by_o their_o curiosity_n about_o some_o external_a observance_n they_o therefore_o who_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o little_a indifferent_a matter_n aught_o to_o approve_v their_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n by_o the_o most_o accurate_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o undoubted_o such_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o tender_a conscience_n above_o other_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n will_v watch_v they_o as_o to_o the_o fairness_n and_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n the_o calmness_n of_o their_o temper_n their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n their_o modesty_n humility_n charity_n peaceableness_n and_o the_o like_a if_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o keep_v the_o same_o tenor_n use_v the_o same_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o be_v uniform_o conscientious_a than_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v only_a weakness_n or_o ignorance_n that_o raise_v their_o scruple_n and_o not_o any_o vicious_a principle_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o scruple_n be_v much_o to_o be_v commiserate_v but_o when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n scruple_v pray_v by_o a_o book_n or_o form_n and_o yet_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o fear_v of_o he_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o not_o afraid_a of_o a_o plain_a damnable_a sin_n of_o covetousness_n rash_a censure_v his_o brethren_n of_o hatred_n and_o strife_n faction_n and_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n when_o i_o see_v one_o that_o out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o dare_v total_o neglect_v the_o communion_n who_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brother_n but_o can_v free_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_v his_o lawful_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o then_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dread_n of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v he_o and_o that_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n 3._o it_o be_v excessive_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a it_o rob_v a_o man_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a 4._o it_o be_v scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o scrupulous_a man_n go_v on_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o scruple_n every_o thing_n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o for_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n 5._o this_o needless_a scruple_v have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o chief_o respect_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n be_v hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o three_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 1._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o most_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_a or_o most_o offensive_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o pray_v do_v not_o god_n principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n or_o will_v he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v we_o because_o he_o dislike_v the_o garment_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n or_o habit_n which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religious_a performance_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursom_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o dutiful_a child_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o we_o shall_v lay_v out_o our_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o idifferent_a and_o inferior_a nature_n st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n and_o bustle_v this_o censure_v dispute_v and_o divide_v about_o stand_v or_o kneel_v these_o be_v not_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o worth_a so_o much_o noise_n and_o contention_n the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n for_o say_v st._n paul_n ver_fw-la 18._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o
book_n and_o laxation_n of_o discipline_n in_o those_o war_n atheism_n have_v much_o increase_v and_o they_o say_v that_o some_o undisguised_a sceptic_n and_o atheist_n have_v since_o the_o king_n return_n be_v much_o use_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o sure_o such_o hand_n can_v do_v what_o well_o meaning_n zeal_n can_v not_o effect_v nor_o can_v they_o settle_v themselves_o as_o several_a distinct_a party_n by_o a_o general_a toleration_n for_o first_o some_o dissenter_n believe_v some_o of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v incapable_a of_o forbearance_n as_o maintain_v principle_n destructive_a of_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n this_o opinion_n they_o still_o have_v of_o antinomian_o quaker_n and_o muggletonian_n and_o they_o former_o declaim_v against_o the_o toleration_n of_o erastians_n and_o independent_o 12._o independent_o harmon_n consent_n p._n 12._o nay_o many_o minister_n declare_v a_o toleration_n to_o be_v a_o appoint_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n in_o man_n conscience_n for_o the_o devil_n to_o fly_v to_o a_o toleration_n of_o soul-murther_n the_o great_a murder_n of_o all_o other_o etc._n etc._n second_o there_o be_v no_o firmness_n in_o this_o union_n for_o the_o union_n that_o last_v be_v that_o of_o the_o concord_n of_o member_n in_o a_o uniform_a body_n three_o party_n can_v be_v keep_v equal_a in_o number_n and_o interest_n but_o one_o will_v always_o prevail_v and_o be_v favour_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o strong_a to_o attempt_v to_o subdue_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o peace_n but_o in_o perpetual_a discord_n some_o indeed_o think_v this_o inclination_n to_o the_o swallow_v up_o of_o all_o other_o party_n be_v to_o be_v find_v almost_o only_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o there_o be_v something_o of_o it_o to_o be_v discern_v i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o all_o church_n for_o our_o own_o suffer_v bonner_n himself_o to_o live_v yet_o in_o all_o faction_n and_o party_n though_o the_o inequality_n of_o power_n make_v it_o not_o seem_v to_o be_v alike_o in_o all_o of_o they_o party_n who_o be_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o show_n concern_v for_o religion_n will_v perpetual_o covet_v after_o power_n and_o party_n that_o be_v conscientious_a in_o their_o way_n will_v do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o withdraw_v from_o other_o because_o they_o think_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o they_o think_v those_o of_o another_o way_n without_o repentance_n to_o be_v lose_v eternal_o charity_n will_v urge_v they_o to_o reduce_v they_o and_o they_o will_v think_v that_o suffer_v they_o to_o wander_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o condition_n beside_o experience_n show_v that_o where_o there_o be_v power_n there_o be_v little_a forbearance_n and_o the_o same_o man_n as_o their_o condition_n alter_v speak_v of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n thus_o do_v the_o 2._o the_o vid._n august_n cont._n petil._n lib._n 2._o donatist_n of_o old_a and_o the_o 3._o the_o mr._n calamy_n great_a dang_n of_o cou._n ref._n p._n 3._o head_n of_o the_o discipline_n in_o the_o late_a time_n those_o that_o remove_v to_o new_a england_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v get_v foot_v there_o refuse_v indulgence_n to_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n and_o use_v they_o to_o this_o day_n with_o great_a severity_n the_o 276._o the_o whitlock_n memoir_n p._n 276._o commons_o in_o 47_o give_v indulgence_n to_o all_o but_o those_o that_o use_v the_o common_a prayer_n the_o dutch_a suffer_v none_o to_o speak_v against_o those_o doctrine_n which_o the_o state_n have_v authorize_v and_o the_o remonstrant_a party_n contend_v for_o superiority_n whenever_o they_o have_v any_o encouragement_n the_o popish_a order_n mortal_o hate_v and_o be_v they_o not_o restrain_v will_v soon_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o gittichius_n his_o behaviour_n towards_o 416._o towards_o ruari_fw-la epist_n par_fw-fr 1._o p._n 415_o 416._o ruarus_n a_o socinian_n of_o better_a temper_n show_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o socinian_o those_o great_a asserter_n of_o liberty_n in_o religion_n the_o quaker_n themselves_o when_o form_v into_o a_o society_n begin_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o domineer_v and_o g._n fox_n 41._o fox_n spirit_n of_o the_o hart._n p._n 41._o declare_v he_o never_o like_v the_o word_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v have_v no_o liberty_n give_v to_o presbyterian_o papist_n independent_o and_o baptist_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o removal_n of_o popery_n and_o perfect_a the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o popery_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o church_n call_v by_o diodati_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n will_v rather_o advantage_v it_o both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o for_o she_o be_v more_o like_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n than_o some_o other_o of_o the_o reformation_n can_v better_o answer_v the_o papist_n objection_n than_o those_o that_o be_v cramp_v in_o a_o few_o point_n and_o therefore_o if_o dissension_n ruin_v she_o popery_n will_v the_o soon_o spread_v over_o foreign_a reform_a country_n and_o since_o the_o romanist_n be_v so_o powerful_a diligent_a and_o cunning_a have_v so_o much_o learning_n and_o interest_n and_o pretend_v to_o antiquity_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v secure_v we_o from_o they_o at_o home_n but_o the_o christian_a constitution_n and_o strong_a nature_n of_o the_o primitive_a learned_a pure_a loyal_a and_o pious_a church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v a_o national_a body_n already_o form_v that_o be_v able_a to_o detect_v the_o forgery_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v not_o give_v advantage_n to_o she_o by_o run_v from_o she_o into_o any_o extreme_a mounseur_fw-fr daille_n who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v partial_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o be_v at_o that_o time_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n with_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n 98._o divine_n de_fw-fr confess_v adv_fw-la hammond_n c._n 1._o p._n 97_o 98._o say_v as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n purge_v from_o foreign_a wicked_a superstitious_a worship_n and_o error_n either_o impious_a or_o dangerous_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n approve_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o illustrious_a martyr_n abound_v with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o with_o most_o frequent_a example_n of_o good_a work_n flourish_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o this_o time_n i_o have_v always_o have_v it_o in_o just_a esteem_n and_o till_o i_o die_v i_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o due_a veneration_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o who_o know_v other_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v displease_v at_o we_o which_o so_o much_o excel_v they_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v less_o strength_n in_o it_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o popery_n than_o a_o number_n of_o divide_a party_n the_o best_a of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o primitive_a learned_a united_n numerous_n or_o legal_a and_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o these_o party_n have_v scarce_o any_o form_a way_n of_o keep_v out_o popery_n for_o what_o hinder_v a_o crafty_a jesuit_n from_o gather_v and_o model_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o what_o a_o gap_n do_v they_o leave_v open_a for_o seducer_n who_o take_v away_o all_o legal_a test_n and_o admit_v stranger_n to_o officiate_v upon_o bare_a pretence_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n the_o romanist_n have_v more_o powerful_a way_n of_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o dissent_v party_n than_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o man_n separate_v too_o frequent_o through_o weakness_n of_o imagination_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v variety_n of_o gratification_n they_o will_v offer_v strictness_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o mental_a prayer_n to_o those_o who_o contemn_v or_o scruple_n form_n they_o have_v mystical_a phrase_n for_o such_o who_o think_v they_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n when_o they_o darken_v understanding_n with_o word_n and_o according_o the_o three_o part_n of_o a_o very_a mystical_a book_n write_v by_o father_n benet_n a_o capuchin_n be_v reprint_v in_o london_n in_o 46_o with_o a_o alley_n a_o a_o bright_a star_n centre_v in_o christ_n our_o perfection_n print_a for_o h._n overton_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n new_a title_n and_o without_o the_o author_n name_n and_o it_o pass_v among_o some_o of_o the_o party_n for_o a_o book_n of_o very_o sublime_a evangelical_n truth_n they_o use_v much_o gesture_n and_o great_a show_n of_o zeal_n in_o preach_v they_o have_v rough_a cord_n and_o mean_a garment_n bare_a foot_n and_o many_o other_o great_a show_v of_o self-denial_n they_o have_v procession_n and_o other_o rite_n to_o humour_v the_o soppishness_n of_o other_o but_o
more_o restrain_v to_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o any_o other_o word_n that_o signify_v prayer_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v psal_n 28.2_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n when_o i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n do_v not_o necessary_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hebraiâ—â—_n and_o may_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o my_o supplication_n or_o prayer_n for_o so_o gen._n 4.10_o it_o be_v say_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n cry_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o blood_n have_v no_o real_a voice_n to_o cry_v with_o but_o cry_v just_a as_o mental_a prayer_n do_v in_o other_o place_n the_o word_n signify_v both_o mental_a and_o vocal_a prayer_n indifferent_o psal_n 86.6_o &_o 6.9_o or_o prayer_n in_o general_n jer._n 31.9_o but_o suppose_v the_o word_n be_v always_o use_v for_o vocal_a prayer_n yet_o sure_o the_o promise_n of_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n intend_v a_o much_o great_a good_a than_o the_o gift_n of_o extempore_o utterance_n in_o prayer_n of_o which_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o what_o be_v that_o great_a good_a but_o the_o gift_n of_o heavenly_a affection_n in_o prayer_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n crying_z abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o and_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n rom._n 8.15_o and_o that_o these_o text_n prove_v we_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v vocal_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o pray_v by_o form_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o these_o word_n oblige_v we_o to_o cry_v vocal_o to_o god_n by_o our_o own_o gift_n than_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v in_o all_o our_o vocal_a prayer_n to_o cry_v to_o he_o in_o these_o word_n abba_n father_n because_o that_o be_v the_o cry_n which_o the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o make_v and_o the_o text_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o express_v for_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o 2._o i_o deny_v that_o cry_n here_o do_v necessary_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n for_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o word_n apply_v to_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o voice_n at_o all_o thus_o the_o stone_n will_v immediate_o cry_v out_o luke_n 19.40_o and_o the_o labourer_n hire_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v to_o god_n james_n 5.4_o and_o indeed_o cry_v to_o god_n have_v the_o same_o latitude_n with_o prayer_n which_o include_v both_o vocal_a and_o mental_a 3._o suppose_v that_o cry_n abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n signify_v vocal_a prayer_n yet_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o assurance_n as_o to_o a_o merciful_a father_n and_o this_o we_o may_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o form_n as_o otherwise_o for_o if_o we_o never_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n but_o when_o we_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o when_o we_o join_v with_o a_o public_a extempore_o prayer_n than_o when_o we_o join_v with_o a_o public_a form_n because_o we_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n in_o neither_o it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o gift_n of_o utterance_n which_o say_v they_o be_v give_v for_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o preach_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n be_v miraculous_a and_o particular_a to_o the_o primitive_a age_n this_o gift_n say_v saint_n chrysostom_n hom._n 24._o ad_fw-la eph._n c._n 6._o be_v that_o which_o christ_n promise_v mark_v 13.11_o by_o which_o the_o disciple_n speak_v without_o premeditation_n and_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v the_o inspire_v word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o gift_n no_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v pretend_v to_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n act._n 2.4_o and_o the_o dissenter_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n as_o that_o of_o utterance_n they_o be_v both_o extraordinary_a but_o say_v they_o though_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o yet_o some_o have_v and_o therefore_o god_n require_v such_o to_o pray_v by_o their_o gift_n and_o not_o by_o a_o form_n for_o he_o require_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v the_o gift_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o but_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o to_o minister_v the_o gift_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o and_o that_o have_v gift_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o and_o if_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o general_a than_o they_o must_v exercise_v their_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o in_o particular_a now_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o timothy_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o episcopal_a power_n which_o he_o be_v exhort_v to_o exercise_v diligent_o for_o at_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o holy_a ghost_n point_v out_o the_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n as_o the_o 13.2_o the_o clem._n 1_o epist_n ad_fw-la corinth_n chrysost_n in_o act._n 13.2_o father_n testify_v for_o this_o reason_n the_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v he_o by_o prophecy_n it_o be_v give_v also_o with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o these_o two_o circumstance_n prove_v that_o the_o gift_n be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v but_o the_o gift_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n bestow_v upon_o he_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n at_o god_n particular_a appointment_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v how_o do_v this_o text_n prove_v that_o we_o must_v use_v a_o gift_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n in_o our_o own_o word_n as_o for_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o rom._n 12.6_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o they_o against_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o than_o they_o will_v make_v as_o much_o against_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o any_o other_o form_n 2._o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o text_n be_v to_o stir_v man_n up_o to_o diligence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o several_a office_n viz._n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n a_o priest_n a_o deacon_n and_o a_o rich_a man._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o word_n gift_n do_v oftentimes_o signify_v a_o office_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v rather_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o ability_n than_o a_o office_n yet_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o office_n because_o the_o very_a have_v ability_n do_v as_o much_o put_v a_o man_n into_o the_o office_n of_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a as_o if_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o to_o it_o by_o a_o solemn_a ordination_n 3._o suppose_v that_o by_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o mean_v office_n but_o only_a ability_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o exercise_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v to_o be_v use_v 1_o cor._n 14.2_o 6_o 19_o 40._o as_o it_o be_v particular_o plain_a by_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n vers_fw-la 23_o 26_o 28._o now_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o exercise_v our_o gift_n but_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o edification_n than_o we_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o any_o far_a than_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o since_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n in_o public_a worship_n do_v as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v tend_v more_o to_o edification_n than_o pray_v extempore_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o suspend_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o those_o text_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v prove_v nothing_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v that_o antiquity_n do_v the_o same_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v 1._o by_o answer_v those_o authority_n which_o be_v object_v by_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n 2._o by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v use_v in_o those_o age_n by_o a_o short_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o justin_n martyr_n say_v apol._n 2._o p._n 98._o that_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o communion_n pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
those_o that_o consult_v the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o the_o best_a authority_n can_v but_o be_v convince_v and_o that_o those_o conceit_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v this_o sign_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v too_o fanciful_a do_v confirm_v the_o ancient_a reception_n of_o it_o into_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v this_o sign_n because_o they_o live_v among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o testify_v to_o both_o that_o they_o make_v the_o cross_a the_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o one_o and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o other_o whereas_o we_o have_v no_o such_o occasion_n for_o it_o who_o do_v universal_o profess_v christianity_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n suppose_v the_o sign_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v use_v upon_o weighty_a reason_n and_o sure_o then_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n may_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o we_o have_v as_o just_a reason_n to_o use_v it_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n because_o of_o the_o blasphemous_a contempt_n that_o be_v general_o cast_v upon_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o christianity_n particular_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n cross_n and_o passion_n by_o the_o pretend_a wit_n of_o our_o age._n so_o that_o st._n cyprian_n thiber_fw-la cyprian_n epist_n 56._o ad_fw-la thiber_fw-la word_n be_v now_o pertinent_a arm_v your_o forehead_n that_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n may_v be_v keep_v safe_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v remember_v the_o badge_n you_o take_v upon_o you_o in_o baptism_n and_o so_o long_o as_o you_o have_v that_o upon_o your_o forehead_n never_o be_v ashamed_a or_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n as_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o your_o hope_n lay_v in_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o that_o baptism_n be_v as_o our_o church_n declare_v complete_a without_o it_o but_o what_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v full_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o cross_n be_v use_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v warrantable_a 2._o our_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o like_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o we_o admit_v of_o no_o visible_a crucifix_n nor_o have_v any_o of_o our_o writer_n venture_v to_o say_v 876._o say_v christian_n direct_a eccles_n case_n p._n 113._o p._n 875_o 876._o with_o mr._n baxter_n that_o a_o crucifix_n well_o befit_v the_o imagination_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o a_o crucifix_n to_o be_v a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o consideration_n exciting_a our_o mind_n to_o worship_n god_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v true_o express_v by_o mr._n hooker_n who_o 348._o who_o eccles_n pol._n l._n 5._o p._n 348._o say_v that_o between_o the_o cross_n which_o superstition_n honour_v as_o christ_n and_o that_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o sign_n of_o remembrance_n there_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o great_a a_o difference_n as_o between_o those_o brazen_a image_n which_o solomon_n make_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o cistern_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o which_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n do_v adore_v we_o be_v a_o mere_a transient_a sign_n which_o abide_v not_o so_o long_o as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o become_v a_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o worship_n any_o more_o than_o any_o word_n we_o use_v in_o worship_n may_v do_v 2._o our_o use_n even_o of_o this_o transient_a sign_n be_v nothing_o like_o the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o at_o baptism_n they_o use_v it_o much_o often_o and_o so_o different_o from_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v not_o use_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o the_o same_o word_n that_o we_o use_v it_o with_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o roman_a ritual_a 3._o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v notorious_o abuse_v this_o sign_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o continue_v the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v full_o prove_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n as_o to_o the_o second_o pretence_n that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o new_a sacrament_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o a_o sacrament_n be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n give_v to_o we_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o never_o suppose_v that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n can_v confer_v grace_n nor_o have_v ever_o make_v the_o least_o pretence_n to_o any_o divine_a appointment_n for_o it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o make_v the_o cross_a a_o sign_n betoken_v our_o faith_n and_o christian_a courage_n because_o we_o apply_v it_o in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n oâ—_n christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o make_v it_o a_o outward_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o own_v it_o to_o be_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o all_o other_o ceremony_n be_v for_o we_o do_v not_o account_v a_o ceremony_n innocent_a because_o it_o be_v insignificant_a and_o impertinent_a but_o yet_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n for_o our_o ceremony_n be_v not_o seal_n and_o assurance_n from_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o but_o hint_n and_o remembrance_n of_o some_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o with_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o significant_a usage_n have_v ever_o be_v take_v up_o without_o any_o imputation_n of_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n for_o 1._o the_o jewish_a church_n change_v the_o posture_n of_o eat_v the_o passover_n from_o stand_v to_o sit_v in_o token_n of_o their_o rest_n and_o security_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v also_o a_o altar_n of_o witness_n rear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o jordan_n and_o the_o synagogue-worship_n rite_n of_o marriage_n form_n of_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n be_v significant_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o receive_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o comply_v with_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 2._o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n use_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o charity_n tertullian_n de_fw-fr orat._n speak_v as_o if_o the_o public_a service_n be_v imperfect_a if_o it_o conclude_v not_o with_o the_o holy_a kiss_n which_o be_v use_v in_o token_n of_o the_o mutual_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n that_o christian_n have_v with_o one_o another_o the_o feast_n of_o charity_n also_o signify_v the_o mutual_a love_n and_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o equal_a regard_n that_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v towards_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v all_o to_o eat_v free_o together_o at_o one_o common_a meal_n i_o may_v further_o instance_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o insufflation_n which_o be_v use_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o breathe_v into_o they_o the_o good_a spirit_n and_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v strip_v off_o his_o garment_n in_o token_n that_o he_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o trine_n immersion_n at_o the_o mention_n of_o each_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o signify_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o great_a article_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ancient_o practise_v without_o any_o jealousy_n of_o invade_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n in_o institute_v new_a sacrament_n 3._o all_o the_o reform_a church_n nay_o the_o very_a dissenter_n themselves_o do_v use_v some_o symbolical_a action_n in_o their_o most_o religious_a solemnity_n for_o 1._o their_o give_v to_o the_o baptise_a infant_n a_o new_a name_n seem_v to_o betoken_v its_o be_v make_v a_o new_a creature_n nay_o the_o dissenter_n general_o give_v it_o some_o scripture-name_n or_o one_o that_o betoken_v a_o particular_a grace_n and_o this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o this_o too_o sometime_o of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o new_a sacrament_n 2._o the_o dissenter_n plead_v for_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v a_o
to_o bring_v their_o own_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o our_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n by_o special_a reason_n draw_v from_o that_o time_n and_o place_n or_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o which_o that_o gesture_n be_v peculiar_a how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v have_v use_v another_o gesture_n if_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v institute_v apart_o from_o the_o passover_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o jew_n eat_v the_o passover_n after_o one_o fashion_n in_o egypt_n which_o afterward_o cease_v give_v occasion_n to_o alter_v it_o in_o canaan_n and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n comply_v with_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o that_o his_o example_n if_o he_o do_v sit_v be_v only_o temporary_a and_o not_o design_v for_o a_o stand_a law_n perpetual_o oblige_v to_o a_o like_a practice_n if_o christ_n act_v upon_o special_a reason_n than_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o let_v they_o produce_v the_o reason_n if_o they_o can_v which_o make_v this_o example_n of_o christ_n of_o general_a and_o perpetual_a use_n and_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o follow_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o talk_v of_o christ_n example_n apart_o from_o all_o law_n and_o rule_n and_o to_o make_v that_o alone_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o christ_n himself_o always_o govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o man_n he_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o natural_a law_n as_o a_o jew_n by_o the_o mosaic_a law_n as_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o gospel-law_n he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o we_o look_v only_o to_o his_o example_n without_o consider_v the_o various_a capacity_n and_o relation_n he_o bear_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o we_o and_o the_o several_a law_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v bind_v which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n we_o shall_v miserable_o mistake_v our_o way_n and_o act_n like_o fool_n when_o we_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v pursuant_n to_o infinite_a wisdom_n thus_o if_o we_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o he_o do_v we_o shall_v thereby_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v if_o his_o example_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o action_n thus_o it_o appear_v that_o christ_n bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o command_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n against_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o for_o our_o saviour_n probable_o use_v a_o lean_v gesture_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v they_o change_v it_o to_o sit_v certain_o our_o change_v the_o gesture_n be_v as_o warrantable_a as_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o sit_v come_v near_o our_o saviour_n gesture_n than_o kneel_v for_o if_o they_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o rule_n they_o must_v not_o vary_v at_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o if_o one_o may_v argue_v from_o their_o practice_n to_o their_o principle_n lie_v very_o little_a stress_n on_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o they_o general_o choose_v to_o sit_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v stand_v as_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o several_a be_v willing_a to_o receive_v it_o in_o that_o posture_n in_o our_o church_n which_o sure_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o wide_a from_o the_o pattern_n our_o lord_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v set_v we_o whether_o he_o lay_v along_o or_o sit_v upright_o as_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v too_o a_o confess_v variation_n allow_v of_o and_o practise_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n both_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o from_o the_o institution_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o they_o have_v change_v dip_v into_o sprinkle_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o those_o who_o scruple_n kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v allow_v of_o this_o great_a change_n in_o baptism_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o public_a prevail_v with_o they_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o much_o as_o mercy_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o infant_n be_v body_n to_o sprinkle_v or_o pour_v water_n on_o the_o face_n contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n three_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o supper_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o the_o gesture_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o use_v and_o observe_v at_o our_o ordinary_a table_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o our_o native_a country_n and_o by_o consequence_n we_o ought_v to_o sit_v and_o not_o to_o kneel_v because_o sit_v be_v the_o ordinary_a table-gesture_n according_a to_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o england_n here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o argument_n overthrow_v the_o two_o other_o draw_v from_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o 1._o different_a table-gesture_n be_v use_v in_o different_a country_n and_o therefore_o though_o christ_n do_v sit_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o sit_v after_o his_o example_n unless_o sit_v be_v in_o our_o country_n the_o common_a table-gesture_n 2._o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n require_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o that_o gesture_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v customary_a then_o god_n have_v not_o command_v any_o particular_a gesture_n because_o different_a country_n have_v different_a table-gesture_n however_o i_o shall_v ful_o answer_v this_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o show_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o require_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n 3._o that_o kneel_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o it_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n 1._o then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v easy_o understand_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o greek_a father_n call_v it_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o banquet_n because_o of_o that_o provision_n and_o entertainment_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v for_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n it_o be_v style_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n either_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n at_o suppertime_n or_o because_o it_o represent_v a_o supper_n and_o a_o feast_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o a_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a supper_n or_o feast_n though_o it_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n three_o thing_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o feast_n plenty_n good_a company_n and_o mirth_n but_o the_o plenty_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o plenty_n of_o spiritual_a dainty_n and_o the_o company_n consist_v of_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o good_a christian_n and_o the_o mirth_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v in_o its_o nature_n from_o civil_a banquet_n as_o much_o as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n body_n and_o spirit_n differ_v in_o they_o far_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v particular_o to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v also_o institute_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o eternal_a memory_n of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o praise_v our_o great_a benefactor_n it_o be_v also_o a_o covenant_a rite_n between_o god_n and_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o he_o that_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o swear_v fidelity_n to_o he_o we_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o as_o we_o ordinary_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o alone_o that_o die_v for_o we_o it_o be_v also_o a_o mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o last_o it_o be_v institute_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o christian_n to_o engage_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o our_o lord_n love_v we_o who_o think_v
not_o his_o life_n too_o dear_a nor_o his_o blood_n too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o for_o our_o sake_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n it_o follow_v 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o require_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n for_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n necessary_o require_v a_o table-gesture_n then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n do_v as_o well_o require_v all_o other_o formality_n that_o be_v essential_a either_o to_o all_o civil_a feast_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o all_o feast_n as_o they_o obtain_v among_o we_o and_o consequent_o we_o must_v carve_v and_o drink_v one_o to_o another_o etc._n etc._n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o we_o always_o do_v at_o other_o feast_n but_o this_o our_o dissenter_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v nor_o do_v they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o other_o formality_n of_o a_o feast_n though_o they_o be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n as_o sit_v be_v it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n that_o one_o of_o the_o guest_n and_o the_o principal_a one_o too_o shall_v fill_v out_o the_o wine_n and_o break_v the_o bread_n and_o distribute_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o society_n but_o this_o the_o dissenter_n general_o allow_v of_o and_o practice_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n to_o sit_v from_o the_o table_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o room_n in_o all_o public_a feast_n there_o be_v several_a table_n provide_v when_o one_o be_v not_o big_a enough_o to_o receive_v the_o guest_n and_o yet_o the_o dissenter_n general_o receive_v in_o their_o pew_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o church_n and_o think_v one_o table_n be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o capable_a of_o receive_v the_o twenty_o part_n of_o the_o communicant_n in_o some_o large_a parish_n and_o numerous_a assembly_n and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o few_o that_o they_o may_v come_v up_o to_o and_o sit_v at_o the_o table_n they_o general_o be_v against_o it_o especial_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o think_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o observe_v that_o formality_n though_o constant_o practise_v at_o common_a and_o civil_a entertainment_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o feast_n to_o be_v sorrowful_a to_o mourn_v and_o grieve_v at_o a_o feast_n be_v as_o indecent_a and_o unsuitable_a as_o to_o laugh_v at_o a_o funeral_n but_o sure_o our_o dissenter_n will_v not_o say_v that_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o a_o penitent_a and_o break_a spirit_n to_o come_v with_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n which_o cause_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o torment_v to_o our_o dear_a and_o great_a friend_n our_o ever_o bless_a redeemer_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o agony_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o garden_n the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o deadly_a cup_n the_o torture_n he_o endure_v on_o the_o cross_n with_o a_o deep_a sympathy_n and_o trouble_v for_o the_o occasion_n they_o will_v not_o sure_o i_o say_v affirm_v that_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n be_v improper_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o feast_n which_o we_o solemnize_v in_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n for_o our_o sake_n this_o sacrament_n be_v also_o call_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o consequent_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o require_v the_o evening_n as_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o our_o dissenter_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o communicate_v at_o noon_n again_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v a_o table-gesture_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o common_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n for_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o natural_a and_o civil_a thing_n to_o spiritual_a or_o conclude_v that_o because_o they_o agree_v in_o their_o name_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o feast_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o common_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o such_o a_o gesture_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o one_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o the_o other_o i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n in_o order_n to_o right_n and_o worthy_a receive_n because_o the_o dissenter_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v worthy_o receive_v stand_v though_o stand_v be_v no_o common_a table-gesture_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o urge_v that_o no_o gesture_n beside_o sit_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n and_o that_o to_o use_v any_o other_o gesture_n will_v profane_v the_o ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n call_v the_o passover_n a_o feast_n exod._n 12.14_o and_o yet_o he_o command_v the_o israelite_n to_o celebrate_v it_o with_o their_o loin_n gird_v their_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n and_o their_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v all_o sign_n of_o haste_n but_o no_o table-gesture_n either_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o egyptian_n now_o to_o say_v that_o god_n enjoin_v gesture_n unsuitable_a to_o that_o ordinance_n be_v to_o call_v his_o wisdom_n in_o question_n and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v in_o its_o nature_n admit_v of_o several_a gesture_n be_v to_o yield_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v for_o then_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v as_o a_o feast_n will_v admit_v of_o several_a too_o and_o consequent_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v only_o a_o feast-gesture_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o it_o 3._o kneel_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o it_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a gesture_n to_o express_v reverence_n humility_n and_o gratitude_n by_o which_o holy_a affection_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o since_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v adore_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o his_o wonderful_a kindness_n to_o we_o therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v fit_a to_o express_v our_o veneration_n be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o bow_v the_o knee_n be_v proper_a because_o it_o be_v a_o external_a sign_n of_o reverence_n 3._o since_o lift_v up_o our_o hand_n and_o eye_n and_o employ_v our_o tongue_n in_o utter_v god_n praise_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n why_o shall_v kneel_v be_v think_v unsuitable_a which_o be_v only_o glorify_v god_n with_o another_o part_n of_o our_o body_n 4._o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v his_o gesture_n in_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o to_o observe_v that_o he_o then_o pray_v kneel_v luke_n 22.41_o and_o sure_o no_o sober_a person_n will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v improper_a to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n where_o we_o commemorate_v those_o suffering_n part_n of_o which_o he_o endure_v upon_o his_o bend_a knee_n 5._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o can_v think_v kneel_v a_o unbecoming_a gesture_n at_o it_o if_o a_o grateful_a hearty_a sense_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n and_o of_o the_o manifold_a benefit_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v purchase_v with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n if_o a_o mind_n deep_o humble_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o gild_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v any_o mercy_n at_o all_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o we_o have_v by_o numberless_a and_o heinous_a crime_n so_o high_o provoke_v and_o incense_v against_o we_o if_o such_o a_o inward_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n become_v we_o at_o this_o holy_a feast_n which_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v then_o sure_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o reverential_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n will_v become_v we_o too_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o submissive_a lowly_a deportment_n of_o body_n suit_n with_o this_o solemnity_n as_o well_o as_o a_o humble_a lowly_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o church_n prayer_n church_n see_v the_o declaration_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o communion_n service_n in_o the_o b._n of_o com._n prayer_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o her_o injunction_n in_o require_v all_o the_o communicant_n to_o kneel_v viz._n for_o a_o signification_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n therein_o give_v to_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o
their_o separation_n upon_o these_o account_n that_o they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a and_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n they_o except_v against_o be_v real_o forbid_v by_o god_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o then_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v that_o they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v which_o be_v not_o real_o forbid_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o think_v so_o they_o can_v act_v against_o their_o mistake_a conscience_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v require_v nothing_o that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o particular_a objection_n against_o our_o establishment_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o in_o the_o several_a forego_v chapter_n the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o be_v this_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o justify_v his_o break_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o my_o false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o just_a cause_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o ask_v this_o question_n when_o st._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o persecute_v christian_n be_v his_o persecution_n sinful_a or_o no_o yes_o sure_o for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o lawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v he_o before_o god_n for_o do_v that_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v well_o before_z they_o separate_z for_o schism_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n and_o as_o vehement_o speak_v against_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o father_n as_o any_o sin_n whatever_o let_v dissenter_n look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o their_o false_a persuasion_n that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o make_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n this_o matter_n will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v suppose_v a_o papist_n that_o hearty_o believe_v popery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o worship_v image_n and_o the_o host_n this_o person_n will_v certain_o abhor_v these_o practice_n do_v he_o think_v they_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v all_o charge_n such_o papist_n with_o idolatry_n though_o they_o disclaim_v it_o and_o profess_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o such_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v so_o let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_n for_o a_o man_n be_v false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n now_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o causeless_a separation_n be_v as_o proper_o schism_n as_o worship_v a_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o schismatic_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v as_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n a_o man_n mistake_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o will_v more_o or_o less_o excuse_v he_o before_o god_n in_o both_o instance_n but_o it_o can_v change_v the_o nature_n either_o of_o schism_n or_o idolatry_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o answer_v he_o be_v to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n and_o then_o he_o may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n now_o the_o only_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o lay_v aside_o pride_n passion_n interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o endeavour_v serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o understand_v his_o duty_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n advise_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n practise_v all_o undoubted_a duty_n and_o beg_v god_n assistance_n for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o first_o we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o than_o i_o be_o persuade_v our_o scandalous_a division_n will_v present_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o alas_o we_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v sure_o they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o for_o the_o text_n they_o produce_v be_v such_o as_o have_v they_o in_o the_o least_o examine_v they_o can_v scarce_o have_v be_v wrest_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n nay_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v think_v better_o of_o our_o way_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v inconvenient_a yet_o a_o lay-person_n may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n in_o short_a most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n and_o scarce_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n show_v we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o end_n to_o serve_v by_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o way_n be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v he_o thither_o that_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o church-division_n be_v modest_a humble_a and_o docible_a and_o believe_v that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v that_o think_v his_o governor_n may_v be_v wise_a than_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o authority_n a_o man_n that_o where_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o thwart_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n endeavour_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v and_o to_o that_o end_n beg_v god_n assistance_n and_o use_v the_o best_a help_n and_o guide_v he_o can_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n and_o be_v bias_v neither_o way_n i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n and_o we_o ready_o grant_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o but_o then_o we_o must_v add_v that_o we_o believe_v such_o a_o man_n will_v soon_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o his_o duty_n also_o to_o conform_v second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v real_o do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v though_o his_o separation_n be_v material_o a_o schism_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o all_o those_o that_o commit_v schism_n be_v not_o equal_o guilty_a of_o it_o those_o that_o separate_v to_o serve_v a_o turn_n