and_o he_o that_o minister_v rom._n twelve_o and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o every_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o these_o officer_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n join_v exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n with_o read_v in_o his_o charge_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o which_o show_v that_o they_o go_v together_o but_o whether_o indispensible_o or_o no_o do_v not_o appear_v though_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o church_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v all_o general_o exercise_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n viii_o last_o we_o find_v that_o they_o have_v a_o summary_n of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o the_o people_n and_o by_o which_o they_o order_v their_o own_o discourse_n and_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o other_o thus_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n i_o 13_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o and_o chap._n two_o vers._n 2._o and_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o among_o many_o witness_n the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v exhort_v to_o prophesy_v rom._n twelve_o 6_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o doubt_v but_o this_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n contain_v the_o main_a fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o what_o those_o be_v heb._n vi_fw-la 1_o 2._o therefore_o leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n not_o lay_v again_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n in_o all_o probability_n therefore_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o by_o he_o to_o other_o contain_v these_o six_o head_n or_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o every_o christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v and_o learn_v sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o reading_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n these_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n propose_v to_o we_o for_o our_o feed_v the_o people_n with_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o their_o hear_v it_o in_o public_a let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o and_o sure_o no_o copy_n can_v come_v near_o the_o original_a 1._o for_o first_o our_o minister_n be_v express_o oblige_v in_o their_o ordination_n diligent_o to_o read_v all_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n unto_o the_o people_n assemble_v in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o serve_v 2._o our_o church_n have_v dispose_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o certain_a order_n and_o have_v appoint_v four_o or_o more_o chapter_n to_o be_v read_v every_o day_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o the_o most_o edify_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v order_v to_o be_v read_v once_o a_o year_n and_o the_o new_a testament_n except_o the_o revelation_n thrice_o in_o the_o same_o time_n and_o some_o select_a chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v appoint_v on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o chapter_n about_o one_o ten_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n leave_v out_o of_o this_o order_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v out_o be_v either_o genealogy_n name_n of_o person_n and_o place_n historical_a repetition_n or_o some_o obscure_a and_o mystical_a prophecy_n in_o ezekiel_n which_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o a_o ordinary_a assembly_n for_o which_o reason_n some_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v also_o leave_v out_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o exclude_v though_o not_o particular_o command_v the_o general_a obligation_n on_o every_o clergyman_n in_o his_o ordination_n to_o read_v all_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n still_o allow_v he_o to_o read_v these_o and_o also_o oblige_v he_o to_o it_o when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o beside_o this_o order_n for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n on_o every_o lordsday_n and_o other_o solemn_a occasion_n there_o be_v appoint_v certain_a select_a portion_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n to_o be_v read_v which_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o occasion_n and_o contain_v some_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o other_o weighty_a matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o edification_n 4._o for_o the_o more_o solemnity_n of_o these_o reading_n our_o church_n join_v with_o each_o of_o they_o praise_n thanksgiving_n or_o confession_n according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v practise_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 5._o that_o the_o people_n may_v benefit_v and_o be_v edify_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o plain_a authentic_a and_o most_o excellent_a translation_n be_v provide_v by_o public_a authority_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o first_o care_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n be_v force_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o draw_v all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v from_o the_o fountain_n which_o our_o bishop_n open_v for_o they_o by_o translate_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o put_v it_o into_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v 6._o it_o be_v order_v in_o our_o church_n that_o the_o minister_n shall_v explain_v some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o lordsday_n and_o exhort_v their_o congregation_n in_o a_o sermon_n 7._o to_o inculcate_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o better_a our_o church_n have_v appoint_v certain_a solemn_a time_n wherein_o once_o in_o the_o year_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o explain_v and_o inculcate_v every_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o be_v the_o conception_n birth_n passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n last_o there_o be_v provide_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a catechism_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n this_o be_v adapt_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o be_v indeed_o sincere_a milk_n without_o school_n notion_n or_o hard_a word_n and_o all_o the_o six_o principle_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n heb._n vi_fw-la 1_o 2._o be_v brief_o explain_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o large_o enough_o to_o make_v those_o that_o attend_v to_o it_o wise_a to_o salvation_n the_o teach_v and_o explain_v these_o fundamental_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o public_a instruction_n and_o enjoin_v as_o a_o constant_a duty_n on_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o our_o solemn_a worship_n the_o minister_n in_o each_o parish_n be_v require_v diligent_o upon_o sunday_n and_o holiday_n open_o in_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v and_o examine_v so_o many_o child_n of_o his_o parish_n send_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v convenient_a in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o catechism_n and_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v and_o obedient_o to_o hear_v and_o by_o our_o twelve_o canon_n for_o the_o better_a ground_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catechism_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o part_n as_o there_o be_v sunday_n in_o the_o year_n shall_v be_v explain_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o parish_n church_n this_o be_v the_o care_n our_o church_n have_v take_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o the_o method_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o conceivable_a how_o any_o one_o who_o due_o conform_v to_o these_o order_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o effect_n be_v such_o that_o we_o may_v affirm_v without_o vanity_n or_o partiality_n that_o our_o clergy_n and_o laity_n especial_o where_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n be_v general_o much_o more_o know_v modest_a governable_a devout_a and_o charitable_a then_o perhaps_o may_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o church_n of_o which_o our_o late_a contest_v with_o the_o papist_n and_o behaviour_n under_o their_o government_n and_o since_o the_o present_a revolution_n be_v evident_a proof_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o hear_v and_o
read_v the_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v with_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_v from_o we_o how_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perform_v in_o your_o assembly_n and_o to_o compare_v your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n with_o the_o scripture_n rule_v and_o example_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o integrity_n that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o observe_v i._o and_o here_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o your_o teacher_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v very_o little_a regard_n either_o to_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n in_o frame_v this_o part_n of_o your_o worship_n have_v lay_v aside_o all_o those_o method_n of_o instruction_n that_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o except_o it_o be_v that_o of_o exposition_n and_o exhortation_n which_o among_o you_o be_v call_v preach_v in_o so_o much_o that_o though_o a_o man_n frequent_v your_o meeting_n all_o his_o life_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o security_n or_o hardly_o possibility_n of_o learning_n from_o your_o public_a teach_n all_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n or_o the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o his_o faith_n 1._o for_o first_o your_o preacher_n be_v entire_o leave_v to_o their_o choice_n what_o place_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v explain_v or_o what_o subject_n they_o will_v handle_v and_o hence_o it_o happen_v that_o hardly_o any_o one_o man_n in_o his_o life_n ever_o go_v through_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o practice_n in_o his_o public_a sermon_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o yourselves_o 2._o you_o have_v no_o summary_n of_o principle_n enjoin_v to_o be_v either_o read_v or_o teach_v in_o your_o public_a assembly_n a_o catechism_n you_o have_v but_o neither_o your_o directory_n nor_o practice_n make_v it_o any_o part_n of_o your_o lords-day-service_n and_o beside_o your_o catechism_n be_v such_o that_o it_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o such_o a_o form_n shall_v contain_v only_o the_o first_o and_o necessary_a principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n in_o such_o word_n and_o method_n as_o may_v make_v it_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o retain_v by_o the_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a which_o make_v up_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o people_n but_o your_o catechism_n be_v full_a of_o hard_a word_n school_n term_n and_o abstruse_a notion_n no_o wise_a necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n or_o possible_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o child_n or_o unlearned_a person_n for_o who_o edification_n principal_o a_o catechism_n ought_v to_o be_v contrive_v beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v so_o long_a and_o intricate_a even_o the_o short_a that_o not_o one_o child_n in_o ten_o ever_o get_v it_o by_o heart_n nor_o one_o in_o five_o hundred_o retain_v it_o as_o i_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n and_o desire_v that_o you_o will_v judge_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o you_o find_v upon_o trial_n last_o after_o all_o it_o be_v imperfect_a of_o some_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o apostle_n catechism_n be_v quite_o leave_v out_o of_o it_o i_o mean_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n join_v with_o baptism_n heb._n vi_fw-la 2_o a_o great_a defect_n sure_a in_o a_o catechism_n to_o leave_v out_o a_o fundamental_a of_o christianity_n ii_o but_o the_o most_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a defect_n of_o your_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v your_o cast_v out_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o most_o of_o your_o public_a assembly_n direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n institution_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n insomuch_o that_o in_o many_o of_o your_o meeting_n set_v aside_o a_o verse_n or_o two_o for_o a_o text_n or_o quotation_n at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o teacher_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n be_v never_o public_o hear_v among_o they_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o undeniable_a and_o in_o all_o the_o meeting_n in_o the_o north_n of_o ireland_n in_o a_o whole_a year_n perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o scripture_n read_v as_o in_o one_o day_n in_o our_o church_n by_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n which_o i_o can_v make_v one_o will_v think_v this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o people_n where_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o its_o purity_n and_o to_o prove_v our_o assembly_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n against_o all_o that_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o we_o whereof_o some_o hide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o strange_a language_n and_o other_o banish_v it_o out_o of_o their_o meeting_n it_o be_v in_o our_o congregation_n only_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n be_v hear_v speak_v to_o his_o people_n without_o cover_n or_o gloss_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o most_o meeting_n many_o year_n and_o never_o hear_v one_o entire_a chapter_n read_v in_o they_o now_o this_o omission_n be_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o you_o and_o must_v render_v you_o manifest_o self-condemned_n 1._o first_o because_o you_o so_o vehement_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v and_o quote_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o in_o which_o read_v the_o law_n as_o be_v show_v before_o be_v term_v preach_v act_n xv_o 21_o but_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o congregation_n from_o they_o in_o a_o fix_a christian_a auditory_a which_o you_o count_v preach_v be_v never_o call_v so_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n therefore_o by_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n the_o scripture_n in_o your_o public_a assembly_n you_o have_v entire_o cast_v aside_o preach_v in_o the_o proper_a scripture-sense_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o this_o must_v render_v you_o self-condemned_n because_o you_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o holy_a scripture_n above_o other_o christian_n your_o mouth_n commendable_o and_o with_o just_a reason_n be_v continual_o full_a of_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n you_o own_v it_o with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o the_o only_a sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n you_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o seem_v to_o found_v yourselves_o on_o it_o and_o yet_o your_o not_o allow_v the_o read_n of_o it_o a_o constant_a place_n in_o your_o religious_a assembly_n make_v it_o seem_v as_o if_o you_o have_v a_o very_a low_a opinion_n of_o it_o in_o your_o heart_n if_o you_o real_o value_v it_o as_o you_o profess_v why_o do_v you_o banish_v the_o read_n of_o it_o from_o your_o public_a worship_n to_o make_v room_n for_o discourse_n lecture_n and_o sermon_n of_o your_o own_o teacher_n remember_v of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v mark_n seven_o 6_o this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o while_o you_o thus_o justle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o your_o solemn_a meeting_n to_o make_v room_n for_o your_o own_o sermon_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o man_n invention_n unless_o you_o will_v call_v your_o sermon_n as_o some_o quaker_n be_v say_v to_o do_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o bible_n iii_o i_o look_v on_o this_o as_o so_o material_a a_o point_n and_o conceive_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o that_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o pretence_n i_o have_v find_v to_o justify_v it_o though_o i_o confess_v they_o seem_v to_o i_o so_o weak_a that_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v be_v almost_o suspect_v by_o indifferent_a person_n not_o to_o do_v justice_n in_o represent_v they_o for_o it_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o any_o body_n shall_v urge_v so_o slight_a reason_n for_o so_o considerable_a a_o omission_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v all_o i_o have_v ever_o meet_v with_o or_o hear_v from_o you_o the_o first_o reason_n i_o have_v hear_v urge_v be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n at_o home_n and_o be_v thus_o acquaint_v with_o they_o the_o read_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o their_o public_a meeting_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o see_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n a_o part_n of_o his_o solemn_a public_a worship_n therefore_o to_o leave_v it_o out_o in_o our_o assembly_n on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o his_o command_n and_o so_o to_o corrupt_v and_o dismember_v his_o worship_n 2._o the_o private_a performance_n of_o a_o duty_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o interfere_v with_o or_o hinder_v the_o public_a we_o must_v
it_o be_v certain_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o sit_v but_o lie_v at_o table_n when_o he_o do_v eat_v his_o usual_a meal_n suppose_v then_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o his_o posture_n of_o eat_v we_o ought_v to_o lie_v as_o he_o do_v but_o none_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o do_v so_o or_o practice_v this_o way_n since_o then_o all_o party_n change_v it_o sure_o we_o do_v better_a that_o change_v it_o into_o the_o religious_a way_n of_o eat_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n with_o adoration_n than_o other_o that_o change_v our_o saviour_n way_n into_o sit_v the_o common_a way_n of_o our_o eat_v 3._o we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v for_o our_o practice_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o at_o a_o common_a supper_n when_o he_o institute_v this_o sacrament_n but_o at_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v a_o sacramental_a eat_v and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a posture_n prescribe_v for_o it_o ex._n twelve_o 11_o and_o though_o some_o think_v but_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o observe_v this_o yet_o it_o be_v own_v they_o observe_v another_o which_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v and_o be_v reckon_v religious_a however_o it_o be_v speak_v that_o our_o saviour_n perform_v this_o eat_v with_o several_a religious_a ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n such_o be_v that_o we_o find_v luke_n xxii_o 17_o and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o say_v take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o this_o cup_n be_v different_a from_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n which_o be_v institute_v vers_fw-la 20._o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v christ_n we_o ought_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o way_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o different_a from_o our_o common_a meal_n 4_o but_o four_a the_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o go_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v which_o no_o wise_a appear_v in_o scripture_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o any_o thing_n say_v or_o intimate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o st._n paul_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v true_a whilst_o the_o disciple_n be_v eat_v he_o take_v bread_n but_o after_o that_o he_o give_v thanks_o and_o bless_v it_o and_o then_o he_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n continue_v eat_v whilst_o our_o saviour_n be_v give_v thanks_o and_o blessing_n that_o be_v pray_v our_o saviour_n therefore_o or_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o eat_v but_o give_v thanks_o and_o pray_v whilst_o this_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o probability_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o thanksgiving_n and_o pray_v posture_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o change_n of_o posture_n since_o the_o change_n of_o the_o action_n from_o eat_v to_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n sufficient_o signify_v and_o infer_v it_o there_o be_v no_o notice_n take_v of_o our_o saviour_n rise_v at_o all_o from_o the_o table_n by_o any_o of_o the_o three_o evangelist_n that_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o john_n xiii_o 4_o that_o he_o do_v rise_v from_o that_o supper_n and_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n and_o sit_v down_o again_o vers._n 12._o and_o so_o he_o may_v rise_v to_o bless_v and_o distribute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o common_a table-posture_n rather_o the_o contrary_n seem_v probable_a so_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o reason_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o as_o fit_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o like_a case_n last_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n severe_o reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o their_o irreverence_n in_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o damnation_n for_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v for_o receive_v it_o as_o their_o common_a food_n without_o distinguish_v between_o they_o by_o a_o reverend_n and_o religious_a receive_v it_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o a_o due_a distinction_n between_o it_o and_o our_o common_a food_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n with_o as_o much_o reverence_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o altar_n at_o which_o they_o never_o sit_v down_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o sacred_a action_n as_o to_o bodily_a worship_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v and_o ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v as_o unjust_a to_o suspect_v or_o accuse_v we_o of_o worship_v the_o lord_n table_n or_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n because_o we_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o it_o be_v to_o accuse_v the_o jew_n of_o worship_v their_o altar_n or_o sacrifice_n because_o they_o worship_v before_o they_o as_o god_n command_v they_o to_o do_v 2_o king_n xviii_o 22_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o give_v we_o true_a submission_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o these_o inward_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o our_o church_n have_v appoint_v by_o bodily_a worship_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o god_n have_v approve_v and_o holy_a man_n have_v practise_v in_o scripture_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o bodily_a worship_n i._o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o you_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o to_o compare_v your_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o first_o as_o to_o your_o principle_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o allow_v bodily_a adoration_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o you_o can_v but_o discern_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o make_v it_o the_o most_o proper_a peculiar_a act_n thereof_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o chap._n iu._n sect._n 1._o n_o o._n 1.2.3_o in_o your_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 21._o prayer_n reading_n scripture_n etc._n etc._n sing_v psalm_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v reckon_v up_o as_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o not_o a_o word_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n your_o directory_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v it_o out_o but_o exclude_v it_o by_o require_v all_o to_o enter_v the_o assembly_n and_o to_o take_v their_o seat_n and_o place_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v themselves_o towards_o one_o place_n or_o other_o that_o be_v without_o bow_v themselves_o at_o all_o a_o rule_n direct_o opposite_a to_o natural_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v christ_n peculiar_o present_a in_o their_o assembly_n which_o yet_o the_o author_n of_o your_o directory_n profess_v to_o do_v in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o they_o forbid_v all_o adoration_n let_v we_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o compare_v their_o rule_n with_o god_n word_n you_o have_v the_o bible_n in_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v your_o privilege_n to_o use_v it_o the_o scripture_n say_v o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n let_v we_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n your_o directory_n say_v let_v we_o enter_v the_o assembly_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v where_o notwithstanding_o it_o allow_v that_o we_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n appear_v in_o god_n presence_n sure_o you_o can_v but_o see_v this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v aside_o but_o to_o contradict_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n ii_o your_o practice_n be_v conformable_a to_o your_o principle_n for_o 1._o at_o your_o thanksgiving_n or_o praise_n you_o neither_o bow_v nor_o stand_v up_o 2._o whereas_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v use_v to_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o faith_n you_o have_v cast_v out_o of_o your_o religious_a assembly_n not_o only_o this_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n themselves_o so_o material_a a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v
together_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n though_o by_o their_o misbehaviour_n they_o so_o corrupt_v the_o ordinance_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v his_o supper_n if_o one_o shall_v now_o reprove_v christian_n who_o they_o observe_v to_o mis-behave_a themselves_o in_o church_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v to_o you_o for_o one_o be_v talk_v and_o another_o be_v sleep_v will_v not_o every_o body_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reprover_n the_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v aught_o to_o be_v one_o end_v of_o their_o come_n together_o and_o then_o sure_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n give_v we_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o in_o his_o opinion_n eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n ought_v to_o be_v one_o constant_a end_n of_o our_o come_n together_o which_o be_v further_o manifest_v from_o the_o advice_n he_o give_v they_o vers._n 33._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o one_o end_v therefore_o of_o their_o come_n together_o be_v as_o child_n come_v together_o in_o a_o family_n at_o meal-time_n that_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v at_o their_o father_n table_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n in_o this_o verse_n he_o call_v come_v together_o to_o eat_v intimate_v that_o a_o main_a end_n of_o their_o come_n together_o into_o one_o place_n be_v to_o eat_v 3._o when_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n come_v to_o be_v fix_v to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o break_v of_o bread_n be_v likewise_o bring_v to_o the_o same_o day_n so_o act_v xx_o 7_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o from_o which_o word_n we_o may_v conclude_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v the_o disciple_n time_n of_o public_a worship_n second_o that_o the_o break_v of_o bread_n or_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o there_o have_v be_v some_o dispute_n raise_v about_o change_a the_o day_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o last_o to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o this_o place_n be_v usual_o produce_v to_o justify_v the_o change_n and_o sure_o the_o same_o place_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n on_o that_o day_n as_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o day_n itself_o instead_o of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o wilful_o pass_v the_o lord's-day_n without_o it_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n direct_v we_o to_o do_v 4._o i_o have_v endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o use_v such_o argument_n only_o as_o the_o mean_a person_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o from_o their_o bibles_n yet_o in_o a_o controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o command_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o some_o positive_a duty_n i_o take_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o to_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n of_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o a_o state_v assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o i_o think_v there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o that_o nature_n in_o all_o antiquity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o appeal_v to_o those_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o it_o the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v still_o find_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o more_o punctual_o observe_v as_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o when_o first_o some_o who_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o go_v away_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n without_o receive_v which_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o come_v in_o about_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o so_o great_a a_o innovation_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n that_o the_o church_n decree_v whosoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v so_o particular_o the_o nine_o of_o those_o common_o call_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o second_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n thus_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v for_o many_o age_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v persuade_v constant_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n after_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o piety_n of_o man_n begin_v to_o cool_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v celebrate_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n according_a to_o the_o first_o settle_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o and_o indeed_o the_o corrupt_a practice_n of_o the_o solitary_a mass_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v count_v original_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o think_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o even_o by_o the_o papist_n themselves_z that_o those_o mass_n have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o universal_a corruption_n and_o negligence_n of_o christian_n for_o whilst_o the_o people_n have_v either_o piety_n or_o zeal_n they_o communicate_v with_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n in_o every_o assembly_n at_o least_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o they_o but_o when_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v in_o the_o corrupt_a age_n of_o the_o church_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o the_o minister_n consecrate_a the_o element_n every_o lord's-day_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o antiquity_n yet_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o few_o or_o none_o to_o receive_v with_o he_o but_o be_v often_o force_v to_o receive_v alone_o this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n and_o a_o fall_n from_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o abuse_n by_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v as_o former_o corrupt_v her_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n and_o decree_v it_o lawful_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v alone_o yet_o this_o abuse_n show_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v constant_o reckon_v the_o lord's-supper_n as_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o christian_a assembly_n on_o solemn_a day_n and_o sure_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o can_v be_v term_v no_o less_o than_o a_o invention_n of_o our_o own_o since_o we_o can_v neither_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o 1400_o year_n together_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a commentary_n on_o the_o scripture_n text_n produce_v one_o example_n of_o a_o state_v solemn_a christian_a assembly_n without_o it_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o frequent_a communion_n i._o have_v thus_o consider_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o in_o this_o point_n let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n compare_v the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o this_o pattern_n i_o will_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o come_v full_o up_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o most_o defective_a part_n of_o the_o reformation_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o on_o view_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o our_o church_n come_v near_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n then_o perhaps_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o throw_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o what_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o thâ—_n church_n and_o as_o to_o the_o present_a point_n before_o we_o our_o reformer_n find_v two_o corruption_n creep_v in_o by_o time_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o priest_n receive_v the_o lord's-supper_n alone_o without_o the_o people_n which_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o a_o communion_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o people_n think_v they_o have_v sufficient_o observe_v the_o lord's-day_n if_o they_o see_v mass_n without_o understand_v it_o or_o receive_v our_o church_n therefore_o to_o reform_v the_o first_o of_o these_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o communion_n except_o
4_o or_o 3_o at_o the_o least_o communicate_v with_o the_o priest_n so_o where_o 3_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o minister_n may_v proceed_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n every_o lord's-day_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o three_o therefore_o make_v a_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o obstinacy_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o shall_v hinder_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a from_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o therefore_o our_o church_n have_v take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o by_o order_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o communion-service_n be_v read_v every_o lord's-day_n both_o with_o design_n to_o put_v all_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o accommodate_v such_o as_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o herein_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v order_v that_o in_o cathedral_n and_o collegiate_n church_n and_o college_n where_o there_o be_v many_o priest_n and_o deacon_n they_o shall_v all_o receive_v the_o communion_n every_o sunday_n at_o the_o least_o 3._o that_o every_o parishioner_n shall_v communicate_v at_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n whereof_o easter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o sure_o such_o as_o can_v fit_v themselves_o so_o often_o must_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n be_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n 4._o last_o as_o to_o our_o practice_n we_o have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o universal_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v celebrate_v thrice_o every_o year_n and_o where_o either_o our_o persuasion_n argument_n or_o entreaty_n can_v prevail_v with_o our_o people_n we_o have_v monthly_a communion_n and_o in_o city_n and_o large_a town_n by_o the_o change_a the_o monthly_a day_n in_o several_a church_n people_n that_o be_v devout_o dispose_v have_v opportunity_n of_o receive_v weekly_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o our_o church_n want_v not_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v many_o such_o 5._o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o to_o hold_v solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o communicate_v be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n and_o come_v in_o by_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n and_o slacken_v of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o root-out_a and_o reform_v this_o popish_a practice_n entire_o yet_o we_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n and_o by_o god_n blessing_n may_v say_v we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o take_v that_o for_o ordinary_a which_o have_v a_o constant_a fix_a time_n for_o its_o observation_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o our_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o i_o very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o shall_v have_v bring_v our_o people_n before_o now_o to_o the_o scripture-order_n of_o constant_a weekly_n communicate_v have_v not_o the_o ill_a example_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n encourage_v they_o in_o their_o negligence_n and_o weaken_v our_o discipline_n for_o our_o church_n order_v non-communicants_a to_o be_v present_v and_o punish_v and_o our_o minister_n do_v not_o general_o flatter_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sin_n or_o dissemble_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o point_n but_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o by_o sermon_n admonition_n and_o treatise_n purposely_o publish_v to_o this_o intent_n press_v they_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v blameless_a before_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v it_o our_o fault_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o people_n be_v not_o reform_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v accuse_v of_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o of_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n in_o this_o particular_a though_o we_o be_v yet_o too_o far_o short_a of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o institution_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n about_o frequency_n of_o communicate_v i._o i_o come_v now_o according_a to_o my_o former_a method_n to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o and_o entreat_v you_o to_o examine_v with_o i_o your_o principle_n and_o practice_n by_o these_o scripture-rule_n and_o example_n and_o here_o first_o i_o must_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o you_o have_v no_o fix_a or_o set_v time_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n on_o the_o contrary_a your_o directory_n order_n that_o the_o time_n how_o often_o this_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v may_v be_v consider_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o church-governor_n of_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v any_o ordinary_a constant_a part_n of_o god_n service_n it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o each_o congregation_n to_o determine_v as_o in_o other_o occasional_a thing_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v of_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n or_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o which_o yet_o they_o determine_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o every_o lord_n day_n have_v they_o make_v the_o same_o rule_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n they_o have_v indeed_o conform_v to_o the_o scripture-precedent_n and_o may_v have_v pretend_v to_o some_o reformation_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n altogether_o discretionary_a i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v direct_o against_o what_o we_o find_v practise_v in_o scripture_n ii_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v your_o teacher_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v this_o abuse_n and_o innovation_n have_v fall_v into_o another_o practice_n as_o unprecedent_v in_o scripture_n the_o exclude_v this_o sacrament_n entire_o from_o your_o ordinary_a solemn_a meeting_n and_o true_o in_o this_o point_n you_o seem_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o the_o papist_n order_n the_o element_n to_o be_v consecrate_v every_o lord_n day_n and_o distribute_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v it_o but_o your_o teacher_n neither_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o people_n nor_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o afford_v a_o opportunity_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v constant_a receiver_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o multiply_v the_o abuse_n introduce_v by_o popery_n instead_o of_o reform_v they_o iii_o they_o rare_o press_v their_o people_n to_o communicate_v they_o have_v few_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o many_o of_o they_o condemn_v our_o zeal_n for_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o constant_a communion_n precedent_v in_o scripture_n i_o must_v further_o make_v you_o sensible_a that_o your_o practice_n be_v yet_o worse_o than_o your_o principle_n your_o directory_n own_v that_o the_o communion_n or_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v celebrate_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o as_o with_o all_o other_o indefinite_a rule_n they_o signify_v only_o that_o people_n may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v in_o the_o case_n no_o body_n can_v certain_o tell_v what_o frequent_o many_o often_o or_o convenient_a signify_v and_o therefore_o where_o only_o these_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o rule_n it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o very_a case_n for_o when_o people_n be_v relax_v from_o the_o particular_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o our_o church_n by_o the_o first_o break_v off_o of_o those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n from_o we_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o whole_o for_o several_a year_n by_o some_o congregation_n and_o at_o last_o too_o many_o come_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o constant_a necessity_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o reckon_v a_o great_a thing_n among_o many_o of_o you_o if_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o a_o communion_n be_v celebrate_v in_o one_o of_o your_o meeting_n nay_o among_o some_o of_o
for_o their_o mutual_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n it_o be_v common_a therefore_o for_o one_o to_o sing_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o hearken_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n as_o appear_v 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 31_o for_o you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o be_v comfort_v prophesy_v here_o as_o we_o may_v find_v from_o the_o 26_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n include_v psalm_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n tongue_n revelation_n and_o interpretation_n and_o the_o praise_v god_n one_o by_o one_o or_o by_o turn_n amount_n to_o praise_v he_o by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v and_o though_o these_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o act_v in_o this_o according_a to_o the_o settle_a order_n of_o the_o church_n vers._n 33._o as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o these_o inspire_a prophet_n thus_o praise_v god_n one_o by_o one_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a precedent_n that_o god_n approve_v this_o way_n in_o his_o praise_n this_o way_n of_o praise_v god_n by_o answer_v one_o another_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a we_o find_v in_o scripture_n for_o thus_o miriam_n praise_v god_n exod._n xv_o 21_o and_o miriam_n answer_v they_o sing_v you_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v triumph_v glorious_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o last_o song_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n rev._n nineteeen_o as_o be_v before_o mention_v i_o reckon_v the_o song_n with_o which_o the_o woman_n of_o israel_n receive_v saul_n 1_o sam._n xviii_o 7_o to_o be_v religious_a and_o there_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o answer_v one_o another_o and_o chap._n xxi_o 11_o do_v they_o not_o sing_v one_o to_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o these_o song_n be_v religious_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o some_o psalm_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v sing_v in_o part_n and_o as_o much_o be_v own_v by_o the_o best_a commentator_n such_o be_v the_o xxiv_o and_o cxviii_o psalm_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n neither_o prescribe_v psalm_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n nor_o singer_n nor_o the_o way_n of_o sing_v these_o all_o therefore_o be_v part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o indeed_o ancient_a than_o the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o exod._n xv_o what_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v these_o be_v either_o from_o the_o immediate_a prescription_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o it_o be_v obvious_a that_o natural_a necessity_n will_v teach_v any_o consider_a man_n this_o way_n of_o alternate_a sing_n or_o answer_v in_o part_n for_o if_o the_o song_n be_v long_o as_o some_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v no_o one_o man_n voice_n can_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n v._o the_o holy_a scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o instrument_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n the_o psalmist_n frequent_o use_v and_o recommend_v they_o and_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v conclude_v with_o this_o advice_n psal._n cl_o 3_o praise_v he_o with_o timbrel_n praise_v he_o with_o string_a instrument_n and_o organ_n etc._n etc._n thus_o religious_a person_n be_v teach_v to_o praise_n god_n before_o the_o law_n ex._n xv_o 20_o and_o miriam_n the_o prophetess_n the_o sister_n of_o aaron_n take_v a_o timbrel_n in_o her_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o woman_n go_v after_o with_o timbrel_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n be_v represent_v praise_n god_n rev._n v._n 8_o and_o fourteen_o 2_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n recommend_v to_o we_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v the_o hymn_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o command_v we_o to_o sing_v they_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n we_o render_v sing_v jam._n v._n 13_o original_o imply_v sing_v with_o a_o instrument_n now_o if_o they_o have_v not_o approve_v the_o jewish_a way_n of_o sing_v they_o which_o be_v with_o instrument_n they_o will_v not_o have_v use_v a_o word_n that_o import_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o will_v have_v caution_v we_o against_o it_o but_o the_o use_n of_o instrument_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o the_o case_n of_o miriam_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o antecedent_n to_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o cease_v without_o some_o command_n or_o precept_n condemn_v it_o vi_o last_o the_o scripture_n require_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o praise_n we_o sing_v to_o god_n and_o this_o warrant_v our_o translate_n they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n therefore_o incumbent_a on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o procure_v the_o psalm_n to_o be_v translate_v for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o charge_n and_o they_o may_v expect_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n when_o they_o attempt_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n but_o if_o through_o human_a frailty_n any_o mistake_n not_o contrary_n to_o faith_n shall_v creep_v in_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o use_n of_o the_o translation_n since_o there_o be_v such_o mistake_v both_o in_o the_o syriac_a greek_a and_o latin_a translation_n some_o of_o which_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o be_v use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o direction_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o praise_n and_o the_o manner_n we_o find_v they_o offer_v to_o he_o by_o his_o saint_n sect._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o praising_n god_n public_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o church_n now_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o offer_v praise_n in_o our_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o praise_n glorify_v and_o confess_v to_o god_n every_o day_n in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o psalm_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o then_o in_o such_o hymn_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a and_o to_o these_o there_o be_v add_v such_o other_o hymn_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a direction_n of_o scripture_n but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v more_o explicit_o reveal_v to_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o be_v to_o those_o under_o the_o law_n therefore_o our_o church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o require_v we_o with_o every_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n to_o intermix_v glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v now_o and_o ever_o shall_v be_v to_o signify_v that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o god_n be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o by_o we_o the_o same_o god_n that_o be_v glorify_v in_o the_o psalm_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o now_o so_o that_o our_o ascribe_v this_o glory_n express_o to_o the_o three_o person_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v tax_v as_o any_o real_a addition_n to_o the_o psalm_n it_o be_v only_o use_v as_o a_o necessary_a expedient_a to_o turn_v the_o jewish_a psalm_n into_o christian_a hymn_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n now_o as_o they_o be_v before_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o practice_n i_o presume_v can_v give_v cause_n of_o exception_n to_o none_o but_o socinian_o 2._o our_o church_n order_n these_o psalm_n to_o be_v either_o sing_v or_o say_v as_o the_o people_n be_v able_a to_o offer_v they_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v a_o great_a restraint_n on_o they_o than_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v in_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v we_o have_v example_n for_o both_o these_o way_n of_o praise_v god_n 3._o they_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o prose_n without_o any_o other_o alteration_n from_o the_o original_a than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o intelligible_a in_o our_o language_n 4._o the_o people_n be_v allow_v to_o bear_v their_o part_n in_o they_o and_o either_o to_o sing_v or_o say_v they_o by_o way_n of_o answer_v this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n example_n but_o it_o be_v not_o impose_v except_o in_o very_a few_o case_n 5._o our_o church_n permit_v the_o use_n of_o some_o grave_a musical_a instrument_n to_o regulate_v the_o voice_n of_o those_o that_o sing_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o their_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o
natural_a effect_n of_o music_n and_o seem_v more_o requisite_a in_o northern_a country_n where_o general_o people_n voice_n be_v more_o harsh_a and_o untuneable_a than_o in_o other_o place_n but_o this_o be_v not_o impose_v in_o any_o congregation_n nor_o do_v any_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n require_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v at_o the_o people_n choice_n whether_o they_o will_v use_v the_o help_n of_o these_o instrument_n or_o no._n 6._o this_o then_o be_v the_o care_n our_o church_n have_v take_v for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o bring_v grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o join_v in_o they_o which_o be_v our_o part_n and_o duty_n to_o do_v who_o can_v say_v that_o god_n praise_n thus_o celebrate_v be_v not_o according_a to_o his_o command_n and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o i_o think_v it_o sufficient_o plain_a that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n for_o this_o and_o all_o other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o think_v no_o more_o necessary_a therefore_o on_o this_o head_n but_o with_o all_o earnestness_n to_o beseech_v you_o who_o be_v of_o our_o communion_n to_o consider_v how_o great_a and_o important_a a_o part_n these_o praise_n be_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o apply_v yourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n and_o holy_a zeal_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o we_o never_o come_v near_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a then_o when_o our_o heart_n and_o mouth_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o praise_n of_o our_o god_n sect._n 3_o the_o dissenter_n manner_n of_o praising_n god_n in_o public_a and_o now_o as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n who_o dissent_v from_o this_o worship_n of_o we_o give_v i_o leave_v with_o all_o calmness_n to_o examine_v how_o you_o perform_v this_o great_a work_n of_o praising_n god_n and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o compare_v your_o own_o practice_n in_o your_o public_a assembly_n with_o what_o you_o find_v in_o your_o bible_n concern_v this_o duty_n i._o your_o directory_n determine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o praise_n god_n public_o by_o sing_v of_o psalm_n together_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o sing_v psalm_n the_o voice_n be_v to_o be_v tuneable_a and_o grave_o order_v and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o the_o minister_n or_o some_o other_o fit_a person_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o the_o other_o rule_v officer_n do_v read_v the_o psalm_n line_n by_o line_n before_o the_o sing_v thereof_o and_o your_o common_a practice_n be_v to_o sing_v two_o or_o three_o verse_n of_o a_o psalm_n in_o metre_n the_o minister_n or_o clerk_n first_o read_v each_o line_n and_o the_o people_n sing_v it_o after_o ii_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o make_v any_o observation_n on_o these_o rule_n and_o practice_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n in_o metre_n as_o unlawful_a 2._o that_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v praise_n god_n in_o prose_n and_o that_o metre_n and_o rhyme_n be_v for_o aught_o appear_v pure_o of_o human_a invention_n 3._o we_o must_v consider_v that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o psalm_n as_o we_o use_v they_o in_o prose_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o exalt_v piece_n of_o poetry_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o thing_n better_o fit_v to_o raise_v in_o serious_a and_o well_o dispose_v people_n the_o most_o devout_a affection_n whereas_o if_o we_o take_v they_o as_o they_o be_v common_o use_v in_o rhyme_n the_o force_n the_o vigour_n the_o loftiness_n which_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o prose_n translation_n be_v almost_o entire_o lose_v in_o the_o verse_n and_o though_o several_a have_v attempt_v to_o translate_v they_o into_o english_a verse_n yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o any_o one_o have_v do_v justice_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o expression_n and_o hardly_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o iii_o have_v premise_v these_o thing_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v impartial_o with_o i_o how_o far_o this_o your_o practice_n agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n rule_n 1._o then_o the_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o praise_n god_n in_o psalm_n and_o undoubted_o the_o first_o christian_n use_v whole_a psalm_n at_o a_o time_n sometime_o they_o join_v together_o in_o sing_v they_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v matt._n xxvi_o 30_o sometime_o one_o only_o sing_v and_o the_o rest_n attend_v for_o their_o edification_n as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o but_o the_o aforesaid_a method_n of_o sing_v the_o metre_n psalm_n take_v up_o so_o much_o time_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o praise_n god_n in_o whole_a psalm_n after_o that_o manner_n but_o if_o we_o use_v the_o psalm_n in_o prose_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n the_o experience_n of_o good_a man_n do_v testify_v that_o we_o may_v easy_o pass_v through_o they_o in_o a_o month_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n whether_o we_o sing_v or_o read_v they_o and_o to_o well_o dispose_v mind_n no_o part_n of_o god_n service_n be_v more_o agreeable_a or_o edify_a whereas_o some_o year_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o that_o purpose_n if_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o new_a invent_a way_n of_o sing_v a_o few_o verse_n and_o i_o question_v whether_o all_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o yet_o sing_v through_o in_o one_o meeting_n place_n perhaps_o not_o in_o all_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o use_n and_o be_v profitable_a when_o thus_o use_v for_o doctrine_n reproof_n correction_n instruction_n and_o comfort_n which_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o sing_v the_o psalm_n in_o metre_n be_v not_o the_o scripture_n way_n of_o use_v they_o 2._o let_v i_o mind_n you_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a usurpation_n dr._n manton_n a_o man_n of_o considerable_a reputation_n among_o the_o dissenter_n observe_v in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n chap._n v_o vers_fw-la 13_o that_o several_a scruple_v sing_v psalm_n at_o all_o other_o object_v against_o sing_v they_o in_o verse_n this_o he_o call_v a_o vaâ—n_a cavil_n yet_o propose_v if_o the_o scruple_n continue_v that_o such_o may_v sing_v the_o read_n psalm_n as_o have_v be_v use_v in_o cathedral_n and_o vouch_v st._n austin_n and_o athanasius_n for_o it_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n from_o this_o considerable_a person_n that_o this_o way_n of_o sing_v be_v less_o liable_a to_o exception_n then_o you_o 3._o i_o know_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o psalm_n in_o verse_n for_o sing_v as_o well_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v they_o in_o prose_n for_o read_v but_o i_o have_v show_v already_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n sing_v their_o hymn_n in_o prose_n and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o vary_v from_o these_o precedent_n we_o have_v a_o command_n to_o translate_v they_o which_o suppose_v into_o prose_n because_o the_o original_a be_v so_o but_o none_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o metre_n which_o necessary_o require_v paraphrase_v change_a the_o order_n of_o the_o sentence_n sometime_o add_v and_o leave_v out_o word_n and_o on_o that_o account_n seem_v to_o give_v human_a wit_n too_o great_a a_o liberty_n of_o treat_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o man_n please_v at_o least_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o psalm_n so_o order_v partake_v of_o human_a frailty_n and_o be_v hardly_o equal_a to_o the_o best_a mere_a human_a composure_n when_o therefore_o we_o use_v such_o psalm_n we_o ought_v to_o use_v they_o as_o human_a composure_n only_o and_o not_o as_o god_n word_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v use_v by_o our_o people_n in_o our_o assembly_n not_o as_o any_o main_a substantial_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o voluntary_a entertainment_n of_o devotion_n and_o a_o refreshment_n to_o the_o people_n between_o the_o part_n of_o the_o service_n much_o less_o be_v they_o allow_v by_o we_o to_o justle_v out_o the_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n appoint_v by_o god_n 4._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o sing_v the_o psalm_n in_o metre_n at_o present_a in_o use_n both_o with_o you_o and_o we_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n or_o clerk_n read_v a_o line_n and_o the_o people_n sing_v it_o after_o it_o be_v a_o great_a interruption_n to_o the_o music_n and_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o psalm_n by_o break_v
the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v man_n from_o stir_v up_o or_o use_v the_o gift_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o 2._o other_o of_o you_o go_v further_o and_o affirm_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o speak_v public_o to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o join_v their_o voice_n but_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o he_o upon_o these_o principle_n you_o forsake_v our_o worship_n and_o many_o of_o you_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o present_v at_o our_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n therefore_o that_o you_o shall_v understand_v what_o the_o scripture_n determine_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o our_o worship_n which_o you_o thus_o forsake_v be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v and_o these_o principle_n of_o your_o worship_n and_o your_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n i_o can_v see_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v your_o forsake_v our_o assembly_n to_o god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v each_o of_o these_o principle_n apart_o ii_o and_o first_o for_o that_o position_n of_o your_o directory_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o promise_n or_o foundation_n it_o have_v in_o scripture_n i_o profess_v to_o you_o serious_o that_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n ay_o can_v make_v i_o never_o can_v find_v any_o such_o promise_v make_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o meet_v any_o dissenter_n that_o be_v able_a to_o show_v any_o such_o exclusive_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n if_o then_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v there_o be_v not_o be_v it_o not_o too_o much_o presumption_n in_o the_o compiler_n of_o your_o directory_n to_o obtrude_v this_o doctrine_n on_o the_o world_n or_o persuade_v people_n to_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o neglect_v the_o help_n of_o form_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o nay_o as_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n for_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v prayer_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o command_n in_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o worship_n or_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o conceive_v extemporary_a or_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o example_n in_o a_o settle_a ordinary_a congregation_n where_o it_o be_v practise_v if_o then_o you_o can_v show_v none_o of_o these_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o promise_n nor_o command_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o worship_n build_v on_o it_o a_o vanity_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v seven_o 7_o if_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o confute_v a_o adversary_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v sufficient_a but_o this_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o point_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v both_o grateful_a and_o instructive_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o they_o and_o set_v it_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v under_o the_o follow_a head_n iii_o 1._o first_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o whoever_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o faith_n sincerity_n fervency_n love_n humility_n conformity_n to_o god_n will_n understanding_n and_o decency_n of_o expression_n pray_v acceptable_o to_o he_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whoever_o pray_v without_o these_o do_v want_v it_o 2._o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v attain_v these_o grace_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o beget_v they_o in_o we_o 3._o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o acquire_v by_o natural_a mean_n a_o ability_n to_o express_v himself_o decent_o in_o prayer_n though_o he_o can_v so_o acquire_v faith_n or_o any_o other_o inward_a grace_n so_o that_o decency_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o always_o a_o part_n of_o it_o 4._o i_o say_v that_o one_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n may_v have_v all_o these_o qualification_n and_o therefore_o his_o prayer_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o the_o dissenter_n 1._o from_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n which_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v how_o be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v use_v the_o answer_n be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n as_o a_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v other_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v also_o use_v as_o a_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o understanding_n faith_n reverence_n and_o other_o grace_n necessary_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n 2._o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o dissenter_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o turn_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n into_o metre_n and_o then_o sing_v they_o line_n by_o line_n after_o the_o minister_n as_o for_o example_n the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o psalm_n run_v thus_o in_o the_o translation_n they_o use_v give_v ear_n unto_o my_o word_n o_o lord_n my_o meditation_n weigh_v hear_v my_o loud_a cry_n my_o king_n my_o god_n for_o i_o to_o thou_o will_v pray_v this_o be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o any_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o by_o their_o use_v it_o as_o they_o do_v they_o plain_o practice_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o do_v further_o also_o allow_v that_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o praise_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n with_o sing_v and_o that_o they_o may_v repeat_v their_o form_n of_o prayer_n after_o the_o minister_n with_o what_o reason_n then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v against_o we_o that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n sing_v in_o verse_n and_o after_o the_o minister_n read_v it_o be_v commendable_a but_o the_o same_o say_v or_o sing_v in_o prose_n be_v unlawful_a 5._o extemporary_a conceive_a prayer_n may_v want_v these_o spiritual_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n as_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o that_o contend_v most_o for_o they_o and_o they_o often_o be_v manifest_o deficient_a be_v sometime_o perform_v without_o reverence_n or_o decency_n of_o expression_n and_o by_o some_o even_o without_o understanding_n and_o where_o these_o qualification_n be_v find_v other_o may_v be_v want_v the_o scripture_n observe_v that_o a_o man_n may_v make_v long_a prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o mind_n dispose_v to_o devour_v widow_n house_n he_o may_v want_v faith_n humility_n fervency_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n and_o therefore_o such_o prayer_n be_v not_o always_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 6._o therefore_o when_o god_n promise_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n to_o his_o people_n zach._n twelve_o 10_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o enable_v all_o man_n who_o be_v god_n child_n to_o conceive_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o mouth_n convenient_a desire_n without_o a_o form_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o every_o one_o to_o who_o god_n give_v a_o heart_n and_o disposition_n to_o pray_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o who_o from_o this_o principle_n offer_v up_o his_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n pray_v acceptable_o and_o he_o that_o offer_v they_o without_o that_o principle_n though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o unpremeditated_a and_o extemporary_a word_n be_v reject_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o grace_n the_o heart_n the_o disposition_n and_o ability_n to_o pray_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n such_o a_o man_n prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v great_o superstitious_a to_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o if_o god_n give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o pray_v and_o by_o his_o providence_n have_v provide_v we_o a_o form_n
four_o 16_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o also_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n since_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o christian_a law_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o read_v in_o the_o first_o christian_n assembly_n i_o may_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n iv._o this_o public_a read_v the_o law_n be_v of_o so_o great_a reputation_n that_o it_o be_v term_v preach_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xv_o 21_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n the_o word_n preach_v have_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o signify_v proper_o to_o declare_v or_o proclaim_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o herald_n or_o crier_n proclaim_v the_o law_n or_o order_n of_o a_o king_n hence_o only_a those_o that_o proclaim_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v it_o before_o or_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v preach_v be_v distinguish_v from_o teach_v and_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n though_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v call_v preach_v yet_o interpret_n they_o apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o people_n from_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a be_v never_o call_v by_o that_o name_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o disciple_n act_n xx_o 7_o when_o he_o only_o in_o probability_n make_v a_o sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n as_o be_v usual_a now_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o original_a of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o translate_v preach_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v here_o but_o discourse_v dispute_v speak_v or_o reason_v so_o it_o be_v translate_v in_o act_n xvii_o 2_o 17._o xviii_o 19_o nineteeen_o 8_o 9_o heb._n twelve_o 5_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o original_a word_n which_o proper_o signify_v preach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v proper_o preach_v the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o it_o before_o and_o the_o second_o be_v when_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o peodle_n as_o a_o crier_n do_v a_o proclamation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o word_n himself_o but_o read_v it_o in_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o in_o short_a the_o scripture_n be_v sermon_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n be_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o read_n of_o which_o to_o the_o people_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n of_o god_n and_o where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v due_o observe_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o makâ—_n they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o hear_v they_o with_o humility_n and_o attention_n be_v a_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o tim._n three_o 16_o 17._o v._o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o great_a solemnity_n it_o be_v observe_v nehem._n viij_o 5_o when_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n with_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o i_o find_v it_o general_o agree_v that_o both_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n stand_v up_o whilst_o the_o law_n be_v read_v though_o not_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v read_v or_o teach_v hence_o it_o be_v observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o that_o our_o saviour_n stand_v up_o for_o to_o read_v and_o vers._n 20._o after_o close_v the_o book_n that_o he_o sit_v down_o to_o teach_v hence_o rev._n v_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o highpriest_n with_o a_o book_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o lamb_n as_o his_o minister_n take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o declare_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o vers._n 8._o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n the_o angel_n join_v with_o they_o vers._n 11._o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n verse_n 13._o from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n with_o adoration_n and_o praise_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o read_n the_o law_n confession_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v intermix_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o neh._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o day_n and_o another_o four_o part_n they_o confess_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n vi_o we_o find_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n understand_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o people_n be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n their_o language_n be_v change_v and_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o least_o universal_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v first_o write_v therefore_o when_o ezra_n read_v in_o the_o law_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o ezra_n read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n neh._n viij_o 7_o and_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n and_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o their_o place_n so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o this_o custom_n continue_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n first_o the_o hebrew_a text_n be_v read_v and_o then_o a_o translation_n or_o paraphrase_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n for_o read_v the_o original_n in_o public_a assembly_n such_o a_o custom_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o people_n without_o a_o translation_n therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o the_o church_n but_o order_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 27_o let_v one_o interpret_v but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o we_o find_v that_o after_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o enlargement_n or_o comment_n on_o some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v constant_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v rather_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o have_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a provision_n for_o such_o enlargement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o exhortation_n from_o it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xiii_o 15_o to_o send_v to_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n that_o message_n we_o find_v there_o you_o man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o st._n paul_n suppose_v he_o who_o teach_v and_o he_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v distinct_a from_o he_o that_o rule_v
it_o be_v that_o some_o people_n can_v endure_v our_o service_n but_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o praise_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n will_v gratify_v they_o every_o meeting_n with_o a_o new_a prayer_n without_o trouble_v they_o with_o such_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n as_o they_o think_v old_a which_o be_v incomparable_o better_a only_o the_o itch_a ear_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n foretold_v be_v please_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disgust_v the_o repetition_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v that_o of_o angel_n food_n psa._n lxxviii_o 25_o num._n xxi_o 5_o &_o xi_o 6_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n and_o the_o business_n of_o the_o true_o conscientious_a to_o check_v and_o curb_v this_o humour_n in_o the_o people_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o discouragement_n the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n instead_o of_o comply_v with_o they_o have_v constant_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n and_o levity_n where_o they_o find_v they_o guilty_a but_o as_o aaron_n to_o please_v the_o israelite_n make_v the_o golden_a calf_n so_o some_o minister_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n have_v change_v god_n institution_n to_o please_v their_o people_n and_o lest_o out_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a read_n of_o god_n word_n because_o their_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v who_o behave_v themselves_o most_o like_a the_o minister_n of_o christ_n we_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o read_n god_n word_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v hear_v or_o forbear_v or_o they_o that_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o lay_z aside_o god_n command_n to_o oblige_v and_o gain_v they_o chap._n iu._n of_o bodily_a worship_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n be_v visible_a or_o bodily_a adoration_n such_o among_o we_o be_v uncover_v the_o head_n bowing_n kneel_v and_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o open_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o express_v the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o these_o attribute_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o head_n i_o will_v keep_v myself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o consider_v first_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o three_o examine_v the_o dissenter_n practise_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o find_v a_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a worship_n in_o public_a psal._n xcv_o 6_o o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o public_a worship_n let_v we_o come_v before_o his_o presence_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o this_o bow_v or_o kneel_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v literal_o not_o figurative_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o sing_v thanksgiving_n and_o psalm_n be_v all_o literal_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o understanding_n bow_v and_o kneel_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n than_o the_o other_o ii_o the_o same_o bodily_a worship_n be_v require_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o grave_a image_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v command_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n that_o the_o negative_a commandment_n include_v in_o they_o the_o contrary_a positive_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o first_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o to_o have_v any_o other_o god_n before_o the_o lord_n it_o require_v we_o to_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o our_o only_a god_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o command_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o which_o rule_n when_o the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n xx_o 5_o forbid_v we_o in_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o it_o require_v we_o to_o practise_v the_o contrary_a duty_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n to_o bow_v down_o to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v he_o both_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n therefore_o as_o he_o that_o either_o bow_n or_o kneel_v or_o use_v any_o posture_n of_o reverence_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n break_v the_o second_o commandment_n so_o do_v he_o who_o on_o occasion_n of_o public_a worship_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o use_v some_o such_o posture_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o instance_n without_o some_o posture_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o kneel_v to_o a_o image_n without_o pray_v to_o it_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o one_o be_v idolatry_n and_o the_o other_o sacrilege_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o give_v what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o a_o image_n or_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o himself_o we_o be_v equal_o robber_n of_o god_n we_o deny_v he_o his_o honour_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sacrilege_n i_o wish_v all_o concern_v may_v serious_o consider_v and_o amend_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a iii_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n command_n and_o from_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o he_o require_v or_o approve_v in_o his_o worship_n now_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v any_o one_o sit_v at_o his_o devotion_n but_o on_o all_o occasion_n of_o worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n the_o people_n of_o god_n stand_v kneel_v bow_v or_o prostrate_v themselves_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o 2_o sam._n seven_o 8_o that_o king_n david_n then_o go_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o here_o the_o original_a word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o signification_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o remain_v stay_v or_o abode_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o according_o it_o be_v thus_o translate_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n particular_o gen._n xxii_o 5_o &_o xxiv_o 55_o &_o xxix_o 19_o 1_o king_n twelve_o 2_o this_o place_n therefore_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o that_o practice_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o holy_a man_n worship_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o mind_n iv._o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a t._n our_o saviour_n undoubted_o be_v the_o best_a example_n we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v what_o he_o do_v and_o approve_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o bow_v the_o body_n with_o kneel_v and_o prostration_n as_o well_o as_o with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n so_o mat._n xxvi_o 39_o and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v o_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o luk._n xxii_o 41_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o as_o he_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n so_o he_o accept_v the_o same_o from_o man_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n thus_o the_o wise_a man_n worship_v he_o in_o his_o cradle_n mat._n two_o 11_o when_o they_o see_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n mary_n they_o fall_v down_o etc._n etc._n thus_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o mark_v v_o 22_o when_o he_o see_v he_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o return_v he_o thanks_o luke_n xvii_o 16_o thus_o his_o belove_a mary_n come_v into_o his_o presence_n john_n xi_o 32_o and_o matth._n xxviii_o 9_o they_o
hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o our_o saviour_n look_v on_o this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o be_v so_o indispensible_o his_o due_n that_o he_o accept_v of_o it_o from_o the_o very_a devil_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o forbear_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o he_o mark_v three_o 11_o and_o unclean_a spirit_n when_o they_o see_v he_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o cry_v thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o the_o very_a heathen_a as_o well_o as_o his_o disciple_n approach_v he_o even_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n admit_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o only_o whilst_o he_o be_v bodily_a present_n we_o may_v observe_v st._n stephen_n present_v his_o prayer_n with_o the_o same_o posture_n act_n seven_o 60_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n v._o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o first_o christian_n thus_o glorify_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o st._n paul_n express_o command_v we_o 1_o cor._n vi_o 20_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 23_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o heathen_a come_n into_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v convince_v add_v and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_n god_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o custom_n for_o christian_n to_o do_v thus_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o heathen_a or_o reckon_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o conviction_n if_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n may_v be_v allow_v a_o fit_a pattern_n to_o we_o of_o what_o be_v decent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o find_v they_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n rev._n seven_o 11_o and_o all_o the_o angel_n stand_v about_o the_o throne_n and_o about_o the_o elder_n and_o about_o the_o beast_n and_o fall_v on_o their_o face_n before_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v god_n so_o chap._n four_o 10_o and_o chap._n nineteeen_o 4_o and_o the_o same_o we_o find_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n act_v xxi_o 5._o where_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o church_n of_o tyre_n kneel_v down_o on_o the_o shore_n and_o pray_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n xx_o 36_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o so_o constant_o be_v bodily_a worship_n and_o prayer_n join_v together_o that_o bow_v the_o knee_n sometime_o signify_v prayer_n eph._n iii._o 14_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n vi_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o bodily_a worship_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a external_a act_n of_o adoration_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v pray_v praise_v read_v the_o scripture_n or_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n term_v worship_n they_o be_v indeed_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o not_o immediate_a direct_a act_n of_o worship_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o worship_n be_v proper_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o proper_a act_n of_o external_n worship_n which_o direct_o signify_v this_o subjection_n or_o submission_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o prayer_n signify_v our_o desire_n of_o good_a thing_n from_o god_n and_o only_o indirect_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o praise_n immediate_o signify_v the_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o god_n excellency_n and_o only_o by_o consequence_n our_o submission_n read_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o tend_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n but_o do_v not_o direct_o express_v it_o and_o the_o sacrament_n primary_o signify_v god_n grace_n to_o we_o rather_o than_o our_o submission_n to_o he_o all_o these_o may_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o part_n of_o worship_n because_o they_o do_v imply_v such_o submission_n but_o bend_v or_o bow_v the_o body_n be_v that_o which_o be_v proper_o in_o scripture_n call_v worship_n as_o signify_v immediate_o and_o natural_o the_o bend_n and_o submission_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o nothing_o else_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o word_n render_v worship_n signify_v properly_z and_o original_o to_o bow_v down_o or_o prostrate_v the_o body_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latter_a of_o which_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n be_v render_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o very_o often_o when_o the_o original_a have_v they_o bow_v down_o themselves_o the_o translator_n render_v it_o they_o worship_v so_o psal._n xcv_o 5_o and_o jer._n i._n 16_o and_o worship_v the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v they_o bow_v themselves_o down_o to_o the_o work_n etc._n etc._n gen._n xxiv_o 52_o he_o worship_v the_o lord_n bow_v himself_o to_o the_o earth_n the_o original_a have_v no_o more_o but_o he_o bow_v himself_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o lord_n so_o psal._n xcv_o 5_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v general_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o translator_n to_o bow_v one_o self_n to_o the_o earth_n be_v that_o proper_a act_n which_o they_o call_v worship_n and_o hence_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v signify_v by_o bow_v before_o he_o micah_n vi_fw-la 6_o wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n that_o be_v how_o shall_v i_o worship_v he_o acceptable_o as_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n general_o there_o render_v worship_n proper_o signify_v a_o bodily_a action_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v original_o to_o pay_v homage_n by_o a_o kiss_n as_o we_o now_o kiss_v the_o king_n hand_n which_o usual_o be_v do_v kneel_v and_o hence_o kneel_v and_o worship_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o one_o be_v put_v for_o the_o other_o thus_o matt._n viij_o 2_o there_o come_v a_o leper_n and_o worship_v he_o the_o same_o be_v say_v mark_v i._n 40_o to_o come_v beseech_v he_o and_o kneel_v to_o he_o of_o the_o canaanitish_a woman_n it_o be_v say_v matt._n xv_o 25_o that_o she_o come_v and_o worship_v he_o and_o mark_n say_v chap._n seven_o 25_o she_o come_v and_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n luke_n say_v of_o the_o man_n among_o the_o tomb_n that_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o chap._n viij_o 28_o mark_v that_o he_o worship_v he_o chap._n v._n 6_o of_o jairus_n mark_n and_o luke_n say_v that_o he_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n matthew_n that_o he_o worship_v he_o luke_n viij_o 40_o mark_v v_o 22_o math._n ix_o 18_o so_o promiscuous_o do_v the_o evangelist_n use_v the_o word_n kneel_v or_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v to_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o when_o any_o be_v say_v to_o worship_n christ_n visible_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v they_o kneel_v to_o he_o and_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o congregation_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o express_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o bow_v ourselves_o or_o kneel_v unto_o he_o hence_o the_o very_a soldier_n that_o in_o derision_n bow_v their_o knee_n to_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o worship_n he_o mark_v xv_o 19_o and_o st._n john_n rev._n xxii_o 8_o when_o he_o will_v worship_v the_o angel_n fall_v before_o his_o foot_n to_o which_o the_o angel_n reply_v see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o worship_n god_n from_o which_o text_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o fall_v down_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o angel_n to_o pay_v it_o to_o god_n vii_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n some_o act_n of_o this_o bodily_a worship_n accompany_v every_o religious_a performance_n thus_o prayer_n be_v general_o offer_v with_o kneel_v and_o that_o so_o constant_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o to_o bow_v the_o knee_n in_o scripture-language_n be_v to_o pray_v thus_o praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v offer_v stand_v 1_o king_n viij_o 14_o and_o the_o king_n turn_v his_o face_n about_o and_o bless_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n stand_v and_o he_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o posture_n be_v observe_v ver._n 55._o 2_o chron._n xx_o 19_o and_o the_o levite_n stand_v up_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n