Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n worship_n worship_v zeal_n 28 3 8.1186 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47436 A discourse concerning the inventions of men in the worship of God by William Lord Bishop of Derry ... King, William, 1650-1729. 1694 (1694) Wing K528; ESTC R9667 85,542 194

There are 21 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

pray_v to_o god_n praise_v he_o and_o instruct_v our_o family_n in_o private_a and_o yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o our_o do_v these_o private_o shall_v banish_v the_o use_n of_o they_o from_o our_o public_a assembly_n or_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v himself_o excuse_v from_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o they_o on_o account_n of_o his_o private_a diligence_n in_o they_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v for_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n 3._o god_n tell_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n vi_fw-la 6_o that_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o and_o thou_o shall_v write_v they_o on_o the_o post_n of_o thy_o house_n here_o be_v as_o much_o private_a diligence_n in_o read_v and_o teach_v the_o law_n require_v of_o the_o israelite_n as_o any_o christian_a can_v pretend_v to_o exercise_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o care_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n by_o private_a study_n and_o exercise_n do_v not_o make_v the_o read_n it_o in_o their_o synagogue_n unnecessary_a or_o prevent_v god_n from_o require_v they_o to_o use_v it_o as_o part_v of_o his_o public_a worship_n deut._n xxxi_o 11_o and_o therefore_o all_o your_o diligence_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n private_o or_o your_o teacher_n exhort_v and_o require_v you_o to_o do_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o warrant_v their_o or_o your_o dispense_n with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o appoint_v the_o read_n his_o word_n as_o part_v of_o his_o public_a service_n but_o 4._o when_o people_n be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o in_o private_a they_o may_v either_o do_v or_o not_o do_v a_o thing_n as_o they_o please_v and_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o come_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v there_o that_o neither_o can_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o in_o private_a it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o the_o people_n to_o be_v negligent_a and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o care_n in_o a_o church_n to_o leave_v so_o material_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o private_a diligence_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o where_o no_o public_a effectual_a care_n be_v take_v to_o inform_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n sensible_o decay_v and_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o be_v lose_v the_o papist_n read_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o language_n that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v and_o we_o see_v into_o what_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o be_v fall_v by_o this_o mean_n those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n general_o speak_v do_v not_o read_v they_o at_o all_o in_o your_o meeting_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o many_o of_o your_o common_a people_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o very_a history_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o have_v find_v on_o trial_n to_o my_o great_a trouble_n and_o astonishment_n this_o pretence_n therefore_o of_o people_n read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o private_a will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v you_o for_o break_v god_n command_n in_o omit_v the_o public_a read_v they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n service_n in_o the_o congregation_n the_o second_o pretence_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o for_o this_o omission_n be_v that_o since_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o settle_v of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v with_o christian_n that_o printing_n be_v not_o then_o know_v and_o consequent_o copy_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v few_o and_o hard_o to_o come_v by_o few_o can_v then_o read_v they_o if_o they_o have_v they_o and_o therefore_o say_v some_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o assembly_n be_v then_o absolute_o necessary_a otherwise_o the_o generality_n must_v have_v be_v stranger_n to_o they_o but_o now_o copy_n of_o the_o bible_n by_o mean_n of_o print_v be_v become_v common_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v have_v and_o most_o family_n have_v some_o in_o they_o that_o can_v read_v and_o therefore_o the_o public_a read_v they_o be_v not_o now_o necessary_a 1._o the_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o be_v first_o that_o the_o read_v the_o scripture_n public_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o print_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o man_n have_v find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n than_o he_o institute_v and_o plain_o to_o lay_v aside_o his_o command_n for_o man_n own_o invention_n 2._o god_n have_v promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o religious_a assembly_n and_o have_v command_v his_o word_n to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o church_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v the_o constant_a commonness_n of_o bibles_n nor_o ability_n to_o people_n to_o read_v they_o at_o home_n to_o omit_v therefore_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n for_o teach_v his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o people_n procure_v and_o read_v copy_n of_o the_o bible_n private_o be_v to_o leave_v god_n way_n and_o presumptuous_o depend_v on_o that_o which_o have_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o it_o 3._o how_o easy_a soever_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o obtain_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o can_v read_v there_o be_v still_o many_o family_n even_o among_o protestant_n that_o can_v neither_o compass_v a_o bible_n or_o get_v any_o to_o read_v it_o if_o they_o have_v one_o and_o therefore_o this_o expedient_a be_v no_o way_n sufficient_a to_o supply_v the_o design_n of_o god_n institution_n in_o command_v it_o to_o be_v read_v public_o 4._o let_v we_o suppose_v bibles_n to_o be_v as_o common_a as_o we_o can_v desire_v and_o that_o every_o one_o can_v read_v they_o yet_o who_o will_v secure_v we_o that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o people_z whilst_o the_o first_o fervour_n of_o a_o reformation_n be_v on_o they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v diligent_a so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o novelty_n to_o they_o or_o zeal_n for_o a_o party_n inspirit_n they_o but_o when_o this_o wear_v off_o as_o it_o general_o do_v in_o a_o little_a time_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o care_n of_o read_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o scripture_n decay_v with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n too_o many_o of_o all_o party_n that_o neither_o read_v themselves_o nor_o hear_v one_o chapter_n read_v in_o a_o whole_a year_n except_o at_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o omit_v the_o public_a read_v they_o on_o presumption_n that_o the_o people_n will_v do_v it_o themselves_o since_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o introduce_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o reduce_v we_o again_o to_o popery_n the_o most_o effectual_a bar_n against_o which_o be_v the_o bible_n in_o our_o own_o language_n 5._o people_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o come_v to_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v though_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o it_o and_o when_o they_o neglect_v they_o may_v be_v reprove_v or_o punish_v but_o this_o be_v not_o practical_a when_o the_o scripture_n be_v require_v only_o to_o be_v read_v in_o private_a family_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o method_n in_o point_n of_o efficacy_n we_o see_v in_o england_n and_o wales_n where_o public_a read_n be_v practise_v the_o people_n general_o embrace_v the_o reformation_n but_o in_o ireland_n where_o the_o same_o care_n be_v not_o take_v they_o reject_v it_o have_v god_n way_n be_v take_v and_o the_o scripture_n as_o constant_o read_v to_o the_o native_a irish_a in_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v in_o england_n or_o wales_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n but_o the_o reformation_n have_v succeed_v as_o universal_o here_o as_o it_o do_v there_o but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n to_o this_o day_n which_o may_v convince_v we_o how_o ineffectual_a all_o our_o contrivance_n be_v to_o enlighten_v man_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n institution_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o ever_o the_o native_a irish_a be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n it_o must_v be_v by_o have_v it_o read_v to_o they_o public_o in_o a_o language_n they_o
hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o our_o saviour_n look_v on_o this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o be_v so_o indispensible_o his_o due_n that_o he_o accept_v of_o it_o from_o the_o very_a devil_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o forbear_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o he_o mark_v three_o 11_o and_o unclean_a spirit_n when_o they_o see_v he_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o cry_v thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o the_o very_a heathen_a as_o well_o as_o his_o disciple_n approach_v he_o even_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n admit_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o only_o whilst_o he_o be_v bodily_a present_n we_o may_v observe_v st._n stephen_n present_v his_o prayer_n with_o the_o same_o posture_n act_n seven_o 60_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n v._o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o first_o christian_n thus_o glorify_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o st._n paul_n express_o command_v we_o 1_o cor._n vi_o 20_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 23_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o heathen_a come_n into_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v convince_v add_v and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_n god_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o custom_n for_o christian_n to_o do_v thus_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o heathen_a or_o reckon_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o conviction_n if_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n may_v be_v allow_v a_o fit_a pattern_n to_o we_o of_o what_o be_v decent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o find_v they_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n rev._n seven_o 11_o and_o all_o the_o angel_n stand_v about_o the_o throne_n and_o about_o the_o elder_n and_o about_o the_o beast_n and_o fall_v on_o their_o face_n before_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v god_n so_o chap._n four_o 10_o and_o chap._n nineteeen_o 4_o and_o the_o same_o we_o find_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n act_v xxi_o 5._o where_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o church_n of_o tyre_n kneel_v down_o on_o the_o shore_n and_o pray_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n xx_o 36_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o so_o constant_o be_v bodily_a worship_n and_o prayer_n join_v together_o that_o bow_v the_o knee_n sometime_o signify_v prayer_n eph._n iii._o 14_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n vi_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o bodily_a worship_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a external_a act_n of_o adoration_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v pray_v praise_v read_v the_o scripture_n or_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n term_v worship_n they_o be_v indeed_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o not_o immediate_a direct_a act_n of_o worship_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o worship_n be_v proper_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o proper_a act_n of_o external_n worship_n which_o direct_o signify_v this_o subjection_n or_o submission_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o prayer_n signify_v our_o desire_n of_o good_a thing_n from_o god_n and_o only_o indirect_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o praise_n immediate_o signify_v the_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o god_n excellency_n and_o only_o by_o consequence_n our_o submission_n read_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o tend_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n but_o do_v not_o direct_o express_v it_o and_o the_o sacrament_n primary_o signify_v god_n grace_n to_o we_o rather_o than_o our_o submission_n to_o he_o all_o these_o may_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o part_n of_o worship_n because_o they_o do_v imply_v such_o submission_n but_o bend_v or_o bow_v the_o body_n be_v that_o which_o be_v proper_o in_o scripture_n call_v worship_n as_o signify_v immediate_o and_o natural_o the_o bend_n and_o submission_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o nothing_o else_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o word_n render_v worship_n signify_v properly_z and_o original_o to_o bow_v down_o or_o prostrate_v the_o body_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latter_a of_o which_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n be_v render_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o very_o often_o when_o the_o original_a have_v they_o bow_v down_o themselves_o the_o translator_n render_v it_o they_o worship_v so_o psal._n xcv_o 5_o and_o jer._n i._n 16_o and_o worship_v the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v they_o bow_v themselves_o down_o to_o the_o work_n etc._n etc._n gen._n xxiv_o 52_o he_o worship_v the_o lord_n bow_v himself_o to_o the_o earth_n the_o original_a have_v no_o more_o but_o he_o bow_v himself_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o lord_n so_o psal._n xcv_o 5_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v general_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o translator_n to_o bow_v one_o self_n to_o the_o earth_n be_v that_o proper_a act_n which_o they_o call_v worship_n and_o hence_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v signify_v by_o bow_v before_o he_o micah_n vi_fw-la 6_o wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n that_o be_v how_o shall_v i_o worship_v he_o acceptable_o as_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n general_o there_o render_v worship_n proper_o signify_v a_o bodily_a action_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v original_o to_o pay_v homage_n by_o a_o kiss_n as_o we_o now_o kiss_v the_o king_n hand_n which_o usual_o be_v do_v kneel_v and_o hence_o kneel_v and_o worship_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o one_o be_v put_v for_o the_o other_o thus_o matt._n viij_o 2_o there_o come_v a_o leper_n and_o worship_v he_o the_o same_o be_v say_v mark_v i._n 40_o to_o come_v beseech_v he_o and_o kneel_v to_o he_o of_o the_o canaanitish_a woman_n it_o be_v say_v matt._n xv_o 25_o that_o she_o come_v and_o worship_v he_o and_o mark_n say_v chap._n seven_o 25_o she_o come_v and_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n luke_n say_v of_o the_o man_n among_o the_o tomb_n that_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o chap._n viij_o 28_o mark_v that_o he_o worship_v he_o chap._n v._n 6_o of_o jairus_n mark_n and_o luke_n say_v that_o he_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n matthew_n that_o he_o worship_v he_o luke_n viij_o 40_o mark_v v_o 22_o math._n ix_o 18_o so_o promiscuous_o do_v the_o evangelist_n use_v the_o word_n kneel_v or_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v to_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o when_o any_o be_v say_v to_o worship_n christ_n visible_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v they_o kneel_v to_o he_o and_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o congregation_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o express_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o bow_v ourselves_o or_o kneel_v unto_o he_o hence_o the_o very_a soldier_n that_o in_o derision_n bow_v their_o knee_n to_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o worship_n he_o mark_v xv_o 19_o and_o st._n john_n rev._n xxii_o 8_o when_o he_o will_v worship_v the_o angel_n fall_v before_o his_o foot_n to_o which_o the_o angel_n reply_v see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o worship_n god_n from_o which_o text_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o fall_v down_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o angel_n to_o pay_v it_o to_o god_n vii_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n some_o act_n of_o this_o bodily_a worship_n accompany_v every_o religious_a performance_n thus_o prayer_n be_v general_o offer_v with_o kneel_v and_o that_o so_o constant_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o to_o bow_v the_o knee_n in_o scripture-language_n be_v to_o pray_v thus_o praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v offer_v stand_v 1_o king_n viij_o 14_o and_o the_o king_n turn_v his_o face_n about_o and_o bless_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n stand_v and_o he_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o posture_n be_v observe_v ver._n 55._o 2_o chron._n xx_o 19_o and_o the_o levite_n stand_v up_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n
the_o follow_a deduction_n 1._o the_o altar_n be_v of_o old_a the_o lord_n table_n adoration_n from_o whence_o his_o attendant_n be_v feed_v mal._n i._n 7_o you_o offer_v pollute_v bread_n upon_o my_o altar_n and_o you_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o pollute_v thou_o in_o that_o you_o say_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v contemptible_a 2._o on_o this_o account_n the_o israelite_n come_v to_o the_o altar_n and_o worship_v before_o it_o as_o be_v god_n table_n on_o which_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v present_v as_o his_o meat_n of_o which_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o partake_v so_o 2_o chron._n vi_fw-la 12_o and_o he_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n vers_fw-la 13._o and_o kneel_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o 1_o king_n viij_o 54_o he_o arise_v from_o before_o the_o altar_n from_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o kneel_v of_o solomon_n be_v only_o because_o he_o offer_v up_o a_o prayer_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o a_o pray_a posture_n for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o be_v present_a at_o any_o sacrifice_n to_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o command_v 2_o king_n xviii·22_n you_o shall_v worship_v before_o this_o altar_n in_o jerusalem_n literal_o you_o shall_v bow_v down_o yourselves_o 3._o the_o communion-table_n be_v call_v the_o lord's-table_n 1_o cor._n x._o 21_o 4._o the_o israelite_n partake_v of_o the_o altar_n be_v propose_v as_o a_o example_n for_o our_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n 1_o cor._n x._o 16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 18._o behold_v israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o they_o which_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n 5._o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o religious_a eat_v with_o bodily_a worship_n it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o our_o saviour_n psal._n xxii_o 29_o all_o they_o that_o be_v fat_a upon_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o favour_a and_o happy_a servant_n of_o god_n here_o called_z in_o vers_n 26._o the_o meek_a shall_v eat_v and_o worship_n since_o then_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o a_o relious_a eat_v at_o the_o lords-table_n with_o worship_n and_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v such_o a_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v our_o worship_v when_o we_o eat_v 2._o we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o by_o it_o we_o show_v his_o death_n till_o he_o come_v the_o same_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o worship_n our_o saviour_n for_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o psal._n xlv_o 11_o if_o ever_o then_o we_o be_v to_o worship_v our_o saviour_n it_o be_v certain_o when_o we_o come_v to_o he_o in_o the_o near_a approach_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n and_o with_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v admit_v of_o to_o remember_v and_o adore_v he_o for_o the_o great_a act_n of_o love_n that_o can_v be_v extend_v towards_o we_o even_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o by_o feed_v on_o he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o worship_n he_o with_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o mind_n on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v when_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o this_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o poland_n to_o oblige_v all_o their_o member_n to_o receive_v kneel_v or_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o socinian_o who_o refuse_v to_o pay_v any_o worship_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o celebrate_v his_o supper_n sit_v the_o word_n of_o their_o general_n synod_n be_v these_o corpus_fw-la confession_n p._n 236._o quod_fw-la attinet_fw-la ad_fw-la caeremonias_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n the_o decree_n some_o time_n ago_o discuss_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o sandomir_n and_o the_o conclusion_n make_v and_o repeat_v in_o the_o general_n synod_n of_o cracow_n and_o petrokow_n be_v also_o approve_a in_o this_o session_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o vladislaw_n vizt_v that_o sit_v at_o the_o lord's-table_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o poland_n or_o lithuania_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o communion_n for_o this_o ceremony_n though_o indifferent_a as_o other_o be_v be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o infidel_n arrian_n only_o who_o place_n themselves_o in_o a_o equal_a throne_n with_o the_o lord_n since_o then_o sit_v have_v creep_v into_o some_o of_o our_o church_n chief_o by_o the_o occasion_n and_o countenance_n of_o those_o who_o have_v miserable_o fall_v from_o we_o and_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o we_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o those_o congregation_n and_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o will_v change_v sit_v into_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o we_o protestant_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o europe_n even_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v administer_v to_o the_o communicant_n stand_v or_o kneel_v with_o a_o protestation_n against_o bread-worship_n use_v by_o the_o papist_n both_o which_o rite_n as_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o use_v in_o some_o church_n we_o leave_v free_a and_o approve_v without_o blame_v or_o give_v offence_n to_o those_o who_o use_v either_o this_o synod_n be_v hold_v june_n 19_o the_o 1583._o the_o synod_n of_o petrokow_n above_o mention_v hold_v june_n 1.2.3_o 1578._o pa._n 234._o express_v itself_o in_o these_o word_n because_o those_o traitorous_a fugitive_n from_o we_o to_o arianism_n who_o change_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v to_o imitate_v christ_n without_o discretion_n be_v the_o first_o author_n among_o we_o of_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n contrary_a to_o the_o rite_n use_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n through_o europe_n therefore_o we_o reject_v this_o ceremony_n as_o proper_a to_o they_o who_o treat_v as_o well_o christ_n as_o his_o sacrament_n irreverent_o as_o indecent_a and_o irreligious_a and_o very_o offensive_a to_o well_o mean_v people_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o church_n reckon_v sit_v a_o ceremony_n and_o a_o ceremony_n of_o a_o ill_a signification_n and_o original_a and_o not_o use_v by_o any_o protestant_a church_n in_o their_o time_n iu._n but_o i_o find_v most_o people_n acknowledge_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o and_o grant_v if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o we_o how_o we_o will_v receive_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o with_o adoration_n but_o say_v they_o obedience_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n we_o be_v command_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v and_o he_o institute_v and_o his_o disciple_n receive_v it_o in_o a_o table_n posture_n and_o therefore_o so_o ought_v we_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n reason_n and_o decency_n seem_v to_o recommend_v another_o posture_n to_o we_o now_o to_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o find_v bring_v from_o scripture_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o prevail_v with_o most_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o require_v nor_o be_v it_o convenient_a to_o imitate_v all_o that_o christ_n do_v neither_o the_o time_n nor_o the_o number_n of_o receiver_n nor_o the_o posture_n be_v obligatory_a to_o we_o as_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor_fw-la xi_o 23._o who_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n concern_v this_o sacrament_n mention_n only_o our_o saviour_n take_v bread_n give_v thanks_o and_o break_v it_o and_o then_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n etc._n etc._n without_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o number_n of_o receiver_n his_o posture_n or_o be_v at_o supper_n nay_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o this_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o a_o common_a supper_n or_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o he_o observe_v that_o supper_n be_v do_v when_o he_o take_v the_o cup._n our_o saviour_n posture_n therefore_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v no_o wise_a obligatory_a to_o we_o it_o not_o be_v any_o part_n of_o what_o st._n paul_n profess_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n concern_v this_o sacrament_n 2._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o religious_a eat_v be_v accompany_v with_o bodily_a worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o table_n posture_n from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v it_o kneel_v
religious_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v much_o contribute_v to_o our_o live_n easy_o with_o one_o another_o and_o take_v off_o that_o uncharitableness_n which_o our_o religious_a dissension_n be_v apt_a to_o cause_n among_o we_o however_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v reckon_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o success_n in_o my_o office_n if_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o profess_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o to_o his_o institution_n in_o their_o worship_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n to_o the_o conform_v laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o laity_n who_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o place_v i_o among_o you_o and_o to_o give_v i_o a_o inspection_n over_o you_o and_o it_o be_v chief_o on_o your_o account_n that_o i_o have_v write_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o pledge_n and_o testimony_n to_o you_o of_o my_o concern_n for_o you_o and_o make_v my_o care_n to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v among_o you_o i_o hope_v my_o labour_n this_o way_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o to_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o doubtful_a and_o to_o awaken_v you_o all_o to_o diligence_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o your_o religion_n as_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v uncontroverted_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o your_o particular_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v afford_v you_o so_o many_o conveniency_n of_o frequent_v it_o in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v you_o so_o manifest_a advantage_n above_o your_o dissent_v neighbour_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o numerousness_n you_o have_v five_o place_n for_o worship_n for_o one_o that_o they_o have_v this_o will_v render_v you_o inexcusable_a if_o you_o neglect_v attendance_n at_o they_o or_o spend_v any_o lord_n day_n as_o be_v too_o common_a in_o this_o country_n in_o a_o mere_a rest_n from_o labour_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n i_o must_v likewise_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o our_o service_n be_v not_o only_o fit_v for_o the_o public_a but_o be_v likewise_o proper_a for_o private_a family_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o which_o our_o church_n have_v furnish_v you_o in_o your_o house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o least_o to_o use_v such_o select_a hymn_n and_o collect_v as_o seem_v most_o adapt_v to_o that_o purpose_n and_o at_o more_o solemn_a time_n i_o conceive_v our_o litany_n be_v as_o full_a and_o proper_a a_o service_n as_o any_o master_n of_o a_o family_n can_v desire_v to_o offer_v to_o god_n i_o must_v therefore_o most_o earnest_o &_o passionate_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o church_n sake_n and_o your_o own_o that_o you_o will_v add_v diligence_n and_o zeal_n to_o this_o your_o reasonable_a service_n and_o prepare_v your_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a worship_n and_o particular_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o faction_n or_o a_o party_n you_o contend_v for_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o thereupon_o strive_v rather_o to_o outlive_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o then_o to_o out-argue_v they_o let_v the_o innocency_n of_o your_o life_n and_o your_o christian_a moderation_n convince_v they_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o you._n i_o beseech_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o you_o and_o to_o influence_n you_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o of_o worship_v he_o in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o dissenting-laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n that_o dissent_n from_o our_o communion_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o one_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o i_o have_v here_o tender_v to_o you._n i_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o come_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o my_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v take_v this_o way_n to_o inform_v you._n i_o will_v only_o add_v a_o few_o observation_n which_o i_o recommend_v to_o you_o and_o shall_v leave_v the_o success_n entire_o to_o god_n 1._o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o have_v not_o lead_v you_o into_o long_a reason_n or_o the_o intricacy_n of_o human_a learning_n but_o i_o have_v refer_v you_o to_o your_o bibles_n and_o you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o they_o to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o or_o not_o those_o of_o berea_n be_v reckon_v a_o noble_a people_n act_n xvii_o 11_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o pray_v most_o hearty_o to_o god_n to_o give_v you_o a_o part_n in_o that_o nobleness_n of_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v search_v and_o find_v the_o truth_n 2._o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n ever_o will_v be_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v more_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o invention_n then_o of_o what_o god_n command_v if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o prophet_n send_v by_o god_n the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o the_o worship_n he_o command_v have_v have_v but_o ill_a entertainment_n among_o the_o people_n there_o never_o appear_v half_a so_o much_o zeal_n or_o inclination_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o for_o the_o false_a god_n and_o their_o prophet_n and_o there_o be_v a_o obvious_a natural_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o what_o man_n invent_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o near_a agreement_n to_o the_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n than_o what_o god_n prescribe_v which_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o change_v the_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o substitute_v their_o own_o invention_n instead_o of_o they_o a_o thing_n that_o will_v never_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v more_o ease_n or_o gratification_n to_o his_o humour_n in_o they_o then_o in_o observe_v god_n commandment_n if_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n you_o will_v find_v that_o most_o of_o all_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o fondness_n and_o violent_a inclination_n of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o and_o that_o the_o church_n governor_n do_v long_o oppose_v they_o and_o be_v bring_v with_o difficulty_n at_o last_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a purgatory_n the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n half_a communion_n be_v present_a at_o church_n assembly_n without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o worship_v the_o host_n be_v all_o vulgar_a practice_n at_o first_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o general_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v they_o but_o be_v human_a invention_n the_o people_n be_v so_o violent_a for_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o withstand_v they_o so_o that_o if_o the_o governor_n they_o have_v will_v not_o comply_v the_o people_n do_v set_v up_o those_o that_o will_v now_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v with_o all_o seriousness_n whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v something_o like_o this_o in_o your_o own_o case_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n it_o be_v plain_a you_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o practice_n against_o the_o opinion_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o all_o do_v settle_v liturgy_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o reform_a this_o knox_n do_v in_o scotland_n who_o lyturgy_n we_o have_v ready_a to_o produce_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o successor_n and_o yet_o condemn_v form_n of_o prayer_n as_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n by_o william_n lord_n bishop_n of_o derry_n print_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o diocese_n dublin_n print_v for_o the_o author_n by_o andrew_n crook_n printer_n to_o their_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n mdcxciv_o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n and_o section_n introduction_n contain_v a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n for_o examine_v the_o ordinary_a part_n of_o outward_a public_a worship_n chap._n i._o of_o praise_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v they_o page_n 6._o sect._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o praising_n god_n public_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o church_n page_n 15_o sect._n 3_o the_o dissenter_n manner_n of_o praise_v god_n in_o public_a page_n 18_o chap._n ii_o of_o prayer_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v prayer_n page_n 25_o sect._n 2._o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n p._n 41_o sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o p._n 43_o chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o page_n 68_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o read_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n page_n 77_o sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n page_n 81_o chap._n iv._o of_o bodily_a worship_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o page_n 104_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o bodily_a worship_n page_n 114_o sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n page_n 117_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v the_o frequency_n of_o celebrate_v it_o page_n 145_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o frequent_a communion_n page_n 155_o sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n page_n 159_o conclusion_n to_o the_o conform_v clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n page_n 164_o to_o the_o dissent_v minister_n in_o the_o same_o diocese_n p._n 170_o to_o the_o conform_v laity_n thereof_o page_n 179_o to_o the_o dissent_v laity_n thereof_o page_n 181_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o introduction_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o mixture_n of_o human_a invention_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o mark_v vii_o 7_o in_o vain_a say_v he_o do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n this_o oblige_v every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o concern_v for_o his_o soul_n to_o examine_v careful_o the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v institute_v lest_o his_o service_n shall_v be_v reject_v with_o that_o censure_n in_o the_o prophet_n who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n but_o more_o especial_o it_o concern_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a in_o examine_v this_o matter_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v their_o own_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n concern_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o worship_n which_o they_o practise_v themselves_o and_o recommend_v to_o other_o ii_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o his_o providence_n to_o make_v i_o a_o overseer_n over_o some_o part_n of_o his_o flock_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o use_v my_o endeavour_n to_o instruct_v those_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o charge_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o to_o warn_v such_o as_o i_o conceive_v to_o swerve_v from_o they_o of_o their_o mistake_v i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v of_o use_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o join_v with_o i_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o find_v on_o examination_n that_o what_o they_o there_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n institution_n and_o as_o to_o those_o that_o think_v otherwise_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o a_o admonition_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n can_v give_v they_o no_o just_a offence_n but_o rather_o be_v of_o use_n to_o they_o also_o by_o oblige_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o revise_v their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v correct_v their_o judgement_n if_o from_o what_o i_o offer_v they_o shall_v see_v reason_n for_o it_o iii_o in_o order_n to_o help_v those_o concern_v to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v 1_o sy_n that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n to_o give_v rule_n how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o since_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n natural_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o universal_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o time_n 2_o dly_z i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n agree_v to_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n concern_v his_o worship_n 3_o dly_z from_o these_o two_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o keep_v as_o close_o as_o we_o can_v to_o those_o direction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o his_o word_n without_o add_v to_o omit_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v there_o lay_v down_o for_o since_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o a_o certain_a direction_n for_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v displease_v to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o express_o contain_v or_o warrant_v by_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n mention_v therein_o 4_o thly_a we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v either_o inward_a or_o outward_a the_o inward_a worship_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o inward_a homage_n and_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o he_o the_o outward_a consist_v of_o such_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o serve_v to_o express_v this_o inward_a subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o that_o promote_v increase_n or_o contribute_v towards_o it_o thus_o for_o instance_n vocal_a prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o outward_a worship_n because_o it_o express_v the_o inward_a dependence_n of_o our_o soul_n on_o god_n thus_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o because_o therein_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o law_n and_o use_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o increase_v this_o subjection_n thus_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o worship_n because_o in_o they_o we_o not_o only_o express_v our_o dependence_n on_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n but_o likewise_o oblige_v and_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v in_o all_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n 5_o thly_a we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v in_o these_o outward_a act_n that_o we_o be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v as_o public_a worshipper_n for_o we_o can_v know_v the_o inward_a worship_n which_o man_n pay_v to_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o these_o outward_a act_n and_o general_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v this_o outward_a and_o concern_v it_o be_v the_o great_a dispute_n and_o difference_n among_o we_o all_o of_o we_o be_v agree_v as_o to_o the_o inward_a and_o of_o what_o sort_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v iv._o have_v premise_v these_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o i_o shall_v proceed_v direct_o to_o my_o propose_a undertake_n and_o shall_v with_o the_o great_a fairness_n and_o impartiallity_n i_o can_v examine_v and_o compare_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n as_o well_o with_o that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o church_n as_o with_o that_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o we_o v._o now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o god_n as_o prescribe_v and_o practise_v in_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o main_a substantial_a part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v these_o five_o vizt_v praise_n prayer_n hear_v bodily_a worship_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o method_n i_o shall_v take_v in_o discourse_v of_o each_o of_o these_o shall_v be_v first_o to_o show_v what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n
the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n very_o inconvenient_a and_o be_v likewise_o a_o late_a invention_n of_o our_o own_o never_o use_v by_o any_o foreign_a church_n either_o popish_a or_o reform_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v be_v take_v up_o to_o supply_v the_o negligence_n and_o laziness_n of_o people_n who_o will_v not_o now_o as_o former_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o get_v psalm_n by_o heart_n or_o so_o much_o as_o procure_v book_n or_o learn_v to_o read_v they_o 5._o notwithstanding_o your_o directory_n require_v the_o voice_n in_o sing_v psalm_n to_o be_v tuneable_a and_o grave_o order_v yet_o you_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n which_o be_v a_o natural_a mean_n to_o help_v the_o voice_n and_o make_v it_o tuneable_a and_o be_v use_v by_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n but_o have_v also_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o press_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o these_o part_n where_o so_o many_o for_o want_v of_o be_v use_v to_o they_o have_v entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o and_o some_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v affect_v by_o they_o yet_o the_o make_v they_o unlawful_a be_v against_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o be_v on_o that_o account_n a_o dangerous_a superstition_n and_o encroachment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 6._o the_o same_o superstition_n and_o encroachment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v to_o praise_n god_n in_o sing_v or_o say_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v such_o noble_a precedent_n out_o of_o scripture_n but_o even_o to_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a last_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o appear_v you_o have_v altogether_o lay_v aside_o the_o psalm_n in_o prose_n and_o the_o other_o scripture_n hymn_n that_o be_v of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o saint_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v no_o where_o use_v by_o you_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n but_o in_o their_o stead_n you_o have_v substitute_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v a_o few_o verse_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o human_a composure_n without_o scripture-example_n or_o precedent_n and_o sing_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o ancient_a practice_n much_o less_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o be_v pure_o and_o immediate_o a_o invention_n of_o men._n iv._o the_o case_n then_o between_o our_o church_n and_o you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o think_v impartial_o stand_v thus_o our_o church_n praise_v god_n every_o day_n with_o five_o or_o six_o psalm_n beside_o other_o hymn_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n and_o method_n and_o yet_o be_v desert_v and_o condemn_v by_o you_o in_o this_o very_a point_n as_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n whereas_o you_o who_o only_o praise_v he_o in_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o a_o few_o verse_n and_o in_o a_o method_n of_o your_o own_o find_v out_o persuade_v yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a from_o human_a invention_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n serious_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o for_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v what_o all_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o god_n will_v judge_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o you_o in_o earnest_n lie_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o reflect_v on_o they_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o they_o will_v at_o least_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o be_v modest_a in_o your_o censure_n of_o we_o your_o brethren_n and_o prevent_v your_o judge_n much_o less_o condemn_v we_o or_o our_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n as_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o chap._n ii_o of_o prayer_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o main_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o christian_n which_o i_o observe_v be_v prayer_n or_o supplication_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o rule_n direction_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o judge_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n distinct_o by_o themselves_o such_o as_o confession_n supplication_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n 1._o confession_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o aggravate_v it_o be_v common_o look_v on_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n and_o proper_a to_o introduce_v our_o supplication_n now_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v express_a command_n to_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o confession_n so_o deuteron_n xxvi_o 3_o thou_o shall_v go_v unto_o the_o priest_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o profess_v this_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o i_o be_o come_v unto_o the_o country_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o our_o forefather_n to_z give_v we_o and_o then_o the_o offerer_n be_v to_o make_v his_o confession_n vers_n 5_o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v and_o say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v my_o father_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n of_o the_o person_n vnworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n together_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o set_n &_o prepare_a word_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o solomon_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n for_o the_o penitent_a israelite_n 1_o king_n viij_o 47_o which_o word_n we_o find_v according_o apply_v in_o psal._n cvi_fw-la 6_o and_o make_v part_n of_o a_o large_a form_n of_o confession_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o captivity_n as_o solomon_n design_v they_o which_o appear_v from_o the_o 47th_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o psalm_n take_v from_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 1_o chro._n xuj_o 35_o and_o daniel_n in_o his_o form_n of_o confession_n in_o captivity_n chap._n ix_o vers_fw-la 5._o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v arbitrary_o to_o choice_n or_o discretion_n though_o other_o word_n may_v be_v join_v with_o they_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o enlarge_v or_o vary_v the_o form_n many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o be_v use_v and_o daily_o repeat_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n psal._n li._n be_v the_o form_n of_o confession_n david_n prepare_v and_o use_v for_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o he_o not_o only_o use_v it_o himself_o but_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o master_n of_o his_o choir_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o it_o psal._n lxxviii_o be_v a_o general_a confession_n for_o the_o whole_a people_n set_v forth_o at_o large_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o ingratitude_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n and_o this_o not_o as_o a_o pattern_n but_o as_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a service_n all_o which_o show_v we_o that_o address_n to_o god_n in_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v a_o warrant_n to_o we_o that_o he_o approve_v that_o our_o confession_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n 2._o the_o second_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v supplication_n for_o good_a thing_n and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o a_o form_n of_o word_n deut._n xxvi_o 13_o 15._o then_o thou_o shall_v say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n look_v down_o from_o thy_o holy_a habitation_n from_o heaven_n and_o bless_v thy_o people_n israel_n and_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o as_o thou_o swear_v unto_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n so_o hos._n fourteen_o 2_o take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n moses_n in_o the_o wilderness_n use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o psal._n xc_o which_o have_v this_o title_n a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n
the_o man_n of_o god_n when_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o left_a to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o in_o our_o supplication_n such_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o manner_n of_o address_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v intercession_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o now_o blessing_n be_v a_o eminent_a sort_n of_o intercession_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o this_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o command_n of_o god_n numb_a vi_fw-la 23_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o earnest_a intercession_n with_o god_n for_o his_o people_n and_o the_o form_n and_o word_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o mean_a ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v only_o now_o suppose_v by_o some_o to_o need_v the_o help_n of_o form_n but_o by_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n the_o chief_a priest_n from_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n approve_v that_o manner_n of_o address_n in_o our_o blessing_n and_o intercession_n for_o one_o another_o not_o only_o from_o mean_a people_n but_o from_o the_o great_a 4._o the_o four_o part_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o petition_n for_o avert_v evil_a common_o call_v deprecation_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v several_a form_n prescribe_v by_o god_n joel_n i_o 14_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n alas_o for_o the_o day_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v god_n commandment_n for_o another_o form_n joel_n two_o 17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n in_o this_o part_n of_o prayer_n though_o common_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o such_o as_o seem_v least_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o form_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n ii_o and_o according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n though_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n use_v the_o same_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n always_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n thus_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o concern_v moses_n num._n x._o 35_o when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o moses_n say_v rise_v up_o lord_n and_o let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v and_o let_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n unto_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o one_o set_v constant_a form_n of_o word_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o long_o as_o the_o occasion_n of_o repeat_v they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v suspect_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o word_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o moses_n confine_v himself_o to_o this_o form_n i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o prayer_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o such_o pathetic_a significant_a and_o move_a word_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o furnish_v we_o with_o they_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v by_o any_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n such_o be_v the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 9_o 10_o 12_o etc._n etc._n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o constant_a service_n and_o liturgy_n perform_v in_o their_o temple_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o i_o former_o quote_v 2_o chron._n xxix_o 30._o iii_o but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v these_o command_n and_o example_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o so_o plentiful_a a_o measure_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o 1._o i_o think_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o they_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o consist_v in_o psalm_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o in_o some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o use_v in_o their_o daily_a service_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n at_o that_o scripture_n time_n now_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v frequent_o present_a at_o their_o service_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o approve_v the_o manner_n of_o addressing_z themselves_o to_o god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n 2._o but_o our_o saviour_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n with_o impartial_a man_n by_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n for_o we_o find_v his_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o by_o direct_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o find_v he_o say_v when_o you_o pray_v speak_v what_o shall_v then_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o hour_n without_o take_v think_v about_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n that_o be_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o his_o sake_n mat._n x._o 19_o but_o in_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n he_o prescribe_v they_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v it_o luke_n xi_o 2_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o use_v these_o word_n when_o they_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o express_v it_o in_o clear_a term_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o religious_a person_n among_o the_o jew_n offer_v up_o constant_o prayer_n to_o god_n we_o see_v it_o in_o david_n psal._n lv_o 17_o and_o in_o daniel_n chap._n vi_fw-la 10_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o duty_n nor_o in_o skill_n to_o perform_v it_o since_o we_o find_v that_o other_o devout_a person_n of_o their_o time_n have_v their_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n iii._o 1_o therefore_o what_o they_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v they_o absolute_o or_o in_o general_a to_o pray_v but_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n proper_a to_o his_o institution_n as_o they_o see_v the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n and_o john_n have_v proper_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o the_o lord's-prayer_n as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o main_a point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o as_o a_o constant_a badge_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v when_o ever_o you_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n your_o usual_a prayer_n which_o religious_a custom_n have_v teach_v you_o as_o jew_n and_o disciple_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o john_n whether_o in_o secret_n or_o public_a add_v this_o always_o to_o your_o other_o prayer_n for_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n to_o you_o of_o those_o duty_n privilege_n and_o qualification_n which_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o my_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n from_o your_o heavenly_a father_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o persevere_v in_o they_o the_o lords-prayer_n be_v therefore_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n impose_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o
o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o judge_n and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o join_v our_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n in_o some_o of_o our_o public_a supplication_n to_o god_n and_o that_o this_o practice_n be_v no_o new_a invention_n of_o men._n v._o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o priest_n part_n to_o make_v public_a intercession_n for_o the_o people_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o bear_v a_o part_n by_o themselves_o and_o answer_v in_o the_o service_n which_o we_o common_o call_v response_n 1._o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v it_o psal._n cvi_fw-la 48_o where_o after_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o which_o the_o psalm_n consist_v be_v end_v it_o be_v add_v let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_o praise_v the_o lord_n and_o according_o we_o find_v 1_o chr._n xuj_o 36_o that_o the_o people_n say_v amen_o and_o praise_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v more_o signal_o observable_a in_o that_o solemn_a service_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o solomon_n temple_n where_o we_o find_v first_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n praise_v god_n 2_o chron._n v._n 13_o and_o say_v for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o the_o usual_a form_n of_o praise_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o psalm_n particular_o in_o the_o cxxxvi_o which_o be_v probable_o use_v at_o that_o time_n then_o solomon_n who_o build_v the_o temple_n perform_v another_o part_n of_o the_o service_n chap._n vi_fw-la 3_o he_o bless_v first_o the_o people_n second_o he_o bless_a and_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o last_o offer_v that_o divine_a prayer_n of_o dedication_n which_o we_o find_v in_o that_o chapter_n then_o follow_v the_o burn_a offering_n and_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v peculiar_o the_o priest_n share_n of_o the_o service_n chap._n seven_o and_o god_n give_v his_o approbation_n of_o their_o praise_n prayer_n &_o offering_n by_o send_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o last_o of_o all_o follow_v the_o people_n part_n which_o they_o perform_v chap._n seven_o 3_o they_o bow_v themselves_o with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n upon_o the_o pavement_n and_o worship_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o this_o service_n be_v order_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o plain_o show_v we_o that_o he_o approve_v of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o share_n or_o part_v peculiar_a to_o themselves_o in_o his_o worship_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v now_o abolish_v and_o unlawful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o levitical_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n have_v answer_v this_o by_o continue_v this_o practice_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o admit_v the_o people_n to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o public_a service_n and_o to_o answer_v to_o the_o prayer_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v no_o legal_a abolish_v ceremony_n this_o be_v manifest_a from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 16_o else_o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_n amen_o at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o which_o show_v that_o even_o the_o unlearned_a have_v a_o part_n assign_v they_o in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n it_o may_v be_v add_v to_o this_o what_o i_o observe_v before_o chap._n 1._o sect._n 1_o n._n 4._o of_o the_o response_n in_o praise_v god_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n describe_v in_o the_o revelation_n where_o the_o angel_n and_o elder_n represent_v the_o clergy_n and_o the_o multitude_n represent_v the_o people_n bear_v each_o of_o they_o their_o distinct_a part_n in_o allusion_n to_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a proof_n that_o the_o people_n bear_v a_o part_n and_o answer_v to_o the_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n of_o he_o that_o officiated_n ever_o since_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v establish_v sect._n 2._o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v prayer_n have_v thus_o see_v the_o direction_n and_o example_n which_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o they_o both_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o we_o who_o be_v of_o this_o communion_n it_o will_v clear_o appear_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o particular_o direct_v we_o to_o ask_v or_o any_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v that_o be_v omit_v this_o advantage_n we_o have_v towards_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n that_o our_o prayer_n be_v fix_v and_o state_v and_o may_v be_v examine_v by_o all_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o they_o a_o advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o put_v they_o into_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n whereas_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o as_o use_v only_o extempore_o prayer_n thus_o to_o justify_v their_o service_n because_o their_o prayer_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a and_o depend_v on_o the_o present_a thought_n of_o the_o speaker_n 2._o our_o church_n require_v the_o people_n to_o join_v their_o voice_n with_o the_o minister_n in_o some_o of_o the_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o concern_v and_o which_o seem_v of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o great_a moment_n such_o be_v the_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n 3._o our_o church_n have_v assign_v for_o the_o people_n some_o short_a answer_n or_o response_n to_o our_o prayer_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o attention_n and_o signify_v their_o concurrence_n with_o the_o minister_n thus_o to_o every_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v amen_o as_o we_o find_v the_o people_n do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o to_o join_v unanimous_o in_o some_o other_o short_a ejaculation_n to_o implore_v god_n mercy_n or_o beseech_v he_o to_o hear_v we_o in_o all_o which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v we_o have_v the_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v our_o service_n that_o we_o have_v take_v the_o rule_n thereof_o from_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o invent_v a_o service_n out_o of_o our_o own_o head_n and_o then_o as_o be_v too_o often_o the_o custom_n of_o innovator_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o scripture_n comply_v with_o it_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o our_o church_n will_v never_o have_v retain_v and_o prepare_v form_n of_o prayer_n have_v they_o not_o find_v such_o in_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o have_v require_v the_o people_n to_o join_v their_o voice_n in_o some_o prayer_n and_o answer_v to_o other_o if_o the_o example_n of_o scripture_n have_v not_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o profess_v and_o their_o design_n be_v to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o rule_n and_o we_o see_v how_o exact_o they_o conform_v to_o it_o in_o these_o particular_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v say_v as_o much_o for_o all_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o protestant_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o vs._n i._o and_o here_o i_o must_v entreat_v you_o of_o my_o diocese_n who_o dissent_n from_o our_o worship_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o i_o what_o it_o be_v which_o you_o have_v substitute_v in_o the_o place_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v entire_o lay_v aside_o though_o so_o express_o direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n and_o examine_v whether_o your_o way_n have_v a_o solid_a foundation_n in_o god_n word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v it_o with_o all_o fairness_n and_o impartiality_n and_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v as_o god_n shall_v direct_v you_o and_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o here_o i_o find_v that_o some_o of_o your_o writer_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o no_o necessary_a use_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o stint_v
the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v man_n from_o stir_v up_o or_o use_v the_o gift_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o 2._o other_o of_o you_o go_v further_o and_o affirm_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o speak_v public_o to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o join_v their_o voice_n but_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o he_o upon_o these_o principle_n you_o forsake_v our_o worship_n and_o many_o of_o you_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o present_v at_o our_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n therefore_o that_o you_o shall_v understand_v what_o the_o scripture_n determine_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o our_o worship_n which_o you_o thus_o forsake_v be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v and_o these_o principle_n of_o your_o worship_n and_o your_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n i_o can_v see_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v your_o forsake_v our_o assembly_n to_o god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v each_o of_o these_o principle_n apart_o ii_o and_o first_o for_o that_o position_n of_o your_o directory_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o promise_n or_o foundation_n it_o have_v in_o scripture_n i_o profess_v to_o you_o serious_o that_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n ay_o can_v make_v i_o never_o can_v find_v any_o such_o promise_v make_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o meet_v any_o dissenter_n that_o be_v able_a to_o show_v any_o such_o exclusive_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n if_o then_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v there_o be_v not_o be_v it_o not_o too_o much_o presumption_n in_o the_o compiler_n of_o your_o directory_n to_o obtrude_v this_o doctrine_n on_o the_o world_n or_o persuade_v people_n to_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o neglect_v the_o help_n of_o form_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o nay_o as_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n for_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v prayer_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o command_n in_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o worship_n or_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o conceive_v extemporary_a or_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o example_n in_o a_o settle_a ordinary_a congregation_n where_o it_o be_v practise_v if_o then_o you_o can_v show_v none_o of_o these_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o promise_n nor_o command_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o worship_n build_v on_o it_o a_o vanity_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v seven_o 7_o if_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o confute_v a_o adversary_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v sufficient_a but_o this_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o point_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v both_o grateful_a and_o instructive_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o they_o and_o set_v it_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v under_o the_o follow_a head_n iii_o 1._o first_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o whoever_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o faith_n sincerity_n fervency_n love_n humility_n conformity_n to_o god_n will_n understanding_n and_o decency_n of_o expression_n pray_v acceptable_o to_o he_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whoever_o pray_v without_o these_o do_v want_v it_o 2._o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v attain_v these_o grace_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o beget_v they_o in_o we_o 3._o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o acquire_v by_o natural_a mean_n a_o ability_n to_o express_v himself_o decent_o in_o prayer_n though_o he_o can_v so_o acquire_v faith_n or_o any_o other_o inward_a grace_n so_o that_o decency_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o always_o a_o part_n of_o it_o 4._o i_o say_v that_o one_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n may_v have_v all_o these_o qualification_n and_o therefore_o his_o prayer_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o the_o dissenter_n 1._o from_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n which_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v how_o be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v use_v the_o answer_n be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n as_o a_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v other_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v also_o use_v as_o a_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o understanding_n faith_n reverence_n and_o other_o grace_n necessary_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n 2._o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o dissenter_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o turn_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n into_o metre_n and_o then_o sing_v they_o line_n by_o line_n after_o the_o minister_n as_o for_o example_n the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o psalm_n run_v thus_o in_o the_o translation_n they_o use_v give_v ear_n unto_o my_o word_n o_o lord_n my_o meditation_n weigh_v hear_v my_o loud_a cry_n my_o king_n my_o god_n for_o i_o to_o thou_o will_v pray_v this_o be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o any_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o by_o their_o use_v it_o as_o they_o do_v they_o plain_o practice_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o do_v further_o also_o allow_v that_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o praise_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n with_o sing_v and_o that_o they_o may_v repeat_v their_o form_n of_o prayer_n after_o the_o minister_n with_o what_o reason_n then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v against_o we_o that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n sing_v in_o verse_n and_o after_o the_o minister_n read_v it_o be_v commendable_a but_o the_o same_o say_v or_o sing_v in_o prose_n be_v unlawful_a 5._o extemporary_a conceive_a prayer_n may_v want_v these_o spiritual_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n as_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o that_o contend_v most_o for_o they_o and_o they_o often_o be_v manifest_o deficient_a be_v sometime_o perform_v without_o reverence_n or_o decency_n of_o expression_n and_o by_o some_o even_o without_o understanding_n and_o where_o these_o qualification_n be_v find_v other_o may_v be_v want_v the_o scripture_n observe_v that_o a_o man_n may_v make_v long_a prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o mind_n dispose_v to_o devour_v widow_n house_n he_o may_v want_v faith_n humility_n fervency_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n and_o therefore_o such_o prayer_n be_v not_o always_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 6._o therefore_o when_o god_n promise_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n to_o his_o people_n zach._n twelve_o 10_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o enable_v all_o man_n who_o be_v god_n child_n to_o conceive_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o mouth_n convenient_a desire_n without_o a_o form_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o every_o one_o to_o who_o god_n give_v a_o heart_n and_o disposition_n to_o pray_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o who_o from_o this_o principle_n offer_v up_o his_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n pray_v acceptable_o and_o he_o that_o offer_v they_o without_o that_o principle_n though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o unpremeditated_a and_o extemporary_a word_n be_v reject_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o grace_n the_o heart_n the_o disposition_n and_o ability_n to_o pray_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n such_o a_o man_n prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v great_o superstitious_a to_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o if_o god_n give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o pray_v and_o by_o his_o providence_n have_v provide_v we_o a_o form_n
to_o express_v our_o desire_n in_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a 7._o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o account_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v 1._o that_o no_o worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n john_n four_o 24_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o prayer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o signify_v extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o exclude_v form_n will_v appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o here_o we_o find_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v with_o it_o and_o whoever_o sing_v otherwise_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v but_o though_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n with_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v pray_v by_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n the_o most_o spiritual_a song_n consist_v of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o impose_v word_n and_o so_o may_v the_o most_o spiritual_a prayer_n pray_v therefore_o with_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n be_v so_o far_o from_o meaning_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o use_v of_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o for_o either_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o to_o sing_v to_o god_n in_o extemporary_a hymn_n or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n since_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o interpret_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o contrary_a 2._o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o further_a we_o find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o form_n so_o do_v moses_n so_o do_v david_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o on_o the_o cross_n when_o in_o his_o agony_n he_o repeat_v the_o first_o verse_n of_o psal._n xxii_o in_o syriack_n and_o as_o some_o believe_v the_o whole_a psalm_n by_o which_o act_n he_o recommend_v to_o we_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o die_a breath_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n of_o express_v our_o condition_n to_o god_n and_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n vi_fw-la 18_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o signify_v pray_v with_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pray_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o sing_v by_o a_o form_n 3._o we_o have_v a_o promise_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v assist_v we_o with_o this_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o word_n without_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o rom._n viij_o 26_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v those_o inward_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n call_v here_o groan_n be_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v and_o indeed_o only_o can_v help_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v with_o this_o grace_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n whether_o we_o use_v word_n or_o no_o and_o if_o we_o do_v use_v they_o whether_o we_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n first_o or_o pour_v they_o forth_o as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v always_o furnish_v we_o with_o fit_a word_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v furnish_v some_o with_o such_o word_n for_o we_o find_v both_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n dictate_v immediate_o by_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o zacharias_n and_o in_o the_o song_n or_o prayer_n of_o simeon_n and_o in_o act_n four_o 24_o but_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o prophecy_n and_o we_o may_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o this_o gift_n more_o than_o for_o any_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n till_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n pray_v and_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o we_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o pray_v extemporary_a prayer_n from_o any_o example_n of_o inspire_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o to_o sing_v extemporary_a hymn_n from_o the_o like_a example_n to_o which_o yet_o none_o i_o think_v pretend_v 5._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o even_o those_o who_o compose_v their_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n do_v not_o general_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n till_o they_o have_v first_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n thus_o david_n first_o pen_v his_o psalm_n and_o then_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v sing_v 1._o chron._n xuj_o 7_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o prophet_n 1._o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n a_o tongue_n a_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o have_v they_o ready_a and_o reduce_v into_o form_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v together_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o have_v a_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o place_n will_v appear_v very_o probable_a not_o only_o from_o the_o word_n which_o natural_o import_v this_o and_o can_v hardly_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v but_o likewise_o from_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o what_o these_o prophet_n have_v prepare_v and_o what_o be_v reveal_v immediate_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v together_o vers_n 30._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o show_v that_o these_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v so_o far_o be_v these_o inspire_a man_n from_o countenance_v a_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n except_o where_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o it_o and_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o scripture-proof_n be_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o tongue_n their_o necessity_n to_o god_n without_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 8._o it_o lie_v therefore_o my_o friend_n on_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v lay_v aside_o prayer_n by_o form_n command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v room_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v of_o man_n own_o invention_n but_o further_a that_o place_n eccl._n v._n 1.2_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o such_o prayer_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n or_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rashnesh_a to_o trust_v the_o express_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o such_o uncertain_a and_o unpremeditated_a word_n as_o our_o invention_n suggest_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o he_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o promise_n of_o be_v supply_v to_o we_o
the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o all_o good_a people_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o will_v retrieve_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v suggest_v but_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v some_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n because_o they_o will_v but_o exasperate_v and_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o perform_v extempore_o ridiculous_a which_o ill_a man_n may_v extend_v as_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v to_o expose_v devotion_n in_o general_a such_o be_v the_o indecent_a expression_n which_o sometime_o fall_v from_o person_n that_o pray_v thus_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o some_o preacher_n have_v too_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o serious_a person_n even_o among_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o print_v some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o those_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v print_v will_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v nor_o much_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a men._n but_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o ill_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o ridicule_fw-la one_o another_o devotion_n whatever_o it_o be_v v._o there_o remain_v yet_o the_o three_o opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o they_o advance_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n far_o from_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o require_v we_o rom._n xv_o 6_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n we_o produce_v this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n join_v their_o voice_n and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o condemn_v it_o or_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v charge_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o your_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n which_o be_v all_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o head_n after_o what_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o contrary_a practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v faithful_o examine_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n that_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o compare_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n way_n of_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o service_n the_o dissenter_n have_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n lay_v aside_o god_n command_n and_o desert_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o a_o immediate_a invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o entreat_v you_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o show_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o thereby_o literal_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o jew_n mark_v seven_o 7_o of_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o that_o superstition_n condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n col._n two_o 21_o which_o say_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v which_o teach_v to_o forbear_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a after_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o it_o that_o you_o may_v deliver_v your_o soul_n chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o christian_a assembly_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o examine_v this_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o consider_v first_o what_o direction_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o shall_v compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o they_o and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n first_o then_o god_n have_v positive_o command_v we_o to_o read_v his_o word_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n so_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v jos._n viij_o 35_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v which_o joshua_n read_v not_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n neither_o be_v this_o confine_v to_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o sabbath_n service_n in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n xiii_o 14_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n vers_fw-la 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n mean_v undoubted_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o st._n james_n act_n xv_o 21_o of_o moses_n his_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n ii_o this_o read_v the_o law_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n provide_v for_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o people_n immediate_o sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a reformation_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o restore_a this_o ordinance_n thus_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 29_o that_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o he_o read_v in_o their_o ear_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o like_a be_v observe_v of_o ezra_n neh._n viij_o 3_o and_o he_o read_v therein_o before_o the_o street_n that_o be_v before_o the_o water-gate_n from_o morning_n until_o midday_n before_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o that_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n give_v by_o themselves_o be_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o law_n be_v constant_o read_v to_o they_o afterward_o public_o in_o their_o synagogue_n so_o powerful_o do_v god_n bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o preserve_v those_o that_o use_v they_o from_o error_n and_o sin_n iii_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o like_a order_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o read_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a elder_n as_o it_o be_v before_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v as_o well_o as_o to_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspire_v write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n col._n
read_v the_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v with_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_v from_o we_o how_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perform_v in_o your_o assembly_n and_o to_o compare_v your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n with_o the_o scripture_n rule_v and_o example_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o integrity_n that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o observe_v i._o and_o here_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o your_o teacher_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v very_o little_a regard_n either_o to_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n in_o frame_v this_o part_n of_o your_o worship_n have_v lay_v aside_o all_o those_o method_n of_o instruction_n that_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o except_o it_o be_v that_o of_o exposition_n and_o exhortation_n which_o among_o you_o be_v call_v preach_v in_o so_o much_o that_o though_o a_o man_n frequent_v your_o meeting_n all_o his_o life_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o security_n or_o hardly_o possibility_n of_o learning_n from_o your_o public_a teach_n all_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n or_o the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o his_o faith_n 1._o for_o first_o your_o preacher_n be_v entire_o leave_v to_o their_o choice_n what_o place_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v explain_v or_o what_o subject_n they_o will_v handle_v and_o hence_o it_o happen_v that_o hardly_o any_o one_o man_n in_o his_o life_n ever_o go_v through_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o practice_n in_o his_o public_a sermon_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o yourselves_o 2._o you_o have_v no_o summary_n of_o principle_n enjoin_v to_o be_v either_o read_v or_o teach_v in_o your_o public_a assembly_n a_o catechism_n you_o have_v but_o neither_o your_o directory_n nor_o practice_n make_v it_o any_o part_n of_o your_o lords-day-service_n and_o beside_o your_o catechism_n be_v such_o that_o it_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o such_o a_o form_n shall_v contain_v only_o the_o first_o and_o necessary_a principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n in_o such_o word_n and_o method_n as_o may_v make_v it_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o retain_v by_o the_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a which_o make_v up_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o people_n but_o your_o catechism_n be_v full_a of_o hard_a word_n school_n term_n and_o abstruse_a notion_n no_o wise_a necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n or_o possible_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o child_n or_o unlearned_a person_n for_o who_o edification_n principal_o a_o catechism_n ought_v to_o be_v contrive_v beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v so_o long_a and_o intricate_a even_o the_o short_a that_o not_o one_o child_n in_o ten_o ever_o get_v it_o by_o heart_n nor_o one_o in_o five_o hundred_o retain_v it_o as_o i_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n and_o desire_v that_o you_o will_v judge_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o you_o find_v upon_o trial_n last_o after_o all_o it_o be_v imperfect_a of_o some_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o apostle_n catechism_n be_v quite_o leave_v out_o of_o it_o i_o mean_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n join_v with_o baptism_n heb._n vi_fw-la 2_o a_o great_a defect_n sure_a in_o a_o catechism_n to_o leave_v out_o a_o fundamental_a of_o christianity_n ii_o but_o the_o most_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a defect_n of_o your_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v your_o cast_v out_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o most_o of_o your_o public_a assembly_n direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n institution_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n insomuch_o that_o in_o many_o of_o your_o meeting_n set_v aside_o a_o verse_n or_o two_o for_o a_o text_n or_o quotation_n at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o teacher_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n be_v never_o public_o hear_v among_o they_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o undeniable_a and_o in_o all_o the_o meeting_n in_o the_o north_n of_o ireland_n in_o a_o whole_a year_n perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o scripture_n read_v as_o in_o one_o day_n in_o our_o church_n by_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n which_o i_o can_v make_v one_o will_v think_v this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o people_n where_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o its_o purity_n and_o to_o prove_v our_o assembly_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n against_o all_o that_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o we_o whereof_o some_o hide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o strange_a language_n and_o other_o banish_v it_o out_o of_o their_o meeting_n it_o be_v in_o our_o congregation_n only_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n be_v hear_v speak_v to_o his_o people_n without_o cover_n or_o gloss_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o most_o meeting_n many_o year_n and_o never_o hear_v one_o entire_a chapter_n read_v in_o they_o now_o this_o omission_n be_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o you_o and_o must_v render_v you_o manifest_o self-condemned_n 1._o first_o because_o you_o so_o vehement_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v and_o quote_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o in_o which_o read_v the_o law_n as_o be_v show_v before_o be_v term_v preach_v act_n xv_o 21_o but_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o congregation_n from_o they_o in_o a_o fix_a christian_a auditory_a which_o you_o count_v preach_v be_v never_o call_v so_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n therefore_o by_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n the_o scripture_n in_o your_o public_a assembly_n you_o have_v entire_o cast_v aside_o preach_v in_o the_o proper_a scripture-sense_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o this_o must_v render_v you_o self-condemned_n because_o you_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o holy_a scripture_n above_o other_o christian_n your_o mouth_n commendable_o and_o with_o just_a reason_n be_v continual_o full_a of_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n you_o own_v it_o with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o the_o only_a sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n you_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o seem_v to_o found_v yourselves_o on_o it_o and_o yet_o your_o not_o allow_v the_o read_n of_o it_o a_o constant_a place_n in_o your_o religious_a assembly_n make_v it_o seem_v as_o if_o you_o have_v a_o very_a low_a opinion_n of_o it_o in_o your_o heart_n if_o you_o real_o value_v it_o as_o you_o profess_v why_o do_v you_o banish_v the_o read_n of_o it_o from_o your_o public_a worship_n to_o make_v room_n for_o discourse_n lecture_n and_o sermon_n of_o your_o own_o teacher_n remember_v of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v mark_n seven_o 6_o this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o while_o you_o thus_o justle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o your_o solemn_a meeting_n to_o make_v room_n for_o your_o own_o sermon_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o man_n invention_n unless_o you_o will_v call_v your_o sermon_n as_o some_o quaker_n be_v say_v to_o do_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o bible_n iii_o i_o look_v on_o this_o as_o so_o material_a a_o point_n and_o conceive_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o that_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o pretence_n i_o have_v find_v to_o justify_v it_o though_o i_o confess_v they_o seem_v to_o i_o so_o weak_a that_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v be_v almost_o suspect_v by_o indifferent_a person_n not_o to_o do_v justice_n in_o represent_v they_o for_o it_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o any_o body_n shall_v urge_v so_o slight_a reason_n for_o so_o considerable_a a_o omission_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v all_o i_o have_v ever_o meet_v with_o or_o hear_v from_o you_o the_o first_o reason_n i_o have_v hear_v urge_v be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n at_o home_n and_o be_v thus_o acquaint_v with_o they_o the_o read_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o their_o public_a meeting_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o see_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n a_o part_n of_o his_o solemn_a public_a worship_n therefore_o to_o leave_v it_o out_o in_o our_o assembly_n on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o his_o command_n and_o so_o to_o corrupt_v and_o dismember_v his_o worship_n 2._o the_o private_a performance_n of_o a_o duty_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o interfere_v with_o or_o hinder_v the_o public_a we_o must_v
understand_v and_o not_o by_o thrust_v bibles_n private_o into_o their_o hand_n of_o the_o ineffectualness_n of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v a_o experiment_n of_o 150_o year_n 6._o but_o last_o instead_o of_o all_o other_o argument_n none_o of_o we_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v the_o same_o efficacy_n when_o read_v private_o as_o it_o have_v when_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n since_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n to_o be_v present_a in_o such_o assembly_n and_o there_o be_v no_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n public_o read_v but_o be_v able_a from_o their_o own_o experience_n to_o testify_v that_o they_o often_o find_v it_o to_o have_v a_o different_a force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o read_v as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o which_o he_o have_v peculiar_o promise_v his_o presence_n than_o when_o they_o read_v it_o in_o private_a by_o themselves_o the_o three_o pretence_n i_o have_v find_v allege_v for_o omit_v the_o regular_a read_v the_o bible_n in_o your_o meeting_n be_v that_o it_o take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n and_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o more_o profitable_a duty_n of_o what_o you_o common_o call_v preach_v 1._o i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o every_o thing_n and_o since_o god_n have_v appoint_v read_v his_o word_n a_o time_n and_o room_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n who_o be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o throw_v it_o out_o this_o sure_o be_v to_o set_v up_o ourselves_o against_o god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o order_n thing_n better_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n then_o he_o have_v do_v sure_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o take_v care_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o sermon_n that_o they_o may_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o other_o institution_n of_o god_n but_o that_o whatever_o time_n we_o allow_v they_o there_o may_v remain_v sufficient_a for_o read_v god_n holy_a word_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v in_o scripture_n language_n preach_v and_o therefore_o to_o justle_v this_o out_o to_o make_v our_o own_o discourse_n long_o be_v plain_o to_o prefer_v our_o way_n of_o preach_v to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v be_v omit_v modesty_n ought_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o omit_v our_o own_o word_n rather_o than_o god_n 2._o suppose_v that_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o omit_v reading_n god_n word_n in_o our_o assembly_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o more_o time_n to_o manage_v a_o discourse_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v justifiable_a to_o make_v this_o a_o common_a practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o manifest_a contempt_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o four_o pretence_n against_o read_v the_o scripture_n public_o in_o a_o regular_a method_n be_v that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v or_o apply_v and_o therefore_o only_o so_o much_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v read_v at_o a_o time_n as_o the_o minister_n may_v explain_v and_o apply_v to_o his_o auditory_a and_o that_o one_o verse_n thus_o apply_v be_v better_a than_o many_o chapter_n read_v without_o such_o application_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o universal_o teach_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o that_o universal_a necessity_n of_o a_o explanation_n of_o every_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v read_v as_o be_v pretend_v 2._o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o hear_v with_o humility_n and_o attention_n apply_v themselves_o better_a than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v it_o the_o word_n of_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v a_o plainness_n force_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o which_o no_o humane_a eloquence_n can_v improve_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o they_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v little_a efficacy_n except_o a_o minister_n apply_v they_o 3._o suppose_v one_o verse_n well_o apply_v to_o be_v better_a than_o many_o chapter_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o omission_n of_o read_v they_o public_o for_o no_o application_n can_v be_v so_o well_o make_v of_o they_o whilst_o people_n be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o they_o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v our_o first_o care_n to_o read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n often_o and_o solemn_o that_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o and_o then_o one_o word_n of_o application_n may_v do_v more_o good_a than_o many_o sermon_n to_o people_n not_o so_o prepare_v with_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o they_o the_o literal_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v always_o go_v before_o the_o save_n and_o be_v the_o best_a introduction_n to_o it_o now_o the_o read_v the_o law_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o literal_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o while_o your_o teacher_n have_v lay_v aside_o this_o mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n they_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n debar_v people_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o his_o will._n 4._o four_o read_v a_o verse_n or_o two_o and_o trust_v to_o the_o minister_n application_n without_o the_o people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v put_v christian_n too_o much_o in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o make_v they_o liable_a to_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o this_o be_v the_o very_a artifice_n whereby_o the_o romish_a priest_n keep_v their_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o your_o teacher_n use_v the_o same_o method_n while_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o people_n either_o do_v not_o or_o can_v read_v they_o at_o home_n seem_v too_o like_o a_o design_n on_o their_o hearer_n and_o tempt_v the_o world_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o naked_a simplicity_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o they_o dare_v not_o trust_v their_o people_n with_o hear_v they_o public_o read_v except_o they_o add_v their_o own_o gloss_n to_o they_o the_o five_o pretence_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o for_o lay_v aside_o the_o public_a read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o the_o dead_a letter_n as_o some_o call_v it_o be_v a_o dull_a formal_a thing_n without_o spirit_n or_o life_n where_o it_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o his_o minister_n and_o that_o without_o such_o assistance_n the_o scripture_n have_v little_a efficacy_n on_o the_o heart_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v few_o of_o any_o communion_n will_v own_v this_o pretence_n since_o it_o be_v so_o horrid_a a_o reflection_n and_o affront_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v however_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o character_n of_o themselves_o very_o different_a from_o this_o they_o represent_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o quick_a and_o powerful_a as_o able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n as_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a as_o convert_v the_o soul_n with_o many_o other_o expression_n to_o denote_v the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o word_n as_o dull_a and_o formal_a as_o a_o mere_a dead_a letter_n that_o can_v engage_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o hearer_n or_o reach_v their_o heart_n be_v too_o near_a blasphemy_n 2._o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o immediate_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o word_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v power_n but_o when_o man_n speak_v their_o own_o word_n or_o pretend_v to_o apply_v the_o word_n or_o passage_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o learning_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v nay_o they_o may_v deceive_v we_o and_o therefore_o whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o any_o pretend_a explication_n or_o application_n make_v by_o man_n be_v manifest_o to_o exchange_v god_n undoubted_a word_n and_o command_n for_o what_o may_v be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o people_n have_v always_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o
the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o dull_a and_o tedious_a so_o mal._n i._n 13_o you_o say_v also_o what_o a_o weariness_n be_v it_o and_o you_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appoint_v be_v always_o more_o spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n be_v own_o invention_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v so_o easy_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o men._n 4._o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o when_o people_n complain_v of_o be_v dull_a and_o unaffected_a by_o mere_a hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o true_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o wicked_a heart_n estrange_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o reason_n that_o sermon_n please_v and_o affect_v more_o than_o a_o chapter_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o novelty_n and_o outward_a ornament_n of_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o spiritualness_n of_o the_o discourse_n we_o be_v sure_a st._n paul_n suppose_v such_o as_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mere_a natural_a or_o carnal_a man_n 1_o cor._n two_o 13_o where_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o speak_v not_o in_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v he_o add_v but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v because_o they_o be_v mere_a natural_a man_n and_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whoever_o therefore_o be_v more_o affect_v or_o delight_n more_o in_o a_o sermon_n then_o in_o a_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v reason_n to_o look_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n those_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o have_v that_o spirit_n delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o thing_n they_o meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o their_o public_a assembly_n that_o the_o hear_v it_o read_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n whoever_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o this_o practice_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o want_v that_o temper_n and_o spirit_n with_o which_o those_o holy_a man_n be_v inspire_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a spiritualness_n and_o reformation_n be_v little_o advance_v above_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o receive_v or_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n at_o least_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v i_o find_v it_o allege_v as_o a_o six_o pretence_n for_o not_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o your_o meeting_n that_o a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o and_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o then_o what_o need_v it_o take_v up_o the_o minister_n time_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o less_o his_o or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v value_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o more_o sinful_a to_o neglect_v it_o the_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v minister_n be_v not_o set_v apart_o for_o difficult_a thing_n only_o which_o other_o can_v perform_v but_o they_o be_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n that_o god_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a as_o for_o example_n god_n have_v command_v his_o minister_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o pour_v on_o water_n in_o this_o form_n be_v no_o such_o difficult_a thing_n but_o a_o child_n or_o any_o else_o may_v perform_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n office_n to_o perform_v these_o and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o delegate_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o other_o or_o omit_v they_o because_o they_o be_v easy_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o different_a sacredness_n efficacy_n and_o force_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o person_n ordain_v and_o authorize_v to_o this_o purpose_n then_o when_o perform_v by_o another_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o man_n may_v read_v they_o at_o home_n a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o in_o church_n but_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o efficacy_n and_o a_o blessing_n as_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n ordinance_n for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o experience_n as_o i_o have_v say_v of_o most_o christian_n from_o what_o they_o have_v feel_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o read_v will_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o now_o if_o you_o my_o friend_n know_v and_o own_o this_o as_o i_o hope_v the_o generality_n of_o you_o do_v you_o must_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v not_o know_v it_o you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v your_o teacher_n duty_n to_o inform_v you_o better_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v allow_v by_o their_o directory_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n we_o have_v this_o rule_n there_o in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v read_v over_o in_o order_n that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o you_o can_v show_v but_o one_o meeting_n in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o which_o this_o have_v be_v due_o perform_v we_o will_v not_o accuse_v you_o so_o general_o of_o violate_v god_n command_n in_o this_o point_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o such_o meeting_n you_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o you_o will_v excuse_v yourselves_o before_o god_n and_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o observe_v to_o you_o how_o insignificant_a general_a rule_n be_v without_o descend_v to_o a_o particular_a determination_n of_o circumstance_n here_o we_o have_v in_o your_o directory_n a_o general_a rule_n such_o as_o it_o be_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o for_o want_v of_o be_v particular_a as_o the_o calendar_n in_o our_o common-prayer-book_n be_v i_o question_v if_o it_o yet_o be_v ever_o once_o observe_v or_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v practical_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o almost_o in_o every_o other_o general_a rule_n and_o therefore_o to_o leave_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v order_v by_o such_o general_a rule_n only_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o teach_v people_n to_o neglect_v it_o v._o these_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v possible_o think_v of_o or_o have_v hear_v urge_v for_o your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o other_o may_v be_v pretend_v but_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o if_o i_o have_v i_o will_v have_v give_v they_o a_o due_a consideration_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n than_o those_o i_o have_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o excuse_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n from_o manifest_a breach_n of_o god_n command_n in_o prefer_v man_n invention_n to_o his_o institution_n after_o all_o i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o look_v on_o all_o these_o to_o be_v only_a pretence_n and_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o man_n negligence_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v give_v we_o 2_o tim._n four_o 3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v say_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n a_o itch_a ear_n here_o can_v signify_v nothing_o so_o proper_o as_o a_o ear_n that_o love_v novelty_n and_o variety_n because_o therefore_o our_o church_n give_v the_o people_n little_a that_o be_v new_a in_o her_o prayer_n or_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o retain_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o hence_o
it_o be_v that_o some_o people_n can_v endure_v our_o service_n but_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o praise_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n will_v gratify_v they_o every_o meeting_n with_o a_o new_a prayer_n without_o trouble_v they_o with_o such_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n as_o they_o think_v old_a which_o be_v incomparable_o better_a only_o the_o itch_a ear_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n foretold_v be_v please_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disgust_v the_o repetition_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v that_o of_o angel_n food_n psa._n lxxviii_o 25_o num._n xxi_o 5_o &_o xi_o 6_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n and_o the_o business_n of_o the_o true_o conscientious_a to_o check_v and_o curb_v this_o humour_n in_o the_o people_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o discouragement_n the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n instead_o of_o comply_v with_o they_o have_v constant_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n and_o levity_n where_o they_o find_v they_o guilty_a but_o as_o aaron_n to_o please_v the_o israelite_n make_v the_o golden_a calf_n so_o some_o minister_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n have_v change_v god_n institution_n to_o please_v their_o people_n and_o lest_o out_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a read_n of_o god_n word_n because_o their_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v who_o behave_v themselves_o most_o like_a the_o minister_n of_o christ_n we_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o read_n god_n word_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n whether_o the_o people_n will_v hear_v or_o forbear_v or_o they_o that_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o lay_z aside_o god_n command_n to_o oblige_v and_o gain_v they_o chap._n iu._n of_o bodily_a worship_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n be_v visible_a or_o bodily_a adoration_n such_o among_o we_o be_v uncover_v the_o head_n bowing_n kneel_v and_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o open_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o express_v the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o these_o attribute_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o head_n i_o will_v keep_v myself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o consider_v first_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o three_o examine_v the_o dissenter_n practise_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o find_v a_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a worship_n in_o public_a psal._n xcv_o 6_o o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o public_a worship_n let_v we_o come_v before_o his_o presence_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o this_o bow_v or_o kneel_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v literal_o not_o figurative_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o sing_v thanksgiving_n and_o psalm_n be_v all_o literal_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o understanding_n bow_v and_o kneel_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n than_o the_o other_o ii_o the_o same_o bodily_a worship_n be_v require_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o grave_a image_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v command_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n that_o the_o negative_a commandment_n include_v in_o they_o the_o contrary_a positive_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o first_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o to_o have_v any_o other_o god_n before_o the_o lord_n it_o require_v we_o to_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o our_o only_a god_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o command_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o which_o rule_n when_o the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n xx_o 5_o forbid_v we_o in_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o it_o require_v we_o to_o practise_v the_o contrary_a duty_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n to_o bow_v down_o to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v he_o both_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n therefore_o as_o he_o that_o either_o bow_n or_o kneel_v or_o use_v any_o posture_n of_o reverence_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n break_v the_o second_o commandment_n so_o do_v he_o who_o on_o occasion_n of_o public_a worship_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o use_v some_o such_o posture_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o instance_n without_o some_o posture_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o kneel_v to_o a_o image_n without_o pray_v to_o it_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o one_o be_v idolatry_n and_o the_o other_o sacrilege_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o give_v what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o a_o image_n or_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o himself_o we_o be_v equal_o robber_n of_o god_n we_o deny_v he_o his_o honour_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sacrilege_n i_o wish_v all_o concern_v may_v serious_o consider_v and_o amend_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a iii_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n command_n and_o from_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o he_o require_v or_o approve_v in_o his_o worship_n now_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v any_o one_o sit_v at_o his_o devotion_n but_o on_o all_o occasion_n of_o worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n the_o people_n of_o god_n stand_v kneel_v bow_v or_o prostrate_v themselves_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o 2_o sam._n seven_o 8_o that_o king_n david_n then_o go_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o here_o the_o original_a word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o signification_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o remain_v stay_v or_o abode_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o according_o it_o be_v thus_o translate_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n particular_o gen._n xxii_o 5_o &_o xxiv_o 55_o &_o xxix_o 19_o 1_o king_n twelve_o 2_o this_o place_n therefore_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o that_o practice_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o holy_a man_n worship_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o mind_n iv._o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a t._n our_o saviour_n undoubted_o be_v the_o best_a example_n we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v what_o he_o do_v and_o approve_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o bow_v the_o body_n with_o kneel_v and_o prostration_n as_o well_o as_o with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n so_o mat._n xxvi_o 39_o and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v o_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o luk._n xxii_o 41_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o as_o he_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n so_o he_o accept_v the_o same_o from_o man_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n thus_o the_o wise_a man_n worship_v he_o in_o his_o cradle_n mat._n two_o 11_o when_o they_o see_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n mary_n they_o fall_v down_o etc._n etc._n thus_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o mark_v v_o 22_o when_o he_o see_v he_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o return_v he_o thanks_o luke_n xvii_o 16_o thus_o his_o belove_a mary_n come_v into_o his_o presence_n john_n xi_o 32_o and_o matth._n xxviii_o 9_o they_o
it_o be_v certain_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o sit_v but_o lie_v at_o table_n when_o he_o do_v eat_v his_o usual_a meal_n suppose_v then_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o his_o posture_n of_o eat_v we_o ought_v to_o lie_v as_o he_o do_v but_o none_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o do_v so_o or_o practice_v this_o way_n since_o then_o all_o party_n change_v it_o sure_o we_o do_v better_a that_o change_v it_o into_o the_o religious_a way_n of_o eat_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n with_o adoration_n than_o other_o that_o change_v our_o saviour_n way_n into_o sit_v the_o common_a way_n of_o our_o eat_v 3._o we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v for_o our_o practice_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o at_o a_o common_a supper_n when_o he_o institute_v this_o sacrament_n but_o at_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v a_o sacramental_a eat_v and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a posture_n prescribe_v for_o it_o ex._n twelve_o 11_o and_o though_o some_o think_v but_o without_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o observe_v this_o yet_o it_o be_v own_v they_o observe_v another_o which_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v and_o be_v reckon_v religious_a however_o it_o be_v speak_v that_o our_o saviour_n perform_v this_o eat_v with_o several_a religious_a ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n such_o be_v that_o we_o find_v luke_n xxii_o 17_o and_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o say_v take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o this_o cup_n be_v different_a from_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n which_o be_v institute_v vers_fw-la 20._o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v christ_n we_o ought_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o way_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o different_a from_o our_o common_a meal_n 4_o but_o four_a the_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o go_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o the_o common_a posture_n of_o eat_v which_o no_o wise_a appear_v in_o scripture_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o any_o thing_n say_v or_o intimate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o st._n paul_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v true_a whilst_o the_o disciple_n be_v eat_v he_o take_v bread_n but_o after_o that_o he_o give_v thanks_o and_o bless_v it_o and_o then_o he_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n continue_v eat_v whilst_o our_o saviour_n be_v give_v thanks_o and_o blessing_n that_o be_v pray_v our_o saviour_n therefore_o or_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o eat_v but_o give_v thanks_o and_o pray_v whilst_o this_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o probability_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o thanksgiving_n and_o pray_v posture_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o change_n of_o posture_n since_o the_o change_n of_o the_o action_n from_o eat_v to_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n sufficient_o signify_v and_o infer_v it_o there_o be_v no_o notice_n take_v of_o our_o saviour_n rise_v at_o all_o from_o the_o table_n by_o any_o of_o the_o three_o evangelist_n that_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o john_n xiii_o 4_o that_o he_o do_v rise_v from_o that_o supper_n and_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n and_o sit_v down_o again_o vers._n 12._o and_o so_o he_o may_v rise_v to_o bless_v and_o distribute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o common_a table-posture_n rather_o the_o contrary_n seem_v probable_a so_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o reason_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o as_o fit_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o like_a case_n last_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n severe_o reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o their_o irreverence_n in_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o damnation_n for_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v for_o receive_v it_o as_o their_o common_a food_n without_o distinguish_v between_o they_o by_o a_o reverend_n and_o religious_a receive_v it_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o a_o due_a distinction_n between_o it_o and_o our_o common_a food_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n with_o as_o much_o reverence_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o altar_n at_o which_o they_o never_o sit_v down_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o sacred_a action_n as_o to_o bodily_a worship_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v and_o ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v as_o unjust_a to_o suspect_v or_o accuse_v we_o of_o worship_v the_o lord_n table_n or_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n because_o we_o receive_v they_o kneel_v as_o it_o be_v to_o accuse_v the_o jew_n of_o worship_v their_o altar_n or_o sacrifice_n because_o they_o worship_v before_o they_o as_o god_n command_v they_o to_o do_v 2_o king_n xviii_o 22_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o give_v we_o true_a submission_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o these_o inward_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o our_o church_n have_v appoint_v by_o bodily_a worship_n be_v certain_o such_o as_o god_n have_v approve_v and_o holy_a man_n have_v practise_v in_o scripture_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o bodily_a worship_n i._o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o you_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o to_o compare_v your_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o first_o as_o to_o your_o principle_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o allow_v bodily_a adoration_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o you_o can_v but_o discern_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o make_v it_o the_o most_o proper_a peculiar_a act_n thereof_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o chap._n iu._n sect._n 1._o n_o o._n 1.2.3_o in_o your_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 21._o prayer_n reading_n scripture_n etc._n etc._n sing_v psalm_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v reckon_v up_o as_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o not_o a_o word_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n your_o directory_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v it_o out_o but_o exclude_v it_o by_o require_v all_o to_o enter_v the_o assembly_n and_o to_o take_v their_o seat_n and_o place_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v themselves_o towards_o one_o place_n or_o other_o that_o be_v without_o bow_v themselves_o at_o all_o a_o rule_n direct_o opposite_a to_o natural_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v christ_n peculiar_o present_a in_o their_o assembly_n which_o yet_o the_o author_n of_o your_o directory_n profess_v to_o do_v in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o they_o forbid_v all_o adoration_n let_v we_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o compare_v their_o rule_n with_o god_n word_n you_o have_v the_o bible_n in_o your_o hand_n and_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v your_o privilege_n to_o use_v it_o the_o scripture_n say_v o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n let_v we_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n your_o directory_n say_v let_v we_o enter_v the_o assembly_n without_o adoration_n or_o bow_v where_o notwithstanding_o it_o allow_v that_o we_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n appear_v in_o god_n presence_n sure_o you_o can_v but_o see_v this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v aside_o but_o to_o contradict_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n ii_o your_o practice_n be_v conformable_a to_o your_o principle_n for_o 1._o at_o your_o thanksgiving_n or_o praise_n you_o neither_o bow_v nor_o stand_v up_o 2._o whereas_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v use_v to_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o faith_n you_o have_v cast_v out_o of_o your_o religious_a assembly_n not_o only_o this_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n themselves_o so_o material_a a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v
in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n to_o profess_v solemn_o that_o we_o expect_v no_o happiness_n but_o from_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o free_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o provision_n for_o we_o be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n may_v be_v reckon_v a_o instance_n of_o external_n worship_n and_o according_o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n contain_v such_o confession_n 3._o you_o sit_v general_o at_o your_o public_a prayer_n 4._o at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n you_o sit_v not_o only_o whilst_o you_o receive_v but_o likewise_o at_o the_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n before_o and_o your_o directory_n impose_v this_o posture_n on_o communicant_n though_o contrary_a to_o holy_a scripture_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n that_o concern_v the_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o without_o any_o command_n or_o so_o much_o as_o example_n from_o scripture_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o sit_v at_o the_o time_n of_o receive_v 5._o too_o many_o of_o your_o persuasion_n condemn_v we_o who_o conform_v to_o god_n word_n in_o these_o particular_n as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o endeavour_v to_o render_v our_o conformity_n ridiculous_a not_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v aside_o the_o command_v of_o god_n themselves_o but_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o condemn_v and_o scoff_n at_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o in_o vs._n in_o short_a i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o you_o have_v not_o any_o one_o visible_a act_n of_o adoration_n among_o you_o in_o your_o assembly_n except_o we_o reckon_v in_o this_o number_n that_o your_o man_n uncover_v their_o head_n at_o prayer_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o be_v not_o require_v by_o your_o directory_n iii_o and_o now_o let_v i_o a_o while_n examine_v calm_o with_o you_o the_o pretence_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o for_o lay_v aside_o this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n for_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o any_o will_v banish_v adoration_n out_o of_o their_o assembly_n and_o allege_v no_o reason_n for_o their_o do_v so_o 1._o first_o therefore_o i_o find_v that_o place_n of_o scripture_n produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n john_n four_o 24_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n some_o think_v that_o all_o bodily_a worship_n be_v here_o forbid_a and_o that_o only_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n be_v require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n upon_o this_o some_o have_v declare_v against_o all_o church_n or_o separate_v place_n for_o worship_n other_o be_v against_o all_o bodily_a worship_n other_o against_o all_o sacrament_n other_o against_o all_o vocal_a prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n some_o be_v against_o all_o visible_a assembly_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o understand_v this_o place_n as_o some_o do_v that_o all_o bodily_a worship_n be_v exclude_v by_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o worship_n god_n in_o our_o spirit_n or_o mind_n only_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o all_o these_o be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n god_n nowhere_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o next_o to_o they_o the_o silent_a meeting_n of_o the_o quaker_n without_o sacrament_n without_o vocal_a prayer_n or_o praise_n be_v the_o most_o spiritual_a service_n for_o if_o other_o dissenter_n think_v bodily_a worship_n such_o as_o bowing_n kneel_v etc._n etc._n unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a because_o they_o be_v act_n of_o the_o body_n and_o unfit_a on_o that_o account_n to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n why_o may_v not_o the_o quaker_n omit_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v outward_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o nay_o why_o shall_v not_o outward_a teach_v or_o preach_v cease_v since_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o sufficient_a teacher_n and_o have_v promise_v we_o heb._n viij_o 10_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n vers._n 11._o and_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n etc._n etc._n the_o principle_n and_o reason_v be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o these_o and_o will_v justify_v the_o silent_a meeting_n of_o the_o quaker_n nay_o the_o extravagance_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o irreverence_n of_o other_o dissenter_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n so_o as_o one_o place_n may_v not_o contradict_v another_o and_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n show_v we_o that_o god_n require_v our_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o praise_n our_o visible_a sacrament_n and_o adoration_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o interpret_v worship_v in_o the_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v these_o but_o rather_o conclude_v that_o they_o may_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o become_v proper_a for_o spiritual_a worship_n or_o god_n will_v never_o have_v require_v they_o when_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n represent_v the_o worship_n he_o teach_v the_o world_n as_o a_o worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n his_o meaning_n doubtless_o be_v not_o to_o exempt_v we_o from_o worship_v his_o father_n with_o our_o body_n whereof_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o a_o example_n but_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n that_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n be_v only_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o they_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o hearty_a submission_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o every_o act_n be_v more_o or_o less_o acceptable_a as_o it_o have_v more_o or_o less_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o but_o that_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o the_o like_a give_v we_o no_o advantage_n and_o be_v of_o no_o value_n towards_o make_v our_o worship_n acceptable_a this_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n direct_o answer_v our_o saviour_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o samaritan_n woman_n that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o worship_n offer_v to_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v nothing_o more_o acceptable_a for_o be_v offer_v at_o jerusalem_n or_o mount-gerezim_a or_o any_o other_o place_n but_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a all_o place_n be_v alike_o which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o allow_v no_o sacrifice_n or_o oblation_n to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v at_o the_o temple_n and_o consequent_o their_o worship_n derive_v its_o acceptance_n from_o the_o place_n and_o not_o from_o the_o heart_n alone_o of_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o we_o affirm_v therefore_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o heart_n or_o spirit_n that_o our_o worship_n become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o time_n or_o place_n where_o it_o be_v offer_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o our_o acceptance_n but_o that_o in_o whatever_o place_n at_o whatever_o time_n in_o whatsoever_o posture_n we_o offer_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n we_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o but_o then_o we_o say_v likewise_o a_o man_n who_o neglect_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n can_v have_v a_o good_a heart_n towards_o god_n because_o he_o break_v his_o command_n that_o such_o as_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o provide_v a_o convenient_a and_o decent_a place_n and_o set_v it_o apart_o for_o christian_n to_o meet_v and_o to_o perform_v god_n worship_n in_o can_v have_v a_o value_n for_o it_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n want_v faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o that_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o worship_v he_o with_o their_o body_n and_o to_o pay_v outward_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n when_o they_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n must_v want_v inward_a submission_n of_o their_o mind_n because_o they_o do_v not_o approach_v as_o he_o require_v if_o a_o man_n true_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o spirit_n it_o will_v oblige_v he_o if_o able_a to_o perform_v these_o outward_a act_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o faith_n jam._n two_o 18_o a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o have_v faith_n and_o i_o have_v work_n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o worship_v god_n inward_o in_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o i_o worship_v he_o outward_o and_o in_o
it_o to_o god_n for_o to_o do_v so_o must_v natural_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o awe_n and_o sense_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n in_o our_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o proceed_v too_o often_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o awe_n 6._o to_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o language_n of_o gesture_n rather_o more_o significant_a and_o move_a than_o that_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o he_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a make_v of_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o more_o awaken_v and_o affect_v by_o see_v a_o whole_a congregation_n on_o their_o knee_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n than_o to_o see_v they_o sit_v or_o lean_v whilst_o their_o petition_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n word_n therefore_o and_o gesture_n be_v only_o different_a part_n of_o the_o language_n whereby_o we_o express_v and_o communicate_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o one_o another_o and_o both_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o nature_n and_o command_v by_o scripture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o who_o lay_v aside_o gesture_n do_v sin_n against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o lay_v aside_o word_n i_o hearty_o wish_v you_o and_o all_o dissenter_n will_v consider_v this_o which_o if_o you_o do_v i_o assure_v myself_o you_o will_v perceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o moment_n and_o neither_o condemn_v our_o bodily_a adoration_n nor_o continue_v your_o own_o what_o i_o must_v call_v irreverence_n 3._o but_o three_o some_o allege_v for_o their_o omit_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v bodily_a adoration_n in_o his_o service_n but_o that_o to_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v in_o the_o congregation_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o they_o that_o they_o judge_v they_o be_v better_o omit_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o these_o person_n do_v give_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o practice_n for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v before_o it_o be_v of_o old_a the_o reason_n of_o people_n neglect_v god_n service_n and_o matter_n of_o their_o complaint_n against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o weariness_n mal._n i._n 13_o but_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o sin_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o our_o ease_n than_o to_o change_v they_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o our_o natural_a corruption_n to_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n with_o that_o which_o cost_v we_o nothing_o and_o without_o trouble_n and_o most_o be_v willing_a to_o save_v their_o pain_n as_o well_o as_o their_o money_n in_o his_o service_n but_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o have_v little_a heart_n and_o affection_n to_o it_o if_o they_o have_v it_o will_v not_o seem_v a_o trouble_n to_o they_o to_o show_v it_o by_o all_o the_o outward_a demonstration_n that_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o a_o devout_a heart_n bow_v the_o body_n bend_v the_o knee_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n in_o prayer_n without_o any_o trouble_n and_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o own_o heart_n that_o find_v these_o demonstration_n of_o reverence_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n uneasy_a to_o they_o this_o very_a pretence_n ought_v to_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o negligence_n and_o dead-heartedness_n of_o people_n towards_o god_n service_n that_o have_v banish_v these_o bodily_a adoration_n out_o of_o it_o we_o think_v it_o no_o disadvantage_n to_o our_o church_n that_o we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o your_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v much_o easy_a than_o we_o to_o such_o as_o be_v present_a at_o it_o it_o be_v much_o less_o trouble_n to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o value_n for_o religion_n to_o come_v into_o a_o assembly_n and_o there_o sit_v down_o and_o lap_v his_o cloak_n about_o he_o without_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o word_n or_o gesture_n that_o may_v disturb_v his_o sleep_n or_o worldly_a thought_n than_o to_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n every_o moment_n to_o signify_v his_o attention_n by_o some_o word_n or_o gesture_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v remark_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n for_o his_o negligence_n and_o irreverence_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o our_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o some_o leave_v we_o and_o go_v where_o they_o may_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o negligent_a more_o secure_o 4._o i_o confess_v in_o the_o four_o place_n there_o be_v some_o that_o excuse_v themselves_o more_o handsome_o for_o not_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o we_o want_v conveniency_n we_o have_v no_o room_n to_o kneel_v to_o these_o we_o answer_v that_o where_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v omit_v out_o of_o necessity_n not_o negligence_n or_o contempt_n we_o believe_v god_n will_v not_o impute_v it_o to_o they_o neither_o do_v we_o accuse_v they_o for_o it_o but_o then_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o general_a reason_n of_o omit_v this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n among_o you_o for_o first_o it_o be_v not_o your_o custom_n to_o kneel_v in_o your_o public_a worship_n though_o you_o have_v conveniency_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o practice_n in_o all_o your_o meeting_n in_o which_o i_o can_v never_o learn_v that_o any_o one_o kneel_v on_o the_o contrary_a you_o condemn_v we_o who_o do_v 2._o when_o you_o want_v conveniency_n for_o kneel_v you_o may_v stand_v at_o your_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o scripture-posture_n as_o well_o as_o kneel_v you_o may_v bow_v your_o body_n when_o you_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n you_o may_v continue_v vncover_v whilst_o in_o it_o but_o you_o omit_v all_o these_o as_o well_o as_o kneel_v and_o thereby_o plain_o show_v that_o your_o neglect_n in_o this_o point_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o choice_n not_o necessity_n 3._o if_o kneel_v at_o public_a prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o provide_v conveniency_n for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o sin_n to_o suffer_v any_o part_n of_o god_n service_n to_o be_v omit_v for_o want_n of_o care_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o provide_v conveniency_n for_o kneel_v as_o for_o sit_v in_o public_a assembly_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o careful_a most_o people_n be_v to_o provide_v seat_n for_o their_o ease_n and_o how_o negligent_a to_o make_v any_o provision_n for_o kneel_v it_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a a_o sign_n whatever_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v much_o more_o zealous_a for_o their_o ease_n then_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o what_o conveniency_n be_v it_o that_o man_n desire_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o to_o have_v as_o much_o conveniency_n as_o st._n paul_n and_o his_o congregation_n have_v when_o they_o kneel_v on_o the_o shore_n act._n xx_o if_o they_o have_v the_o devotion_n of_o st._n paul_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o imitate_v his_o example_n be_v you_o follower_n say_v he_o of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ._n st._n paul_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o sure_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v his_o except_o we_o think_v ourselves_o grow_v wise_a than_o he_o be_v or_o prefer_v our_o ease_n to_o our_o duty_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o be_v that_o your_o neglect_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o most_o solemn_a of_o all_o christian_a ordinance_n the_o lord_n supper_n do_v harden_v you_o against_o reverence_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o if_o reverence_n be_v not_o think_v necessary_a in_o that_o duty_n it_o may_v well_o seem_v unnecessary_a in_o any_o other_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o lord's-supper_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v the_o frequency_n of_o celebrate_v it_o i._o the_o five_o main_n and_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v treat_v concern_v the_o preparation_n requisite_a in_o the_o receiver_n or_o any_o of_o those_o other_o circumstance_n which_o be_v general_o agree_v on_o as_o necessary_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o concern_v which_o so_o many_o excellent_a treatise_n be_v extant_a i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o one_o point_n and_o that_o be_v the_o frequency_n of_o it_o as_o a_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o examine_v first_o what_o the_o institution_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n teach_v we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a second_o compare_v our_o practice_n therewith_o and_o three_o the_o practice_n
together_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n though_o by_o their_o misbehaviour_n they_o so_o corrupt_v the_o ordinance_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v his_o supper_n if_o one_o shall_v now_o reprove_v christian_n who_o they_o observe_v to_o mis-behave_a themselves_o in_o church_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v to_o you_o for_o one_o be_v talk_v and_o another_o be_v sleep_v will_v not_o every_o body_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reprover_n the_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v aught_o to_o be_v one_o end_v of_o their_o come_n together_o and_o then_o sure_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n give_v we_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o in_o his_o opinion_n eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n ought_v to_o be_v one_o constant_a end_n of_o our_o come_n together_o which_o be_v further_o manifest_v from_o the_o advice_n he_o give_v they_o vers._n 33._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o one_o end_v therefore_o of_o their_o come_n together_o be_v as_o child_n come_v together_o in_o a_o family_n at_o meal-time_n that_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v at_o their_o father_n table_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n in_o this_o verse_n he_o call_v come_v together_o to_o eat_v intimate_v that_o a_o main_a end_n of_o their_o come_n together_o into_o one_o place_n be_v to_o eat_v 3._o when_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n come_v to_o be_v fix_v to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o break_v of_o bread_n be_v likewise_o bring_v to_o the_o same_o day_n so_o act_v xx_o 7_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o from_o which_o word_n we_o may_v conclude_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v the_o disciple_n time_n of_o public_a worship_n second_o that_o the_o break_v of_o bread_n or_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o there_o have_v be_v some_o dispute_n raise_v about_o change_a the_o day_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o last_o to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o this_o place_n be_v usual_o produce_v to_o justify_v the_o change_n and_o sure_o the_o same_o place_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n on_o that_o day_n as_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o day_n itself_o instead_o of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o wilful_o pass_v the_o lord's-day_n without_o it_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n direct_v we_o to_o do_v 4._o i_o have_v endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o use_v such_o argument_n only_o as_o the_o mean_a person_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o from_o their_o bibles_n yet_o in_o a_o controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o command_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o some_o positive_a duty_n i_o take_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o to_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n of_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o a_o state_v assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o i_o think_v there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o that_o nature_n in_o all_o antiquity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o appeal_v to_o those_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o it_o the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v still_o find_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o more_o punctual_o observe_v as_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o when_o first_o some_o who_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o go_v away_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n without_o receive_v which_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o come_v in_o about_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o so_o great_a a_o innovation_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n that_o the_o church_n decree_v whosoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v so_o particular_o the_o nine_o of_o those_o common_o call_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o second_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n thus_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v for_o many_o age_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v persuade_v constant_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n after_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o piety_n of_o man_n begin_v to_o cool_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v celebrate_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n according_a to_o the_o first_o settle_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o and_o indeed_o the_o corrupt_a practice_n of_o the_o solitary_a mass_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v count_v original_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o think_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o even_o by_o the_o papist_n themselves_z that_o those_o mass_n have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o universal_a corruption_n and_o negligence_n of_o christian_n for_o whilst_o the_o people_n have_v either_o piety_n or_o zeal_n they_o communicate_v with_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n in_o every_o assembly_n at_o least_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o they_o but_o when_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v in_o the_o corrupt_a age_n of_o the_o church_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o the_o minister_n consecrate_a the_o element_n every_o lord's-day_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o antiquity_n yet_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o few_o or_o none_o to_o receive_v with_o he_o but_o be_v often_o force_v to_o receive_v alone_o this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n and_o a_o fall_n from_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o abuse_n by_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v as_o former_o corrupt_v her_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n and_o decree_v it_o lawful_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v alone_o yet_o this_o abuse_n show_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v constant_o reckon_v the_o lord's-supper_n as_o a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o christian_a assembly_n on_o solemn_a day_n and_o sure_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o can_v be_v term_v no_o less_o than_o a_o invention_n of_o our_o own_o since_o we_o can_v neither_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o 1400_o year_n together_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a commentary_n on_o the_o scripture_n text_n produce_v one_o example_n of_o a_o state_v solemn_a christian_a assembly_n without_o it_o sect._n 2._o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o frequent_a communion_n i._o have_v thus_o consider_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o in_o this_o point_n let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n compare_v the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o this_o pattern_n i_o will_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o come_v full_o up_o to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o most_o defective_a part_n of_o the_o reformation_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o on_o view_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o our_o church_n come_v near_o the_o scripture_n precedent_n then_o perhaps_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o throw_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o what_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o th●_n church_n and_o as_o to_o the_o present_a point_n before_o we_o our_o reformer_n find_v two_o corruption_n creep_v in_o by_o time_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o priest_n receive_v the_o lord's-supper_n alone_o without_o the_o people_n which_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o a_o communion_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o people_n think_v they_o have_v sufficient_o observe_v the_o lord's-day_n if_o they_o see_v mass_n without_o understand_v it_o or_o receive_v our_o church_n therefore_o to_o reform_v the_o first_o of_o these_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o communion_n except_o
4_o or_o 3_o at_o the_o least_o communicate_v with_o the_o priest_n so_o where_o 3_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o minister_n may_v proceed_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n every_o lord's-day_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o three_o therefore_o make_v a_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o obstinacy_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o shall_v hinder_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a from_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o therefore_o our_o church_n have_v take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o by_o order_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o communion-service_n be_v read_v every_o lord's-day_n both_o with_o design_n to_o put_v all_o people_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o accommodate_v such_o as_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o herein_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v order_v that_o in_o cathedral_n and_o collegiate_n church_n and_o college_n where_o there_o be_v many_o priest_n and_o deacon_n they_o shall_v all_o receive_v the_o communion_n every_o sunday_n at_o the_o least_o 3._o that_o every_o parishioner_n shall_v communicate_v at_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n whereof_o easter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o sure_o such_o as_o can_v fit_v themselves_o so_o often_o must_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n be_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n 4._o last_o as_o to_o our_o practice_n we_o have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o universal_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v celebrate_v thrice_o every_o year_n and_o where_o either_o our_o persuasion_n argument_n or_o entreaty_n can_v prevail_v with_o our_o people_n we_o have_v monthly_a communion_n and_o in_o city_n and_o large_a town_n by_o the_o change_a the_o monthly_a day_n in_o several_a church_n people_n that_o be_v devout_o dispose_v have_v opportunity_n of_o receive_v weekly_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o our_o church_n want_v not_o some_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v many_o such_o 5._o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o to_o hold_v solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o communicate_v be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n and_o come_v in_o by_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n and_o slacken_v of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o root-out_a and_o reform_v this_o popish_a practice_n entire_o yet_o we_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n and_o by_o god_n blessing_n may_v say_v we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o take_v that_o for_o ordinary_a which_o have_v a_o constant_a fix_a time_n for_o its_o observation_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinary_a part_n of_o our_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o i_o very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o shall_v have_v bring_v our_o people_n before_o now_o to_o the_o scripture-order_n of_o constant_a weekly_n communicate_v have_v not_o the_o ill_a example_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n encourage_v they_o in_o their_o negligence_n and_o weaken_v our_o discipline_n for_o our_o church_n order_v non-communicants_a to_o be_v present_v and_o punish_v and_o our_o minister_n do_v not_o general_o flatter_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sin_n or_o dissemble_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o point_n but_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o by_o sermon_n admonition_n and_o treatise_n purposely_o publish_v to_o this_o intent_n press_v they_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v blameless_a before_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v it_o our_o fault_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o people_n be_v not_o reform_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v accuse_v of_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o of_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n in_o this_o particular_a though_o we_o be_v yet_o too_o far_o short_a of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o institution_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n about_o frequency_n of_o communicate_v i._o i_o come_v now_o according_a to_o my_o former_a method_n to_o you_o my_o friend_n who_o dissent_n from_o we_o and_o entreat_v you_o to_o examine_v with_o i_o your_o principle_n and_o practice_n by_o these_o scripture-rule_n and_o example_n and_o here_o first_o i_o must_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o you_o have_v no_o fix_a or_o set_v time_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n on_o the_o contrary_a your_o directory_n order_n that_o the_o time_n how_o often_o this_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v may_v be_v consider_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o church-governor_n of_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v any_o ordinary_a constant_a part_n of_o god_n service_n it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o each_o congregation_n to_o determine_v as_o in_o other_o occasional_a thing_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n how_o often_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v of_o join_v in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n or_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o which_o yet_o they_o determine_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o every_o lord_n day_n have_v they_o make_v the_o same_o rule_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n they_o have_v indeed_o conform_v to_o the_o scripture-precedent_n and_o may_v have_v pretend_v to_o some_o reformation_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o celebration_n of_o this_o feast_n altogether_o discretionary_a i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v direct_o against_o what_o we_o find_v practise_v in_o scripture_n ii_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v your_o teacher_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v this_o abuse_n and_o innovation_n have_v fall_v into_o another_o practice_n as_o unprecedent_v in_o scripture_n the_o exclude_v this_o sacrament_n entire_o from_o your_o ordinary_a solemn_a meeting_n and_o true_o in_o this_o point_n you_o seem_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o the_o papist_n order_n the_o element_n to_o be_v consecrate_v every_o lord_n day_n and_o distribute_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v it_o but_o your_o teacher_n neither_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o people_n nor_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o afford_v a_o opportunity_n to_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v constant_a receiver_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o multiply_v the_o abuse_n introduce_v by_o popery_n instead_o of_o reform_v they_o iii_o they_o rare_o press_v their_o people_n to_o communicate_v they_o have_v few_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o many_o of_o they_o condemn_v our_o zeal_n for_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v the_o constant_a communion_n precedent_v in_o scripture_n i_o must_v further_o make_v you_o sensible_a that_o your_o practice_n be_v yet_o worse_o than_o your_o principle_n your_o directory_n own_v that_o the_o communion_n or_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v celebrate_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o as_o with_o all_o other_o indefinite_a rule_n they_o signify_v only_o that_o people_n may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v in_o the_o case_n no_o body_n can_v certain_o tell_v what_o frequent_o many_o often_o or_o convenient_a signify_v and_o therefore_o where_o only_o these_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o rule_n it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o very_a case_n for_o when_o people_n be_v relax_v from_o the_o particular_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o our_o church_n by_o the_o first_o break_v off_o of_o those_o of_o your_o persuasion_n from_o we_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o whole_o for_o several_a year_n by_o some_o congregation_n and_o at_o last_o too_o many_o come_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o constant_a necessity_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o reckon_v a_o great_a thing_n among_o many_o of_o you_o if_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o a_o communion_n be_v celebrate_v in_o one_o of_o your_o meeting_n nay_o among_o some_o of_o
you_o it_o be_v often_o omit_v for_o several_a year_n together_o and_o in_o some_o place_n for_o ten_o or_o more_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v say_v your_o people_n general_o have_v too_o little_a sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o and_o your_o minister_n indulge_v they_o so_o far_o in_o this_o corruption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v comfortable_o among_o you_o and_o with_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o professor_n to_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o never_o receive_v at_o all_o and_o by_o the_o best_a enquiry_n i_o can_v make_v i_o can_v not_o compute_v that_o one_o in_o ten_o that_o go_v to_o your_o meeting_n ever_o receive_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n notwithstanding_o christ_n positive_a command_n to_o do_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o so_o unhappy_o be_v man_n over-seen_a in_o lay_v aside_o the_o command_v of_o god_n for_o their_o own_o invention_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o find_v that_o i_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o computation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o plain_o that_o this_o practice_n of_o rare_a or_o no_o communion_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a your_o own_o that_o i_o think_v you_o be_v altogether_o singular_a in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n that_o i_o doubt_v whether_o any_o precedent_n can_v be_v find_v for_o you_o even_o among_o the_o most_o degenerate_v or_o barbarous_a people_n that_o ever_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v either_o any_o true_a regard_n for_o scripture_n or_o reverence_n for_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n you_o ought_v to_o reflect_v upon_o your_o practice_n herein_o and_o consider_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n or_o your_o conscience_n i_o will_v not_o examine_v the_o reason_n common_o give_v for_o your_o omission_n in_o this_o weighty_a affair_n since_o it_o be_v manifest_v no_o reason_n of_o man_n invention_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o direct_a disobedience_n to_o christ_n command_n if_o you_o be_v christian_n in_o earnest_n you_o ought_v as_o often_o as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n to_o remember_v the_o great_a love_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o he_o have_v command_v and_o your_o minister_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n to_o afford_v you_o frequent_o such_o opportunity_n if_o you_o or_o they_o neglect_v this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o you_o can_v with_o reason_n insist_v so_o much_o on_o the_o purity_n and_o observation_n of_o christ_n institution_n conclusion_n i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o five_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o i_o hope_v in_o all_o of_o they_o have_v make_v good_a what_o i_o first_o undertake_v and_o show_v that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o justify_v the_o public_a service_n of_o our_o church_n than_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v only_o a_o few_o word_n to_o add_v by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n first_o to_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o then_o to_o the_o laity_n who_o be_v under_o my_o charge_n to_o the_o conform_v clergy_n of_o derry_n 1._o and_o first_o as_o to_o you_o my_o brethren_n that_o be_v of_o our_o communion_n and_o own_v my_o authority_n let_v i_o as_o a_o brother_n and_o a_o fellow-labourer_n exhort_v you_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o have_v entrust_v you_o with_o such_o a_o excellent_a ministry_n and_o service_n which_o be_v build_v on_o so_o sure_a a_o foundation_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v shake_v or_o put_v you_o to_o any_o great_a difficulty_n to_o defend_v it_o since_o you_o need_v no_o more_o than_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o your_o bibles_n without_o gloss_n or_o commentator_n to_o assert_v and_o justify_v it_o 2._o let_v i_o recommend_v to_o you_o reverence_n devotion_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o service_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o language_n of_o gesture_n rather_o more_o significant_a and_o affect_v than_o that_o of_o word_n it_o become_v we_o therefore_o not_o only_o to_o love_n and_o use_v our_o service_n but_o likewise_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o people_n by_o a_o distinct_a and_o affectionate_a manner_n of_o pronounce_v and_o read_v it_o and_o by_o a_o devout_a and_o grave_a behaviour_n at_o it_o this_o can_v never_o be_v press_v too_o much_o on_o you_o or_o on_o other_o by_o you_o since_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o give_v life_n and_o efficacy_n to_o it_o as_o the_o contrary_n will_v expose_v the_o best_a and_o most_o sacred_a thing_n to_o contempt_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a disparagement_n on_o our_o service_n than_o all_o our_o adversary_n endeavour_n can_v ever_o do_v though_o our_o service_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n yet_o even_o god_n appointment_n be_v abomination_n to_o he_o when_o separate_v from_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v only_o acceptable_a to_o he_o as_o they_o contribute_v to_o inward_a devotion_n let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v you_o to_o labour_v so_o to_o perform_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v design_v his_o worship_n 3._o since_o the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v require_v in_o his_o word_n let_v nothing_o discourage_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o perform_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o though_o some_o hate_n some_o revile_v and_o some_o despise_v it_o yet_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o vindicate_v it_o this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n it_o be_v the_o entertainment_n the_o world_n have_v general_o give_v god_n service_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o therefore_o neither_o obstinacy_n perverseness_n or_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o you_o be_v to_o persuade_v aught_o to_o discourage_v you_o be_v diligent_a be_v constant_a be_v resolute_a and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v always_o give_v you_o success_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o support_v his_o truth_n all_o mean_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v attempt_v and_o when_o one_o fail_v another_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o the_o more_o averse_a people_n seem_v to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v by_o god_n and_o the_o more_o eager_a they_o be_v for_o any_o corruption_n the_o more_o industry_n be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o it_o and_o when_o all_o other_o mean_v fail_v earnest_a prayer_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n still_o remain_v we_o be_v never_o to_o despair_v whilst_o we_o have_v god_n truth_n on_o our_o side_n though_o whole_a province_n shall_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o church_n as_o all_o they_o in_o asia_n do_v from_o st._n paul_n 2._o tim._n i._n 15_o though_o few_o or_o none_o shall_v believe_v our_o report_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o our_o saviour_n himself_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o faithful_a endeavour_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v not_o desist_v though_o people_n seem_v obstinate_a but_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n by_o exhortation_n and_o writing_n by_o all_o mean_n of_o importunity_n and_o industry_n we_o must_v press_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v it_o 4._o let_v i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o motive_n you_o have_v to_o do_v your_o duty_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a that_o can_v be_v and_o you_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o you_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v zealous_a in_o your_o office_n out_o of_o any_o private_a interest_n or_o prospect_n of_o particular_a profit_n your_o maintenance_n and_o preferment_n be_v ascertain_v to_o you_o by_o law_n and_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o voluntary_a contribution_n of_o the_o people_n and_o as_o you_o be_v under_o no_o temptation_n to_o please_v they_o by_o comply_v with_o their_o vice_n or_o humour_n so_o neither_o can_v you_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o your_o office_n out_o of_o any_o such_o mean_a consideration_n since_o therefore_o what_o pain_n you_o take_v may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o proceed_v only_o from_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o labour_v in_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o popularity_n faction_n nor_o worldly_a interest_n can_v influence_n you_o to_o this_o so_o as_o they_o may_v some_o that_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o honour_n or_o support_v but_o by_o make_v or_o gain_v a_o party_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o true_a piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o soul_n shall_v work_v less_o