great_a concernment_n pag._n 104_o chap._n ii_o concern_v public_a worship_n pag._n 110_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n pag._n 111_o public_a worship_n a_o great_a honour_n to_o god_n than_o private_a devotion_n pag._n 116_o external_n worship_n must_v be_v public_a pag._n 118_o god_n be_v a_o public_a benefactor_n and_o therefore_o public_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o pag._n 120_o public_a worship_n institute_v by_o god_n under_o the_o law_n pag._n 122_o and_o by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n require_v it_o pag._n 125_o this_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o sacrament_n pag._n 126_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 130_o and_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n pag._n 133_o and_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v religion_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iii_o section_n 1._o concern_v those_o who_o plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a communion_n of_o their_o own_o pag._n 138_o some_o inquiry_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n pag._n 139_o 1._o whether_o they_o separate_v upon_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n the_o difference_n between_o private_a opinion_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o use_n of_o this_o distinction_n ibid._n 2._o whether_o they_o consider_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o schism_n pag._n 151_o 3._o whether_o they_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 4._o how_o they_o come_v to_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a pag._n 156_o 5._o whether_o they_o ever_o impartial_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n pag._n 170_o 6._o how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o governor_n pag._n 184_o section_n 2._o some_o general_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o some_o have_v entertain_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 188_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n pag._n 190_o 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 193_o 3._o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n pag._n 207_o 4._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n pag._n 208_o section_n 3._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o popular_a cavil_n pag._n 215_o concern_v will-worship_n pag._n 216_o concern_v superstition_n pag._n 222_o the_o church_n of_o england_n charge_v with_o idolatry_n pag._n 235_o and_o with_o popery_n pag._n 236_o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n concern_v parochial_a communion_n chap._n ii_o concern_v irreverence_n in_o worship_n 267_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n 281_o chap._n iu_o concern_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n 289_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n 296_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o line_n 26_o read_v apollo_n p._n 9_o l._n 13._o r._n and_o that_o none_o p._n 18._o l._n 15._o r._n that_o they_o either_o p._n 50._o l._n 14._o f._n we_o r._n be_v p._n 105._o l._n 18._o r._n you_o will_v p._n 124._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o p._n 164._o l._n 9_o r._n fell_a p._n 185._o l._n 2._o r._n they_o p._n 208._o l._n 6._o r._n so_o p._n 212._o l._n 11._o f._n if_o r._n that_o p._n 219._o l._n 24._o r._n now_o though_o p._n 224._o l._n 12_o 13._o r._n difficult_a p._n 230._o l._n 5._o r._n have_v p._n 331._o l._n 18._o f._n rule_n r._n rite_n p._n 346._o l._n 28._o f._n truth_n r._n faith_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n the_o introduction_n 1._o contain_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n 2._o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n 3._o the_o seasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o discourse_n 1._o religion_n be_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o mankind_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v god_n the_o most_o excellent_a be_v for_o its_o immediate_a object_n this_o be_v the_o work_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n who_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n admire_v his_o essential_a glory_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o sing_v eternal_a hallelujah_n to_o he_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o unruly_a passion_n and_o appetite_n to_o govern_v and_o though_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o pity_v and_o relieve_v one_o another_o where_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a good_n indeed_o in_o this_o world_n temperance_n and_o charity_n be_v no_o christian_a virtue_n but_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o veneration_n for_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o to_o be_v charitable_a upon_o some_o mean_a consideration_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o god_n as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o serve_v ourselves_o or_o our_o friend_n or_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o we_o do_v out_o of_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o it_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o deity_n which_o may_v as_o effectual_o be_v do_v by_o action_n as_o by_o word_n verbal_a praise_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n be_v mere_a lip-labour_n and_o formal_a compliment_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o produce_v no_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o vital_a sense_n of_o god_n as_o excite_v in_o we_o devout_a affection_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n but_o yet_o that_o which_o we_o more_o strict_o call_v worship_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o solemn_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n for_o god_n when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o when_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n for_o what_o sincere_a worshipper_n can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o to_o break_v his_o law_n and_o contemn_v his_o authority_n and_o despise_v his_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a semblance_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o some_o bad_a man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o flatter_v god_n be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n it_o be_v only_o a_o external_a imitation_n of_o religious_a worship_n without_o that_o powerful_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o true_o devout_a and_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o most_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n so_o public_a worship_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a worship_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o indeed_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o hold_v public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n be_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n whereon_o all_o church-authority_n depend_v as_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v and_o prove_v by_o a_o assembly_n learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o authority_n to_o take_v in_o and_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n the_o second_o by_o church-censure_n the_o high_a of_o which_o be_v excommunication_n which_o debar_v man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n make_v forsake_v christian_n assembly_n either_o to_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n or_o at_o least_o a_o fair_a step_n towards_o it_o he_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o 23._o faith_n without_o waver_v that_o be_v to_o continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o give_v they_o this_o caution_n not_o
god_n open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o make_v they_o and_o cure_v their_o soul_n of_o that_o most_o fatal_a and_o mortal_a disease_n which_o make_v they_o beast_n here_o and_o devil_n hereafter_o second_o another_o proposal_n i_o will_v make_v to_o these_o man_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o impudent_o attempt_v to_o laugh_v god_n and_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v sport_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n account_v sacred_a that_o they_o will_v not_o profane_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o turn_v they_o into_o ridicule_n or_o obscene_a and_o impious_a burlesque_fw-la this_o possible_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a odd_a proposal_n to_o these_o man_n who_o think_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o justify_v their_o atheism_n by_o make_v religion_n look_v ridiculous_o but_o yet_o have_v i_o to_o deal_v with_o reasonable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v atheist_n i_o will_v not_o despair_v of_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o proposal_n for_o first_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a manner_n require_v from_o they_o no_o well-bred_a man_n will_v choose_v to_o put_v a_o public_a affront_n upon_o his_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n though_o he_o see_v they_o daily_o guilty_a of_o great_a folly_n and_o indiscretion_n the_o law_n of_o conversation_n require_v we_o to_o treat_v all_o man_n with_o just_a respect_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v of_o different_a make_v and_o size_n and_o their_o fortune_n and_o way_n of_o life_n very_o different_a from_o our_o own_o much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o modest_a man_n endure_v the_o thought_n of_o affront_a mankind_n or_o laugh_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v or_o establish_v by_o a_o universal_a consent_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v as_o very_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n as_o the_o tale_n of_o faries_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a reverence_n due_a to_o humane_a nature_n at_o least_o from_o man_n and_o since_o all_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n except_v some_o few_o wise_a and_o cautious_a atheist_n have_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o have_v honour_v he_o with_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o be_v of_o god_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o nay_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n but_o to_o public_a government_n in_o all_o nation_n one_o religion_n or_o other_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n so_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o only_o laugh_v at_o the_o dream_n and_o dotage_n of_o single_a man_n but_o at_o the_o unite_a counsel_n and_o most_o mature_a resolve_n of_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a boldness_n but_o of_o very_o little_a wit_n or_o manner_n a_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v his_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n when_o he_o find_v himself_o oppose_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o world_n but_o if_o this_o do_v not_o make_v he_o of_o the_o common_a opinion_n yet_o at_o least_o he_o will_v not_o rude_o contradict_v it_o but_o not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n be_v affront_v by_o these_o man_n when_o they_o laugh_v at_o such_o public_a constitution_n at_o religion_n consider_v as_o establish_v by_o law_n so_o much_o do_v such_o man_n recede_v from_o the_o hobbs_n principle_n of_o their_o great_a master_n who_o though_o he_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o religion_n in_o itself_o yet_o think_v it_o something_o considerable_a when_o it_o become_v the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n nor_o authority_n of_o law_n can_v command_v respect_n from_o some_o man_n without_o a_o vigorous_a execution_n of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v soon_o teach_v they_o better_a manner_n than_o ever_o they_o will_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n of_o atheism_n nay_o to_o laugh_v at_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o at_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o to_o affront_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o government_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o sage_a philosopher_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a man_n of_o all_o age_n among_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n no_o man_n express_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o epicurus_n indeed_o deny_v his_o providence_n which_o be_v only_o a_o more_o civil_a way_n of_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n though_o he_o pretend_v to_o worship_v he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o infinite_a but_o idle_a and_o unactive_a perfection_n socrates_n die_v a_o martyr_n for_o religion_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n do_v both_o acknowledge_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o late_a philosopher_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o question_v but_o there_o be_v one_o so_o that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o the_o mistake_n mere_o of_o a_o few_o ignorant_a unphilosophical_a head_n but_o have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v such_o learned_a patron_n as_o at_o least_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v laugh_v at_o by_o man_n of_o the_o least_o modesty_n and_o good_a breed_n second_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n to_o consider_v how_o little_a they_o consult_v their_o own_o reputation_n in_o laugh_v at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a silly_a thing_n for_o some_o few_o man_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a to_o think_v to_o out-laugh_v all_o the_o world_n the_o loud_a laughter_n will_v always_o be_v on_o that_o side_n right_a or_o wrong_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a number_n though_o indeed_o all_o man_n have_v such_o a_o veneration_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o such_o abuse_n and_o affront_v of_o religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o provoke_v man_n to_o laughter_n as_o to_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o indignation_n no_o man_n can_v endure_v with_o patience_n to_o hear_v that_o expose_v to_o contempt_n which_o he_o admire_v and_o adore_v such_o atheistical_a scoffer_n be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n all_o man_n but_o such_o like_o themselves_o abhor_v and_o scorn_v they_o fly_v their_o company_n hate_v their_o very_a name_n as_o traitor_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o great_a pest_n of_o humane_a conversation_n and_o the_o reproach_n and_o shame_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o can_v any_o wise_a man_n let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o they_o will_v who_o design_n to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n as_o methinks_v those_o above_o all_o other_o shall_v desire_v who_o expect_v nothing_o hereafter_o think_v this_o the_o best_a way_n to_o happiness_n to_o forfeit_v the_o love_n and_o friendship_n of_o all_o man_n who_o love_n and_o worship_n god_n or_o make_v any_o show_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n that_o he_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n banish_v himself_o from_o humane_a conversation_n or_o render_v it_o very_o unpleasant_a and_o uneasy_a i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o expect_v to_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o very_o cunning_a man_n by_o unsettle_v foundation_n and_o break_v a_o merry_a jest_n upon_o religion_n but_o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v judge_n of_o these_o matter_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o look_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o that_o man_n infallible_o forfeit_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o understanding_n who_o set_v up_o for_o atheism_n atheist_n may_v make_v a_o scene_n and_o theatre_n for_o themselves_o and_o admire_v and_o applaud_v one_o another_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n despise_v they_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a depth_n and_o subtlety_n to_o raise_v objection_n and_o start_v difficulty_n which_o a_o man_n of_o very_o mean_a part_n may_v do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trial_n of_o judgement_n to_o answer_v they_o which_o the_o atheist_n it_o seem_v can_v do_v when_o man_n be_v so_o over-subtil_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v these_o plain_a and_o obvious_a demonstration_n which_o convince_v all_o mankind_n and_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o ploughman_n such_o subtlety_n be_v never_o admire_v but_o despise_v and_o as_o for_o wit_n it_o be_v so_o very_o undecent_a to_o jest_v with_o grave_n and_o serious_a matter_n that_o though_o it_o have_v never_o so_o much_o salt_n it_o be_v nauseous_a and_o offensive_a to_o sober_a mind_n no_o man_n admire_v his_o wit_n who_o abuse_v his_o prince_n his_o father_n or_o his_o friend_n profane_a wit_n be_v the_o easy_a of_o all_o as_o
purpose_n to_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o any_o form_n of_o religion_n for_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v after_o all_o and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a be_v of_o no_o religion_n as_o not_o of_o the_o right_n but_o if_o these_o man_n do_v but_o wise_o consider_v of_o what_o infinite_a concernment_n true_a religion_n be_v they_o will_v conclude_v quite_o otherwise_o that_o see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o will_v use_v the_o great_a diligence_n and_o honesty_n to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v those_o mistake_v which_o be_v mere_o the_o error_n of_o their_o understanding_n when_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o bias_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o false_a religion_n upon_o a_o design_n will_v be_v accept_v for_o his_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a 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that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o their_o several_a sort_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v at_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n by_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v public_a person_n even_o those_o particular_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o particular_a man_n either_o expiatory_a or_o eucharistical_a to_o make_v atonement_n for_o their_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v a_o oblation_n of_o praise_n for_o particular_a mercy_n be_v yet_o offer_v at_o the_o temple_n and_o beside_o this_o they_o have_v sacrifice_n for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o on_o the_o great_a day_n of_o expiation_n which_o be_v not_o for_o any_o particular_a man_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o consider_v they_o all_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o worship_n god_n appoint_v also_o a_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n viz._n the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o public_a place_n for_o worship_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o public_a worship_n god_n also_o institute_v public_a time_n of_o worship_n the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n their_o new_a moon_n and_o annual_a festival_n when_o all_o their_o male_n be_v to_o appear_v three_o time_n a_o year_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o time_n as_o these_o be_v describe_v by_o call_v assembly_n and_o solemn_a meeting_n 13._o because_o than_o they_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n for_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o appoint_v public_a and_o solemn_a time_n for_o private_a worship_n if_o man_n be_v bind_v only_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o private_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o public_a day_n of_o rest_n dedicate_v to_o god_n worship_n for_o every_o man_n may_v take_v his_o own_o time_n for_o it_o as_o he_o find_v most_o convenient_a and_o useful_a but_o fix_v and_o state_v time_n of_o worship_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v public_a worship_n and_o evident_o prove_v that_o solemn_a and_o public_a day_n for_o worship_n be_v not_o sanctify_v mere_o by_o private_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o as_o particular_a person_n but_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o people_n and_o nation_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o himself_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a inheritance_n and_o therefore_o every_o part_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o it_o concern_v they_o as_o a_o nation_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n and_o a_o national_a religion_n and_o worship_n and_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o god_n institution_n it_o be_v a_o public_a worship_n for_o god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o require_v as_o public_a homage_n from_o they_o as_o other_o prince_n expect_v from_o their_o subject_n as_o public_a i_o say_v though_o he_o can_v challenge_v more_o divine_a regard_v than_o earthly_a prince_n because_o he_o be_v their_o god_n as_o well_o as_o their_o king_n and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n themselves_o be_v frequent_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o use_v to_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n how_o have_v a_o right_a to_o worship_n at_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n let_v we_o then_o three_o consider_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o what_o obligation_n that_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n now_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n which_o be_v so_o often_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v a_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n which_o be_v call_v together_o and_o so_o acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o combine_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v pure_o a_o religious_a society_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o temporal_a kingdom_n as_o the_o jew_n expect_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o his_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o society_n of_o man_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christian_a church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o public_a worship_n because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n that_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o religious_a worship_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o whole_o neglect_v or_o despise_v public_a worship_n for_o he_o can_v at_o best_a be_v only_o a_o nominal_a member_n of_o a_o assembly_n who_o neglect_v to_o assemble_v with_o they_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o membership_n to_o frequent_v such_o assembly_n now_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v institute_v a_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n for_o public_a worship_n have_v not_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o our_o private_a devotion_n have_v it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a as_o some_o man_n presume_v whether_o we_o worship_v god_n single_o or_o in_o a_o body_n and_o society_n whether_o at_o home_o in_o our_o closet_n or_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o 4._o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v now_o to_o be_v one_o body_n as_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v if_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n signify_v a_o very_a near_a and_o intimate_a union_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n this_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o but_o then_o the_o question_n be_v wherein_o this_o unity_n consist_v some_o place_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o faith_n in_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o in_o have_v a_o mutual_a kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o unite_v christian_n to_o make_v they_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ._n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o there_o may_v be_v great_a dissension_n and_o schism_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a in_o those_o fearful_a schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n who_o differ_v not_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o discipline_n and_o as_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n convince_v we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o man_n may_v exercise_v a_o christian_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o each_o other_o without_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o one_o body_n be_v one_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n must_v of_o necessity_n consist_v in_o one_o communion_n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o separate_v himself_o from_o christian_a communion_n who_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o public_a worship_n when_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o very_a first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o those_o new_a convert_v that_o they_o continue_v 42._o steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o they_o continue_v 46._o daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n here_o you_o see_v the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o true_a description_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v a_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n that_o 3_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o may_v become_v christian_n and_o enter_v into_o our_o society_n and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v give_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n for_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o 13._o body_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v express_o call_v the_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o common_a table_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n 27._o of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a feast_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n partake_v for_o it_o signify_v not_o only_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o reform_a church_n universal_o condemn_v the_o private_a mass_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o priest_n receive_v by_o himself_o and_o true_o private_a devotion_n when_o they_o thrust_v out_o public_a worship_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o a_o church_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o those_o sacrament_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n may_v convince_v we_o how_o necessary_a christian_a communion_n and_o public_a worship_n be_v if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n to_o feed_v his_o flock_n to_o pray_v for_o his_o people_n and_o to_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v for_o public_a minister_n unless_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n if_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n whether_o christian_n frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o prayer_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o have_v invest_v man_n with_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v of_o so_o little_a use_n especial_o since_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o know_v and_o so_o far_o spread_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v long_o since_o dead_a but_o of_o their_o successor_n who_o retain_v their_o office_n and_o power_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o apostolical_a office_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n consist_v which_o christ_n commit_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a consist_v only_o in_o let_v into_o the_o church_n or_o shut_v out_o the_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o administer_a baptism_n which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o external_a judge_n of_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o exercise_v censure_n upon_o offender_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o this_o in_o remove_v such_o man_n from_o christian_a communion_n either_o in_o part_n or_o whole_o for_o a_o time_n or_o for_o ever_o according_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n some_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o christian_a assembly_n but_o lay_v at_o the_o door_n lament_v their_o wickedness_n and_o beg_v their_o prayer_n other_o be_v admit_v to_o public_a instruction_n but_o not_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o catechuman_n those_o who_o be_v public_o instruct_v and_o catechise_v but_o not_o yet_o baptize_v be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a other_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n but_o not_o to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o all_o this_o suppose_n that_o christian_a communion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o a_o great_a privilege_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o punish_v offender_n but_o by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o assembly_n but_o what_o will_v those_o man_n value_v church-censure_n who_o make_v so_o slight_a of_o public_a worship_n as_o daily_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o certain_o these_o man_n be_v great_o mistake_v or_o else_o the_o very_a office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v so_o formidable_a in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o very_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a thing_n since_o man_n may_v as_o well_o worship_n god_n alone_o as_o in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v when_o excommunicate_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o we_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n which_o necessary_o include_v public_a worship_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v 33._o i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o confess_v christ_n be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o only_o in_o word_n though_o too_o many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o own_o will_v not_o confess_v before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o by_o pay_v he_o such_o public_a homage_n and_o worship_n as_o be_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v own_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n for_o thus_o to_o confess_v christ_n signify_v with_o the_o mouth_n 13_o confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n like_o a_o city_n that_o be_v set_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o like_o a_o candle_n place_v in_o a_o candlestick_n 15._o to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n but_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v visible_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o public_a and_o visible_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o must_v refer_v to_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o include_v act_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v the_o acknowledge_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o take_v care_n to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o dominion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o encourage_v public_a worship_n correct_v public_a abuse_n and_o punish_v the_o neglect_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n religion_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o closet_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o tell_v what_o religion_n they_o be_v of_o they_o may_v be_v pagan_n mahometan_n papist_n or_o infidel_n and_o no_o man_n the_o wise_a if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n to_o encourage_v and_o reform_v religion_n and_o yet_o nothing_o can_v fall_v within_o his_o cognizance_n or_o under_o his_o care_n but_o what_o be_v public_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o care_n of_o
age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o all_o form_n of_o religion_n whatever_o religious_a rite_n be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n natural_a reason_n condemn_v as_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a but_o whatever_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v condemn_v that_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o the_o law_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v not_o make_v so_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o institution_n but_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n or_o to_o pay_v such_o a_o false_a worship_n to_o the_o true_a god_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n consist_v in_o false_a notion_n repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n and_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o use_v or_o not_o use_v very_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o by_o a_o abuse_a fancy_n and_o ill_o instruct_v conscience_n they_o imprint_v either_o a_o religious_a or_o sinful_a character_n upon_o they_o either_o think_v they_o shall_v please_v god_n or_o fear_v they_o shall_v displease_v he_o by_o do_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a advance_v towards_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o religious_a ceremony_n which_o though_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o plain_a positive_a law_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v second_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o only_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n do_v no_o more_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n than_o they_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n let_v we_o all_o serious_o consider_v how_o we_o shall_v answer_v disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o to_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_n the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o that_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o sober_a liturgy_n or_o decent_a ceremony_n 2._o what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o countenance_n both_o 1._o what_o the_o worship_n be_v our_o saviour_n institute_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v religion_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n he_o seem_v principal_o to_o design_n 1._o to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n 2._o to_o strip_v it_o of_o all_o type_n and_o shadow_n 3._o to_o deliver_v religion_n from_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o superstitious_a observance_n 4._o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o substance_n circumstance_n and_o appendage_n of_o religion_n between_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a and_o the_o instrumental_a and_o external_n part_n of_o worship_n 1._o our_o saviour_n great_a design_n be_v to_o spiritualise_v our_o worship_n the_o jewish_a worship_n consist_v in_o so_o many_o external_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o wash_n purification_n sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o homage_n of_o the_o external_a man._n if_o they_o do_v but_o worship_n god_n at_o the_o right_a place_n and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o take_v little_a care_n of_o inward_a devotion_n but_o now_o our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oppose_v to_o external_a and_o bodily_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a worship_n god_n can_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o either_o to_o a_o typical_a worship_n of_o which_o more_o present_o or_o to_o such_o external_a worship_n as_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o man_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v offer_v up_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n if_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o far_o we_o do_v not_o contradict_v or_o oppose_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o man_n do_v sink_v down_o into_o a_o external_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o raise_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o owe_v either_o to_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n but_o to_o a_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a mind_n extemporary_a and_o conceive_a prayer_n have_v indeed_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o for_o i_o suppose_v few_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o inspiration_n and_o though_o extemporary_a prayer_n may_v more_o heat_v the_o fancy_n there_o may_v be_v more_o serious_a devotion_n and_o piety_n in_o use_v a_o form_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n without_o set_v our_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n what_o to_o say_v a_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n and_o do_v as_o much_o confine_n and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o all_o but_o the_o speaker_n as_o a_o book-prayer_n do_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a devotion_n at_o best_a which_o owe_v its_o heat_n and_o passion_n not_o to_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o god_n but_o to_o a_o musical_a voice_n earnestness_n in_o the_o speaker_n surprise_v invention_n or_o popular_a rhetoric_n 2._o our_o saviour_n design_n be_v to_o strip_v religion_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n he_o do_v not_o indeed_o do_v this_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n because_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n be_v not_o end_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o fulfil_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o state_n till_o christ_n die_v nor_o do_v his_o apostle_n do_v it_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o in_o all_o place_n but_o yield_v to_o jewish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o indulge_v jewish_n convert_v in_o their_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o other_o moysaicall_a rite_n tho_o st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o gentile_a church_n to_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o bondage_n which_o occasion_v a_o great_a many_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n but_o the_o abrogation_n of_o moysaicall_a and_o typical_a ceremony_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o prohibition_n of_o all_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o the_o christian_a worship_n because_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v very_o different_a the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n be_v type_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o to_o retain_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n &_o use_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o when_o the_o antitype_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o use_n of_o a_o type_n but_o now_o a_o few_o innocent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v neither_o burdensome_a for_o their_o number_n to_o encumber_v religion_n and_o clog_n and_o shackle_v our_o devotion_n nor_o signify_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n &_o design_n of_o christianity_n but_o add_v to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o may_v withal_o suggest_v pious_a and_o devout_a thought_n to_o we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o a_o typical_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n together_o with_o the_o
visible_a worship_n because_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v not_o content_v themselves_o mere_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o devout_a thought_n and_o passion_n but_o with_o such_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o either_o a_o divine_a institution_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v external_a sign_n of_o honour_n such_o as_o uncover_v the_o head_n or_o put_v off_o their_o shoe_n or_o bow_v the_o body_n or_o kneel_v or_o prostration_n or_o lift_v up_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o heaven_n where_o god_n dwell_v for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o ancient_a patriarch_n the_o jewish_a church_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n for_o our_o example_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n but_o take_v great_a care_n of_o the_o external_a solemnity_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n i_o know_v of_o no_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o very_o late_o wherein_o those_o man_n will_v have_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o admit_v to_o christian_a communion_n who_o shall_v have_v betray_v such_o slight_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o a_o rude_a and_o slovenly_a worship_n as_o too_o many_o among_o ourselves_o be_v now_o guilty_a of_o and_o indeed_o this_o have_v insensible_o creep_v upon_o we_o ever_o since_o those_o hot_a dispute_n about_o ceremony_n and_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n have_v trouble_v the_o church_n for_o when_o man_n begin_v to_o dispute_v down_o all_o good_a order_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n they_o soon_o dispute_v away_o all_o external_a worship_n and_o many_o who_o still_o pretend_v no_o great_a dislike_n to_o public_a constitution_n be_v so_o far_o infect_v with_o this_o disease_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o careful_a of_o the_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o some_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o fanaticism_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o look_v solemn_o nor_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o heaven_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v think_v fanatic_n or_o hypocrite_n thus_o while_o some_o man_n out_o of_o a_o groundless_a fear_n of_o superstition_n strip_v religion_n of_o all_o useful_a and_o decent_a ceremony_n and_o other_o out_o of_o as_o wild_a a_o suspicion_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v afraid_a to_o appear_v grave_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o religion_n the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v either_o leave_v to_o every_o man_n fancy_n or_o perform_v in_o so_o careless_a and_o trifle_a a_o manner_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v dishonour_v and_o his_o worship_n profane_v and_o scorn_v but_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v with_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n and_o possible_o it_o may_v do_v they_o some_o good_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o who_o appear_v so_o zealous_a against_o fanaticism_n and_o be_v yet_o so_o trifle_v in_o their_o worship_n be_v much_o the_o worst_a fanatic_n of_o the_o two_o for_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n though_o they_o reject_v the_o use_n of_o our_o ceremony_n and_o neglect_v that_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n which_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o however_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o great_a seriousness_n in_o their_o worship_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o look_n like_o worship_n though_o it_o want_v some_o external_a solemnity_n which_o may_v be_v think_v needful_a but_o when_o man_n stare_v and_o gaze_v about_o they_o laugh_v or_o whisper_v at_o their_o prayer_n and_o betray_v great_a vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o mind_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o instead_o of_o a_o awful_a sense_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v any_o show_n of_o worship_n how_o exact_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o their_o posture_n or_o response_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a profaneness_n they_o be_v thus_o far_o fanatical_a in_o their_o principle_n that_o they_o must_v believe_v if_o they_o consider_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n do_v not_o much_o regard_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o do_v they_o believe_v he_o do_v they_o will_v be_v more_o careful_a to_o pay_v it_o he_o for_o the_o bare_a do_v any_o thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n such_o as_o kneel_v at_o prayer_n or_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o hymn_n and_o creed_n and_o the_o like_a do_v not_o make_v it_o so_o much_o as_o a_o external_a sign_n of_o worship_n unless_o it_o be_v perform_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o all_o religious_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o believe_v that_o though_o god_n do_v expect_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n he_o matter_n not_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n nor_o how_o careless_o external_a worship_n be_v perform_v so_o it_o be_v do_v this_o be_v so_o wild_a a_o principle_n that_o it_o outdo_v all_o the_o fanatic_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v arrant_a hypocrite_n and_o yet_o very_o punctual_a in_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n be_v withal_o very_o solemn_a and_o demure_a in_o those_o external_a superstition_n and_o those_o who_o reject_v external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n yet_o pretend_v to_o great_a devotion_n of_o mind_n and_o rapturous_a ardour_n and_o transport_n of_o spirit_n but_o these_o man_n be_v for_o a_o external_a bodily_a worship_n without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o visible_a appearance_n of_o external_a devotion_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o these_o man_n will_v make_v a_o sect_n by_o themselves_o too_o and_o not_o reproach_v the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n which_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a scandal_n upon_o our_o worship_n than_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o cavil_n of_o dissenter_n though_o the_o better_a way_n will_v be_v and_o that_o which_o i_o hearty_o beg_v of_o god_n and_o do_v earnest_o beg_v all_o man_n to_o correct_v this_o fault_n and_o to_o wipe_v off_o that_o reproach_n of_o a_o cold_a formal_a worship_n by_o express_v that_o grave_n and_o serious_a and_o ardent_a devotion_n which_o so_o much_o become_v all_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o religious_a worship_n and_o so_o interweave_v with_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a piety_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v now_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a angel_n in_o religious_a assembly_n do_v we_o see_v god_n in_o a_o visible_a glory_n 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consist_v in_o such_o bold_a allusion_n as_o any_o man_n may_v make_v who_o have_v neither_o modesty_n nor_o grace_n and_o those_o man_n who_o have_v no_o way_n to_o show_v their_o wit_n but_o by_o abuse_v their_o maker_n have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o the_o very_a scum_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o wit._n three_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v what_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v to_o public_a society_n by_o laugh_v at_o religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o firm_a bond_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o if_o once_o man_n shall_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nothing_o but_o external_a fear_n and_o power_n can_v restrain_v and_o govern_v they_o atheism_n be_v a_o secret_a which_o he_o who_o have_v it_o aught_o in_o prudence_n and_o interest_n to_o keep_v to_o himself_o for_o a_o atheist_n can_v never_o mend_v his_o condition_n but_o may_v great_o injure_v himself_o by_o propagate_a atheism_n all_o the_o end_v he_o can_v serve_v by_o 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find_v a_o god_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o to_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v none_o though_o they_o think_v they_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o man_n prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a they_o pretend_v to_o though_o they_o know_v how_o to_o make_v a_o world_n without_o god_n and_o can_v laugh_v at_o the_o silly_a cheat_n which_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o mankind_n by_o some_o cunning_a statesman_n who_o invent_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v their_o government_n more_o easy_a and_o secure_a yet_o after_o all_o they_o dare_v not_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o till_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o can_v never_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o lest_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n they_o shall_v offer_v as_o few_o affront_v to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v here_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v when_o he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o so_o many_o way_n of_o know_v he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a affront_n without_o any_o other_o additional_a aggravation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a incurable_a ignorance_n which_o make_v man_n atheist_n the_o fault_n be_v much_o less_o than_o when_o they_o express_v so_o much_o scorn_v and_o contempt_n of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o this_o look_n like_o a_o profess_a enmity_n to_o the_o deity_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o he_o for_o want_n of_o sufficient_a evidence_n but_o that_o they_o hate_v and_o despise_v the_o least_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o man_n call_v god_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o separate_v the_o disbelief_n of_o a_o god_n from_o a_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o as_o certain_o it_o may_v be_v be_v man_n atheist_n mere_o for_o want_n of_o evidence_n it_o will_v concern_v such_o man_n though_o they_o enjoy_v the_o other_o liberty_n which_o atheism_n allow_v yet_o to_o be_v very_o modest_a and_o civil_a even_o to_o the_o fanciful_a idea_n and_o imagination_n of_o a_o god_n for_o five_o whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o argue_v great_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o laugh_v at_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n all_o religion_n indeed_o be_v a_o mistake_n but_o it_o be_v no_o ridiculous_a mistake_n when_o there_o be_v such_o evidence_n for_o it_o as_o convince_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n even_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o inquisitive_a man_n and_o what_o we_o call_v religion_n be_v so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o such_o high_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o that_o 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our_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o our_o great_a maker_n and_o constant_a benefactor_n which_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o love_v reverence_n and_o obey_v the_o most_o lovely_a excellent_a powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o noble_a than_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o live_v happy_o a_o few_o year_n in_o this_o world_n but_o to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o a_o thing_n so_o agreeable_a to_o those_o vehement_a desire_n of_o immortality_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o nature_n and_o do_v so_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o the_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a enjoyment_n of_o sense_n that_o it_o make_v a_o truly-religious_a man_n almost_o as_o much_o differ_v from_o earthly_a man_n and_o sottish_a atheist_n as_o a_o man_n differ_v from_o a_o beast_n here_o certain_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v contemptible_a nothing_o but_o what_o deserve_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o though_o the_o atheist_n may_v think_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o all_o this_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o foolish_a choice_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o second_o proposal_n to_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v public_a affront_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n three_o if_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v can_v persuade_v these_o man_n to_o treat_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n with_o some_o external_a modesty_n and_o respect_n my_o next_o proposal_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o indeed_o they_o can_v do_v this_o unless_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o atheism_n and_o open_o profess_v it_o or_o at_o least_o bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o great_a suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o
sinner_n reasonable_o expect_v from_o god_n and_o much_o less_o challenge_v it_o as_o a_o right_n that_o he_o shall_v redeem_v they_o from_o that_o state_n of_o misery_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o by_o such_o a_o amaze_a stupendous_a and_o incomprehensible_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n as_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a only_o beget_v and_o well-beloved_a son_n here_o be_v such_o a_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o pass_v all_o understanding_n this_o be_v grace_n free_a grace_n the_o riches_n of_o grace_n the_o abundant_a riches_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o this_o bring_v we_o under_o such_o obligation_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n as_o infinite_o excel_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a justice_n now_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n and_o therefore_o must_v glorify_v god_n both_o with_o our_o body_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n we_o be_v now_o redeem_v not_o with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n as_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o mere_a grace_n and_o love_n so_o gratitude_n be_v the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o gospel-obedience_n to_o serve_v god_n out_o of_o a_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o feel_v that_o constrain_a love_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n love_n engage_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o for_o those_o man_n great_o mistake_v the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o gratitude_n who_o think_v that_o gratitude_n leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o they_o please_v whereas_o the_o obligation_n of_o gratitude_n especial_o in_o our_o present_a case_n be_v infinite_o more_o strong_a and_o forcible_a than_o those_o of_o justice_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o ingratitude_n proportionable_o great_a for_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n if_o we_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o who_o speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v tread_v underfoot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o we_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n since_o than_o we_o be_v now_o under_o such_o powerful_a obligation_n as_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n to_o love_v serve_v and_o worship_v he_o we_o shall_v consider_v how_o unkind_a and_o ungrateful_a it_o be_v especial_o in_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o slight_a or_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n certain_o such_o man_n can_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n after_o all_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o they_o when_o they_o will_v not_o thank_v he_o for_o it_o when_o they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n as_o nothing_o be_v more_o infamous_a among_o man_n so_o nothing_o do_v more_o provoke_v god_n than_o such_o rude_a affront_v of_o his_o goodness_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o surprise_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n argue_v so_o brutish_a so_o diabolical_a a_o temper_n of_o mind_n such_o a_o perfect_a contrariety_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o such_o man_n must_v natural_o sink_v into_o the_o low_a hell_n for_o those_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel-grace_n who_o can_v be_v conquer_v nor_o affect_v with_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o so_o powerful_a a_o love_n be_v as_o incurable_a as_o apostate_n spirit_n four_o another_o aggravation_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o profess_v christian_n and_o i_o suppose_v i_o write_v to_o none_o else_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o therefore_o to_o neglect_v his_o worship_n be_v perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n though_o they_o still_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o do_v thou_o know_v what_o this_o be_v thou_o profane_a wretch_n who_o think_v it_o lose_v time_n to_o serve_v god_n who_o can_v not_o spare_v so_o much_o time_n from_o worldly_a care_n or_o from_o thy_o sport_n and_o pleasure_n as_o to_o attend_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v thou_o ever_o baptise_a and_o do_v thou_o know_v what_o the_o signification_n of_o baptism_n be_v that_o thou_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v oblige_v thyself_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o that_o thou_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o frequent_a christian_a assembly_n and_o to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o be_v not_o thou_o afraid_a to_o deal_v false_o and_o treacherous_o with_o thy_o god_n for_o vengeance_n be_v i_o say_v god_n i_o will_v repay_v it_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_n god_n to_o have_v our_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n signify_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o great_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n now_o as_o unbeliever_n signify_v such_o infidel_n as_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o they_o so_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v as_o some_o man_n mistake_v the_o word_n those_o who_o counterfeit_a religion_n who_o make_v a_o fine_a external_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n when_o they_o be_v rot_v at_o the_o heart_n but_o it_o signify_v those_o also_o who_o live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n who_o be_v suppose_v nominal_a and_o titular_a christian_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o own_o his_o religion_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n but_o live_v lewd_a and_o profligate_v life_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o worship_v god_n nor_o ever_o think_v of_o save_v their_o soul_n these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n judgement_n to_o deter_v any_o man_n from_o imitate_v their_o wickedness_n lest_o they_o be_v punish_v with_o hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o forfeit_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o renounce_v or_o contradict_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n in_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a life_n but_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o utmost_a severity_n which_o be_v a_o much_o worse_a state_n than_o the_o poor_a heathen_n be_v in_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n for_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v never_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o gospel_n neither_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o law_n shall_v also_o perish_v without_o law_n and_o as_o many_o as_o sin_v in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v add_v as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n now_o to_o perish_v without_o the_o law_n signify_v a_o much_o easy_a punishment_n than_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n signify_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o that_o for_o as_o god_n have_v increase_v his_o grace_n to_o mankind_n so_o he_o have_v always_o annex_v severe_a punishment_n to_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v easy_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o capernaum_n sodom_n and_o gomorah_n be_v as_o vile_a infamous_a place_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o god_n destroy_v they_o by_o very_o memorable_a judgement_n by_o rain_v fire_n and_o brimstone_n on_o they_o from_o heaven_n but_o yet_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o capernaum_n do_v where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o preach_v in_o person_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o many_o mighty_a work_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v
escape_v better_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n than_o capernaum_n and_o capernaum_n i_o doubt_v will_v escape_v much_o better_a than_o the_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n and_o profane_a despiser_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o day_n because_o they_o labour_v under_o old_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la which_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v remove_v but_o require_v time_n and_o patience_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o free_a and_o impartial_a reason_n to_o wear_v they_o off_o but_o now_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o many_o age_n when_o man_n be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o first_o and_o early_a instruction_n on_o the_o right_a side_n when_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o cast_v off_o their_o reverence_n for_o god_n and_o to_o silence_n and_o stupify_v their_o clamorous_a conscience_n for_o man_n to_o use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o industry_n to_o turn_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o profane_a scoffer_n at_o religion_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n but_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o god_n and_o will_v receive_v the_o sore_a punishment_n and_o a_o sentence_n as_o amaze_a and_o astonish_v as_o the_o sin_n be_v thus_o i_o have_v represent_v the_o evil_a and_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o if_o these_o man_n do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o they_o profess_v to_o do_v will_v they_o give_v themselves_o time_o serious_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v imagine_v but_o it_o must_v have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o can_v any_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n if_o he_o ever_o consider_v such_o matter_n endure_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o put_v such_o a_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o religious_a worship_n do_v natural_o signify_v he_o know_v what_o a_o sharp_a resentment_n he_o himself_o have_v of_o a_o slight_a or_o neglect_v how_o ill_o he_o take_v it_o if_o man_n industrious_o avoid_v his_o company_n if_o they_o do_v but_o talk_v and_o seem_v to_o mind_v something_o else_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v a_o story_n if_o his_o friend_n neglect_v to_o visit_v he_o and_o turn_v their_o head_n another_o way_n when_o they_o pass_v by_o his_o door_n and_o he_o know_v how_o sensible_a superior_n especial_o be_v of_o such_o neglect_v from_o their_o inferior_n for_o a_o prince_n to_o be_v slight_v by_o his_o subject_n or_o a_o father_n by_o his_o child_n or_o a_o master_n by_o his_o servant_n be_v think_v so_o unsufferable_a a_o rudeness_n as_o can_v be_v too_o severe_o punish_v and_o therefore_o consider_v that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n he_o may_v easy_o conclude_v how_o ill_a god_n take_v the_o neglect_n of_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v the_o great_a slight_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o he_o and_o argue_v very_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thought_n of_o he_o if_o such_o man_n do_v think_v of_o he_o at_o all_o and_o when_o he_o consider_v also_o how_o many_o obligation_n he_o lie_v under_o to_o worship_n god_n he_o can_v but_o blush_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a injustice_n not_o to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v he_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v about_o he_o he_o think_v it_o great_a injustice_n to_o detract_v from_o the_o praise_n of_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a man_n or_o to_o conceal_v they_o what_o be_v it_o than_o not_o to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o work_n which_o be_v proclaim_v by_o all_o the_o world_n not_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v our_o maker_n who_o make_v we_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n do_v god_n give_v i_o eye_n may_n such_o a_o man_n say_v to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n and_o a_o understanding_n to_o search_v out_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o who_o the_o praise_n of_o all_o be_v due_a that_o when_o i_o have_v find_v he_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o neither_o confess_v his_o power_n nor_o admire_v his_o wisdom_n nor_o praise_v his_o goodness_n do_v he_o give_v i_o a_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o every_o trifle_n and_o never_o to_o be_v silent_a but_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o vocal_a in_o the_o praise_n of_o my_o maker_n how_o ill_o shall_v i_o take_v it_o can_v i_o make_v any_o be_v that_o can_v understand_v or_o speak_v shall_v it_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o owe_v its_o be_v consider_v my_o soul_n how_o thou_o shall_v resent_v the_o neglect_n of_o a_o son_n of_o a_o client_n of_o a_o redeem_a captive_n or_o of_o any_o one_o who_o thou_o have_v oblige_v and_o by_o thy_o bounty_n raise_v from_o a_o low_a to_o a_o splendid_a fortune_n who_o owe_v his_o be_v his_o fortune_n his_o liberty_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o life_n to_o thou_o and_o be_v it_o nothing_o then_o to_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a parent_n lord_n and_o benefactor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v redeem_v thou_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o design_v a_o more_o glorious_a happiness_n for_o thou_o if_o thy_o unjust_a and_o ungrateful_a neglect_n of_o he_o do_v not_o render_v thou_o uncapable_a of_o his_o favour_n but_o how_o unpardonable_a be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v false_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o covenant_n such_o person_n be_v not_o think_v fit_a for_o humane_a conversation_n who_o break_v the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v trust_v but_o yet_o no_o man_n ever_o break_v his_o word_n much_o less_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n but_o when_o he_o expect_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v i_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o god_n a_o covenant_n to_o which_o i_o owe_v all_o my_o hope_n of_o happiness_n all_o the_o good_a i_o now_o enjoy_v and_o all_o that_o i_o expect_v if_o i_o forfeit_v my_o interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n i_o must_v be_v miserable_a and_o perish_v like_o a_o fool_n and_o since_o i_o can_v forfeit_v my_o interest_n without_o break_v my_o covenant_n i_o must_v perish_v like_o a_o apostate_n a_o runagate_n a_o traitor_n or_o like_a one_o who_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v the_o worst_a thing_n but_o deserve_v no_o pity_n and_o be_v it_o so_o grievous_a a_o thing_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v unjust_a to_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o be_v perfidious_a to_o god_n to_o forfeit_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o to_o incur_v his_o hot_a displeasure_n than_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o owe_v all_o to_o he_o that_o i_o have_v and_o that_o i_o expect_v all_o from_o he_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o with_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o these_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n second_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n in_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v wrought_v on_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o justice_n or_o gratitude_n may_v yet_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o more_o brutish_a principle_n of_o fear_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o respect_v both_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o 1._o the_o danger_n of_o irreligion_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n now_o whoever_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o govern_v all_o humane_a affair_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v who_o dispose_v of_o our_o several_a fortune_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n must_v needs_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v miserable_a here_o while_o he_o neglect_v to_o adore_v and_o reverence_v the_o sovereign_a and_o unaccountable_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o promise_v even_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o deliverance_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n by_o their_o servant_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n this_o be_v the_o course_n all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v take_v and_o find_v the_o bless_a success_n 15._o of_o it_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o 7._o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o give_v ear_n o_o lord_n unto_o my_o prayer_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o will_v call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o he_o shall_v
all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o natural_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n and_o very_o often_o end_v in_o downright_a atheism_n man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n have_v no_o other_o restraint_n from_o the_o great_a villainy_n but_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n their_o own_o natural_a temper_n their_o education_n and_o converse_n and_o suchlike_a consideration_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o can_v keep_v very_o few_o man_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n within_o any_o tolerable_a bound_n and_o thus_o man_n run_v into_o the_o wild_a excess_n and_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o stain_v their_o reputation_n till_o they_o grow_v hopeless_a desperate_a and_o impudent_a sinner_n man_n who_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o prayer_n nor_o absent_v themselves_o whole_o from_o christian_a assembly_n do_v what_o they_o can_v find_v great_a check_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o great_a many_o sober_a interval_n they_o can_v say_v their_o prayer_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n but_o their_o conscience_n will_v reproach_v they_o and_o put_v they_o at_o least_o upon_o some_o imperfect_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o when_o they_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o often_o be_v so_o startle_v and_o scare_v and_o labour_n under_o such_o strong_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v any_o long_o and_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o forsake_v those_o man_n who_o attend_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o grace_n but_o sometime_o work_v such_o miraculous_a cure_n as_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o a_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n can_v never_o be_v so_o desperate_a and_o hopeless_a as_o they_o be_v who_o take_v care_n to_o think_v of_o he_o as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o public_a instruction_n that_o they_o may_v sin_v on_o without_o disturbance_n till_o they_o drop_v into_o hell_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v this_o because_o the_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a the_o practical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o boast_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o think_v himself_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a level_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v they_o fool_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o speculative_a but_o of_o the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o though_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o yet_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a expression_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o he_o that_o be_v wisdom_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 10._o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 10._o the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n now_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n prove_v also_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o that_o which_o contradict_v the_o best_a reason_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o worship_n god_n found_v on_o the_o high_a wisdom_n what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a than_o to_o undermine_v our_o own_o interest_n to_o lay_v train_n of_o misery_n for_o ourselves_o and_o to_o forfeit_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n that_o be_v curse_v contemptible_a wit_n which_o will_v droll_n away_o a_o man_n life_n and_o his_o soul_n together_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o transform_v a_o man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o then_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v all_o the_o wild_a conceit_n of_o ape_n and_o monkey_n and_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o a_o fox_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man._n he_o may_v have_v a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o wit_n and_o may_v be_v reckon_v the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mere_a animal_n and_o sensitive_a life_n but_o be_v fall_v vast_o below_o the_o attainment_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o brute_n creature_n have_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o reason_n fit_v to_o the_o low_a attainment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o they_o common_o reason_n more_o wise_o and_o true_o in_o their_o own_o concern_v than_o irreligious_a man_n do_v in_o they_o but_o they_o can_v know_v god_n nor_o worship_v he_o they_o can_v see_v nor_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n their_o reason_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o be_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o be_v be_v a_o irreligious_a man_n who_o reason_n indeed_o be_v capable_a of_o high_a and_o noble_a flight_n but_o be_v pinion_v down_o and_o confine_v to_o present_v and_o sensible_a object_n and_o serve_v only_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n into_o a_o brutish_a state_n now_o if_o that_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o glory_n the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o a_o man_n which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o inferior_a creature_n than_o religion_n as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o must_v be_v his_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o wit_n irreligious_a man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o below_o the_o attainment_n nay_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o may_v set_v they_o a_o degree_n above_o the_o wit_n of_o a_o beast_n but_o be_v no_o better_a than_o folly_n in_o a_o man._n 2._o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o folly_n than_o for_o man_n to_o act_v foolish_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o vast_a concernment_n and_o this_o consideration_n impeache_n the_o irreligious_a man_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a folly_n as_o to_o give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o some_o neglect_n to_o worship_n god_n out_o of_o a_o careless_a trifle_a humour_n they_o never_o consider_v what_o god_n be_v how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o he_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n what_o the_o danger_n and_o punishment_n of_o irreligion_n be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o to_o use_v the_o wise_a thought_n and_o best_a consideration_n we_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n than_o irreligion_n be_v folly_n other_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o it_o disturb_v they_o in_o the_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o put_v a_o great_a many_o black_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n into_o their_o head_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a as_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n and_o run_v down_o a_o precipice_n because_o it_o make_v we_o melancholy_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o see_v our_o danger_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v how_o to_o avoid_v it_o other_o take_v offence_n at_o religion_n because_o they_o see_v a_o great_a many_o hypocrite_n zealous_a pretender_n to_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v as_o good_a never_o mind_n religion_n as_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o mind_v religion_n because_o hypocrite_n pretend_v to_o religion_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o can_v they_o be_v sincere_o religious_a though_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a many_o religious_a man_n who_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o better_a reason_n to_o be_v religious_a without_o hypocrisy_n than_o to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n to_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v not_o hypocrite_n other_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o as_o light_a to_o darkness_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o
reasonable_a exception_n against_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o new_a discovery_n to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o all_o know_v when_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o part_n with_o such_o doctrine_n custom_n usage_n religion_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o many_o generation_n than_o to_o part_v with_o some_o novel_a invention_n who_o very_a novelty_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o strong_a and_o last_a prejudice_n thus_o we_o know_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n which_o plead_v the_o prescription_n of_o unknown_a age_n make_v it_o extreme_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o that_o objection_n of_o novelty_n though_o it_o be_v false_a be_v yet_o a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o alleadg_n to_o show_v that_o a_o long_a and_o immemorial_n prescription_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a prejudice_n than_o some_o few_o year_n education_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v a_o much_o better_a justification_n of_o pagan_n and_o papist_n in_o foreign_a country_n for_o 2_o it_o may_v cause_v a_o reasonable_a suspicion_n in_o honest_a dissenter_n sufficient_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o new_a search_n and_o enquiry_n when_o they_o remember_v that_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n fall_v together_o that_o those_o who_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n pull_v down_o monarchy_n and_o transform_v themselves_o into_o as_o many_o different_a shape_n and_o form_n in_o the_o state_n as_o they_o set_v up_o new_a model_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o most_o infallible_a man_n nor_o act_v by_o the_o best_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o establish_v by_o law_n have_v have_v possession_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o a_o few_o year_n interruption_n in_o a_o time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o great_a confusion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o dispossess_v it_o and_o therefore_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o loyalty_n to_o their_o prince_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v some_o better_a reason_n against_o it_o than_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n which_o can_v be_v no_o just_a excuse_n at_o this_o day_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o shall_v desire_v any_o more_o than_o twenty_o year_n to_o wear_v off_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o twenty_o year_n education_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n or_o form_n of_o church_n government_n ever_o have_v a_o legal_a possession_n of_o this_o nation_n during_o this_o anarchy_n and_o interregnum_fw-la of_o church_n and_o state_n neither_o presbytery_n independency_n nor_o anabaptism_n be_v settle_v by_o law_n but_o they_o shuffle_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o use_v their_o utmost_a skill_n to_o establish_v themselves_o by_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o their_o several_a party_n and_o sometime_o one_o pravile_v and_o sometime_o another_o and_o instead_o of_o one_o national_a church_n we_o have_v twenty_o national_a schism_n but_o no_o church_n which_o 4thly_a plain_o show_v that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n can_v be_v no_o good_a plea_n in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o invincible_a where_o there_o be_v no_o one_o fix_a church_n nor_o one_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o nation_n but_o several_a church_n quarrel_v and_o contend_v with_o each_o other_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o country_n where_o the_o people_n never_o hear_v but_o of_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o spain_n or_o at_o least_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o but_o under_o such_o dismal_a frightful_a character_n as_o may_v raise_v their_o indignation_n and_o their_o hatred_n of_o such_o monster_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v if_o such_o man_n prejudices_fw-la be_v very_o strong_a and_o almost_o invincible_a but_o when_o man_n see_v religion_n in_o so_o many_o shape_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o monster_n but_o man_n like_o themselves_o this_o rather_o incline_v they_o to_o uncertainty_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o any_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a prejudices_fw-la for_o or_o against_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n how_o man_n make_v their_o advance_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o quakerism_n the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o confusion_n as_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o all_o good_a order_n now_o when_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o wander_a state_n like_a traveller_n who_o have_v no_o certain_a abide_v but_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o country_n into_o another_o visit_v all_o and_o stay_v no_o where_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a injudicious_a people_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o plead_v prejudice_n in_o their_o justification_n 2._o other_o engage_v themselves_o in_o schism_n out_o of_o lightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v no_o fix_a and_o stable_a principle_n and_o can_v never_o like_o one_o thing_n long_o together_o or_o they_o run_v into_o conventicle_n out_o of_o a_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v take_v with_o any_o thing_n or_o with_o nothing_o as_o it_o happen_v and_o thus_o by_o degree_n contract_n prejudices_fw-la against_o that_o church_n who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v without_o any_o reason_n and_o then_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a without_o any_o the_o zeal_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o those_o hard_a word_n they_o give_v the_o church_n and_o churchman_n make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o cause_n for_o it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o they_o learn_v by_o rote_n some_o popular_a objection_n and_o cavil_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o engage_v lie_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o further_a consideration_n or_o a_o timely_a retreat_n when_o man_n first_o begin_v to_o separate_v and_o then_o learn_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o in_o time_n improve_v those_o doubt_n into_o last_a principle_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a honesty_n for_o a_o honest_a man_n must_v first_o have_v very_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a before_o he_o can_v entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o a_o separation_n and_o do_v man_n take_v this_o course_n the_o schism_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n 3._o other_o take_v distaste_n at_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o church_n this_o seem_v strange_a that_o whatever_o be_v do_v amiss_o in_o the_o state_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o state_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o civil_a governor_n have_v to_o correct_v and_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o exorbitance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o some_o person_n observe_v that_o close_a union_n which_o be_v between_o church_n and_o state_n think_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o crown_n till_o they_o have_v first_o pull_v down_o a_o legal_a church_n but_o though_o these_o man_n may_v talk_v very_o much_o against_o church-imposition_n and_o seem_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a it_o be_v plain_a religion_n be_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n they_o love_v schism_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o rebellion_n and_o look_v upon_o schismatical_a conventicle_n as_o admirable_a nursery_n for_o the_o camp_n though_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n in_o our_o late_a trouble_n we_o have_v be_v late_o tell_v in_o print_n by_o one_o who_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o i_o wonder_v so_o grave_a and_o wise_a a_o man_n shall_v thus_o open_o betray_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o party_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v by_o churchman_n who_o have_v no_o design_n at_o first_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n the_o auxiliary_n of_o the_o 12._o parliament_n the_o scot_n will_v not_o
prevail_v with_o some_o honest_a but_o less_o think_v man_n to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v those_o which_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a do_v here_o shall_v be_v to_o answer_v some_o hard_a word_n and_o ill_a name_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o worship_n and_o show_v how_o ignorant_o and_o injurious_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n such_o be_v these_o will-worship_n superstition_n idolatry_n popery_n these_o be_v hard_a word_n which_o very_o few_o people_n understand_v and_o therein_o the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o first_o will-worship_n now_o when_o man_n charge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o will-worship_n they_o general_o understand_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n now_o this_o i_o absolute_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o will-worship_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consist_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o expound_v they_o to_o the_o people_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o sing_v psalm_n and_o administer_a the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o which_o be_v express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v will-worship_n in_o this_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n use_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o not_o will-worship_n we_o do_v not_o think_v wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n nor_o expect_v to_o please_v god_n by_o any_o external_a dress_n or_o habit_n but_o we_o think_v it_o a_o decent_a garb_n for_o those_o to_o use_v who_o minister_n in_o holy_a thing_n we_o do_v not_o think_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o act_n but_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o not_o kneel_v to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o express_v that_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o mind_n which_o become_v such_o a_o mysterious_a worship_n and_o as_o a_o posture_n suitable_a to_o those_o prayer_n which_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v we_o put_v up_o to_o heaven_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o design_v as_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n it_o be_v not_o a_o dedicate_a and_o covenant_a sign_n which_o respect_v god_n but_o at_o most_o a_o engage_v sign_n which_o respect_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n much_o less_o will-worship_n to_o institute_v any_o new_a kind_a or_o species_n of_o worship_n be_v certain_o unlawful_a as_o to_o make_v any_o new_a object_n of_o worship_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a representation_n such_o as_o a_o picture_n and_o image_n or_o invisible_a being_n as_o angel_n and_o deisied_a man_n a_o numerous_a company_n of_o who_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o new_a act_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o frequent_a wash_n purgation_n sacrifice_n pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a action_n which_o be_v no_o where_o determine_v by_o god_n may_v and_o must_v be_v determine_v either_o by_o our_o own_o prudence_n or_o by_o the_o prudence_n of_o our_o governor_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o will-worship_n because_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v design_v for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v further_a that_o this_o word_n will-worship_n be_v find_v but_o once_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o very_a wise_a and_o learned_a man_n question_n whether_o in_o that_o place_n will-worship_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o ill_a thing_n the_o word_n be_v these_o which_o 23._o thing_n have_v indeed_o a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n not_o in_o any_o honour_n of_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o they_o observe_v that_o will-worship_n be_v join_v with_o two_o other_o very_a good_a thing_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v external_a severity_n and_o mortification_n to_o keep_v down_o the_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n not_o to_o pamper_v it_o with_o high_a nourishment_n nor_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o follow_v not_o in_o honour_n in_o satisfy_v the_o flesh_n for_o honour_n as_o st._n hierom_n observe_v signify_v take_v care_n of_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n strictness_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n in_o suppress_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o lust_n and_o the_o least_o inclination_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v forbid_v or_o censure_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o will-worship_n be_v for_o there_o be_v as_o much_o appearance_n of_o his_o condemn_v one_o as_o tother_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o expound_v this_o to_o signify_v only_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o that_o suppose_n that_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o bodily_a severity_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a thing_n and_o part_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n when_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o good_a gain_v a_o reputation_n of_o wisdom_n by_o be_v like_o they_o for_o that_o which_o make_v these_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n be_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o will-worship_n humility_n and_o neglect_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n by_o will-worship_n we_o must_v understand_v voluntary_a worship_n which_o answer_v to_o free-will-offering_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n but_o yet_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o man_n do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o deny_v themselves_o those_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o god_n allow_v in_o order_n to_o some_o spiritual_a end_n to_o refine_v and_o purge_v their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o more_o perfect_a attainment_n in_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o countenance_v this_o interpretation_n that_o all_o the_o superstition_n in_o the_o world_n do_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v man_n and_o pass_v for_o excellent_a attainment_n in_o religion_n under_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o free-will-offering_n of_o do_v something_o more_o than_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o whereby_o they_o think_v they_o so_o high_o merit_v of_o god_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o become_v his_o peculiar_a favourite_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n think_v to_o do_v by_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n by_o their_o frequent_a wash_n purification_n fast_n and_o tything_n even_o mint_n and_o cummin_n thus_o the_o papist_n do_v by_o their_o fast_n pilgrimage_n and_o penance_n but_o the_o mistake_n be_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n because_o though_o at_o first_o it_o look_v like_o the_o noble_a generous_a worship_n of_o free-will-offering_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o though_o under_o the_o law_n freewill_n offering_n be_v not_o command_v which_o have_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o freewill_n offer_v yet_o there_o be_v direction_n give_v what_o such_o person_n shall_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o case_n they_o do_v offer_v at_o all_o and_o in_o particular_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o blemish_n 17._o in_o it_o which_o signify_v that_o this_o voluntary_a worship_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o such_o instance_n as_o we_o know_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o man_n spend_v their_o zeal_n in_o some_o voluntary_a superstition_n which_o can_v please_v god_n such_o thing_n have_v only_o a_o show_n a_o false_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n in_o voluntary_a worship_n because_o though_o their_o worship_n be_v voluntary_a and_o so_o far_o commendable_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v
all_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n 4._o public_a baptism_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o mind_n christian_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v it_o put_v good_a thought_n into_o they_o when_o they_o see_v what_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n to_o review_v their_o past_a life_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v keep_v their_o baptismal_a vow_n it_o mind_v child_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v seldom_o at_o private_a baptism_n and_o be_v many_o time_n more_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n than_o with_o the_o best_a counsel_n it_o mind_v those_o who_o have_v be_v godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n what_o charge_v they_o have_v undertake_v which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o compliment_n to_o a_o friend_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n even_o a_o trust_n and_o a_o trust_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n a_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n of_o such_o child_n which_o may_v convince_v all_o consider_a man_n of_o what_o great_a use_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o all_o the_o awful_a and_o public_a solemnity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v huddle_v over_o in_o private_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o 5._o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o always_o administer_v baptism_n in_o public_a place_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o first_o indeed_o they_o baptize_v in_o river_n or_o pond_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v in_o jordan_n where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v baptize_v which_o make_v many_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v there_o also_o as_o eusebius_n report_v of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o it_o afterward_o they_o build_v font_n near_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o church-porch_n and_o at_o last_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o never_o allow_v of_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o to_o make_v the_o action_n more_o solemn_a they_o have_v public_a time_n for_o baptism_n which_o in_o most_o church_n be_v easter_n and_o whitsunday_n when_o all_o their_o catechuman_n who_o desire_v baptism_n and_o be_v judge_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o thus_o it_o continue_v in_o follow_v age_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rubric_n of_o our_o church_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o baptism_n though_o it_o be_v not_o now_o confine_v to_o such_o certain_a time_n which_o allow_v of_o no_o private_a baptism_n but_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n chap._n v._n concern_v the_o public_a instruction_n of_o youth_n another_o great_a miscarriage_n be_v that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a and_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n of_o what_o mighty_a concernment_n the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o youth_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o for_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o depend_v on_o it_o when_o child_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n it_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o atheism_n and_o debauchery_n in_o their_o ripe_a year_n unless_o they_o be_v tâ—ught_v to_o know_v and_o to_o fear_v god_n betimes_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n and_o wickedness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o atheism_n and_o lewdness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n have_v be_v as_o much_o owe_v to_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o parent_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o youth_n as_o to_o any_o one_o cause_n beside_o how_o many_o child_n have_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o other_o catechism_n than_o some_o flatter_a compliment_n modish_a oath_n and_o obscene_a talk_n how_o many_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o profane_a and_o impious_a jest_n and_o all_o the_o topic_n of_o irreligious_a wit_n and_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a proficient_n who_o be_v wicked_a above_o their_o age_n and_o can_v as_o pert_o and_o confident_o laugh_v down_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o study_a atheist_n other_o be_v not_o so_o industrious_a to_o corrupt_v youth_n but_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o better_o to_o possess_v their_o tender_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a if_o the_o ground_n been_v till_v and_o cultivate_v you_o can_v expect_v no_o good_a fruit_n but_o weed_n will_v grow_v of_o themselves_o other_o possible_o do_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o i_o only_o wish_v there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o these_o man_n we_o may_v then_o hope_v in_o time_n to_o see_v the_o world_n reform_v and_o religion_n grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o credit_v again_o at_o least_o the_o next_o generation_n may_v see_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v sow_v now_o but_o there_o be_v one_o great_a neglect_n of_o very_o mischievous_a consequence_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o great_a good_a till_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o public_a catechise_v which_o may_v be_v sometime_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o be_v often_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o people_n who_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o public_a instruction_n nor_o to_o give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o presence_n and_o attendance_n that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o yet_o i_o can_v make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o for_o 1._o no_o man_n certain_o can_v think_v it_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n whether_o his_o child_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n must_v be_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n do_v amiss_o who_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o allurement_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n man_n be_v conquer_v who_o understand_v not_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spiritual_a armour_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n without_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o which_o they_o can_v conquer_v such_o as_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o everlasting_a life_n after_o death_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v over_o these_o word_n without_o some_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v not_o work_v like_o spell_n or_o charm_n by_o the_o magical_a power_n or_o sound_v of_o word_n but_o as_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v as_o they_o convey_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o subdue_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v the_o better_a for_o his_o faith_n who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o though_o hear_v sermon_n may_v help_v somewhat_o towards_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v so_o effectual_a as_o catechise_v for_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n and_o instill_a