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to_o be_v a_o male_a keep_v the_o 14_o day_n and_o to_o be_v kill_v at_o even_o without_o a_o bone_n break_v to_o be_v roast_v to_o be_v eat_v in_o the_o house_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n with_o bitter_a herb_n and_o none_o leave_v to_o the_o morning_n and_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v it_o stand_v as_o our_o author_n acknowledge_v p._n 32._o with_o their_o loin_n gird_v etc._n etc._n and_o with_o several_a other_o rite_n too_o long_o to_o enumerate_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v nothing_o specify_v or_o require_v but_o the_o element_n and_o the_o break_n and_o pour_v out_o nothing_o say_v of_o the_o kind_n of_o the_o bread_n or_o wine_n nothing_o require_v of_o the_o time_n or_o posture_n or_o number_n etc._n etc._n
together_o then_o seven_o more_o saint_n then_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o confessor_n together_o then_o all_o the_o holy_a doctor_n then_o five_o more_o of_o their_o own_o great_a saint_n by_o name_n then_o all_o the_o holy_a priest_n and_o levite_n then_o all_o the_o holy_a monk_n and_o hermit_n then_o seven_o she_z saint_n by_o name_n then_o all_o the_o holy_a virgin_n and_o widow_n and_o last_o all_o the_o he_o and_o she_o saint_n together_o but_o the_o brevity_n i_o be_o confine_v to_o in_o this_o discourse_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o abide_v any_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n between_o these_o two_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n four_o we_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v also_o no_o small_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o book_n they_o receive_v for_o canonical_a this_o will_v be_v immediate_o dispatch_v for_o no_o 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man_n to_o judge_n for_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o the_o church_n only_o claim_v a_o power_n to_o decree_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o orderly_o and_o to_o edification_n which_o power_n all_o church_n have_v ever_o exercise_v this_o may_v well_o enough_o consist_v with_o private_a person_n liberty_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v also_o say_v in_o the_o now_o cite_a article_n that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o our_o church_n have_v publish_v 39_o article_n and_o require_v of_o the_o clergy_n etc._n etc._n subscription_n to_o they_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v one_o article_n egregious_o to_o contradict_v another_o and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o contradict_v itself_o if_o we_o understand_v by_o the_o authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o our_o church_n acknowledge_v all_o church_n to_o have_v any_o more_o than_o authority_n to_o oblige_v their_o member_n to_o outward_a submission_n when_o their_o decision_n be_v such_o as_o contradict_v not_o any_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o our_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v article_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n not_o a_o authority_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o assent_v to_o their_o decree_n as_o infallible_o true_a but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n that_o all_o church_n shall_v be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o bind_v their_o member_n to_o outward_a submission_n in_o the_o case_n aforesaid_a that_o be_v when_o their_o suppose_a error_n be_v not_o of_o that_o moment_n as_o that_o it_o be_v of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o bear_v with_o they_o than_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o oppose_v they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o forementioned_a
scruple_n satisfy_v i_o think_v most_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v easy_o remove_v and_o we_o may_v all_o join_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o good_a protestant_n and_o the_o confusion_n of_o those_o that_o design_n to_o swallow_v we_o up_o and_o have_v no_o other_o hope_n of_o prevail_a but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o difference_n which_o for_o that_o end_n they_o have_v a_o long_a time_n most_o studious_o foment_v among_o we_o let_v not_o our_o unreasonable_a fear_n and_o groundless_a jealousy_n encourage_v their_o attempt_n with_o too_o great_a a_o probability_n of_o success_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a addition_n to_o our_o misery_n if_o the_o gild_n and_o shame_n of_o they_o too_o may_v be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n with_o what_o remorse_n shall_v we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v over_o if_o the_o protestant_a profession_n shall_v be_v far_o endanger_v and_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n get_v great_a advantage_n daily_o by_o those_o distraction_n which_o have_v be_v secret_o manage_v by_o they_o but_o open_o carry_v on_o and_o maintain_v by_o ourselves_o with_o what_o face_n shall_v we_o look_v to_o see_v our_o enemy_n not_o only_o triumph_v over_o we_o but_o mock_v and_o deride_v we_o for_o be_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o by_o their_o cunning_n as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o ruin_n but_o god_n almighty_n in_o his_o wise_a and_o gracious_a providence_n so_o confound_v all_o their_o device_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o unite_v and_o compose_v our_o difference_n that_o hereafter_o we_o may_v have_v no_o just_a occasion_n to_o fear_v either_o their_o treachery_n o_o their_o force_n this_o be_v a_o petition_n i_o be_o sure_a in_o which_o no_o good_a christian_n can_v refuse_v to_o join_v and_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o 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to_o the_o crown_n a_o church_n that_o be_v reform_v by_o full_a and_o sufficient_a authority_n upon_o mature_a and_o serious_a deliberation_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a time_n a_o church_n that_o have_v constant_o reject_v all_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o rome_n that_o admit_v of_o neither_o their_o infallibility_n nor_o supremacy_n that_o allow_v no_o purgatory_n nor_o indulgence_n no_o adoration_n of_o relic_n and_o image_n no_o pray_v to_o saint_n nor_o angel_n that_o do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n can_v be_v please_v with_o idle_a pilgrimage_n or_o a_o force_a celibacy_n or_o any_o set_a number_n of_o ave_n and_o paternoster_n or_o other_o formal_a devotion_n exact_o compute_v upon_o a_o string_n of_o bead_n and_o mutter_v over_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n that_o do_v not_o rob_v the_o laity_n of_o half_a the_o communion_n nor_o teach_v they_o that_o strange_a and_o contradictious_a doctrine_n that_o the_o element_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o real_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o do_v not_o only_o constant_o deny_v these_o and_o many_o more_o absurd_a and_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o have_v always_o send_v forth_o as_o stout_a and_o able_a champion_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o any_o the_o christian_a world_n afford_v a_o church_n who_o doctrine_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v orthodox_n by_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o who_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o external_a worship_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o any_o law_n of_o god_n and_o what_o imaginable_a ground_n can_v there_o then_o be_v to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n certain_o the_o use_n of_o a_o few_o indifferent_a thing_n appoint_v only_o for_o order_n sake_n will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o do_v it_o these_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v sinful_a in_o themselves_o and_o where_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v our_o superior_n may_v command_v and_o in_o all_o such_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v some_o indeed_o there_o be_v that_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o forbid_v but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v command_v or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n without_o sin_n but_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a i_o must_v confess_v that_o then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n not_o only_o with_o we_o but_o with_o any_o church_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o one_o can_v be_v find_v among_o they_o all_o that_o have_v not_o require_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o command_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o will_v allow_v that_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o religious_a assembly_n may_v be_v prescribe_v by_o authority_n and_o if_o these_o necessary_a circumstance_n may_v be_v thus_o determine_v though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n than_o it_o will_v be_v as_o lawful_a to_o prescribe_v what_o particular_a gesture_n and_o habit_n shall_v be_v there_o use_v for_o these_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n circumstance_n as_o necessary_a as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o the_o decent_a and_o reverent_a performance_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v too_o however_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o enjoin_v and_o submit_v to_o and_o if_o some_o than_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o indifferent_a nature_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v some_o sufficient_a reason_n assign_v why_o some_o shall_v be_v except_v and_o some_o not_o which_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a where_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o and_o in_o our_o present_a case_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a in_o the_o general_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a power_n shall_v make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v lawful_a before_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v still_o insist_v on_o that_o nothing_o must_v be_v command_v that_o god_n have_v not_o command_v they_o that_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n shall_v be_v very_o certain_a that_o they_o have_v clear_a proof_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o before_o they_o undertake_v to_o forbid_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o else_o they_o stand_v condemn_v by_o their_o own_o principle_n now_o the_o argument_n they_o bring_v for_o this_o out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o few_o and_o those_o very_a obscure_a and_o no_o way_n applicable_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n without_o be_v mighty_o strain_v those_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o many_o that_o which_o have_v be_v chief_o urge_v and_o seem_v indeed_o the_o most_o pertinent_a and_o material_a be_v this_o the_o whole_a levitical_a service_n be_v particular_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o moses_n be_v strict_o charge_v to_o make_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o all_o the_o utensil_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o after_o the_o pattern_n that_o be_v show_v he_o 6._o exod._n 25._o 40._o heb._n 3._o 5_o 6._o in_o the_o mount_n and_o moses_n very_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o a_o servant_n and_o so_o be_v christ_n as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n that_o be_v the_o church_n therefore_o as_o moses_n lay_v down_o all_o the_o particular_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n so_o have_v christ_n under_o the_o evangelical_n and_o it_o be_v as_o
be_v church-member_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o church_n authority_n consist_v in_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o all_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n to_o shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_o or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o church_n authority_n will_v signify_v nothing_o be_v not_o external_n and_o actual_a communion_n both_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 5._o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o notion_n of_o separation_n without_o this_o now_o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o separation_n be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o express_a testimony_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o where_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v plain_o signify_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a godly_a separation_n when_o the_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a but_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o 19_o 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o their_o go_v out_o from_o they_o plain_o signify_v their_o forsake_v christian_n assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n admonish_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v in_o which_o he_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o refer_v to_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o thus_o according_o to_o have_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n for_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n feast_n because_o they_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o by_o partake_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20_o 21._o gentile_n sacrifice_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n must_v first_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o we_o have_v any_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v preserve_v his_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n no_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n but_o he_o who_o actual_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o christian_a institution_n a_o state_n of_o communion_n confer_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v but_o actual_a communion_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n be_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o enjoyment_n consist_v in_o act_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o church-communion_n we_o must_v live_v in_o actual_a communion_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dormant_a and_o useless_a right_n which_o we_o never_o bring_v into_o act._n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v non-communion_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o impossibility_n he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o country_n or_o travel_n through_o any_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o can_v enjoy_v actual_a communion_n the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o communion_n continue_v though_o necessity_n may_v suspend_v the_o act._n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v our_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o see_v the_o church_n divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o party_n and_o faction_n which_o refuse_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o presbyterian_o independent_o anabaptist_n quaker_n all_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o some_o conclude_v it_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o divide_a party_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o total_a suspension_n of_o church-communion_n as_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v for_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o divide_a sect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o some_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o opposite_a and_o separate_a communion_n therefore_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o strong_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o hold_v in_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o these_o divide_a communion_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o such_o division_n and_o separation_n excuse_v we_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n actual_a communion_n never_o be_v and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o duty_n long_o together_o for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_a long_o together_o as_o to_o be_v without_o division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o set_v up_o private_a conventicle_n of_o their_o own_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o continue_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n who_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n farewell_n to_o all_o church_n communion_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v any_o man_n indeed_o travel_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o there_o find_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v for_o he_o to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o either_o party_n till_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v which_o party_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o then_o he_o be_v bind_v if_o he_o understand_v their_o language_n to_o communicate_v
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the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o christian_a consider_v in_o 275._o p._n 275._o a_o private_a capacity_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o salvation_n and_o what_o care_v the_o church_n must_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n to_o direct_v the_o unskilful_a and_o to_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o not_o bare_o to_o provide_v for_o necessity_n but_o safety_n and_o not_o bare_o the_o safety_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o itself_o which_o can_v 276._o p._n 276._o be_v do_v without_o prudent_a order_n set_v the_o bound_n of_o man_n employment_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o private_a christian_a who_o live_v alone_o and_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v by_o diligent_a and_o honest_a inquiry_n to_o find_v out_o so_o much_o truth_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 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tillotson_n who_o say_v i_o have_v much_o rather_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n than_o preface_n preface_n to_o be_v of_o any_o party_n and_o denomination_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n provide_v we_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o together_o with_o a_o good_a life_n will_v certain_o save_v a_o man_n and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v have_v reasonable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n no_o not_o in_o a_o infallible_a church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n how_o do_v this_o oppose_v i_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-communion_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n then_o and_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n no_o part_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o be_v not_o schism_n destructive_a to_o these_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o christian_a charity_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o be_v the_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n aught_o to_o have_v for_o each_o other_o and_o consist_v in_o unity_n and_o communion_n consistent_a with_o a_o good_a life_n if_o by_o that_o we_o understand_v a_o universal_a goodness_n of_o which_o charity_n be_v the_o most_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n but_o do_v you_o indeed_o think_v sir_n that_o the_o dean_n believe_v a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o sin_n when_o in_o the_o very_a next_o paragraph_n he_o so_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o can_v easy_o forgive_v your_o usage_n of_o i_o since_o i_o find_v you_o can_v read_v the_o best_a book_n without_o pervert_v they_o and_o that_o you_o never_o spare_v any_o man_n reputation_n to_o serve_v your_o design_n for_o your_o reproach_n and_o your_o commendation_n be_v but_o different_a way_n of_o abuse_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v reproach_v by_o you_o your_o last_o consideration_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o convert_v schismatic_n to_o prove_v that_o schism_n be_v as_o 29._o letter_n 3._o p._n 29._o damn_v a_o sin_n as_o murder_n or_o adultery_n true_o sir_n st._n cyprian_n and_o st._n austin_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n think_v this_o a_o very_a good_a way_n for_o they_o insist_v very_o much_o upon_o this_o argument_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o forsake_v their_o schism_n though_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v endanger_v by_o it_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o no_o other_o argument_n will_v persuade_v they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v and_o shall_v believe_v so_o till_o i_o see_v the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o fair_o answer_v i_o think_v it_o the_o great_a charity_n in_o the_o world_n 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be_v for_o a_o form_n this_o do_v they_o urge_v that_o be_v for_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o they_o say_v that_o be_v for_o kneel_v so_o that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a adjunct_n do_v further_a devotion_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n be_v a_o argument_n use_v by_o both_o now_o if_o adjunct_n be_v not_o part_v of_o worship_n and_o may_v be_v yet_o use_v to_o further_a devotion_n than_o the_o further_a devotion_n by_o any_o rite_n do_v not_o in_o itself_o make_v that_o rite_n so_o use_v to_o be_v worship_n i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v false_a worship_n as_o well_o as_o true_a true_a worship_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o false_a worship_n be_v of_o humane_a appointment_n and_o become_v worship_n when_o either_o divine_a institution_n be_v pretend_v for_o it_o or_o it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o same_o special_a end_n that_o god_n worship_n be_v institute_v for_o that_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o acceptance_n or_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o i_o 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the_o lord_n supper_n as_o in_o the_o passover_n nor_o in_o prayer_n as_o in_o sacrifice_n its_o plain_a that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n do_v respect_n somewhat_o else_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o christ_n be_v faithful_a as_o moses_n to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o in_o perform_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o mediator_n in_o which_o respect_n moses_n be_v a_o type_n of_o he_o and_o discover_v to_o mankind_n in_o scripture_n the_o method_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o that_o end_n and_o put_v man_n into_o such_o state_n as_o will_v render_v they_o capable_a of_o attain_v to_o it_o and_o as_o for_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o principle_n viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n that_o i_o may_v relieve_v the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ensnare_v by_o it_o and_o that_o can_v be_v so_o without_o subject_v themselves_o to_o great_a inconvenience_n for_o if_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n may_v be_v use_v or_o join_v with_o and_o that_o the_o second_o commandment_n do_v with_o as_o much_o authority_n forbid_v the_o use_n of_o any_o thing_n not_o command_v as_o the_o worship_v of_o image_n if_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n strange_a fire_n and_o vzzah_n touch_v of_o the_o ark_n be_v example_n record_v for_o caution_n to_o we_o and_o that_o every_o thing_n uncommand_v be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n attend_v with_o the_o like_a aggravation_n and_o alike_o do_v expose_v to_o god_n displeasure_n if_o the_o use_n of_o any_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v be_v such_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o leave_v we_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o text_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n 18._o rev._n 22._o 18._o god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n we_o can_v be_v too_o cautious_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o what_o be_v or_o what_o be_v not_o prescribe_v but_o withal_o if_o this_o be_v our_o case_n it_o will_v be_v more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n for_o among_o they_o every_o thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v plain_o lay_v down_o and_o though_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o circumstance_n prescribe_v in_o their_o
that_o since_o themselves_o be_v desire_v by_o they_o to_o undertake_v for_o this_o child_n they_o as_o such_o surety_n be_v particular_o concern_v to_o mind_v the_o parent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o for_o neglect_v it_o since_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n and_o to_o all_o purpose_n of_o obligation_n undertake_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o when_o the_o surety_n undertake_v for_o the_o child_n moreover_o when_o the_o child_n be_v grow_v to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n and_o come_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n he_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o charitable_a admonition_n of_o his_o surety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o parent_n in_o case_n he_o do_v amiss_o and_o their_o reproof_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o take_v place_n than_o those_o of_o most_o other_o person_n now_o though_o all_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o yet_o some_o be_v more_o particular_o oblige_v and_o have_v great_a advantage_n to_o do_v those_o work_n of_o spiritual_a charity_n than_o other_o and_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o consider_v man_n if_o surety_n at_o baptism_n may_v not_o with_o great_a authority_n and_o with_o likelihood_n of_o good_a effect_n reprove_v both_o those_o negligent_a parent_n and_o unruly_a child_n for_o who_o they_o have_v undertake_v to_o the_o church_n the_o parent_n for_o not_o mind_v to_o educate_v their_o child_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o keep_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n or_o the_o child_n for_o not_o harken_v to_o good_a admonition_n and_o in_o this_o age_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a reproof_n be_v so_o general_o omit_v it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o defect_n be_v this_o way_n a_o little_a supply_v but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n desirable_a that_o the_o opportunity_n thereof_o and_o the_o obligation_n thereunto_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o i_o know_v some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v but_o rare_o practise_v but_o that_o be_v no_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v for_o when_o we_o use_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o rule_n or_o custom_n by_o the_o good_a that_o come_v of_o observe_v it_o we_o must_v look_v where_o it_o be_v keep_v though_o it_o be_v keep_v but_o by_o few_o and_o not_o where_o it_o be_v break_v and_o if_o the_o dissenter_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o use_n of_o surety_n but_o that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o appointment_n be_v seldom_o regard_v themselves_o may_v help_v to_o remove_v this_o objection_n by_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o increase_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o do_v pursue_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o do_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o good_a example_n as_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o interrogatory_n put_v to_o the_o surety_n and_o their_o answer_n they_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o what_o baptism_n do_v oblige_v all_o baptise_a person_n to_o and_o that_o infant_n do_v stand_v engage_v to_o perform_v the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o year_n of_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o know_a meaning_n of_o the_o contract_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o otherwise_o understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o misunderstanding_n after_o all_o there_o be_v one_o general_a objection_n yet_o remain_v which_o still_o prevail_v with_o some_o person_n and_o that_o be_v that_o some_o of_o our_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mass-book_n and_o the_o breviary_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o objection_n have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o understanding_n man_n if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n in_o it_o no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o prayer_n or_o form_n of_o devotion_n or_o instruction_n unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v that_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mass-book_n etc._n etc._n for_o then_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o psalm_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n beside_o and_o the_o creed_n must_v never_o be_v use_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o whether_o any_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a service_n be_v to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o or_o not_o must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o some_o other_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a exception_n against_o any_o part_n of_o our_o liturgy_n to_o say_v it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o romish_a superstition_n i_o know_v it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o necessary_a use_n be_v to_o be_v retain_v by_o we_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n retain_v they_o but_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o form_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o in_o those_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o from_o that_o church_n as_o ever_o we_o can_v but_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o this_o for_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o in_o come_v too_o near_o they_o lie_v in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v ill_a not_o in_o which_o they_o do_v well_o and_o as_o for_o the_o papist_n themselves_z we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o countenance_n they_o wherein_o they_o be_v wrong_v by_o agree_v with_o they_o wherein_o they_o be_v right_a and_o as_o for_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o be_v not_o the_o worse_a for_o be_v use_v by_o they_o we_o shall_v allow_v the_o papist_n a_o great_a power_n to_o do_v mischief_n than_o they_o have_v if_o their_o use_n of_o some_o good_a thing_n shall_v render_v all_o use_n of_o they_o hurtful_a to_o we_o the_o case_n in_o short_a be_v this_o when_o our_o reformer_n be_v intent_n upon_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o liturgy_n they_o design_v to_o purge_v it_o of_o all_o those_o corrupt_a addition_n which_o the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v long_o since_o bring_v into_o it_o and_o to_o retain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o they_o do_v like_o wise_a man_n because_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o reform_v upon_o just_a &_o necessary_a reason_n and_o not_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n since_o they_o purge_v the_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n from_o nothing_o but_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n and_o a_o unprofitable_a crowd_n of_o ceremony_n no_o man_n can_v show_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mass-book_n but_o which_o be_v use_v also_o by_o the_o church_n before_o romanism_n have_v corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o to_o be_v value_v because_o they_o be_v once_o use_v by_o good_a christian_n as_o to_o be_v run_v down_o because_o they_o have_v be_v since_o use_v by_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a men._n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o any_o man_n will_v set_v himself_o to_o expose_v the_o mass-book_n he_o will_v i_o suppose_v lay_v hold_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o just_a reproof_n not_o on_o thing_n that_o be_v justifiable_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v defend_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o those_o part_n of_o it_o only_o but_o not_o for_o these_o now_o for_o such_o passage_n as_o the_o mass-book_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o neither_o be_v our_o liturgy_n to_o be_v blame_v if_o we_o will_v speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o without_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o those_o exception_n against_o the_o solemn_a service_n of_o god_n by_o our_o liturgy_n which_o the_o dissenter_n be_v think_v to_o insist_v most_o upon_o not_o but_o that_o some_o other_o exception_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o persuasion_n but_o this_o i_o hope_v be_v without_o design_n to_o prejudice_v the_o people_n against_o our_o communion_n but_o rather_o to_o gain_v some_o alteration_n which_o in_o their_o judgement_n will_v have_v be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a perfection_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a in_o this_o or_o not_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v be_v very_o desirous_a as_o i_o pray_v god_n we_o may_v all_o be_v to_o avoid_v controversy_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v nay_o
service_n be_v many_o yet_o they_o be_v sufficient_o describe_v in_o their_o law_n and_o it_o be_v but_o consult_v that_o or_o those_o who_o office_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o it_o and_o they_o may_v be_v present_o inform_v and_o as_o soon_o see_v it_o as_o the_o book_n be_v lay_v open_a this_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o the_o several_a scheme_n draw_v up_o for_o discipline_n and_o order_n by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o make_v some_o attempt_n to_o describe_v they_o and_o then_o when_o thing_n be_v thus_o dark_a and_o obscure_a so_o hard_o to_o trace_v and_o discover_v that_o it_o have_v thus_o perplex_v and_o baffle_v those_o that_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o bring_v these_o thing_n within_o scripture_n rule_n how_o perplex_v must_v they_o be_v that_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o it_o and_o as_o i_o have_v above_o show_v must_v all_o their_o day_n live_v in_o the_o communion_n it_o be_v likely_a of_o no_o church_n since_o though_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v yet_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o examine_v and_o more_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o all_o in_o it_o be_v prescribe_v 3._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o may_v answer_v to_o this_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v indifferent_a out_o of_o worship_n that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v after_o be_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o indifferency_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o what_o it_o be_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o instance_n it_o be_v in_o all_o and_o if_o the_o want_n of_o a_o law_n to_o require_v or_o forbid_v do_v make_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o nature_n or_o civil_a matter_n it_o do_v also_o the_o same_o in_o religious_a and_o in_o thing_n forbid_v by_o humane_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v require_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o thing_n require_v by_o humane_a authority_n the_o not_o be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n we_o may_v safe_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n by_o but_o i_o confess_v the_o question_n require_v a_o more_o parcicular_a answer_n because_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a may_v yet_o in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n become_v unlawful_a as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a case_n and_o secular_a matter_n to_o be_v cover_v or_o uncover_v be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o indifferent_a but_o to_o be_v cover_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o of_o our_o better_n as_o custom_n and_o law_n have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o stand_v bare_a before_o will_v be_v unlawful_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o such_o a_o omission_n and_o contempt_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o then_o much_o more_o will_v this_o hold_v where_o the_o case_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n where_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a may_v become_v ridiculous_a absurd_a and_o profane_a and_o argue_v rather_o contempt_n of_o god_n than_o reverence_n for_o he_o in_o the_o person_n use_v they_o again_o the_o thing_n may_v though_o grave_a and_o pertinent_a yet_o be_v so_o numerous_a that_o they_o may_v obscure_v and_o oppress_v the_o service_n and_o confound_v and_o distract_v the_o mind_n that_o shall_v attend_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o so_o for_o one_o reason_n or_o another_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o religion_n therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v add_v 1._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v so_o call_v from_o their_o general_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o if_o in_o practice_n and_o use_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o case_n they_o always_o be_v so_o and_o never_o unlawful_a for_o that_o they_o may_v be_v by_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a expedient_a or_o inexpedient_a as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o apply_v 2._o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v respect_n and_o that_o may_v be_v require_v or_o forbid_v by_o one_o law_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v or_o require_v by_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v indifferent_a in_o one_o state_n which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o another_o and_o by_o pass_v out_o of_o one_o into_o the_o other_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v thing_n be_v indifferent_a we_o must_v understand_v of_o what_o rank_n they_o be_v and_o what_o law_n they_o do_v respect_n as_o for_o example_n humane_a conversation_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v different_a rank_n to_o which_o thing_n be_v refer_v and_o therefore_o what_o may_v be_v indifferent_a in_o conversation_n may_v be_v unlawful_a in_o worship_n thus_o to_o interchange_n discourse_v about_o common_a affair_n be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o useful_a in_o its_o place_n but_o when_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o religious_a solemnity_n be_v criminal_a this_o distinction_n of_o rank_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o which_o if_o observe_v will_v have_v prevent_v the_o objection_n make_v by_o some_o that_o if_o a_o church_n or_o authority_n may_v command_v indifferent_a thing_n than_o they_o may_v require_v we_o to_o pray_v stand_v upon_o the_o head_n etc._n etc._n for_o that_o though_o indifferent_a in_o another_o case_n be_v not_o in_o that_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o it_o 3._o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o some_o rule_n in_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v therein_o also_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o plead_v they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o as_o some_o unwary_o do_v and_o therefore_o present_o they_o may_v be_v use_v for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o person_n may_v spit_v in_o another_o face_n may_v keep_v on_o his_o hat_n before_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n the_o spit_n and_o be_v cover_v be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a but_o now_o as_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n which_o we_o be_v to_o respect_v in_o common_a and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o which_o even_o in_o that_o case_n do_v tie_v we_o up_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n otherwise_o indifferent_a so_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a and_o must_v be_v much_o more_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v some_o rule_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o we_o must_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o as_o in_o common_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o action_n the_o end_n in_o conversation_n the_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v viz._n time_n place_n person_n as_o when_o where_o before_o who_o we_o be_v cover_v or_o uncover_v etc._n etc._n so_o in_o sacred_a matter_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o worship_n the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n glory_n security_n of_o that_o in_o its_o order_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n be_v we_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o indifferency_n lawfulness_n or_o expediency_n of_o thing_n use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o do_v make_v for_o or_o against_o and_o do_v approach_n to_o or_o recede_v from_o these_o character_n so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v or_o observe_v and_o the_o more_o or_o less_o esteem_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n for_o 1._o these_o be_v general_a rule_n and_o so_o the_o particular_n be_v nor_o so_o easy_o point_v to_o 2._o decency_n and_o edification_n and_o order_n be_v as_o be_v observe_v before_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a and_o depend_v upon_o circumstance_n and_o so_o in_o their_o nature_n not_o easy_o determine_v and_o 3._o person_n have_v very_o different_a opinion_n about_o what_o be_v decent_a edify_v and_o orderly_o as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n some_o be_v for_o and_o other_o against_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n some_o doubtless_o be_v for_o be_v cover_v other_o for_o be_v uncover_v in_o divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v somewhat_o further_o requisite_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n
be_v a_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o prime_a head_n and_o most_o general_a dictate_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o but_o also_o all_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o those_o head_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n but_o all_o the_o thing_n likewise_o that_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o those_o command_n or_o prohibition_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o be_v deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o attend_v further_o to_o what_o that_o law_n may_v be_v suppose_v by_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o action_n we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o if_o neither_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o by_o consequence_n from_o it_o nor_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o action_n before_o we_o appear_v either_o to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n or_o to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o proper_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o action_n in_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v as_o our_o prudence_n iii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o which_o natural_o follow_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a design_n be_v what_o share_v humane_a law_n have_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o do_v real_o bind_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o or_o no_o which_o be_v our_o three_o general_n head_n now_o as_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o man_n general_o speak_v do_v also_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o in_o the_o four_o follow_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n do_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n there_o be_v no_o one_o dictate_v of_o nature_n more_o obvious_a to_o we_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o government_n we_o live_v under_o in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a law_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o society_n and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o for_o kingdom_n or_o state_n for_o city_n or_o family_n to_o subsist_v or_o at_o least_o to_o maintain_v themselves_o in_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o duty_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_o declare_v there_o than_z that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v make_v by_o just_a and_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o consequent_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v real_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o add_v this_o far_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o our_o lawful_a governor_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v with_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n save_v god_n alone_o it_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o he_o for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o judgement_n of_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n &_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n so_o that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o now_o god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o everlasting_a law_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o we_o whether_o they_o be_v our_o parent_n or_o our_o master_n and_o much_o more_o our_o prince_n and_o the_o sovereign_n legislative_a power_n under_o who_o we_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o only_a we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o those_o command_n of_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o a_o consequential_a or_o a_o secondary_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n because_o they_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o any_o law_n or_o command_v of_o man_n do_v clash_n with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v either_o evil_a in_o itself_o or_o contradictory_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o case_n that_o law_n or_o command_n by_o what_o humane_a authority_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v or_o give_v do_v not_o bind_v our_o conscience_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o rate_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v here_o reduce_v to_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o must_v act_n as_o they_o do_v that_o be_v we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o we_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o for_o since_o god_n only_o have_v proper_a and_o direct_a authority_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o humane_a power_n only_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o and_o since_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o commission_n to_o the_o most_o sovereign_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v any_o law_n of_o man_n far_o than_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o clear_n the_o point_n we_o be_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o humane_a law_n general_o speak_v may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o every_o humane_a law_n though_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_v against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o no_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o affirm_v this_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o manamong_n we_o upon_o these_o term_n will_v be_v innocent_a thus_o much_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o where_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n
think_v by_o we_o and_o other_o to_o be_v inspire_v be_v that_o we_o be_v many_o time_n enable_v in_o they_o to_o enlarge_v extempore_o with_o so_o much_o readiness_n and_o fluency_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o resolve_v into_o mere_a natural_a enthusiasm_n or_o present_a fervour_n of_o temper_n and_o that_o from_o hence_o this_o fluency_n and_o enlargement_n in_o prayer_n do_v ordinary_o proceed_v seem_v very_o evident_a by_o two_o undeniable_a sign_n first_o that_o according_a to_o our_o brethren_n own_a confession_n it_o come_v upon_o they_o much_o often_o in_o their_o public_a than_o in_o their_o private_a devotion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o ordinary_a case_n in_o their_o divinity_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n often_o find_v themselves_o so_o enlarge_v in_o their_o public_a and_o so_o strengthen_v in_o their_o private_a prayer_n and_o indeed_o suppose_v the_o spirit_n do_v ordinary_o inspire_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v well_o resolve_v unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o inspire_v we_o with_o fluency_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v before_o man_n than_o when_o we_o be_v only_o to_o speak_v before_o god_n the_o true_a resolution_n therefore_o of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o that_o in_o our_o private_a prayer_n we_o want_v the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o passionate_a gesture_n of_o a_o devout_a congregation_n to_o chafe_v and_o excite_v our_o affection_n and_o the_o reverence_n of_o a_o numerous_a auditory_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o teaz_v and_o wrack_v our_o invention_n for_o want_v of_o which_o our_o spirit_n be_v not_o ordinary_o so_o vehement_o agitate_a and_o heat_v as_o when_o we_o pray_v in_o public_a where_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o warm_v partly_o with_o our_o own_o effort_n and_o struggle_n to_o invent_v and_o partly_o with_o the_o warmth_n and_o pious_a fervour_n of_o the_o congregation_n we_o be_v many_o time_n transport_v by_o this_o natural_a enthusiasm_n into_o rapture_n of_o passion_n and_o enlargement_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o only_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v of_o it_o unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o which_o be_v very_o unsupposeable_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v more_o solicitous_a to_o indite_v our_o prayer_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o man_n than_o when_o we_o be_v only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n second_o another_o sign_n that_o this_o admire_a fluency_n and_o enlargement_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o mere_a natural_a enthusiasm_n be_v this_o that_o general_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n they_o find_v themselves_o streighten_v and_o confine_v both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o till_o they_o have_v pray_v on_o for_o a_o while_n and_o then_o they_o grow_v more_o ready_a and_o fluent_a which_o how_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o know_v not_o suppose_v the_o prayer_n be_v inspire_v unless_o perhaps_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o only_a in_o the_o middle_n or_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o invention_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o what_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v for_o such_o a_o imagination_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o guess_v the_o true_a account_n therefore_o of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n their_o spirit_n be_v usual_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a and_o do_v not_o flow_v and_o reflow_v so_o brisk_o to_o their_o head_n and_o heart_n as_o afterward_o when_o they_o have_v be_v thorough_o chafe_v and_o heat_v with_o a_o labour_n and_o exercise_v of_o invention_n by_o which_o be_v excite_v and_o awaken_v they_o natural_o raise_v the_o droop_a fancy_n and_o render_v the_o invention_n more_o copious_a fluent_a and_o easy_a so_o that_o mere_o by_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o plain_a a_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o extemporary_a fluency_n and_o enlargement_n of_o prayer_n as_o of_o any_o other_o natural_a effect_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o for_o our_o brethren_n to_o attibute_v to_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o which_o have_v such_o apparent_a sign_n of_o its_o derivation_n from_o natural_a cause_n be_v i_o conceive_v very_o unwarrantable_a by_o all_o which_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a not_o only_o that_o we_o have_v no_o sign_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n remain_v among_o we_o but_o that_o we_o have_v manifest_a sign_n of_o the_o contrary_n 4._o and_o last_o that_o to_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o suppose_v more_o than_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v allow_v of_o viz._n that_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v infallible_a and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o our_o prayer_n be_v dictate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v as_o infallible_a as_o he_o who_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o who_o infinite_a veracity_n will_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o deceive_v and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o he_o dictate_v or_o inspire_v must_v be_v remove_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o error_n or_o mistake_v and_o consequent_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v so_o too_o suppose_v he_o inspire_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o must_v be_v infallible_a in_o themselves_o so_o they_o must_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v their_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o matter_n or_o word_n be_v so_o inspire_v be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o any_o matter_n or_o word_n in_o scripture_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v give_v by_o his_o inspiration_n must_v necessary_o be_v his_o word_n for_o what_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v who_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o and_o therefore_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o their_o mouth_n be_v the_o oracle_n through_o which_o god_n speak_v if_o therefore_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o be_v move_v as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n what_o we_o pray_v must_v be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o what_o they_o speak_v so_o that_o either_o our_o brethren_n must_v affirm_v that_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v presume_v or_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o those_o extraordinary_a operation_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o the_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a operation_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o he_o and_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o very_a brief_a account_n because_o herein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o short_a therefore_o the_o ordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o exciting_a in_o we_o the_o grace_n and_o proper_a affection_n of_o prayer_n such_o as_o shame_v and_o sorrow_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o sense_n of_o our_o need_n of_o mercy_n and_o a_o hope_n of_o obtain_v it_o in_o our_o supplication_n for_o pardon_n resignation_n to_o god_n will_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o goodness_n in_o our_o prayer_n for_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n in_o our_o petition_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o in_o a_o word_n gratitude_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n in_o our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n for_o in_o these_o divine_a and_o gracious_a affection_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o prayer_n consist_v as_o for_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o about_o which_o our_o brethren_n disagree_v with_o we_o they_o be_v of_o no_o other_o account_n with_o god_n than_o as_o they_o signify_v to_o he_o the_o grace_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o prayer_n without_o which_o he_o regard_v they_o no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v the_o whistle_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o therefore_o since_o these_o affection_n be_v the_o main_a of_o our_o prayer_n and_o word_n be_v nothing_o in_o his_o account_n in_o comparison_n with_o they_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o
those_o affection_n will_v be_v ever_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o acceptable_a to_o he_o because_o they_o be_v present_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o not_o in_o extemporary_a effusion_n sure_o that_o father_n will_v be_v very_o capricious_a that_o shall_v deny_v bread_n to_o his_o hungry_a child_n mere_o because_o he_o ask_v it_o to_o day_n in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o he_o do_v yesterday_o and_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v dislike_v or_o reject_v the_o good_a affection_n of_o our_o prayer_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v every_o day_n express_v in_o the_o same_o form_n be_v to_o suppose_v he_o a_o very_a captious_a be_v and_o one_o that_o be_v more_o take_v with_o our_o word_n than_o with_o our_o affection_n the_o contrary_a of_o which_o he_o have_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o in_o this_o very_a particular_a in_o that_o whereas_o he_o have_v withdraw_v from_o we_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o composure_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n invention_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o inspire_v we_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o due_a activity_n for_o to_o this_o among_o other_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o continue_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o with_o devout_a and_o holy_a affection_n thus_o gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v by_o kindle_v devout_a and_o filial_a affection_n in_o your_o soul_n enable_v you_o to_o cry_v to_o god_n with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o assurance_n as_o to_o a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a father_n and_o hence_o also_o we_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o those_o good_a affection_n be_v raise_v in_o we_o that_o we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v inspire_v with_o those_o holy_a affection_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o according_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v utter_v rom._n 8._o 26._o which_o word_n be_v far_o from_o assert_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o our_o prayer_n though_o they_o be_v urge_v by_o our_o brethren_n for_o that_o purpose_n for_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o the_o spirit_n inspire_v it_o for_o as_o to_o that_o the_o christian_n who_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v well_o instruct_v already_o by_o their_o christian_a institution_n but_o all_o that_o be_v affirm_v be_v that_o the_o spirit_n enable_v they_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o a_o most_o devout_a and_o affectionate_a manner_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o be_v with_o earnest_n and_o flagrant_a affection_n and_o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n the_o text_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v the_o inspiration_n of_o they_o that_o it_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o the_o spirit_n inspire_v be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v utter_v or_o word_v and_o sure_o to_o inspire_v we_o with_o affection_n that_o be_v too_o big_a for_o word_n can_v imply_v the_o inspiration_n of_o word_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v intercede_v for_o we_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v utter_v can_v imply_v no_o more_o than_o his_o exciting_a in_o we_o the_o proper_a affection_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n viz._n by_o enable_v they_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o such_o fervent_a and_o devout_a affection_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v it_o acceptable_a to_o he_o which_o be_v proper_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o for_o as_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n do_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o the_o father_n and_o enforce_v they_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n so_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v our_o advocate_n upon_o earth_n beget_v in_o we_o those_o affection_n which_o render_v our_o prayer_n prevalent_a and_o wing_n they_o with_o fervour_n and_o ardency_n the_o one_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o we_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n by_o kindle_v such_o desire_n there_o as_o render_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o the_o other_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o present_v those_o desire_n and_o solicit_v their_o supply_n and_o acceptance_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o that_o stand_a and_o ordinary_a operation_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n and_o now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o determine_v the_o present_a case_n i_o shall_v only_o far_o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_n by_o that_o phrase_n of_o stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n in_o short_a therefore_o to_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n be_v a_o modern_a phrase_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o term_n of_o art_n coin_v and_o invent_v by_o our_o brethren_n and_o apply_v only_o to_o the_o present_a controversy_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o this_o argument_n against_o form_n viz._n that_o they_o stint_v the_o spirit_n be_v very_o new_a since_o though_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v not_o only_o in_o the_o scripture_n age_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o but_o also_o in_o all_o successive_a age_n of_o christianity_n yet_o till_o very_o late_o we_o never_o hear_v one_o syllable_n of_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n by_o they_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n be_v this_o that_o by_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n we_o hinder_v the_o spirit_n from_o afford_v we_o some_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n which_o otherwise_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o they_o for_o so_o our_o brethren_n explain_v the_o phrase_n viz._n that_o by_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n we_o restrain_v the_o spirit_n from_o give_v we_o that_o assistance_n which_o he_o ordinary_o vouchsafe_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n and_o now_o have_v full_o state_v the_o case_n the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v be_v short_a and_o easy_a it_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n the_o first_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a viz._n the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n the_o second_o ordinary_a and_o abide_v viz._n exciting_a the_o devotion_n and_o proper_a affection_n of_o prayer_n if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n be_v stint_v hinder_v or_o restrain_v by_o form_n of_o prayer_n it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o inspire_v the_o word_n and_o matter_n or_o from_o exciting_a the_o affection_n of_o prayer_n as_o for_o the_o latter_a to_o which_o this_o phrase_n of_o stint_v be_v never_o apply_v by_o our_o brethren_n i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a in_o the_o three_o case_n wherein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o restrain_v the_o devotion_n of_o it_o that_o they_o very_o much_o promote_v and_o improve_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n that_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v extraordinary_a and_o intend_v only_o as_o other_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v for_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o since_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n the_o spirit_n have_v stint_v himself_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o form_n of_o prayer_n can_v stint_v he_o for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v stint_v which_o be_v not_o and_o if_o now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n how_o can_v it_o be_v limit_v by_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o own_o accord_n have_v long_o since_o withdraw_v this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n how_o can_v it_o be_v now_o say_v that_o he_o be_v restrain_v from_o communicate_v it_o by_o any_o cause_n without_o he_o case_n ii_o whether_o the_o use_v of_o public_a form_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o case_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a
repetition_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o call_v upon_o god_n from_o be_v vain_a and_o that_o be_v that_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o keep_v pace_n with_o our_o expression_n but_o this_o belong_v to_o we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o if_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o ourselves_o that_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n of_o heart_n which_o shall_v answer_v that_o appearance_n thereof_o which_o these_o repetition_n make_v this_o will_v satisfy_v we_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o vain_a to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n i_o desire_v those_o who_o do_v not_o yet_o approve_v our_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o other_o short_a devotion_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o spend_v the_o time_n it_o take_v up_o more_o profitable_o than_o by_o join_v in_o good_a earnest_n with_o the_o congregation_n in_o these_o prayer_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o responsal_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v matter_n of_o offence_n to_o some_o person_n they_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o people_n say_v the_o confession_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n after_o the_o minister_n nor_o their_o alternate_a recite_v some_o petition_n in_o the_o daily_a service_n with_o the_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o least_o of_o all_o do_v they_o approve_v that_o part_n which_o the_o congregation_n bear_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o litany_n now_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o who_o blame_v our_o prayer_n upon_o this_o account_n will_v consider_v what_o have_v often_o be_v say_v to_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o way_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o check_v a_o wander_a spirit_n and_o to_o help_v and_o relieve_v attention_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o quicken_v a_o lively_a forwardness_n and_o zeal_n in_o god_n service_n whilst_o we_o invite_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o give_v thanks_o these_o thing_n we_o say_v not_o without_o some_o experience_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o we_o think_v they_o carry_v plain_a reason_n along_o with_o they_o and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o have_v be_v contradict_v by_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o dissent_v party_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v declare_v their_o dislike_n of_o this_o way_n but_o still_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o it_o if_o i_o have_v observe_v right_a the_o main_a reason_n of_o their_o dislike_n be_v this_o that_o the_o minister_n as_o they_o say_v be_v appoint_v for_o the_o people_n in_o all_o public_a service_n appertain_v to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n yet_o this_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o make_v all_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o religious_a assembly_n unlawful_a to_o the_o people_n for_o than_o they_o must_v not_o declare_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o prayer_n which_o the_o minister_n utter_v by_o say_v amen_o which_o yet_o the_o scripture_n approve_v and_o be_v not_o disapprove_v by_o any_o of_o those_o that_o object_n our_o way_n against_o we_o nor_o must_v it_o be_v so_o take_v as_o if_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o vocal_a part_n in_o praising_n god_n by_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n for_o this_o also_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v confess_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o allow_v the_o people_n to_o sing_v psalm_n with_o the_o minister_n now_o he_o that_o audible_o say_v amen_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n make_v a_o short_a responsal_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o moreover_o they_o that_o sing_v psalm_n in_o which_o there_o be_v passage_n of_o prayer_n confession_n or_o petition_n contain_v matter_n of_o invocation_n proper_a for_o we_o as_o the_o psalm_n often_o do_v they_o pray_v vocal_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o what_o be_v pretend_v concern_v the_o minister_n be_v the_o people_n mouth_n to_o god_n it_o shall_v still_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n sometime_o to_o join_v vocal_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o praise_n and_o not_o only_o by_o say_v amen_o but_o by_o express_v the_o very_a word_n of_o confession_n or_o petition_n but_o 2_o where_o be_v it_o say_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n or_o that_o no_o prayer_n may_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o minister_n i_o doubt_v these_o say_n be_v grow_v so_o samiliar_a among_o some_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n or_o very_o near_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o word_n nor_o meaning_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o i_o can_v find_v or_o that_o they_o have_v find_v for_o we_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o there_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n in_o all_o those_o prayer_n which_o he_o utter_v for_o they_o and_o because_o these_o be_v many_o more_o than_o what_o the_o people_n themselves_o utter_v he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o mouth_n to_o god_n comparative_o but_o not_o absolute_o it_o will_v be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o people_n in_o all_o public_a service_n appertain_v to_o god_n if_o this_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o most_o part_n or_o of_o all_o with_o little_a exception_n some_o public_a service_n there_o be_v which_o be_v enclose_v in_o his_o office_n and_o he_o be_v appoint_v for_o they_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v for_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n absolve_v the_o penitent_a and_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o therefore_o prayer_n that_o immediate_o concern_v these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o he_o only_o and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n make_v it_o fit_a and_o decent_a that_o the_o minister_n shall_v utter_v most_o ever_o of_o they_o &_o that_o in_o those_o wherein_o the_o people_n have_v their_o part_n he_o shall_v ever_o go_v before_o and_o lead_v they_o and_o guide_v the_o whole_a performance_n which_o be_v all_o take_a care_n for_o in_o our_o liturgy_n i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o utter_o debar_v the_o people_n from_o all_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n of_o their_o own_o in_o god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o they_o shall_v keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o upon_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o i_o hearty_o entreat_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n come_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o thing_n 1._o if_o they_o grant_v the_o people_n interest_n in_o vocal_a praise_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o condemn_v the_o people_n bear_v a_o part_n in_o any_o of_o the_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n by_o alternate_a response_n for_o the_o plain_a end_n of_o recite_v those_o psalm_n in_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v god_n name_n and_o to_o excite_v in_o our_o heart_n such_o like_a devout_a affection_n in_o do_v so_o as_o those_o holy_a man_n feel_v in_o themselves_o who_o be_v assist_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o compose_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o dissenter_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o demand_v that_o the_o people_n be_v silent_a all_o this_o while_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o if_o these_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n be_v sing_v the_o congregation_n may_v then_o challenge_v to_o put_v in_o their_o voice_n with_o the_o minister_n but_o when_o they_o be_v read_v as_o they_o general_o be_v in_o our_o parish_n church_n they_o say_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o minister_n only_o but_o i_o can_v see_v why_o sing_n or_o not_o sing_v shall_v make_v such_o a_o difference_n i_o grant_v it_o be_v better_a if_o they_o be_v every_o where_o sing_v because_o this_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o psalm_n than_o bear_v recite_v be_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sing_v which_o be_v customary_o omit_v in_o parish_n church_n for_o want_v of_o skill_n as_o i_o conceive_v the_o next_o use_n of_o they_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o design_n be_v not_o
indian_a church_n in_o coulan_n and_o crangonor_n and_o about_o maliapur_n plant_v by_o st._n thomas_n both_o which_o practice_n infant-baptism_n though_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o never_o have_v it_o one_o from_o the_o other_o or_o both_o from_o any_o three_o church_n it_o be_v very_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v all_o church_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o practice_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o church-destroying_a practice_n if_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n but_o only_o grow_v person_n one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o harmless_a practice_n as_o that_o of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v any_o one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o least_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o no_o such_o prohibition_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o in_o the_o four_o place_n what_o account_n can_v rational_o be_v give_v why_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v refuse_v to_o initiate_v child_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v always_o be_v initiate_v under_o the_o old_a be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o complain_v so_o much_o mere_o because_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o jew_n which_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o circumcise_v their_o child_n will_v not_o have_v complain_v much_o more_o if_o they_o have_v not_o baptise_a they_o but_o quite_o exclude_v they_o like_o the_o infant_n of_o unbeliever_n from_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n it_o must_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v gall_v they_o very_o much_o to_o see_v their_o child_n treat_v like_o the_o child_n of_o mere_a stranger_n and_o to_o have_v have_v no_o visible_a difference_n put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o that_o embrace_v and_o those_o that_o resist_v the_o faith_n for_o they_o always_o look_v upon_o pagan_a child_n as_o common_a and_o unclean_a but_o upon_o their_o own_o as_o separate_a and_o holy_a and_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o same_o distinction_n between_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o but_o have_v the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v no_o more_o right_a unto_o baptismal_a initiation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o idolater_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v teach_v a_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o will_v have_v offend_v they_o more_o than_o all_o they_o preach_v against_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherefore_o since_o we_o never_o read_v among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jew_n custom_n that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n not_o be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o they_o baptise_a they_o not_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n second_o that_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v very_o convince_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o of_o grow_v person_n be_v intend_v by_o he_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n upon_o the_o three_o question_n quest_n iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o this_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a question_n must_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a whether_o we_o consider_v infant-baptism_n only_o as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a and_o allowable_a or_o as_o a_o thing_n high_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o my_o adversary_n in_o this_o controversy_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o deny_v this_o distinction_n betwixt_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a as_o acknowledge_v nothing_o in_o religious_a matter_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o that_o common_a principle_n imbibe_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o some_o precept_n or_o direct_v unto_o by_o some_o special_a example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o they_o ordinary_o say_v can_v you_o show_v we_o any_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o baptise_v infant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o you_o can_v we_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o be_v lawful_a but_o if_o you_o can_v we_o disallow_v it_o as_o unlawful_a nay_o as_o a_o usurpation_n and_o will_v never_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o so_o usurp_v it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v plausible_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o will_v be_v very_o good_a be_v there_o such_o a_o principle_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o from_o whence_o they_o argue_v viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o religious_a matter_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o as_o the_o man_n with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o this_o controversy_n be_v general_o person_n of_o good_a natural_a understanding_n so_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o beg_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o for_o a_o scripture-rule_a or_o precept_n do_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o man_n conscience_n as_o bad_a as_o papist_n and_o like_o they_o and_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a teach_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o doctrine_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n and_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o according_a to_o this_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a rule_n though_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o the_o church_n will_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o appoint_v it_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v second_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o pretend_a scripture-rule_a in_o that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o bare_o lawful_a or_o allowable_a and_o necessary_a and_o leave_v no_o negative_a mean_n betwixt_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a but_o make_v thing_n forbid_v and_o thing_n not_o command_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o three_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o slavish_a principle_n this_o be_v and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o free_a and_o manly_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o servile_a and_o childish_a condition_n than_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n which_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n and_o from_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n among_o the_o jew_n allow_v private_a person_n to_o practice_n and_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v thing_n of_o a_o religious_a nature_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v to_o be_v do_v last_o i_o entreat_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o utter_o impracticable_a this_o pretend_a principle_n be_v as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o who_o advance_v it_o against_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o particular_o from_o their_o own_o practice_n in_o baptise_v grow_v person_n who_o be_v breed_v up_o from_o infant_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o admit_v woman_n to_o the_o lords-supper_n who_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o passover_n nor_o paschal-cup_n of_o blessing_n without_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o so_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o little_a well_o consider_v be_v enough_o to_o obviate_v all_o objection_n against_o my_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a upon_o supposition_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v bare_o lawful_a and_o
of_o of_o of_o c._n 7._o where_o argue_v for_o infant-baptism_n he_o say_v of_o this_o we_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o our_o divine_a minister_n of_o holy_a thing_n instruct_v by_o divine_a tradition_n bring_v down_o to_o we_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n as_o to_o the_o first_o century_n when_o st._n clement_n and_o st._n denis_n live_v yet_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a authority_n for_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n when_o they_o be_v write_v because_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o write_v for_o infant-baptism_n the_o like_a i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o baptism_n the_o the_o the_o quaest_n &_o respon_n 56._o where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o baptise_a and_o unbaptise_v infant_n that_o baptise_a infant_n enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o baptism_n which_o those_o that_o be_v not_o baptise_a do_v not_o enjoy_v and_o that_o they_o enâ—â—â—_n they_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o offer_v they_o to_o baptism_n ancient_n and_o judicious_a author_n of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o orthodox_n concern_v some_o question_n give_v of_o infant-baptism_n it_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n as_o for_o the_o second_o century_n when_o justin_n martyr_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v flourish_v but_o be_v a_o disinterest_v writer_n it_o be_v of_o excellent_a authority_n for_o the_o three_o when_o it_o be_v write_v so_o much_o for_o the_o test_n whereby_o to_o try_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a from_o uncertain_a and_o doubt_a tradition_n and_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o all_o writer_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v make_v this_o distinction_n and_o not_o write_v so_o as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v against_o all_o tradition_n without_o any_o discrimination_n whereas_o tradition_n as_o i_o have_v here_o state_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o harmless_a thing_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n it_o be_v by_o tradition_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o catholic_n or_o orthodox_n defend_v themselves_o in_o the_o four_o century_n against_o the_o arian_n and_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n against_o the_o donatist_n and_o the_o protestant_n defend_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o scripture-canon_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n against_o the_o innovation_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o tradition_n as_o detract_n from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v remind_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n who_o sufficiency_n we_o admire_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o tradition_n and_o that_o though_o they_o be_v sufficient_a where_o they_o be_v understand_v to_o determine_v any_o controversy_n yet_o to_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o in_o many_o point_n tradition_n be_v as_o requisite_a as_o the_o praxi_fw-la the_o the_o the_o lex_fw-la currit_fw-la cum_fw-la praxi_fw-la practice_n of_o the_o court_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o the_o anabaptist_n themselves_o can_v defend_v the_o baptise_v of_o such_o grow_v person_n as_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o church_n mere_o from_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o baptism_n have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o proselyte_n who_o from_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n will_v come_v over_o unto_o the_o christian_a faith_n according_o they_o can_v produce_v one_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o baptise_v of_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o all_o the_o baptise_a person_n we_o read_v of_o in_o it_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o quaker_n who_o for_o this_o and_o other_o reason_n have_v quite_o lay_v aside_o baptism_n without_o the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n quest_n iv_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n to_o state_n this_o question_n aright_o i_o must_v proceed_v in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o i_o do_v upon_o the_o last_o first_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o bare_a lawfulness_n and_o allowableness_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o second_o from_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o i_o have_v already_o show_v upon_o the_o last_o question_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o have_v a_o command_n or_o example_n for_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-initiation_a but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o make_v it_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a under_o the_o gospel_n nay_o i_o have_v show_v upon_o the_o second_o question_n that_o of_o the_o two_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n that_o christian_n shall_v have_v have_v a_o express_a command_n to_o leave_v off_o or_o lay_v down_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-initiation_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o god_n in_o infant-circumcision_n and_o approve_v by_o he_o in_o infant-baptism_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n add_v to_o infant-circumcision_n under_o the_o legal_a state_n command_n be_v usual_o give_v for_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o something_o which_o be_v never_o in_o practice_n before_o but_o to_o justify_v the_o continuation_n of_o a_o ancient_o institute_v or_o ancient_o receive_v practice_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o power_n which_o institute_v or_o approve_v it_o do_v not_o countermand_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o this_o as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o case_n of_o infants-initiation_a the_o initiation_n of_o they_o by_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n must_v at_o least_o be_v lawful_a and_o allowable_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o parent_n and_o pro-parent_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o bring_v they_o unto_o baptism_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o a_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o in_o this_o society_n as_o in_o all_o other_o there_o be_v superior_n and_o in_o inferior_n some_o that_o must_v order_n and_o some_o that_o must_v observe_v order_n some_o that_o must_v command_v and_o some_o that_o must_v obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o any_o member_n of_o it_o command_v her_o child_n to_o observe_v any_o lawful_a thing_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o common-law_n of_o all_o government_n and_o by_o the_o precept_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o regard_v ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o discipline_n to_o observe_v her_o command_n obey_v they_o say_v the_o 17._o the_o the_o the_o heb._n 13._o 17._o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o unto_o they_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n according_o we_o read_v that_o st._n 4._o st._n st._n st._n act._n 16._o 4._o paul_n as_o he_o go_v through_o the_o grecian_a city_n deliver_v the_o christian_n the_o decree_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v at_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o all_o dissenter_n will_v grant_v i_o for_o though_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o pure_a ecclesiastical_a power_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o that_o all_o lawful_a command_n proceed_v from_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v wherefore_o if_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptismal_a initiation_n as_o be_v prove_v under_o the_o first_o question_n nor_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n as_o be_v prove_v under_o the_o second_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o christ_n at_o least_o allow_v they_o the_o benefit_n and_o honour_n of_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n then_o the_o ordinance_n of_o any_o church_n to_o baptise_v they_o must_v needs_o lay_v a_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o parent_n and_o pro-parent_n who_o live_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o it_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o forbid_v but_o at_o least_o allow_v by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o because_o people_n when_o the_o be_v once_o satisfy_v with_o the_o lawfulness_n be_v wont_a especial_o in_o church-matter_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o expediency_n of_o their_o superior_n command_n and_o to_o obey_v they_o with_o most_o cheerfulness_n and_o satisfaction_n when_o they_o know_v they_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o what_o they_o ordain_v therefore_o lest_o any_o one_o who_o perhaps_o i_o may_v have_v convince_v of_o the_o bare_a lawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o expediency_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v less_o ready_a to_o comply_v i_o will_v here_o proceed_v to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o
275._o hierom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o infant-baptism_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n furthermore_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o the_o pelagian_o never_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant-communion_n as_o they_o do_v of_o infant-baptism_n all_o which_o thing_n consider_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o near_o the_o like_a evidence_n in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v for_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a evidence_n for_o the_o constant_a successive_a and_o general_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n that_o there_o be_v for_o infant-baptism_n so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o because_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n or_o mystery_n of_o initiation_n of_o which_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a it_o be_v institute_v chief_o for_o a_o initiatory_a sign_n to_o solemnize_v the_o admission_n of_o the_o baptise_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o seal_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v upon_o the_o second_o and_o four_o question_n be_v equal_o answer_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o profess_v believer_n confession_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o accidental_a circumstantial_o which_o be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o not_o to_o baptism_n itself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o communion_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o institute_v for_o a_o sacrificial_a feast_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v but_o second_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o that_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o tradition_n be_v fair_o and_o genuine_o interpretable_a for_o it_o but_o this_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o one_o text_n john_n 6._o 53._o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o which_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o it_o but_o in_o a_o proleptical_a sense_n the_o lord_n supper_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o institute_v by_o he_o or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n contain_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o wherefore_o though_o this_o text_n be_v literal_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n as_o st._n augustine_n first_o interpret_v it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v strain_v to_o infant-communion_n because_o infant_n can_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a banquet_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o custom_n of_o communicate_v infant_n prevail_v by_o degree_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n as_o full_o answer_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n and_o as_o be_v found_v upon_o more_o and_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o much_o more_o noble_a tradition_n than_o infant-communion_n be_v but_o three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o the_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o infant-circumcision_n and_o infant-baptism_n answer_v as_o a_o pattern_n unto_o that_o under_o the_o law_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o pattern_n under_o it_o which_o answer_v so_o to_o infant-communion_n because_o a_o child_n never_o partake_v of_o the_o 27._o the_o the_o the_o exod._n 12._o 26_o 27._o passover_n before_o he_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o take_v his_o father_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o to_o go_v up_o from_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o inquire_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o service_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v old_a enough_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o understand_v that_o than_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o it_o be_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o will_v if_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o confirm_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o christian_a child_n be_v usual_o much_o old_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v before_o they_o communicate_v which_o be_v mere_o accidental_a because_o it_o require_v a_o ripe_a reason_n to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a deliverance_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n both_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o understand_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a meaning_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v annual_o keep_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o speak_v yet_o more_o full_o of_o infant-communion_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o 〈◊〉_d valid_o valid_o valid_o theodoret._n therapeut_n serm._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v a_o most_o emphatical_a declaration_n that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o indies_n or_o or_o or_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n still_o be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o lawful_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o of_o profess_v believer_n can_v be_v as_o for_o the_o original_a of_o this_o custom_n it_o be_v not_o know_v when_o it_o begin_v probable_o it_o come_v in_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n to_o grow_v person_n present_o after_o their_o baptism_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v so_o tender_a towards_o infant_n as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n rather_o than_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o right_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o excuse_n of_o those_o uncharitable_a man_n who_o will_v rather_o destroy_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a so_o high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v above_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o infant-baptism_n which_o i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o reserve_v for_o this_o place_n be_v take_v from_o their_o incapacity_n to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n unto_o god_n for_o say_v these_o man_n all_o who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v for_o their_o part_n as_o well_o as_o god_n do_v for_o his_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n say_v that_o the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v 21._o 1_o ep._n 3._o 21._o have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o how_o can_v infant_n restipulate_v or_o what_o conscience_n can_v be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v what_o the_o covenant_n mean_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v as_o former_o that_o it_o be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o infant-baptism_n for_o the_o infant_n
this_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v only_o respect_v sit_v as_o he_o do_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o that_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o these_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n in_o a_o private_a house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n 20._o supper_n supper_n supper_n mat._n 26._o 20._o in_o the_o company_n of_o 11_o or_o 12_o at_o most_o 14._o mar._n 14._o 17._o luke_n 22._o 14._o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o as_o there_o do_v to_o sit._n so_o that_o this_o argument_n violent_o recoil_v upon_o those_o that_o urge_v it_o and_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o it_o conclude_v strong_o against_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o liberty_n they_o take_v in_o omit_v some_o thing_n and_o press_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o other_o upon_o a_o reason_n which_o equal_o oblige_v to_o all_o but_o i_o desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o may_v be_v answ_n two_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o these_o scotchman_n to_o take_v this_o further_a consideration_n along_o with_o they_o which_o i_o think_v will_v turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v deep_a impression_n upon_o tender_a conscience_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o observe_v most_o of_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o they_o omit_v rather_o than_o this_o of_o sit_v which_o they_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o contend_v for_o all_o those_o forementioned_a circumstance_n except_o the_o two_o last_o which_o too_o be_v general_o allow_v among_o learned_a man_n on_o all_o side_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v without_o dispute_n observe_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o he_o at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a and_o dubious_a as_o i_o shall_v evince_v by_o and_o by_o under_o the_o second_o query_n how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o where_o express_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v he_o real_o do_v why_o that_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o dubious_a shall_v be_v make_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o and_o evident_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n shall_v have_v no_o force_n nor_o be_v esteem_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o these_o be_v question_n i_o confess_v beyond_o my_o capacity_n and_o surpass_v my_o skill_n to_o resolve_v it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n that_o answ_n iii_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v this_o do_v respect_n only_o the_o verse_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 27_o 28._o verse_n bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o other_o action_n there_o specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a after_o all_o as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v and_o then_o i_o leave_v this_o to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n how_o they_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n such_o as_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v before_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n how_o they_o will_v ever_o answer_v to_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n their_o live_n and_o die_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o express_a command_n of_o his_o give_v a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o mere_o because_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o authority_n be_v cross_v to_o their_o private_a will_n and_o fancy_n but_o not_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o serious_a and_o sincere-hearted_n person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o not_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o law_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n use_v that_o gesture_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o provide_v we_o will_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o either_o sit_v or_o stand_v that_o be_v any_o way_n but_o that_o which_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o conduct_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a which_o be_v not_o where_o command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v and_o limit_v by_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n leave_v free_a for_o we_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v without_o sin_n become_v sinful_a to_o we_o when_o impose_v by_o humane_a authority_n it_o be_v remote_a from_o my_o business_n to_o show_v how_o weak_a and_o false_a a_o principle_n this_o be_v and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o but_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o tenent_n to_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o who_o hold_v and_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v receive_v kneel_v which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v safe_o do_v plain_o own_o that_o as_o to_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n for_o we_o to_o use_v or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n give_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o principle_n this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n it_o can_v not_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v as_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v if_o