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such_o as_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o other_o act_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o this_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o in_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o in_o sobriety_n of_o behaviour_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o man_n self_n now_o by_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a christianity_n foremention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o which_o be_v external_a the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n be_v so_o perform_v that_o by_o it_o a_o man_n be_v internal_o and_o invisible_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v invisible_o one_o with_o he_o but_o visible_a christianity_n alone_o be_v but_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o church_n as_o visible_a by_o this_o much_o than_o we_o may_v understand_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n membership_n lie_v and_o from_o whence_o it_o do_v arise_v now_o that_o the_o internal_a christianity_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o internal_a change_n in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o apprehension_n inclination_n motion_n and_o operation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o various_a object_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v produce_v or_o obtain_v a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a union_n of_o man_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o this_o internal_a renovation_n of_o soul_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o union_n with_o god_n by_o adhesion_n for_o by_o it_o a_o man_n do_v with_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o be_v join_v to_o he_o he_o that_o be_v join_v or_o he_o that_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n for_o it_o be_v render_v by_o both_o word_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o for_o a_o man_n firm_o and_o resolve_o to_o adhere_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n in_o worship_v love_a and_o obey_v he_o and_o in_o place_v his_o affiance_n in_o he_o as_o his_o only_a god_n and_o saviour_n come_v what_o will_v which_o be_v his_o cleave_v to_o he_o be_v such_o a_o moral_a union_n with_o god_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o this_o internal_a renovation_n work_v a_o invisible_a union_n with_o god_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o by_o which_o 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in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o abide_v both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o member_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o invisible_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o invisible_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v whence_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o many_o who_o be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vible_a be_v yet_o no_o more_o but_o such_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o inward_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o sin_n and_o duty_n good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v make_v by_o a_o vigorous_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o 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do_v though_o not_o so_o serious_o and_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v we_o can_v say_v they_o proper_o dissemble_v who_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o can_v say_v their_o word_n be_v know_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o seafaring_a man_n otherwise_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o when_o take_v captive_a by_o infidel_n will_v endure_v any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o be_v draw_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n real_o believe_v it_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v do_v there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n who_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o regenerate_v they_o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n also_o and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o as_o st._n james_n suppose_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o justify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v alone_o and_o but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o such_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n as_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v christian_n by_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nay_o far_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o faith_n of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o external_a motive_n may_v produce_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o may_v do_v most_o of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o regenerate_v man_n do_v they_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v open_o own_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o zeal_n dispute_v for_o they_o they_o may_v frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o may_v observe_v the_o lord_n day_n they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o give_v alm_n also_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o outward_o righteous_a and_o external_o religious_a and_o yet_o be_v unrenewed_a as_o touch_v the_o inward_a man_n they_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o revengeful_a thought_n of_o emulation_n wrath_n and_o pride_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o that_o sort_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o as_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o while_o they_o remain_v thus_o unrenew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o ever_o faith_n or_o repenting_n they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v or_o whatever_o their_o outward_a performance_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o inward_a renovation_n that_o invisible_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o external_a christianity_n forementioned_a will_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o it_o will_v evidence_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n though_o but_o partial_a indeed_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o have_v their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o by_o which_o their_o external_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v first_o constitute_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o external_a christianity_n that_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v but_o unfruitful_a branch_n john_n 15._o devoid_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o consist_v of_o those_o internal_a qualification_n describe_v in_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o and_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v a_o external_a union_n between_o they_o which_o be_v make_v by_o external_a christianity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o external_a respect_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o by_o run_v into_o idolatry_n be_v say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v another_o word_n which_o signify_v their_o be_v join_v or_o unite_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o a_o external_a union_n by_o external_a religion_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o thus_o in_o deut._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o man_n that_o follow_v baal-peor_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v destroy_v they_o from_o among_o you_o but_o you_o that_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v alive_a every_o one_o of_o you_o this_o day_n where_o we_o see_v their_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o follow_v baal-peor_a as_o some_o other_o do_v be_v call_v their_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o relation_n unto_o god_n uninterrupted_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o in_o the_o next_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a christianity_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a christianity_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o that_o have_v visible_a christianity_n be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o have_n no_o more_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o set_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o both_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n query_n viii_o whither_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n whether_o call_v independent_o or_o anabaptist_n have_v be_v wont_v strong_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n that_o man_n be_v not_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o church-communion_n but_o such_o in_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v find_v evidence_n or_o sign_n of_o invisible_a church-membership_n or_o save_a grace_n that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v right_a to_o
visible_a church_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a also_o can_v be_v for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o gift_n and_o such_o common_a grace_n as_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o a_o man_n own_o salvation_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o the_o maintain_n and_o defend_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n against_o adversary_n and_o for_o the_o instruct_n other_o in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o rejoice_v and_o will_v rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o it_o be_v but_o insincere_o by_o some_o as_o well_o as_o for_o be_v preach_v in_o truth_n by_o other_o phil._n 1.18_o for_o the_o more_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n among_o man_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n have_v to_o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o other_o to_o abet_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o though_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v main_o influence_v therein_o by_o motive_n of_o secular_a honour_n and_o interest_n the_o more_o credit_n in_o general_n and_o the_o more_o reputation_n it_o will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o further_a it_o will_v spread_v as_o we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o popery_n have_v have_v man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n otherwise_o to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o the_o far_o it_o have_v spread_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o other_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o that_o of_o arianism_n when_o time_n be_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o more_o good_a man_n be_v back_v in_o their_o promulge_v sound_a and_o save_a doctrine_n by_o man_n of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n that_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o doctrine_n and_o substance_n of_o worship_n 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and_o visible_a likewise_o but_o also_o of_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a the_o success_n in_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o instrrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v but_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o goodness_n that_o if_o that_o be_v but_o sufficient_o discover_v though_o but_o by_o man_n defective_a in_o their_o moral_n it_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o commend_v itself_o very_o much_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o man_n if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n and_o have_v cause_v my_o people_n to_o hear_v my_o word_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n say_v god_n concern_v the_o false_a prophet_n jer._n 23.22_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christian_a parent_n and_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o by_o parent_n 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gospel_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o be_v but_o few_o choose_v now_o then_o if_o when_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o the_o great_a number_n those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o subsist_v in_o the_o world_n without_o be_v root_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v they_o have_v what_o can_v we_o think_v will_v become_v of_o they_o but_o ruin_n without_o a_o stand_a miracle_n to_o secure_v they_o if_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v enemy_n also_o to_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a as_o doubtless_o they_o will_v if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o as_o none_o of_o christ_n church_n on_o earth_n how_o 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of_o capital_a offender_n by_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o by_o tare_n its_o probable_a he_o mean_v carnal_a gospeler_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n such_o as_o the_o thorny-ground_n hearer_n in_o who_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o pleafure_n of_o this_o life_n choke_v the_o word_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o which_o they_o profess_v so_o that_o it_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_o i_o must_v remove_v a_o objection_n which_o otherwise_o lie_v against_o the_o use_n which_o i_o here_o make_v of_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o this_o parable_n make_v nothing_o against_o gather_v
of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o christian_a which_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v antecedent_n to_o particular_a church_n the_o gather_n of_o christ_n a_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostolical_a ministry_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o assistant_n the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2.20_o and_o the_o foundation_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o superstructure_n all_o the_o addition_n that_o have_v be_v since_o make_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v by_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o let_v all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o addition_n into_o it_o by_o baptism_n and_o when_o man_n be_v ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v not_o ordain_v minister_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o paul_n apollo_n and_o cephas_n be_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o not_o they_o appropriate_o and_o their_o be_v send_v or_o call_v to_o be_v minister_n to_o this_o ot_fw-mi that_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o the_o application_n of_o their_o general_a capacity_n to_o particular_a use_n and_o exercise_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o ministration_n to_o such_o a_o people_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o ministerial_a power_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v place_v but_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n that_o a_o particular_a body_n of_o people_n can_v act_v or_o perform_v any_o public_a act_n of_o communion_n peculiar_a to_o a_o church_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o 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ministration_n for_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n such_o officer_n be_v give_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o allege_v show_v and_o now_o as_o for_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n in_o which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v such_o antecedent_o to_o any_o ministerial_a act_n or_o power_n by_o which_o they_o become_v such_o for_o they_o have_v be_v make_v church_n in_o some_o sort_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o also_o as_o church_n officer_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v among_o they_o for_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v in_o their_o return_n to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v disciple_n before_o and_o they_o return_v to_o they_o to_o confirm_v they_o and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n compare_v with_o the_o text_n itself_o beside_o st._n luke_n do_v not_o write_v this_o history_n till_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n mention_v by_o he_o so_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o church_n then_o when_o he_o write_v those_o word_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o style_v they_o so_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v none_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n ordain_v in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o text_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o the_o doctor_n do_v allege_v it_o query_n xii_o whither_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n or_o constitution_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n may_v not_o fair_o be_v infer_v and_o conclude_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o visible_a church-membership_n &_o communion_n be_v better_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o due_a extensiveness_n than_o they_o will_v be_v if_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoy_v those_o privilege_n be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v be_v this_o viz._n because_o these_o privilege_n under_o such_o a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v do_v if_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoyment_n as_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v this_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o ten_o inquiry_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v better_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n by_o a_o national_a authority_n and_o that_o all_o such_o professor_n shall_v be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o frequent_v it_o than_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v all_o such_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o promote_v and_o frequent_v it_o or_o to_o forbear_v and_o neglect_v to_o do_v so_o as_o the_o way_n call_v independency_n do_v for_o the_o national_a way_n tend_v more_o to_o propagate_v and_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n than_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v abundant_o better_a that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o have_v but_o common_a reason_n when_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v but_o due_o consider_v 1._o better_a provision_n be_v make_v by_o a_o public_a establishment_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n than_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v without_o it_o unless_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a want_n of_o a_o public_a ministry_n in_o many_o place_n of_o it_o than_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o public_a provision_n there_o be_v will_v people_n think_v we_o of_o themselves_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o nation_n provide_v a_o better_a maintenance_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o if_o leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o will_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o place_n be_v general_o worst_a supply_v with_o minister_n where_o the_o public_a have_v make_v least_o provision_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o general_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a failure_n in_o this_o there_o be_v the_o least_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o great_a hazard_n of_o man_n soul_n where_o there_o be_v no_o vision_n the_o people_n perish_v say_v solomon_n prov._n 29.18_o and_o the_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n say_v the_o prophet_n hos_n 4.6_o 2._o if_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o choose_v what_o minister_n they_o please_v without_o any_o public_a approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o some_o appoint_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o fitness_n many_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o choose_v man_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o will_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v great_a opposition_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o erroneous_a and_o make_v of_o party_n and_o endless_a strife_n to_o the_o destruction_n
of_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o hurt_n of_o man_n soul_n thereby_o and_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o its_o good_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n 3._o although_o the_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n yet_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n by_o law_n to_o attend_v it_o it_o will_v doubtless_o be_v much_o more_o neglect_v by_o many_o than_o when_o there_o be_v but_o the_o more_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o attend_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n work_v grace_n in_o they_o though_o it_o be_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o yet_o the_o more_o hope_n and_o probability_n there_o be_v of_o their_o be_v saving_o wrought_v upon_o 4._o if_o whosoever_o shall_v pretend_v himself_o qualify_v for_o it_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o gather_v a_o congregation_n it_o will_v be_v the_o leave_v open_o a_o door_n of_o opportunity_n to_o seducer_n to_o subvert_v man_n soul_n and_o to_o fill_v a_o nation_n with_o variety_n of_o sect_n and_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o it_o will_v be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o public_a government_n in_o the_o church_n to_o restrain_v man_n and_o to_o this_o day_n we_o feel_v the_o very_a sad_a effect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o liberty_n sometime_o indulge_v thus_o we_o see_v for_o what_o reason_n true_a religion_n shall_v be_v promote_v by_o national_a authority_n and_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n in_o all_o nation_n have_v be_v wont_a always_o to_o promote_v by_o their_o authority_n that_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o direct_v man_n to_o use_v the_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o have_v to_o further_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o god_n who_o they_o serve_v and_o indeed_o christian_n of_o all_o pesuasion_n be_v willing_a enough_o to_o have_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o exert_v itself_o in_o further_a their_o own_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n the_o people_n of_o new_a england_n who_o once_o be_v as_o much_o for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o any_o yet_o soon_o find_v it_o convenient_a to_o incorporate_v the_o civil_a power_n with_o the_o ecclesiastic_a for_o the_o defence_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o as_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a establishment_n for_o the_o purpose_n aforesaid_a do_v sufficient_o appear_v from_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o have_v the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n on_o its_o side_n so_o it_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o countenance_n from_o supernatural_a revelation_n 1._o when_o almighty_a god_n say_v to_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n have_v i_o make_v thou_o gen._n 17._o he_o declare_v his_o intention_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n by_o degree_n from_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n in_o a_o national_a way_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v what_o he_o intend_v to_o do_v afterward_o by_o the_o first_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o his_o performance_n herein_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o as_o of_o other_o divine_a prediction_n by_o the_o after_o event_n which_o answer_v they_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a way_n of_o understand_a prediction_n when_o such_o event_n take_v place_n almighty_a god_n make_v abraham_n first_o a_o father_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o issue_v out_o of_o his_o own_o loin_n for_o when_o his_o posterity_n who_o by_o circumcision_n covenant_v to_o take_v abraham_n god_n only_o for_o their_o god_n grow_v very_o numerous_a in_o egypt_n god_n bring_v they_o out_o thence_o that_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o open_o and_o public_o in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o by_o his_o visible_a own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n by_o extraordinary_a favour_n show_v they_o he_o design_v to_o make_v himself_o more_o know_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o to_o be_v so_o acknowledge_v now_o in_o that_o abraham_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o god_n intend_v that_o many_o nation_n shall_v descend_v out_o of_o his_o loin_n by_o natural_a generation_n as_o that_o many_o nation_n in_o time_n shall_v after_o his_o example_n come_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n as_o the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o so_o st._n paul_n understand_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n when_o he_o make_v abraham_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n as_o well_o those_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n as_o it_o be_v write_v say_v he_o i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n rom._n 4.16_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a respect_n and_o sense_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v before_o in_o this_o chapter_n assert_v abraham_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v never_o circumcise_a as_o those_o that_o be_v ver._n 11_o 12._o and_o thus_o god_n make_v abraham_n a_o blessing_n to_o the_o world_n as_o he_o promise_v he_o will_v and_o a_o father_n of_o nation_n not_o only_o for_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o one_o descend_v from_o he_o for_o so_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o one_o that_o descend_v from_o abraham_n predecessor_n and_o successor_n as_o well_o as_o from_o abraham_n but_o he_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n of_o nation_n by_o be_v make_v by_o god_n the_o head_n the_o beginning_n and_o great_a example_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n from_o misbelief_n and_o idolatry_n and_o other_o consequent_a evil_n so_o as_o his_o progenitor_n be_v not_o to_o encourage_v which_o work_n in_o the_o world_n god_n invest_v abraham_n that_o lead_v the_o way_n herein_o with_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v count_v the_o father_n of_o nation_n and_o a_o public_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o seed_n 2._o that_o god_n do_v design_n far_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n from_o misbelief_n and_o idolatry_n in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o bring_v the_o world_n by_o degree_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n only_o appear_v by_o other_o predicticton_n of_o the_o prophet_n such_o as_o that_o isa_n 55.5_o behold_v thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n that_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o chap._n 52.15_o he_o shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n the_o king_n shall_v shut_v their_o mouth_n at_o he_o chap._n 49.23_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o their_o queen_n thy_o nurse_v mother_n zech._n 8.22_o many_o people_n and_o strong_a nation_n shall_v come_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n chap._n 2.11_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o man_n visible_a church-membership_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v visible_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o when_o many_o nation_n be_v national_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n they_o may_v well_o be_v count_v national_o his_o people_n or_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v then_o national_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o nation_n do_v incorporate_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o make_v it_o part_n of_o the_o national_a government_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o with_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n be_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o christian_a religion_n become_v commodious_o and_o with_o more_o certainty_n to_o be_v transmit_v to_o future_a generation_n in_o a_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o practise_v for_o the_o time_n be_v by_o that_o which_o be_v existent_a just_a as_o the_o jew_n religion_n be_v for_o he_o establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o know_v to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v they_o even_o the_o child_n which_o shall_v
be_v consistent_a with_o god_n true_a worship_n communion_n in_o that_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v but_o then_o the_o next_o question_n will_v be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o worship_n be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a and_o so_o what_o worship_n it_o be_v that_o communion_n in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o what_o not_o now_o that_o be_v false_a worship_n which_o be_v give_v to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n and_o that_o again_o be_v false_a worship_n though_o give_v to_o god_n the_o right_a object_n when_o that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a matter_n of_o worship_n be_v give_v to_o he_o as_o matter_n of_o worship_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v when_o worship_n be_v false_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n worship_n be_v then_o false_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n when_o that_o be_v perform_v to_o god_n as_o require_v by_o he_o which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v mat._n 15.9_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a or_o false_a worship_n when_o humane_a ordinance_n be_v impose_v and_o observe_v as_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o add_v to_o his_o word_n also_o which_o be_v forbid_v deut._n 4.2_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o and_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n in_o or_o about_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o nor_o use_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v command_v by_o god_n but_o profess_o use_v as_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o only_o as_o matter_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v false_a worship_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n likewise_o between_o the_o essence_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o accident_n of_o it_o between_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a administration_n there_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o vary_v in_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o like_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o object_n and_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o address_n nor_o limit_v by_o expressness_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o one_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o other_o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v express_a direction_n for_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n or_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o confession_n supplication_n petition_n thanksgiving_n and_o intercession_n but_o whether_o in_o a_o set_a form_n or_o without_o whether_o with_o the_o use_n of_o a_o book_n or_o without_o whether_o in_o one_o or_o more_o prayer_n at_o a_o time_n or_o whether_o kneel_v or_o stand_v be_v not_o determine_v but_o in_o these_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v or_o choose_v as_o circumstance_n shall_v direct_v or_o require_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o ordinance_n themselves_o be_v particular_o command_v but_o so_o be_v not_o several_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o they_o but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o governor_n under_o general_a rule_n and_o although_o one_o way_n of_o external_a administration_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v better_o than_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v choose_v as_o best_a by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n of_o choose_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o best_o in_o itself_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n itself_o nor_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o use_n to_o which_o a_o external_a administration_n serve_v it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v due_o esteem_v to_o be_v false_a worship_n the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o administration_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o inferior_a in_o goodness_n unto_o the_o best_a be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v inexpedient_a when_o a_o better_a may_v have_v be_v have_v if_o they_o have_v think_v so_o by_o who_o the_o choice_n be_v make_v now_o suppose_v then_o that_o when_o the_o happy_a work_n of_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n be_v lay_v and_o begin_v by_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o it_o who_o memory_n be_v bless_v and_o name_n precious_a to_o good_a man_n suppose_v i_o say_v they_o may_v possible_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o betterness_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o external_a manner_n and_o form_n of_o administration_n of_o public_a worship_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o such_o thing_n do_v not_o amount_v unto_o any_o false_a worship_n but_o be_v only_a imperfection_n in_o the_o true_a the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v prudent_a and_o become_a good_a man_n in_o this_o case_n to_o seek_v amendment_n of_o those_o suppose_a defect_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o in_o the_o same_o national_a course_n of_o proceed_v by_o which_o the_o reformation_n be_v first_o wrought_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o god_n have_v own_v this_o way_n of_o reformation_n by_o declare_v nation_n upon_o account_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o kingdom_n which_o we_o can_v say_v he_o have_v do_v upon_o account_n of_o any_o reformation_n wrought_v in_o they_o any_o other_o way_n without_o this_o 2._o because_o when_o such_o a_o reformation_n be_v attempt_v in_o a_o nation_n already_o reform_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o reformation_n establish_v by_o law_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o more_o hurt_n will_v be_v do_v thereby_o than_o good_a obtain_v as_o we_o have_v find_v by_o sad_a experience_n in_o this_o nation_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o nation_n come_v to_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o party_n against_o party_n to_o the_o engender_v disaffection_n envy_v and_o strife_n and_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v as_o st._n james_n have_v tell_v we_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a decay_n and_o loss_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n lie_v but_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o external_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v seek_v after_o in_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n be_v in_o thing_n but_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n be_v little_o concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o either_o as_o to_o loss_n or_o gain_n and_o therefore_o to_o choose_v to_o seek_v this_o sort_n of_o reformation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o by_o which_o the_o loss_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o gain_n and_o have_v since_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o be_v a_o thing_n doubtless_o which_o can_v become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o good_a man_n now_o that_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o external_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v pursue_v in_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o undue_a way_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v in_o thing_n but_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o wherein_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n be_v little_o concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o to_o loss_n or_o gain_n appear_v by_o this_o viz._n because_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v very_o many_o who_o have_v live_v under_o the_o use_n of_o that_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n without_o any_o such_o reformation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v contend_v for_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v find_v as_o much_o as_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v as_o in_o any_o other_o who_o have_v use_v any_o other_o mode_n of_o worship_n different_a from_o it_o not_o that_o i_o be_o against_o man_n seek_v that_o which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v best_a in_o these_o matter_n provide_v it_o be_v in_o the_o national_a way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o more_o hurt_n be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o seek_v it_o than_o good_a can_v be_v acquire_v in_o their_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o by_o separation_n 3._o it_o be_v become_a rhe_n wisdom_n of_o good_a man_n to_o seek_v the_o amendment_n they_o desire_v by_o comply_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o what_o be_v already_o establish_v because_o by_o so_o do_v and_o by_o seasonable_a and_o humble_a application_n to_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o may_v in_o all_o reason_n soon_o obtain_v what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o meet_a to_o be_v grant_v than_o by_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o set_v up_o another_o way_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o
public_a worship_n at_o least_o in_o part_n shall_v be_v perform_v by_o a_o liturgy_n appear_v by_o their_o have_v order_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o this_o aught_o to_o weigh_v much_o with_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n remember_v what_o st._n paul_n have_v say_v in_o another_o case_n to_o show_v what_o esteem_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2._o to_o satisfy_v yea_o to_o convince_v such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o prejudice_n against_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o english_a liturgy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n as_o they_o fancy_n between_o the_o worship_a god_n according_a to_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o pulpit_n worship_n and_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o so_o much_o prefer_v before_o it_o i_o shall_v offer_v this_o to_o their_o 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neither_o corrupt_a in_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o external_a manner_n of_o performance_n of_o it_o deficient_a as_o to_o its_o end_n and_o use_v one_o of_o which_o must_v be_v prove_v against_o it_o before_o separation_n from_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 5._o by_o such_o a_o separation_n as_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n real_o do_v much_o more_o disservice_n to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o they_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n pretend_v that_o by_o worship_v god_n without_o the_o liturgy_n they_o honour_v he_o or_o religion_n or_o advantage_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v very_o visible_a which_o do_v too_o natural_o flow_v from_o it_o such_o as_o the_o destruction_n of_o peace_n charity_n and_o humility_n the_o engender_n of_o envy_n hatred_n strife_n and_o contention_n to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o religion_n and_o dishonour_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o hurt_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o how_o these_o great_a evil_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v counterbalanced_n by_o their_o worship_n be_v perform_v without_o the_o liturgy_n i_o understand_v not_o but_o do_v take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n past_o doubt_n that_o the_o benefit_n which_o those_o that_o separate_v get_v by_o their_o communion_n without_o a_o liturgy_n over_o and_o above_o what_o they_o may_v have_v gain_v by_o communion_n where_o that_o be_v use_v will_v never_o equal_v the_o hurt_n they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o the_o wrong_n they_o do_v to_o religion_n by_o their_o separation_n and_o if_o not_o then_o when_o ever_o the_o account_n come_v to_o be_v make_v up_o and_o their_o loss_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o their_o gain_n they_o will_v be_v find_v exceed_o great_a loser_n by_o their_o separation_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o promise_v themselves_o by_o it_o thus_o far_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separate_n from_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n every_o lord_n day_n as_o for_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n so_o much_o have_v be_v write_v to_o prove_v it_o no_o sin_n and_o so_o little_a that_o look_n like_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o if_o man_n of_o understanding_n will_v but_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o impartial_o compare_v and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n i_o can_v think_v that_o after_o this_o any_o can_v be_v long_o without_o satisfaction_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o comply_v with_o public_a order_n in_o that_o matter_n especial_o consider_v how_o much_o be_v declare_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o office_n for_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o liturgy_n to_o clear_v that_o gesture_n in_o that_o action_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o bread-worship_n more_o than_o in_o the_o liturgy_n in_o use_n in_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n day_n when_o they_o scruple_v it_o but_o if_o any_o after_o they_o have_v do_v thus_o shall_v not_o for_o all_o that_o be_v satisfy_v yet_o that_o can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n to_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o hold_v communion_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lordsday_n worship_n as_o they_o do_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o press_v it_o also_o on_o other_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o zealous_o invey_v against_o separation_n from_o it_o as_o a_o great_a evil_n as_o their_o write_n do_v abundant_o show_v and_o that_o for_o such_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o their_o brethren_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v plain_a matter_n of_o duty_n i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v thus_o hold_v communion_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n they_o need_v no_o more_o to_o live_v without_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n than_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v since_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o know_v how_o to_o be_v therein_o accommodate_v as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v and_o as_o they_o be_v and_o so_o for_o baptism_n in_o case_n they_o can_v be_v active_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o it_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v passive_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o use_v as_o any_o sign_n of_o god_n convey_v grace_n as_o sacrament_n be_v but_o only_o as_o a_o token_n of_o duty_n nor_o as_o any_o rite_n in_o baptism_n neither_o but_o only_o in_o receive_v the_o person_n baptize_v into_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o ground_n of_o scruple_n than_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o and_o kiss_v the_o book_n in_o swear_v be_v which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o none_o scruple_n
our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n do_v ever_o decline_v the_o public_a worship_n or_o the_o use_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o such_o assembly_n where_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a have_v communion_n in_o they_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o bad_a with_o good_a can_v hinder_v good_a man_n from_o any_o growth_n in_o grace_n by_o those_o ordinance_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o due_a care_n to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o they_o they_o can_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o separate_n and_o new_a associate_a in_o reference_n to_o man_n own_o growth_n in_o grace_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v simple_o lawful_a which_o make_v such_o separation_n on_o the_o one_o have_v and_o associate_a on_o the_o other_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a when_o it_o cause_v so_o much_o hurt_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o such_o obstruction_n to_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o do_v and_o will_v do_v more_o if_o it_o shall_v more_o general_o prevail_v the_o few_o name_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n do_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n by_o communicate_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o have_v nor_o do_v they_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o christ_n design_v they_o by_o his_o ordinance_n either_o by_o have_v their_o mind_n discompose_v by_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o communicant_n or_o otherwise_o for_o if_o they_o have_v we_o can_v think_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n search_v the_o reins_o and_o the_o heart_n to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n will_v have_v applaud_v they_o as_o he_o do_v with_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n say_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a rev_n 3.4_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o no_o man_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o discourse_n in_o these_o paper_n nor_o at_o i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o i_o must_v inform_v those_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v so_o of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o i_o have_v discern_v that_o what_o be_v herein_o plead_v have_v have_v no_o better_a foundation_n than_o some_o few_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n of_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a interpretation_n i_o shall_v not_o thus_o far_o have_v engage_v in_o it_o as_o i_o have_v do_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o other_o as_o it_o do_v to_o i_o that_o i_o have_v the_o general_a stream_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o my_o side_n herein_o both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o make_v this_o essay_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o most_o need_v it_o second_o that_o i_o 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