o consequent_o we_o be_v not_o burden_v with_o the_o superstitious_a foppery_n of_o the_o other_o five_o popish_a one_o in_o short_a our_o rite_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o
appoint_v he_o in_o perform_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o mediator_n and_o discover_v to_o mankind_n in_o scripture_n the_o method_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n appear_v in_o its_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o that_o end_n and_o it_o be_v put_v man_n into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o will_v render_v they_o capable_a of_o attain_v to_o it_o iii_o i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v brief_o that_o in_o thing_n forbid_v by_o human_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v require_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o thing_n require_v by_o human_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o because_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v unlawful_a in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o thing_n be_v call_v indifferent_a from_o their_o general_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o unlawful_a for_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o apply_v 2._o a_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v require_v or_o forbid_v by_o one_o law_n which_o be_v by_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v indifferent_a in_o one_o state_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a we_o must_v consider_v the_o case_n and_o law_n which_o it_o respect_v thus_o to_o discourse_v about_o common_a affair_n be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o it_o be_v unlawful_a when_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o religious_a solemnity_n 3._o as_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n which_o we_o be_v to_o respect_v in_o common_a conversation_n and_o which_o even_o in_o that_o case_n ought_v to_o tie_v we_o up_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n otherwise_o indifferent_a so_o there_o be_v some_o rule_n which_o we_o must_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o as_o in_o common_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o action_n the_o end_n in_o conversation_n the_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v viz._n time_n place_n person_n as_o when_o where_o before_o who_o we_o be_v cover_v and_o uncover_v etc._n etc._n so_o in_o sacred_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o worship_n the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n glory_n and_o security_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v respect_v by_o these_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n in_o god_n service_n but_o because_o these_o rule_n be_v general_a and_o decency_n edification_n and_o order_n be_v variable_a according_a as_o circumstance_n alter_v and_o because_o different_a man_n have_v different_a opinion_n of_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v more_o particular_a direction_n 1._o some_o thing_n be_v so_o notorious_o agreeable_a or_o opposite_a to_o decency_n edification_n and_o order_n that_o common_a reason_n will_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o tumultuous_a speak_n of_o many_o together_o be_v less_o for_o edification_n and_o have_v more_o of_o confusion_n than_o the_o orderly_o speak_v of_o one_o by_o one_o and_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n do_v less_o conduce_v to_o edification_n than_o when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o language_n common_o understand_v but_o 2._o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a and_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o they_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n depend_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o must_v not_o be_v consider_v asunder_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o throw_v down_o the_o bound_n of_o public_a order_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o edification_n or_o because_o we_o think_v any_o matter_n indecent_a what_o be_v against_o public_a order_n and_o practice_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n indecent_a be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o make_v it_o so_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o of_o either_o of_o these_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o they_o together_o and_o as_o order_n alone_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n decent_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o indecent_a so_o decency_n or_o particular_a edification_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o recommend_v that_o which_o can_v be_v introduce_v without_o the_o disturbance_n of_o public_a order_n 2._o that_o when_o the_o case_n be_v not_o apparent_a we_o shall_v rather_o judge_v by_o what_o be_v contrary_a than_o by_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o rule_n we_o know_v better_o what_o thing_n be_v not_o than_o what_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o since_o we_o better_o know_v what_o be_v indecent_a than_o decent_a disorderly_a than_o orderly_a against_o edification_n than_o for_o it_o it_o be_v best_o to_o take_v this_o course_n in_o judge_v about_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n if_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o decency_n of_o the_o posture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o edification_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o it_o it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o great_a decency_n and_o edification_n of_o kneel_v or_o sit_v but_o if_o he_o find_v that_o the_o posture_n enjoin_v be_v not_o indecent_a or_o destructive_a of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v he_o be_v therewith_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o if_o say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o what_o be_v enjoin_v be_v not_o against_o faith_n or_o good_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v indifferent_a and_o i_o may_v add_v if_o it_o be_v not_o indecent_a disorderly_a and_o destructive_a of_o piety_n it_o be_v lawful_a 3._o that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o we_o can_v easy_o find_v out_o how_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v be_v decent_a etc._n etc._n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v cautious_a how_o we_o condemn_v a_o action_n which_o those_o man_n practise_v who_o for_o other_o thing_n we_o can_v condemn_v when_o we_o find_v that_o they_o argue_v and_o produce_v experience_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o we_o have_v a_o whole_a church_n against_o our_o opinion_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v the_o fault_n may_v be_v in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o understanding_n and_o insight_n for_o want_v of_o use_n and_o trial_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o thus_o differ_v in_o our_o judgement_n from_o they_o we_o see_v what_o little_a thing_n do_v determine_v man_n ordinary_o in_o these_o matter_n how_o addict_v they_o be_v to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o custom_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v think_v again_o so_o may_v we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o rite_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o be_v to_o the_o custom_n and_o habit_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v as_o indecent_a as_o the_o ceremony_n of_o a_o church_n can_v do_v in_o short_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n when_o we_o presume_v to_o set_v our_o judgement_n reason_n and_o experience_n against_o the_o judgement_n reason_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n iv_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v in_o the_o last_o place_n how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n 1._o then_o as_o particular_a person_n solitary_a and_o alone_a we_o may_v forbear_v to_o use_v what_o be_v indifferent_a when_o no_o law_n of_o man_n require_v it_o and_o we_o may_v free_o use_v it_o when_o no_o law_n of_o man_n forbid_v it_o 2._o in_o our_o conversation_n with_o other_o we_o must_v so_o use_v our_o liberty_n as_o shall_v be_v less_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o more_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o we_o converse_v with_o we_o may_v act_v or_o forbear_v in_o compliance_n with_o person_n of_o weak_a judgement_n but_o 3._o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n we_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o not_o grieve_v a_o brother_n or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n oblige_v we_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n much_o more_o do_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o let_v every_o one_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n rom._n 15.2_o that_o be_v to_o his_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n grace_n or_o piety_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o concord_n and_o charity_n now_o edification_n be_v chief_o so_o
those_o that_o consult_v the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o the_o best_a authority_n can_v but_o be_v convince_v and_o that_o those_o conceit_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v this_o sign_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v too_o fanciful_a do_v confirm_v the_o ancient_a reception_n of_o it_o into_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v this_o sign_n because_o they_o live_v among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o testify_v to_o both_o that_o they_o make_v the_o cross_a the_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o one_o and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o other_o whereas_o we_o have_v no_o such_o occasion_n for_o it_o who_o do_v universal_o profess_v christianity_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n suppose_v the_o sign_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v use_v upon_o weighty_a reason_n and_o sure_o then_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n may_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v as_o just_a reason_n to_o use_v it_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n because_o of_o the_o blasphemous_a contempt_n that_o be_v general_o cast_v upon_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o christianity_n particular_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n cross_n and_o passion_n by_o the_o pretend_a wit_n of_o our_o age._n so_o that_o st._n cyprian_n thiber_fw-la cyprian_n epist_n 56._o ad_fw-la thiber_fw-la word_n be_v now_o pertinent_a arm_v your_o forehead_n that_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n may_v be_v keep_v safe_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v remember_v the_o badge_n you_o take_v upon_o you_o in_o baptism_n and_o so_o long_o as_o you_o have_v that_o upon_o your_o forehead_n never_o be_v ashamed_a or_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n as_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o your_o hope_n lay_v in_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o that_o baptism_n be_v as_o our_o church_n declare_v complete_a without_o it_o but_o what_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v full_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o cross_n be_v use_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v warrantable_a 2._o our_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o like_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o we_o admit_v of_o no_o visible_a crucifix_n nor_o have_v any_o of_o our_o writer_n venture_v to_o say_v 876._o say_v christian_n direct_a eccles_n case_n p._n 113._o p._n 875_o 876._o with_o mr._n baxter_n that_o a_o crucifix_n well_o befit_v the_o imagination_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o a_o crucifix_n to_o be_v a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o consideration_n exciting_a our_o mind_n to_o worship_n god_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v true_o express_v by_o mr._n hooker_n who_o 348._o who_o eccles_n pol._n l._n 5._o p._n 348._o say_v that_o between_o the_o cross_n which_o superstition_n honour_v as_o christ_n and_o that_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o sign_n of_o remembrance_n there_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o great_a a_o difference_n as_o between_o those_o brazen_a image_n which_o solomon_n make_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o cistern_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o which_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n do_v adore_v we_o be_v a_o mere_a transient_a sign_n which_o abide_v not_o so_o long_o as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o become_v a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o worship_n any_o more_o than_o any_o word_n we_o use_v in_o worship_n may_v do_v 2._o our_o use_n even_o of_o this_o transient_a sign_n be_v nothing_o like_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o at_o baptism_n they_o use_v it_o much_o often_o and_o so_o different_o from_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v not_o use_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o the_o same_o word_n that_o we_o use_v it_o with_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o roman_a ritual_a 3._o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v notorious_o abuse_v this_o sign_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o continue_v the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v full_o prove_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n as_o to_o the_o second_o pretence_n that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o a_o sacrament_n be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n give_v to_o we_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o never_o suppose_v that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n can_v confer_v grace_n nor_o have_v ever_o make_v the_o least_o pretence_n to_o any_o divine_a appointment_n for_o it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o make_v the_o cross_a a_o sign_n betoken_v our_o faith_n and_o christian_a courage_n because_o we_o apply_v it_o in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n oâ—_n christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o make_v it_o a_o outward_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o own_v it_o to_o be_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o all_o other_o ceremony_n be_v for_o we_o do_v not_o account_v a_o ceremony_n innocent_a because_o it_o be_v insignificant_a and_o impertinent_a but_o yet_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n for_o our_o ceremony_n be_v not_o seal_n and_o assurance_n from_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o but_o hint_n and_o remembrance_n of_o some_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o with_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o significant_a usage_n have_v ever_o be_v take_v up_o without_o any_o imputation_n of_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n for_o 1._o the_o jewish_a church_n change_v the_o posture_n of_o eat_v the_o passover_n from_o stand_v to_o sit_v in_o token_n of_o their_o rest_n and_o security_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v also_o a_o altar_n of_o witness_n rear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o jordan_n and_o the_o synagogue-worship_n rite_n of_o marriage_n form_n of_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n be_v significant_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_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 2._o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n use_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o charity_n tertullian_n de_fw-fr orat._n speak_v as_o if_o the_o public_a service_n be_v imperfect_a if_o it_o conclude_v not_o with_o the_o holy_a kiss_n which_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 the_o feast_n of_o charity_n also_o signify_v the_o mutual_a love_n and_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o equal_a regard_n that_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v towards_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v all_o to_o eat_v free_o together_o at_o one_o common_a meal_n i_o may_v further_o instance_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o insufflation_n which_o be_v use_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o breathe_v into_o they_o the_o good_a spirit_n and_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v strip_v off_o his_o garment_n in_o token_n that_o he_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o trine_n immersion_n at_o the_o mention_n of_o each_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o signify_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o great_a article_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v 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 new_a sacrament_n 3._o all_o the_o reform_a church_n nay_o the_o very_a dissenter_n themselves_o do_v use_v some_o symbolical_a action_n in_o their_o most_o religious_a solemnity_n for_o 1._o their_o give_v to_o the_o baptise_a infant_n a_o new_a name_n seem_v to_o betoken_v its_o be_v make_v a_o new_a creature_n nay_o the_o dissenter_n general_o give_v it_o some_o scripture-name_n or_o one_o that_o betoken_v a_o particular_a grace_n and_o this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o this_o too_o sometime_o of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o new_a sacrament_n 2._o the_o dissenter_n plead_v for_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v a_o
of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a capacity_n either_o as_o governor_n and_o minister_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o as_o ordinary_a and_o lay-communicants_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o governor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n their_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v it_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o he_o design_v it_o to_o break_v and_o distribute_v it_o and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v and_o bless_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n love_n but_o what_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o in_o all_o the_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v altogether_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v silence_n be_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o no_o gesture_n be_v ever_o command_v at_o all_o but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v this_o he_o do_v by_o those_o word_n command_v they_o to_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v eat_z drink_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o institution_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v this_o gesture_n only_o and_o not_o several_a other_o circumstance_n which_o he_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o the_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper-room_n in_o a_o private-house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n in_o the_o company_n of_o twelve_o at_o most_o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o there_o do_v to_o sit_v 2._o even_o the_o two_o last_o of_o those_o circumstance_n be_v general_o allow_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o observe_v by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o gesture_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o expresl_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o do_v this_o respect_v only_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o action_n that_o be_v specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n nay_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v that_o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v command_v for_o there_o be_v many_o serious_a and_o sincere_a person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n they_o can_v use_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o they_o think_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n i_o have_v already_o confute_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o grant_v they_o can_v use_v the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v be_v it_o not_o enjoin_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a they_o do_v thereby_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n for_o any_o particular_a posture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west-friesland_n they_o stand_v the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustane_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuania_n and_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ausbourg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n injoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetic_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o 1583._o three_o 1._o at_o cracow_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1573._o 2._o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3._o wiadislaw_n 1583._o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_a gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a holl._n french_a harmon_n 4._o synod_n of_o holl._n do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o these_o article_n be_v so_o settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n
to_o bring_v their_o own_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o our_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o special_a reason_n draw_v from_o that_o time_n and_o place_n or_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o which_o that_o gesture_n be_v peculiar_a how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v use_v another_o gesture_n if_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v institute_v apart_o from_o the_o passover_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o jew_n eat_v the_o passover_n after_o one_o fashion_n in_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o cease_v give_v occasion_n to_o alter_v it_o in_o canaan_n and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n comply_v with_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o that_o his_o example_n if_o he_o do_v sit_v be_v only_o temporary_a and_o not_o design_v for_o a_o stand_a law_n perpetual_o oblige_v to_o a_o like_a practice_n if_o christ_n act_v upon_o special_a reason_n than_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o let_v they_o produce_v the_o reason_n if_o they_o can_v which_o make_v this_o example_n of_o christ_n of_o general_a and_o perpetual_a use_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o follow_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o talk_v of_o christ_n example_n apart_o from_o all_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o to_o make_v that_o alone_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o christ_n himself_o always_o govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o man_n he_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o natural_a law_n as_o a_o jew_n by_o the_o mosaic_a law_n as_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o gospel-law_n he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v only_o to_o his_o example_n without_o consider_v the_o various_a capacity_n and_o relation_n he_o bear_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o we_o and_o the_o several_a law_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v bind_v which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n we_o shall_v miserable_o mistake_v our_o way_n and_o act_n like_o fool_n when_o we_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v pursuant_n to_o infinite_a wisdom_n thus_o if_o we_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o he_o do_v we_o shall_v thereby_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v if_o his_o example_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n thus_o it_o appear_v that_o christ_n bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o command_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n against_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o for_o our_o saviour_n probable_o use_v a_o lean_v gesture_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v they_o change_v it_o to_o sit_v certain_o our_o change_v the_o gesture_n be_v as_o warrantable_a as_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o sit_v come_v near_o our_o saviour_n gesture_n than_o kneel_v for_o if_o they_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o rule_n they_o must_v not_o vary_v at_o all_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 itself_o 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 dip_v into_o sprinkle_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o those_o who_o scruple_n kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v allow_v of_o this_o great_a change_n in_o baptism_n 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 as_o mercy_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o infant_n be_v body_n to_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v water_n on_o the_o face_n contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n three_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o supper_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o the_o gesture_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o use_v and_o observe_v at_o our_o ordinary_a table_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o our_o native_a country_n and_o by_o consequence_n we_o ought_v to_o sit_v and_o not_o to_o kneel_v because_o sit_v be_v the_o ordinary_a table-gesture_n according_a to_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o england_n here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o argument_n overthrow_v the_o two_o other_o draw_v from_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o 1._o different_a table-gesture_n be_v use_v in_o different_a country_n and_o therefore_o though_o christ_n do_v sit_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o sit_v after_o his_o example_n unless_o sit_v be_v in_o our_o country_n the_o common_a table-gesture_n 2._o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n require_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o that_o gesture_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v customary_a then_o god_n have_v not_o command_v any_o particular_a gesture_n because_o different_a country_n have_v different_a table-gesture_n however_o i_o shall_v ful_o answer_v this_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o show_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o require_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n 3._o that_o kneel_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o it_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n 1._o then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v easy_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o greek_a father_n call_v it_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o banquet_n because_o of_o that_o provision_n and_o entertainment_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v for_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n it_o be_v style_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n either_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n at_o suppertime_n or_o because_o it_o represent_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o a_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a supper_n or_o feast_n though_o it_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n three_o thing_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o feast_n plenty_n good_a company_n and_o mirth_n but_o the_o plenty_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o plenty_n of_o spiritual_a dainty_n and_o the_o company_n consist_v of_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o good_a christian_n and_o the_o mirth_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v in_o its_o nature_n from_o civil_a banquet_n as_o much_o as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n body_n and_o spirit_n differ_v in_o they_o far_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v particular_o to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v also_o institute_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o eternal_a memory_n of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o praise_v our_o great_a benefactor_n it_o be_v also_o a_o covenant_a rite_n between_o god_n and_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o he_o that_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o swear_v fidelity_n to_o he_o we_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o as_o we_o ordinary_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o alone_o that_o die_v for_o we_o it_o be_v also_o a_o mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o last_o it_o be_v institute_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o christian_n to_o engage_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o our_o lord_n love_v we_o who_o think_v
the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o sermon_n which_o too_o be_v only_o practise_v in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o other_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n which_o custom_n be_v still_o observe_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n at_o this_o day_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o seat_n erect_v or_o allow_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o people_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o establish_v sit_v not_o only_o as_o convenient_a but_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a 1._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a revolt_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o so_o many_o church_n in_o distant_a country_n be_v perfect_o free_a and_o independent_a one_o upon_o another_o shall_v unanimous_o conspire_v together_o to_o introduce_v a_o novel-custom_n contrary_n to_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o order_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o 3._o they_o shall_v censure_v the_o practice_n and_o injunction_n of_o inspire_a man_n as_o indecent_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n or_o complain_v or_o oppose_v either_o then_o or_o in_o the_o succeed_a generation_n as_o for_o stand_v in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n both_o at_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v use_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o as_o for_o kneel_v it_o be_v plain_a the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v that_o gesture_n also_o for_o though_o on_o sunday_n and_o the_o fifty_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 they_o use_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v at_o their_o public_a devotion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o authority_n cite_v at_o the_o 3._o the_o conc._n 1._o nic._n c._n 20._o resp_n quest_n inter_fw-la opera_fw-la just_o mart._n p._n 468._o tertull._n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n c._n 3._o epiphan_n expos_fw-la fid_fw-we cath._n p._n 1105._o edit_fw-la par._n st._n jer._n prol._n come_v in_o epist_n ad_fw-la eph._n st._n aust_n epist_n 119._o ad_fw-la jan._n c._n 15._o tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 3._o bottom_n now_o since_o they_o be_v wont_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n every_o day_n and_o since_o 35._o since_o see_v tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o p._n 47._o st._n aust_n epist_n 118._o const_n apol._n l._n 2._o c._n 57_o st._n chrysost_o hom._n 1._o in_o c._n 2._o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la tim._n st._n ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n l._n 4._o c._n 5._o cave_n prim._n christ_n c._n 11._o st._n cyril_n catech._n mist_n 5._o st._n aust_n resp_n ad_fw-la oros_n quest_n 49._o tom._n 4._o p._n 691._o basil_n 1541._o euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 6._o c._n 35._o it_o 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 and_o since_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o praying-posture_n of_o the_o day_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v upon_o those_o day_n on_o which_o they_o pray_v kneel_v for_o since_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 since_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 therefore_o the_o posture_n of_o receive_v must_v be_v either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v 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 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 or_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 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 practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o pure_a antiquity_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o numerous_a testimony_n both_o of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n may_v be_v allege_v but_o i_o will_v content_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n too_o with_o a_o few_o of_o each_o sort_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v that_o he_o who_o will_v except_v against_o they_o will_v also_o with_o the_o same_o face_n and_o assurance_n except_v against_o the_o whiteness_n of_o snow_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o first_o for_o the_o greek_a father_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o 244._o of_o st._n cyril_n hierosol_n mystag_n catech._n 5._o versus_fw-la finem_fw-la paris_n edit_fw-la p._n 244._o st._n cyril_n be_v hear_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o express_v to_o our_o purpose_n this_o holy_a father_n in_o a_o place_n before_o cite_v give_v instruction_n to_o communicant_n how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o when_o they_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v both_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o cup_n he_o advise_v thus_o approach_v say_v he_o not_o rude_o stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n but_o bow_v thyself_o and_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n paris_n purpose_n 24_o hom._n ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n p._n 538._o to._n 9_o paris_n st._n chrysostom_n speak_v in_o his_o fourteen_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o he_o provoke_v and_o excite_v the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n to_o a_o awful_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n at_o the_o holy_a communion_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n after_o this_o manner_n this_o body_n the_o wise_a man_n revereneed_a even_o when_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o manger_n and_o approach_v thereunto_o worship_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o great_a tremble_n let_v we_o therefore_o who_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n imitate_v at_o least_o these_o barbarian_n but_o thou_o see_v this_o body_n not_o in_o a_o manger_n but_o on_o the_o altar_n not_o hold_v by_o a_o woman_n but_o by_o the_o priest_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a and_o manifest_v a_o much_o great_a reverence_n than_o those_o barbarian_n lest_o come_v light_o and_o at_o a_o venture_n we_o heap_v fire_n on_o our_o head_n the_o same_o father_n in_o another_o place_n express_o bid_v they_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o communicate_v when_o the_o table_n be_v make_v ready_a and_o the_o king_n himself_o there_o and_o in_o order_n to_o beget_v in_o their_o mind_n great_a and_o awful_a thought_n concern_v that_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a feast_n he_o further_o exhort_v they_o 1151._o they_o st._n chrys_n hom._n 3._o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n in_o moral_n p._n 1151._o that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o chancel_n door_n open_a than_o they_o shall_v suppose_v heaven_n itself_o be_v unfold_v from_o above_o and_o that_o the_o angel_n
jew_n be_v command_v to_o destroy_v idol_n and_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o they_o deut._n 7.25_o 26._o be_v 20.22_o because_o they_o be_v so_o prodigious_o incline_v to_o idolatry_n yet_o sure_o the_o dissenter_n will_v not_o say_v we_o must_v destroy_v all_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o superstitious_a use_n for_o than_o we_o must_v destroy_v our_o bell_n and_o font_n and_o churches_n therefore_o as_o mr._n calvin_n upon_o the_o second_o commandment_n say_v we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v those_o temple_n font_n and_o other_o material_n which_o have_v be_v heretofore_o abuse_v to_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a use_n i_o acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o remove_v such_o thing_n as_o seem_v to_o nourish_v idolatry_n upon_o supposition_n that_o we_o ourselves_o in_o oppose_v too_o evident_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v not_o too_o superstitious_a it_o be_v equal_o superstitious_a to_o condemn_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o unholy_a and_o to_o command_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a as_o for_o the_o example_n of_o hezekiah_n break_v in_o piece_n the_o brazen_a serpent_n because_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n burn_v incense_n to_o it_o 2_o king_n 18.4_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v notorious_o defile_v in_o idolatrous_a or_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n aught_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o much_o less_o that_o the_o not_o abolish_n some_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n that_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v not_o only_o defile_v but_o a_o idol_n itself_o and_o that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v destroy_v nay_o it_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n to_o those_o day_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v burn_v incense_n unto_o it_o and_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o their_o be_v reclaim_v while_o the_o idol_n stand_v and_o moreover_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v cease_v for_o which_o it_o be_v first_o erect_v now_o without_o doubt_n governor_n ought_v to_o take_v away_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o have_v be_v abuse_v when_o the_o people_n be_v incline_v to_o abuse_v they_o again_o at_o least_o if_o such_o abuse_n can_v probable_o be_v prevent_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o then_o i_o deny_v that_o our_o rite_n have_v be_v or_o be_v any_o temptation_n to_o idolatry_n or_o to_o the_o embrace_v of_o popery_n have_v hezekiah_n suffer_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n still_o to_o stand_v no_o doubt_n private_a person_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v public_a reformation_n may_v lawful_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n express_v by_o it_o to_o their_o forefather_n notwithstanding_o that_o many_o have_v former_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o it_o and_o do_v so_o at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o much_o more_o may_v they_o have_v lawful_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o constraint_n lay_v upon_o they_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v of_o any_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n while_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v permit_v to_o stand_v as_o woeful_o abuse_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n 2._o if_o example_n be_v a_o good_a way_n of_o argue_v we_o find_v by_o hezekiah_n practice_n in_o other_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o abolish_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o idolatry_n if_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v a_o immediate_a snare_n at_o that_o time_n for_o as_o to_o the_o temple_n which_o solomon_n have_v erect_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n 1_o king_n 11.7_o hezekiah_n do_v not_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o destroy_v they_o as_o be_v in_o his_o time_n forlorn_a and_o neglect_v thing_n of_o which_o no_o bad_a use_n be_v then_o make_v although_o indeed_o king_n josiah_n afterward_o probable_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o idolatry_n and_o renew_v use_n of_o those_o place_n find_v it_o expedient_a to_o lay_v they_o whole_o waste_v 2_o king_n 23.13_o let_v not_o any_o say_v superstitione_n say_v de_fw-fr vitand_n superstitione_n calvin_n think_v i_o so_o austere_a or_o bind_v up_o as_o to_o forbid_v a_o christian_a without_o any_o exception_n to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o papist_n in_o any_o ceremony_n or_o observance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o condemn_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_o evil_a and_o open_o vicious_a iii_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_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 this_o i_o shall_v evince_v in_o the_o chief_a particular_n which_o our_o dissenter_n take_v offence_n at_o first_o then_o episcopacy_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o unlawful_a symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o shall_v we_o allow_v the_o pope_n so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o make_v that_o unlawful_a by_o his_o use_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n have_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o they_o nay_o pol._n nay_o bez._n episcop_n du_fw-fr moul._n past_n off_o calv._n inst_z lib._n 4._o cap._n 4._o sect._n 2._o &_o epist_n ad_fw-la reg._n pol._n beza_n p._n du_fw-fr moulin_n and_o calvin_n grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o about_o 1500_o year_n together_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o the_o dissenter_n will_v defend_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n while_o they_o contend_v that_o episcopacy_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o how_o those_o that_o separate_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o episcopacy_n can_v defend_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o communicate_v with_o any_o christian_a church_n for_o about_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o point_n only_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o chillingworth_n institution_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 244_o etc._n etc._n second_o our_o symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o have_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v culpable_a that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a for_o herein_o we_o symbolize_v with_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o expedient_a for_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n now_o if_o the_o papist_n nay_o if_o the_o heathen_n use_v set_v form_n because_o it_o be_v the_o fit_a way_n for_o the_o 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engage_v you_o in_o the_o separation_n at_o the_o beginning_n or_o provoke_v you_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o put_v you_o upon_o this_o inquiry_n not_o only_o because_o secular_a end_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o mix_v with_o and_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n but_o because_o this_o have_v be_v a_o old_a artifice_n make_v use_v of_o to_o promote_v separation_n thus_o the_o donatist_n uphold_v their_o separation_n and_o keep_v their_o party_n fast_o together_o by_o trade_v only_o within_o themselves_o and_o employ_v none_o but_o those_o that_o will_v be_v of_o their_o side_n nay_o and_o sometime_o hire_v person_n to_o be_v baptise_a into_o their_o party_n as_o crispin_n do_v the_o people_n of_o mappalia_n and_o how_o evident_a the_o same_o policy_n be_v among_o our_o modern_a quaker_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o need_v either_o proof_n or_o observation_n whoever_o look_v into_o the_o nation_n must_v needs_o take_v 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to_o consider_v the_o heinous_a nature_n and_o gild_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o separate_n yourselves_o from_o a_o true_a church_n without_o any_o just_a occasion_n give_v i_o doubt_v you_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o much_o you_o oppose_v that_o spirit_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_n love_n which_o shall_v diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a people_n when_o you_o suppose_v every_o slender_a pretence_n enough_o to_o justify_v your_o depart_n from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o a_o church_n against_o a_o church_n the_o old_a nonconformist_n charge_v the_o people_n to_o be_v as_o tender_v of_o church-division_n as_o they_o be_v of_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n or_o any_o other_o enormous_a crime_n whereas_o you_o seem_v to_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n almost_o indifferent_a and_o that_o you_o be_v leave_v to_o your_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v with_o what_o
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of_o separate_v independent_a church_n for_o each_o independent_a congregation_n be_v a_o church_n by_o its_o self_n and_o have_v beside_o the_o general_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n a_o particular_a church-covenant_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o imagine_v how_o all_o of_o they_o can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o entire_a society_n but_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v the_o most_o numerous_a and_o prevalent_a party_n yet_o experience_n show_v how_o hard_o a_o work_n it_o be_v for_o all_o of_o they_o to_o form_n themselves_o into_o a_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o public_a disquiet_n though_o they_o have_v great_a power_n and_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o seem_v nigh_o the_o gain_n of_o their_o point_n yet_o they_o wide_o miss_v of_o it_o there_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n some_o for_o a_o independent_a other_o for_o a_o erastian_n interest_n 20._o interest_n vid._n whitlock_n memoir_n p._n 116._o &_o 189._o harm_n consent_n p._n 20._o there_o be_v a_o party_n in_o the_o nation_n who_o be_v then_o call_v dissent_v brethren_n who_o hate_v the_o directory_n and_o print_v a_o remonstrance_n against_o presbytery_n and_o reproach_v the_o presbyterian_o in_o the_o same_o phrase_n which_o they_o have_v use_v against_o the_o church-liturgy_n 31._o church-liturgy_n testim_fw-la to_o the_o truth_n of_o j._n c._n p._n 31._o some_o presbyterian_o do_v open_o confess_v that_o their_o hope_n be_v not_o answer_v and_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o reformation_n they_o have_v a_o deformation_n in_o religion_n those_o independent_o who_o adhere_v to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o house_n which_o join_v with_o the_o army_n prevail_v for_o a_o season_n but_o they_o also_o be_v disturb_v by_o the_o lilburnist_n leveller_n and_o agitator_n 366._o agitator_n mist_n of_o godlin_n anno_fw-la 1649._o wynstanl_n in_o sts._n paradise_n c._n 5._o p._n 54_o etc._n etc._n whitlock_n memoirs_fw-fr p._n 430._o salmon_n rout._n in_o pref._n &_o p._n 10_o 11_o etc._n etc._n hist_o of_o indep_n part_n 2._o p._n 153._o view_v of_o the_o late_a trouble_n p._n 366._o then_o wynstanly_n publish_v the_o principle_n of_o quakerism_n and_o enthusiasm_n break_v forth_o joseph_n salmon_n a_o member_n of_o the_o army_n publish_v his_o blasphemy_n and_o defend_v his_o immorality_n and_o print_v a_o book_n in_o which_o he_o set_v forth_o himself_o as_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n cromwell_n favour_v enthusiasm_n and_o together_o with_o six_o soldier_n preach_v and_o pray_v at_o whitehall_n and_o confess_v to_o a_o person_n of_o condition_n from_o who_o i_o receive_v it_o as_o do_v other_o yet_o live_v that_o he_o pray_v according_a to_o extraordinary_a impulse_n and_o that_o not_o feel_v such_o impulse_n which_o he_o call_v supernatural_a he_o do_v forbear_v to_o pray_v oftentimes_o for_o several_a day_n together_o at_o last_o he_o and_o his_o house_n of_o commons_o be_v public_o 2._o public_o whitlock_n memoirs_fw-fr p._n 592_o 606_o 624._o burroughs_n trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n p._n 2._o disturb_v by_o quaker_n bespatter_v in_o their_o book_n his_o preacher_n interrupt_v by_o they_o in_o his_o own_o chapel_n before_o his_o face_n and_o himself_o conspire_v against_o by_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o the_o free_a and_o well_o affect_v people_n of_o england_n other_o memorial_n may_v be_v produce_v relate_v to_o the_o hopeful_a rise_n mighty_a progress_n and_o equal_a declension_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n but_o in_o short_a the_o long_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v dissetled_a the_o great_a daily_a grow_v the_o confusion_n so_o that_o those_o very_a distraction_n prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n now_o if_o dissenter_n can_v not_o settle_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o fair_a opportunity_n much_o less_o can_v they_o do_v it_o now_o because_o first_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n so_o much_o applaud_v and_o contend_v for_o in_o the_o reign_v of_o q._n elizabeth_n and_o k._n james_n have_v be_v partly_o try_v and_o lose_v some_o of_o that_o reverence_n which_o several_a have_v for_o it_o second_o there_o be_v not_o now_o such_o a_o union_n among_o dissenter_n as_o appear_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n three_o those_o who_o then_o favour_v the_o discipline_n do_v now_o incline_v to_o independency_n and_o plead_v for_o toleration_n four_o the_o sincere_a zeal_n and_o power_n of_o many_o pious_a man_n of_o quality_n who_o favour_v the_o discipline_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n can_v not_o then_o settle_v it_o much_o less_o will_v it_o now_o succeed_v since_o these_o man_n have_v see_v such_o revolution_n and_o discover_v the_o vile_a interest_n of_o many_o under_o pretence_n of_o pure_a religion_n these_o have_v see_v their_o error_n and_o will_v not_o be_v a_o second_o time_n engage_v last_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o gross_a hypocrisy_n numberless_a party_n and_o opinion_n irreligious_a
book_n and_o laxation_n of_o discipline_n in_o those_o war_n atheism_n have_v much_o increase_v and_o they_o say_v that_o some_o undisguised_a sceptic_n and_o atheist_n have_v since_o the_o king_n return_n be_v much_o use_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o sure_o such_o hand_n can_v do_v what_o well_o meaning_n zeal_n can_v not_o effect_v nor_o can_v they_o settle_v themselves_o as_o several_a distinct_a party_n by_o a_o general_a toleration_n for_o first_o some_o dissenter_n believe_v some_o of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v incapable_a of_o forbearance_n as_o maintain_v principle_n destructive_a of_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n this_o opinion_n they_o still_o have_v of_o antinomian_o quaker_n and_o muggletonian_n and_o they_o former_o declaim_v against_o the_o toleration_n of_o erastians_n and_o independent_o 12._o independent_o harmon_n consent_n p._n 12._o nay_o many_o minister_n declare_v a_o toleration_n to_o be_v a_o appoint_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n in_o man_n conscience_n for_o the_o devil_n to_o fly_v to_o a_o toleration_n of_o soul-murther_n the_o great_a murder_n of_o all_o other_o etc._n etc._n second_o there_o be_v no_o firmness_n in_o this_o union_n for_o the_o union_n that_o last_v be_v that_o of_o the_o concord_n of_o member_n in_o a_o uniform_a body_n three_o party_n can_v be_v keep_v equal_a in_o number_n and_o interest_n but_o one_o will_v always_o prevail_v and_o be_v favour_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o strong_a to_o attempt_v to_o subdue_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o peace_n but_o in_o perpetual_a discord_n some_o indeed_o think_v this_o inclination_n to_o the_o swallow_v up_o of_o all_o other_o party_n be_v to_o be_v find_v almost_o only_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o there_o be_v something_o of_o it_o to_o be_v discern_v i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o all_o church_n for_o our_o own_o suffer_v bonner_n himself_o to_o live_v yet_o in_o all_o faction_n and_o party_n though_o the_o inequality_n of_o power_n make_v it_o not_o seem_v to_o be_v alike_o in_o all_o of_o they_o party_n who_o be_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o show_n concern_v for_o religion_n will_v perpetual_o covet_v after_o power_n and_o party_n that_o be_v conscientious_a in_o their_o way_n will_v do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o withdraw_v from_o other_o because_o they_o think_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o they_o think_v those_o of_o another_o way_n without_o repentance_n to_o be_v lose_v eternal_o charity_n will_v urge_v they_o to_o reduce_v they_o and_o they_o will_v think_v that_o suffer_v they_o to_o wander_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o condition_n beside_o experience_n show_v that_o where_o there_o be_v power_n there_o be_v little_a forbearance_n and_o the_o same_o man_n as_o their_o condition_n alter_v speak_v of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n thus_o do_v the_o 2._o the_o vid._n august_n cont._n petil._n lib._n 2._o donatist_n of_o old_a and_o the_o 3._o the_o mr._n calamy_n great_a dang_n of_o cou._n ref._n p._n 3._o head_n of_o the_o discipline_n in_o the_o late_a time_n those_o that_o remove_v to_o new_a england_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v get_v foot_v there_o refuse_v indulgence_n to_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n and_o use_v they_o to_o this_o day_n with_o great_a severity_n the_o 276._o the_o whitlock_n memoir_n p._n 276._o commons_o in_o 47_o give_v indulgence_n to_o all_o but_o those_o that_o use_v the_o common_a prayer_n the_o dutch_a suffer_v none_o to_o speak_v against_o those_o doctrine_n which_o the_o state_n have_v authorize_v and_o the_o remonstrant_a party_n contend_v for_o superiority_n whenever_o they_o have_v any_o encouragement_n the_o popish_a order_n mortal_o hate_v and_o be_v they_o not_o restrain_v will_v soon_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o gittichius_n his_o behaviour_n towards_o 416._o towards_o ruari_fw-la epist_n par_fw-fr 1._o p._n 415_o 416._o ruarus_n a_o socinian_n of_o better_a temper_n show_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o socinian_o those_o great_a asserter_n of_o liberty_n in_o religion_n the_o quaker_n themselves_o when_o form_v into_o a_o society_n begin_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o domineer_v and_o g._n fox_n 41._o fox_n spirit_n of_o the_o hart._n p._n 41._o declare_v he_o never_o like_v the_o word_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v have_v no_o liberty_n give_v to_o presbyterian_o papist_n independent_o and_o baptist_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o removal_n of_o popery_n and_o perfect_a the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o popery_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o church_n call_v by_o diodati_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n will_v rather_o advantage_v it_o both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o for_o she_o be_v more_o like_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n than_o some_o other_o of_o the_o reformation_n can_v better_o answer_v the_o papist_n objection_n than_o those_o that_o be_v cramp_v in_o a_o few_o point_n and_o therefore_o if_o dissension_n ruin_v she_o popery_n will_v the_o soon_o spread_v over_o foreign_a reform_a country_n and_o since_o the_o romanist_n be_v so_o powerful_a diligent_a and_o cunning_a have_v so_o much_o learning_n and_o interest_n and_o pretend_v to_o antiquity_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v secure_v we_o from_o they_o at_o home_n but_o the_o christian_a constitution_n and_o strong_a nature_n of_o the_o primitive_a learned_a pure_a loyal_a and_o pious_a church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v a_o national_a body_n already_o form_v that_o be_v able_a to_o detect_v the_o forgery_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v not_o give_v advantage_n to_o she_o by_o run_v from_o she_o into_o any_o extreme_a mounseur_fw-fr daille_n who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v partial_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o be_v at_o that_o time_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n with_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n 98._o divine_n de_fw-fr confess_v adv_fw-la hammond_n c._n 1._o p._n 97_o 98._o say_v as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n purge_v from_o foreign_a wicked_a superstitious_a worship_n and_o error_n either_o impious_a or_o dangerous_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n approve_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o illustrious_a martyr_n abound_v with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o with_o most_o frequent_a example_n of_o good_a work_n flourish_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o this_o time_n i_o have_v always_o have_v it_o in_o just_a esteem_n and_o till_o i_o die_v i_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o due_a veneration_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o who_o know_v other_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v displease_v at_o we_o which_o so_o much_o excel_v they_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v less_o strength_n in_o it_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o popery_n than_o a_o number_n of_o divide_a party_n the_o best_a of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o primitive_a learned_a united_n numerous_n or_o legal_a and_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o these_o party_n have_v scarce_o any_o form_a way_n of_o keep_v out_o popery_n for_o what_o hinder_v a_o crafty_a jesuit_n from_o gather_v and_o model_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o what_o a_o gap_n do_v they_o leave_v open_a for_o seducer_n who_o take_v away_o all_o legal_a test_n and_o admit_v stranger_n to_o officiate_v upon_o bare_a pretence_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n the_o romanist_n have_v more_o powerful_a way_n of_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o dissent_v party_n than_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o man_n separate_v too_o frequent_o through_o weakness_n of_o imagination_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v variety_n of_o gratification_n they_o will_v offer_v strictness_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o mental_a prayer_n to_o those_o who_o contemn_v or_o scruple_n form_n they_o have_v mystical_a phrase_n for_o such_o who_o think_v they_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n when_o they_o darken_v understanding_n with_o word_n and_o according_o the_o three_o part_n of_o a_o very_a mystical_a book_n write_v by_o father_n benet_n a_o capuchin_n be_v reprint_v in_o london_n in_o 46_o with_o a_o alley_n a_o a_o bright_a star_n centre_v in_o christ_n our_o perfection_n print_a for_o h._n overton_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n new_a title_n and_o without_o the_o author_n name_n and_o it_o pass_v among_o some_o of_o the_o party_n for_o a_o book_n of_o very_o sublime_a evangelical_n truth_n they_o use_v much_o gesture_n and_o great_a show_n of_o zeal_n in_o preach_v they_o have_v rough_a cord_n and_o mean_a garment_n bare_a foot_n and_o many_o other_o great_a show_v of_o self-denial_n they_o have_v procession_n and_o other_o rite_n to_o humour_v the_o soppishness_n of_o other_o but_o
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_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 the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_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 and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n she_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o christian_n ii_o i_o be_o to_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 the_o dissenter_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o say_v they_o we_o read_v leu._n 18.2_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n now_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o vast_a difference_n of_o our_o circumstance_n from_o those_o of_o the_o israelite_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v unlike_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n the_o thing_n forbid_v from_o verse_n 5_o the_o to_o 24_o the_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o act_n of_o uncleaness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o those_o particular_n in_o say_v v._o 24_o the_o defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o part_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o and_o they_o be_v therefore_o forbid_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n do_v after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o canaanite_n because_o they_o be_v the_o do_n of_o those_o people_n who_o they_o be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o imitate_v even_o in_o their_o great_a immorality_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o other_o place_n god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n to_o imitate_v the_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14.2_o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o eyebrow_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o indifferent_a neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n misbecome_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n be_v leu._n 19.19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle_n gender_v with_o a_o diverse_a kind_a thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o they_o be_v forbid_v not_o because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v object_v also_o that_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n hos_fw-la 2.16_o 17._o to_o call_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o baali_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a name_n and_o signify_v only_o my_o lord_n because_o that_o word_n be_v abuse_v in_o be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o idol_n baal_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forbid_v the_o name_n baali_n because_o a_o idol_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o he_o be_v call_v baal_n in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o also_o jah_n which_o the_o heathen_n use_v for_o a_o idol_n but_o because_o the_o word_n baali_n signify_v a_o unkind_a husband_n or_o lord_n such_o as_o baal_n be_v to_o his_o worshipper_n whereas_o god_n promise_v he_o will_v be_v call_v ishi_n that_o be_v a_o tenderly-loving_a husband_n for_o he_o design_v to_o be_v kind_a to_o his_o people_n israel_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o next_o verse_n signify_v idol_n which_o god_n there_o promise_v to_o destroy_v but_o suppose_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n to_o call_v he_o baal_n for_o the_o future_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v because_o of_o their_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o baal_n lest_o by_o use_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o worship_v he_o again_o whereas_o our_o ceremony_n be_v use_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n without_o any_o superstition_n or_o idolatry_n and_o we_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o return_v to_o popery_n by_o retain_v they_o well_o but_o they_o say_v it_o appear_v from_o scripture-precept_n and_o example_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v in_o idolatrous_a and_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o no_o abuse_n of_o any_o gesture_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o manifest_a idolatry_n do_v render_v that_o gesture_n simple_o evil_a and_o for_o ever_o after_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n suppose_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a become_v sinful_a by_o a_o abuse_n of_o it_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a but_o by_o accident_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o somewhat_o else_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n for_o if_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n after_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n become_v absolute_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o the_o jew_n sin_v in_o offer_v sacrifice_n erect_v altar_n burn_a incense_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n bow_v down_o themselves_o before_o he_o wearing_z a_o linen_n garment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o observe_v other_o thing_n and_o rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n if_o the_o dissenter_n say_v they_o except_z all_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v command_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n i_o reply_v that_o such_o a_o exception_n avail_v nothing_o for_o if_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o idolatry_n make_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o destroy_v that_o relation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v once_o abuse_v must_v ever_o remain_v so_o that_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n can_v undo_v what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o clear_v it_o from_o ever_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o command_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n that_o a_o bare_a conformity_n with_o idolater_n in_o use_v those_o rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o practise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n be_v not_o simple_o sinful_a or_o formal_a idolatry_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n have_v oblige_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o express_a command_n to_o commit_v sin_n and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o strict_o and_o severe_o prohibit_v in_o other_o place_n in_o truth_n such_o a_o position_n will_v plain_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o this_o principle_n intrenche_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o may_v judge_v who_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 10.25_o etc._n etc._n that_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o to_o eat_v whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o a_o gesture_n
shall_v be_v more_o defile_v by_o idolater_n than_o meat_n which_o they_o have_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o why_o shall_v one_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a to_o use_v and_o not_o the_o other_o certain_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v grant_v they_o such_o a_o privilege_n if_o he_o judge_v it_o idolatrous_a to_o use_v what_o idolater_n have_v abuse_v especial_o consider_v that_o he_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n exhort_v they_o earnest_o to_o fly_v from_o idolatry_n 3._o this_o principle_n subject_n the_o mind_n of_o christian_n to_o infinite_a fear_n scruple_n and_o perplexity_n whereas_o the_o true_a and_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o breed_v in_o man_n a_o filial_a cheerful_a frame_n of_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_n or_o quiet_a mind_n to_o give_v we_o a_o free_a easy_a comfortable_a access_n to_o god_n as_o to_o our_o father_n and_o to_o encourage_v every_o good_a man_n to_o a_o diligent_a constant_a and_o frequent_a attendance_n upon_o his_o worship_n by_o the_o delight_n that_o follow_v it_o but_o now_o if_o nothing_o may_v be_v use_v by_o we_o without_o high_o offend_v god_n that_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n who_o see_v not_o what_o trouble_n and_o distraction_n will_v arise_v in_o our_o mind_n hereupon_o when_o we_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o most_o of_o our_o church_n be_v erect_v by_o idolatrous_a papist_n and_o as_o much_o defile_v by_o idolatry_n as_o any_o gesture_n can_v be_v they_o be_v dedicate_v to_o several_a saint_n and_o angel_n who_o image_n be_v once_o set_v up_o and_o adore_v our_o bell_n pew_v font_n desk_n churchyard_n have_v be_v consecrate_v after_o a_o superstitious_a manner_n many_o cup_n flagon_n dish_n communion-table_n have_v be_v give_v and_o use_v by_o idolater_n what_o now_o be_v to_o be_v do_v perhaps_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o if_o certain_a information_n can_v be_v have_v we_o can_v worship_v in_o public_a without_o great_a disquiet_n of_o mind_n 4._o this_o principle_n will_v destroy_v all_o public_a worship_n for_o if_o nothing_o must_v be_v use_v which_o have_v be_v or_o be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o idolater_n by_o engross_a all_o the_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o that_o inward_a veneration_n and_o esteem_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n to_o smother_v our_o devotion_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n frustrate_v the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o true_o this_o work_n be_v already_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o principle_n very_o well_o effect_v for_o kneel_v at_o prayer_n and_o stand_v and_o sit_v and_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o bow_v of_o the_o body_n together_o with_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o sing_v have_v be_v all_o notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n if_o the_o dissenter_n say_v they_o except_z such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n i_o reply_v that_o so_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n hold_v to_o make_v any_o thing_n sinful_a so_o long_o it_o be_v so_o if_o the_o use_n or_o abuse_v of_o any_o thing_n by_o idolater_n make_v it_o simple_o evil_a than_o it_o must_v for_o ever_o remain_v so_o and_o no_o necessity_n whatsoever_o can_v make_v it_o lawful_a so_o that_o this_o principle_n drive_v we_o into_o such_o strait_n that_o we_o must_v sin_v one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o either_o we_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o public_a or_o we_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n if_o we_o do_v and_o though_o of_o two_o evil_n or_o calamity_n the_o least_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v yet_o of_o two_o sin_n neither_o be_v christian_n religion_n flow_v from_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v not_o cross_v one_o another_o but_o be_v even_o and_o consistent_a we_o be_v never_o cast_v by_o god_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v of_o transgress_v one_o law_n by_o the_o observance_n of_o another_o but_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v if_o we_o take_v up_o and_o stick_v to_o this_o principle_n 5._o the_o dissenter_n condemn_v themselves_o in_o what_o they_o allow_v and_o practice_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o rite_n of_o our_o church_n for_o they_o themselves_o do_v use_v without_o scruple_n such_o place_n and_o thing_n and_o posture_n as_o have_v be_v defile_v and_o abuse_v by_o idolater_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v bareheaded_a in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n at_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o do_v idolatrous_a papist_n they_o never_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o kneel_v at_o our_o prayer_n both_o public_a and_o private_a yet_o this_o gesture_n the_o papist_n use_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o the_o cross_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n they_o use_v our_o church_n churchyard_n and_o bell_n and_o never_o think_v they_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o so_o do_v though_o they_o know_v they_o have_v be_v abuse_v nay_o the_o directory_n worship_n directory_n direct_v of_o the_o day_n and_o place_n of_o worship_n declare_v that_o such_o place_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o such_o pollution_n by_o any_o superstition_n former_o use_v and_o now_o lay_v aside_o as_o may_v render_v they_o unlawful_a and_o inconvenient_a mr._n rutherford_n 5.6_o rutherford_n rutherf_n of_o scandal_n q._n 5.6_o say_v of_o bell_n gross_o abuse_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a that_o thereupon_o they_o shall_v be_v difuse_v upon_o which_o the_o reverend_a dr._n falkner_n have_v this_o judicious_a remark_n the_o pretence_n of_o their_o convenient_a usefulness_n will_v be_v no_o better_a excuse_n on_o their_o behalf_n than_o be_v the_o plea_n for_o spare_v the_o best_a of_o the_o amalekite_n cattle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o sacrifice_n when_o god_n have_v devote_v they_o to_o destruction_n for_o if_o god_n as_o they_o say_v have_v command_v that_o all_o such_o thing_n and_o rite_n shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v as_o be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o the_o convenient_a usefulness_n of_o such_o place_n and_o thing_n will_v never_o bear_v they_o out_o 6._o if_o this_o principle_n be_v true_a it_o will_v go_v nigh_o to_o throw_v a_o scorn_n upon_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o reformation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v govern_v themselves_o by_o this_o rule_n some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o public_a confession_n 15._o confession_n confess_v bohem._n art_n 15._o declare_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o retain_v such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v of_o advantage_n to_o faith_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n though_o they_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o any_o synod_n or_o bishop_n or_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o 7._o nay_o this_o principle_n will_v render_v christianity_n impracticable_a because_o there_o be_v no_o circumstance_n no_o instrument_n no_o ministry_n in_o worship_n but_o may_v have_v be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o abuse_v by_o pagan_a or_o romish_a idolatry_n it_o will_v make_v every_o garment_n of_o what_o shape_n or_o of_o what_o colour_n soever_o unfit_a for_o use_v in_o our_o religious_a service_n for_o not_o only_o the_o white_a but_o the_o red_a the_o green_a and_o the_o black_a have_v be_v use_v even_o for_o the_o significancy_n of_o their_o respective_a colour_n by_o the_o gentile_a or_o romanist_n to_o very_o superstitious_a purpose_n in_o divine_a worship_n second_o there_o be_v no_o express_a precept_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o the_o text_n allege_v do_v not_o infer_v it_o for_o 1._o though_o some_o church_n be_v blame_v for_o suffer_v some_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n rev._n 2.14_o 20._o yet_o the_o instance_n be_v impertinent_a because_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o communicate_v in_o idol-worship_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v but_o st._n paul_n declare_v 1_o cor._n 8._o and_o chap._n 10.27_o 28_o 29._o that_o eat_a thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o idol_n in_o cate_v be_v unlawful_a upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o of_o scandal_n 2._o st._n jude_n word_n v._o 23._o hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v by_o the_o flesh_n teach_v we_o indeed_o to_o be_v as_o cautious_a of_o temptation_n to_o sin_n as_o of_o the_o garment_n of_o infect_a person_n but_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n when_o they_o be_v well_o cleanse_v from_o infection_n 3._o though_o the_o